CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to David Martin of Lyndonville, VT. David likes to write books about animals for new readers. He only saw himself as a writer after reading lots of books to his own kids, and never thought he would leave New York City.

Watch a clip of David’s presentation from CLiF’s Virtual Author’s Series.

Things to think about:

• David has turned books into songs and songs into books. Is the inspiration the same?
• How did being a teacher impact your books?
• Why do you like to write books for brand new readers?
• Do you write books that rhyme? Does that impact if it can become a song?
• Why do write series like Peep and Ducky and Piggy and Dad?

Here are a few ways to get to know David’s work better:

• Think about what would happen if you read: “I see a pin” in a book about balloons. Read about what David created with that idea.
• – David reads one little piggy story from his book Five Little Piggies – This Little Piggie Went to Market
• – Then listen to This Little Piggie Stayed Home
• – “This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef” and “This Little Piggy Had None” in one video
• Read more about We’ve All Got Bellybuttons and David’s other books
• Read along with Shh! Bears Sleeping and see some reading comprehension program ideas

CLiF has created literacy activities for students of all ages here. Here are some that would go nicely with David’s work:

For younger kids:

• Alphabet Museum – tell stories while learning letters
• Circle Story – use one of David’s books to collaborate on a circle story

For older kids:

• Blackout Poems – write a song or poem by eliminating words
• Story Titles by Chance – play this game to generate story ideas

For families:

• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten – set a goal to read with your young children
• Reading Bingo – play as a family