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Ever wondered how children can learn complex facts without feeling like they're in a classroom? Roslynne Toerien has mastered this delicate balance through her captivating children's books that blend imagination with education.

In this heartwarming conversation, award-winning Durban-based author Roslynne opens up about her remarkable journey from struggling reader to celebrated writer. As a mother of three and founder of the Learn Project NGO (which has distributed over 90,000 books to 29 South African schools), Roslynne's passion for literacy runs deep. Her children's books, featuring South African wildlife and rhyming text, stem from a desire to create stories where local children can see their world reflected on the page.

Follow Roslynne on social media @roslynnewrites and @learnproject and discover how her rhyming wildlife adventures might be just what your young reader needs to fall in love with both stories and science. You can also check our Ros's author page at Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/author/roslynne-toerien .

For all the information on the LEARN project go check out: https://thelearnproject.co.za/

The transcript of this episode, a list of all the books discussed here, and for any comments, visit: https://teatalesandtomes.wordpress.com/2025/06/03/episode-7-from-teacher-to-acclaimed-author-roslynne-toeriens-literary-journey/

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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Have you ever felt self-conscious reading aloud to your child? That strange feeling of performing for an audience, struggling with character voices, or wondering if you're "doing it right" when your child interrupts or wanders off mid-story? You're not alone.

Reading aloud transforms both reader and listener, but rarely in the picture-perfect way we imagine. Drawing from my own journey—from awkwardly reading Roald Dahl to my newborn to now sharing magical reading moments with my children—I unpack the essential elements that make read-aloud time meaningful rather than merely performative.

The foundation begins with selecting books that spark joy for both of you. Children intuitively sense when adults are genuinely engaged versus going through the motions. Reading slowly allows young minds to absorb language and create mental images, while simple voice variations—changing volume, pitch, or pace—create character distinction without requiring theatrical training. Those dreaded interruptions? They're actually signs of deep engagement, often leading to meaningful conversations about school, friendships, or worries that wouldn't emerge through direct questioning.

Perhaps most reassuring is understanding that movement during storytime is normal and beneficial. Research shows many children absorb stories better when their bodies are active. That child doing cartwheels during Charlotte's Web might remember more details than the one sitting perfectly still! The goal isn't perfect execution but connection—creating a foundation for lifelong reading and relationship building.

Whether you're reading to a newborn, a fidgety toddler, or a questioning school-aged child, remember that your unique reading journey, with all its beautiful imperfections, is exactly what your child needs. Follow me on Instagram @TeaTalesandTomes for more bookish inspiration!

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message.

Reading comic books and graphic novels with children creates joyful literacy experiences that build lifelong connections through stories while developing critical visual literacy skills.

• Slow down when reading comics aloud to allow children time to explore illustrations and decode visual information
• Place your finger under characters who are speaking to help kids follow dialogue
• Make sound effects dramatic and fun – children often learn words like "bonk" and "crash" before traditional sight words
• Give silent panels enough time and attention, asking questions about what might be happening
• Invite children to look at facial expressions, scene details, and panel sequences to build comprehension skills
• Toon Books offers excellent leveled readers from simple single-panel stories to chapter-style graphic novels
• Elephant & Piggy books provide simple, funny stories perfect for all ages with clean illustrations
• Series like Zita the Space Girl, The Investigators, and Marvel Superheroes Adventure work well for ages 7+
• South African graphic novels like Kwezi and Shaka Rising offer culturally relevant stories with local flavor
• Consider emotional maturity rather than just reading level when selecting graphic novels for children

If you know of any great South African graphic novelists or comic book artists, please drop me a note in the comments.

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.