My IMAGINARY Week (132 pages) is Volume 2 in the Annabelle-Please-Don't-Tell! series of chapter books for children in the elementary grades. Annabelle Merriday, with her unruly, red hair and radiant personality, gives away more of her 156 secrets while acquiring new ones during a mystery vacation with her younger brother Andrew-I-Do-Too and their family. Exciting, and sometimes scary, events occur during this week when Annabelle turns into an eight-legged critter while one of her biggest wishes is coming true; Aunt Leslie tells her about a ghost at her house; a bridge comes apart while the family is sailing; Annabelle needs a third eye; Andrew and Annabelle have a sibling argument; jewels fall from the sky; and Annabelle's best friend, Kayla, refuses to share a secret. Among the discoveries revealed are: what to do when a horse acts stubborn, how to find a missing possession or person, how to make luck grow, why a real castle has a secret system of mirrors, and why some wishes are not granted. Amazing events take place during this travel adventure guided by a secretive map. Annabelle heroically remembers three things to do in an emergency. The series models excellent English language skills and provides information about many subjects such as math, science, nature, geography, health, cultural traditions, family relationships, and social dynamics. Children and adults are enabled to discuss interesting ideas, facts, and concepts embedded in the text and illustrations. The situations are engagingly familiar and personally evocative; the presentation is creative and elegant. The stories follow current research suggesting that children benefit from stories that address their secret worries, wishes, and wonderments. Children sometimes feel alone with their concerns. This series is designed to help children develop their own perspective and confidence as they examine similar challenges faced by diverse characters. Each book takes place throughout a week in Annabelle's life, encouraging deep understanding of an overarching concept. In My COMPLICATED Week, the characters learn helpful approaches to complex situations. My IMAGINARY Week celebrates the exercise of imagination by children and adults. My OVERWHELMING Week (coming soon) depicts characters working through what appear to be overloads of commitments. While the series progresses, Annabelle and Andrew slowly advance in age. Clear comprehension of divergent points of view is promoted throughout. The rich syntax, grammar, and vocabulary are presented in an exciting and manageable manner: with substantial support in text and illustrations, as well as repetition for retention. Memorable images add to the enjoyment on nearly every page. Content encourages discussion and reaches beginning through advanced readers. Good reports have been received from parents with children on the autism spectrum. The website www.AnnabellePleaseDontTell.com offers free resources for parents and educators, as well as fun activities and items for children.
About the Author: Carole Lyn Woodring is a writer, editor, ghostwriter, and author of fiction and nonfiction. She holds an M.A. in psychology from Columbia University and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. She has worked for Yale U., Penn State U., and Sacred Heart College (N.C.), as well as for First Union Corporation, and as a free-lance writer for periodicals and other entities. While working on this continuing series, she is completing her first novel.