My Storee: Just Because You Can’t Spell Doesn’t Mean you Can’t Write
Paul Russell, Author
Aska, Illustrator
EK Books, Fiction, Oct. 2, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Dyslexia, Spelling, Reading, Writing stories, Creativity
Opening: “Storees keep me awaik at nite and counting sheep neva helps becos I no a grand adventur is allways waiting four me at the end ov my pencil.”
Book Synopsis:
A boy has a big imagination and loves to write down his stories. He writes about unicorns, dragons laying rainbow eggs, robotic pirates and gruesome ogres. When he writes them down and turns them into his teacher, they come back covered with red marks circling his spelling. He becomes discouraged that his dyslexia keeps him from sharing his stories.
One day a new teacher arrives at his school full of energy and enthusiasm Mr. Watson tells magical stories about objects he has hidden in his briefcase and covers the chalk board with his funny drawings. Mr. Watson makes the students feel safe and inspires them to be themselves. So the boy decides to share his dragon story. Instead of red marks, Mr. Watson asks the boy about his dragon story.
Why I like this book:
Paul Russell has written an inspiring and hopeful story for children who are dyslexic and find spelling challenging. It also is a story for all children who are learning to spell and write. It encourages kids to use their imaginations and creativity to express all of the ideas that want to be heard.
And Russell “gets” the struggle dyslexic students and reluctant writers face when putting their ideas onto paper. He was that dyslexic boy who was inspired to become a writer and teacher because one special teacher believed in him.
Aska’s colorful illustrations that are infused with imagination, humor and expression. I chuckled my way through these detailed beauties. Aska worked with around 70 children, many of whom were dyslexic or had reading difficulties. The children helped her design the book’s imaginary world through the stories they created! Make sure you check out the end pages as they are a lot of fun!
Resources: Encourage kids to write an imaginative story without worrying about spelling. The idea is not to be perfect, but just to have fun with writing something silly or serious. This book belongs in every school library.
Paul Russell is a teacher, artist, playwright, author and father of two. His book, Grandma Forgets, was a CBCA Notable book.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy provided by the publisher.
Children's Books Heal 
I’ve seen this book reviewed in a few places, Patricia, but haven’t stopped to read about it before. It looks gorgeous and sounds wonderful. I’ll be looking out for a copy to read very soon. Thanks for the interesting review.
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Wish all students had supportive teachers who just encourage them to create and be themselves.
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I agree, Patricia. That would be wonderful.
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I’m really excited to read this book. Thank you for reviewing it. My daughter has dyslexia and this will resonate with so many kids!! So glad paul wrote this!
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She will really enjoy Paul’s book, which is based on his own life.
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Welcome back! So happy to see your reviews again. This one sounds perfect for young, aspiring writers struggling to share their stories. Can’t wait to read it.
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Thank you! Yes, I hadn’t thought of that! It is such an uplifting book for kids about what they can do!
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Great review, Pat! Definitely a need for more books with this theme. Too many kids are corrected first and not encouraged to just write.
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Thank you! I love to share stories like this one because it focuses on abilities. Hated the red pencil markings as a kid.
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I love the subject matter of this book, and how it reminds us that the imagination should be fed first and leave the mechanics of the telling for later. You never want to crush a kid’s spirit for learning and expressing themselves. I read a poem on Today’s Little Ditty this week. It struck me in a similar way. Here’s the link. https://michellehbarnes.blogspot.com/2019/06/dmc-cherita-by-diane-mayr.html
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Thank you for the link! They are similar and I enjoyed reading it! This also reminded me of Peter Reynold’s titles.
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Welcome back. I love that they chose to leave the spelling mistake in the title; that sends a great message. Many publishers wouldn’t do that, I suspect.
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I am impressed with a lot of the books I review from EK Press. They can be very progressive. The title draws you to the book.
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What a delightful and meaningful story! Thanks for sharing this title with us for PPB Friday.
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It is an uplifting book for children who struggle with spelling.
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I agree that this is a great premise and story. I suggested it for purchase to my library.
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Thank you! I do the same thing with my library when I run across a gem. Glad you enjoyed the book!
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I remember my kids (when they were very young) wanting to write – we went with invented spelling. Best Idea Ever – they got in the habit of writing!
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You were way before your time with your kids. I love that you allowed them to focus on their writing without worrying about spelling. Great share, thanks!
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That is a heart-warming story. I love that this new teacher inspired the kid to be creative and express themselves first before worrying about the spelling. Love this. Thanks for sharing Pat.
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You are welcome! So much potential for kids reading this book!
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This sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for visiting! I’m glad you enjoyed my selection.
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Okay – I have to get this book! One of my grandson’s has been diagnosed with dyslexia. He turns 9 in a few months, but I’m assuming the book won’t be too young for him. He LOVES writing with me when he visits. I think this is exactly the book he needs.
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It would be very helpful to him in focusing on writing. Look at Sue Heavenrich’s comment below. Henry Winkler/Lin Oliver also writes chapter books for kids your grandson’s age that are hilarious.
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Just checked those out – sound fabulous. Ordering one of each. (the Russell book and the Winkler book).
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Thank you so much for the lovely review. Paul
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Thank you for leaving a comment. I’m glad you enjoyed my review. We need more books like this for kids. Impressed that EK left Storee misspelled in the title!
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