Crafting Pooja’s Storytime: The Art of Engaging Young Readers
Hello, friends of storytelling and young imaginations!
As an illustrator, I’ve spent years sketching worlds—now, I’m stepping into storytelling with Pooja: Destiny Awaits. Soon, Jamison Shults will read Pooja’s tale aloud while I illustrate live—an adventure in engaging 4-12-year-olds! With 58 pages, we can’t read it all, so how do you craft a storytime that captivates kids, sparks their curiosity, and leaves parents eager to buy? Here’s what I’m learning about the art of storytelling—and how Pooja’s 50 copies ($25.00 each) are ready to bring it home!
The Power of Selective Storytelling
A 58-page book like Pooja: Destiny Awaits demands editing—kids’ attention spans top out at 20-30 minutes. Pick 2-3 spreads that pop: Pooja’s big rescue, her South Indian roots, or an animal friendship. It’s not just reading—it’s theater! Jamison’s voice can shift—soft for suspense, bright for joy—pulling kids into Pooja’s world. The craft lies in distillation: what’s the heart of the story? For Pooja, it’s kindness and curiosity—5-10 minutes of key moments can ignite that spark, leaving them hungry for the full tale.
Live Illustration as a Hook
Drawing live isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a bridge. Kids see static pages leap to life as I sketch Pooja mid-reading—pencil outlines prepped, ink and color added on the fly. The trick? Keep it simple: a base sketch (Pooja, a dog, a tree) that’s big enough to see (11x17 or poster-size), timed to match the reading (15-20 mins). Interaction’s key—ask, “What animal should Pooja help next?” Their shouts shape the art, making them co-creators. It’s messy, fun, and sticks—visual storytelling doubles the memory of words alone.
Engaging the Room
Kids 4-12 aren’t college students (my usual crowd at Louisiana Tech)—they fidget, interrupt, dream out loud. Lean in: pause for their gasps, weave their ideas into the tale. A free activity kit—coloring pages from Pooja’s world—keeps hands busy post-reading, letting parents browse the $25 hardcover. Questions like “What’s your favorite animal?” tie Pooja’s mission to their lives—empathy clicks. The craft is balance: hold their focus, invite chaos, and land it with a takeaway (Pooja’s heart).
Parents as the Audience Too
Moms and dads decide the buy—craft the storytime to intrigue them. Highlight Pooja’s lessons—resilience, multiculturalism—without preaching; let the art and energy sell it. Display those 50 copies ($25 each) casually—stacked near the kit, signed if they ask. A quick “This grew from my travels—Sedona’s Native vibes, Ruston’s roots” nods to authenticity. The goal? Kids beg, parents grab—storytelling’s craft turns listeners into buyers.
Bring Pooja Home
Ready to dive in? I’ve got 50 hardcovers ($25.00 each) to sell direct—email marla@latech.edu or call 318.614.0489, or grab the eBook ($7.99) at www.jamisonshults.com. X (@PoojaAdventures) is buzzing—15 followers swapping tips! Buy now at www.jamisonshults.com—50 won’t last; let’s hit 40-60 by March 20. Share your storytelling tricks on X—I’m all ears!
Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok (@poojaadventures)—Pooja’s craft is yours to shape. Let’s spark some stories!
Warmly,
Marla Emory
Illustrator of Pooja: Destiny Awaits
Professor, School of Design, Louisiana Tech University