Toddlers & PreschoolersStory time is an exciting time for children of all ages. Whether a baby is listening to the sound of your voice or a young toddler is fascinated by the pictures inside the book, children gravitate to the time an adult spends sharing a story with them. Have you ever had a young child ask you to repeatedly read the same exact book 5 times in a row? Well, it's actually a great developmental step in their learning. Think about your favorite book or movie. Have you read or watched it more than once? Did you start to memorize or pick up on more details each time? That is exactly what a child is gaining from hearing a story on repeat. So, take the time! Sit down with them and allow their minds to absorb all of the positive information about reading and whatever the story may be telling. Little Dreamers Play CafeLittle Dreamers Play Cafe in Sea Girt, New Jersey so generously hosted Gateway House Publishing and author Patricia Prevosti on November 17. When I walked in the door, I had the feeling that it was every child's paradise to be able to play here! The set up was uniquely convenient. For $12, parents can bring their children to open play. While their children play in a magical castle that only real princesses and princes would be so fortunate to play in and climb up jungle gyms to go down the coolest indoor slides, parents can purchase a coffee or treat from the café just outside the hip high gate that gently separates the shoes off play area from the beautiful yet kid friendly café. Beyond that, there is a wonderful open room where story time and crafts are held. This was the perfect set up for our event! Participants also enjoyed a pizza party in the cafe as the event concluded. The owners were beyond kind, and it was clear that Dana had brought to life her childhood hopes and dreams of fantasy play. Now, she not only shares this with many local families, but her own young children are growing up in a wonderful play environment. Story TimePatricia Prevosti was privileged to share Betsy Did It with the toddler and preschool crowd. Throughout the reading, Patricia asked children who sat beside and in the laps of their moms about the character's feelings. She engaged the children with reading comprehension questions that they surprised their parents by answering. The context of the story is geared towards children ages 4-11. There were several 3 year olds at the reading who spoke up about the details of the story. They were able to identify that Betsy had trouble reading. This goes back to my earlier statement regarding children gravitating to story time. Although the context in this book is deep at times, the story itself can be viewed on a simpler level for younger readers. The pictures that accompany each double page allow for children to see the emotion of the characters and draw a relationship between the two in their minds. Story CraftAfter story time, the children gathered around a table where Patricia handed out what would become crowns. The white paper stated "I am special because..." As she moved from child to child, it was interesting hearing and seeing what they chose that made them special. Some of their responses included: coloring, numbers, computers, playing... great answers for toddlers and preschoolers! Again, this shows correlation between children thinking about what they just heard and what they will respond with. Reading comprehension can be shown in many different ways, and it is important that we present it to our children in different formats. Remember, we all are unique learners! Back to the craft... our little crafters colored and designed their crowns with an array of crayons and markers. Once completed, they wore them proudly and had an opportunity to take a photo near "Betsy". Save the DateSave the date, because Little Dreamers has invited us to come back for a second reading, signing, and craft during Christmas vacation! We look forward to filling the room with preschoolers and older siblings (of course younger siblings are welcome too!) on Thursday, December 28 at 11:30am. Books will be available for sale $12.95+tax. Your children can have the author sign it and have a photo opportunity. Patricia will be reading the story to the group followed with a craft to accommodate all ages. There will be pizza for lunch to follow. For more information about Betsy Did It please visit
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Last night, November 4, 2017, Gateway House Publishing hosted the release of Patricia Prevosti's new children's book Betsy Did It. The release party was held at Applebee's in Wall, NJ. Let me start by saying WOW! I've always enjoyed the family atmosphere that Applebee's portrays, but leading up to this event and throughout the evening, I really got to see how committed the staff and company proved to be in efforts to provide a well-planned and organized event that benefits the surrounding community. I'd like to thank Meredith who holds the title of GM. She truly could not have been any more accommodating from the first time we spoke through the end of the event. I would like to also thank the hosts, servers, and bar staff who so kindly interacted with us and genuinely shared our event with patrons who walked in the door for dinner.Patricia Prevosti, author, one of her first signings CONGRATULATIONS!Congratulations to Patricia Prevosti on a dream come true. She told me that last night was a blur in the sense that a dream came true. She had a smile on her face all night, and I'm so glad to have helped her get to this point. Attendees consisted of family, friends, children, educators, and curious community members. Patty had the opportunity to chat with our guests and sign their books. Her first public reading was a huge success. Children and adults were equally engaged and her support system had cameras flashing left and right. Patricia Prevosti reading Betsy Did It for the first time to the public. The success of the event was very clear. From a publisher's standpoint, I had a number in my head as to how many people I though would attend this local event and how many copies of the book would be purchased. Well, I should not be surprised that those expectations were far exceeded. We sold more than double the amount of books that I had thought would be purchased. Betsy Did It is so much more than just a book. It is filled with inspiration. The release of this book is just the beginning of a big adventure ahead. We have been receiving requests for readings of Betsy Did It at local schools, stores, and for Girl Scout Troops. Betsy's Fan ClubBlake Ridgeway, age 4 of Toms River We are here to facilitate an influential model that all children are unique learners. As stated in Betsy Did It, "We all have special gifts to share." Children will become part of Betsy's Fan Club. Parents and educators will connect with Patricia Prevosti and Gateway House Publishing in efforts to let their children SHINE! We will share all of our little stars and their special gifts so children can encourage one another and build a widely-known positive environment which we would like to see in many different places around the world. Laura Grodzinski of Toms River with her children Asher, age 6 months & Ella, age 4 years Share the StoryAs we approach our next steps of sharing this story with the world, we ask you to share your experience! Have you read it? Do you plan to order a copy? Are you a parent? Maybe, you're a teacher and have read it to your classroom? We want to hear all about it! Please, leave us a comment. Interested in ordering a copy? gatewayhousepublishing.com Amy Ridgeway, owner of Gateway House Publishing (left)
Patricia Prevosti, author of Betsy Did It (right) Patricia Prevosti of Betsy Did It
I reached out to Patricia to get some background info on her and dig into how Betsy Did It became a book. I was fortunate to know Patty well before I ever knew she had plans of being an author. She is sweet and even shy. This mini interview will give you a glimpse into who she is and where her ideas stemmed from.
When did you start thinking about becoming an author? "I’ve always enjoyed writing. When I was young I used to write short stories and poetry, but never thought about having anything published. I’m shy, so I didn’t usually show my writing to anyone." This is the first book that you’ve written, what else do you do for work? "I have been a teacher for 18 years." You chose to write a children’s book. Tell us about your family dynamic. "I have been married for 25 years and have three kids. We love to travel and spend time with our pets. Our house is a zoo with 3 dogs, 2 parrots and an aquarium of fish! In the past we’ve also owned a chinchilla, guinea pigs and gerbils." Where did the idea of Betsy Did It stem from? "The idea came from my daughter’s real life struggles with learning to read. She struggled for years and for a long time thought she was dumb. I never wanted another child to feel like my daughter felt back then." Can you outline the story for us? "Betsy is starting a new school and hopes nobody will discover that she struggles so much with reading." There is a strong correlation between this book and your family’s personal life. How do you think that will change your life? "I am very proud of all the hard work my daughter has done in order to be a successful student. She is now a straight A student in high school! She hopes others will learn from the story not to give up or stop believing in yourself." What is your main goal for Betsy Did It? "For kids that struggle with reading to know that they are not alone and that it’s okay if it takes them longer to read, or they need to learn in a different way than their classmates. I also want all kids to know the importance of not only respecting people that might look different than them but people that learn differently than they do." If you could choose one person to read Betsy Did It, who would that be and why? "One person, wow that’s tough! Honestly I would say my daughter because she was the inspiration behind the book." Are you currently writing any other books? "A special edition to Betsy Did It for all of the readers who will become part of Betsy’s Fan Club!" If you could say one thing to all of your future readers, what would you say? "You can never dream too big! Just believe in yourself and know you have special gifts to share with the world." I think this gives a great look into this new author's backstory and future. Picture this... What you're looking at is the window just opening and the curtains are blowing from a light wind. Patty is just at the beginning of what will become her stage to encourage kids throughout the world. She is still backstage living the average life a married teacher with three kids of her own would live. What she is preparing for is to give her heart to children around the world by empowering them through positive text and a story-line some all can relate to in some context, but some will relate to in its entirety. That window in her dressing room is about to blow wide open before her eyes as children, parents, and teachers join Betsy's Fan Club. I can't wait to share that journey with Patty... changing kid's lives one book at a time, one child at a time, and one classroom at a time. For more info about Betsy's Fan Club, like my Facebook page and add yourself to the group.
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