Early Literacy One Smile At A Time
Sarina Siebenaler is an author, autism advocate, mom of three children, and one dog. She writes children’s books to encourage early literacy, spark a child’s imagination, and help with social and emotional skills. For several years she has serviced parents of children with autism to provide resources and support.
With all the life lessons children learn each day, she wanted to create a silly book to bring laughter to the hearts of children. This is how her upcoming book, “Do Not Wish for a Pet Ostrich!” was born. Silly – rhyming stories engage her children and writing in rhyme builds phonemic awareness that encourages emergent readers.
As a child, with a mother who immigrated to the United States, her love of reading was inspired by the humor and rhyme of Dr. Seuss’s books. These books encouraged and helped her with the English language and foster a love of writing poetry. Her love of children and children’s books is how her journey as an author begins.
Purchasing Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735199613
Direct website link: https://www.sarinasiebenaler.com/do-not-wish-for-a-pet-ostrich
When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
Growing up, I have continued to fall in love with poetry and art. When I became a mom, I realized that this passion would soon become the building blocks of my own children’s thoughts, imaginative play, entertainment, emotional intelligence, and creativity through the beauty of children’s books. The magical moment that you see in a child’s eyes when they are immersed in a good story paired with beautiful illustrations is a timeless keepsake to educators, parents, and storytellers alike. Being a part of these special moments with my children has sparked my passion for becoming a writer and making a difference one child at a time.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
In my early childhood years, I struggled with reading. The books of Dr. Seuss became a game of wordplay through its humor and rhyme. I began writing words that rhyme and started turning these words into poetry. When my nonverbal son with Autism could not communicate it was imperative to me that consistent reading would help in his journey. I believe this was an integral part of his introduction of speech at the age of five. With the ability to communicate, he has fewer behavioral outbreaks and loves to tell beautiful stories of his own. Language is a system of communication that can propel expression to your cultural and social beliefs and values. It is a powerful tool that affects how we think.
What does literacy success mean to you?
Reading is a fundamental fuel to encourage literacy, spark a child’s imagination, and help with social and emotional skills. If I can make a difference in helping bring these moments into a child’s life it would be one of my biggest and most triumphant successes.
Social Media:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarina_siebenaler
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sillybooksforkids
Business website:
Website: https://www.sarinasiebenaler.com
6 thoughts on “Early Literacy One Smile At A Time”
Great interview! I recommended this book to several friends with young kids. It’s the cutest thing and early literacy is so important!
Such an inspiration for all the writers! Thank you so much for sharing this, Sarah. Wishing you the best moving forward 🙂
I love this – and wanted to say you are awesome! My daughter has ASD and I too have dreamt of writing a book for her, so absolutely love this!
Love this perspective. I have a sister on the autism spectrum, and books have always been a refuge for her too.
I love poetry and art also. We have that in common
I love the transparency in the interview and her openess about her own reading struggles. This sounds like a great addition for my son’s and my classroom’s library.
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