1) First of all, what got you interested in children's books?

We saw a need in children's publishing to develop meaningful books that address issues affecting children throughout their lives, such as character development, values, and living skills. Our books and our multi-media products and programs are about promoting the positive growth and development of children.

2) Tell us about your series.

The My Animal Family (MAF) series is a storybook/DVD package with an interactive website, designed for children 2-6. Each package includes a hardcover book, a DVD featuring BBC footage of the baby animal with an original song, and a secret code card that allows kids and parents access to the My Animal Family website (www.Mafkidsclub.com). The books and DVDs are research-based, which is integral to the series' purpose, which is to teach and entertain.

Each book features a story about a baby animal that undergoes a real-life adventure involving life lessons--lessons that echo the experiences of the audience. The books are written from the baby animal's perspective, so children walk in the footsteps of the baby animal and experience its fears, hopes and triumphs.The books work well as both read alouds and read alones, depending upon the child's age, skill level, and mood. The illustrations are beautifully designed with original artwork and life-like imagery. As mentioned above, the stories are research-based so children learn about the animal's life and habitat but within the context of a compelling story.

The DVD, on the other hand, is a companion to the book and features a narrative about the baby animal using award-winning BBC footage of the animal in its natural habitat. There is a sing-along with original music and lyrics that include rhythms inspired by the life and homeland of the animal. A child narrates the voice of the baby animal character and introduces the audience to his/her family. There are also what we call "Fun facts" on the DVD, a segment offering accurate facts about the animal that are easy to understand. I think what's particularly appealing about the DVD is that it can be enjoyed by adults as well as any child. On both the DVD and the website, everything is printed and voiced, thus serving the whole age range, and working as a "print awareness" tool for young readers.

3) Why did you decide to incorporate multiple learning styles into one package?

First of all, we recognize that not all children learn the same way and it's important that we reach the auditory, visual, and experiential learners. That said, children today tend to be media oriented; they want an interactive, stimulating approach to learning. What makes the MAF series a cohesive package is the fact that each component supports and builds upon the other. The book presents a more personal, first-person story, while the DVD gives kids a taste of the animal's actual habitat, and the website is interactive with challenging games and puzzles to solve within a virtual habitat. In short, we've tried to hit all the bases so that all children can benefit and develop a love of reading and gain knowledge no matter what their learning style.

4) Tell us about this interactive web site: www.mafkidsclub.com.

Each of the 24 baby animals featured in the MAF series has its own home on the website, built to reflect its real-world habitat.In each habitat, children first dress up their own "avatar" and get him or her ready to walk around in the habitat.It's very creative in that they get to choose facial features, hairstyles, clothing and even accessories particular to the habitat, which they pack into their backpack. Once they enter the habitat, they can choose to play games, which allows them to earn points, or continue to walk around the habitat. It's very experiential.

We designed the website to entertain and to teach the entire age range from 2-6 by allowing kids to choose between challenge-seeking games or ones that allow them to stay within their comfort zone. The challenge of a higher-level game is rewarded with more points, and encourages kids to practice and increase their skills in order to open new adventures in the habitat. The incentive to learn is a structural part of every game.

5) Why do you think it is important to promote a safe educational online environment for kids?

All children need and deserve a safe environment in order to learn, be it on line or in the classroom. Although the Internet offers wonderful educational opportunities, it can also be highly troublesome. If parents know the site is a secure and safe environment, they'll have more confidence in what we're providing and children will be able to reap the educational benefits of our website.

6) What kinds of family values do you try to promote?

The stories in the books and DVD's reinforce core family values, such as cooperation, loyalty, trust, independence, courage, and responsibility. For example, in Ella, The Baby Elephant, Ella must relinquish her "baby" status and take on a protective role when her cousin is born. She learns about loyalty to the herd and the importance of cooperation.In Nanuq, the Baby Polar Bear, Nanuq learns how to deal with his bossy brother and to take on a leadership role, while in Leo, The Lion, Leo learns what it means to be part of a family. Each of the characters featured learns how to handle real-life situations that are age appropriate.

Another key value that underscores those mentioned above is the idea of families spending time together. Because the books are beautifully designed & well written, the DVDs contain real-life footage, and the website is highly interactive, the series appeals to both kids and adults, be they parents, grandparents, teachers or childcare providers.

7) Kids always seem to relate well to animals. Why do you think this is so?

There's a long and distinct literary tradition of using animals to understand and reflect upon the different stages of growth that we all go through. As characters, baby animals are effective teachers not just because they're adorable and we're curious about them, but because they're also young and vulnerable, just like children, and I think kids on some level identify with these aspects.

8) How are your books different from the USBORNE books?

Usborne books tend to be for older children and they have a more didactic approach to learning. We take a very multi-sensory approach to teaching kids important concepts. The MAF books, DVDs and website all work together and build upon one another.

9) Tell us about Zoos R' Us—concept.

Well, I'm not sure what you mean by Zoos R' Us. We have a link on the My

Animal Family website and in the DVD's to different zoos and their websites so children can learn more about what various zoos offer.There's also information on age-appropriate wildlife magazines as well as links to kid-friendly, wildlife websites. These are just additional educational resources for the child who's interested in learning more.

10)  How can parents learn to recognize your children's learning style and play to their strengths?

Parents can recognize their child's learning style through careful observation of what they excel in, what excites them, and how they perform. Of course, professional help and testing lends insight as well.

11) What question have I neglected to ask?

Where is the series available? The first several titles in the MAF series are currently available through Barnes & Noble bookstores and on Amazon.com. In October, they'll be available at Borders.

Published August 29, 2008