Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers, to the latest in our series of interviews with an award-winning honoree. Today we’re delighted to talk to Rebecca Albarado, also known as Becky A, who writes, illustrates, and publishes her own books. Her goal as a writer is to provide entertaining storybooks that promote early reading skills, values, and reader confidence. Children find them delightful. And as the author likes to say, her award-winning books are perfect for bedtime, storytime, or just anytime.

MCA: Welcome, Rebecca! We’re delighted that you could join us today. Why don’t you start off the interview by telling us something about yourself.

I am a retired schoolteacher who is really enjoying writing and sharing storybooks about my Yorkie dog, Beau. We live on a lake in Alabama. I love to share my books with boys and girls most but I also enjoy my family and friends, traveling, boating, crocheting, and more. I like to think that I am open to new adventures. Beau loves long walks and hates baths.

MCA: After teaching for so many years, what started you writing? And what was your inspiration for writing No, Beau!

I have always loved children‛s books and I think this inspired me to write. Another inspiration was when Beau came to live with me. He had to learn the rules of the house, like he couldn‛t chew on my shoes and lick me in the face. He was hearing “No” all the time.

I associated this with children sometimes hearing “no” often. I wanted to make positives out of negatives by promoting the attitude that there is always something you can do even if you can‛t do something else. Positive attitudes always make life easier. I had so much fun with the first book that I published four more storybooks and two coloring books. I call them the Beau Book series.

MCA: Could you tell our readers what the book is about?

No, Beau! is a fun easy reader about a Yorkie pup learning positive thinking. It is the first of a series that promotes early reader confidence with repetitive text and context clues from beautiful illustrations. It includes parent/teacher comprehension questions and a sight word list at the end of the story. The font is dyslexia friendly. The ideal age for this book is 3–7 years but can include babies, too. We can‛t start reading early enough to our babies.

MCA: Dyslexia friendly—what an important consideration. Tell me, what do you consider to be the key lesson kids will take away from the book

The key lesson promotes the positive attitude that there is always something to do, even if you can ‛t do something else.

MCA: That’s a critical lesson for children to learn. What kind of responses has your book received?

I am happy to say that I have had all positive responses from readers. No, Beau! has 22 five-star Amazon reviews. I hear from people who send me photos of their child with the book. I get positive responses from presentations. I did a presentation to fourth graders about possible career opportunities from children‛s books, read the book to them, and they enjoyed it and loved Beau. Beau and I both do story times and festivals.

I did another presentation to all ages at a home school co-op and it was well received. One little girl and her mother had to tell me about a storybook that she was going to write. I enjoy all this so very much.

MCA: Do you plan to write additional books in the series?

Yes, the sixth storybook—titled Beau‛s Thankful Book—was published at the end of October. In it, Beau expresses appreciation for the things that he is thankful for—things that make his life fun and happy. I am certain that I will soon be thinking about another book…

MCA: Rebecca, thanks again for joining us today and telling us about your Beau Books. We wish you the best!