Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers! Today, we’re delighted to have back with us author Rebecca Albarado, M.Ed., also known as Becky A, who writes, illustrates, and publishes her own books. We’ll be asking her about her Beau Book series, six books that are intended for ages birth to 8 and that are perfect for bedtime, story time, and just any time. She knows that reading to children as babies helps them associate books with love and comfort—and that we can’t start reading early enough to our babies.

In these stories, the text is in a font that is Dyslexia friendly, with word repetition and context clues from beautiful illustrations. There are comprehension questions and a sight word list at the back of each story book. The first book in the series, No, Beau!, was honored by Mom’s Choice Awards in 2024.

MCA: It is such a pleasure to have you back with us, Rebecca. Won’t you tell us about yourself?

I am a retired schoolteacher who lives on an Alabama lake with a Yorkie pup named Beau. I loved teaching and now I love writing, illustrating, and marketing Beau Books. I also enjoy gardening, being a story time visitor, travel, and more adventures. Spending time with my family is my favorite thing.

MCA: After teaching for so many years, what inspired you to become an author—and how does your personal background influence your writing?

As a retired educator, I have always loved children’s books and I always wanted to write one. The first book was inspired by a Yorkie pup called Beau when he was learning how to find the positive when facing a negative. Now there are six Beau Books. As a Christian, I believe this background influences the book topics, and each book has a relatable Bible verse.

MCA: What was your inspiration for writing this book series?

I want to inspire young children to enjoy learning to read with entertaining stories about a sweet pup. I also want the stories to offer life values that make life good.

MCA: In an earlier interview, you mentioned being aware that children hear the word “no” quite often, and you hoped to counteract that with your writing.

Yes, 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.

MCA: Can you share your creative process—how you generate ideas and bring them to life on the page?

My creative ideas come from my experiences with young children and my own childhood experiences. The world is a big place and there is always much to learn.

MCA: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?

Smiles. I hope my books will leave the readers and listeners smiles—and that through my books I can impart to others the joys of reading.

MCA: What do you find most rewarding about the writing process? Conversely, what are some of the challenges you face?

I love Art—drawing, painting and creating. The self expression. The culmination of bringing art and text together to create stories is rewarding to me. Challenges are good once they are mastered! I am still working on the marketing challenge…

MCA: Could you tell us how your books contribute to promoting family-friendly values or enhancing the lives of your readers?

All of my stories have a relatable Bible verse on the Title page. The values from the Bible are the best.

MCA: Can you share any memorable moments or feedback from readers that have touched you or reinforced the impact of your work?

Beau and I got a beautiful letter and blue flowers from two sisters in the neighborhood. They had visited and wrote that we inspired them.

All of my book reviews touch me and I love hearing from readers. Really special excerpts were:

Love the story line and adorable illustrations.

Perfect book for young readers.

Useful tool for parents, counselors and educators.

Perfect little early learning tool.

MCA: What lovely tributes and responses. What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

Take the struggles one at a time. The reward of achievement is worth it.

MCA: As an author, Rebecca, what are your future plans or goals?

I am currently working on a seventh Beau book. Understanding marketing is a future goal.

MCA: Rebecca, it was such a pleasure to speak with you again. Thanks so much for joining us!