Meet Phoebe. Unfortunately, her name doesn't look quite like it sounds. At school, her classmates practice writing their names, but Phoebe struggles. Her teacher tells her to just sound it out. Phoebe doubts herself and procrastinates before resolving to try. Readers are privy to her funny, endearing interior monologue and little-kid rationale as she writes the result: FEEBY. Told in a relatable, introspective voice, this school story conveys the feelings and worries of a 5-year-old and supports learning about sounds and letters. Readers will see from Phoebe s fellow kindergartners attempts that everyone makes mistakes, and that we can take pride in effort and not just perfection. AGES: 3-7 AUTHOR: Julie Zwillich is best known as a television personality, writing and hosting shows on Food Network (Summer's Best), CBC (Surprise! It's Edible Incredible!) and TVOKids. She is also an actor, voiceover artist and producer. Phoebe Sounds It Out is her first book. Julie lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and twins. Denise Holmes is an illustrator. Her days are spent drawing in her studio and her nights are filled with cooking, exploring the neighbourhood and reading many books to her daughter before bed. See more of her work at niseemade.com. SELLING POINTS: ? A school story that will charm with its diverse cast of kids and a supportive teacher ? A charming character whose name is tough to spell, leads us through her avoidance tactics, interior monologue and challenges ? Provides insights into the challenges and joys of learning ? First book in a series featuring this character.