Meredith Newman

Meredith Newman is a children’s book author. She writes books with lovable, whimsical characters that incorporate beautiful, detailed illustrations to delight young and old audiences alike.

Meredith graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Penn State University with a Bachelor's degree in English, and she completed a Master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught early elementary school before starting her own family.

Meredith married her high school sweetheart, and they have two children and two dogs, Ralphie and Stuie. They are the inspiration behind many of her stories. Meredith lives in Villanova, Pennsylvania and she spends time in her favorite places: Jupiter, Florida and Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

Meredith Newman is the author of The Lost Umbrellas of Lexington, Bakery Babies, and The Captain & His Crew.

What inspired you to write your latest book, The Captain & His Crew?

I've always been drawn to coastal landscapes as backdrops for storytelling. Generally speaking, I draw a lot of inspiration from my children and travels. When my children were young, we enjoyed summers in Nantucket, the Jersey shore and at various destinations along the east coast. They were filled with joyful childhood adventures of relaxed summer fun at the beach. The Captain & His Crew was born out of these family times shared by the sea.

Why is this book a great reading selection for kids for the summer?

In the summer, kids have more time to let their imaginations run free. In this sweet story, the brother and sister are in their playroom looking out their window at the ships in the harbor. They imagine they are on a high-seas adventure, much like my own children used to do. I think this book will appeal to kids ready for both imaginary and real summertime fun. Further, the book has simple, predictable rhyming language, which is also a great choice for reading practice over the summer.

What are you most excited about regarding The Captain & His Crew?

I am most excited about the beautiful and delightful illustrations by my illustrator, Madison Standley (madisonhopefineart.com). Madison completely captured coastal childhood charm on every single page of our book and I couldn't be more thrilled. The book has a vintage appeal to it, something that feels classic and that will stand the test of time. Every page started as an original piece of painted watercolor art, something becoming more and more rare in children’s books these days.

What will keep kids engaged and excited to read this book?

Not only do the colorful, fun, and detailed illustrations and language keep kids and families coming back to the story, but I always like to include extra activities at the end of my books. As a former early childhood teacher and mom, finding ways to engage and interact with books is so important for young kids. In The Captain & His Crew, we included a clam shell seek and find as well as a treasure hunt. Kids can use these activities to return to the book again and again and that’s a really important goal of mine as a children’s book author. Children’s books should be read and loved many times over.

How can parents, caregivers, teachers and camp counselors use The Captain & His Crew as a jumping-off point for additional summer activities?

I used to love to read books to my students and children before we left for a trip or before doing a fun activity. It was a great way to get their brains actively engaged in the subject matter or destination. As such, The Captain & His Crew can be read before or after a trip to the beach, a day on the water or boat, a fishing adventure, an ocean study or just to have a fun, imaginative conversation. Kids can then try their hands at their own imaginary poems or stories! They can make ocean, boat or fish crafts and paintings and then they can read even more stories and poems (nonfiction and fiction) about all things related to the coast. I imagine baking some whale- or starfish-shaped cookies and snacking on Goldfish crackers would only add to the fun!

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Website: https://madisonhopefineart.com/
Instagram: ​https://www.instagram.com/meredith.newman_author/​
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Link to purchase the book: 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2SR1VS/