• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 2

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.

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. Julie has dual citizenship in Canada and the United States.

Julie Zwillich's profile page

DENISE HOLMES is an illustrator who lives in Chicago, Illinois with her husband and daughter. Her days are spent drawing in her studio and her nights are filled with cooking, exploring the neighborhood and reading many books to her daughter before bed. See more of her work at www.niseemade.com.

Denise Holmes' profile page

"New spellers will relate to Phoebe's dilemma...makes a point about fun with fonicks."

Kirkus Reviews

"Zwillich uses humour and sincerity to depict Phoebe's rationale while spelling her name. This allows young readers, parents and educators alike to delight in Phoebe's distractions while providing space for empathy."

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"Zwillich's gentle, savvy picture book should leave its mark... An appealing addition to books that introduce the intricate process of writing in an enjoyably creative manner."

School Library Journal

"Authentic...young readers will be able to sympathize with Phoebe's feelings... Highly recommended."

Canadian Review of Materials

"As a literacy practitioner, I recommend this as a great read-aloud book for scaffolding reading instruction with emergent readers and writers... Reading about the struggles of Phoebe, the quirky likable protagonist, to sound out and write her non-phonetically-spelled name will encourage young writers who need to be reminded that there is no one "right way" to learn how to write and that it's okay to be different."

Kerschel Edward, Literacy Practitioner

"Young audiences will enjoy this reassuring tale. Older, more sophisticated scholars who have been introduced to digraphs and blends will love being in the know about Phoebe's unique spelling challenges."

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