As a private tutor, Christine Calabrese has helped many students who have fallen prey to poor teaching methods. She remains an outspoken advocate of any program that is multi-sensory, direct, systematic and explicit, and includes all the components of a solid reading curriculum.
Presently, She has been publishing children’s picture books available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and any other online shop. These books are designed to promote essential, often overlooked basic skills.
Little Pencil Finds His Forever Friends was published on January 9th, 2018, an is the next rendition of this story. Designed to both educate and entertain this beautifully illustrated picture book is a wonderful resource for classroom teachers.
Included in this book is a parent/teacher resource guide replete with ideas for using the book in the classroom or at home. This fun and lively rhyming book takes place in the early childhood familiar classroom setting.
Silly Little Scissors was published on February 14, 2020. Designed to teach cutting skills, this book makes use of a funny character who finds herself in much mischief before settling into scissor skills. This book provides a blueprint for teaching this hard-to-tackle skill. It is a must have for teachers and parents of preschool age children.
Paper And Pencil Write A Story was published in 2022 along with Writing Prompts for Boys and Writing Prompts for Girls with the goal of encouraging the writing process.
Calabrese received her B.S. in French and elementary education from SUNY – Cortland. She also studied abroad at the École Normale du Calvados in Caen, France. She graduated sigma cum laude with an MS in elementary childhood education from Queens College, specializing in children’s literature.
Calabrese’s bobbies and interests include playing tennis, taking nature walks, exercising, reading, and cooking. She volunteers with the International Foundation For Effective Reading Instruction.
In 2004, Calabrese received the PS 151 Teacher of the Year Award. The following year, she was awarded a special plaque of gratitude from the parents. In 2015, she received the Patrick Groff Teacher of the Year award from the National Right to Read Foundation.
An interview with Christine Calabrese
Why do you write in the genre(s) that you do?
I write about what interests me. The genres are religion, teaching, and whatever I enjoy doing.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
Yes.
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
Plot.
Fill in the blank: “People will like your book if they like stories about…”
The Catholic religion.
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
I used them when I was younger, and I’m glad I learned how to type in high school; I think that was the most practical course I took!
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
Neither, really, but if I had to pick, a bookstore.
How do you name your characters? If you write nonfiction, do you ever change the names of your characters, and if so, how do you decide what names to change them to?
If it’s historical fiction, the names have to be historically accurate. Otherwise, I like to rhyme and find names in the rhymes, usually something lyrical. These names are attractive to little children.
What is your favorite website that you use to promote your writing?
I like FREEBOOKSY.
If Hollywood bought the rights to your book, would you want it to be turned into a movie or series?
That sounds like a nice idea. Probably a little movie.
Who is your dream audiobook narrator?
I like the English accent but don’t know who.
How many words or pages do you typically write in one writing session?
I don’t know. I just write.
Do you have any writing rituals?
I like to listen to very relaxing music. I have a podcast that isn’t available, and I use that all the time.
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
I love the Traditional Latin Mass, I love to read historical fiction, the Catholic mystics, I love to sew, I love to do crafts, I love to cook. I speak French and love to listen to French history on YouTube.
Who would you most want to read your book?
I would love children to read my books.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of greatest/inspirational authors?
William Steig!
Is there a book that somebody gave to you that helped you pave the way to becoming a writer, or is there a book on writing that you recommend all writers read?
My husband recommended: On Writing Well by William Zinser.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
I own a lot of books. I’m not particularly eager to borrow books.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
I spent 3 days full time writing alone in our home, day and night, fasting as well, just writing.
What is an annoying thing that a non-writer has assumed about writers or the act of writing?
That it’s easy.
How do you measure the success of your writing career?
I don’t because it’s not a career. It’s a hobby, but I guess if I must say, it would be book sales.
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