Mira's stories were extensively field-tested with more than 200 children, babies to age 12, by having parents or children read books aloud in structured, cozy and imaginative learning environments in the homes and schools in which author Anne Brataas teaches.
During 1-to-2 hour workshops conducted from 2015-2018, children preschool-aged to 12 years old, also made costumes and designed dog characters' fur, using sheep fleece they massaged into felt.
Why? To get children's perspective and natural story-telling ability to deepen understanding of characters, scenes.
Trained as a field biologist, Anne followed her long-ago zoology graduate school advisor's advice: "Always keep a notebook," to understand the power of Mira's character, plots, predicaments and problem-solving skills. It was all in the service of promoting learning and collaborative creativity while engaging critical thinking and keeping the blaze of imagination roaring.
When children's field observations indicated the story was confusion or weak, Anne rewrote the story and directed revisions of the illustrations.
See for yourself: Below are four < 30-second field test videos of students physically entering into story. They test concepts Mira might think about or explanations she might try. They use school hallways to enact the story and improvise ways Mira might move when she is out and about enjoying the world's wonders. They read the book aloud to friends and stuffed animals. They revel in story and their powers of creation.
2022 Sleep Special of Mira Pillow and 1 Book, Mira's Big Day of Wonder $45
$45.00
(Paperback)
Level II Seedlings
​Seedlings stories are Level II picture books for preschool-kindergarteners to listen to as read-aloud stories and to begin to read themselves. Add a Mira pillow and let the snuggling begin!
Seedlings stories are Level II picture books for preschool-kindergarteners to listen to as read-aloud stories and to begin to read themselves.
Mira's First Day of Wonder
$15.00
(Board book)
Level I Podkins
Podkins stories are board books to be read aloud to your child from birth to age 2. For optimal brain development, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children not be exposed to screen-based activities for the first two years of life. Read Mira books!