At WeJoySing, we know that a love of literature begins at birth. As we talk and read to our babies, we are introducing them to the art of storytelling and to good literature.

WeJoySing parent Lisa McClatchy is especially aware of this fact. As an author and mom, not only does she enjoy reading to her own children, she also brings new characters and stories to children everywhere.

Lisa has been working in children’s publishing since 1989. After graduating from The College of Wooster, she moved to New York City to work for Orchard Books, which she describes as “a fabulous children's publishing company.” Her first year there, two Orchard authors, Gary Paulsen and Janet Taylor Lisle, won Newbery Honors. Lisa says she was inspired by their work and dreamed one day of writing a book herself.

Lisa is, most notably, the author of several “Eloise-Ready-to-Read” books, based on Kay Thompson’s beloved character (Aladdin paperbacks), but she’s thrilled to introduce WeJoySing parents to her new children’s book, “Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex” (2010, Random House).

The book, inspired by Lisa’s daughter, is filled with colorful images and ideas. It tells the story of Erin, who is almost 6 years old and wants nothing more than a dinosaur to come to her party. Erin writes a letter to T-Rex, featuring her wonderings about what it will be like to have him at her party. She entices him to come, promising him lots of pepperoni pizza (she knows that some dinosaurs eat meat) along with fun games. If he shows up, she will be the happiest girl in the world!

“Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex” has dramatic artwork, just one of the positive qualities Lisa looks for in high-quality picture books. She also feels that when choosing children’s literature in general, parents should look for “strong story, humor and well-defined characters.”

When she was growing up, she loved Madeleine L’Engle’s books, along with works by Susan Cooper, Marguerite Henry, Scott O'Dell and J.R.R. Tolkein. These influence her choices of literature even today, along with what she recommends to her daughter.

Raised in Worthington, Lisa still calls the Columbus, Ohio, area home. She and her husband Kevin have two children, Eirann, a “WeJoySing Baby” who is now 10, and Kavanagh, 15 months, who attends classes in Worthington.

Along with being a full-time mommy, Lisa stays busy as a writer, freelance publishing consultant, and children’s author appearance coordinator for several major publishing houses. Even with her busy schedule, she values what her children have experienced at WeJoySing and makes it part of her schedule.

Do the roles of “children’s author” and “WeJoySing Parent” complement one another? Lisa says her best comparison is the “sheer excitement” she felt “as a mother, watching first Eirann and then Kavanagh experience the joy of music in their WeJoySing class—“and the excitement she felt when her first book was published. “Parents sent me messages about how much their child enjoyed reading ‘Dear T Rex’ over and over. In both instances, I felt that (as a mom and then as an author) I was able to bring joy and a love for music/reading to children—both my own and those of other families.”

Available Now!
Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex by Lisa McClatchy
Illustrations by John Manders

"A giggly riff on dinosaurs trying to fit within a human world.— Julie Cummins, Booklist Online

"Perfect for reading aloud, this title could be paired with Jane Yolen’s How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? or Dr. Seuss’s Happy Birthday to You!"–Stacy Dillon, School Library Journal

"This book is a lesson to children that including those who are different can lead to unexpected moments. Those moments can be the best gift of all." --Kathryn Franklin, San Francisco Book Review

"Kids will love this story and the funny, sunny illustrations will invite even the grumpiest party pooper." -- Marc Brown, beloved creator of the Arthur Series

"In lieu of a dinosaur, this book is the best thing to bring to the party! Delightful illustrations and a charming story make DEAR TYRANNOSAURUS REX the go-to picture book of the season!" -- Heather Herbet, Children's Book World

A Note from Mrs. Jo
In this New Year, resolve to surround your children with high quality children’s literature that will expand their imagination, creativity, vocabulary, and desire to learn more about the world around them! Come, join us this Winter as WeJoySing continues to share with you some of the best children’s literature: "The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night" and "I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More." Blessing to all in 2012!