32. Crafting High-Quality Decodable Books with Brooke Vitale, Charge Mommy Books

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I'm joined by Brooke Vitale—veteran children’s book editor, author, and founder of Charge Mommy Books—to explore the art and science behind writing truly high-quality decodable books. With over 15+ years in publishing (including experience at Penguin and Disney!), Brooke brings a deep understanding of storytelling and language development to the world of structured literacy.We talk about what makes a decodable book not only controlled and phonics-aligned—but also joyful, engaging, and instructionally meaningful. From story structure to word choice to illustration strategy, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone who creates or uses decodables in the classroom.Key Takeaways:What makes a decodable high-quality beyond just phonics alignmentThe importance of story arc, character development, and humor in early readersWhy illustrations matter—and how they can enhance comprehension without becoming guessing crutchesHow to navigate decodability expectations without sacrificing language integrityResources Mentioned:Shop Charge Mommy BooksCharge Mommy Books on AmazonCharge Mommy Books via BooksourceConnect with Brooke Vitale:Website: https://brookevitale.com/Instagram: @chargemommybooksFacebook: Charge Mommy BooksCharge Mommy Book’s Literacy Specialist, Marissa Ware on Instagram: @mwliteracyConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

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Literacy in Color is the go-to podcast for elementary teachers, literacy coaches, and reading interventionists who are passionate about bringing the Science of Reading to life in vibrant, engaging, and effective ways. Hosted by Michelle Sullivan — a seasoned literacy expert & Science of Reading advocate - with over a decade of experience as a reading interventionist & literacy coach — this show is designed to help you captivate your learners, boost reading fluency, and foster a deep understanding of language. Each week, you’ll discover practical tips, proven strategies, and creative ideas to make your literacy instruction colorful and impactful. From phonics and morphology to vocabulary building and comprehension techniques, we’ll explore the full spectrum of evidence-based practices that support all learners on their journey to becoming confident readers. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, “Literacy in Color” will empower you with the tools, inspiration, and know-how to make literacy instruction not just effective, but truly unforgettable. Are you ready to teach colorfully? Hit subscribe and join us each week for a splash of fun, insight, and colorful learning. Connect with me on Instagram @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom for more tips, resources, and community!