Mr. TwistyBooks
FAQ
Questions, answered.
For teachers, librarians, parents and anyone deciding which Mr. Twisty book to get.
Ask your own
About the books
Who wrote the books?
Chad Currin, better known as Mr. Twisty. He's the son of an elementary school librarian and grew up in libraries, reading, writing and reshelving stories. Today he's a storyteller, comedy magician and host of Mr. Twisty's Storytime Adventures on YouTube. His magic illustrates the stories he tells on stage; his books are the stories from the rest of his life.
Are Oliver and Penny real dogs?
Yes. They're Mr. Twisty's own dogs and they perform with him. Every Oliver & Penny book is a true story from their life together, many from their daily walks.
Why don't the dogs talk?
On purpose. Mr. Twisty describes what their ears, tails and bodies are doing, and kids figure out the feelings. It's practice reading body language.
How are the books different from each other?
UP! OVER! DOWN! is about trying again. SLOW DOWN! is about patience and going at someone else's speed. ONE MORE ZOOMIE! is a bedtime story about letting a good day end. Sit Still. Be Quiet. is about big energy and moving first, then focusing.
What ages?
Oliver & Penny: preschool and early elementary read-aloud, about ages 3 to 7. Sit Still. Be Quiet.: ages 4 to 9.
For teachers & librarians
Do the books fit our SEL curriculum?
They pair well with CASEL competencies, Head Start ELOF and Zones of Regulation™. They're picture books, not a curriculum. See the lessons page and teacher page.
Can I read the books aloud in class, at storytime or online?
Yes. Teachers, librarians and caregivers are welcome to read Mr. Twisty's books aloud in classrooms, libraries and live virtual classes. Please don't post full recordings publicly; Mr. Twisty's own read-alouds are on YouTube.
Is there a free lesson guide?
Yes, a one-page printable guide for each book with the lesson, questions, words to notice and an activity: UP! OVER! DOWN!, SLOW DOWN!, ONE MORE ZOOMIE!, Sit Still. Be Quiet.
Can I see inside before I buy?
Yes. Each Oliver & Penny book has its own page with sample spreads: UP! OVER! DOWN!, SLOW DOWN!, ONE MORE ZOOMIE!
How long is a read-aloud?
About 5 minutes, plus 1 to 2 minutes if you do the activity.
Can we get a class set or order with a purchase order?
All four books are on Amazon. Sit Still. Be Quiet. is also available through IngramSpark for school vendors and library wholesalers. For bulk or PO questions, use the form below.
Can Mr. Twisty visit our school, preschool or library?
Yes. He reads the books, does a little magic, and Oliver often comes along to meet the kids. He also does full school assemblies.
What about kids who can't stomp or hop?
Adapt freely. The point is rhythm, noticing and a calm finish. Every body can join in.
Buying the books
Where can I buy them?
On Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Each book has its own Buy button on the books page. Sit Still. Be Quiet. is also at Walmart and ThriftBooks (see sitstillbequiet.com).
Can I buy them at a show?
Yes. Mr. Twisty brings the books to his shows: $12 each or 3 for $30. On Amazon they're $12.99.
Are there more books coming?
Yes, more Oliver & Penny stories are on the way. Check back here or follow along at olivertwisty.com.
Say the magic word!
Meet the storyteller
Raised in a library
Mr. Twisty (Chad Currin) is the son of an elementary school librarian. He grew up in libraries: reading stories, writing stories, reshelving books, and taking in everything a library had to offer. He has loved telling stories ever since.
On stage, his magic illustrates the stories he tells. His books are the stories that come from the rest of his life: the morning walks, the dogs, and the kids he meets along the way.
Magic on the stage. Stories on the page.