Mr. TwistyBooksStorytime-ready. Shelf-worthy.
Four read-alouds with big, readable words, built-in movement and a real dog behind every story. Easy to build a storytime, a display or an author visit around.
Storytime plans Collection notes
A storytime for every book
UP! OVER! DOWN!
Storytime pairing: Open with a "can you do this?" stretch, read, then build an UP! OVER! DOWN! path in the story room.
Activity: Hoop on the floor.
SLOW DOWN!
Storytime pairing: A nature or "five senses" storytime. Follow with a slow-motion walk and a noticing scavenger hunt.
Activity: Slow-day noticing walk.
ONE MORE ZOOMIE!
Storytime pairing: Pajama or bedtime storytime. End with a quiet "one more" wind-down.
Activity: Fill up your zoom.
Sit Still. Be Quiet.
Storytime pairing: A Wiggle-Friendly storytime: read it first, lead the Dinosaur Stomp, then read a quieter book.
Activity: The Dinosaur Stomp.
Programming ideas
Real-dog display
Pair the Oliver & Penny books with photos from olivertwisty.com and other true pet stories.
SEL & feelings shelf
Trying again, patience, bedtime feelings and big energy: one series covers a whole feelings display.
Family literacy night
Read one book, do its activity together, send families home with the discussion questions from the lessons page.
Summer reading
Book Mr. Twisty for a summer reading program with magic, comedy and the books.
Outreach
A book plus a 60-second activity travels well to daycares and preschools.
Author visit
Mr. Twisty reads, does a little magic, and Oliver comes to meet the kids.
For your records
Oliver & Penny series
Titles: UP! OVER! DOWN! · SLOW DOWN! · ONE MORE ZOOMIE!
Author: Chad Currin (Mr. Twisty)
Format: Paperback & Kindle (Amazon)
Audience: Preschool and early elementary read-aloud
Subjects: Dogs — Juvenile fiction; Brothers and sisters; Perseverance; Patience; Bedtime; Emotions
Sit Still. Be Quiet.
Author: Chad Currin (Mr. Twisty)
Format: Paperback & Kindle (KDP / IngramSpark distributed)
Audience: Ages 4–9
Subjects: Self-control — Juvenile fiction; Emotions; Attention; Dinosaurs; Social-emotional learning
Full cataloging notes: sitstillbequiet.com
Author visits (Oliver can come too!)
Mr. Twisty visits preschools, Head Start classrooms, schools and libraries to read the Oliver & Penny books. Oliver comes along to meet the kids.
Ask about a visit School assembliesClass sets & school orders
All four books are on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Sit Still. Be Quiet. is also available through IngramSpark, so most school vendors and library wholesalers can order it. For bulk or purchase-order questions, send a note.
Bulk & PO questionsAt Mr. Twisty's shows
$12 each · 3 for $30
He brings the books to every show and visit. $12.99 on Amazon any time.
Say the magic word!
Read-aloud permission: Teachers, librarians and caregivers are welcome to read Mr. Twisty's books aloud in classrooms, storytimes and live or virtual library programs. Please don't post full recordings online.
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.