|
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Lori Orlinsky. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Being Middle (is a great place to be)Written by Lori Orlinsky
Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre Ages: 6-10 | 24 Pages Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing (2025) ISBN: 978-0881441055 Publisher’s Book Summary: Life as the middle child feels cramped and unfair, but one girl discovers that the best things in life are found in the middle. Being Middle is a heartwarming and playful picture book that celebrates the special role of middle children in family dynamics. With lyrical rhymes and relatable scenarios, it captures the ups and downs of being caught between a big sibling and a little one. From sharing cramped car rides to getting only hand-me-downs, the story explores challenges with humor and honesty—while ultimately revealing why being in the middle is something to treasure. Author Interview
Where did you get the inspiration for Being Middle (is a great place to be)!
The idea came straight from real life—my daughter Ellie, our middle child, inspired it. I noticed how often she felt caught between her sisters—not quite the oldest, not quite the baby. She’d say things like, “Nobody listens to me!” or “They always get their way!” I wanted to flip that narrative and show her (and other middle kids) that being in the middle actually comes with some pretty great perks. What was your writing process like for this book? This book came together in layers. I started by jotting down little moments and sayings from Ellie that captured the middle child experience. Then I built the story around those real-life feelings. Once I had a draft, I read it aloud dozens of times—sometimes to my kids, sometimes just to myself—to make sure the rhythm, humor, and heart were all there. Having that personal connection really helped guide the tone and message. What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? I love watching kids light up when they see themselves in a story. There’s something magical about helping children feel understood and valued. Whether it’s a laugh at a silly rhyme or a hug from a child who says, “That’s me!”—those moments make all the writing and rewriting totally worth it. What are you working on now? I’m working on the next book in the BEING ME series. What is your favorite book? That’s such a tough question! If I had to pick one from childhood, I’d say The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein—it’s simple but powerful. As a mom, I absolutely love The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. The rhythm, the clever storyline, and the message of thinking your way through tricky situations make it a favorite read-aloud in our house (and one I never get tired of!). Giveaway
Enter for the chance to win a hardcover copy of Being Middle (is a great place to be) along with a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card!
Comments are closed.
|
RSS Feed