Storytelling with purpose

We’re so glad you found us! Talya Press is one of our family’s homeschool adventures. Our mission is to share stories that encourage others and bring a smile to your face. 

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What is Storytelling With Purpose?

We hold to conservative, Biblical values which are reflected in our stories. We believe in protecting young minds, so parents can expect stories with lots of encouragement and a little humor on the side. No virtue signaling from us.

Coming soon!
I Saw Bigfoot

Bunny and Bear are best friends. The Northwoods is the perfect spot for the two of them to go camping, until Bear and Bunny see signs of Bigfoot! Will Bunny and Bear encounter Bigfoot on their backwoods camping adventure?

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Hey there! Introducing Hope, the author of the upcoming children’s book “I Saw Bigfoot”. We’ll be closing our call for a book launch team this coming weekend. There’s still time to jump on board if you want to help promote Hope’s new book. Just find the sign-up form in Hope’s latest blog post! 🔗 in bio! #isawbigfootbook #bigfootstories #bigfoothunting #booklaunch #booklaunching #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #talyapress #selfpub #selfpublish #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #youngauthors #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome

Hey there! Introducing Hope, the author of the upcoming children’s book “I Saw Bigfoot”. We’ll...

We promised we’d share about why we’re parting ways with Am@zon with our upcoming book launch. Now you can read about it in the BLOG! 👉🏻🔗 in Bio! #talyapress #booklaunch #selfpublish #selfpublished #selfpublishing #selfpublisher #selfpub #selfpublishedauthor #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #indieauthors #booklaunching #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks#youngauthors

We promised we’d share about why we’re parting ways with Am@zon with our upcoming book...

👋🏽 Here’s your Bigfoot sighting for the week. 👋🏽 #isawbigfootbook #bigfootsighting #bigfootsightings #bigfootstories #bigfoothunting #booklaunch #booklaunching #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #talyapress #selfpub #selfpublish #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #youngauthors #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome

👋🏽 Here’s your Bigfoot sighting for the week. 👋🏽 #isawbigfootbook #bigfootsighting #bigfootsightings #bigfootstories #bigfoothunting #booklaunch...

Baby steps, errors, and exciting things to come… Read about it in our latest blog post! 🔗 Visit link in bio #booklaunch #isawbigfootbook #bigfootsighting #bigfootsightings #bigfootstories #bigfoothunting #booklaunching #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #talyapress #selfpub #selfpublish #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #youngauthors #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome

Baby steps, errors, and exciting things to come… Read about it in our latest blog...

⚠️ NEW BLOG POST ⚠️ A quick update on something new, and… How to take baby steps so that BIG, SCARY deadline doesn’t sneak up on you… 🔗 Visit link in bio #booklaunch #isawbigfootbook #bigfootsighting #bigfootsightings #bigfootstories #bigfoothunting #booklaunching #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #talyapress #selfpub #selfpublish #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #youngauthors #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome

⚠️ NEW BLOG POST ⚠️ A quick update on something new, and… How to take...

Monday mornings aren’t so bad when you can ease into it with a cozy read by the fire. #getcaughtreading #caughtreading #somanybooks #somanybookssolittletime #timetoread #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #timetoreadabook #readingtime📖 #booksarefun #booksarelife #booksaremagic #booksarecool #booksarebetter #booksarethebest #fortheloveofreading #readingforfun #readingforpleasure #relaxwithabook #readersofig #readersareleaders #readerslife #grababook #raisingreaders #screenfreekids #kidreads #youngreader #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle

Monday mornings aren’t so bad when you can ease into it with a cozy read...

Exciting things ahead! Sometimes reaching a goal takes longer than we think! Stay tuned for a new and exciting children’s book release coming soon! #booklaunch #booklaunching #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #talyapress #selfpub #selfpublish #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #youngauthors

Exciting things ahead! Sometimes reaching a goal takes longer than we think! Stay tuned for...

A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.

A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.

Lovin’ this cozy Saturday morning! • • • #cozysaturday #getcaughtreading #caughtreading #somanybooks #somanybookssolittletime #timetoread #readingisfun...

“It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading. — Katherine Patterson • • • #getcaughtreading #caughtreading #somanybooks #somanybookssolittletime #timetoread #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #timetoreadabook #readingtime📖 #booksarefun #booksarelife #booksaremagic #booksarecool #booksarebetter #booksarethebest #fortheloveofreading #readingforfun #readingforpleasure #relaxwithabook #readersofig #readersareleaders #readerslife #grababook #raisingreaders #screenfreekids #kidreads #youngreader #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle

“It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them...

A peek into the art zone. Cue old movies from the 50’s and 60’s to add to the creative groove. Frank Sinatra, anyone? What helps you get the creativity flowing? • • • 👉🏻👉🏻 Favorite art supplies used in this project found in the “Creative Corner” in our bio link. #arthappens #artzone #arttellsastory #letthemcreate #kidscreate #kidscreateart #kidscreations #teenartist #teenscreate #needtocreate #madetocreate #creativezone #thecreativeprocess #illustrationwork #illustrationforkids #illustrationforchildren #illustrationlove #illustrationprocess #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle

A peek into the art zone. Cue old movies from the 50’s and 60’s to...

The creative process has many moving parts. You know never know where you’ll end up...

⚠️ Artist at work ⚠️ Hope is diving into her capstone project as she nears the end of her Communication Design program @atccmn Can’t wait to share the end result!! In the meantime, you can check out Hope’s progress and other work! 👉🏻 @schmidgall.hope #arthappens #artzone #arttellsastory #letthemcreate #kidscreate #kidscreateart #kidscreations #teenartist #teenscreate #needtocreate #madetocreate #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle

⚠️ Artist at work ⚠️ Hope is diving into her capstone project as she nears...

We are looking ahead to spring and ready to leave winter behind! 🌷Who else is ready? #isitspringyet #springisnear #betterthingsahead #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome #homeschooliscool

We are looking ahead to spring and ready to leave winter behind! 🌷Who else is...

I found this little bug in our bed this morning just chilling with a book. #getcaughtreading #caughtreading #somanybooks #somanybookssolittletime #timetoread #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #timetoreadabook #readingtime📖 #booksarefun #booksaremagic #booksarecool #booksarebetter #booksarethebest #fortheloveofreading #readingforfun #readingforpleasure #relaxwithabook #readersareleaders #readerslife #grababook #raisingreaders #screenfreekids #kidreads #youngreader #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #ReadingMonth #NationalReadingMonth

I found this little bug in our bed this morning just chilling with a book....

Three quick pros for eBooks: 1️⃣ They are easy to read in the dark. Think...

FREE DOWNLOAD of Baby Adventurer available NOW through Wednesday for Read an eBook Week. 👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻Check out our bio link! Go ahead and share with others, too! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I would love to hear from you if you care to share a review! XOXO -Alison #givebooks #booksforkids #momswhoread #readingtogether #readtothem #readtome #readtokids #readtogether #readalouds #bookdeal #amazonbookdeals #amazonbooks #babyadventurerbook #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #kidslearning #talyapress #bookstagram #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #indieauthors #booklovergift #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom

FREE DOWNLOAD of Baby Adventurer available NOW through Wednesday for Read an eBook Week. 👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻Check...

Throwing a little grammar humor your way this Friday. Ever feel this way? 🤔😅 #nationalgrammarday #grammarrules #grammarsmart #grammar #grammarpolice #grammarmatters #grammarnerd #grammartips #grammar_tips #learngrammar #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome #homeschooliscool

Throwing a little grammar humor your way this Friday. Ever feel this way? 🤔😅 #nationalgrammarday...

What better way to enjoy Dr. Seuss’ birthday on Read Across America Day than with...

Bring on the magic! Everyday is a good day to relax with a book. 🎈 I’m finding myself in an unusual circumstance today. I have no kids around to curl up with for our afternoon story time!! Guess I get to read something from my own stack! 😲 🎈 Help me out! Should I grab a book from my learning stack or my just-for-fun stack? #ReadingMonth #NationalReadingMonth #ReadingMonth2022 #readacrossamerica #readacrossamericaday #drseussquotes #drseussbirthday #somanybooks #somanybookssolittletime #timetoread #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #timetoreadabook #readingtime📖 #booksarefun #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #homeschooler

Bring on the magic! Everyday is a good day to relax with a book. 🎈...

As much fun as the library stack can be, it doesn’t take long before books...

Say YES to new adventures! 🤩 Reading books to your kids is a great way to instill a sense of adventure. 🤩 Our library stack this month includes all kinds of fairy tales, tall tales and folk tales. Stories like Jack and the Beanstalk, The Gingerbread Boy, and Henny Penny bring me right back to my childhood while I get to rediscover the magic of these tales with my kiddos. 🤩 Give me one of your must-read childhood tales in the comments below. #talyapress #storytime #storytelling #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #readtothem #readaloudtime #readaloud #readalouds #kidsreading #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #childrenspicturebook #childrenspicturebooks #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #booksforkids

Say YES to new adventures! 🤩 Reading books to your kids is a great way...

Snuggling like this, hand in hand, reading books = favorite pastime to brighten dreary days. #handinhand #getcaughtreading #caughtreading #somanybooks #somanybookssolittletime #timetoread #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #timetoreadabook #readingtime📖 #booksarefun #booksarelife #booksaremagic #booksarecool #booksarebetter #booksarethebest #fortheloveofreading #readingforfun #readingforpleasure #relaxwithabook #readersareleaders #readerslife #grababook #raisingreaders #screenfreekids #kidreads #youngreader #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle

Snuggling like this, hand in hand, reading books = favorite pastime to brighten dreary days....

Happy Valentines Day, friends!! ❤️ Want to share some love with your kiddos? Go ahead...

We read the book What Does Love Look Like? by Janette Oke, and it made...

Happy Birthday, Abraham Lincoln! As one of the most influential American presidents, Abe Lincoln was a resolute leader with much wisdom. Here are FIVE quotes of words wisely spoken from Abraham Lincoln to ponder today: 1️⃣ “Whatever you are, be a good one.” 2️⃣ “Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” 3️⃣ “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” 4️⃣ “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” 5️⃣ “Courage is not the absence of fear. It is going forward with the face of fear.” Do you have another favorite quote from Honest Abe? Share in the comments below. #abrahamlincoln #abelincoln #abrahamlincolnquotes #abrahamlincolnquote #abelincolnquotes

Happy Birthday, Abraham Lincoln! As one of the most influential American presidents, Abe Lincoln was...

We’ve been loving on squash around here! 🍂 Ever since we received a retired library copy of Sophie’s Squash this fall, it became a new favorite in the house. 🍂 My first grader has this request on a daily repeat, so I just had to share the cuteness! Not only did we have to purchase our very own squash to dress up and love on like Sophie does to her squash Bernice, but now we even have to read the story to our squash! 🍂 ➡️➡️ Swipe to see how big brother even gets roped into reading the story, which is extra sweet to find. And I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say we likely have the most cuddly squash in the tri-county area! 🤣 🍂 Sophie’s Squash by @patzmill is definitely a new favorite to add to our fall reads! 🍂 👉🏼Check out the link in our bio to order your copy!! #fallreads #storytime #storytelling #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #readtothem #readaloudtime #readaloud #readalouds #kidsreading #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #childrenspicturebook #childrenspicturebooks #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #booksforkids

We’ve been loving on squash around here! 🍂 Ever since we received a retired library...

School is back in full swing! It’s the perfect time to add to your book collection for the little ones at home. • Visit our bio link to order from our shop. 👋🏻See you there! #getcaughtreading #caughtreading #somanybooks #somanybookssolittletime #timetoread #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #timetoreadabook #readingtime📖 #booksarefun #booksarelife #booksaremagic #booksarecool #booksarebetter #booksarethebest #fortheloveofreading #readingforfun #readingforpleasure #relaxwithabook #readersofig #readersareleaders #readerslife #grababook #raisingreaders #screenfreekids #kidreads #youngreader #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle

School is back in full swing! It’s the perfect time to add to your book...

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from our gang to yours!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from our gang to yours!

I have taken a loooooong, unplanned pause around here and have turned my focus toward being still and absorbing the “here and now” of my life... which isn’t always very still.😅 ⏸ As we head into the final days of advent leading up to our Christmas celebration, I will continue to pause and be still. My two teens have finished all final exams, assignments, and projects for their PSEO college classes and are looking forward to a 3-week break. I wrapped up lessons with the younger three on Friday, so we will plan to play board games, build LEGOs, and read our favorite seasonal picture books as excitement builds for Christmas. To pass time in the evenings, we will finish up our family advent reading and then switch to an audiobook after Christmas. Of course, we will also be binge-watching our favorite Christmas movies. Last night we made a couple visits to spread some Christmas cheer. ➡️➡️ Swipe over to hear what I mean! ⏸ All that being said, I wanted to just jump on and shout out a HELLO to you all! ⏸ What will your days look like leading up to Christmas? #pauseandreflect #pauseandbe #pauseandbestill #Christmascheer #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome #homeschooliscool

I have taken a loooooong, unplanned pause around here and have turned my focus toward...

Happy National Author’s Day to all you authors out there! 🖊 Whether you are traditionally published, self published or unpublished, we know your heart and soul goes into your work. 🖊 Our journey in self-publishing includes two children’s books: Baby Adventurer by me (@alison.schmidgall) and Mr. Skandinoovy Takes an Exciting Trip to Florida by our daughter, Hope. ➡️ Visit our bio link to learn more about our journey! 🖊 Hope has another book that is close to completion, and Faith has a storybook she has authored that still needs illustrations. Both girls are taking PSEO college courses this semester, so the book progress has been very S L O W, but that doesn’t stop us from still setting smaller goals to meet. 🖊 Regardless of where you’re at in your story-writing journey, we want to encourage you to KEEP GOING! 🖊 Are you or someone you know an author? Tag them in the comments below with an encouraging note! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #NationalAuthorsDay #babyadventurerbook #mr_skandinoovy #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #kidscreate #kidslearning #kidswriting #kidswritebooks #talyapress #selfpub #selfpublish #bookstagram #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #procreateartist #indieauthor #indieauthors #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #authorsofig #authorslife #youngauthors #childrensbooksboost #supportlocalauthors #selfpublishedauthor

Happy National Author’s Day to all you authors out there! 🖊 Whether you are traditionally...

Your voice can make a difference. Make sure you take to the polls come November 3rd. Or, if you still have your mail-in ballot lying around, make a choice with your voice and drop it in the mail! ☑️ One thing I appreciated about having a mail-in ballot is the opportunity to show our kids what an official ballot looks like for a presidential election. Before I mailed in my ballot, I made sure to explain it to our kids, so they could see what it looks like to vote for the the higher elected leaders in our land. ☑️ Our teens especially took an interest because they look forward to the day when they are 18 and can exercise their right to vote. Our oldest only missed it by one year! ☑️ Anybody have a teen voting for the first time this year? (➡️Illustrations pictured here come from the book I Voted and can be found in the Picture Books section in our bio link.) . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #yourvotematters #yourvotecounts #yourvoteisyourvoice #yourvoteyourvoice #yourvoiceyourvote #speaklife #learntogether #learningisfun #learninghappens #kidslearning #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome #homeschooliscool #teachthem #teachthemyoung

Your voice can make a difference. Make sure you take to the polls come November...

“Which do you like better, apples or oranges?” ☑️ I Voted is a picture book that explains the process of voting in a simple and unbiased way for kids to understand. ☑️ How great is it that my son can pick up a book to read to his younger sister knowing that he will be learning something new, too? ☑️ This picture book explains the concept of choosing first individually and then as a group. It begins with making simple choices and moves into more complicated decisions, such as an election. ☑️ ➡️➡️ Keep swiping to see a few pages from this easy-to-read book. ☑️ I’ve added this book and more election books to the Picture Book section found in our bio 🔗. Go ahead and check it out. They would make great additions to your home education library! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #NationalBookMonth #storytime #storytelling #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #readtothem #readaloudtime #readaloud #readalouds #kidsreading #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #childrenspicturebook #childrenspicturebooks #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #booksforkids

“Which do you like better, apples or oranges?” ☑️ I Voted is a picture book...

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a choice. The right to vote freely in an election is a rare gift. Every voice counts! ☑️ We recently read I Voted, a wonderful picture book that explains voting in a simple and unbiased way for children. What a great time to teach our children that their voices matter. . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #yourvotematters #yourvotecounts #yourvoteisyourvoice #yourvoteyourvoice #yourvoiceyourvote #speaklife #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome #homeschooliscool

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a choice. The right to vote freely in an...

We still want to be stomping in the leaves and falling into giant leaf piles, but Nature has a different plan these days! 🍁 While we have significant amounts of snow headed our way, that doesn’t stop us from enjoying our fall reads and crafts. And even though I’m not entirely ready for winter to settle in, I have to admit that the excitement of the first snow is contagious. 🍁 We picked up My Leaf Book by Monica Wellington @monicabooks from the library to learn about the different shapes leaves and the trees they belong to. It is such an educational book and the illustrations are so colorful and appealing to the little ones! 🍁 ➡️ ➡️ I’ve included pictures of our leaf prints and the snow that was coming down in loads while we were doing it! We used dot markers to color in negative space to reveal the final print of the leaves. 🍁 You can find this book and more in the Fall Picture Books section by visiting the 🔗 in our bio. I’ve also included the dot markers we use in our Creative Corner section. 🍁 Are you still enjoying the fall weather or has winter stormed its way into your life, too? . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #NationalBookMonth #storytime #storytelling #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #readtothem #readaloudtime #readaloud #readalouds #kidsreading #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #childrenspicturebook #childrenspicturebooks #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #booksforkids

We still want to be stomping in the leaves and falling into giant leaf piles,...

Crisp days & autumn leaves make me want to read more books... and create! 🍁 With all the trees dumping hundreds of gallons of leaves on the ground, I can’t help but gather some of those beauties for fall crafts with the Littles. 🍁 After our leaf walk last week, we pressed our collection of leaves in heavy books for a week. Then we took to decorating them this week. 🍁 ➡️ Swipe through to see how we decorated them with chalk markers and turned them into whimsical leaf mobiles. 🍁 Have you ever used chalk markers for a project? I like that the bold colors didn’t get lost as they dried quickly. We also tried metallic chalk markers that worked well along with metallic sharpies. I liked the simplicity of white chalk markers on the beautiful fall leaves, but the kids preferred the bright chalk markers. All produced lovely results. 🍁 (You can find out more about all the markers we used by visiting the “Creative Corner” in our bio 🔗.) . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #fallleaves #fallleaves🍁🍂 #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome #homeschooliscool #kindergartenactivities #kindergartenrocks #kindergartenfun #preschoolactivities #preschoolathome #preschoolhomeschool #preschooleducation #preschoollife #preschoolideas #preschoolfun

Crisp days & autumn leaves make me want to read more books... and create! 🍁...

We are all about the fall picture books these days! 🍂 After going on a leaf hunt the other day, we settled onto the carpet of leaves in the backyard to read Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long. 🍂 This book has lovely, fall-themed illustrations that pulled the kids right in as we read. Otis the tractor and his farm animal friends can figure out why the scarecrow’s scowl never leaves his face even when they greet him with their big smiles. 🍂 I particularly liked how Otis never gave up on the scarecrow and taught his animal friends how to accept a new friend on the farm, even when he didn’t fit into their expectations. 🍂 ➡️➡️ Swipe a look at some close-ups of the illustrations and a few snaps of our leaf hunt! 🍂 You can find this book by visiting our bio 🔗 and clicking on our favorite fall-themed picture books! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #NationalBookMonth #storytime #storytelling #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #readtothem #readaloudtime #readaloud #readalouds #kidsreading #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #childrenspicturebook #childrenspicturebooks #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #booksforkids

We are all about the fall picture books these days! 🍂 After going on a...

With October here, it seems like the perfect time to leaf through a good book if it’s been awhile. Don’t you think? 🍁 . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #getcaughtreading #caughtreading #somanybooks #somanybookssolittletime #timetoread #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #timetoreadabook #readingtime📖 #booksarefun #booksarelife #booksaremagic #booksarecool #booksarebetter #booksarethebest #fortheloveofreading #readingforfun #readingforpleasure #relaxwithabook #readersofig #readersareleaders #readerslife #grababook #raisingreaders #screenfreekids #kidreads #youngreader #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle

With October here, it seems like the perfect time to leaf through a good book...

And I do wonder... how much reading was actually getting done on the tree swing??🤣 🌳 Honestly, reading this way would give me motion sickness. 🥴 I’ve never been one who can read in the car for long periods either. Can you? 🌳 Happy Monday everyone! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #getcaughtreading #caughtreading #somanybooks #somanybookssolittletime #timetoread #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #timetoreadabook #readingtime📖 #booksarefun #booksarelife #booksaremagic #booksarecool #booksarebetter #booksarethebest #fortheloveofreading #readingforfun #readingforpleasure #relaxwithabook #readersofig #readersareleaders #readerslife #grababook #raisingreaders #screenfreekids #kidreads #youngreader #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle

And I do wonder... how much reading was actually getting done on the tree swing??🤣...

I recently got my preview copy of Let's Meet on the Moon and couldn’t wait to read it to my littles. Thanks @lauren.ranalli_author!! We enjoyed the lovely illustrations that depict the sweet friendship enjoyed by two children who become separated by a move. The messages about staying connected when we can't be together are so important right now! You can get your own signed copy at www.laurenranalli.com. ➡️➡️ And if you order by September 30th you'll get these adorable postcards with the book! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #LetsMeetontheMoon #LaurenRanalli #storytime #storytelling #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #readtothem #readaloudtime #readaloud #readalouds #kidsreading #readingisfun #readingforfun #readingbreak #childrenspicturebook #childrenspicturebooks #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #booksforkids

I recently got my preview copy of Let's Meet on the Moon and couldn’t wait...

Creativity up close! 🎨 I’m giving you one more round of the artwork Hope painted on her guitar. If you missed my other two posts with progress photos, be sure to go check them out on our grid @talyapress 🎨 ➡️ Swipe to see a video she put together of the step-by-step progress of one of the sections. 🎨 I’m curious to hear which painted section is your favorite? . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #arthappens #artzone #arttellsastory #letthemcreate #kidscreate #kidscreateart #kidscreations #teenartist #teenscreate #needtocreate #madetocreate

Creativity up close! 🎨 I’m giving you one more round of the artwork Hope painted...

Creativity takes courage!! ⚡️ I wonder just how often we stifle our creative ideas? ⚡️ Too often we don’t take the time to allow ourselves to tap into our creativity. ⚡️ That’s why when my daughter decided she wanted to paint her guitar, I resisted the urge to tell her no. There was part of me that was nervous about her making the commitment with paint because that’s so permanent, and what if she messed up? But on the other hand, this guitar is an older hand-me-down, one that had been sitting in our storage closet for years with a broken string getting no use. Her dad bought it very early on in our marriage when he wanted to learn how to play... but time got away and that never happened. So, when Hope decided she wanted to learn guitar a few years ago, she pulled out the dusty guitar with a broken string and gave it some care. ⚡️ When I see this guitar now displayed in her room, I see it as a symbol of creativity and courage... and an example of what it means to be a lifelong learner! She figured how to restring it by watching YouTube Tutorials. She learned, and still keeps learning, chords and new songs with no lessons. Recently she has taken to writing her own lyrics and tunes. ⚡️ All that creativity takes courage. Too often we can get overwhelmed by how long the creative process takes or spend too much time worrying that it’s not going to turn out how we want it to. But we’ll never know if we never try! Courage is stepping into that creativity. ⚡️ ➡️ Hope put together a little video to show the step by step process of how she got started on this project. Swipe over to take a peek! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #arthappens #artzone #arttellsastory #letthemcreate #kidscreate #kidscreateart #kidscreations #teenartist #teenscreate #needtocreate #madetocreate

Creativity takes courage!! ⚡️ I wonder just how often we stifle our creative ideas? ⚡️...

The need to create flows through this girl’s veins! 🎨 As summer was winding down, Hope decided she wanted to paint the back of one of her guitars. 🎨 I’ve learned that when this girl gets a vision of what she wants to create, it’s time to step aside and watch the process unfold. 🎨 I had no idea what her vision was, but let me tell you, I was blown away by the amount of detail she put into each section of painting. 🎨 The end result is... well, I’ll let you fill in the blank! Personally, I find wanderlust setting in whenever I look at it. No wonder she had to include a Jeep driving off into the sunset in one of the sections! 🎨 ➡️➡️ Keep swiping to see some pics of the work in progress. 🎨 And tell us how you’d fill in the blank: The end result is _____________. . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #arthappens #artzone #arttellsastory #letthemcreate #kidscreate #kidscreateart #kidscreations #teenartist #teenscreate #needtocreate #madetocreate #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome #homeschooliscool #homeschoolhighschool

The need to create flows through this girl’s veins! 🎨 As summer was winding down,...

TODAY only comes once. We can get so caught up in the whirlwinds of our lives that we barely take time to stop, look around, and really see those around us. 🌅 TODAY we can be a blessing. TODAY we can be a friend. TODAY we can encourage someone. 🌅 . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #encouragesomeone #encourageoneanother #encouragementquotes #encouragements #encourageeachother #wordsofencouragement #encouragingwords #encouraging #encouragementfortheday #wordsthatmatter #wordsthatinspire #wordsthatheal #encourageothers #encouraged #encourager #beginanywhere #justbegin #youcandoittoo #stayfocused #goalsetter #gottastayfocused #alwayslearning #settingnewgoals #goalsetting #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily

TODAY only comes once. We can get so caught up in the whirlwinds of our...

This is us! 👋🏻 We’ve had many new followers lately so we figured it’s time to reintroduce ourselves. 👋🏻 I’m @alison.schmidgall and I do most of the posting over here. Here’s the lowdown on our family in bite size nuggets: ✳️ Homeschooling family going on 12 years ✳️ 2 teen girls (the Biggles) ✳️ 1 boy (the Middle) ✳️ 2 PreK/K girls (the Littles) ✳️ Exploring self-publishing as a way to learn together We use this space to share our journey of self-publishing as a family. We also aim to encourage others to find joy in reading, learning and creating. You can visit our website 🔗 in our profile to learn more about our books! 👋🏻 Tell me a little more about you and your family! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #talyapress #selfpublish #selfpublished #selfpublishing #selfpublisher #selfpub #selfpublishedauthor #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #indieauthors #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolers #homeschooling #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome #homeschooliscool #kidscreate #kidslearning

This is us! 👋🏻 We’ve had many new followers lately so we figured it’s time...

Go ahead! Learn something new together today! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #learntogether #learningisfun #learninghappens #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #literacy #literacymatters #storytime #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #kidslit #readingisfun #readingspot #readingforfun #readingbreak #talyapress #raisingreaders #screenfreekids #kidreads #youngreader

Go ahead! Learn something new together today! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us...

Mr. Skandinoovy receives not 2️⃣ but 3️⃣ thumbs up from this bunch! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 👍🏻 We are excited about some upcoming collaborations and are mailing out books this week! 👍🏻 If you haven’t met Mr. Skandinoovy yet, we are celebrating 1 year, so now is a great time to check him out. Visit our 🔗 in our bio to view the book trailer! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #booktrailer #mr_skandinoovy #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #kidswriting #kidswritebooks #talyapress #selfpub #selfpublish #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #youngauthors #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome

Mr. Skandinoovy receives not 2️⃣ but 3️⃣ thumbs up from this bunch! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 👍🏻 We...

It makes our day when we receive praise like this! 😊 These kind words came from a fellow author, and WOW, did it put a smile on our faces!! 😊 Have you read Hope’s book Mr. Skandinoovy Takes an Exciting Trip to Florida yet? If so, would you take 5 minutes to visit the book page on Amazon and leave a review? Reviews are ✨GOLDEN✨ to us! 😊 Please, help us get more exposure by leaving a review today! We would be so grateful! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #leaveareview #mr_skandinoovy #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #kidswriting #kidswritebooks #talyapress #selfpub #selfpublish #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #youngauthors #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome

It makes our day when we receive praise like this! 😊 These kind words came...

Mr. Skandinoovy debuted 1️⃣ YEAR ago today! Get 44% off the hardcover on Amazon! ☀️ Our daughter, Hope, wrote and illustrated this silly story with the fun-loving character Mr. Skandinoovy. The month leading up to her book launch, she wrote several blog posts about the creative process of writing, illustrating, and publishing. You can check out those archives at our website link up in our bio🔝. ☀️ Want to collab with us and get your very own 💥FREE💥 copy of Mr. Skandinoovy Takes an Exciting Trip to Florida? We’re looking for a handful of booklovers who want to work with us! ✔️Follow us @talyapress ✔️Comment below or DM us with why you’d like to collab with us! ☀️ In the meantime, check out Hope’s Mr. Skandinoovy book in the 🔗 in bio. You can save up to 44% on the hardcover over on Amazon - No guarantees this deal will stick around for long! . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #mr_skandinoovy #picturebookauthor #picturebooks #picturebook #kidsbook #kidsbooks #kidswriting #kidswritebooks #talyapress #selfpub #selfpublish #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #youngauthors #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeeducation #homeed #homeeducator #schoolathome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinsta #schoolathome #homeschooliscool

Mr. Skandinoovy debuted 1️⃣ YEAR ago today! Get 44% off the hardcover on Amazon! ☀️...

Some may take this as bad news. But how about the good news? 🌈 Our dreams are possible if we put them to the test! If we just take action and work toward moving forward, our dreams can become reality. 🌈 What’s the next step you can take that gets you closer to your dream? . . . Follow us @talyapress Follow us @talyapress #talyapress #workforyourdreams #beginanywhere #justbegin #youcandoittoo #stayfocused #goalsetter #gottastayfocused #alwayslearning #writeandrevise #settingnewgoals #writinggoals #goalsetting #selfpub #selfpublish #selfpublishing #selfpublisher #childrensbookauthor #indieauthor #indieauthors #authorsofinsta #authorsofig #christianauthor #christianauthors #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolmom #homeeducation

Some may take this as bad news. But how about the good news? 🌈 Our...