New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Milford author uses humor to get kids to read
MILFORD — Bestselling author Alan Katz said one of his most rewarding experiences is when teachers say he has inspired children to have an interest in reading.
“I’ve had teachers come up to me with their arms around a kid, saying, ‘This is Bobby. He refuses to read but he will read your books, and we thank you.’ That’s what I love,” said Katz, 63.
Katz is the author of nearly 50 books, and has been nominated six times for daytime Emmy Awards. Most of his writing is for children.
Three of his most recent books, which are coming out on Oct. 15, are biographies in a series called “Lieographies.”
While the books, recommended for 7- to- 10-year-olds, consist of made-up life stories of famous people, they also contain facts. They’re designed to get children interested in reading, according to Katz.
Recent books
Katz said the purpose of the “Lieographies” series is “not to fool, mislead or misinform them, but instead, to get them to read and be entertained by what they’re reading,” he said. “Hopefully, it’ll pique their interest and they’ll say, ‘I had a good time reading. Now, let me go learn about these people.’”
The first three books in the series are about Amelia Earhart, Thomas Edison and Babe Ruth. Each of the books has pages at the end that include real facts about the subjects.
Katz said if he can get the children to read, that’s step one.
“If you can get them to laugh, that’s step two. If you can get them