Mason and Invincible Igor

Eight-year-old Mason writes and illustrates his own superhero series, "Invincible Igor." Tonight his goal is to finish book six in the series. But with all the interruptions, how can he? His six-year-old sister, animal-loving Alicia, needs Mason's drawing and spelling skills to make a sign that will keep her "pooping machine" guinea pig safe. And now there is a racket coming from the bathroom, thanks to his youngest siblings - four-year-old twins, Jackson and Jillian. It's a big responsibility being the oldest kid in the family. Will Mason ever be able to finish his book? Or maybe something will happen that will inspire the ending.

"Mason and Invincible Igor" is written for read-aloud and for early readers. An art activity, and interactive questions to promote memory recall and emotional intelligence are included.

ABOUT THE THREE BOOK SERIES: I was in my classroom when a student asked, "I wonder what my sister is doing right now?" The student's question made me think about a child's emerging concept of time: that of being aware of life happening elsewhere, outside of the child's own experience.

Each book in the Sapphire Family Series is told from a different point of view: that of the twins, in "Jackson and Jillian," their older sister, Alicia in "Alicia and Annie," and big brother, Mason in "Mason and Invincible Igor." All three books take place during the same period of time, early evening.

Although the books can stand alone, read together they offer a three-dimensional exploration of sibling interactions and family dynamics. Reading a story from different points of view is a first step in thinking beyond oneself. My intention is that the Sapphire Family Series will offer children compelling characters with whom they can identify and grow, and present positive, realistic family dynamics that will delight them.