My book Raising a Child with Dyslexia: What Every Parent Needs to Know has been making a big splash. It is being very well received and has even won the New York City Big Book Award best in category in Parenting and Family books.

It also merited a positive review from Publisher’s Weekly:

“[Winn] offers plenty of logical and commonsense advice for parents on countering dyslexia’s negative impact on their kids, all in an easy to follow style…this compassionate work will reward parents in search of guidance.”

—Publishers Weekly

But it was also important to me and the team here at Cardboard Box Adventures that we make the book available on audio format, and I’m pleased to announce that’s it’s now available. We wanted to be sure that the book was available in the most useful form both to visual and auditory learners. And our favorite narrator, Stephen Marsden, PhD, weighs in today about his experience as he brought my book to life on audio. Let’s see what he has to say!

Update: The second edition of Raising a Child with Dyslexia: What Every Parent Needs to Know is now available. It’s the same great content as the first book now with an added index and bibliography and a new cover.

Don: Stephen, with your decades of experience as a reading teacher, a special ed teacher, and an administrator (Read Stephen’s earlier interview: Bringing Stories to Life), what was it like for you to narrate this book about dyslexia?

Stephen: I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book Raising a Child with Dyslexia. It is well written and full of pertinent and useful information for the reader. As I was reading through your book, it took me back to my early years in education as a reading specialist. I also have to admit that back in the 70s there was not a lot of information about dyslexia and its sibling disabilities. I am pleased that you have captured a true portrayal of what dyslexia is and how it impacts the life of an individual experiencing difficulties in reading, processing information, and coping with these issues.

Don: When you were getting your education, what was the understanding of dyslexia that was presented to caring educators during that time?

Stephen: As I touched upon in my first response, there was not a lot of research and information on dyslexia, its symptoms, its causes, and how to support and treat the individual. All of the disabilities in your book fell under the umbrella of reading disabilities.

Don: Was there anything about dyslexia that surprised you as you narrated this book?

Stephen: It reinforced the significance of using all of the senses when teaching the reluctant reader and/or dyslexic individual. Your book also reiterated the importance of providing knowledge to families of individuals suffering from dyslexia to help them cope with the emotional and social scars this learning difficulty can cause.

Don: What would you like parents and educators to know about this book?

Stephen: Your book is a must read for everyone, not just for parents and educators, but for people in all walks of life. Friends, employers, and employees need to understand how this disability affects an individual socially, emotionally, and academically. It’s extremely important for everyone to be aware that, as you so aptly state in your book, “not everyone learns in the same rate and in the same way.” Understanding, empathy, and support are key in helping all individuals suffering with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and all the other challenges falling under the category of “learning disabilities.”

Don: What do you feel is the biggest takeaway from this book?

Stephen: The biggest takeaway is the importance of shared reading, vigilant awareness, early diagnosis, and unconditional love and support. I remember reading aloud with my own children as early as one month old. I would have them snuggle in my arms while I read Good Night Moon, Peter Rabbit, stories by Dr. Seuss, and countless other books. Although dyslexia is not curable, the knowledge provided through your writing can and will give peace of mind to parents as they come to understand that their child can and will be able to lead a productive and successful life.

Don: What would you say is different about this book on dyslexia compared to others you have read?

Stephen: Your book is written with language that is easily understood. Your personal anecdotes, insights, and commitment to sharing information about dyslexia will help anyone struggling with this disease. The information you provide will allow everyone to understand that suffering from dyslexia and its sibling conditions is manageable and will still allow for a full and rewarding life

This is a must read for everyone. If you don’t have time to sit down and read this book from cover to cover, get the audiobook version and listen to the information provided.

Don: Thank you so much Stephen, both for your professional narration skills and for your input on the book’s value from the standpoint of a lifelong educator. I hope that people from all walks of life will benefit from being able to listen to the material in my book, thereby helping as many dyslexics as possible.

Please check out my extensive resources for parents and educators, archived blogs about dyslexia, and inspiring stories for the young readers in your life. In addition to Raising a Child with Dyslexia, check out all the other CBA audiobooks on Audible narrated by Stephen to help your reluctant reader fall in love with great stories!

Cardboard Box Adventures Picture Books are great for shared reading and can help parents establish a strong preliteracy foundation for their children. Check out the CBA Catalog for a full list of award-winning picture books, chapter books, and resources for parents and educators.

About Stephen Marsden

After graduating from Michigan State and earning his Ph.D., Stephen worked for thirty-six years in public education as an educator and administrator, even being honored as the State of Michigan’s Assistant Principal of the year. Upon retirement, he pursued his lifelong dream of entering the field of acting and voice overs, honing his skills through the Michigan Actors Studio. Stephen has narrated over two dozen audiobooks, appeared in TV commercials, and has performed in the lead role in two independent films. Stephen is a Vietnam Veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star in service of his country. He currently resides in Northville, MI, with his wife, Kristine Frogner and their two cats Elmo and Niles. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.