32. Crafting High-Quality Decodable Books with Brooke Vitale, Charge Mommy Books

Author: Michelle Sullivan • Literacy Coach & Science of Reading Advocate
Published: Tue 15 Apr 2025
Episode Link: https://www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com/podcast/32

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I'm joined by Brooke Vitale—veteran children’s book editor, author, and founder of Charge Mommy Books—to explore the art and science behind writing truly high-quality decodable books. With over 15+ years in publishing (including experience at Penguin and Disney!), Brooke brings a deep understanding of storytelling and language development to the world of structured literacy.

We talk about what makes a decodable book not only controlled and phonics-aligned—but also joyful, engaging, and instructionally meaningful. From story structure to word choice to illustration strategy, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone who creates or uses decodables in the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

What makes a decodable high-quality beyond just phonics alignment
The importance of story arc, character development, and humor in early readers
Why illustrations matter—and how they can enhance comprehension without becoming guessing crutches
How to navigate decodability expectations without sacrificing language integrity