Most of us work hard to bring a book to life while reading it aloud to children. But we can bring the author of that book to life, too.

Jim Trelease, in "The Read-Aloud Handbook," suggests that adults find a copy of Lee Bennett Hopkins' "Books Are By People" and "More Books By More People." These paperbacks contain interviews with children's authors.

Also, Trelease suggests a visit to the local library, where you can research the author. Often the information you need is on the book's dust jacket.

Let your child know that books are written by people, Trelease recommends, not by machines.