Hi there! I’m Lauren Fornoles (a.k.a Early Bird), an author, teacher, and certified literacy specialist who is passionate about helping others discover the joy of reading together.

I have taught all grades on the East and West Coasts with a focus on English and Literacy, as well as Drama and Theater Arts, and bring these passions together through my story channel,

The Storied Forest.

Books

“Highly recommended for all libraries serving emergent readers.”—School Library Journal

“Fornoles demonstrates with a light, sure touch that treasured friendships—built on listening, trust, and care—are worth some extra effort.”—Publishers Weekly

Night Owl and Early Bird

Meet Night Owl and Early Bird: Two unlikely friends who are as different as night and day!

Backpack’s School Jitters
(Sept.)

Kids aren't the only ones who get back-to-school jitters…

Monster’s Day at School
(Sept.)

The first day of school can be scary… even for MONSTERS!

Author Visits

  • “The presentation was outstanding.  Lauren was completely engaging and prepared activities that perfectly matched ths age of the students.  The songs and interactive learning were excellent.  Lauren's stories about how she wrote were engaging and she used interactive games and songs to keep students engaged and learning.  This was the best author visit I have ever attended.”

    —1st Grade Teacher, NY

  • “I liked that Lauren Fornoles had command of her audience. This can be tricky with 4 second grade classes.  Her approach to explaining the writing process was age appropriate and engaging.  I think the language she used was familiar to our students and could easily be transferred into our classroom.  She focused on the process and my students were motivated to write their own mysteries after her visit.  It was a wonderful way to launch our reading and writing units of Stepping into the World of Story and opinion writing.  The children did enjoy her book The Pearl Caper.”

    —1st Grade Teacher, NY

  • “Lauren visited my first grade class and captivated my students with her reading of Night Owl and Early Bird. Her knowledge of elementary school-aged students mixed with her passion for writing and storytelling made for a wonderful visit. Lauren incorporated songs and rhymes, gave the class an opportunity to ask questions, and had a warm and calming presence that made for a fabulous author's visit. My students were thrilled to add her book to our classroom library! ”


    — Alexis H., First Grade Teacher, NY

  • “Lauren Fornoles’ visit to my first grade classroom was such a meaningful experience for my students. She captivated the children by reading her beautiful book, Night Owl and Early Bird, and taught them a song they joyfully sang along with. Lauren also shared her writing process in a way that was engaging and easy for my young writers to understand. Her warmth, creativity, and ability to inspire made the visit memorable. My students came away feeling excited about books, music, and writing with a sense of purpose.”

    — Liz A., First Grade Teacher

  • “Lauren led an awesome story time at the Wyckoff Bond Garden for our fall festival. The delight in the children’s eyes and that of their parents told it all. She was well prepared and engaged the young people with sweet animal stories and heartwarming early chapter books. She is well recommended to lead such storytimes in schools, libraries and community spaces.”

    —Betty F.

    The Wyckoff-Bond Garden

  • “The Hoyt Street Garden hosts many small community events but none as wonderful as the days when Lauren Fornoles commands a crowd of wide-eyed children as she reads her stories. Her creativity and enthusiasm draw them in and keeps them involved. She is a great neighbor and contributor to each event we hold. â€ť


    — Howard K.

    The Hoyt Street Garden

  • “Ms. Lauren read several of her children’s books, capturing the students’ attention from beginning to end. Her engaging storytelling style, combined with her warm and approachable manner, kept the children fully involved and enthusiastic throughout the visit. She thoughtfully incorporated music and movement breaks, which further enhanced student engagement and supported age-appropriate learning.

    Following the readings, Ms. Lauren led creative art activities connected to her books, allowing students to deepen their understanding and express themselves creatively. This well-rounded approach made the experience both educational and joyful.”

    — Gloria Romero-Coulter, Kindergarten Teacher, NY