The Crypto-Capers: A New Interactive Reading Experience for Children by Renée Hand

Today, we welcome author Renée Hand. The first book in her new Crypto-Capers children´s mystery series has recently been released by North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc. We´ll talk to Renée about this series and how it encourages even reluctant readers to pick up a book.

Thank you for joining us today, Renée. It´s wonderful to have you with us.

Thank you for having me. It is a pleasure to be here!

Can you start of by telling us a bit about yourself?

I have been writing for over twenty years. At a young age my writing became an outlet for my feelings. I was able to express them. After a while, my creativity flowed rapidly and my thoughts soon developed into making great stories. I have four books to my credit—two romance novels and two books for my children´s series. I am an award winning author and have won two awards, one Best Book Award and one National Literary Award for best romance. I am married and have two children.

You write for adults and children. Is it difficult to switch gears? Are there similarities in the writing? Differences?

It wasn´t difficult at all for me to switch gears. I actually have more fun writing for my children´s series then I do for my romance. The major difference in writing for adults and writing for children is the audience, so I had to make sure that my topics were appropriate for the right audience. Whenever I write a story, no matter if it is a romance novel for adults or for my children´s series, I put a lot of heart in it. When a reader gets done with reading one of my books, they are not just going to set it down and say, "That was a good book!" and walk away. They´re going to say that my story meant something to them in some way and they will remember it. I love to have that connection with my readers. I have had children come up to me and say they love the series. I have had adults come up to me and say that my romance novels have touched them in some way and that is what my writing is about.

Who would you say has been the biggest influence on your writing career?

My mother is my greatest supporter! I have seen such giving and strength out of her that she inspires me to be a better person. I base quite a few of my characters off of her. She is giving and kind, courageous and strong. She is smart and knowing, and she is my best friend.

Let´s talk about The Crypto-Capers. Since I´ve read the first two books, I have to admit I´m really excited about it. Why don´t you tell us a bit about this series.

The Crypto-Capers in the Case of the Missing Sock is book one of a great new interactive series. In order for the reader to solve the case, they must solve cryptograms and puzzles. What is unique about this series is that the reader must participate in the story. Book one is the easiest book of the series because it sets the stage for what needs to be done. I want my readers to have success with the first book to build their confidence and understanding. As soon as the reader picks up book one, they are one of the detectives. They see what my characters see, do what my characters do. The detectives find the cipher key in the story, as well as the cryptograms, now all they have to do is solve it. I explain everything in detail so there is no confusion.

After book one, each book in the series becomes harder and more challenging for the reader, so the story never gets stale, it is always new and fresh. The reader must start with book one and they must keep every book in the series, because eventually the reader will need them to solve a future case.

I designed this series because I wanted children to be excited about reading something, and remembering it. I am an avid reader, and always have been, but I don´t like to read books that have no point to them. A lesson should always be learned, or information about a certain topic expressed, and the characters relatable. That is what I did. I have some unique characters that children can relate to. There are problems in the story that children can relate to as well as use their brains in trying to solve. Nothing is ever what it seems. Each book also provides new activities for the reader to be involved in and the topics are history, math, or science related.

I am forcing the reader to think out of the box when it comes to the puzzles. Not much is just given to them. They have to think about what is going on and why. Reading comprehension is key in school and in life. I have found a fun way to keep children interested in what they were reading and remembering it.

Where did you find the inspiration for The Crypto-Capers?

There were two reasons why I wrote this book. One, I love reading mysteries. I also love to figure out cryptograms, I am a cryptogram junky. So I thought what a great idea it would be to combine the two things I love to do and make it into a story where kids could interact with it. Two, I wanted children to be involved with what they were reading. This series is fun and entertaining, always keeping the reader´s attention. Not only does the series challenge the avid reader, but also keeps the reluctant readers attention. As soon as the reader picks up the book, they have instantly joined the team as a detective. The reader will be asked to look up different things and to participate in the story on different occasions. My goal was to have kids remember what they were reading because they are learning information with value, yet having fun at the same time. I am all about having fun in my stories and the activities I create for it.

Tell us about Book 1, The Case of the Missing Sock.

In The Case of the Missing Sock, siblings Max and Mia Holmes, along with their good friend Morris, and their flamboyant Granny Holmes, are known as The Crypto-Capers. They are a group of detectives who unravel crimes by solving cryptograms that criminals leave behind. Mia is an expert puzzle solver. Max is great at deduction and reasoning. Morris is a computer genius, while Granny...well Granny is the muscle of the group. Don't let her size or age fool you....she is quite handy. The Case of The Missing Sock leads the Crypto-Capers to Florida where they are hired by a man named Mr. Delacomb. The mystery leads the team to different locations. Clues flourish throughout the mystery. Suspects by the handful seem to be popping up at every turn, but who committed the crime? Help the detectives solve the case by solving the cryptograms and puzzles.

The one thing that I truly enjoy about these books is that the puzzles and cryptograms make reading an interactive experience. The reader becomes one of the team and helps solve the crimes. Could The Crypto-Capers also be used in the classroom?

Absolutely, and I have many schools who are ordering it for their classrooms. The reason why is because there really is so much that a teacher or home school parent can do with the series. Again, the books talk about math, history or science related topics. The locations of the cases are real and can be used for reports and research opportunities. I have questions that teachers can use in the classroom to quiz their students comprehension. If a school has an AR program, my book has been used for that for the student to get credit for. The series is versatile and will keep the students interest.

Where can readers purchase a copy of the first two Crypto-Capers books?

My books are available at various bookstores, as well as online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Please check out my website at www.reneeahand.com and e-mail me or visit my blog. My website is loaded with tons of information.

The two books in the series available now are:

The Case of the Missing Sock ISBN# 978-0-87839-304-6

The Case of Red Rock Canyon ISBN# 978-0-87839-309-1

What is up next for you?

I have more books in the series coming out. Book 3 will be out in the fall with two coming out every year. I should also have a new romance novel out this year. Readers can check out my website for all upcoming books.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes! I want to make sure that the reader understands that they will need to start with book one. It is very important. Book one sets the stage for what has to be done with the series. It ensures success and confidence with the reader. It is the easiest book of the series so the reader has understanding. Each book of the series becomes harder and more challenging, which also makes it more fun and interesting. Also make sure you keep every book in the series, the reader will have to refer back to them at some point.

Thanks for spending time with us today, Renée. We wish you continued success.

Thank you so much for having me. It has been an honor and a pleasure!