Louise Masin Sattler

Explore Route 66 with Children: Travel with Oso Series.

Published on September 4, 2026September 4, 2026 by Louise Masin Sattler1 Comment

Hello Friends!

I appreciate your patience as I haven’t blogged in a “minute,” but I’ve been deeply involved in the development of a new children’s travel book series called TRAVEL with OSO! There’s a wealth of information to share about my new fun project, so let me start by introducing the TRAVEL with OSO series and explaining how it all started!

One bear, a boy in a wheelchair, girl with curly hair, and a dog with service dog on his halter. Background- small town main street.

I have long been wanting to create a travel series, and recently, I had the opportunity to explore Route 66 during the 100th anniversary of this road with a friend. Throughout the journey, I meticulously took notes on the accessibility of the attractions, considered whether children would enjoy the experiences, and evaluated each spot based on a “family fun factor”!

The information culminated in a multi-book series featuring four enchanting characters. First, we have Jade, an exuberant 8-year-old who is always on the go! Next is Jack, a smart and clever photographer who navigates life using a wheelchair due to mobility challenges. His loyal service dog, Buddy, is the third character, providing companionship and support. Finally, we meet our “team mascot,” Oso! Together, they journey along the iconic Route 66, exploring hidden caverns and discovering quirky attractions like the Blue Whale of Catoosa. They make new friends, including Kaya from Oklahoma, and relish experiences like riding in an accessible hot air balloon and watching stunning sunsets at the Painted Desert in Arizona. Their adventures are engaging and kindhearted, showcasing the incredible Mother Road from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California!

A little bit about the process…

The actual writing was trickier than creating the characters. I knew that I wanted to incorporate my photos, experiences, and storytelling into the series. I also wanted Jack’s use of a wheelchair to not be a huge part of the story, but an opportunity to discuss in each book about access and Inclusion along Route 66. I outlined each of the “main stories” and then started pulling together my notes, tabbed websites, and pamphelts I had collected along our drive. I knew that I had enough material for several books, especially since young readers don’t usually have the patience for a 70+ page text.

So, I diligently conducted research, wrote for hours and hours, tore up a bunch of first and second drafts, and then repeated the process – several times. Amidst all this writing and research, I proudly launched a website – TravelwithOso.com! Furthermore, I created an array of curricula, games, activities, posters, and maps on the site to enrich learning experiences! My hope is for children to interact with Oso and delve into all the games, while educators uncover the essential lessons surrounding travel, culture, friendship, language, and accessibility!

Now, it is no secret that I am NOT an artist. So, I confess—I enlisted a bit of digital magic to help create these characters by providing an AI program with very specific prompts. The same goes for the background images in the books, which drew from my photography and were crafted with clear direction. Sometimes, the outcomes were hysterically funny! I’ll never forget some of the more notable “mishaps,” like Jack having a third arm or Oso sporting a dog’s tail! Yet, all things considered, I am pleased with the results!

Bear on the right side learning on a sign that says in bright colors - TRAVEL with OSO. A piece of luggage to the right of the bear.

Introducing the Travel with Oso Route 66 Book Series!

Travel with Oso Route 66 text above a bear driving a convertible car that is red.

Since, I was new at writing a travel series for children, I thought I would start off “easy” with a primer- TRAVEL with OSO– Route 66. This book is written for an intended audience of 2- 6 year olds. I added a few games to keep little travelers busy in a car or restaurant. The book published this month on Amazon and the feedback has been very good! (Phew!)

You can read more about this book and view/download additional activities on the Travel with Oso website.

Available on Amazon

Travel with Oso and Friends – ILLINOIS – A Route 66 Adventure!

This book was just released this week. The book begins with an explanation of Route 66 and then several pages depicting in detail Route 66 destinations! The book includes games, “challenges”, and much information for grown-ups to read, too!

Available on Amazon, with extended learning on TravelwithOso.com

A couple of sample pages:

One bear, a boy in a wheelchair, girl with curly hair, and a dog with service dog on his halter. Background- small town main street. A list of check off boxes to the left and items next to them from the content of the book

A Travel Journal for Kids! Now available on Amazon!

travel with oso- my route 66 Travel journal with a bear, luggage, road signs that say Route 66 and destination markers on a pole. Photos from travels and a camera.

SOON TO BE RELEASED:

Travel with Oso and Friends will be releasing the Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma storybook next. (September 2026). Followed by Texas and New Mexico and lastly, Arizona and California. All books are expected to be available for the December 2026 holiday season on Amazon.

One bear, a boy in a wheelchair, girl with curly hair, and a dog with service dog on his halter. Background- wheat fields of Oklahoma or midwest

One bear, a boy in a wheelchair, girl with curly hair, and a dog with service dog on his halter. Background- small Texas

MY ROUTE 66 TRAVEL JOURNAL

The last book in the Route 66 series is the travel journal. I wrote it for kids to chronicle their experiences along the Mother Road. The prompts are easy to follow, making it a perfect tool for homeschooling families. This journal not only encourages creativity, but also allows children to engage with their environment in a hands-on way. This book can serve as a valuable supplement for children who may prefer to draw over writing or are budding “authors.” The book will be available on Amazon and other websites as a download, ensuring easy access for all families and educators.

And now for a little surprise! A GIVEAWAY!

Thank you for reading until the end! I am sponsoring a GIVEAWAY! Three lucky winners will randomly be picked to receive the paperback copy of TRAVEL with OSO on SEPTEMBER 22, 2026. Simply comment below why you wish a copy of the book. Here are some simple rules:

Must write a comment below about the Travel with Oso series and why you wish the book.
Must comment by September 21, 2026, 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Must have an address in the United States.
If your prefer to win the AMAZON KINDLE version, please note that in the comment.
Must not be an immediate relative of Louise Sattler.

Thanks for reading and Good Luck!

For Media Inquiries: Click here

FUN ALERT – Part 2! Creative Summer Learning Activities (Reading, Writing, Videography, and more – with FREE downloadable ideas)

Published on June 10, 2024June 10, 2024 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Hello and welcome back if you are a regular reader and a big hello if you are new to this blog. Today, I am going to write Part 2 about how to beat the summertime “there is nothing to do” cycle with your kids and sneak in strategies to retain skills. Part 1 tackled Math and this time, Part 2 will focus on READING, WRITTEN LANGUAGE, and learning about our world!

Please don’t let out a big sigh and stop scrolling because I talked ed-speak here! I promise that below you will find fun and creative ideas that even grown-ups will love. So, please keep reading, comment with your ideas, and share with others!! THANK YOU!!

As I mentioned in Part 1, the first steps are necessary and important. Step 1) Turn off devices. This is good “old-fashioned” learning. Hands-on and multifaceted. Unless otherwise noted- no devices will be needed. (And if they are it will be “with intention”.) Step 2) Engage with your child and supervise their activities if they are young or in need of help. Don’t assume that your child will know what to do or how to do it. Bonus- you are likely to have fun, too!

INTERNATIONAL FLAIR!

Start by highlighting a different country every week or bi-monthly! During this time you can 1) read about the country 2) Listen to music from the country 3 )Find the country on a globe or map 4) Plan a fake (or real) trip to the country – including making an itinerary. 5) Learn about the language of the country (or languages). 6) Play a game that is specific to that country 7) Cook a traditional meal from the country!

Margaret McSweeney, host of KitchenChat, shared this technique to help promote cooking at a young age and reading skills, “Try tasting the world by cooking through the alphabet with your children. A: learn about Argentina and make Chimichurri sauce. B: learn about Brazil and make Brigadeiro. You will enjoy exploring the globe through food with your kids.”

For example, here is a scenario… “Jane” decided that she wanted to spotlight SPAIN. She found several books about SPAIN and even a travel guide and journal from DK! She then mapped out a “wish trip” from Barcelona to Malaga. Next, Jane went to the library and found a Spanish cookbook and chose to make a recipe for paella. She also found a Spanish dictionary and young reader books to help her learn basic Spanish vocabulary. Because she was learning “with intention”, Jane was able to listen to watch Flamenco dancers, and play “futbol”! She then watched TV shows in Spanish and tuned in to Spanish-language radio shows!

DRAMA CAMP- from STORYBOARDING TO FILMING

Do you have a future thespian in your home? Perhaps a screenwriter? Or videographer? Equip your kids with the skills to create a storyboard to start creating a play, or script for a TV program or film, and let them use their creativity to figure out the rest (like sets, costumes, etc.). Remember, the TV show The GOLDBERGS and how Adam Goldberg would enlist his family and friends to be part of his videos? Well, Adam is now a very successful filmmaker and it all appears that he started with what and who he knew- his family.

In this interview, Steven Speilberg talks about his early start to making movies prompted by his dad.

How to get started? First, your kids need to understand what is a storyboard and its purpose. You can find much information about that here in this video. Using tools such as CANVA and STORYBOARDTHAT can help to organize and create storyboards. What is amazing about this creative outlet is that children of all ages can integrate several skills. They need to read, write, and use many executive functions such as organization and being flexible. (If first you don’t succeed… try, try, again!)

Hint: Graphic storyboards and comic strip makers can multiply the attention span for this kind of activity. Free to download the “boards” I have created below.

YOUNG AUTHORS

Along the same line as ‘Drama Camp” is helping a child find their inner “author”. Perhaps they want to create a book (and even self-publish- such as on Amazon). Or they wish to begin a blog (yes, WordPress allows kids to write here.) There is no limit to the ideas a child conjures that are worth writing and being read!

More fun ideas!

Create a family trivia game – your child can design their own board game based on family trivia! Topics can be as follows: 1. WHO SAID THIS 2. WHO BOUGHT THIS. 3. WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? 4. FAVORITES (favorite book, color, places to visit, etc.)

Download the PDF here to make and copy your own trivia game.

RULE-1 Download

COMIC-BOOK-and-STORYBOARD-TEMPLATES-Download

“STAY AT HOME” Educational Resources for Students and their Parents/ Caregivers

Published on March 21, 2020April 26, 2020 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

Due to the Corona Virus (COVID 19), parents have been given one of the biggest challenges of their lives – teaching their children in the absence of teachers, structured curriculum and school support. That means parents, regardless of their own careers, are now home assuming the role of their child’s / children’s teacher.

Educators and parents all have one goal – to keep the learning curve going up while the COVID 19 curve declines.

Parents – don’t worry! I have compiled a long and comprehensive list of educational resources for you. Some of these links are chocked full rich content. One link may lead you to dozens more – so take your time and peruse! Good luck and feel free to comment below if you have additional websites you think we can all benefit from or just wish to comment!

STUDENT and PARENT/ CAREGIVER RESOURCES

Education.com

Education.com – There is a way for teachers of preschoolers to third grade to give their students a code to have entry to chosen lessons. Favorites are this LEARNING GAME LINK.

Computer coding also is a favorite part of Education.com and can be found HERE

ABCTeach.com

ABCTeach.com is a favorite of mine! They have support for preschool, elementary, middle and high schoolers. Including calculus. There are some freebies, but for $20 you can have a year-long membership. Click here to discover more about this terrific website (And you may find some familiar Signing Families content under Sign Language Learning)

California Department of Education- Resources for All Students, All States

The CDE has put together a comprehensive list of online learning opportunities and support. This site is GREAT! Their FREE Educational tab is chocked full of interactive and very helpful resources. Seriously, this site can be an answer to a parent’s prayers for help from educators worldwide! Click here to get to the site.

Click here for the CDE super – charged resources.

PBS Learning Media

PBS offers a division of their company dedicated to direct education known as PBS Learning Media .

For younger children, there is PBS KIDS

*** THE PBS App Store is extensive and has a lot of great independent learning opportunities.

YouTube

YouTube is no joke! There is some serious curriculum support and teaching happening on this social channel. Amazing teachers are available and many have offered opportunities for continued learning via their websites.

Rosetta Stone – FREE to students

Rosetta Stone has posted a free subscription to students due to the crisis. Learn more here.

Library of Congress – FREE Resources

The Library of Congress is chocked full of information. This TAB leads you to free photos and images for you to use – including learning projects.

FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS and CAREGIVERS

EDUTOPIA

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

CHADD– Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder

KIDLUTIONS – Solutions for tough problems by Wendy Young, Counselor

LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY – FUN RESOURCES

There are a lot of resources at this link for reading, STEM and more! Click here

LANGUAGE ARTS

RESOURCES GALORE! This is a treasure trove of learning opportunities from the Manhattan Beach School Distric. Click here.

Scholastic Magazine:

There is a plethora of reading resources on the Scholastic site.

MATH INSTRUCTION

Math Planet

We are Teachers – Math help from teachers

Online Math Learning – lessons

For Students with Special Needs

TIME MAGAZINE (click for link)

10 Tech Hacks for Struggling Readers

Time4Learning

A lot of activities and resources for our students on the spectrum.

ADAPTIVE GAMES – STAGES LEARNING

These games are adapted to children with unique challenges. Click here and fine motor exercises can be found here.

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More Ideas to Keep Busy When You are Stuck at Home!

Published on March 19, 2020April 26, 2020 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Hello All! What A WEEK! I hope you are all healthy and staying safe from COVID 19 (Corona Virus).

I am planning to continue posting about activities / online events that you can do to keep you and your loved ones busy during this Corona Virus pandemic crisis. Many of the sites listed below are educational and appropriate for students of most ages. Several were chosen to help reduce the boredom factor being experienced by teens and adults.

Part one of my “boredom busters” was published earlier this week and can be found here.

You will find the details and articles associated with thel suggestions below where you see CLICK HERE

Have a suggestion? Add it to the comment section – (Remember keep it G-rated!)

GUESS WHAT! You can dance with Debbie Allen! Instagram Live – Use @MsDebbieAllen to follow along

Wednesdays at 4p/ Eastern 1pm Pacific

PBS rocks with concerts, movies and more! Watch and CLICK HERE for some of your favorites for FREE!

YMCA 360- CLICK HERE On-Demand Videos

Stream BROADWAY shows for a fraction of the cost ($8.99 a month) CLICK here

BRAVO to Billboard for their LIVE AT HOME CONCERT SERIES. They have amassed quite a number superstars to join their online concert series. Click Here is the link to learn more