Our Story

Maggie Yolen and Meghan Calhoun, the creators of How Now, met while working at an elementary school—Maggie as a literacy and learning specialist, and Meghan as a visual arts teacher. During this time, reading curriculums in schools across the country began changing to reflect a science-informed approach to reading instruction. The books available to young readers, however, were not similarly advancing to reflect the latest insights into how children learn to read. 

Maggie was frustrated by the lack of quality books available to her students. Most texts for beginning readers use predictable language and are full of challenging words that a child just learning to read isn’t ready to sound out. Meghan, a parent of an early reader herself, was disappointed by the uninspired illustrations in the books her child’s school sent home. Young readers deserve better!

And so, Maggie and Meghan started How Now, a reading company that offers a new kind of book for beginning readers. Cat and Tad is written with the latest science on how children learn to read in mind, with engaging and colorful illustrations. Our books are written by Maggie, designed by Meghan, and feature painted illustrations by their friend, artist Blade Wynne. 

 

Thanks for reading with us.