Learning to read is hard, but with “My Pet Bug” it is fun.

Abriella Milazzo’s book, “My Pet Bug” (25 pages; Bright Communications; paperback $14.95; 2024), is designed for beginning readers ages three to eight.

As you open the book, there are short sentences on one page, and colored pictures on the pages next to it, which makes it easy to recognize the words.

There are also games and exercises at the end and a few discussion questions.

Milazzo will present a reading of “My Pet Bug,” 10 a.m. Feb. 20, Bethlehem Visitor Center, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, SteelStacks, Bethlehem.

At a diner in Emmaus, Milazzo is bursting with energy as she talks about her writing and the many projects connected with it. She says she does not plan to release a digital copy of the book. That would take away the magic of reading a book on paper, says Milazzo, who wrote and illustrated “My Pet Bug.”

“I don’t want kids staring at a screen. Another world opens up for them each time they turn a page. And they can carry it with them.” A physical book is something that can be shared. “Kids can use it if they don’t know how to read. Some of them don’t have any books at home.

“It took me three years to write. I thought up the idea in the middle of the night and brought it to my classrooms before it was published.

“This book represents the 32 years of my life, combining teaching, my art based in different mediums, yoga instruction, and learning from my travels.” Milazzo has traveled across the United States, once with her two cats, as well as to Europe and Central America.

She teaches yoga for all ages, mostly beginners, and has certification for Montessori early childhood education.

Montessori is an educational method that uses a child’s natural inclinations and interests instead of formal, rote learning. Nearly all the words in “My Pet Bug” are “pink” words, those of three letters or less that form short vowel sounds, the basic words that a child first learns.

The book grew from an assignment Milazzo was given during her Montessori training to write a story using easy words.

A make-your-own soft and furry bug kit accompanies “My Pet Bug,” as well as a coloring book, lesson plans, and bookmarks. Milazzo has them at her personal appearances and can provide them by email request from her website at www.abriellamilazzo.com. The toy bugs are available with the book at www.publishizer.com/my-pet-bug.

Milazzo enjoys presenting her book in person at schools or community events. “My school readings are like a party. It is an opportunity to have fun. Kids can color their own bugs.” She also often does face painting for youths.

Originally from Long Island, Milazzo graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Environmental Science. She moved to the Lehigh Valley four years ago and now lives in East Greenville.

For many years, she has felt that she is destined to write a book for adults, and thinks that she may do another children’s book intended for older children with high reading levels.

“Literary Scene” is a column about authors, books and publishing. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com