Kindergarten at 60
A Memoir of Teaching in Thailand
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Teaching kindergarten in Thailand wasn’t the job Dian Seidel had in mind when, at age sixty and craving adventure, she convinced her husband that they should try working abroad. But coping with rambunctious children, sweltering heat, and Covid-19 turned out to be the challenge she needed. Struggling to understand Thai culture, their school, and their marriage, could she learn Thailand’s essential lesson: mai pen rai, don’t worry, keep cool?
Part travel memoir and part second act story, Kindergarten at 60 is a retirement tale like none other. With gentle humor and polished prose, Seidel explores universal themes via the adventures of everyday life. Job-hunting retirees confront age restrictions. A couple navigates 24/7 togetherness for the first time in their lives. Professionals accustomed to working with adults are overwhelmed, and charmed, by a passel of two-, three-, and four-year-olds. An introvert struggles to forge cross-cultural and cross-generational friendships. Americans face the challenges of the five-tone Thai language and five-alarm Thai chilies.
Seidel’s heartwarming story offers a unique perspective on contemporary Thailand and introduces readers to an unforgettable cast of characters at Pathum Thani Prep. Join the journey, meet the kids, and experience Kindergarten at 60.
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Available online in several PRINT formats:
ISBN 978-1-62720-445-3 Hardcover
ISBN 978-1-62720-446-0 Paperback
ISBN 978-1-62720-447-7 Ebook
Barnes & Noble Amazon Bookshop.org Target
or inquire at your favorite bookseller
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Listen to the AUDIOBOOK
ISBN 9798823465243
Beautifully narrated by Nan McNamara
Libro.fm chirp Audible Audiobooks.com
and many other audiobook sellers
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"interesting, informative, exceptionally well written ... warm and inviting ...
this book is quite a delight ... a winner on all counts" - Feathered Quill Book Award
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AWARDS:
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Feathered Quill Book Award for Memoir/Biography - Silver (2nd place)
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Feathered Quill Book Award for Debut Author - Finalist
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Chanticleer International Hearten Award for Inspiring and Uplifting Nonfiction - Finalist
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Royal Dragonfly Book Award for Audiobooks - Honorable Mention
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YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER ...
Except when you can!
I love April Hartman's design for the cover of Kindergarten at 60. From the Thai skyline at the bottom to the child-like lettering for the title, each element evokes something essential about the story.
The two pairs of shoes perfectly embody two of the book's central themes: (1) relationships between older adults and children (and between older adults and younger ones) and (2) the challenges and rewards of putting oneself in another's shoes.
Still, I was intrigued when Publishers Weekly/Booklife offered to do a cover redesign. What do you think of Michelle Argyle Park's reimagined cover? Let me know!