Get to Know Us
Because we believe that today’s education should connect the skills, craftsmanship, traditions, and unplugged approach of the past with leading methods found in present day learning, we create story-based curriculum packages designed to inspire curiosity in early learners and their grownups as they explore new and exciting subjects.
Our Mission
We are a team of educators, innovators, creatives, and parents who are committed to folding the craftsmanship, artistry, and beauty of traditional skills into modern learning concepts. Our unique, story-based approach marries the immersion of an unplugged childhood with some of the latest learning methods to help satisfy the natural inquisitiveness of little learners who constantly ask, “How does that work?” Our curriculum packages are crafted around immersive, story-based experiences designed to foster curiosity while bolstering vital skills like problem solving, independent thinking, creative expression, and social-emotional growth.
Our Story
As a group of life-long learners ourselves, our love for authentic, well-crafted, effective, and beautifully executed educational materials runs deep. While each of us brings a unique and vital skillset to the table, our common world of experience begins with learning through the unequivocal draw that a good book brings. In recent years, the surge of screen dependency, AI-generated learning materials, the social development concerns for “COVID babies,” and the general mental drain from too much technology for both children and their grownups made us yearn for a quieter, simpler, more grounded take on early education.
Call us nostalgic for the freedom of unplugged childhoods, suckers for the cozy cottagecore trend that suggests we aren’t the only ones, or simply a group of artistic nerds who want to help children and their grownups take deep dives into some of our own favorite subjects… But, however you see us, know that we see you and your little ones, too, and we want to give you better, high-quality options.
Our caringly crafted curriculum packages were made for parents, caregivers, educators, homeschool co-ops, and summer camps to use as supplementary materials for curious children. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to introduce little ones to foundational concepts or want to capture their interest with completely new subjects, you’ll find just what you need in our story-based learning approach. With loveable characters, creative presentation, and beautiful illustrations, we know you and your children will love Tolle Lege
Tolle Lege: Take Up and Read!
Where did the name, “Tolle Lege Learning” come from?
The Latin phrase, Tolle Lege (toh-leh leh-geh) means, “take up and read,” and is associated with an eye-opening moment in the life of St. Augustine of Hippo. In a season of despair, Augustine heard the voice of a child in a nearby house proclaiming, “tolle lege, tolle lege!” He took this as a sign from God, and opened a copy of the Bible, setting him on a journey of discovery and conversion that would completely transform his life. As a result, St. Augustine left a legacy of faith, philosophy, and influential works that have played a vital role in shaping the Western world.
Inspired by this story, and by the power of learning through reading, we have created curriculum packages that encourage children and grownups alike to tolle lege– take up and read!
Meet Our Creators
Christine Malone Kline– Curriculum Director
Christine Malone Kline has been teaching for over 30 years in a variety of settings and age groups, from pre-k to 12, in the classroom, privately, and virtually. In her tenure, Christine has served as an Orchestral Director and Choral Director, and has taught violin, piano, music history, music theory, and theology. Christine has organized and led performances at Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Kimmel Center and Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Throughout her classroom career, Christine has also served on several curriculum committees as well as committees to develop humanities based learning opportunities.
Christine received her B.A. in Music from Immaculata University and M.M. in Music Education from Boston University. She then studied theology at the Catholic University of America. A pioneer in humanities-based learning, Christine has integrated this philosophy in various ways throughout her teaching career.
Christine lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband, John, their two children, and their German Shorthaired Pointers, Gretchen and Birdie.
Marie DiLeva – Creative Director
Marie DiLeva has spent nearly two decades bringing stories to life through illustration, from dinosaurs and dragons to vibrant worlds that spark the imagination. A graduate of the University of the Arts, she’s created artwork for everything from children’s books and trading cards to murals and magazines. Now, as a Creative Director, she blends playful creativity with curiosity to craft work that draws audiences into worlds that are inviting—and just a little bit magical.
Marie is an avid gardener and cook who spends her free time watching horror movies with her fiancée, Drew, and her three spicy cats, Parsley, Pepper, and Sage. On weekends she can be found hanging out in nature, playing video games, or working on traveling to all of the National Parks in the United States.
Emily Buenzle – Editorial Director
Emily Buenzle is a seasoned marketing writer-turned-children’s-book-author who finds joy in sharing her love of animals, a good rhyme, and interesting topics with young learners. Emily holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in writing and rhetoric from Villanova University, where she specialized in narrative nonfiction.
Throughout her career, Emily has written for a variety of industries, from B2B marketing and small business support to heavy iron, design build, early childhood education, higher education, and franchise marketing. No matter what the focus, however, Emily is always eager to tell a brand’s story in ways that captivate and enthrall audiences. She is now glad to pivot her skills and use the magic of storytelling to help little ones learn to love learning just as much as she does.
When she isn’t writing, Emily can be found renovating her third-generation farmhouse in the Philadelphia suburbs, listening to bagpipe music, knitting, and spending time with her husband, children, and Kerry Blue Terrier, Scout. While Emily once had aspirations to become a sheep farmer, she has learned that the penguins in her books are much easier to handle than a fleecy flock.
John C. Kline – Director of Content Marketing
John C. Kline is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Throughout the course of his career, John’s oil paintings have been in museums and galleries throughout Philadelphia and New York City.
Dedicated to helping students develop their own artistic skills, John taught art both in the classroom and through private lessons for close to two decades. At the same time, John became interested in the creativity in web design and marketing, and launched an SEO consulting firm to support businesses of all sizes. An expert in his field, John is now glad to combine his knowledge with his love of creative discovery at Tolle Lege.
In his earlier years, John thought his career trajectory would include making it big as a drummer with his 1980s punk band, Inhuman Condition. Their music caught the attention of renowned music producer Jim Femino, who recorded the band’s debut album and sought to become their manager. However, when Femino was offered an opportunity in the Nashville music scene that he couldn’t refuse, Inhuman Condition’s aspirations shifted. After that, John ultimately decided to turn his attention to painting, teaching, SEO, and the love of his life, Christine– but he still manages to inject a bit of countercultural flair into his work when the opportunity presents itself.
Our Never-AI Promise
In an increasingly automated world where AI-generated content is having its heyday, we, as parents and educators, feel convicted to create a protected corner of early learning where thoughtful, intentional, and memorable content is:
Created by real people with exceptional skills.
Designed for your child– not for clicks, views, or engagement.
Made to hold its foundational value long after trends fade away.
Explore Our Curated Curriculums!
Discover a world where stories come to life with our delightful curiosity packages. Browse our collection of children’s books and other educational materials to find the perfect fit for your young learner. Don’t miss out on the adventure– take up and read today!