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Play it Again with Sonia E. Amin ( reposted from 2/14/2024)
Full Transcript available at www.valeriefentress.com/blog
Join Valerie Fentress as she talks with Dr Sonia E. Amin about her children's picture book When Love Flows.
We talk about our favorite children's books as well as Valentine's traditions in our home.
Find out more about Sonia E. Amin on her website, and find a link to her books below.
Sonia E. Amin | Bax and His Bubbles - Positive Thinking for Kids (soniaeamin.com)
When Love Flows: The Beauty of Encouraging Others (Social-Emotional Learning) - Kindle edition by Amin, Sonia, Chirinos, Arlenis. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Happy ReadingLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews author Maria Antonia about her picture book, The Christmas Elephant, A Nativity Story. They discuss family Christmas traditions, sibling dynamics, and the inspiration behind the book. Maria shares her writing journey and the process of getting her book published. They also talk about their favorite books and what to expect from Maria's upcoming projects.
Takeaways
Family traditions around Christmas can vary, such as when to put up the Christmas tree.
The Christmas Elephant is a picture book about two sisters putting on a Christmas play and the younger sister's desire to be the Christmas elephant.
The book explores themes of imperfection, uniqueness, and finding joy in unexpected moments.
Maria's writing journey began with writing stories for her nieces and nephews as birthday gifts.
Critique groups and online communities can provide valuable feedback and support for writers.
The Christmas Elephant was published after a two-book deal with Paraclete Press.
Maria's next picture book, The Runaway Sheep, is based on the parable of the lost sheep.
Readers can find more about Maria and her books on her website, where she also offers downloadable activities for kids.
Maria Antonia | children's picture book author (mariaantoniawrites.com)
Amazon.com: The Christmas Elephant: a Nativity Story: 9781640609570: Antonia, Maria, Zarrin, Laura: BooksLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Becky Van Vleet, an award-winning multi-genre author, about her children's picture book, Angelina the Traveling Angel. The book follows Angelina, a magical Christmas tree topper, as she travels from home to home and questions her worth. Becky shares the inspiration behind the book, which is part of her traveling series based on objects passed down through generations in her family. She discusses the importance of preserving family stories and memories and the impact of her own writing journey. Becky also recommends the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and shares her favorite children's book author, Patricia Palocco.
Takeaways
Preserving family stories and memories is important for passing down traditions and creating a sense of identity.
Children's books can convey important messages, such as the gospel, in a fun and engaging way.
Writing can be a fulfilling and unexpected journey, even for those who may not have considered themselves writers before.
Books have the power to impact and inspire readers, shaping their perspectives and values.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 The Inspiration for Angelina, the Traveling Angel
07:21 The Message of Angelina, the Traveling Angel
12:49 The Value of Family Stories and Memories
16:18 Becky's Writing Journey
21:48 Impactful Books in Becky's Life
23:18 Favorite Children's Books
25:42 Upcoming Projects
27:54 Where to Find Becky and Her Books
29:01 Conclusion
Home - Becky Van Vleet
Angelina, the Traveling Angel - Kindle edition by Van Vleet, Becky. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.Let's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews Dominique Okonkwo, the author of the rhyming picture book 'No Greater Love.' They discuss Dominique's inspiration for the book, the challenges of explaining God's love to children, and the importance of faith-based stories for kids. Dominique also shares her writing journey and her plans for future books. Overall, the conversation highlights the power of storytelling to teach and entertain children while reinforcing biblical truths.
Takeaways
Children's books can be a powerful tool to teach and reinforce biblical truths.
Explaining abstract concepts like God's love to children can be challenging but important.
Writing can be a therapeutic and fulfilling creative outlet.
There is a growing appreciation for creativity and the arts in our culture.
Personal experiences and questions from children can inspire and shape the stories we write.
It's important to pursue the things that God puts on our hearts, even if they don't fit traditional career paths.
Favorite books from childhood can have a lasting impact and be enjoyed across generations.
Children's books have evolved to cater to shorter attention spans, but there is still value in longer, meatier stories.
Devotionals and journals can be valuable tools for personal growth and connecting with God's word.
Writing stories that engage children's questions and interests can help them connect with biblical truths.
There is a need for diverse children's books that highlight different cultures and experiences.
Social media and websites are valuable platforms for connecting with readers and promoting books.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Favorite Pie
03:05 Teaching Children About God's Love
06:20 Inspiration and Questions from Children
10:58 Dominique's Writing Journey
12:56 Favorite Books and Impact
15:25 Evolution of Children's Books
23:24 Connecting with Dominique and Conclusion
Writer Portfolio | Dominique Okonkwo | Miami Motherhood
Amazon.com: No Greater Love: A Celebration of How High, How Deep, and How Wide God’s Love is for His Children: 9781640609310: Okonkwo, Dominique, Morena, Lhaiza: BooksLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
Nancy Tupper-Ling discusses, Bless the Earth, which is a collection of poems for children to celebrate and care for the world, co-edited with bestselling anthologist, June Cotner. The book features a variety of poetry styles and beautiful illustrations. Ling explains that poetry comes in and out of fashion, but it is making a comeback, especially with the inclusion of fun and joyful poems. The book aims to inspire children and families to appreciate and care for the Earth. Ling also shares her connection to nature and how it inspires her writing. She mentions that the book includes resources for poetry exercises and encourages readers to explore different types of poetry.
Takeaways
Bless the Earth is a poetry compilation for children that celebrates and encourages care for the world.
Poetry is making a comeback and is a powerful way to communicate big truths and emotions in a small moment.
Nature can be a source of inspiration and connection to God.
The book includes a variety of poetry styles and resources for poetry exercises.
Children's books, including poetry, can help children understand and navigate complex emotions and situations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bless the Earth
02:29 The Collection of Poems
03:40 The Power and Variety of Poetry
06:01 Finding Inspiration in Nature
08:09 Exploring Different Poetry Styles
Nancy Tupper Ling – Children’s Author and Poet
June Cotner
Bless the Earth: A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World: Cotner, June, Ling, Nancy Tupper, Song, Keum Jin: 9780593577660: Amazon.com: BooksLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews Rachael Hartzell, the author of the picture book series 'The Garden Scouts.' They discuss Rachael's favorite bugs and bug encounters, as well as the lessons we can learn from bugs.
Rachael shares the inspiration behind her book series and how she teaches the fruits of the spirit through her stories. They also talk about scouting, different cultures, and the impact of books on education. Rachael shares her journey as an author and her plans for future books. You can find Rachel on Instagram at Rachael.Hartzel.Takeaways
Bugs can teach us about God's intricate design and the importance of details.
Rachael's book series, 'The Garden Scouts,' teaches children about the fruits of the spirit in a relatable and practical way.
Rachel chose a fly as the main character to show that even the 'uglier' parts of life can have beauty and redemption.
Teaching from Rest by Sarah McKenzie and Babushka Baba Yaga by Patricia Palacco are impactful books for homeschooling and a passion for children's literature, respectively.
Rachael is self-publishing her books and is focused on promoting her first book while working on the manuscript for the second book.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Favorite Bugs
02:19 Bug Encounters
06:15 Lessons from Bugs
08:15 The Garden Scouts, Buzzing with Love
12:05 Teaching the Fruits of the Spirit
15:12 Scouting and Cultures
16:29 Choosing a Fly as the Main Character
18:48 The Next Book and Fruits of the Spirit
21:18 Rachael's Journey as an Author
23:26 Education and Homeschooling
28:07 Most Impactful Book
31:26 Future Plans
33:33 Where to Find Rachael
34:16 Conclusion
Little Honeycomb Press
The Garden Scouts: Buzzing With Love - Kindle edition by Hartzell, Rachael, Wills, Sarah-Leigh. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.Let's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, host Valerie interviews author Jennifer Bosma about her latest children's book, 'God is Three in One.' The conversation explores the inspiration behind the book, the challenges of explaining the Trinity to children, and the importance of faith-based literature. Jennifer shares her journey to becoming an author, her plans, and insights from her podcast, emphasizing the need for Christian principles in parenting and education.
Takeaways
Jennifer Bosma's book simplifies the complex concept of the Trinity for children.
The inspiration for the book came from a conversation with her granddaughter.
Writing in rhyme helped convey the message of the Trinity in an engaging way.
The book includes a salvation prayer and further study resources for deeper understanding.
Jennifer emphasizes the importance of teaching Christian principles at home.
Her journey to becoming an author began in fourth grade with a manuscript.
The Bible is Jennifer's favorite book, providing peace and guidance.
Jennifer's podcast aims to support and encourage women and mothers.
The illustrations in the book were a collaborative effort with a talented artist.
Future plans include more books and continued podcasting to reach families.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Bosma and Her Book
02:25 Inspiration Behind 'God is Three in One'
05:08 The Complexity of the Trinity Made Simple
09:30 Further Study and Salvation's Prayer
16:24 Jennifer's Journey to Becoming an Author
22:10 Future Plans and Podcast Insights
Jennifer Bosma | Christian Children's Book Author & Blogger
God is Three in One: Jennifer Bosma: 9781637972281: Amazon.com: Books Front
Parking Spot Podcast — Jennifer BosmaLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode, Healey Ikerd discusses her book, The Red Ball, and its inspiration. She shares the importance of faith and forgiveness in the story and how it teaches children valuable life lessons. Healey also talks about the impact of different lifestyles and the need for books on forgiveness. She shares her journey as an author and her upcoming projects. You can find Healey and her books on her website, writtenbyhealy.com.
Takeaways
The Red Ball teaches children about faith, forgiveness, and kindness.
Books are a great tool for teaching children important life lessons.
Different lifestyles and cultures can be understood and appreciated through books.
Forgiveness is a powerful concept that can bring healing and freedom.
Healy Ikerd has written other books for both children and adults.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Red Ball
02:23 The Inspiration Behind The Red Ball
04:02 The Themes of The Red Ball
05:01 The Importance of Faith in The Red Ball
06:37 Understanding Different Lifestyles
07:41 Comparing Lifestyles
08:46 The Message of The Red Ball
09:57 Teaching Forgiveness and Kindness
10:57 The Power of Forgiveness
12:06 The Impact of Emotions on Children
13:14 The Need for Books on Forgiveness
14:20 The Importance of Books in Parenting
16:08 Healy's Other Books
21:27 The Most Impactful Book in Healy's Life
24:06 Upcoming Projects
26:39 Where to Find Healy and Her Books
27:30 Conclusion
Written by Healey - Home
Amazon.com: The Red Ball: A Story of Friendship and Forgiveness: 9798989944705: Ikerd, Healey E: BooksLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
Maryna Doughty tells us about her middle-grade book Sincerely Diary, which explores friendships and relationships in middle school. She shares her inspiration for the book, including her own experiences with betrayal and deception. Maryna also talks about the devotional resource accompanying the book, which covers topics such as self-acceptance, peer pressure, and forgiveness. She emphasizes the importance of honesty and discernment for young readers. Maryna discusses her journey as an author and her favorite books. She also gives a sneak peek of her upcoming book, Confessions of a Stepsister. Listeners can find more information about Marina and her books on her website.
Takeaways
Sincerely Diary is a middle-grade book that explores friendships and relationships in middle school.
The book addresses important topics such as self-acceptance, peer pressure, and deception.
A devotional resource accompanies the book, providing biblical perspectives on friendship, honesty, and forgiveness.
Marina Doughty's upcoming book, Confessions of a Stepsister, delves into themes of sabotage, forgiveness, and identity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Middle School Experience
02:03 Understanding Friendships and Relationships
03:09 Inspiration for the Book
05:07 The Devotional Resource
07:45 The Relevance of the Book for Young Readers
11:16 Lessons and Themes in the Book
15:40 Becoming an Author and Favorite Books
19:48 Upcoming Book: Confessions of a Stepsister
22:49 Release Date and Where to Find More Information
24:21 Conclusion
About Me | Maryna Doughty
Sincerely, Diary: A middle grade magical realism novel: Doughty, Maryna, Yang, Kaitlin: 9798989035915: Amazon.com: BooksLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
Abbi Lee, author of Geocache Club, Ghost Town Treasure Hunt, discusses her book and the concept of geocaching. Geocaching is a modern-day treasure-hunting activity where participants hide and find containers, called geocaches, using GPS coordinates. Abbi shares her personal experiences with geocaching and explains the different types of geocaches. She also talks about the inspiration behind her book and how it incorporates themes of friendship, history, and dealing with change. Abbi discusses her journey as an author and her favorite books. She also gives a sneak peek into the upcoming books in the Geocache Club series.
Takeaways
Geocaching is a modern-day treasure-hunting activity where participants hide and find containers using GPS coordinates.
The Geocache Club book series explores themes of friendship, history, and dealing with change.
Abbi Lee drew inspiration from the story of Forrest Finn, who hid a treasure chest in the Rocky Mountains and combined it with her love for geocaching.
The books in the Geocache Club series aim to encourage kids to explore their towns, discover hidden gems, and appreciate history.
Abbi Lee is currently working on the second and third books in the Geocache Club series.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Geocache Club and Abbi Lee
03:36 Friendship, History, and Change in Geocache Club
04:55 Inspiration and Kansas in Geocache Club
05:23 The Journey of an Author: Abbi Lee
09:05 Favorite Books and Impactful Reads
12:05 What's Next in the Geocache Club Series?
Abbi Lee Books – Children's Author (wordpress.com)Let's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Amanda Cleary Eastep, author of the Tree Street Kids series. Amanda shares her inspiration for her recent trip to India and how it influenced her writing. She discusses the fifth book in the series, The Beastie of Brambly Bald, and the themes of family dynamics and curiosity that are explored. Amanda also talks about engaging middle-grade readers and the importance of playfulness and humor in children's literature. She shares her favorite books, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Wrinkle in Time, and the impact they had on her. Finally, Amanda discusses her future projects and where to find more information about her and her books.
Takeaways
Travel experiences can inspire and influence writing.
Engaging middle-grade readers requires playfulness and curiosity.
Children's literature should explore themes of family dynamics and different perspectives.
Books have the power to impact and inspire readers.
Future projects include continuing the Tree Street Kids series and exploring new adventures.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Random Question
01:25 Inspiration for Trip to India
03:40 Inspiration for Book: The Beastie of Brambly Bald
07:05 Engaging Middle Grade Readers
10:27 Writing Playful and Curious Stories
15:07 Themes in The Beastie of Brambly Bald
17:01 Exploring Relationships and Different Perspectives
18:26 Favorite Books: To Kill a Mockingbird and A Wrinkle in Time
21:36 Impact of Books and Writing
23:36 Future Projects
25:03 Where to Find More Information
26:00 ConclusionLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
Carolyn Leiloglou discusses her middle-grade series, The Restorationists, and the inspiration behind it. The series takes place in a world where art is powerful and paintings are portals. The first book, Beneath This Rolling Sky, follows Vincent as he discovers his family's role as Restorationists and tries to protect his sister. The second book, Between Flowers and Bones, shifts to Georgia's perspective as she grapples with her own insecurities and learns the value of her unique gifts. Carolyn shares her own journey as a writer and the impact of books like The Chronicles of Narnia. She also emphasizes the importance of creativity and encourages kids to embrace their own creative abilities.
Takeaways
The Restorationists is a middle-grade series that explores a world where art is powerful and paintings are portals.
The first book, Beneath This Rolling Sky, follows Vincent as he discovers his family's role as Restorationists and tries to protect his sister.
The second book, Between Flowers and Bones, shifts to Georgia's perspective as she grapples with her own insecurities and learns the value of her unique gifts.
Carolyn emphasizes the importance of creativity and encourages kids to embrace their own creative abilities.
Books like The Chronicles of Narnia have had a profound impact on Carolyn's life and inspired her own writing journey.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Random Question
03:00 The Restorationists: A Middle-Grade Adventure
08:02 Embracing Creativity: Lessons from The Restorationists
11:46 The Power of Art: Inspiration and Impact
21:37 Future of The Restorationists and Where to Find Carolyn
Home - Carolyn Leiloglou
Amazon.com: Between Flowers and Bones (The Restorationists): 9780593579572: Leiloglou, Carolyn, To, Vivienne: BooksLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this bonus episode, Valerie interviews several contributors to the Go Bible project, including author Amy Parker. They discuss their favorite Bible stories, the importance of the Go Bible project, and their motivation to read the Bible. The Go Bible is a comprehensive resource for children that includes color illustrations, special pages with activities and devotional stories, and memory verses. The contributors emphasize the power of the Word of God and the transformative impact it can have on children's lives.
00:30- Amy Parker
01:45- Amy Parker's Favorite Bible Story
07:30- Amy Parker's Joy in working on the Go: Bible's Special Pages and Highlighted Bible Verses
14:07- Joshua Cooley ( Interview about Joshua's Book Can't Believe my Eyes )
14:27- Joshua's Favorite Bible Story
17:57- Joshua Cooley Intentional added to a team that work on the Introductions to each book of the Bible.
21:18 - Tama Fortner ( Interview about Tama's book God I Feel Scared)
21:46 - Tama's Favorite Bible Story
25:14 - Tama added to the Know and Grow Sections of the Go: Bible
29:14 - Jesse Florea
30:12 - Jesse Florea's Favorite Bible Story
36:26- Jesse Florea added his love of God's word to the Introduction sections of each book of the Bible as well as a Seek and Find Challenge
40:45 - Xochitl Dixon (Interview about Xochitl's books What Color is God's Love )
41:21 -Xochitl Dixon's favorite Bible Story
47:41 -Xochitl added her love and wisdom to the Choose to Change elements of the Go Bible
51:01- ConclusionLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews John Hendrix, a New York Times bestselling illustrator and author of children's books. They discuss his latest book, 'The Mythmakers,' which explores the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and their impact on storytelling and literature. They also talk about the power of myth and fantasy, the complexities of friendship, and the importance of community for artists. John shares his advice for parents of creative children and gives a sneak peek into his upcoming projects.
Takeaways
The Mythmakers explores the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and their influence on storytelling and literature.
Myth and fantasy have the power to convey truth and engage readers of all backgrounds.
Friendship can be complex, and it's important to have mutual respect and love even when disagreements arise.
Artists should embrace their interests and create work that is interesting and engaging, regardless of whether it is explicitly faith-based.
Encourage children's creativity by providing them with art supplies and opportunities to practice and share their work.
Art doesn't have to be perfect; it's about the process and expression.
Community is essential for artists, and being part of a supportive creative community can enhance one's work.
John Hendrix has upcoming projects, including the release of The Mythmakers and a follow-up to his book Drawing is Magic.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
04:47 The Power of Myth and Fantasy in Storytelling
12:45 Navigating the Complexities of Friendship
23:30 Encouraging Children's Artistic Journey
28:13 Upcoming Projects: 'The Mythmakers' and More
Keywords
John Hendrix, illustrator, author, children's books, The Mythmakers, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, friendship, storytelling, literature, myth, fantasy, art, community, creativity, parents, advice
Let's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this Replay from Season Two of the Bookworthy podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Anna Cook, the author of Brynn and Amir in the Magical Map. They discuss Anna's favorite thing about winter, her age and accomplishments as a 15-year-old published author, and the challenges she faced while writing the book. Anna shares the inspiration behind the story and how her faith has grown throughout the writing process. They also talk about the unlikely partnership between the main characters, Brynn and Amir, and the message Anna hopes kids will take away from the book. Anna reveals her plans for future books in the series and her dream travel destination. Overall, the conversation highlights Anna's passion for writing and her desire to inspire young readers.
Takeaways
Anna Cook, a 15-year-old author, shares her experience of writing and publishing her debut book, Brynn and Amir in the Magical Map.
The book follows the adventures of Brynn and Amir as they discover a magical map that takes them to different countries, starting with Mexico.
Anna hopes that kids will be inspired to make a difference and be open-minded about other cultures after reading her book.
She plans to continue the series and take Brynn and Amir on more adventures to different countries.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:39 Favorite Thing About Winter
01:22 Not a Fan of Winter
01:48 Age and Accomplishments
02:33 Supportive Classmates
03:02 Inspiration to Write
03:50 Faith and Writing
04:43 Challenges of Writing a Book
05:40 Building Confidence
06:09 The Story of Brynn and Amir in the Magical Map
07:19 Choosing Mexico as the Setting
08:16 Unlikely Partners
09:01 Balancing Each Other Out
09:33 Impactful Books
10:03 Favorite and Most Impactful Books
11:04 Dreams of Becoming an Author
13:38 Childhood Career Aspirations
15:51 Favorite Children's Books
16:44 Message of Brendan Amir in the Magical Map
18:01 Future Plans for the Series
18:35 Dream Travel Destination
19:44 Where to Find More About Anna and Her Books
20:12 Conclusion
Let's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews author Becca Wierwelle about her middle-grade adventure book, 'Road Trip Rescue.' They discuss their favorite road trips, the inspiration behind the book, and the importance of embracing differences. Bekah shares her journey to becoming an author and how she finds story ideas. They also talk about impactful books and the messages Bekah hopes to communicate to kids through her writing. The episode concludes with a discussion about future road trip plans.
Takeaways
Embrace the differences that make you unique and extraordinary.
Children's books have a special place in our hearts and can shape us during our formative years.
Writing can be a way to process childhood experiences and emotions.
Asking 'why' and observing the world around you can lead to creative story ideas.
Reading to children is a great way to bond and introduce them to the joy of books.
Road trips can be a source of inspiration for writing and personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Favorite Road Trips
01:48 Introduction to 'Road Trip Rescue' and Kimmy's Journey
03:12 Inspiration for the Book and Writing About Personal Struggles
05:34 Writing for Children and Embracing Differences
08:29 Becoming an Author and Writing for Kids
11:55 Finding Story Ideas and Asking 'Why'
13:14 Favorite Books and Impactful Reads
14:45 Reading to Children and Impactful Books
17:18 Writing the Sequel and Road Trip to Guatemala
19:38 Themes in 'Road Trip Rescue' and Messages for Kids
20:43 Where to Find More About Becca's Books
21:27 Road Trip Plans
22:32 Conclusion
Let's discover great books together!
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Join Valerie Fentress as she chats with Illustrator and Author couple Liz and Jack Hagler.
We talk about their book series Patrick Wigglesworth's Bizarre Bible Tales, a graphic novel for fans of Dogman and Captain Underpants, but with a Christian worldview.
Find out more about Liz, Jack, and Patrick on the links below.
Happy Reading!
Bizarre Bible Adventure (patrickwigglesworth.com)
Amazon.com: Dangerous Dilemmas (Patrick Wigglesworth’s Bizarre Bible Adventure): 0031809133569: Hagler, Liz, Hagler, Jack: BooksLet's discover great books together!
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Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews JJ Levan, the author of the picture book 'He Made You to Be You.' They discuss JJ's inspiration for writing the book, which focuses on a neurodiverse child and their exploration of their day. They also talk about the importance of normalizing neurodivergent experiences and the challenges faced by families with neurodivergent children. JJ shares her personal journey as a parent of a child with autism and offers advice for parents facing a new autism diagnosis. She also discusses her upcoming project, 'We Saw Mice,' which aims to promote understanding and acceptance of disabilities. Throughout the conversation, JJ emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and finding beauty in the midst of challenges.
Takeaways
The book 'He Made You to Be You' explores the experiences of a neurodiverse child and emphasizes the message that God is with them and loves them unconditionally.
Parents of neurodivergent children often struggle to find books that address their child's unique experiences. JJ Levan wrote the book she couldn't find, aiming to provide support and understanding for families in similar situations.
Acceptance and trust in God are crucial for parents facing a new autism diagnosis. It is important to remember that God hears and sees them, and he loves their child.
JJ Levan's upcoming project, 'We Saw Mice,' aims to promote awareness and acceptance of disabilities, particularly among children. The book will encourage readers to believe that friends with challenges can shine every day.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Favorite Things About Spring
03:10 Introduction to the Book 'He Made You to Be You'
08:21 Inspiration Behind Writing the Book
11:41 Supporting Neurodivergent Children and Siblings
16:23 Advice for Parents Facing a New Autism Diagnosis
20:04 JJ's Journey to Becoming an Author
23:49 The Most Impactful Book in JJ's Life
26:12 Upcoming Project: 'We Saw Mice'
28:10 Where to Find More Information about JJ and Her BooksFind out more about JJ LeVan and her book on the links below.
J. J. LeVan | Autism (jjlevan.com)
He Meant You to Be You - Kindle edition by LeVan, J. J. , Newton, James. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.Let's discover great books together!
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Repost from 10/18/2023
Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Laura Sasse, the author of the Tender Heart Prayer Book. They discuss various topics related to prayer and children's literature. The conversation covers fall activities, the inspiration behind the Tender Heart Prayer Book, the importance of prayer throughout the day, teaching children to pray in everyday moments, expressing gratitude in prayer, and more. Laura shares insights into her writing journey and recommends her favorite adult and children's books. She also reveals her upcoming book, My Tender Heart Devotions. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of prayer in children's lives and provides practical tips for incorporating prayer into daily routines.
Takeaways
-Prayer is not limited to specific times of the day but can be incorporated into everyday moments.
-Teaching children to pray in everyday situations helps them develop a habit of constant communication with God.
-Expressing gratitude in prayer helps children recognize and appreciate God's blessings.
-Writing prayers for children can deepen the author's own prayer life and provide a meaningful quiet time.
-Books that combine words and illustrations can engage young children in prayer and help them understand abstract concepts.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:54 Discussion about Fall Activities
01:58 Inspiration for the Tender Heart Prayer Book
03:14 Importance of Prayer Throughout the Day
04:03 Impact of Writing Prayers for Children on the Author's Prayer Life
05:08 Teaching Children to Pray in Everyday Moments
06:22 Encouraging Children to Pray for Others
07:01 Incorporating Prayer into Daily Routines
08:05 Using Prayer to Reset and Calm Emotions
09:36 Expressing Gratitude in Prayer
11:20 Author's Writing Journey
12:34 Favorite Adult Book (Other than the Bible)
14:17 Favorite Children's Book (Other than the Author's Own)
15:14 Upcoming Book: My Tender Heart Devotions
17:54 Where to Find More Information about the Author
19:21 Conclusion and Farewell
Laura Sassi Tales – Children's author and speaker spreading messages of hope and joy one story at a time (wordpress.com)Let's discover great books together!
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Join Valerie Fentress as she chats with Kelli McKinney about her middle-grade novel Jeff Pennant's Field Guide to Happy Parents.
We talk about video games, understanding our pre-teens, and all the books that inspire us.
Find out more about Kelli at her website and find a link to her book below.
Happy Reading!
Home - Kelli McKinney
Jeff Pennant's Field Guide To Raising Happy Parents: McKinney, Kelli: 9781953743183: Amazon.com: BooksLet's discover great books together!
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Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast
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