When Chelsey and Sara found out we were both expecting new family members, literally just a few days apart, many conversations of course turned to all things pregnancy and baby. We wanted to consider how motherhood would impact our reading lives and today we're thrilled to have Anne Bogel on the podcast to talk about raising readers and reading in the hazy newborn days. Anne is an author, blogger, and host of the What Should I Read Next podcast. She's also one of our favorite literary therapists, who happens to be a mom of four. In this conversation, we talk about simple strategies to encourage a love of reading in kids as well as tips for maintaining a robust reading life as a new parent. And, of course, we couldn't let Anne leave without recommending a few books to us! She shares some of her favorites for readalouds alongside some adult fiction that touches on themes of parenthood.

Preorder Anne's new book journal, My Reading Life (out September 21st), to access a batch of preorder goodies that are perfect for avid readers. And keep up with Anne's reading life by following her on Instagram at @annebogel and @whatshouldireadnext or by visiting her blog ModernMrsDarcy.com.

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Books mentioned:

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo by Kevin Lewis

Press Here by Herve Tullet

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by John Archambault and Bill Martin

The Book with No Pictures by BJ Novak

Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel

The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger

Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger

The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischvili

Landslide by Susan Conley

Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan