In today’s episode, we continue our journey into The Secret Garden with Chapters 7 and 8. Mary begins to explore more of Misselthwaite Manor and its mysterious grounds—meeting new characters, hearing whispers of secrets, and uncovering more about the locked garden. The story is just beginning to bloom!

This reading is a cozy continuation of the classic tale by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Perfect for winding down your day or sharing storytime with the family.

Plus, there is a sweet little bonus at the end! Auntie Jo Jo shares her podcast trailer for her new podcast: Legacy Lore!

Bubble gum is more than just a chewy treat — it’s a pop culture icon with roots that stretch back thousands of years. In this guest-hosted history-sode, Amelia unwraps the surprisingly sweet story of how ancient tree sap turned into the pink, stretchy, bubble-blowing favorite we know today. From ancient Greece to a Philadelphia accountant’s happy accident in 1928, you’ll learn how bubble gum went from practical chew to global sensation.

This episode is read by Amelia - an AI generated voice through ElevenLabs. She is helping out Auntie Jo Jo while she takes some sick leave from the library.

Sources:

• Smithsonian Magazine: The Invention of Bubble Gum

• National Geographic Kids: The History of Chewing Gum

• American Chemical Society: The Chemistry of Chewing Gum

• Walter Diemer Obituary, New York Times Archives (1998)

• “Gum” entry, Encyclopedia Britannica

In this longer episode of Auntie Jo Jo’s Library, we continue our journey through The Secret Garden with chapters 4, 5, and 6.

📖 Chapter 4 begins at 0:53 and ends around the 30-minute mark.
📖 Chapter 5 starts at 31:00 and ends just before the 45-minute mark.
📖 Chapter 6 follows right after.

Chapters 5 and 6 are beautifully read by Amelia, an AI-generated voice created through ElevenLabs.

Curl up with your headphones and escape into the world of Mary Lennox as the mystery of the locked garden slowly begins to unfold.

Where did the emergency word “Mayday” come from—and what does it have to do with the French language? In this History-Sode, Auntie Jo Jo explains how a clever radio officer in the 1920s invented the word that’s now used around the world to call for help in serious situations.

🛩️ A fun and fascinating story for kids about language, safety, and international teamwork!

Sources:

• BBC News: "Why do we say Mayday in an emergency?"

• Smithsonian Magazine: smithsonianmag.com

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: merriam-webster.com

• Civil Aviation Authority (UK): caa.co.uk

This episode starts our journey into the world of mystery, friendship, and blooming wonders with The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett!

Originally published in 1911, this beloved classic follows Mary Lennox—a lonely, stubborn girl who uncovers a hidden garden and discovers that sometimes, the best kind of magic is the kind that helps us grow.

Join Auntie Jo Jo each week as we read a few chapters and watch the garden—and Mary—come to life.

📖 Chapter Reading Schedule:
🌱 May 6: Chapters 1–3
🌿 May 13: Chapters 4–6
🌸 May 20: Chapters 7–9
🌼 May 27: Chapters 10–12
🌻 June 3: Chapters 13–16
🌷 June 10: Chapters 17–19
🌺 June 17: Chapters 20–23
🌾 June 24: Chapters 24–27

From the 8-hour workday to peaceful protests that changed history, this episode gives young listeners a glimpse into how workers earned their rights and why we honor them every year on this important date.

Sources:

• “The Haymarket Affair” – Chicago Historical Society

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: britannica.com

• International Labour Organization (ILO): ilo.org

• History Channel: history.com

Auntie Jo Jo had so much fun last week putting a modern twist on an old class that she did it again!

Why do Canadians say "Eh"? In this episode of Auntie Jo Jo’s Library, we’re exploring the origins and meanings of this famous little word. From friendly chats to confirming facts, "Eh" is more than just a stereotype—it's a part of Canadian culture!

• Canadian Encyclopedia: thecanadianencyclopedia.ca

• CBC Archives: cbc.ca

• Oxford English Dictionary: oed.com

This episode Auntie Jo Jo brings you a modern twist on last weeks story!

What happens when a giant beer vat bursts in the middle of London? In this episode of Auntie Jo Jo’s Library, we’re tapping into the bizarre story of the Great Beer Flood of 1814—a tidal wave of ale that swept through the streets!

• Museum of London: museumoflondon.org.uk

• BBC History: bbc.co.uk/history

• Historic UK: historic-uk.com