Bookish Flights: Themed Book Recommendations & Author Interviews

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In today’s episode, I am chatting with Laura Muncie. From a young age Laura loved making art, everything from playdoh models to sea glass murals on her Grandparent’s garden walls. Originally from Scotland, she moved to Germany in 2012, and currently lives in Obertshausen, Germany, near Frankfurt. She is a children’s book illustrator. Her latest book, A Very Merry Muddy Christmas was released in September 2024. This episode is such a delight! Laura shares her path to becoming an illustrator, how she structures her day for maximum magic, and the surprising ways stay-at-home parenting equips us with a treasure trove of valuable skills. Her insights into indie publishing and creative collaboration make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling and art.

Episode Highlights

• Laura’s Journey to Illustration
• Collaborative Creativity
• Art and Music Pairings
• Stay-at-Home Parenting Superpowers

Connect with Laura:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Buy What Love Can Do 

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

Book Flight

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Clement Hurd
• I am the Seed That Grew the Tree by Fiona Waters
• Rebel Orkney: Tales of insurrection from Orcadian history by Fiona Grimm and Martin Laird

Episode Introduction

You may have caught the episode introduction from Bookish Flight Alum, Jared Michaud. Jared was featured in Episode 78 and he is here today introducing his latest book, Winternight.

2024 Listener's Choice Book Flight
Vote now for your favorite fiction, non-fiction and children's book of 2024. The books you vote for do not need to be published in 2024, but read in 2024. 

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

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• Facebook
• Website

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In today’s episode, I am chatting with Liz Shipton. Lis is a freelance writer, indie author and full-time, off-grid, live-aboard sailor. She is currently sailing around the world with her boyfriend and her dog, turning her real-life adventures into speculative fiction. 

Highlights from the Episode:

• The Thalassic Series: Liz dives into the inspiration and creation of her swashbuckling dystopian water world series. With options for both YA and spicier adult audiences, this series is perfect for fans of bold adventures on the high seas.
• Publishing Insights: Liz about traditional versus indie publishing paths. 
• Sailing and Storytelling: Liz shares her favorite sailing destinations and how they’ve inspired her stories and creative process.
• Liz’s Book Flight: Her curated list features books with strong female main characters (FMCs) and sailing adventures. 

Join us for this adventurous and inspiring conversation that’s sure to ignite your wanderlust and your reading list! Happy listening!

Connect with Liz:

• Website
• Instagram / TikTok / Facebook / Threads
• Patreon

Show Notes
Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Divergent by Veronica Roth
• Satanic Verses by Salmon Rushdie
• Kazuo Ishigiro
• Douglas Adams
• Legendborn by Tracey Deonn
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
• Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Book Flight

• The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
• Swell by Liz Clark
• The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am diving into the ongoing debate: Are audiobooks considered reading? We explore the history of audiobooks, the cognitive science of comprehension, their accessibility benefits and the unique experience they provide. Plus, we discuss the powerful role audiobooks play in fostering a love of stories in children. Whether you’re a die-hard audiobook fan or a print purist, this episode offers insight and perspective on why the format matters less than the connection we make with stories.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The evolution of reading from oral storytelling to modern audiobooks.
• Scientific findings on how the brain processes audiobooks versus print.
• Why audiobooks are a crucial tool for accessibility and inclusivity.
• The immersive literary experience that narrators bring to audiobooks.
• How audiobooks support literacy and foster a love of reading in children.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Research on audiobook comprehension from the University of California, Berkeley.
• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (narrated by Jim Dale)

Book Flight - Family-Friendly Audiobooks Recommendation:

• Poppy by Avi
• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
• Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White 

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

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• Facebook
• Website

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Nicole Frail is the owner of Nicole Frail Edits, a small editing business that offers services to indie and querying authors, publishers, and small business owners. She is also the publisher of Nicole Frail Books, a super small passion-project-based publishing company with a community-focused approach that released its first two titles—As the Snow Drifts: A Cozy Winter Anthology and Another Chance to Get It Right: A New Year's Eve Anthology—under the And You Press imprint this November.

Nicole started her editing career 15 years ago in educational book production before moving to New York City to work at a traditional independent publishing company. 12 years later, after editing more than 500 books and working up to the titles of senior acquisitions editor and lead children's book editor, she turned her focus to taking Nicole Frail Edits from a part-time side hustle to a full-time small business. And somewhere along the way, Nicole Frail Books/And You Press became a reality. Nicole is a board member for Revise & Resub (#RevPit), an editor-led writing community that supports authors by offering editing-focused chats and mini-events throughout the year as well as an annual contest wherein querying authors can win feedback and edits on their full manuscripts from professional developmental editors. 

Connect with Nicole:

• Facebook for Nicole Frail Edits / Instagram for Nicole Frail Edits
• Facebook for Nicole Frail Books / Instagram for Nicole Frail Books

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• Trouble in the Stars by Sarah Phineas
• Crash Into Me by Darci St. John
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
• Amy, Number Seven by Marilyn Kaye
• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
• Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott and Mikki Daughtry

Episode Introduction

You may have caught the episode instroduction from Bookish Flight Alum, Jared Michaud. Jared was featured in Episode 78 and he is here today introducing Book 2 of the Energematrice6 series, The Vale of Mystery (The Epimyth). You can find out more about the series on his website. 

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to chat with the beloved author, Robin Jones Gunn. Robin’s storytelling journey began as early as first grade when her teacher noted her knack for entertaining the class with her stories. Though math may not have been her strong suit, Robin’s gift for storytelling shone through, and it was her husband who encouraged her gift of storytelling. Since then, Robin has published a range of works, including devotions, articles, interviews, and 15 children’s books, eventually growing her collection to over 100 books! Her latest release, Tea with Elephants, just hit the shelves last month.

Highlights:

• Robin's early storytelling days.
• The inspiring story behind her journey into writing and the creation of Tea with Elephants.
• Embracing travel as a family and how it has enriched her perspective and storytelling.
• The unique impact of listening to poetry on audio and how it brings out new layers in the experience. Her book flight includes a few of her favorite books. 

Connect with Robin Jones Gunn:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website
• Purchase Robin’s books

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
• The Glenbrook series by Robin Jones Gunn
• Summer Promise by Robin Jones Gunn (Christy Miller series, book 1)
• Victim of Grace: When God’s Goodness Prevails by Robin Jones Gunn
• Letters to an American Lady by C.S. Lewis
• Sister Chicks Down Under by Robin Jones Gunn
• All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes

Book Flight

• Perelandra by C.S. Lewis
• This Life I’ve Loved by Isobel Field
• To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donahue

This episode was sponsored by Bethany House. Today we featured Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer. A fan-favorite time travel romance that will take you on a high-seas adventure in 1727, and centuries later, with flamboyant speakeasies in 1927. Get 30% off and free shipping from Bakerbookhouse.com. Tune into Episode 112 to hear more from Gabrielle. 

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to today’s episode of Bookish Flights! This is a special one—our second BFF Book Club Meeting! The BFF Book Club is a monthly literary adventure where you read the book, join the club, and meet the author. I am beyond excited to welcome Hazel Prior to the show today to discuss, How the Penguins Saved Veronica. 

Hazel is the author of Ellie and the Harp Maker and Richard & Judy Book Club number one bestseller How the Penguins Saved Veronica. Her third book in the series, Gone with the Penguins, came out in the UK yesterday (congratulations Hazel!)! As well as writing, Hazel is a freelance harpist. She lives in Exmoor, in England, with her husband and a huge ginger cat. Happy listening!

Episode Highlights:

• Hazel’s Writing Journey: Hazel never anticipated becoming a writer. After facing a challenging illness that took her out for years, a transformative surgery made her realize life was too short to delay her dreams. Writing became her way to seize the moment. We also talked about leisuring well—embracing hobbies for their joy without the pressure to be “productive.”
• Themes from How the Penguins Saved Veronica: We delved into the themes of found family, the ability to change at any age, and forgiveness that run through Hazel’s work. 
• Hazel’s Book Flight: Hazel curated a selection of character-driven, book club-style novels for her book flight today. They all have the theme of bees or animals as well. 

Join us for this heartwarming conversation and get ready to add some new favorites to your reading list!

Connect with Hazel Prior:

• Instagram
• Website

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• Philippa Gregory books
•  Bookish Flights Episodes 19 & 20 with Jacqui Lents - Books that Spark Joy
• Shady Hollow by Juneau Black (discussed in the Anthropomorphic Book Flight episode as well)
• C.J. Sansom books
• Royal Spyness Mysteries by Rhys Bowen

Book Flight

• The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
• The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
• The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Gabrielle Meyer. Gabrielle lives on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing historical and contemporary novels inspired by real people, places and events. The river is a constant source of inspiration for Gabrielle and if you look closely, you will find a river in each of her stories. When Gabrielle is not writing, you might find her homeschooling her children, cheering them on at sporting and theatrical events, or hosting a gathering at her home with family and friends. Her latest book of the Timeless series, Across the Ages, was released yesterday. Congratulations Gabrielle!

In our conversation, she shares insights into the extensive research and travel that bring her stories to life and how she balances her time in the day as a second-generation homeschooling Mom. We explore the themes woven into her Timeless series, her favorite books to write and even discuss a special book that inspired her own journey as a writer. Her book flight includes clean historical romance novels. If you’re a fan of historical romance or interested in the life of a homeschooling writer, this episode is full of inspiration and wisdom. Tune in and enjoy!

Connect with Gabrielle Meyer:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website
• Purchase Gabrielle’s books

Show Notes

Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• The Colonel’s Lady by Laura Frantz
• The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews

Book Flight

• Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
• A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin
• A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Sharon Virts. Beyond her business acumen, Sharon is a gifted visual artist, intertwining her artistic expression with extraordinary storytelling to breathe life into intricate characters and vivid settings that captivate the heart and ignite the imagination. She has authored two bestselling novels, Masque of Honor and Veil of Doubt. Her latest novel, The Grays of Truth, was published yesterday. Sharon lives at the historic Selma Mansion in Virginia with her husband, Scott Miller, and their three Labrador retrievers. 

Key Highlights:

• Sharon’s extensive research process and how it enhances her storytelling
• Insights on how reading shapes a writer’s journey
• The power of personal stories in bringing history to life
• Sharon’s book flight includes historical fiction novels that has influenced her writing

Whether you’re a history buff, aspiring writer, or simply a lover of great stories, you’re sure to enjoy this episode with Sharon. 

Connect with Sharon Virts:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website
• Purchase Sharon’s books

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• Trixie Belden books
• The Erection Set by Mickey Spillane
• Stephen King books
• Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
• All the Glimmering Stars by Mark Sullivan
• The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan
• Diane Chamberlain books
• Amy Harmon books
• Susan Meissner books
• East of Eden by John Steinbeck
• Stephanie Dray books
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
• A Time to Kill by John Grisham
• Rednecks by Taylor Brown
• The Unicorn Woman by Gayl Jones

Book Flight

• Homecoming by Kate Morton
• Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
• The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Nicole Jansezian. Nicole lives in Jerusalem where she reports on the complicated yet beautiful aspects of this city as well as the challenges facing the people of the Holy Land. She and her husbad Tony are raising three children in a crossroads of languages, cultures and religions. 

In this episode, we dig into what brought Nicole to Jerusalem from America and what living abroad is like. We explore learning new languages and discuss what life is like in Jerusalem today. We also talk about traveling tips for families, the current state of visiting Jerusalem, and the diversity of cultures within the city. Nicole shares what makes Jerusalem so unique and vibrant. Her book flight includes selections that highlight the diversity of cultures that dwell within this incredible city.

Key Highlights:

• What drew Nicole to move from America to Jerusalem
• Insights into raising children in a multicultural, multilingual environment
• Tips for traveling with kids in Jerusalem
• The current landscape of travel to the Holy Land
• A glimpse into the rich cultural diversity of Jerusalem
• Nicole’s curated book flight celebrating the city's unique blend of cultures

Connect with Nicole Jansezian:

• Website
• Podcast
• YouTube

Show Notes

Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• Appointment in Jerusalem by Derek and Lydia Prince
• Zion Chronicles by Bodie Thoene
• The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
• Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa

Book Flight

• Parallel Lines by Ruth Marks Eglash
• Second Person Singular by Sayed Kashua
• The Knock at the Door by Margaret Ajemian Ahnert

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, we’re taking a fun detour from our usual format! After a recent trip to the library with my kids (ages 9, 6, and 4), I realized we’ve developed some solid strategies for making the most out of our visits. Not only will I share tips on how to get the right books into your kids’ hands, but I’ll also reveal how to sneak in a book you’d love too! Whether you're a regular at your local branch or gearing up for your first visit, these stress-free tips will make library time a breeze for the whole family.

Key Highlights:

Prepare for the Trip

• Set expectations: Talk to kids ahead of time about what to expect and the rules of the library.
• Set boundaries: I give my kids a book limit on how many they can pick as well as a time limit. 
• Have a TBR list ready for you: I personally use Goodreads to my a to-be read list. I recommend sorting by 'Author' to quickly find a book you’ll enjoy.
• Utilize the library hold system.

Make the Library Visit Fun 

• Let the kids explore: Encourage your kids to pick their own books using a 50/50 rule—half for fun ("fluff" books) and half for more enriching reads.
• Storytime programs and library events: Check with your local branch on events. 
• Introducing different sections: Show them around and teach them how to utilize the library. 

Cultivate a Love for Reading

• Modeling reading behavior: Read aloud to your kids and let them see you reading your own books, making reading a family affair.

Curate your TBR List

• Favorite Family Read-Alouds
• All Published Book Flights
  • Fiction Recommendations
  • Non-Fiction Recommendations
  • Children’s Books

Tune in for these practical tips and more on making your next library visit a stress-free!

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website