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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: Books

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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.

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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 Bosma

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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: Books

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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: Books

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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)

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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 Conclusion

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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: Books

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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- Conclusion 

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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

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