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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

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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

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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: Books

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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 Books

Find 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.

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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)

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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: Books

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Summary

 In this episode, Valerie interviews award-winning author Aliyah Zobel Nolan about her latest book, 'Harriet, Hurry Up and the So Slow Day.' They discuss Aliyah's experiences in school, her love for poetry, and the inspiration behind her book on patience. They also talk about the importance of waiting, the impact of technology on children, and the power of reading and creativity. Aliyah shares her upcoming projects, including two cat books and a personal memoir. The episode ends with a contest announcement for a Harriet doll giveaway.

Takeaways

 Patience is a virtue that can be learned through trust in God's timing.

Children need opportunities to be still, explore, and let their minds wander.

Reading and engaging with books can foster creativity and imagination in children.

Technology can hinder children's ability to interact with the world and ask questions.

Illustrations in children's books play an important role in engaging young readers.

Upcoming projects from Aliyah Zobel Nolan include two cat books and a personal memoir.

A contest will be held to give away a Harriet doll.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

04:11 The Power of Reading and Poetry

07:56 The Inspiration Behind 'Harriet, Hurry Up and the So Slow Day'

09:53 The Impact of Technology on Children

12:15 The Importance of Boredom and Creativity

23:58 The Most Impactful Book in Aliyah's Life

26:22 Upcoming Projects and Contest Announcement

32:07 Conclusion

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 Summary

 Elizabeth James, author of the Pippa Potter series, discusses her inspiration behind the books and the research she conducted on the White House. She also shares her experience illustrating the books and how she addresses anxiety in the stories. Elizabeth talks about her writing journey and her favorite books. She concludes by discussing her future projects and where to find her online.

 Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Background

03:07 Inspiration behind Pippa Potter

06:25 Researching the White House

09:44 Reception of the Books

11:46 Illustrating the Books

15:55 Addressing Anxiety in the Books

19:24 Writing Journey

21:48 Favorite Books

23:56 Future Projects

25:32 Where to Find Elizabeth James

26:20 Conclusion

www.valeriefentress.com/blog

Pippa Speaks Up!: A Heartwarming, Illustrated White House Adventure Supporting Kids’ Mental Health with Empowering Anxiety-Relief Strategies for Girls ... (Pippa Potter, President's Daughter Book 1) - Kindle edition by James, Elizabeth, James, Elizabeth. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Elizabeth James writes children's books

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Summary

 In this bonus episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews Joshua Cooley, the author of the children's book 'I Can't Believe My Eyes.' They discuss the importance of addressing big questions about God with children and how everyday experiences can be used to teach them about faith. Joshua shares some of the funny and strange questions he has been asked by kids, and they talk about the role of fathers in modeling faith. They also discuss Joshua's involvement in the Go Bible project, a Bible for kids that includes book introductions and helps them understand the relevance of Scripture.

Takeaways

 Addressing big questions about God with children is important for building a strong foundation of faith from a young age.

Everyday experiences can be used to teach children about faith and help them understand the existence of God.

Fathers play a crucial role in modeling faith for their children and answering their questions.

The Go Bible project is a valuable resource for helping kids understand the relevance and importance of Scripture.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Joshua Cooley's Book

03:06 Addressing Big Questions About God with Children

05:57 Using Everyday Experiences to Teach Children about Faith

09:08 The Role of Fathers in Modeling Faith

12:11 Coming Soon From Joshua Cooley

I Can’t Believe My Eyes: Joshua Cooley, Hannah Green: 9781914966811: Amazon.com: Books

Josh Cooley (joshuacooleyauthor.com)

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