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REPLAY from 11/1/2023

Summary

 In this episode of the Bookworthy podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Courtney Siebring about her debut children's book, Little Spark of Life. They discuss topics such as Halloween candy, tackling the sensitive topic of where babies come from, engaging a kid's curiosity, engaging in the pro-life community, and more. Courtney shares her journey and how her daughter's fascination with pregnancy and childbirth inspired her to write the book. They also talk about the importance of encouraging children's passions and the impact of books in their lives. Courtney shares her plans for future projects and building community around creativity.

Takeaways

 Encourage children's curiosity and engage in conversations about sensitive topics from an early age.

Support and encourage children's passions and interests, allowing them to explore different career paths.

Introduce complex words and rich language in children's books to expand their vocabulary and foster a love for learning.

Building community around creativity and expression is important for personal growth and connection.

Books have the power to impact and shape our lives, and it's important to embrace the diversity of literature.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction

00:23 Halloween Candy

01:16 Favorite Type of Candy

02:06 Tackling the Sensitive Topic of Where Babies Come From

03:30 Engaging a Kid's Curiosity

04:17 Engaging in the Pro-Life Community

06:50 Combining Daughter's Curiosity and Pro-Life Message

07:19 Daughter's Reaction to the Book

08:30 Encouraging Children's Passions

09:15 Courtney's Background in Theater and Voiceover

10:53 Impactful Books in Courtney's Life

13:16 Educating Children's Imagination

14:14 Healing and Redemption

15:25 Becoming an Author

18:47 Favorite Children's Book

20:28 Introducing Complex Words to Kids

21:12 Building Community Around Creativity

22:07 What's Next for Courtney

22:34 Where to Find More about Courtney and Her Books

23:18 Conclusion

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Summary

 In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Tama Fortner, the author of the children's book 'God, I Feel Scared.' They discuss childhood fears, the importance of trusting God with fear, and the power of children's books. Tama shares her experience collaborating with prominent authors and the impact of books in her own life. She also talks about her writing journey and her upcoming adult devotional. Listeners are encouraged to check out Tama's books and engage in the comments section.

Takeaways

 Fear is a natural emotion that can be addressed by turning to God.

Children's books have the power to teach important concepts and lay foundations for faith.

Writing for children is a privilege and a responsibility to give them the best tools for navigating life.

Reading to children creates precious moments of connection and fosters a love for reading.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Pumpkin Spice vs. Apple Cider

01:11 Childhood Fears

03:18 Trusting God with Fear

06:27 Collaborating on the Book

08:17 The Power of Children's Books

09:01 Takeaway: Fear is on Purpose

10:42 Working with Prominent Authors

12:07 The Importance of Children's Books

14:08 Tama's Writing Journey

15:56 Impactful Books in Tama's Life

17:42 Taking Writing Seriously

19:05 Favorite Children's Book

20:52 What's Next for Tama

22:22 Where to Find Tama and Her Books

22:47 Conclusion

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Summary

 Crystal Bowman, an award-winning author of over a hundred children's books, shares her journey as a children's author and the changes she has seen in children's books over the years. She discusses her love for poetry and her involvement in music. Crystal also talks about her favorite books and her upcoming projects. She emphasizes the importance of writing books that are both fun and teach children about God's love.

 Takeaways

 Children's books have evolved to meet the needs of parents and teach children about emotions, compassion, and God's love.

Writing in rhyme is a skill that requires both ability and practice.

Children's books can have a profound impact on both children and adults, providing comfort, inspiration, and teaching valuable lessons.

Crystal Bowman's upcoming projects include a Bible storybook focused on compassion and an Easter storybook.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Pumpkin Spice

03:00 Crystal's Journey as an Author

05:06 Crystal's Love for Poetry

08:53 Crystal's Involvement in Music

10:25 Crystal's Unexpected Path to Children's Author

12:18 Changes in Children's Books

13:12 Crystal's Favorite Books

17:12 Crystal's Favorite Book She Has Written

22:00 Crystal's Current Reading

25:45 Crystal's Upcoming Books

30:11 Where to Find Crystal

31:12 Closing Remarks

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Summary

 In this episode, Valerie interviews author Glenys Nellist about her book 'Song of the Seasons'. They start with a fun Four Seasons Quiz and then discuss the inspiration behind the book, including the beauty of nature and the message of Psalm 98. Glenys shares a funny encounter with cows during a walk and talks about finding inspiration in God's Word and the outdoors. They also discuss their favorite things about each season and Glenys shares her plans for Easter and future projects. The episode concludes with information on where to find Glenys Nellist online.

 Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Four Seasons Quiz

06:59 Inspiration behind 'Song of the Seasons'

08:43 Funny Encounters in Nature

12:02 Finding Inspiration in God's Word and Nature

14:18 Favorite Things about Each Season

24:24 Where to Find Glenys Nellist

25:13 Conclusion

 www.valeriefentress.com

Amazon.com: Song of the Seasons: 9781640608177: Nellist, Glenys, Canga, C.B.: Books

Glenys Nellist

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Summary
In this episode, Valerie Fentress interviews Terrie Hillard Brown, the host of the Books That Spark podcast and author of the devotional book Building Character Through Picture Books. They discuss Easter traditions, Terrie's podcast, the inspiration behind her devotional book, her writing journey, and the influence of living in Taiwan. They also talk about the importance of everyday discipleship, teachable moments in parenting, and the most impactful books they have read. Terrie shares her upcoming projects and where listeners can find her and her books.

Takeaways
Bedtime storytime can be made more meaningful with devotions based on popular picture books.
Everyday discipleship is important for families, regardless of whether they homeschool or not.
Teachable moments in parenting can have a lasting impact on children's faith.
Reading and discussing books can be a powerful way to deepen one's faith and understanding of God.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Easter Traditions
03:02 The Books That Spark Podcast
06:04 Inspiration for the Devotional Book
08:00 Terrie's Writing Journey
09:51 Influence of Living in Taiwan
11:30 Everyday Discipleship
14:19 Teachable Moments in Parenting
19:30 Most Impactful Books
22:02 Upcoming Projects
25:47 Where to Find Terrie and Her Books
26:13 Conclusion

Find out more about Terrie Hellard-Brown and her book on the links below.

 Main - Terrie Hellard Brown

booksthatspark's podcast (libsyn.com)

Building Character through Picture Books: 25 Family Devotions Based on Favorite Picture Books: Hellard-Brown, Terrie: 9798395555922: Amazon.com: 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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Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Kylie Beavers, the author of the middle-grade fantasy adventure, Rise of the Living Wood. They discuss Kylie's background, living on a farm, and her connection with nature. They also explore the incorporation of faith in children's literature and the challenges of writing a fantasy book without magic. Kylie shares her inspiration for 'Rise of the Living Wood' and the journey of the main character, Bramble. She also talks about her writing journey, favorite books, and current reading list. Finally, Kylie reveals her future projects and where to find more information about her and her books.

Takeaways
Living close to nature and connecting with the outdoors can be a source of inspiration for writing.

• Incorporating faith in children's literature can provide a counterbalance to the darkness and confusion present in some content.
• Fantasy books can be written without magic, focusing on the elements of make-believe and fiction.
• Using animals as main characters in fantasy allows readers to see the world from a different perspective.
• Publishing a book at a young age can be daunting but can also be a step toward faith and reliance on God's guidance.
• The 'Rise of the Living Wood' series aims to convey messages of hope, fearlessness, and the significance of light.
• Trilogies provide a complete and satisfying storytelling experience, allowing for the exploration of multiple themes and character arcs.
• Writing can be a journey of self-discovery and growth, and anyone who writes can consider themselves a writer.
• Favorite books can have a profound impact on a writer's style and storytelling approach.
• Reading a variety of books, including middle-grade and non-fiction, can broaden one's perspective and inspire new ideas.
• Future projects from Kylie Beavers include the release of 'Journey to Amber Forest' and a novella for the Livingwood Chronicles series.

Chapters
00:00-Introduction and Background

01:07-Living on a Farm and Connecting with Nature

03:08-Incorporating Faith in Children's Literature

05:13-Writing a Fantasy Book without Magic

07:48-Using Animals as Main Characters in Fantasy

09:15-Inspiration for 'Rise of the Living Wood'

11:41-Taking on the Task of Publishing at a Young Age

12:31-The Message of 'Rise of the Living Wood'

13:56-The Journey of Bramble and the Trilogy

15:47-The Start of the Writing Journey

16:46-Favorite Books and Reading Recommendations

18:35-Current Reading List

21:04-Future Projects

22:05-Where to Find More Information

Find out more about Kylie and her books on the links below.

 
LivingWoodChronicles | Kylie Beevers | Substack

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In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Sally Cressman, author of 'The Dance of Easter.' Sally shares her favorite season and discusses her background and family. She introduces her book and explains the inspiration behind it. Sally also talks about how she aimed to bridge the gap between churchgoers and those outside the church with her book. She shares her writing journey and the challenges of writing in rhyme. Sally discusses the most impactful book in her life and the importance of believing in God's work through writing. She concludes by mentioning her upcoming projects and where listeners can find her and her book.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Favorite Season
03:11 Sally's Background and Family
04:57 Introduction to 'The Dance of Easter'
06:06 Inspiration for 'The Dance of Easter'
08:26 Bridging the Gap with the Book
10:57 Sally's Writing Journey
13:54 Writing in Rhyme
19:53 Most Impactful Book in Sally's Life
21:32 Believing in God's Work Through Writing
22:08 Upcoming Projects
23:27 Where to Find Sally and Her Book
24:44 Conclusion

Find out more about Sally Cressman and her book on the links below.

 Home - Sally Cressman

LYRICAL LANGUAGE LAB – Renee LaTulippe

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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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Join Valerie Fentress as she talks with Dr Sonia E. Amin about her children's picture book When Love Flows.

We talk about our favorite children's books as well as valentines traditions in our home.

Find out more about Sonia E. Amin on her website, and find a link to her books below.

Sonia E. Amin | Bax and His Bubbles - Positive Thinking for Kids (soniaeamin.com)

When Love Flows: The Beauty of Encouraging Others (Social-Emotional Learning) - Kindle edition by Amin, Sonia, Chirinos, Arlenis. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Happy Reading

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