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In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie talks with Sandra K Chambers, author of 'Maisy Discovers Her Fingerprints.' They explore the themes of uniqueness and acceptance through the character of Maisie, a dog who embarks on a journey to discover what makes her special. Sandra shares her inspiration behind the book, her writing journey, and the importance of instilling a biblical worldview in children. The conversation also touches on impactful books and the joys of being a grandparent.

Maisey Discovers her Fingerprints book (affiliate link)

Takeaways

Maisy is based on Sandra's real grandpuppy.

The book teaches children about their unique qualities.

Kids often feel left out and need reassurance of their worth.

The culture often misguides children about their identity.

Building a biblical worldview is crucial for children.

Sandra's writing journey began with a love for English.

The importance of teaching kids about God from an early age.

Books can evoke powerful memories and emotions.

Writing for children requires a different mindset than adult writing.

Grandparenting brings new opportunities for influence and love.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Maisy and Sandra's Journey

02:55 Maisy's Adventure at the Zoo

05:50 The Importance of Unique Identity

08:50 Lessons from Maisie's Fingerprints

11:50 Sandra's Writing Journey and Inspirations

14:47 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Reflections

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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Kat Cronenberg, author of the 'Live Big' series. They discuss the inspiration behind Kat's books, her writing journey, and the importance of teaching children life skills through storytelling. Kat shares her experiences with animals and nature, and how these elements influence her work. The conversation highlights the impact of books on children's lives and the messages of hope and joy that resonate throughout her stories.

Live Big with Catch-M Book (affiliate link) 

Kat Kronenberg

Takeaways

Kat's books aim to help children learn life skills.

The inspiration for writing came from a desire to help others.

Animals and nature play a significant role in her storytelling.

The journey of writing is often filled with challenges and perseverance.

Books can provide hope and encouragement to children in difficult situations.

Kat's experiences with her children influenced her writing process.

The importance of community and support in pursuing dreams.

Ketchum, a character in her books, represents joy and positivity.

The impact of storytelling on personal growth and understanding.

Future projects include a workbook to help children internalize positive messages.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kat and Her Books

02:01 The Journey of Writing and Inspiration

08:00 The Role of Animals and Nature in Storytelling

11:12 The Impact of Books on Children

18:25 Future Projects and Messages of Hope

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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie speaks with children's author Jennifer Jahn about her debut picture book, 'God's Wonderful Wide World.' They discuss the themes of God's creation, individuality, and the importance of teaching children about their uniqueness and God's love. Jennifer shares her writing journey, the publishing process, and her inspirations, including her favorite books and authors. The conversation concludes with a glimpse into Jennifer's upcoming projects.

God's Wonderful Wide World Book (affiliate link)

 JBJahn 

Takeaways

 The narwhal is a unique character that helps explore God's creation.

Children should learn about their individuality and God's love from a young age.

Writing has been a passion for Jennifer since childhood.

The publishing process requires patience and trust in professionals.

Wuthering Heights is Jennifer's all-time favorite book.

Kate DiCamillo inspires Jennifer's writing aspirations.

Graphic novels are popular among Jennifer's children.

Jennifer has a second book about stars coming out in 2027.

God's creation is relevant and meaningful for today's children.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging children with faith-based themes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Jahn and Her Book

01:35 Exploring God's Wonderful Wide World

04:25 The Unique Narwhal and God's Creation

06:16 The Importance of Teaching Kids About God

07:52 Jennifer's Writing Journey

09:23 The Process of Writing a Debut Book

11:09 Favorite Books and Influences

13:25 Current Reads and Trends in Children's Literature

16:54 What's Next for Jennifer Jahn

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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews author Lara d'Entremont about her YA fantasy novel, The Painted Fairy Tale. The story follows 17-year-old Wren, who discovers her paintings can open portals to other worlds, leading her on an adventurous journey. Lara shares her inspiration, writing journey, and the message she hopes young readers take away from her book.

The Painted Fairytale Book (affiliate link)

Lara d'Entremont

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Takeaways

• Art can open portals to new worlds.
• Creativity is a powerful tool for self-discovery.
• YA novels can tackle complex themes.
• Fantasy allows exploration of real-world issues.
• Writing can be a therapeutic practice.
• Art serves a purpose beyond practicality.
• Stories are formative and impactful.
• Fiction can provide a creative escape.
• Persistence is key in writing.
• Artistic expression is valuable.

Chapters

00:00:01 Introduction to The Painted Fairy Tale

00:01:48 Lara's Writing Journey

00:03:50 Inspiration Behind the Story

00:06:45 The Message for Young Readers

00:10:02 Lara's Favorite Books and Influences

00:17:13 What's Next for Lara d'Entremont

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In this episode of Book Worthy, host Valerie speaks with author Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young about her journey as a children's book author, focusing on her latest work, 'Kailani's Gift.' They discuss themes of perseverance, family, and cultural diversity in literature, and the importance of storytelling in teaching children values. Dorina shares her experiences in writing and her passion for promoting multicultural stories, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding through literature. The conversation also touches on Dorina's upcoming projects, including a journal on grief and collaborative efforts by authors to celebrate diversity.

 Home - Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

 Kailani's Gift (affiliate link)

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Takeaways

Dorina's book 'Kailani's Gift' emphasizes perseverance and family values.

The journey of writing 'Kailani's Gift' took over 10 years.

Children can learn important values through storytelling.

Multicultural stories help children appreciate diversity.

Collaboration among authors can enhance the literary community.

Cultural traditions can be integrated into family life.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching empathy.

Grief can be addressed through writing and journaling.

Diversity in literature reflects God's creation.

Children's literature should represent various cultures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

01:20 The Journey of Writing Kailani's Gift

03:23 Themes of Perseverance and Family in Kailani's Gift

07:33 The Importance of Multicultural Stories

11:23 Celebrating Diversity in Literature

14:35 Cultural Traditions and Family Connections

17:40 The Power of Storytelling

19:04 Upcoming Projects and Grief Journey

20:43 Conclusion and Resources

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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews Mark Wainwright, an author and editor with over 18 years of experience in Christian publishing. They discuss Mark's latest book, "Awesome Facts About Space," which combines science and faith to engage young readers. The conversation covers fascinating space facts, the integration of faith and science, and Mark's personal writing journey.

Mark Wainwright | Your Writing & Editing Mentor

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Takeaways

Mark Wainwright has over 18 years of experience in Christian publishing.

His book 'Awesome Facts About Space' combines science and faith for children.

The book is divided into five sections covering various space topics.

Pulsars are city-sized stars that spin incredibly fast, up to 700 times per second.

Mark emphasizes the importance of faith in understanding the universe.

He shares a personal story about feeling God's love while stargazing.

Mark believes that creation draws us closer to our Savior.

He discusses interesting space facts that didn't make it into the book.

Mark's writing journey began with journaling during his family's missionary work.

He aims to provide engaging books that point readers to the Savior.

Chapters:

00:00:01 - Introduction to Mark Wainwright

00:00:45 - Awesome Facts About Space

00:02:07 - Faith and Science in Harmony

00:03:39 - Mark's Writing Journey

00:09:33 - The Power of Storytelling

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In this Bonus episode of Bookworthy, hosts Valerie, Shaun Stevenson, and Brock Eastman discuss the Parable Port series, a middle-grade book that brings biblical parables to life through engaging storytelling. They explore the creative process behind the book, the importance of collaboration, and the relatable characters that resonate with young readers. The authors share their journey of writing together, their passion for creating quality content for children, and their plans for the series.

Parable Port: The Sower's Secret (affiliate link)

 Welcome to Brock Eastman

 shaunstevensonbooks.com

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Takeaways

 Parable Port is a unique blend of mystery and biblical parables.

The target audience for the book is middle-grade readers aged 8 to 12.

The authors emphasize collaboration and teamwork in their writing process.

They aim to create relatable characters that resonate with children.

The series started as a picture book and evolved into a middle-grade novel.

The authors enjoy a fun and humorous writing dynamic together.

They focus on making biblical teachings organic to the story.

The inclusion of Silky Chickens was a humorous suggestion from their editor.

The authors believe in the importance of quality Christian literature for kids.

They have plans for future books beyond the current series.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parable Port and Its Authors

03:25 The Concept and Themes of Parable Port

09:38 The Collaborative Writing Process

14:27 The Impact of Teamwork in Writing

17:08 Personal Influences and Impactful Books

18:35 Future Plans and Upcoming Projects

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In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie interviews children's author Bonnie S. Weinhardt about her Bingees series, which follows the adventures of an 11-year-old boy named Benji in the 1930s. They discuss the inspiration behind the series, the character of Benjy, and the themes of humor, faith, and decision-making in the stories. Bonnie shares her journey as a writer, the influence of her journalism background, and her future writing projects, including a young adult novel based on her life experiences.

Benjy Book Series (affiliate link)

Bonnie Swinehart: Home

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 Takeaways

 Bonnie's books aim to instill Christian values in children.

The character Benji is relatable and humorous, appealing to young readers.

Bonnie's journalism background helps her write concisely and engagingly.

Humor is a key element in making stories memorable for children.

The importance of community and support is a recurring theme in Bonnie's writing.

Bonnie's writing journey began in her youth, fueled by a love for reading.

The Benjy's series reflects the simplicity and challenges of childhood.

Bonnie's future projects include a young adult novel based on her life.

The impact of impactful books can shape a writer's perspective.

Stories can provide hope and connection in difficult times.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to the Benjy’s Series

02:34 The Character of Benjy and His Adventures

05:08 The Influence of Journalism on Writing

08:00 Themes and Messages in Benjy's Stories

10:27 The Importance of Humor in Writing

13:00 Bonnie's Journey as a Writer

15:50 Impactful Books and Their Influence

18:27 Future Projects and Aspirations

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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Kayla E. Green, an award-winning YA fantasy author who has ventured into children's literature with her picture book 'Hadley the Hippo.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the importance of conversations about what children consume, both in terms of food and media, and Kayla's journey as a writer and teacher. Kayla shares her favorite books and their impact on her life, as well as what readers can expect from her upcoming projects.

Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats (affiliate link)

 The Unicorn Writer – Faith. Fiction. Fireside Poetry.

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Takeaways

 Kayla's journey into writing began in elementary school.

'Hadley the Hippo' is inspired by her daughter's love for food.

Books can serve as conversation starters for families.

It's important for children to understand what they consume mentally and emotionally.

Kayla emphasizes the importance of teaching children to guard their hearts.

She believes in the power of read-alouds for all ages.

Kayla's teaching experience has shaped her storytelling.

Different books impact us at different stages of life.

Kayla's favorite books include 'The Girl Who Drank the Moon' and 'Matilda.'

She is working on a young adult pirate fantasy and a sequel to 'The Goodness of Unicorns.'

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kayla E. Green and Hadley the Hippo

01:49 The Inspiration Behind Hadley the Hippo

04:55 The Message of Hadley and Its Importance

09:14 Kayla's Writing Journey and Teaching Background

14:48 Favorite Books and Their Impact

20:15 What's Next for Kayla E. Green?

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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews award-winning author Sarah Philpott, who shares her journey from writing devotionals to creating children's books. They discuss Sarah's latest book, 'Wake Up, Little Seed,' which connects children with the growth process in nature while emphasizing God's role in it. The conversation also explores the creative process behind children's literature, the impact of teacher encouragement, and the importance of reading in family life.

 Moo, Moo Nap, Nap | Sarah Philpott

Wake Up Little Seed (affiliate link)

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Takeaways

 Sarah Philpott emphasizes the importance of God's presence in every detail of life.

Her book 'Wake Up, Little Seed' aims to teach children about growth and God's role in it.

Transitioning from writing devotionals to children's books has been a delightful journey for Sarah.

Writing children's books is challenging due to the need for impactful storytelling in fewer words.

Illustrations play a crucial role in children's books, enhancing the storytelling experience.

Publishers often have a lot of heart and care about the details in book creation.

Encouragement from teachers can significantly impact a writer's journey.

Sarah's writing journey has been filled with constant project ideas and learning.

Recent reads often leave a lasting impact on readers, shaping their thoughts and reflections.

Reading together as a family is a vital activity that fosters connection and learning. 

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Sarah Philpott and Her Work

01:56 Exploring 'Wake Up, Little Seed'

05:43 Transitioning from Devotionals to Children's Books

09:20 The Creative Process Behind Children's Books

12:44 Sarah's Writing Journey and Inspirations

16:30 Impactful Books and Their Influence

18:18 Connecting with Readers and Future Plans

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