BookWorthy

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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie speaks with children's author Kathleen about her journey as a writer and the themes of her latest book, 'Our Hearts.' Kathleen shares insights on the importance of emotional development in children, the role of children's literature in addressing complex feelings, and her personal experiences that inspired her writing. The conversation also touches on the challenges of publishing and the significance of fostering a sense of belonging and love in children's lives.

 Kathleen Davis Books – Faith based books for kids, signed by the author, shipped for free.

 Takeaways

 Books are a way to positively influence children.

Children's emotions affect those around them.

Recognizing feelings is crucial for emotional growth.

Children's books can facilitate important discussions.

Parents can use books to communicate complex ideas simply.

Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for parents.

It's important for children to feel loved and supported.

Diversity in children's literature is essential.

Encouraging gratitude can help combat anxiety.

Every child is unique and beautiful in their own way.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Kathleen and Her Book

02:22 Exploring the Themes of 'Our Hearts'

04:40 The Role of Children's Books in Emotional Development

09:13 The Inspiration Behind 'Our Hearts'

13:06 The Journey of Writing and Publishing

17:43 Looking Ahead: Kathleen's Upcoming Book

21:06 Conclusion and Resources

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In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews cycling legend John Howard, who discusses his latest book, The Black Cyclone, which tells the story of Major Taylor, the first acclaimed African-American sports hero. Howard shares insights into the extensive research he conducted to bring Taylor's story to life, the challenges Taylor faced in a racially charged environment, and the lessons young readers can learn from his life. Howard also reflects on his own experiences in cycling and his future writing projects.

Takeaways

Major Taylor was a pioneering figure in cycling and civil rights.

John Howard spent years researching Major Taylor's life and achievements.

The Black Cyclone aims to educate young readers about history and perseverance.

Howard's interviews with Taylor's daughter provided unique insights into his life.

Major Taylor faced significant racism and adversity during his career.

The book will have a children's version to reach a younger audience.

Howard's own cycling experiences were influenced by Major Taylor's legacy.

The importance of storytelling in preserving history is emphasized.

Howard is working on an autobiographical piece about his life.

The conversation highlights the ongoing relevance of civil rights discussions today.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Howard and Major Taylor

02:16 The Legacy of Major Taylor

04:47 Researching Major Taylor's Life

07:29 Writing for Younger Readers

09:40 Personal Impact of Major Taylor's Story

12:02 Major Taylor's Endurance and Challenges

15:08 Cultural Significance of Major Taylor

17:39 Lessons for Today's Youth

20:05 Future Projects and Inspirations

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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie Ellis discusses her latest book, 'Wild Faith Devotions for Kids,' which explores the connection between animal traits and Christian teachings. Valerie shares her journey as a writer, the research involved in selecting animals for the book, and the importance of fostering wonder in children. She also reflects on her writing process and future projects, emphasizing the role of faith in parenting and education.

Valerie Ellis – Delighting Kids, Serving Parents

https://oureverydayparables.com/family-games-all-ages/ 

https://oureverydayparables.com/books/

Takeaways

Valerie's book connects animal traits to Christian teachings.

The Importance of Grace in Children's Spiritual Growth

Researching animals requires careful validation of information.

Kids' curiosity can lead to deeper discussions about faith.

Using animals as a tool to foster wonder in children.

Valerie's writing journey began with a desire to engage her children.

The significance of including lesser-known Bible stories.

Valerie emphasizes the importance of community in the writing process.

Encouraging children to explore their interests can lead to faith discussions.

Valerie's future projects aim to continue engaging children in faith-based learning.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Wild Faith Devotions

02:36 Exploring Animal Traits and Christian Life

05:24 Researching Animals for Devotional Insights

08:34 Bizarre Animals and Their Lessons

11:24 Fostering Wonder in Children

13:54 Valerie's Writing Journey

20:37 Future Projects and Goals

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In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie interviews Nell Branum, a former elementary school librarian and author of the 'Heroes on the Home Front' series. They discuss Nell's inspiration for her books, which blend contemporary mysteries with historical elements from World War II, focusing on the stories of women who contributed to the war effort. The conversation explores the importance of intergenerational storytelling, the lessons learned from history, and Nell's writing journey. Listeners will gain insights into the significance of faith and resilience in both literature and life, as well as a sneak peek into Nell's upcoming works.

Home - Nell Branum

Search | Christian Books

Takeaways

 Nell Branum's books are contemporary mysteries rooted in World War II history.

The series features a sixth grader, Riley Abercrombie, who uncovers real-life mysteries.

Nell's parents were involved in World War II, influencing her writing.

Intergenerational conversations are vital for understanding history.

Nell aims to show that being a Christian is both possible and smart.

Each book includes a scripture from Ephesians, emphasizing faith.

Nell's writing journey began with curriculum writing and evolved into fiction.

She has a tradition of publishing books with her grandchildren.

The upcoming book focuses on the women who fed soldiers during the war.

Nell believes history teaches us valuable lessons for today.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Nell Branum and Her Books

02:43 Exploring the Heroes on the Home Front Series

06:18 The Contemporary vs. Historical Narrative

10:02 The Heart of the Stories: Lessons from History

14:12 Nell's Writing Journey and Inspirations

19:31 Upcoming Works and Historical Inspirations

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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.

Geocache Club Series – Abbi Lee Books

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?

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In this episode, Valerie interviews Dominique Okonkwo, the author of the rhyming picture book 'No Greater Love.' They discuss Dominique's inspiration for the book, the challenges of explaining God's love to children, and the importance of faith-based stories for kids. Dominique also shares her writing journey and her plans for future books. Overall, the conversation highlights the power of storytelling to teach and entertain children while reinforcing biblical truths.

Writer Portfolio | Dominique Okonkwo | Miami Motherhood

Takeaways

 Children's books can be a powerful tool to teach and reinforce biblical truths.

Explaining abstract concepts like God's love to children can be challenging but important.

Writing can be a therapeutic and fulfilling creative outlet.

There is a growing appreciation for creativity and the arts in our culture.

Personal experiences and questions from children can inspire and shape the stories we write.

It's important to pursue the things that God puts on our hearts, even if they don't fit traditional career paths.

Favorite books from childhood can have a lasting impact and be enjoyed across generations.

Children's books have evolved to cater to shorter attention spans, but there is still value in longer, meatier stories.

Devotionals and journals can be valuable tools for personal growth and connecting with God's word.

Writing stories that engage children's questions and interests can help them connect with biblical truths.

There is a need for diverse children's books that highlight different cultures and experiences.

Social media and websites are valuable platforms for connecting with readers and promoting books.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Favorite Pie

03:05 Teaching Children About God's Love

06:20 Inspiration and Questions from Children

10:58 Dominique's Writing Journey

12:56 Favorite Books and Impact

15:25 Evolution of Children's Books

23:24 Connecting with Dominique and Conclusion

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 In this Play it Again episode from Season Four 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
 

Amanda Cleary Eastep – Author, Tree Street Kids series
 
 

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In this Play it Again episode from Season One, Valerie Fentress interviews Courtney J. Strong and illustrator Carissa Robertson about their new Christmas picture book, The Trail of Unexpected Gifts. They discuss their favorite Christmas traditions, the inspiration behind the book, the process of illustrating the book, and their heart for donating the proceeds to Vision Rescue. They also talk about involving their children in the book and their future projects. The episode concludes with information on where to find the book and a Christmas giveaway.

Takeaways

 The Trail of Unexpected Gifts is a Christmas picture book that seeks to unwrap the story behind the gifts given at Christmas.

The book is illustrated by Carissa Robertson and written by Courtney J. Strong.

All the proceeds from the book will be donated to Vision Rescue, an organization that works to rescue and educate children in the slums of India.

The authors involved their own children in the creation of the book, and their input and ideas were incorporated into the story and illustrations.

 Chapters

 00:00 Introduction

00:58 Introducing the Guests and the Book

03:22 Favorite Christmas Traditions

04:30 The Inspiration Behind the Book

05:10 Illustrating the Book

07:17 Donating Proceeds to Vision Rescue

10:33 Involving the Kids in the Book

12:45 Future Projects

15:36 Courtney's Previous Book

17:35 Carissa's Artistic Journey

19:00 Favorite Children's Books

22:45 Future Books and Collaboration

25:39 Where to Find the Books

26:00 Conclusion

(2) Facebook

Home - Vision Rescue

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In this Play it Again episode from Season Fout of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Becky Van Vleet, an award-winning multi-genre author, about her children's picture book, Angelina the Traveling Angel. The book follows Angelina, a magical Christmas tree topper, as she travels from home to home and questions her worth. Becky shares the inspiration behind the book, which is part of her traveling series based on objects passed down through generations in her family. She discusses the importance of preserving family stories and memories and the impact of her own writing journey. Becky also recommends the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and shares her favorite children's book author, Patricia Palocco.

Takeaways

 Preserving family stories and memories is important for passing down traditions and creating a sense of identity.

Children's books can convey important messages, such as the gospel, in a fun and engaging way.

Writing can be a fulfilling and unexpected journey, even for those who may not have considered themselves writers before.

Books have the power to impact and inspire readers, shaping their perspectives and values.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 The Inspiration for Angelina, the Traveling Angel

07:21 The Message of Angelina, the Traveling Angel

12:49 The Value of Family Stories and Memories

16:18 Becky's Writing Journey

21:48 Impactful Books in Becky's Life

23:18 Favorite Children's Books

25:42 Upcoming Projects

27:54 Where to Find Becky and Her Books

29:01 Conclusion

Home - Becky Van Vleet

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In this Play it Again episode from Season Four, Valerie interviews author Maria Antonia about her picture book, The Christmas Elephant, A Nativity Story. They discuss family Christmas traditions, sibling dynamics, and the inspiration behind the book. Maria shares her writing journey and the process of getting her book published. They also talk about their favorite books and what to expect from Maria's upcoming projects.

Takeaways

 Family traditions around Christmas can vary, such as when to put up the Christmas tree.

The Christmas Elephant is a picture book about two sisters putting on a Christmas play and the younger sister's desire to be the Christmas elephant.

The book explores themes of imperfection, uniqueness, and finding joy in unexpected moments.

Maria's writing journey began with writing stories for her nieces and nephews as birthday gifts.

Critique groups and online communities can provide valuable feedback and support for writers.

The Christmas Elephant was published after a two-book deal with Paraclete Press.

Maria's next picture book, The Runaway Sheep, is based on the parable of the lost sheep.

Readers can find more about Maria and her books on her website, where she also offers downloadable activities for kids.

 Maria Antonia | children's picture book author

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