Brenna shares a selection of engaging documentaries about interesting people that she has viewed on the video streaming service Kanopy: The Babushkas of Chernobyl, Kim Swims – A Record-Breaking Female Athlete, and Walk With Me – A Journey into Mindfulness. These documentaries are available to view on Kanopy, and can be accessed using your FVRL library card.

Jessica shares a few spooky reading recommendations for middle grade readers: Small Spaces by Katherine Arden, City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab, and The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste. If you’re in grades 4 to 7, these eerie tales might be just what you’re looking for!

Looking for a page turner? Katie tells us about Adam Silvera’s fast-paced, character-driven, young adult fantasy, Infinity Son, set in a carefully conceived alternate reality. The cast of characters are all wonderfully complicated individuals you will not soon forget. Eager to read more? Check out the sequel, Infinity Reaper.

In today’s podcast, Jacque tells us about the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel. We call these books “green dot books” or “easy readers,” because they’re at the right level for kids who are learning to read. These books have easy words and pictures that tell the stories of Frog and Toad – best friends who get up to many adventures together.

Alaxandra shares insights about her favourite cookbooks by America’s Test Kitchen. Looking to try a new recipe? Check out a Test Kitchen title from the FVRL print or digital collection!

Curious about cooking and baking? Alaxandra talks about her favourite cookbooks for first time and budding young chefs. Check out an America’s Test Kitchen title from the FVRL print or digital collection and start exploring recipes today!

Happy Freedom to Read Week! Jessica tells us about the importance of Freedom to Read Week, and highlights a variety of titles that explore the subjects of intellectual freedom and censorship. For more information, check out https://www.freedomtoread.ca/.

Helena shares a selection of captivating non-fiction titles for adult readers to add to their reading lists: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb, The No Meat Athlete Cookbook by Matt Frazier, and Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover.

YA novels are often the best for fast-paced and plot-driven fantasy. In today’s podcast, Jacque shares three fantasy series that will entertain both teens and adult readers: The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater, Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness, and Legends of Orisha by Tomi Adeyme.

In today’s podcast Sally shares one of her favourite series of all time: The Young Wizards by Diane Duane. Beginning with So You Want to Be a Wizard, this 11-book series follows new wizards Kit and Nita as they learn new skills and explore a new magical world.