In Blessing the Book: Exploring Picture Books with Sharon Callen – Part 4, listeners are once again invited into the world of children’s literature as Sharon Callen shares her insightful exploration of picture books that captivate the imagination while addressing real-world themes. 

In this episode, Sharon highlights how carefully chosen picture books can be powerful tools for teachers, offering both joyful escapism and meaningful engagement with complex topics like grief, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Sharon dives into a series of picture books that exemplify the magic of storytelling for young readers. From the heartwarming journey in The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart, which teaches hope through the Global Seed Vault, to the poignant Mizuto and the Wind by Kaye Baillie and Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki, which gently addresses loss and healing, these stories offer profound learning experiences. 

She also delves into Eat My Dust, a historical adventure that brings to life the fearless contributions of women to Australia's history.

Sharon explains how each book can be a “mirror” for children to see themselves or a “window” to experience new perspectives. From the lyrical flow of Whisper on the Wind to the thought-provoking themes in Egg by Clare Atkins, she emphasises how these books can inspire deep conversations about community, diversity, and belonging.

Through this engaging and thought-provoking episode, Sharon encourages educators to not just read picture books, but to bless them—inviting students into narratives that spark curiosity, foster emotional growth, and broaden their understanding of the world. The episode underscores the power of stories to connect us all, no matter our age.

RESOURCES

Books:

• The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart 
• Mizuto and the Wind by Kaye Baillie and Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki
• Eat My Dust by Nerida McMullin and Lucia Masciullo
• Whisper on the Wind by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft
• The Tree at Number 43 by Jess McGeachin
• Old Fellow by Christopher Cheng and Liz Anelli
• Mama’s Chickens by Michelle Worthington and Nicky Johnston
• Egg by Clare Atkins and Harrison Vial
• A Feather on a Wing by Maria Speyer
• Hope is the Thing by Johanna Bell and Erica Wagner

Podcast:

• Read Aloud: Mem Fox on Capturing hearts and Minds through Literature

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FURTHER INFORMATION

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