Welcome to Past and Pen

Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the TrollProduced by: Sweet Meadowlark StoriesAuthor Website: https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/storiesEmail: [email protected] this episode of Past and Pen, we head back in time for a Back to School Special. From the very first public school in America to one-room schoolhouses, yellow buses, summer vacation myths, and sweet traditions like Germany’s candy-filled Schultüte, we explore the history behind the rituals and routines that shape school as we know it. We also look at why apples became the classic teacher’s gift.Reading List: Dear Teacher by Amy HusbandHow Not to Start Third Grade by Cathy HapkaSplat the Cat: Back to School, Splat! by Rob ScottonSchooled by Gordon KormanTales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy BlumeWriting Prompt: What is your favorite back-to-school tradition, or one you would like to start? Share your story with me at [email protected], and it may be featured in a future episode. Looking for more summer reading adventures?

Check out Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure, a book club for kids and grown-ups packed with activities, recipes, discussion questions, and stories:

Become a Patreon member to support the show and unlock fun extras like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to answer the Question of the Month: What is one special memory you made this summer?New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM, so let history repeat itself and tune in!

Meet Your Host:Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of ⁠Linus the Troll⁠Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories🌐 ⁠Author Website⁠📧 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Episode Summary:In this special episode of Past and Pen, we explore a surprising connection between disaster and discovery. What does a volcanic eruption have to do with your favorite two-wheeled ride? Quite a lot, actually!Part of Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure, this episode was made for Pathway 2: The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle. Find the curriculum here! Wheels of Change takes listeners on a journey from the ash-covered skies of 1816 to the birth of the modern bicycle. Meet the imaginative minds behind the celerifere, the dandy horse, and the velocipede—and discover how necessity and creativity turned a transportation crisis into one of the most beloved inventions in history.So hop on as we roll through time to uncover the wheels of change. Reading List: Bicycle Book by Gail Gibbons – An introduction to the history and mechanics of bicycles. Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom by Sue Macy – Discover how bicycles played a role in women's liberation.

100 Amazing Facts about Cycling: A Breathtaking Tour in the World of Bicycles by Marc DresguiWriting Prompt:Imagine it’s the year 1817, and you've just seen a strange new invention rolling down the street—it doesn’t have pedals, and people are calling it a “running machine.” Write a journal entry as a curious kid living in that time. What do you think of this odd two-wheeled contraption? Would you want to try it? How do you think it could change the way people travel?

Email your stories to [email protected] and I may share them on a future episode! How You Can Support the Show: Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show! Dinner Conversation: If you could invent something to solve a problem in your community, what would it be and why? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show with a fellow history lover or curious kid.New episodes every other Tuesday at 4 PM. Stay curious—and keep writing your story.

Meet Your Host:Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of ⁠Linus the Troll⁠Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories ⁠Author Website⁠📧 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Episode Summary:In this galloping episode of Past and Pen, we’re off to the races—literally! From polished saddles to fancy hats, The Road to the Kentucky Derby explores how a single dream turned into America’s most iconic horse race.Part of Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure, this episode was created especially for Pathway 2: The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle.

The curriculum is available here!Journey back to 1875 and meet Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.—a visionary inspired by Europe’s grand racing traditions—who brought his bold dream home to Kentucky. Learn how the rolling hills of Louisville became the birthplace of Churchill Downs and how the thunder of hooves grew into “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”From Aristides to secret magical Derbies, this episode is filled with fast facts, historic charm, and a big helping of imagination.

Saddle up and ride through time as we uncover the story behind the Kentucky Derby! Reading List: Seabiscuit vs War Admiral: The Greatest Horse Race in History by Kat ShehataD is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet by Helen L. WilburSeabiscuit the Wonder Horse by Meghan McCarthyThe Mystery at the Kentucky Derby (Real Kids! Real Places!) by Carole Marsh Writing Prompt:Time to trot into your imagination!In a secret version of the Kentucky Derby hidden from the public, magical creatures race instead of horses—like flying pegasi, thundering unicorns, or shape-shifting shadow beasts. You’ve just been chosen as the youngest rider in history!Write a story about your first magical Derby:What creature are you riding?What challenges do you face on the track?Do you discover a secret during the race?And most importantly—can you win?Send stories to [email protected]⁠ and I may read them on a future show! Support the Show:Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show!Dinner Question:If you could design a race—any kind, anywhere, with any creatures or machines—what would it look like?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show with a fellow history lover or curious kid.New episodes every other Tuesday at 4 PM.Stay curious—and keep writing your story.

Hi friends and history lovers!

I wanted to pop in with a quick update about Past and Pen.


My daughter is starting school this week, and between that and some exciting events—like being at the Lubbock Book Festival in just a few days, I’m in a busy season. So I’ve decided to press pause on the podcast, just until September 9.

Don’t worry, I have so many more fascinating stories to share with you when I’m back.
In the meantime, if you’re at the Lubbock Book Festival, please stop by my table and say hello. I’d love to meet you. And to everyone starting a new school year, whether in a classroom, at home, or somewhere in between, I’m wishing you a great start.

See you September 9!

Welcome to Past and PenHosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll

Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories

Author Website: https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/stories

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Past and Pen, we hit the open road with real stories of invention, adventure, and determination. Meet Bertha Benz, the trailblazing woman who took the very first road trip in a motor car—proving to the world that the future of travel had arrived. With clever fixes (and a hatpin or two), Bertha's 66-mile journey changed everything.

Then, take a pit stop in France, where two brothers created the Michelin Guide—a clever way to sell more tires that eventually became one of the most prestigious restaurant awards in the world.

Finally, we cruise across the United States on the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental road—and discover how it helped spark America’s love for road trips (with a young Dwight D. Eisenhower along for the ride!).

Reading List: “Read Trip”

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Bertha Takes a Drive by Jan Adkins

Road Trip Fun Facts For Kids by Ben Clardy

Road Trip! by Gary Paulsen

The Sun Will Come Out by Joanne Levy

Road Trip with Max and His Mom by Linda Urban

The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser

For grown-ups:

The Lincoln Highway: A Novel by Amor Towles

Writing Prompt: “Wheel-y Fun Writing Prompt”

Imagine you're Bertha Benz in 1888, setting off on the world’s first long-distance car trip. What do you see, hear, and feel? What unexpected challenges do you face—and how do you solve them?

Send your stories or art to [email protected]. I might feature them on a future episode!

Question of the Month:

What’s one special memory you made this summer?

Become a Patreon member for as little as $1 to send in your answer and unlock fun extras like early access and birthday shoutouts.

Looking for more summer reading adventures?Check out Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure—a book club for kids and grown-ups with activities, recipes, and more:

New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so let history repeat itself and tune in!

Welcome to Past and Pen
Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll
Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories
⁠Author Website⁠
Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this special tenth episode of Past and Pen, we’re diving into ten amazing inventions created by kids just like you. From swim fins to solar flashlights, and even bacon-cooking gadgets, these young inventors saw a problem and thought, what if?

You’ll learn how Benjamin Franklin tried to swim faster, how Louis Braille created a system for reading without sight, and how a girl named Abbey helped make bacon crispier in kitchens across the country. Some stories begin with fun and curiosity, while others begin with compassion or heartbreak. Each invention is a reminder that kids can make a big impact.

Whether you love tinkering or just want to hear about kids who made their ideas real, this episode is filled with inspiration and surprising history.

So grab your notebook and your imagination. It’s time to celebrate young thinkers and future inventors.

Reading List: Keep the Curiosity Going
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille by Russell Freedman

Real Engineering Experiments: 25+ Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids by Anthony Tegtmeyer

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Epic Stories for Kids and Family - Accidental Inventions by Riddleland

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

Earmuffs for Everyone! by Meghan McCarthy

Kid Innovators by Robin Stevenson

Girls Think of Everything by Catherine Thimmesh

Teen Innovators by Fred Estes
Louis Braille: The Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind by Margaret Davidson

Helen Keller by Margaret Davidson

Writing Prompt: What If You Invented Something by Accident?
Imagine you are a gadgeteer who loves tinkering in your workshop. One day, while trying to invent a device that helps you untangle knots in shoelaces, you accidentally create a machine that can freeze time for one full minute. It only works once every hour.

At first, it seems like the coolest thing ever. You can use it to win races or save a plate of cookies from falling. But then strange things begin happening. Is someone following you? Will you keep the invention a secret, or destroy it? And what if you’re not the only one who has one?

Send your story or artwork to [email protected]. I may read or share it on a future episode.

Dinner Conversation Questions

1. Which invention from this episode was your favorite and why?

2. Which invention do you think helped the most people?

3. If you could meet one of the kid inventors, who would it be and what would you ask them?

4. Why do you think so many inventions begin with the question "What if?"

5. What is a “What if?” question you could ask to solve a problem in your own life?

Support the Show
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi
Join my Patreon for early access, birthday shoutouts, and the chance to have your voice featured

Question of the Month
You find an old journal buried in the sand. The first page says, "This summer something unbelievable happened."
What happens next?

Looking for more reading fun?
Check out Wander and Wonder, a summer book club for kids ages 4 to 12 and their grown-ups. Includes themed recipes, hands-on activities, and a printable reading journal

Sources for This Episode
https://247wallst.com/special-report/2021/06/02/20-everyday-products-you-never-knew-were-invented-by-kids/
https://princeea.com/alex-deans-iaid-visual-impairment-navigation/

See the full list of resources on my website.

Welcome to Past and Pen
Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll
Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories
Author Website
Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re decoding real-life spy stories that sound straight out of a mystery novel.

You’ll learn how George Washington stayed one step ahead of the British with help from a secret ink formula, how a lemon led to the capture of a German spy in World War I, and how agents in World War II relied on baking ingredients and ultraviolet lights to send hidden messages. There’s even a 110 year old lemon sitting in a museum.

Whether you're a curious kid, or a history lover with a sneaky side, this episode has something for you.

So grab your notebook and your imagination. It’s time to uncover what’s been hiding between the lines.

Reading List: Keep Your Spy Sleuthing Sharp
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Spy Science: 40 Secret-Sleuthing, Code-Cracking, Spy-Catching Activities for Kids by Jim Wiese

Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents by Carole P. Roman

Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Writing Prompt: Your Undercover Moment
Imagine you’ve found a letter that looks ordinary until you treat it with heat or a special chemical and secret words appear.

Who wrote it?
What does it reveal?
Does it warn of danger, lead to a hidden treasure, or launch an unexpected mission?

Write a short scene where the message appears at just the right moment. You can send your story, drawing, or ideas to [email protected]. I would love to see what you come up with.

Support the Show
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pastandpenpod
Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show
https://patreon.com/PastandPenPodcast

Question of the Month
You find an old journal buried in the sand. The first page says, "This summer something unbelievable happened."
What happens next?

If you are looking for even more reading fun, check out Wander and Wonder, a summer reading program for families. It is a parent and child book club for ages 4 to 12. You’ll receive recipes inspired by the books, a printable reading journal with creative prompts, and hands-on activities to bring each story to life.
https://sweetmeadowlark.gumroad.com/l/wanderbundle

How to Create Your Own Secret Messages:
https://busytoddler.com/secret-letters-activity/

Instagram - How to Create Secret Messages
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGZPC62sErn/?igsh=aXRrMzlveGo5czVp

Welcome to Past and Pen!
Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll
Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories
🌐 ⁠Author Website⁠
📧 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Old Fashioned Summer Shenanigans
In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re cranking up the nostalgia and heading back to summers long before smartphones and A/C. From penny ice cream to sticky pie-eating contests and itchy wool swimsuits, we’re diving into the surprising, silly, and sometimes unfair history of summertime fun.

You’ll discover how kids cooled off, how pie became the centerpiece of chaotic contests, and why the first swimming pools weren’t built for play. Spoiler: it all gets a little gooey.

So grab your towel, maybe a popsicle, and get ready to splash into the past with us!

Reading List:
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons

Food Fight! by Tanya Steel

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle by Anne Renaud

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

444+ Fun Facts for Sports Kids: Swimming Edition by Dr. Rabea Hadi

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale by Jeanne Birdsall

Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls

Writing Prompt:
Imagine you’re a kid in the 1920s spending a summer day at the town fair. You kick things off with a messy pie-eating contest, then cool off in a new public pool—wearing a wool swimsuit that feels like a soggy sweater. Write a journal entry or short story from that kid’s point of view. What’s fun? What’s frustrating? What would surprise a kid from today?

Share your stories, drawings, or ideas with me at [email protected] — I’d love to see what you create!

Support the Show:

Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi
Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and even a chance to have your voice featured on the show!

Question of the Month:If you could interview any historical figure or book character, who would you choose—and what would you ask them first?

P.S. If you want even more summer reading fun, check out my new summer reading program Wander and Wonder. It’s a parent/child book club with options for kids ages 4 to 12. You’ll get kitchen classroom recipes inspired by the books we read, a printable PDF journal with drawing or writing prompts, and hands-on activities to bring each story to life.

Sources for This Episode:

Smithsonian Magazine – How the Ice Cream Truck Made Summer Cool

Ice Cream Nation - Ice Cream in Ancient Times

Chamoy City Limits- History of Ice Cream Trucks in America

Popsicle Official Site- Our Story

Thanks for tuning in!
New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so mark your sundials, set your hourglasses, or just hit that subscribe button!
Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review—your support helps Past and Pen reach more curious minds like yours.
Stay curious, and keep writing your story.

Meet Your Host:

Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of ⁠Linus the Troll⁠

Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories

🌐 ⁠ Website⁠📧

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re unraveling a story that begins in the marshes of ancient Egypt and ends beside a crackling campfire. It isn’t a ghost story or a tale of curses, at least not exactly, but it is a piece of history that feels a lot like magic.You’ll learn how a swampy plant once used to heal sore throats eventually became a sugary treat we still enjoy today. From ancient remedies to French candy shops and finally to your mug of hot cocoa, this episode follows the unexpected journey of a now-famous fluff.So grab your graham crackers, maybe a stick or two, and get ready to discover how the humble marshmallow made its sweet mark on history.

Reading List:

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you

.📖 Sweet: A History of Candy by Tim Richardson  – A delicious dive into the history of treats like marshmallows, chocolate, and more.

📖 The Story of Chocolate by Katie Daynes – Learn how this favorite treat traveled from ancient civilizations to your candy shelf. 📖 The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling – A magical and funny story about a boy who turns everything into chocolate. 📖 Marshmallow by Clare Turlay Newberry – A gentle springtime classic about a fluffy bunny and a tabby cat who become friends. 📖 The Life of a S’more by Kris Taft Miller – A heartwarming picture book about uniqueness and teamwork, told from a marshmallow’s point of view.

📖 Marshall Mellow by JJ Landis – Follow the sweet and silly adventures of a lovable marshmallow with a big heart.

📖 A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen – A fun camping tale with rhymes, a curious bear, and plenty of mishaps.

📖 Try Not to Laugh Challenge: Would You Rather? Campfire Edition by C. S. Adams – Packed with camping-themed “Would You Rather?” questions, perfect for s’mores and giggles.

Writing Prompt:

Time to get creative with your own marshmallow magic!Imagine you’re in Ancient Egypt, and you’ve just created a new remedy using the mallow plant. What does it do? How does it help people—or animals? Could it even have unexpected, surprising effects? Write a journal entry from the point of view of your ancient healer self. Describe what you made, how it works, and whether it might just change the world.

Support the Show:

☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi

🎙️ Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show!

💬 Question of the Month:

If you could interview any historical figure or book character, who would you choose, and what would be your first question?

Meet Your Host:

Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll

Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories

🌐 Author Website

📧 Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re heading back more than 3,000 years to a time of legendary kings, walled cities, and hidden treasure! The ancient city of Troy—home of the famous Trojan War—may be part myth, part reality… but one man was determined to uncover its secrets.

You’ll meet King Priam, explore the epic tale of the Trojan Horse, and follow the real-life adventure of Heinrich Schliemann, a treasure hunter who believed ancient stories could lead to real gold.

But was the treasure he found truly Priam’s? Or just a case of wishful digging? Find out!

Time to unearth your imagination!

✍️ Writing Prompt:Imagine you’re a young archaeologist digging near ancient ruins. You find a strange box filled with mysterious items—some look ancient, some look… magical. Write a story about what you found, how it got there, and what happens next. Is it real? Is it cursed? And who does it belong to?

📩 Send your story to me at [email protected], and I might feature it in a future episode!

📚 Reading List:

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

📖 Ancient Greece for Kids by Captivating History – A great introduction to ancient civilizations, from myths to major battles.

📖 The Trojan War by Olivia E. Coolidge – A retelling of the epic war with heroes, gods, and powerful drama.

📖 Judy Moody and the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt by Megan McDonald – A hilarious modern treasure hunt full of fun and surprises (perfect for younger readers).

📖 What is an Archaeologist? (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3) – A nonfiction favorite for curious kids who want to learn how real archaeologists explore the past.

❤️ Support the Show!☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi : https://ko-fi.com/pastandpenpod🎙️ Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show!

patreon.com/PastandPenPodcast💬 Question of the Month: If you could step into the world of any book or story—fiction or nonfiction—where would you go, and what would you do there?