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What began as a simple recording on the floor with an inexpensive microphone has blossomed into a literary journey spanning 19 countries and 50 cities worldwide. In this emotional season finale, we pull back the curtain on Tea Tales and Tomes to reveal how a passion for making children's literature accessible transformed into a global conversation about raising readers.

The podcast's origin story unfolds as we learn how frustration with North-centric book recommendations and a desire to share hard-earned knowledge became the catalyst for creating this gentle corner of the podcasting world. Despite generating no revenue, this labor of love continues because of a profound belief in the power of stories to shape young minds and create lasting bonds between children and their caregivers.

The heart of this episode lies in the voices of our listeners. From podcast editor Timmy suggesting parent-focused reading segments to non-parent listeners who find unexpected resonance in discussions about children's literature, each story affirms the universal appeal of our bookish conversations. Most touching is a listener who shares how her illiterate mother fostered her reading journey through weekly library visits—what she calls "the most beautiful love story" she's experienced.

Young readers steal the spotlight as they enthusiastically recommend favorites like "Dinosaur Club," "Lottie Brooks," and "Nevermoor." Their unfiltered excitement reminds us why this podcast exists: to nurture the next generation of book dragons who will grow up understanding that stories are portals to unlimited possibilities.

Looking ahead to Season Two, we're preparing author interviews, controversial topics, new segments, and seasonal specials including Halloween-themed episodes. Until then, keep reading, keep sharing stories, and remember that every book opens a door to something magical. What reading journey will you embark on next?

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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Remember the dreaded book report? That school assignment that magically transforms the wonder of reading into a tedious chore? As parents and caregivers, we desperately want our children to fall in love with books, but sometimes our well-intentioned efforts to discuss their reading can feel suspiciously like homework.

During our recent winter holidays, I discovered a different path—creating a "book club culture" at home that makes reading communal, exciting, and deeply personal. This episode unveils how simple rituals like blanket picnics with stories, one-on-one coffee dates, and creative documentation methods can transform how your family experiences books.

Contrary to what you might think, I don't have perfect little book dragons who spend their days begging for more reading assignments! My children are typical kids who'd rather play video games than analyze symbolism. But when I shifted away from school-style interrogations toward natural conversations over hot chocolate and treats, something magical happened—the books became part of our shared language, our family stories, and our way of processing the world together.

The science backs this up too. When children discuss books in relaxed, natural settings, they experience enhanced language development, improved emotional regulation, strengthened neural connections, and increased empathy—all while strengthening family bonds through the release of oxytocin, the attachment hormone.

From creating "Book Report Envelope Accordions" that balance light questioning with creative expression to designing reading challenges with prompts like "read a book with a red cover," I'll share practical, tested approaches that have worked wonders in our home. These methods build critical thinking skills and emotional literacy without ever feeling like work.

Ready to create a home where books aren't just read but lived in? Subscribe now, and let's build reading families together—one cup of tea and one story at a time. 

Some websites I mention in this episode: 

Art for Kids Hub

Little School of Smiths 

Tea, Tales, and Tomes blog 

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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In today's episode, I delve into the world of children's nonfiction where science meets art, sharing remarkable books that transform factual information into awe-inspiring adventures for young readers.

• Books by Jason Chin like "Your Place in the Universe" and "The Universe in You" offering breathtaking illustrations that compare cosmic scale to a child's perspective
• Immersive adventure books like "How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?" that engage all five senses to explore extreme environments
• Interactive learning with "The Treasure Hunt" featuring puzzles, codes and maps that make history come alive
• Car science books that make mechanical concepts accessible through engaging illustrations and storytelling
• Humorous books about animal anatomy that capture children's attention while teaching evolutionary science
• "Spooky Lakes" exploring mysterious bodies of water around the world with jaw-dropping scientific facts
• "Size Wise" presenting animals and natural elements in their actual size for a tangible learning experience

And the best part, my tried and tested tips for choosing high-quality nonfiction that engages rather than bores young readers (and their bookwormy adults). 

Visit the blog post for this episode for the full list of titles mentioned here and drop us a rec of your favourite non-fiction.

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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Have you ever dismissed an entire genre of books only to have your child prove you spectacularly wrong? That's exactly what happened when my son Jaz revealed his preference for nonfiction - a category I'd spent my entire reading life avoiding "like the plague."

What began as concern over my youngest son's waning interest in our beloved family read-aloud sessions turned into an eye-opening journey. While I was busy pulling out all the stops with silly voices and wacky characters in fiction books, Jaz was quietly gravitating toward factual texts about Australian wildlife and other scientific topics. The moment of realization was humbling: "Just because a book isn't fun in the way I define it doesn't mean it's not deeply enjoyable to someone else."

This episode explores the surprising world of high-quality nonfiction for young readers across all age ranges. From the "Baby Loves" board books that introduce complex scientific concepts to toddlers, to Usborne's brilliant "Lift the Flap" series, to National Geographic's visually stunning collections. For older children, we dive into the wonderfully bizarre "Animal Battles" series (think WWE meets Animal Kingdom with scientific explanations), graphic novel-style science books, and even adapted Bill Bryson works that maintain his signature wit while making complex topics accessible to young minds.

Whether your child is already a nonfiction enthusiast or you're looking to expand their literary horizons, these recommendations offer the perfect balance of educational content and genuine reading pleasure. And stay tuned for part two, where we'll explore even more extraordinary nonfiction titles and provide a framework for distinguishing exceptional informational books from forgettable ones.

Have you discovered any surprising reading preferences in your children? What nonfiction titles have captured their imagination? I'd love to hear about your experiences with factual books that have made a difference in your family's reading life.

Visit the webpage for this episode to get all the booklists, the transcript, or to leave a message and chat. 

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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Navigating parenthood can feel overwhelming, but certain evidence-based resources offer invaluable guidance without claiming to have all the answers. Six exceptional books stand out as practical references for parents seeking to build respectful relationships with their children.

• No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury - Explains respectful parenting founded on the premise that children aren't "bad" but simply lack emotional regulation
• How to Talk So Kids Will Listen by Faber and Mazlish - Provides practical scripts and techniques for communicating effectively with children
• Raising Boys by Stephen Biddulph - Details the psychological development of boys through different life stages and the changing roles of parents and other adults
• The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease - Makes a compelling case for reading aloud to children of all ages with research-backed benefits
• Untigering by Iris Chen - Examines breaking free from authoritarian "tiger" parenting, particularly for immigrant families dealing with generational patterns
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt - Investigates the impact of smartphones and social media on youth mental health with practical solutions

Join me again next time for more bookish wonder at Tea Tales and Tomes, where we're living our favorite lives talking books and drinking hot beverages.

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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Ever wondered how children can learn complex facts without feeling like they're in a classroom? Roslynne Toerien has mastered this delicate balance through her captivating children's books that blend imagination with education.

In this heartwarming conversation, award-winning Durban-based author Roslynne opens up about her remarkable journey from struggling reader to celebrated writer. As a mother of three and founder of the Learn Project NGO (which has distributed over 90,000 books to 29 South African schools), Roslynne's passion for literacy runs deep. Her children's books, featuring South African wildlife and rhyming text, stem from a desire to create stories where local children can see their world reflected on the page.

Follow Roslynne on social media @roslynnewrites and @learnproject and discover how her rhyming wildlife adventures might be just what your young reader needs to fall in love with both stories and science. You can also check our Ros's author page at Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/author/roslynne-toerien . 

For all the information on the LEARN project go check out: https://thelearnproject.co.za/

The transcript of this episode, a list of all the books discussed here, and for any comments, visit:  https://teatalesandtomes.wordpress.com/2025/06/03/episode-7-from-teacher-to-acclaimed-author-roslynne-toeriens-literary-journey/

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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Have you ever felt self-conscious reading aloud to your child? That strange feeling of performing for an audience, struggling with character voices, or wondering if you're "doing it right" when your child interrupts or wanders off mid-story? You're not alone.

Reading aloud transforms both reader and listener, but rarely in the picture-perfect way we imagine. Drawing from my own journey—from awkwardly reading Roald Dahl to my newborn to now sharing magical reading moments with my children—I unpack the essential elements that make read-aloud time meaningful rather than merely performative.

The foundation begins with selecting books that spark joy for both of you. Children intuitively sense when adults are genuinely engaged versus going through the motions. Reading slowly allows young minds to absorb language and create mental images, while simple voice variations—changing volume, pitch, or pace—create character distinction without requiring theatrical training. Those dreaded interruptions? They're actually signs of deep engagement, often leading to meaningful conversations about school, friendships, or worries that wouldn't emerge through direct questioning.

Perhaps most reassuring is understanding that movement during storytime is normal and beneficial. Research shows many children absorb stories better when their bodies are active. That child doing cartwheels during Charlotte's Web might remember more details than the one sitting perfectly still! The goal isn't perfect execution but connection—creating a foundation for lifelong reading and relationship building.

Whether you're reading to a newborn, a fidgety toddler, or a questioning school-aged child, remember that your unique reading journey, with all its beautiful imperfections, is exactly what your child needs. Follow me on Instagram @TeaTalesandTomes for more bookish inspiration!

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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Reading comic books and graphic novels with children creates joyful literacy experiences that build lifelong connections through stories while developing critical visual literacy skills.

• Slow down when reading comics aloud to allow children time to explore illustrations and decode visual information
• Place your finger under characters who are speaking to help kids follow dialogue
• Make sound effects dramatic and fun – children often learn words like "bonk" and "crash" before traditional sight words
• Give silent panels enough time and attention, asking questions about what might be happening
• Invite children to look at facial expressions, scene details, and panel sequences to build comprehension skills
• Toon Books offers excellent leveled readers from simple single-panel stories to chapter-style graphic novels
• Elephant & Piggy books provide simple, funny stories perfect for all ages with clean illustrations
• Series like Zita the Space Girl, The Investigators, and Marvel Superheroes Adventure work well for ages 7+
• South African graphic novels like Kwezi and Shaka Rising offer culturally relevant stories with local flavor
• Consider emotional maturity rather than just reading level when selecting graphic novels for children

If you know of any great South African graphic novelists or comic book artists, please drop me a note in the comments.

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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Ever found yourself wondering if your child's comic book obsession actually "counts" as reading? You're not alone. Parents everywhere are questioning whether Dog Man and Captain Underpants are legitimate literature or just a phase to endure.

Comics and graphic novels deserve recognition as legitimate reading material that offers unique cognitive benefits through multimodal storytelling, serving as perfect gateway books for reluctant and proficient readers.

In today's episode, we are delving into the science of reading graphic novels and looking at why comic books and graphic novels have been termed "story-teller quicksand." 

What gateway books sparked your love of reading? Share your story and join our passionate community of readers raising the next generation of book lovers.

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.

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Ever felt completely overwhelmed in the library or bookshop when trying to select a good book for your kids? One that they and you will love and that won't sit on a shelf collecting dust after just one read? If you answered yes, this episode is for you. I am talking about prolific authors who write greats stories and whose books are easily available (especially in our part of the world). 

We are on the third and final part of our chat about books to read to our kids in that first year and more importantly, curating shelves in this year that will last a lifetime. In Part 1 we looked at what reading aloud might look like when our children are little more than pooping, feeding, sleeping machines and in Part 2 we went into the “why should we read” to these littlest of humans and I gave some recommendations for books that I believe should be on all shelves because they are truly lifelong reads. In this episode, we are going to explore author collections and boxsets that are great for the first year of reading but that will be a staple in your home for decades to come because these are stories that do not go out of fashion.  

Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder.

Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.