Worlds Awaiting

Reading Independence (3:59)

No one likes to kill time. What do you do with those empty intervals when you’re waiting for the doctor or the dentist, or when you’re parked at the curb waiting for your child at school? Do you play on your Smart Phone? Stare at the wall? Practice Zen? What about using some of those spare minutes to read? Our guest today, reading specialist, Donalyn Miller, suggests that we anticipate such moments by toting a book wherever we go. Miller discusses with Rachel how to instill this good habit in our children, to help them become life-long readers. Donalyn Miller taught in elementary and middle schools in Northeast Texas, and was a finalist for the 2010 Texas Teacher of the Year. She’s the author of The Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild, which explore independent reading best practices and practical strategies for engaging students with reading. Donalyn’s articles about teaching and reading have appeared in publications such as Education Week Teacher, The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadership, and The Washington Post. 

The Role of Comics (14:42)

Our next guest on Worlds Awaiting is Kerry Soper – known by students and colleagues for his expertise in “Pop Culture.” Soper is also an author and artist. He and Rachel talk about how Comics can help all of us in better understanding the world. Soper teaches Interdisciplinary Humanities and American Studies at BYU. His research is often focused on comic strips, satire, and popular film. He is presently working on a book about Gary Larson, creator of the comic strip, The Far Side.

Author Tips (25:14)

We finish up the show today with three children’s book illustrator-authors – Bob Shea, Leslie Helakoski, and Bethanne Anderson – who share tips for anyone who wants to enter the world of illustration and writing.

An Illustrator’s Journey (3:47)

Children often wonder what they want to be when they grow up. Actually, you may even be asking that question right now! Our guest today, popular illustrator-author Bob Shea, talks to Rachel about his journey to his present profession. It all started with drawing and writing in childhood and continued later with his work as a graphic designer. Ultimately he discovered the world of illustrating and writing picture books. Bob Shea has written and illustrated over a dozen picture books including the popular Dinosaur vs. Bedtime and the cult favorite Big Plans illustrated by Lane Smith. His characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr, Playhouse Disney, and PBS Kids. Bob spends his days writing, drawing and having “conversations” with NPR.

Acknowledging the Positive (14:34)

Our next guest on Worlds Awaiting is Lynnette Christensen, professor in the BYU School of Education. Her area of expertise is Positive Behavior Support. The premise of Positive Behavior Support is that acknowledging good behavior – fosters good behavior. Merely punishing misbehavior is never as effective. Christensen is Assistant Director of the BYU Positive Behavior Support Initiative and has been actively involved in the implementation and research of this program in the public schools.

Book Review (27:06)

We finish up the show today with a book review by Lauren Tolman, Children’s Librarian at the Springville, Utah Library. Tolman introduces a picture book called Pink Is for Blobfish: Discovering the Worlds’ Perfectly Pink Animals by Jess Keating from The World of Weird Animals series.

An Illustrator’s Journey (3:47)

Children often wonder what they want to be when they grow up. Actually, you may even be asking that question right now! Our guest today, popular illustrator-author Bob Shea, talks to Rachel about his journey to his present profession. It all started with drawing and writing in childhood and continued later with his work as a graphic designer. Ultimately he discovered the world of illustrating and writing picture books. Bob Shea has written and illustrated over a dozen picture books including the popular Dinosaur vs. Bedtime and the cult favorite Big Plans illustrated by Lane Smith. His characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr, Playhouse Disney, and PBS Kids. Bob spends his days writing, drawing and having “conversations” with NPR.

Acknowledging the Positive (14:34)

Our next guest on Worlds Awaiting is Lynnette Christensen, professor in the BYU School of Education. Her area of expertise is Positive Behavior Support. The premise of Positive Behavior Support is that acknowledging good behavior – fosters good behavior. Merely punishing misbehavior is never as effective. Christensen is Assistant Director of the BYU Positive Behavior Support Initiative and has been actively involved in the implementation and research of this program in the public schools.

Book Review (27:06)

We finish up the show today with a book review by Lauren Tolman, Children’s Librarian at the Springville, Utah Library. Tolman introduces a picture book called Pink Is for Blobfish: Discovering the Worlds’ Perfectly Pink Animals by Jess Keating from The World of Weird Animals series.

Anticipating the Story (3:24)

A writer’s inspiration can take many forms – a novel, a picture book, a short story. Writer Tim Wynne-Jones has written in all of these genres, and then some! Tim talks to Rachel today about his creative process and how he enjoys the anticipation of discovering the direction a story will take. He is an award-winning author of thirty-four books including novels, picture books, and short story anthologies. His most recent novel for young adults is The Emperor of Any Place. And, his newest picture book is Secret Agent Man Goes Shopping for Shoes.

Love of Sports through Reading (13:50)

Next, Cole Wissinger of the Worlds Awaiting team visits with Spencer Linton, sportscaster and co-host of BYU Sports Nation on BYU-TV and Radio. They talk about Spencer’s passion for sports and what he enjoyed reading as a child, from sports stats on player cards to The Berenstain Bears. Linton has worked as a sportscaster at iProvo Cable in Provo, Utah; KJCT News 8 in Grand Junction, Colorado; KESQ-TV in Palm Desert, California; and elsewhere. Spencer Linton was also the play-by-play voice on BYU-TV for the Rio Olympics.

Poetry (27:34)

We finish up the show today with two poems that will take you into another world - Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Swing read by Emily Brown and The Song of Mr. Toad from Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows read by Mike Pond.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:24 - Anticipating the Story

00:13:50 - Love of Sports through Reading

00:27:34 - Poetry

Anticipating the Story (3:24)

A writer’s inspiration can take many forms – a novel, a picture book, a short story. Writer Tim Wynne-Jones has written in all of these genres, and then some! Tim talks to Rachel today about his creative process and how he enjoys the anticipation of discovering the direction a story will take. He is an award-winning author of thirty-four books including novels, picture books, and short story anthologies. His most recent novel for young adults is The Emperor of Any Place. And, his newest picture book is Secret Agent Man Goes Shopping for Shoes.

Love of Sports through Reading (13:50)

Next, Cole Wissinger of the Worlds Awaiting team visits with Spencer Linton, sportscaster and co-host of BYU Sports Nation on BYU-TV and Radio. They talk about Spencer’s passion for sports and what he enjoyed reading as a child, from sports stats on player cards to The Berenstain Bears. Linton has worked as a sportscaster at iProvo Cable in Provo, Utah; KJCT News 8 in Grand Junction, Colorado; KESQ-TV in Palm Desert, California; and elsewhere. Spencer Linton was also the play-by-play voice on BYU-TV for the Rio Olympics.

Poetry (27:34)

We finish up the show today with two poems that will take you into another world - Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Swing read by Emily Brown and The Song of Mr. Toad from Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows read by Mike Pond.

Mental Illness (3:52)

Statistics say that 1 in 4 people have mental illness. And 1 in 25 suffer so badly from it that it disrupts their professional and personal life. Many suffer in silence. They’re afraid or ashamed to tell others, for fear of the stigma. Rachel visits with young adult novelist, Robison Wells, about his journey through mental illness, and, the passion he has for speaking out on the subject, especially in his books, articles, and social media. Robison Wells is the award-winning author of Blackout, Variant, Airships of Camelot and others. Robison lives in the Rocky Mountains in a house not too far from elk pastures. His wife, Erin, he says, is a better person than he will ever be, and their three kids cause mischief and/or joy. Wells suffers from five mental illnesses, as you will hear him explain, and is an outspoken advocate for others like him.

Leadership Skills (15:01)

Next, Rachel visits with Angela Nederhand, a teacher at Salem Hills High School. She talks to Rachel about her work, teaching leadership skills, and why she feels these skills are so important for teens to learn. Angela Nederhand is a TV Broadcasting teacher at Salem Hills High School. Previously, she taught Leadership Principles and worked with multicultural students as they sought opportunities for community service. She studied at Westminster College and graduated valedictorian in the College of Technology and Computing at Utah Valley University.

Sneaking a Book into Bed (24:16)

We finish up the show today with Mark Burns, producer of Thinking Aloud on BYU Radio, who offers some great tips on “How to Sneak a Book into Bed!”

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:52 - Mental Illness

00:15:01 - Leadership Skills

00:24:16 - Sneaking a Book into Bed

Mental Illness (3:52)

Statistics say that 1 in 4 people have mental illness. And 1 in 25 suffer so badly from it that it disrupts their professional and personal life. Many suffer in silence. They’re afraid or ashamed to tell others, for fear of the stigma. Rachel visits with young adult novelist, Robison Wells, about his journey through mental illness, and, the passion he has for speaking out on the subject, especially in his books, articles, and social media. Robison Wells is the award-winning author of Blackout, Variant, Airships of Camelot and others. Robison lives in the Rocky Mountains in a house not too far from elk pastures. His wife, Erin, he says, is a better person than he will ever be, and their three kids cause mischief and/or joy. Wells suffers from five mental illnesses, as you will hear him explain, and is an outspoken advocate for others like him.

Leadership Skills (15:01)

Next, Rachel visits with Angela Nederhand, a teacher at Salem Hills High School. She talks to Rachel about her work, teaching leadership skills, and why she feels these skills are so important for teens to learn. Angela Nederhand is a TV Broadcasting teacher at Salem Hills High School. Previously, she taught Leadership Principles and worked with multicultural students as they sought opportunities for community service. She studied at Westminster College and graduated valedictorian in the College of Technology and Computing at Utah Valley University.

 

Sneaking a Book into Bed (24:16)

We finish up the show today with Mark Burns, producer of Thinking Aloud on BYU Radio, who offers some great tips on “How to Sneak a Book into Bed!”

YA Literature (3:50)

Of all the worlds awaiting our youth, dangerous worlds can pack the biggest wallop. Dangerous settings in fiction abound, because they make compelling stories. But just how dangerous should they be? BYU English professor, Jon Ostenson, talks to Rachel today on Worlds Awaiting about the popularity of fictional worlds of peril, dystopia, and apocalypse. Jon specializes in literature for teens and young adults. Having taught Junior High and High School English, he presently teaches courses in adolescent literature and publishes on the topic.

The Dolly Gray Award (14:04)

Next, Rachel visits with Tina Dyches, professor in the BYU School of Education, and founder and current chair of the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award. She talks to Rachel about creating this award that began with her desire to encourage better fictional depictions of young characters with disabilities. Dr. Tina Taylor Dyches has worked in the field of education for 30 years, as a special educator, professor, and administrator. Her scholarship has resulted in three books about using children’s literature that includes characters with special needs.

A few previous winners and recommendations from Dr. Dyches: 

Rain, Reign by Ann M. Martin 

My Brother Sammy by Becky Edwards 

My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peet and Ryan Elizabeth Peet 

BYU HAROLD B. LEE LIBRARY – SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Halloween Book Reviews (25:04)

We finish up the show today with a great way to celebrate Halloween with your family. Margaret Neville, Children’s Book Buyer at the King’s English Bookstore in Salt Lake City, reviews two delightful Halloween Picture Books - The Hallo-wiener by Dave Pilkey and Frankenstein: A Monstrous Parody by the late Rick Walton.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family at this time.

YA Literature (3:50)

Of all the worlds awaiting our youth, dangerous worlds can pack the biggest wallop. Dangerous settings in fiction abound, because they make compelling stories. But just how dangerous should they be? BYU English professor, Jon Ostenson, talks to Rachel today on Worlds Awaiting about the popularity of fictional worlds of peril, dystopia, and apocalypse. Jon specializes in literature for teens and young adults. Having taught Junior High and High School English, he presently teaches courses in adolescent literature and publishes on the topic.

The Dolly Gray Award (14:04)

Next, Rachel visits with Tina Dyches, professor in the BYU School of Education, and founder and current chair of the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award. She talks to Rachel about creating this award that began with her desire to encourage better fictional depictions of young characters with disabilities. Dr. Tina Taylor Dyches has worked in the field of education for 30 years, as a special educator, professor, and administrator. Her scholarship has resulted in three books about using children’s literature that includes characters with special needs.

A few previous winners and recommendations from Dr. Dyches: 

Rain, Reign by Ann M. Martin 

My Brother Sammy by Becky Edwards 

My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peet and Ryan Elizabeth Peet 

BYU HAROLD B. LEE LIBRARY – SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Halloween Book Reviews (25:04)

We finish up the show today with a great way to celebrate Halloween with your family. Margaret Neville, Children’s Book Buyer at the King’s English Bookstore in Salt Lake City, reviews two delightful Halloween Picture Books - The Hallo-wiener by Dave Pilkey and Frankenstein: A Monstrous Parody by the late Rick Walton.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family at this time.

Hearing Poems (3:24)

A child’s first experience with poetry is almost never with the eyes. Children hear poems before they ever see them. Gina Clark, a poet and teacher, believes poetry was meant to be heard – not read. Today, Clark visits with Rachel on Worlds Awaiting, about the plusses of reading aloud to our children. It helps them as they’re beginning to read, speak, and explore language. Gina will also reads some of her own poems in the course of the interview.   

Gina Clark is a Utah native and mother of six children - ages 5 to 15. She completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry at Arizona State University and has taught as an adjunct at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. She’s currently a writing instructor with BYU's Independent Study. It should go without saying that Gina is an avid supporter of her local public library (Orem, Utah), where she’s been a volunteer storyteller for over a decade. Her monthly Storytime presentations might better be called Poetrytime, since she packs in plenty of poems!

Stories (15:07)

Next, Rachel visits with Julie Rose, host of Top of Mind on BYU Radio. Here she tells the story of writing and recording episodes from her childhood. She was motivated by a desire to share them with her nieces and nephews. The whole exercise brought her closer to her siblings and deepened the bond with her nieces and nephews. Julie also gives tips on preserving personal and family stories. Julie Rose is a seasoned broadcast journalist and interviewer, and, winner of multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards. Prior to joining BYU Radio, Rose worked as a reporter and produced spots and feature news stories for NPR's Morning Edition and All Thing Considered.

Teachers on Reading (25:32)

We finish up the show today with some teachers from Wasatch Elementary in Provo, Utah, who talk with Clara Goodwin of Worlds Awaiting about how they encourage their students to read.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:24 - Hearing Poems

00:15:07 - Stories

00:25:32 - Teachers on Reading