Finding Confidence (2:59)

Brad Wilcox, a professor at BYU, talks about his book (written while on a plane!), “Hip-Hip Hooray for Annie Mcrae!” The book focuses on a little girl who finds confidence all by herself.

Helping an Autistic Child Enjoy Reading (15:52)

Rachel also welcomes Mary Warner, a mother of an Autistic Child. Mary shares what she has learned about the condition and how she has guided her son to engage in reading.  

Studio C (23:45)

Lastly, Two stars from Studio C, the popular BYUtv sketch-comedy troupe, Matt Meese and Stacey Harkey, talk about books that have shaped their lives and aided them in their path to creativity.

Reading to a Dog (3:06)

Have you ever tried reading to a dog? Rachel talks to Kathy Klotz, founder of a program called READ Dogs, which encourages this very thing.  Dogs can promote literacy.

Mother Goose (15:11)

Then, Clara Goodwin of the “Worlds Awaiting” team visits with Kathryn Bauss of the Novi, Michigan Public Library, who created a reading program there. She is also a storyteller at the library where she is affectionately known as “Mother Goose.”

Emily Dickinson (27:03)

Also, hear two poems by American poet, Emily Dickinson, shared by Merritt Mecham.

Helping Children Make Decisions (2:44)

Jennifer Wimmer, Department of Teacher Education, BYU talks about how literacy is more than what meets the eye. She also offers tips on how to engage our children in the world.

Author Matthew J. Kirby (13:53)

Then, Rachel visits with Matthew J. Kirby, author of middle-grade novels about his personal satisfaction in writing books that cover a broad range of subjects. His books include "The Clockwork Three", "Icefall", "The Quantum League" series, and "The Arctic Code" series. He also shares some responses he’s received from his readers.

What Makes a Book Good (26:09)

Also hear children from Timpanogos Elementary School in Provo  talking about what makes a book good.

Helping Pre-Schoolers to Read (2:55)

Rachel talks to Lisa Cohne, manager of Utah Education Network’s Community Partnerships about 5 things you can do to help a pre-schooler to read: 1. Talking, 2. Singing, 3. Reading (bonding here), 4. Writing, 5. Playing (Most important job for children).

Find out more at Utah Kids Ready to Read

Author Chris Crowe (14:44)

Then, she visits with author, Chris Crowe, who has written many books focused on boy readers. His desire is to motivate them to read.

Favorite Childhood Book (26:11)

Then, Clara Goodwin talks to Rene Cunningham, the Principal of Wasatch Elementary in Provo, Utah about some of her favorite books from childhood.

Developing Literacy at Home (2:45)

“Worlds Awaiting” host, Rachel Wadham talks to Dr. Amy Minor, BYU Professor, Teacher Education, about developing literacy in the home and how our love of reading can influence our family. 

Meet Our Host (14:48)

Next, our host, Rachel Wadham, Juvenile Literature Librarian  is in the interviewee chair. Clara Goodwin talks to Rachel about her journey to becoming Juvenile Literature Librarian at the Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University.

Mayor's Favorite Children's Book (26:20)

Then, Taylor Miranda visits with John R. Curtis, Mayor of Provo, Utah, about his favorite book from childhood.

Jessica Day George (2:45)

Join Rachel in a conversation with Jessica Day George, bestselling author of many children’s books including “Dragon Slippers” and the “Castle Glower” series. We’ll get to hear how she almost gave up on her first book and even thought she might quit writing altogether.

Award-Winning Books (14:08)

Also, Rachel and Gene Nelson, Director of the Provo City Library, talk about their favorite books from the Caldecott and Newbery Awards.

Gene mentions "How to Judge a Book By Its Cover: And Nine Other Clues" by Beverly Kobrin (1988), School Library Journal, 35(2), p. 42-43