BookWorthy
Join children's author Valerie Fentress for weekly Author Chats to find books that are good for your kids' heart and soul.
BookWorthy Chats with Becca Wierwille
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews author Becca Wierwille about her latest book, Road Trip Redemption, the third installment in her middle-grade trilogy. The conversation delves into the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the impact of bullying, as well as Becca's writing journey and her decision to self-publish. They also discuss the importance of children's literature in addressing complex emotions and experiences, and Becca shares her favorite children's books and upcoming projects.
Takeaways
Jada's story explores themes of forgiveness and redemption.
BookWorthy Chats with Kirthana J. Fanning
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Book Worthy, author Kirthana J. Fanning discusses her book 'The Girl with Her Noble Steed' and her passion for empowering young readers through Christian faith-based storytelling. She shares how her love for underdog stories and fairy tales inspired her to create a story about a young girl named Ophie who relies on her faith and courage to overcome challenges. Fanning also talks about the importance of including Christian elements and the Word of God in children's stories. She discusses her journey from television production t...
BookWorthy Chats with Jerah Alvarado
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy podcast, Valerie interviews children's author Jerah Alvarado, who discusses her bilingual book, 'Would You Rather? Bible Water Adventure Edition.' Jerah shares the inspiration behind her book, her writing journey, and the importance of making Bible stories fun for children. She also talks about her upcoming projects and the significance of bilingual literature in fostering language skills among young readers.
Takeaways
Jerah's book aims to make Bible stories fun for children.
The inspiration for th...
BookWorthy Chats with Jennifer Bleakley
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie talks with author Jennifer Blankley about her love for animals and how it influences her writing. Jennifer shares her journey from being a grief counselor to becoming an author, highlighting her latest book, 'More Proverbs for Kids.' The conversation explores the lessons animals teach us, the importance of storytelling, and how childhood experiences shape our passions. Jennifer also discusses her future projects, including a devotional based on the Psalms.
Takeaways
Jennifer's first pet...
Play it Again with Linda MacKillop
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Linda McKillop about her middle-grade book, Hotel Oscar Mike Echo. The conversation covers various topics, including the inspiration behind the book's unusual title, addressing adult topics in a middle-grade book, Sierra's cooking skills and creativity, the message and takeaways of the book, Linda's writing journey, her military background and inspirations, the most impactful book in Linda's life, the transition from writing for adults to middle grade, future projects, and where to find Linda and her books.
Takeaways
...Play it Again with Rachael Hartzell
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews Rachel Hartzell, the author of the picture book series 'The Garden Scouts.' They discuss Rachel's favorite bugs and bug encounters, as well as the lessons we can learn from bugs. Rachel shares the inspiration behind her book series and how she teaches the fruits of the spirit through her stories. They also talk about scouting, different cultures, and the impact of books on education. Rachel shares her journey as an author and her plans for future books. You can find Rachel on...
Play It Again with Sally Cressman
Send us a text
Summery
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Sally Cressman, author of 'The Dance of Easter.' Sally shares her favorite season and discusses her background and family. She introduces her book and explains the inspiration behind it. Sally also talks about how she aimed to bridge the gap between churchgoers and those outside the church with her book. She shares her writing journey and the challenges of writing in rhyme. Sally discusses the most impactful book in her life and the importance of believing in God's...
Play it Again with Jarm Del Boccio
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Jarm Del Boccio about her award-winning middle-grade novel, The Heart Changer. Jarm shares the inspiration behind the book and her desire to help kids explore forgiveness and compassion through biblical and historical fiction. They discuss the importance of middle-grade fiction and the impact it can have on young readers. Yarm also talks about her writing journey and future projects. The episode concludes with information on where to find Jarm and her books.
Takeaways
The Heart Ch...
BookWorthy Chats with Amy Houts
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews author Amy Houts, who has written over a hundred children's books. They discuss her latest work, 'God's Earth is Something to Fight For,' which emphasizes environmental stewardship from a faith perspective. Amy shares her inspiration for writing the book, the importance of empowering children to take action, and her journey to becoming an author. The conversation also touches on impactful books in Amy's life and her upcoming projects.
Takeaways
Amy Houts has written over a...
BookWorthy Chats with Crystal Bowman
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of the BookWorthy Podcast, Valerie speaks with Crystal Bowman about her new Easter book, 'R is for Risen,' which aims to teach children the Easter story through an engaging alphabet format. Crystal shares her writing journey, the challenges of creating children's literature, and the importance of mentorship in the writing community. They also discuss impactful books that have shaped Crystal's life and her upcoming projects, including a Bible storybook focused on compassion.
Takeaways
Crystal's new book 'R is for...
BookWorthy Chats with Sandra Kay Chambers
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie talks with Sandra Kay Chambers, author of 'Maisy Discovers Her Fingerprints.' They explore the themes of uniqueness and acceptance through the character of Maisie, a dog who embarks on a journey to discover what makes her special. Sandra shares her inspiration behind the book, her writing journey, and the importance of instilling a biblical worldview in children. The conversation also touches on impactful books and the joys of grandparenting.
Takeaways
Maisy is ba...
BookWorthy Chats with Phyllis Wheeler
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews author Phyllis Wheeler, who shares her journey from mechanical engineer to writer of award-winning time travel fantasy tales for children. They discuss her series, Guardians of Time, which follows the adventures of Jake and Ava as they navigate different historical periods to rescue their dog. Phyllis emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse histories, the inspiration behind her writing, and the educational resources she provides for homeschooling families. The conversation also touches on themes of faith and morality woven into her stories, a...
BookWorthy Chats with Debbie Burton
Send us a text
Summary
Debbie Burton, author of the Tales of Blueberry Street series, discusses her inspiration for the books and the messages she hopes to convey to children. The series follows the adventures of Buddy the Beagle and explores themes of perseverance, friendship, problem-solving, and caring for animals. Debbie also shares her love for children's books, including Dr. Seuss, and talks about her upcoming book, Manatee School. Listeners can find out more about Debbie and her books on her website, Debbie Burton Blog.
Takeaways
The Ta...
BookWorthy Chats with Emily Assell
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Emily Assell, a nurse educator and author of the Generation Claimed book series. They discuss Emily's latest book, 'When It Hurts,' which aims to help children navigate their emotions through a biblical perspective. The conversation explores the importance of addressing grief, equipping children with emotional understanding, and Emily's journey in writing and publishing. They also touch on Emily's upcoming projects, including a devotional for moms, emphasizing the need for spiritual nourishment in parenting.
Takeaways
Em...
BookWorthy Chats with Laurie Christine
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews Laurie Christine, the author of the Dragon Slayer Bible series. Laurie discusses her passion for creating adventure-packed biblical fiction aimed at preteens, particularly boys. The conversation delves into the unique structure of her books, which combine storytelling with devotional elements, encouraging children to explore biblical truths. Laurie shares her journey to becoming an author, the impact of various books on her life, and her future projects, including a new book set in the time of Noah.
Takeaways...
BookWorthy Chats with Annette Whipple
Send us a text
Summary
Author Annette Whipple discusses her book 'Quirky Critter Devotions' and the inspiration behind it. She shares her favorite animals, including owls and fireflies, and highlights the unique characteristics of these creatures. Annette explains how her book aims to connect children with God's creations and foster curiosity and faith. She also discusses her Truth About series and the importance of nonfiction books in engaging young readers. Annette provides resources, such as question cards and teacher guides, to further explore the topics covered in her books.
Takeaways
Season 5 Bonus Chat with Tricia Goyer
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews award-winning author Trisha Goyer about her latest book, 'Wonders of the Ocean Realm.' They discuss the collaboration with marine biologist Sherry Sigelson, the importance of intertwining science and faith in children's literature, and how unique marine creatures can teach valuable life lessons. Trisha shares insights from her experience as a homeschooling mother of ten, emphasizing the significance of encouraging curiosity and fostering relationships in learning. The conversation also touches on Trisha's future projects and her passion for storytelling.
...
BookWorthy Chats with Megan Schaulis
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode, author Megan Schaulis discusses her YA duology, The Susa Chronicles. Book One, Protector, is inspired by the book of Esther and follows the story of Novalice, a brave heroine who becomes the king's bodyguard. Book Two, Proclaimer, is set to release in April. Megan shares how her faith and personal experiences influenced the writing of the series, emphasizing the importance of our relationship with God and the labels He gives us. She also discusses her love for YA literature and the impact it can have...
BookWorthy Chats with Candice P. Yamnitz
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, host Valerie interviews author Candice Yamnitz about her latest YA novel, 'Untamed,' the second book in her Agatha C series. They discuss the themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the role of magic in the story. Candice shares her journey as a writer, her cultural influences, and the importance of representation in literature. The conversation also touches on the significance of YA literature in shaping young adults' lives and the upcoming projects Candice is working on.
Takeaways<...
BookWorthy Chats with Mark L. Redmond
Send us a text
Summary
Mark L. Redmond discusses his middle grade book, The Adventures of the Box M Gang, and his inspiration for writing about the Old West. He shares his favorite required reading book as an English teacher and the challenges he faced in getting his books published. Mark's goal is to provide young readers with an accurate portrayal of the Old West and to show how God worked in people's lives during that time. He also talks about his other book series and where readers can find his books.
BookWorthy chats with Courtney Siebring
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews author Courtney Siebring about her latest rhyming picture book, Everybody Wonderfully Made. The book takes a biblical worldview of gender and celebrates the diversity of bodies. Courtney discusses the importance of teaching children to love and appreciate their bodies and how the book provides a starting point for conversations about gender identity. She also shares resources available on the book's website to help parents navigate these discussions. Courtney talks about her journey as an author and her plans for future poetry projects. Overall...
Play it Again with Michelle Lazurek
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Michelle Lazurek, co-author of the book 'Who God Wants Me to Be.' They discuss the importance of helping children discover their calling and aligning it with God's plan for their lives. They explore the difference between choosing a career and knowing God, and how parents can encourage their children in their journey. They also share personal stories of how God has guided their paths. Michelle shares her upcoming projects and invites listeners to connect with her.
<...
Play It Again with Lori Z. Scott
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Lori Z. Scott, the author of young adult suspense books. They discuss topics such as sports, writing, and the importance of incorporating faith into storytelling. Lori shares her journey of choosing the topic of sex trafficking for her book and the impact she hopes to make on teen readers. She also talks about her experience as a teacher and how it influences her writing. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Lori's upcoming projects and where to find...
Play it Again with Kylie Beevers
Send us a text
Play it Again with Kylie Beevers
Full Transcript can be found at www.valeriefentress.com/blog
Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Kylie Beavers, the author of the middle-grade fantasy adventure, Rise of the Living Wood. They discuss Kylie's background, living on a farm, and her connection with nature. They also explore the incorporation of faith in children's literature and the challenges of writing a fantasy book without magic. Kylie shares her inspiration for 'Rise of the Living Wood' and the journey...
Play it Again with Courtney Strong and Carissa Robertson
Send us a text
Join Valerie Fentress as she chats with Courtney J. Strong and Illustrator Carissa J. Robertson about their children's Christmas Book, A Trail of Unexpected Gifts.
We talk Christmas traditions, family, and about the efforts of Vision Rescue in India
Find out more about Vision Rescue and the book on the links below.
Vision Rescue - NGO For Underprivileged Child Education & Support
The Trail of Unexpected Gifts: Strong, Courtney J, Robertson, Carissa: 9781632966223: Amazon.com: Books
Let's discover great boo...
Play it Again with Valerie Ellis
Send us a text
Play it Again with Valerie Ellis
Full Transcript can be found at www.valeriefentress.com/blog
Join Valerie Fentress as she chats with author Valerie Ellis about her children's book Share the Joy.
We talk about when the Christmas Tree goes up and how to communicate joy to our kids without all the stuff of the season.
Find out more about Valerie Ellis, her book, and resources that go with the book at the links below.
Happy Reading!
<...
Play it Again with Gayle Boss
Send us a text
Play it Again with Gayle Boss (Originally aired 12/23)
Full Transcript can be found at www.valeriefentress.com/blog
Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Gail Boss, the author of All Creation Waits. They discuss the importance of waiting and rest, the inspiration behind the book, and the power of nature in teaching us about God. Gail shares her personal experience of celebrating Advent in a unique way and how it helped her overcome seasonal depression. They also talk about the impact o...
Play it Again with Sonia E. Amin
Send us a text
Play it Again with Sonia E. Amin ( reposted from 2/14/2024)
Full Transcript available at www.valeriefentress.com/blog
Join Valerie Fentress as she talks with Dr Sonia E. Amin about her children's picture book When Love Flows.
We talk about our favorite children's books as well as Valentine's traditions in our home.
Find out more about Sonia E. Amin on her website, and find a link to her books below.
Sonia E. Amin | Bax and His Bubbles - Positive Thinking for Kids (soniaeamin.com)<...
BookWorthy Chats with Maria Antonia
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews author Maria Antonia about her picture book, The Christmas Elephant, A Nativity Story. They discuss family Christmas traditions, sibling dynamics, and the inspiration behind the book. Maria shares her writing journey and the process of getting her book published. They also talk about their favorite books and what to expect from Maria's upcoming projects.
Takeaways
Family traditions around Christmas can vary, such as when to put up the Christmas tree.
The Christmas Elephant is a pi...
BookWorthy Chats with Becky VanVleet
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Becky Van Vleet, an award-winning multi-genre author, about her children's picture book, Angelina the Traveling Angel. The book follows Angelina, a magical Christmas tree topper, as she travels from home to home and questions her worth. Becky shares the inspiration behind the book, which is part of her traveling series based on objects passed down through generations in her family. She discusses the importance of preserving family stories and memories and the impact of her own writing journey. Becky also recommends t...
BookWorthy Chats with Dominique Okonkwo
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews Dominique Okonkwo, the author of the rhyming picture book 'No Greater Love.' They discuss Dominique's inspiration for the book, the challenges of explaining God's love to children, and the importance of faith-based stories for kids. Dominique also shares her writing journey and her plans for future books. Overall, the conversation highlights the power of storytelling to teach and entertain children while reinforcing biblical truths.
Takeaways
Children's books can be a powerful tool to teach and reinforce bi...
BookWorthy Chats with Nancy Tupper Ling
Send us a text
Summary
Nancy Tupper-Ling discusses, Bless the Earth, which is a collection of poems for children to celebrate and care for the world, co-edited with bestselling anthologist, June Cotner. The book features a variety of poetry styles and beautiful illustrations. Ling explains that poetry comes in and out of fashion, but it is making a comeback, especially with the inclusion of fun and joyful poems. The book aims to inspire children and families to appreciate and care for the Earth. Ling also shares her connection to nature and how it i...
BookWorthy Chats with Rachael Hartzell
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews Rachael Hartzell, the author of the picture book series 'The Garden Scouts.' They discuss Rachael's favorite bugs and bug encounters, as well as the lessons we can learn from bugs.
Rachael shares the inspiration behind her book series and how she teaches the fruits of the spirit through her stories. They also talk about scouting, different cultures, and the impact of books on education. Rachael shares her journey as an author and her plans for future books. You can find Ra...
BookWorthy Chats with Jennifer Bosma
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, host Valerie interviews author Jennifer Bosma about her latest children's book, 'God is Three in One.' The conversation explores the inspiration behind the book, the challenges of explaining the Trinity to children, and the importance of faith-based literature. Jennifer shares her journey to becoming an author, her plans, and insights from her podcast, emphasizing the need for Christian principles in parenting and education.
Takeaways
Jennifer Bosma's book simplifies the complex concept of the Trinity f...
BookWorthy Chats with Healey Ikerd
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode, Healey Ikerd discusses her book, The Red Ball, and its inspiration. She shares the importance of faith and forgiveness in the story and how it teaches children valuable life lessons. Healey also talks about the impact of different lifestyles and the need for books on forgiveness. She shares her journey as an author and her upcoming projects. You can find Healey and her books on her website, writtenbyhealy.com.
Takeaways
The Red Ball teaches children about faith, forgiveness, and ki...
BookWorthy Chats with Maryna Doughty
Send us a text
Summary
Maryna Doughty tells us about her middle-grade book Sincerely Diary, which explores friendships and relationships in middle school. She shares her inspiration for the book, including her own experiences with betrayal and deception. Maryna also talks about the devotional resource accompanying the book, which covers topics such as self-acceptance, peer pressure, and forgiveness. She emphasizes the importance of honesty and discernment for young readers. Maryna discusses her journey as an author and her favorite books. She also gives a sneak peek of her upcoming book, Confessions of a...
BookWorthy Chats with Abbi Lee
Send us a text
Summary
Abbi Lee, author of Geocache Club, Ghost Town Treasure Hunt, discusses her book and the concept of geocaching. Geocaching is a modern-day treasure-hunting activity where participants hide and find containers, called geocaches, using GPS coordinates. Abbi shares her personal experiences with geocaching and explains the different types of geocaches. She also talks about the inspiration behind her book and how it incorporates themes of friendship, history, and dealing with change. Abbi discusses her journey as an author and her favorite books. She also gives a sneak peek into t...
BookWorthy Chats with Amanda Cleary Eastep
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Amanda Cleary Eastep, author of the Tree Street Kids series. Amanda shares her inspiration for her recent trip to India and how it influenced her writing. She discusses the fifth book in the series, The Beastie of Brambly Bald, and the themes of family dynamics and curiosity that are explored. Amanda also talks about engaging middle-grade readers and the importance of playfulness and humor in children's literature. She shares her favorite books, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Wrinkle in Time, and...
Book Worthy Chats with Carolyn Leiloglou
Send us a text
Summary
Carolyn Leiloglou discusses her middle-grade series, The Restorationists, and the inspiration behind it. The series takes place in a world where art is powerful and paintings are portals. The first book, Beneath This Rolling Sky, follows Vincent as he discovers his family's role as Restorationists and tries to protect his sister. The second book, Between Flowers and Bones, shifts to Georgia's perspective as she grapples with her own insecurities and learns the value of her unique gifts. Carolyn shares her own journey as a writer and the impact o...
BookWorthy Chats with John Hendrix
Send us a text
Summary
In this episode, Valerie interviews John Hendrix, a New York Times bestselling illustrator and author of children's books. They discuss his latest book, 'The Mythmakers,' which explores the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and their impact on storytelling and literature. They also talk about the power of myth and fantasy, the complexities of friendship, and the importance of community for artists. John shares his advice for parents of creative children and gives a sneak peek into his upcoming projects.
T...
