BookWorthy
Looking for books your kids will love — and you can trust? The BookWorthy Podcast is your weekly guide to help Christian parents cut through the noise and find books that actually matter. Each week, award-winning children's author Valerie Fentress chats with authors about stories that help kids process big feelings, grow in faith, and see God’s goodness in everyday life. Think of it as your trusted book buddy for raising readers who love Jesus.Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
Finding Harmony and Friendship with Allia Zobel Nolan
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of Bookworthy, children's author Allia Zobel Nolan discusses her latest picture book, 'Finding Harmony,' which explores themes of peace, friendship, and teamwork through the story of a kitten. The conversation delves into the importance of interactive storytelling, the role of prayer in children's lives, a...
Growing Up in Faith with Penny Reeve
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews award-winning author Penny Reeve, who shares her journey as a children's author and the inspiration behind her Tanya Abbey series. They discuss the themes of faith, generosity, and the importance of role models in children's literature. Penny elaborates on her latest b...
Devoted Heroes of Faith with Joshua Cooley
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews author Joshua Cooley about his latest book, Heroes of the Bible Devotional, Volume 2. They discuss the importance of lesser-known biblical characters, the role of humor in engaging children, and the empowering message of faith for kids. Joshua shares his journey f...
Teaching Kids to Pray Big Prayers with Kirthana Fanning
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
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...
A Gift, a Book, a Blessing with Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer discuss their latest book, 'This Special Blessing for You,' which is based on the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:23-27. They share their inspiration for writing children's books that teach biblical context and the importance of asking the right questions. The couple also t...
A Beautiful Earth Day Compilation of Poems with Nancy Tupper Ling
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this Play it Again episode, 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 c...
A Grandpuppy Leaves her mark with author Sandra Kay Chambers
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie talks with Sandra K 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 h...
The Power of a Smile with Kat Kronenberg
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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Kat Cronenberg, author of the 'Live Big' series. They discuss the inspiration behind Kat's books, her writing journey, and the importance of teaching children life skills through storytelling. Kat shares her experiences with animals and nature, and how these elements influence her work. The conversation highlights the impact of books on children's lives and the messages of hope and joy that resonate throughout her stories.
Live Big with Catch-M Book (affiliate link)
Narwhals Teach Faith and Science with Jennifer Jahn
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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie speaks with children's author Jennifer Jahn about her debut picture book, 'God's Wonderful Wide World.' They discuss the themes of God's creation, individuality, and the importance of teaching children about their uniqueness and God's love. Jennifer shares her writing journey, the publishing process, and her inspirations, including her favorite books and authors. The conversation concludes with a glimpse into Jennifer's upcoming projects.
God's Wonderful Wide World Book (affiliate link)
JBJahn
...Discovering Magic in Everyday Creativity with Lara d'Entremont
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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews author Lara d'Entremont about her YA fantasy novel, The Painted Fairy Tale. The story follows 17-year-old Wren, who discovers her paintings can open portals to other worlds, leading her on an adventurous journey. Lara shares her inspiration, writing journey, and the message she hopes young readers take away from her book.
The Painted Fairytale Book (affiliate link)
Lara d'Entremont
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The Gift of Diversity and Culture in Stories with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
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In this episode of Book Worthy, host Valerie speaks with author Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young about her journey as a children's book author, focusing on her latest work, 'Kailani's Gift.' They discuss themes of perseverance, family, and cultural diversity in literature, and the importance of storytelling in teaching children values. Dorina shares her experiences in writing and her passion for promoting multicultural stories, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding through literature. The conversation also touches on Dorina's upcoming projects, including a...
Season Eight Bonus with Shaun Stevenson and Brock Eastman
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this Bonus episode of Bookworthy, hosts Valerie, Shaun Stevenson, and Brock Eastman discuss the Parable Port series, a middle-grade book that brings biblical parables to life through engaging storytelling. They explore the creative process behind the book, the importance of collaboration, and the relatable characters that resonate with young readers. The authors share their journey of writing together, their passion for creating quality content for children, and their plans for the series.
Parable Port: The Sower's Secret (affiliate link)<...
Exploring God and the Universe with Mark Wainwright
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews Mark Wainwright, an author and editor with over 18 years of experience in Christian publishing. They discuss Mark's latest book, "Awesome Facts About Space," which combines science and faith to engage young readers. The conversation covers fascinating space facts, the integration of faith and science, and Mark's personal writing journey.
Mark Wainwright | Your Writing & Editing Mentor
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A Middle-Grade Prankster Helps Readers Explore their hearts with Bonnie Swinehart
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie interviews children's author Bonnie S. Weinhardt about her Bingees series, which follows the adventures of an 11-year-old boy named Benji in the 1930s. They discuss the inspiration behind the series, the character of Benjy, and the themes of humor, faith, and decision-making in the stories. Bonnie shares her journey as a writer, the influence of her journalism background, and her future writing projects, including a young adult novel based on her life experiences.
<...The Colorful World of Hadley the Hippo with Kayla E. Green
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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Kayla E. Green, an award-winning YA fantasy author who has ventured into children's literature with her picture book 'Hadley the Hippo.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the importance of conversations about what children consume, both in terms of food and media, and Kayla's journey as a writer and teacher. Kayla shares her favorite books and their impact on her life, as well as what readers can expect from her upcoming projects.
<...Growing a Love of God on the Farm with Sarah Philpott
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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews award-winning author Sarah Philpott, who shares her journey from writing devotionals to creating children's books. They discuss Sarah's latest book, 'Wake Up, Little Seed,' which connects children with the growth process in nature while emphasizing God's role in it. The conversation also explores the creative process behind children's literature, the impact of teacher encouragement, and the importance of reading in family life.
Moo, Moo Nap, Nap | Sarah Philpott
Wake Up L...
Emotional Growth Through Storytelling with Kathleen Davis
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie speaks with children's author Kathleen about her journey as a writer and the themes of her latest book, 'Our Hearts.' Kathleen shares insights on the importance of emotional development in children, the role of children's literature in addressing complex feelings, and her personal experiences that inspired her writing. The conversation also touches on the challenges of publishing and the significance of fostering a sense of belonging and love in children's lives.
Kathleen D...
A Journey into The Black Cyclone with John Kennedy Howard
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In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews cycling legend John Howard, who discusses his latest book, The Black Cyclone, which tells the story of Major Taylor, the first acclaimed African-American sports hero. Howard shares insights into the extensive research he conducted to bring Taylor's story to life, the challenges Taylor faced in a racially charged environment, and the lessons young readers can learn from his life. Howard also reflects on his own experiences in cycling and his future writing projects.
<...Exploring Wild Faith with Valerie Ellis- A Devotional for Kids
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie Ellis discusses her latest book, 'Wild Faith Devotions for Kids,' which explores the connection between animal traits and Christian teachings. Valerie shares her journey as a writer, the research involved in selecting animals for the book, and the importance of fostering wonder in children. She also reflects on her writing process and future projects, emphasizing the role of faith in parenting and education.
Valerie Ellis – Delighting Kids, Serving Parents
https://oureverydayparables.co...
Discovering WWII Mysteries with Nell Branum
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie interviews Nell Branum, a former elementary school librarian and author of the 'Heroes on the Home Front' series. They discuss Nell's inspiration for her books, which blend contemporary mysteries with historical elements from World War II, focusing on the stories of women who contributed to the war effort. The conversation explores the importance of intergenerational storytelling, the lessons learned from history, and Nell's writing journey. Listeners will gain insights into the significance of faith...
Play it Again with Abbi Lee
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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...
Play it Again with Dominique Okonkwo
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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.
Writer Portfolio | Dominique Okonkwo | Miami Motherhood
Takeaways<...
Play it Again with Amanda Cleary Eastep
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In this Play it Again episode from Season Four 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 h...
Play it Again Christmas Edition with Author Courtney Strong and Illustrator Carissa Robertson
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In this Play it Again episode from Season One, Valerie Fentress interviews Courtney J. Strong and illustrator Carissa Robertson about their new Christmas picture book, The Trail of Unexpected Gifts. They discuss their favorite Christmas traditions, the inspiration behind the book, the process of illustrating the book, and their heart for donating the proceeds to Vision Rescue. They also talk about involving their children in the book and their future projects. The episode concludes with information on where to find the book...
Play It Again Christmas Edition with Becky VanVleet
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this Play it Again episode from Season Fout 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...
Play it Again Christmas Editions with Maria Antonia
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In this Play it Again episode from Season Four, 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 wh...
Play it Again Christmas Edition with Gayle Boss
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In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, from Season One, 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 of stories, particularly the Chronicles of Narnia, on shaping their worldview. Gail...
Top 20+ Books for Kids this Christmas 2025
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, children's author Valerie Fentress shares a curated list of over 20 books suitable for gifting during the holiday season. Valerie emphasizes the importance of choosing books that nurture children's hearts and souls, providing insights into each book's themes and messages. Additionally, she highlights several devotionals for families to explore together during the holidays.
See all book and links a www.valeriefentress.com/blog
Takeaways
Valerie introduces the p...
Discovering the Full Story of Christmas with Donna Wyland
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In this episode of Book Worthy, host Valerie Fentress interviews award-winning author Donna Wyland about her latest children's book, 'Twas the Night Before Jesus.' They discuss the importance of Christmas traditions, the deeper message of the book, and Donna's journey as a writer. The conversation also touches on impactful books, the authenticity in storytelling, and Donna's podcast, Free To Be, which encourages women to live abundantly. Donna shares insights on her upcoming projects and the significance of gratitude in life.
<...A Heartfelt Christmas Tradition with Brock Eastman
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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie Fentress interviews author Brock Eastman about his latest Christmas book, 'Saint Nicking at Night.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the importance of giving and community, and Brock's personal writing journey. The conversation highlights the significance of teaching children about generosity and the true spirit of Christmas, as well as Brock's future projects and favorite children's books.
Don't forget to join in the 2nd Annual Holiday Book D...
Navigating Middle School with Books, Jesus, and Heather Holleman
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In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews author Heather Holleman about her Elita Brown series, which addresses the challenges of middle school, including popularity, social media, and the quest for belonging. Heather shares her inspiration for writing the series, the theological insights woven throughout the books, and the importance of intergenerational wisdom in navigating these challenges. The conversation also touches on Heather's future projects and her passion for connecting with young readers and their families.
Home - Heather Holleman
From Chicken Coop to Soaring Heights: A Journey of Identity and Healing
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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Soaring Eagle (a preferred alias), the author of a children's picture book that explores themes of trauma, identity, and self-discovery through the story of a young eagle raised in a chicken coop. Soaring Eagle shares insights about complex trauma, the importance of recognizing one's true identity, and the power of choice in overcoming adversity. The conversation also touches on the role of literature in healing and the author's journey to becoming a writer, as well...
From FBI Fantasies to Faithful Adventures with Rob Baddorf
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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews middle-grade author and illustrator Rob Baddorf, who shares insights into his writing journey, the inspiration behind his 'Recruited by the FBI' series, and the unique blend of faith and adventure in his stories. Rob discusses the importance of serialized fiction for engaging young readers and his experiences as an illustrator. He also reflects on the influential books that shaped his writing and reveals what’s next for his career.
Rob Baddorf, Author
...
Mystery, Adventure, and Family Fun with Amanda Trumpower
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In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie interviews Amanda Trumpower, a middle-grade author known for her engaging Christian adventures for kids. Amanda shares her journey as a writer, her inspirations, and the creation of her book series, including the Collar Cases and Power Pup. She discusses her goals for her readers, her experiences as a librarian, and the influence of authors like Agatha Christie on her writing. Amanda also opens up about the challenges of balancing her writing career with homeschooling...
Season Seven Bonus A Journey through Adoption with Emmanuel Jean Russell
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In this conversation, Valerie interviews Emmanuel Jean Russell, the author of 'My Name is Emmanuel,' a picture book that explores his adoption story and the significance of his name. Emmanuel shares insights about his writing process, the cultural elements he incorporated into his book, and the message he hopes to convey to children about identity and belonging. The discussion also touches on the importance of adoption and how it reflects a deeper spiritual narrative.
Tyndale | Hello! My Name Is E...
Sisters, Stories, and the Art of Writing with Hannah Fouts
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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews author and writing instructor Hannah Fouts about her short story, The Sisters of Starford Point, featured in the Author Conservatory's anthology. They discuss Hannah's writing journey, the inspiration behind her story, the themes of sisterhood and responsibility, and the unique educational experience at the Author Conservatory. Hannah shares her current projects and future aspirations, emphasizing the importance of creativity and imagination in storytelling.
Don't forget to join in the 2nd Annual...
God's Smile and the Big Bang: A Poetic Exploration with Author David Lahm and Illustrator Lael Brinkley
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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie Fentress engages with author David Lahm and illustrator Lael Brinkley about their children's book 'In the Beginning, God Smiled.' The conversation explores the themes of faith and science, the artistic representation of God, and the messages intended for both children and parents. David shares his inspiration for writing the book, while Lael discusses her approach to illustrating God's character. They also reflect on impactful books in their lives and their future projects together.
Don't forget to join in the 2nd Annual Holiday B...
Boring Parents to Alien Adventures with Tennille Marie
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In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie talks with author Tenille Marie about her middle-grade sci-fi adventure, 'So My Mom's From Outer Space.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the relatable characters, the importance of blended families in literature, and Tenille's writing journey. The conversation also touches on favorite books and their impact, as well as what Tenille has planned for the future.
Author website for Tennille | Official website of Tennille Marie
2025 Holiday Book Drive: September 30 – December 1 – The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast
Takeaways
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BookWorthy Chats with Kevin William Rascoe
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In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews author Kevin William Rascoe about his middle-grade series, The Unusual Life of David Snod. The conversation explores the themes of bullying, personal experiences, and the importance of instilling values in children through storytelling. Kevin shares his journey as an author, the inspiration behind his books, and his hopes for future projects, including a potential TV series adaptation.
Don't forget to join in the 2nd Annual Holiday Book Drive partnership with Storyteller's Shelf P...
BookWorthy Chats with Children's Author April Graney
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Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog
In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews author April Graney about her latest book, 'If Jesus Came to My School.' The conversation explores the themes of kindness, support in public schools, and the importance of instilling values in children. April shares her experiences as a middle school teacher and her journey as a writer, emphasizing the impact of literature on young minds. The discussion also touches on favorite books and resources for parents navigating the challenges of public schooling.
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