Worlds Awaiting

Writing Process Behind every book there is a writer responsible for all the little details, world building and characterization that are loved by many. Every writer has their own unique process to complete such a feat. Rachel loves talking to authors about what their individual path and process is. So she's in the studio today with author Sharlee Glenn to talk about her writer’s journey. Storytime Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have Joella Peterson reviewing the picture book "The Princess and the Warrior" by Duncan Tonatiuh.  Financial Literacy Understanding money and finances is an essential tool for being an adult. While children learn many different things in school as they grow up, financial literacy is not often emphasized or in some cases even taught. Today Rachel is on the phone with financial literacy expert, Gregg Murset. Popular Music Music

Non-Fiction versus Historical Fiction Children can benefit greatly from understanding history. Especially when they learn about the past cultural events that have shaped the world that they live in today. There are many different ways to learn about history. From history classes, non-fiction books like biographies, and even historical fiction. Today Rachel has on the phone Lauren Tarshis an author of historical fiction. Storytime Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a reading of two poems: “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth and “Nature” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Telling Stories Stories are a very important part of the development of a child. Children usually begin telling stories on their own, although they might not realize it. Our job is to help them engage with their own stories and embrace them. Today I’m in the studio with st

Historical Fiction Learning about history can be a powerful tool for a child. Today Rachel has author Candace Fleming on the phone. In the past she’s written biographies, but recently she’s released two historical fiction books for children; “Eleanor Roosevelt’s is in my garage” and “Ben Franklin is in my bathroom”.   Storytime Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have Reed Wolfly reading the picture book "Quangle Wangle's Hat" by Edward Lear.  Family Reading Literacy may grow in the classroom, but the seed is planted in the home. Parents play an integral role in helping their children develop a passion for reading. Rachel is in the studio today with Joe Hadfield. He’s the director of online communications here at BYU and more importantly, he’s a dad.  Physical Fitness Children learn a lot at school that can be applied well into their adult lives. Learning

Teen Reading Being able to express ourselves with the written word is critical in this day and age. It is particularly important for our teens, who are learning and developing as writers. We are so excited to have Penny Kittle on the phone today. She is an author and a great advocate for helping our teens engage with writing.  Storytime Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have Mazie Cryer reviewing the picture book "Rosie Revere Engineer" by Andrea Beaty.  Historical Fiction Understanding history is an important part of being human. We can learn from the actions of past generations and hopefully not repeat past mistakes. One way children learn about history and the world around them is through historical fiction novels. We’re in the studio today with author Jennifer Nielsen. STEM Children learn so many different things at school. These diverse subjects he

Creative Writing Making a work of fiction is an extremely creative process. Characters, scenes, plots, settings, all of them have to come from somewhere. Writers’ are constantly on the lookout for inspiration throughout all aspects of their lives. Today we have in the studio Heather Price, whose not only a librarian but also a writer. Storytime Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have Ally Lybbert reviewing "Who Could That Be At This Hour?" by Lemony Snicket.  Music Literacy While many people view literacy as simply reading and writing, literacy actually reaches a broad range of disciplines. For example, math literacy. Being literate in math enables students to problem solve, reason, and analyze information. Today however we want to dive into the world of music literacy. That’s why we have Brittany May in the studio, a professor here at BYU who specializes

Illustrator's Process The journey from an idea in an author’s head to a published book can be a long one. There are a lot of steps required, from simply writing a first draft to multiple revisions. And when it’s a picture book, artwork and character design is added into the mix on every single page. Every illustrator has their own unique process to creating their part of a picture book. Today Rachel has in the studio Bethanne Anderson, an illustrator and professor at BYU. She's here to share her process.  Storytime Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a reading of Lewis Carroll's poem "The Jabberwocky".  READ Dogs Program Some people say that a dog is a man’s best friend. But for many children dogs have become so much more than that. In fact, dogs all over Utah are helping children develop critical literary skills. Today Rachel has in the studio Kathy K

Virtual Reality (3:54) The way children learn inside the classroom is constantly evolving. We’ve gone from lectures on chalkboards to lessons blended together with online content. Where technology goes, our childrens’ educational experience follows. Today Rachel has on the phone, John Pickavance, a PhD researcher in cognitive science at the University of Leeds. Hogle Zoo (29:33) Recently, we had special visitors from the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City. Rachel got to ask Suzanne Zgraggen and Erica Ferguson what summer programs Hogle zoo provides. Writer's Process (33:59) The path to becoming a writer is not universal. Every author has a unique story on how they became an author, and how they continue to practice their craft. We can find inspiration for our own lives when we listen to their stories. Today Rachel has author Julie Berry in the studio today to share her story.   Librarians' Table (46:57) Today we are around the librarians' table with Lindsey Watts and Merideth Zobell, librarians' for Salt Lake

Planetarium & Space Center (3:53)  Looking up at the sky on a clear night can be a magnificent experience. There are millions of unknown stars and planets that are just waiting to be explored. Many children are excited to make those discoveries, but may not have access to resources that help them learn deeply about space. Today we have James Porter from the Christa McAuliffe space center in the studio, whose on a mission to change that. Storytime (17:22) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a poetry reading of "The Fire Brigade" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.  Summer Reading (19:11) Summertime is a great time to be a child. There is so much to do! From jam packed adventures at summer camp to lazy days at the pool, children are exploring and learning about the world around them. But they also have the potential to lose some knowledge. Today Rachel has on the ph

Musical Play (4:01) Children play all the time. Anything from an empty cardboard box to a bouncy ball can become a fascinating toy to a little child. It’s through this play that children develop skills and learn about the world around them. Today we have Brittany May in the studio, a professor here at BYU who specializes in music education. Storytime (17:10) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a reading of "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery.  YA Books (20:59) There are many genres and types of books within the world of literature. Books can span from fantasy to nonfiction, or long novels to picture books. Often authors stay in one area, for example only writing picture books, or staying within the realm of science fiction. But sometimes authors explore writing multiple types of books. Today Rachel has on the phone Martha Brockenrough, an author

Young Theater (4:07) Going to the theater to see a live production can be a rich and fulfilling experience. There is so much thought and effort that goes into a single production, from sets, costumes, and acting. Today Rachel has in the studio Julia Ashworth, a theater education professor at BYU who specializes in theater for young audiences. Storytime (14:55) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a book review by Savannah Higgins of the novel "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead.  Grimm Tales (18:50) When we think of fairy tales, they often end with “and they lived happily ever after.” But many of our classic tales have much darker, and violent origins. It’s not often that modern adaptations of these fairy tales include those darker elements. Rachel is on the phone with author Adam Gidwitz today to talk about a few of his books that incorporate such gri

Teen Writing (4:19)  The ability to express oneself and be heard is an essential part of being human. This need for self expression is especially high during the teenage years. One great way to express oneself is through the writing process. Today we have on the phone Penny Kittle, an author and a great advocate for helping our teens engage in writing. Storytime (16:34) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today Rachael Colson gives her book review of "Mr. Miniscule and the Whale" by Julian Tuwim.  Adventure Novels (19:49) When an author writes a work of fiction, they create an entire world for the reader to dive into. That world can be grounded only in our reality, or break off to explore fantastical ideas, or reimagine history. Rachel is in the studio with author Matt Kirby to talk about a few of his books that plays around with world building.  Arts Education (36

Disability Advocacy (3:17) The world is full of amazing children, with amazing talents and abilities. However, some of them have differences, and sometimes it is difficult for us as parents and caregivers to talk with our children about these kinds of differences. Today we are on the phone with Amy Webb, who is a mother of a child with a disability, and an advocate to help us as parents and other children the context of disabilities through her experiences.  Storytime (18:03) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a reading of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" by Reed Wolfly.  Historical Fiction (23:20) Books can be an incredible tool for teaching children about the world around them. Even the simplest of stories can teach children about our history, and help them learn different virtues like compassion or resilience. Today we have author Lauren Tarsh

Alice in Wonderland (4:03) Alice in Wonderland may have been published in the 1800s, but it’s still a relevant classic for teens now. From the mad hatter tea party to the red queen screaming “off with your head”, these moments continue to show up in new retellings and reimaginings. We have L.L. McKinney on the phone today to talk about her Alice adaptation, “A Blade So Black.” Storytime (16:36) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a reading of the poem, "The Dance" by R.C. Lehmann. Literary Practices (18:54) Not every child loves to read automatically. There are many things we do, as librarians, educators, and parents, to encourage our children to read. However some of these common practices appear to go against conventional wisdom and may do more harm than good. Rachel has Nell Duke, writer and researcher on the topic, on the phone today to help us out

LitWorld (3:35) Children from all around the world have a story to tell. It may be a story that they’ve created or a story they’ve lived. But not everyone has ample access to literature, or even the education to learn how to read or write. Rachel is on the phone today with Pam Allyn, the founder of LitWorld, an organization investing in children’s literacy around the world. Storytime (17:31) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a book review of "Thelma the Unicorn" by Aaron Blabey.  Illustrations (21:30) A tv audience can tell if a character is sad, mad, or happy without any words being spoken because of the visual format. The same can be said for picture books. So much story is conveyed through just the illustrations. It makes one wonder what type of processes an illustrator goes through to get that end result. That’s why we sent out a member of our cr

Biographies (3:41) Historical figures can be looked up to, despised, or forgotten. And no matter how much we’d like to, we can’t sit down and pepper them with questions. That’s where biographies come into play. Deep and thoughtful research by authors can help readers get those answers. Rachel has Candace Fleming on the phone today to talk about her biographies. Storytime (17:24) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a book review of "Gaston" by Kelly DiPucchio. Less Known Literature (20:34) Many parents are constantly on the lookout for new books to introduce to their children. While there are many wonderful books available today, there are some amazingly unique and fantastical books that have dropped off the face of the literate world for one reason or another. We’re in studio today with Jamie Horrocks, an English professor here at BYU, to chat about wh

Classroom Practices (3:08) As the world constantly changes, so are the spaces we inhabit within the world. Classrooms don’t always look exactly the same as they did when we were in school. We’re in studio today with Dawan Coombs, an English professor here at BYU, to take a glimpse into what is going on in today’s classrooms. Storytime (15:02) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a reading of "My Father's Dragon" by Ruth Stiles Gannett.  Autistic Spectrum (19:38) There are so many challenges that our children face in life and especially if they also face a disability. In those circumstances there can be immense challenges. However there plenty of ways that we can support children with special needs. Dr. Jon Cox joins Rachel in the studio today to talk about his speciliality: those on the autistic spectrum.  Writer's Path (33:39) We all have our own pat

New Writing Forms (3:43) The way we write physically has changed drastically over the ages. We’ve gone from hieroglyphics etched into stone to ink on scrolls to typewriters and computers. What we write about and how we express our thoughts has also changed over time. Today Steve Graham, a college professor that studies how writing develops, joins Rachel in the studio to chat about new forms of writing. Storytime (15:38) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we have a book review of "I am Human" by Susan Verde.   Author's Journey (19:25) Everyone has their own path, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Today Rachel is on the phone with Author Ariane de Bonvoisin to talk about her journey to becoming a writer.  Reading Habits (34:45) As an adult how long does it take you to develop a new habit? It’s hard to establish a new pattern or way of thinki

Early Readers (3:37) Parents spend hours and hours in their young child’s life reading picture books and fostering a love for reading. As children develop that passion for books, and become more independent from parents they will need more engaging books that they can read all by themselves. That’s where early reader books come into play. Rachel has Tracy Hecht, an author who writes such books, on the phone today.  Storytime (15:48) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today Rachel shares one of her favorite books "Mr. Jeremy Fisher" by Beatrix Potter. Reading in the Family (20:44) Literacy starts in the home, and has the potential to become a generational tradition. Because our parents taught us to be passionate about books, we teach our children, and then our children go on to teach future generations. It can become a wonderful cycle, but it requires work to make r

Board Games and Picture Books (3:26)  Life can get pretty busy. But every now and then there are a few moments to take a break and relax. What do you with that time? Do you read books? Play games? Or hang out with friends?  How about creating a new board game with your friends? Today Rachel gets to talk to someone who did just that. Brian Calhoun is on the phone today to talk about his creative board game, "Chickapig" and picture book, "Little Joe Chickapig". Storytime (13:51) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. It's Easter weekend, and we have a special Storytime in order to celebrate the occasion. The book "Egg" by Kevin Henkes is reviewed by Gene Nelson, the director of the Provo City Library.  Art (32:10) Art is a wonderful way to express oneself. It can be messy and colorful. It can also be clear cut and monotone. And sometimes it is a mixture of both. Art can

Teaching with Pizzazz (3:24) Have you ever wondered what type of messages we send our kids every day? How our interactions, positive or negative, impact their young lives? We have Mary Bigler, a professor in the department of Teacher Education at Eastern Michigan University on the phone today to approach these important questions.   Storytime (15:28) Libraries are known for their storytimes and we are too. Each week at around 15 minutes past the hour, tune in to hear book reviews or live readings of picture books or poetry. Today we had a few local children reading poetry by Janet Wong.  Counting (17:39) When we send our children into the world of education, it can be a little daunting and many questions arise. How much should they know before kindergarten? What needs to be taught at home? We’re in studio with Alisa Belliston today to talk about helping our young children with mathematical concepts before and during early education. She is a previous elementary mathematics teacher, and current Mathematic