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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 to becoming a children's author and shares her favorite books and upcoming projects.

Takeaways

Author Kirthana J. Fanning is passionate about empowering young readers through Christian faith-based storytelling.

Her book 'The Girl with Her Noble Steed' is a heartwarming Christian fairy tale about a young girl named Ophie who relies on her faith and courage to overcome challenges.

Fanning believes in including Christian elements and the Word of God in children's stories to teach kids about faith, prayer, and the power of God's word.

She shares her journey from television production to becoming a children's author and how the pandemic played a role in shifting her career path.

Fanning's favorite books include 'The Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia', and she has upcoming projects, including a Christmas-themed book and more books in the 'Golden Noblesteed' series.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Empowering Young Readers Through Christian Storytelling

02:52 The Girl with Her Noble Steed: A Heartwarming Christian Fairy Tale

06:21 Including Christian Elements and the Word of God in Children's Stories

08:38 From Television Production to Children's Author: Kirthana J. Fanning's Journey

15:24 Favorite Books: 'The Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia'

16:46 Upcoming Projects: A Christmas Book and More in the 'Golden Noblesteed' Series

Christian Children Books and Stories | Kirthana.J.Fanning (kirthanajfanning.com)

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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 the book came from Jerah's daughter.

Bilingual books help children learn and appreciate different languages.

Jerah's writing journey began with blogging and book reviews.

The importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone in writing.

Children's literature can convey powerful messages about faith and God's miracles.

Jerah's love for books started in her childhood and shaped her career.

Influential authors can inspire aspiring writers in their journey.

Reading preferences can vary based on mood and interest.

Jerah's upcoming book will focus on animal stories from the Bible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jerah Alvarado and Her Book

02:10 Inspiration Behind the Book

05:25 Target Audience and Bilingual Benefits

06:51 Messages for Children

07:18 Jerah's Writing Journey

10:22 Desire to Work with Books

12:12 Influential Authors and Books

14:08 Reading Preferences and Current Reads

17:02 Upcoming Projects

20:51 Connecting with Jerah

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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 was a grasshopper named Georgie.

Animals play a significant role in Jennifer's writing.

The book 'More Proverbs for Kids' combines animal stories with biblical lessons.

Jennifer's writing journey began after meeting a blind horse.

She aims to teach children wisdom through animal stories.

The importance of listening to people's animal stories for inspiration.

Jennifer's background in counseling influences her writing style.

Animals can provide comfort and teach valuable life lessons.

The impact of childhood reading on Jennifer's desire to write.

Future projects include a devotional based on the Psalms.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Blankley and Her Passion for Animals

02:13 The Journey to Becoming an Author

04:57 The Concept Behind 'More Proverbs for Kids'

07:06 Lessons Learned from Animals

09:08 The Impact of Childhood Reading

15:26 Sugar: A Special Connection with God

21:15 Future Projects and Devotionals

Home - Jennifer Bleakley

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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

Hotel Oscar Mike Echo addresses adult topics such as PTSD, homelessness, and addiction in a relatable way for middle grade readers.

The book's title, Hotel Oscar Mike Echo, is inspired by the military alphabet and plays a significant role in the story.

Sierra's cooking skills and creativity are highlighted in the book, adding a unique element to the story.

The book aims to teach young readers compassion and empathy for those who are struggling.

Linda McKillop's writing journey began in high school, and she has since written both nonfiction and fiction books.

The book draws inspiration from Linda's experiences volunteering and working with children in difficult circumstances.

The most impactful books in Linda's life include The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns and Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.

Linda made the transition from writing for adults to middle grade to address important topics and reach a younger audience.

Linda has future projects in the works, including a potential follow-up to Hotel Oscar Mike Echo.

Readers can find Linda McKillop and her books on her website and social media platforms.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Question of the Week

01:20 The Unusual Title of Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

02:17 Addressing Adult Topics in a Middle Grade Book

06:33 Sierra's Cooking Skills and Creativity

08:21 The Message and Takeaways of Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

11:00 Linda's Writing Journey

14:26 Military Background and Inspirations

15:49 The Most Impactful Book in Linda's Life

18:02 Transition from Writing for Adults to Middle Grade

21:00 Future Projects

22:42 Where to Find Linda and Her Books

23:26 Conclusion

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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 Instagram at Rachel.Hartzel.

Takeaways

Bugs can teach us about God's intricate design and the importance of details.

Rachel's book series, 'The Garden Scouts,' teaches children about the fruits of the spirit in a relatable and practical way.

Rachel chose a fly as the main character to show that even the 'uglier' parts of life can have beauty and redemption.

Teaching from Rest by Sarah McKenzie and Babushka Baba Yaga by Patricia Palacco are impactful books for homeschooling and a passion for children's literature, respectively.

Rachel is self-publishing her books and is focused on promoting her first book while working on the manuscript for the second book.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Favorite Bugs

02:19 Bug Encounters

06:15 Lessons from Bugs

08:15 The Garden Scouts, Buzzing with Love

12:05 Teaching the Fruits of the Spirit

15:12 Scouting and Cultures

16:29 Choosing a Fly as the Main Character

18:48 The Next Book and Fruits of the Spirit

21:18 Rachel's Journey as an Author

23:26 Education and Homeschooling

28:07 Most Impactful Book

31:26 Future Plans

33:33 Where to Find Rachel

34:16 Conclusion

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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 work through writing. She concludes by mentioning her upcoming projects and where listeners can find her and her book.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Favorite Season
03:11 Sally's Background and Family
04:57 Introduction to 'The Dance of Easter'
06:06 Inspiration for 'The Dance of Easter'
08:26 Bridging the Gap with the Book
10:57 Sally's Writing Journey
13:54 Writing in Rhyme
19:53 Most Impactful Book in Sally's Life
21:32 Believing in God's Work Through Writing
22:08 Upcoming Projects
23:27 Where to Find Sally and Her Book
24:44 Conclusion

Find out more about Sally Cressman and her book on the links below.

Home - Sally Cressman

LYRICAL LANGUAGE LAB – Renee LaTulippe

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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 Changer is a middle-grade novel that explores forgiveness and compassion through biblical and historical fiction.

Middle-grade fiction is important because it allows young readers to relate to characters who face similar struggles and encourages them to trust in God's plan for their lives.

Jarm Del Boccio's writing journey began with a love for communication and a desire to encourage and inspire others.

Yarm's future projects include a mystery set at the World Columbian Exposition of 1893 and a nonfiction book on aging.

To learn more about Yarm and her books, visit her website at yarmdelboccio.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Heart Changer

02:06 The Inspiration Behind The Heart Changer

05:45 Writing Middle-Grade Fiction

09:08 Takeaways from The Heart Changer

13:16 The Importance of Middle-Grade Fiction

17:51 Yarm's Writing Journey

20:05 Favorite Books and Future Projects

23:57 Where to Find Yarm and Her Books

24:09 Conclusion

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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 hundred children's books.

Her latest book focuses on environmental stewardship for Earth Day.

The book encourages children to take action for the planet.

Amy's inspiration came from concerns about climate change and her grandchildren.

She wrote the book from a faith perspective, emphasizing stewardship.

The book includes practical ways for kids to help the environment.

Amy believes that caring for the earth also means caring for people.

Children can have a voice and make a difference in their communities.

Amy's journey to becoming an author began while raising her children.

Her upcoming book will explore the history of the Bible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amy Houts and Her Work

03:16 The Inspiration Behind 'God's Earth is Something to Fight For'

08:07 Faith and Action: Caring for the Earth

12:00 Empowering Children to Make a Difference

16:53 Amy's Journey to Becoming an Author

19:42 Impactful Books and Their Influence

25:13 Upcoming Projects and Future Works

amyhouts.com - Welcome!

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