A Thousand & One Goodnights

I’ve been listening to this podcast since a few months after they began, and I love it. Based on the hosts' discussions, I’ve purchased several books that have quickly become household favorites. I’ve also gifted others a number of the books reviewed here. Ben and Nick provide not only an interesting discussion about each book, but also an ongoing conversation about big questions related to children’s literature. Are children’s books meant to remind a parent about what it’s like to be a child? Should children's books spell out the moral of the story? How can we best perform children’s books at bedtime? I love the insights they provide based on their professional expertise, as well as their parental insights based on sitting down with their kids and reading. This podcast makes me feel like there’s a lot to think about in these simple books I read to my toddler. And, since that’s just about the only reading I get to do these days, I’m grateful for Ben and Nick’s help seeing this as literature.

This is an excellent podcast for anyone who has been touched and formed by the stories he/she read as a child and young adult. As fathers to young children, Ben and Nick talk about the books they are revisiting while raising their own children. Nick, a trained psychologist, often gives a helpful psychological lens to understanding these stories. Ben, who works in publishing, talks about some of the quirky details of the books and authors, and, in general, gives a great literary analysis. They are also so FUNNY! And there is jazzy music, to boot. This podcast speaks to that secret desire of any parent who wants to talk more about these seminal stories that often just seem like background noise to his/her life.

Love listening to these two review Children’s books. As a loving aunt that is lucky enough to join in on the bedtime ritual of reading bedtime stories this gives me fresh ideas on new (and old) books to read to my little ones. There is a delightful sense of nostalgia with an analytical twist that satisfies both the heart and mind. Looking forward to hearing more from Nick and Ben!

I love listening in to Ben and Nick’s hilarious and insightful conversations about children’s books. Can’t wait for more episodes!