BookWorthy

Valerie Fentress
  • 5.0 (12)
  • STORIES FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. A Middle-Grade Prankster Helps Readers Explore their hearts with Bonnie Swinehart

    5D AGO

    A Middle-Grade Prankster Helps Readers Explore their hearts with Bonnie Swinehart

    Send a text 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. Benjy Book Series (affiliate link) Bonnie Swinehart: Home Don't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12. Follow over on YouTube  Takeaways  Bonnie's books aim to instill Christian values in children. The character Benji is relatable and humorous, appealing to young readers. Bonnie's journalism background helps her write concisely and engagingly. Humor is a key element in making stories memorable for children. The importance of community and support is a recurring theme in Bonnie's writing. Bonnie's writing journey began in her youth, fueled by a love for reading. The Benjy's series reflects the simplicity and challenges of childhood. Bonnie's future projects include a young adult novel based on her life. The impact of impactful books can shape a writer's perspective. Stories can provide hope and connection in difficult times. Chapters  00:00 Introduction to the Benjy’s Series 02:34 The Character of Benjy and His Adventures 05:08 The Influence of Journalism on Writing 08:00 Themes and Messages in Benjy's Stories 10:27 The Importance of Humor in Writing 13:00 Bonnie's Journey as a Writer 15:50 Impactful Books and Their Influence 18:27 Future Projects and Aspirations Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    20 min
  2. The Colorful World of Hadley the Hippo with Kayla E. Green

    FEB 25

    The Colorful World of Hadley the Hippo with Kayla E. Green

    Send a text 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. Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats (affiliate link)  The Unicorn Writer – Faith. Fiction. Fireside Poetry. Don't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12. Follow over on YouTube   Takeaways  Kayla's journey into writing began in elementary school. 'Hadley the Hippo' is inspired by her daughter's love for food. Books can serve as conversation starters for families. It's important for children to understand what they consume mentally and emotionally. Kayla emphasizes the importance of teaching children to guard their hearts. She believes in the power of read-alouds for all ages. Kayla's teaching experience has shaped her storytelling. Different books impact us at different stages of life. Kayla's favorite books include 'The Girl Who Drank the Moon' and 'Matilda.' She is working on a young adult pirate fantasy and a sequel to 'The Goodness of Unicorns.' Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kayla E. Green and Hadley the Hippo 01:49 The Inspiration Behind Hadley the Hippo 04:55 The Message of Hadley and Its Importance 09:14 Kayla's Writing Journey and Teaching Background 14:48 Favorite Books and Their Impact 20:15 What's Next for Kayla E. Green?   Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    22 min
  3. Growing a Love of God on the Farm with Sarah Philpott

    FEB 18

    Growing a Love of God on the Farm with Sarah Philpott

    Send a text 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 Little Seed (affiliate link) Don't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12. Follow over on YouTube Takeaways  Sarah Philpott emphasizes the importance of God's presence in every detail of life. Her book 'Wake Up, Little Seed' aims to teach children about growth and God's role in it. Transitioning from writing devotionals to children's books has been a delightful journey for Sarah. Writing children's books is challenging due to the need for impactful storytelling in fewer words. Illustrations play a crucial role in children's books, enhancing the storytelling experience. Publishers often have a lot of heart and care about the details in book creation. Encouragement from teachers can significantly impact a writer's journey. Sarah's writing journey has been filled with constant project ideas and learning. Recent reads often leave a lasting impact on readers, shaping their thoughts and reflections. Reading together as a family is a vital activity that fosters connection and learning.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Sarah Philpott and Her Work 01:56 Exploring 'Wake Up, Little Seed' 05:43 Transitioning from Devotionals to Children's Books 09:20 The Creative Process Behind Children's Books 12:44 Sarah's Writing Journey and Inspirations 16:30 Impactful Books and Their Influence 18:18 Connecting with Readers and Future Plans   Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    21 min
  4. Emotional Growth Through Storytelling with Kathleen Davis

    FEB 11

    Emotional Growth Through Storytelling with Kathleen Davis

    Send a text 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 Davis Books – Faith based books for kids, signed by the author, shipped for free.  Takeaways  Books are a way to positively influence children. Children's emotions affect those around them. Recognizing feelings is crucial for emotional growth. Children's books can facilitate important discussions. Parents can use books to communicate complex ideas simply. Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for parents. It's important for children to feel loved and supported. Diversity in children's literature is essential. Encouraging gratitude can help combat anxiety. Every child is unique and beautiful in their own way. Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Kathleen and Her Book 02:22 Exploring the Themes of 'Our Hearts' 04:40 The Role of Children's Books in Emotional Development 09:13 The Inspiration Behind 'Our Hearts' 13:06 The Journey of Writing and Publishing 17:43 Looking Ahead: Kathleen's Upcoming Book 21:06 Conclusion and Resources Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    23 min
  5. A Journey into The Black Cyclone with John Kennedy Howard

    FEB 4

    A Journey into The Black Cyclone with John Kennedy Howard

    Send a text 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.     Takeaways Major Taylor was a pioneering figure in cycling and civil rights. John Howard spent years researching Major Taylor's life and achievements. The Black Cyclone aims to educate young readers about history and perseverance. Howard's interviews with Taylor's daughter provided unique insights into his life. Major Taylor faced significant racism and adversity during his career. The book will have a children's version to reach a younger audience. Howard's own cycling experiences were influenced by Major Taylor's legacy. The importance of storytelling in preserving history is emphasized. Howard is working on an autobiographical piece about his life. The conversation highlights the ongoing relevance of civil rights discussions today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Howard and Major Taylor 02:16 The Legacy of Major Taylor 04:47 Researching Major Taylor's Life 07:29 Writing for Younger Readers 09:40 Personal Impact of Major Taylor's Story 12:02 Major Taylor's Endurance and Challenges 15:08 Cultural Significance of Major Taylor 17:39 Lessons for Today's Youth 20:05 Future Projects and Inspirations Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    26 min
  6. Exploring Wild Faith with Valerie Ellis- A Devotional for Kids

    JAN 28

    Exploring Wild Faith with Valerie Ellis- A Devotional for Kids

    Send a text 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.com/family-games-all-ages/  https://oureverydayparables.com/books/   Takeaways Valerie's book connects animal traits to Christian teachings. The Importance of Grace in Children's Spiritual Growth Researching animals requires careful validation of information. Kids' curiosity can lead to deeper discussions about faith. Using animals as a tool to foster wonder in children. Valerie's writing journey began with a desire to engage her children. The significance of including lesser-known Bible stories. Valerie emphasizes the importance of community in the writing process. Encouraging children to explore their interests can lead to faith discussions. Valerie's future projects aim to continue engaging children in faith-based learning.   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Wild Faith Devotions 02:36 Exploring Animal Traits and Christian Life 05:24 Researching Animals for Devotional Insights 08:34 Bizarre Animals and Their Lessons 11:24 Fostering Wonder in Children 13:54 Valerie's Writing Journey 20:37 Future Projects and Goals Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    29 min
  7. Discovering WWII Mysteries with Nell Branum

    JAN 21

    Discovering WWII Mysteries with Nell Branum

    Send a text 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 and resilience in both literature and life, as well as a sneak peek into Nell's upcoming works. Home - Nell Branum Search | Christian Books Takeaways  Nell Branum's books are contemporary mysteries rooted in World War II history. The series features a sixth grader, Riley Abercrombie, who uncovers real-life mysteries. Nell's parents were involved in World War II, influencing her writing. Intergenerational conversations are vital for understanding history. Nell aims to show that being a Christian is both possible and smart. Each book includes a scripture from Ephesians, emphasizing faith. Nell's writing journey began with curriculum writing and evolved into fiction. She has a tradition of publishing books with her grandchildren. The upcoming book focuses on the women who fed soldiers during the war. Nell believes history teaches us valuable lessons for today.   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Nell Branum and Her Books 02:43 Exploring the Heroes on the Home Front Series 06:18 The Contemporary vs. Historical Narrative 10:02 The Heart of the Stories: Lessons from History 14:12 Nell's Writing Journey and Inspirations 19:31 Upcoming Works and Historical Inspirations Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    22 min
  8. Play it Again with Abbi Lee

    JAN 14

    Play it Again with Abbi Lee

    Send a text Abby 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. Abby 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. Abby discusses her journey as an author and her favorite books. She also gives a sneak peek into the upcoming books in the Geocache Club series. Geocache Club Series – Abbi Lee Books Takeaways  Geocaching is a modern-day treasure-hunting activity where participants hide and find containers using GPS coordinates. The Geocache Club book series explores themes of friendship, history, and dealing with change. Abby Lee drew inspiration from the story of Forrest Finn, who hid a treasure chest in the Rocky Mountains and combined it with her love for geocaching. The books in the Geocache Club series aim to encourage kids to explore their towns, discover hidden gems, and appreciate history. Abby Lee is currently working on the second and third books in the Geocache Club series.   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Geocache Club and Abby Lee 03:36 Friendship, History, and Change in Geocache Club 04:55 Inspiration and Kansas in Geocache Club 05:23 The Journey of an Author: Abby Lee 09:05 Favorite Books and Impactful Reads 12:05 What's Next in the Geocache Club Series?       Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    25 min
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Trailer

5
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12 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Valerie Fentress
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 BookWorthy
  • Show Website
    BookWorthy

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