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. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog

  1. The Gift of Diversity and Culture in Stories with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

    6D AGO

    The Gift of Diversity and Culture in Stories with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

    Send a text Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog 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 journal on grief and collaborative efforts by authors to celebrate diversity.  Home - Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young  Kailani's Gift (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 Dorina's book 'Kailani's Gift' emphasizes perseverance and family values. The journey of writing 'Kailani's Gift' took over 10 years. Children can learn important values through storytelling. Multicultural stories help children appreciate diversity. Collaboration among authors can enhance the literary community. Cultural traditions can be integrated into family life. Storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching empathy. Grief can be addressed through writing and journaling. Diversity in literature reflects God's creation. Children's literature should represent various cultures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young 01:20 The Journey of Writing Kailani's Gift 03:23 Themes of Perseverance and Family in Kailani's Gift 07:33 The Importance of Multicultural Stories 11:23 Celebrating Diversity in Literature 14:35 Cultural Traditions and Family Connections 17:40 The Power of Storytelling 19:04 Upcoming Projects and Grief Journey 20:43 Conclusion and Resources Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    21 min
  2. Season Eight Bonus with Shaun Stevenson and Brock Eastman

    MAR 11

    Season Eight Bonus with Shaun Stevenson and Brock Eastman

    Send a text 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)  Welcome to Brock Eastman  shaunstevensonbooks.com 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  Parable Port is a unique blend of mystery and biblical parables. The target audience for the book is middle-grade readers aged 8 to 12. The authors emphasize collaboration and teamwork in their writing process. They aim to create relatable characters that resonate with children. The series started as a picture book and evolved into a middle-grade novel. The authors enjoy a fun and humorous writing dynamic together. They focus on making biblical teachings organic to the story. The inclusion of Silky Chickens was a humorous suggestion from their editor. The authors believe in the importance of quality Christian literature for kids. They have plans for future books beyond the current series. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parable Port and Its Authors 03:25 The Concept and Themes of Parable Port 09:38 The Collaborative Writing Process 14:27 The Impact of Teamwork in Writing 17:08 Personal Influences and Impactful Books 18:35 Future Plans and Upcoming Projects   Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    26 min
  3. Exploring God and the Universe with Mark Wainwright

    MAR 11

    Exploring God and the Universe with Mark Wainwright

    Send a text 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 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 Mark Wainwright has over 18 years of experience in Christian publishing. His book 'Awesome Facts About Space' combines science and faith for children. The book is divided into five sections covering various space topics. Pulsars are city-sized stars that spin incredibly fast, up to 700 times per second. Mark emphasizes the importance of faith in understanding the universe. He shares a personal story about feeling God's love while stargazing. Mark believes that creation draws us closer to our Savior. He discusses interesting space facts that didn't make it into the book. Mark's writing journey began with journaling during his family's missionary work. He aims to provide engaging books that point readers to the Savior. Chapters: 00:00:01 - Introduction to Mark Wainwright 00:00:45 - Awesome Facts About Space 00:02:07 - Faith and Science in Harmony 00:03:39 - Mark's Writing Journey 00:09:33 - The Power of Storytelling Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    41 min
  4. A Middle-Grade Prankster Helps Readers Explore their hearts with Bonnie Swinehart

    MAR 4

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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. 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
  5. 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 us Fan Mail Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog 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
  6. 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 us Fan Mail Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog 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
  7. Emotional Growth Through Storytelling with Kathleen Davis

    FEB 11

    Emotional Growth Through Storytelling with Kathleen Davis

    Send us Fan Mail 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 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
  8. A Journey into The Black Cyclone with John Kennedy Howard

    FEB 4

    A Journey into The Black Cyclone with John Kennedy Howard

    Send us Fan Mail Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog 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
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Trailer

5
out of 5
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. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog

Information

  • Creator
    Valerie Fentress
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 BookWorthy
  • Show Website
    BookWorthy

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