BookWorthy

Growing Up in Faith with Penny Reeve

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews award-winning author Penny Reeve, who shares her journey as a children's author and the inspiration behind her Tanya Abbey series. They discuss the themes of faith, generosity, and the importance of role models in children's literature. Penny elaborates on her latest book, Camp Max, and how it addresses complex issues in a way that resonates with young readers. The conversation also touches on Penny's writing journey, her favorite books, and her upcoming projects.  PENNY REEVE - home [https://www.pennyreeve.com/] Join the BookWorthy Summer Reading Challenge  [https://tellmethenews-2846.kit.com/c42a91b2f3]   Takeaways Penny Reeve emphasizes the importance of exploring faith in children's literature. The Tanya Abbey series addresses real-world issues through the lens of a child's perspective. Generosity can come with a cost, a theme explored in Camp Max. Fiction can provide role models for children, helping them navigate their faith and actions. Penny's writing is inspired by her own experiences and the need for relatable characters. The impact of a single reader can motivate an author to continue writing. Penny believes in the power of storytelling to influence young minds positively. Her favorite books often tackle complex themes and encourage critical thinking. Penny's journey as an author began with a desire to create better stories for children. Upcoming projects include a literature unit for homeschoolers and a picture book addressing modern issues. Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Penny Reeve and Her Journey 02:35 Exploring the Tanya Abbey Series 07:50 Themes of Generosity and Faith in Camp Max 10:23 The Impact of Fiction on Young Readers 12:38 Penny's Writing Journey and Inspirations 16:30 Favorite Books and Their Influence 19:10 Upcoming Projects and Future Works   Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress

Devoted Heroes of Faith with Joshua Cooley

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews author Joshua Cooley about his latest book, Heroes of the Bible Devotional, Volume 2. They discuss the importance of lesser-known biblical characters, the role of humor in engaging children, and the empowering message of faith for kids. Joshua shares his journey from journalism to writing children's books and emphasizes the significance of every character in the Bible, encouraging kids to see themselves as heroes of faith. Joshua Cooley | Josh Cooley [https://joshuacooleyauthor.com/joshua-cooley/] Join BookWorthy's Summer Reading Challenge [https://tellmethenews-2846.kit.com/c42a91b2f3] Takeaways The new devotional contains 90 devotions for kids aged 8 to 12. The book explores lesser-known biblical characters to show their importance. Humor is a key element in making biblical stories engaging for kids. Every character in the Bible has significance in God's story. Kids can relate to everyday characters rather than just prominent figures. The goal is to empower kids to see themselves as heroes for God. Joshua's background in journalism influences his writing style. The importance of explaining complex theology in simple terms for children. The series aims to remind kids that God sees their small actions as significant. Future projects include an outer space-themed devotional and adult devotionals.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Heroes of the Bible Devotional 02:10 Exploring Lesser-Known Biblical Characters 06:05 The Importance of Every Character in God's Story 08:50 Incorporating Humor in Devotions for Kids 10:41 Empowering Kids Through Biblical Heroes 14:08 The Journey from Journalism to Children's Author 21:37 Future Projects and Upcoming Books   Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress

Teaching Kids to Pray Big Prayers with Kirthana Fanning

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] 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.  A Girl and Her Noble Steed (affiliate link)  [https://amzn.to/4aDISt4] 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 'Girl and her Noble steed' 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) [https://kirthanajfanning.com/] Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress

A Gift, a Book, a Blessing with Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer discuss their latest book, 'This Special Blessing for You,' which is based on the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:23-27. They share their inspiration for writing children's books that teach biblical context and the importance of asking the right questions. The couple also talks about their upcoming book, 'Good Night Noah Good Night Ark,' and where to find more information about their work. Takeaways Teaching children biblical context and the meaning behind verses can help make their faith more real and impactful. Children's books can be a powerful tool for teaching and exploring faith. As parents, it is important to shape our children's lives and help them understand their identity as children of God. The art of storytelling, whether through music, art, or words, can bring the Bible to life and make it more relatable for children.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:36 About Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer 06:12 Inspiration behind 'This Special Blessing for You' 09:49 The Aaronic Blessing 12:42 Transition to Children's Book Authors 17:09 The Art of Storytelling 19:32 Impactful Books 24:26 Upcoming Book: 'Good Night Noah Good Night Ark' 26:33 Where to Find Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer 27:30 Conclusion Eric & Meredith Schrotenboer (ericandmeredithschrotenboer.com) [https://www.ericandmeredithschrotenboer.com/] Amazon.com: This Special Blessing for You: 9780310154761: Schrotenboer, Eric, Schrotenboer, Meredith, Hughes, Denise: Books [https://www.amazon.com/This-Special-Blessing-Eric-Schrotenboer/dp/0310154766/ref=sr_1_2?crid=16O47L0GUFK05&keywords=eric+schrotenboer+books&qid=1708126122&s=books&sprefix=Eric+Schro%2Cstripbooks%2C189&sr=1-2] Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress

A Beautiful Earth Day Compilation of Poems with Nancy Tupper Ling

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] In this Play it Again episode, Nancy Tupper-Ling discusses, Bless the Earth, which is a collection of poems for children to celebrate and care for the world, co-edited with bestselling anthologist June Cotner. The book features a variety of poetry styles and beautiful illustrations. Ling explains that poetry comes in and out of fashion, but it is making a comeback, especially with the inclusion of fun and joyful poems. The book aims to inspire children and families to appreciate and care for the Earth. Ling also shares her connection to nature and how it inspires her writing. She mentions that the book includes resources for poetry exercises and encourages readers to explore different types of poetry. Bless the Earth Book (affiliate link) [https://amzn.to/46RrobB] Takeaways  Bless the Earth is a poetry compilation for children that celebrates and encourages care for the world. Poetry is making a comeback and is a powerful way to communicate big truths and emotions in a small moment. Nature can be a source of inspiration and connection to God. The book includes a variety of poetry styles and resources for poetry exercises. Children's books, including poetry, can help children understand and navigate complex emotions and situations. Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Bless the Earth 02:29 The Collection of Poems 03:40 The Power and Variety of Poetry 06:01 Finding Inspiration in Nature 08:09 Exploring Different Poetry Styles  Nancy Tupper Ling – Children’s Author and Poet [https://www.nancytupperling.com/] June Cotner [https://www.junecotner.com/] Bless the Earth: A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World: Cotner, June, Ling, Nancy Tupper, Song, Keum Jin: 9780593577660: Amazon.com: Books [https://www.amazon.com/Bless-Earth-Collection-Children-Celebrate/dp/0593577663/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3N9EZTHCCT0Z9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K5DM9hYU2S35r7E-0S89zw.RHAZPBnnMBflqc69jTcs-BLf1d9R8UPRY6yKhNK4AkU&dib_tag=se&keywords=bless+the+earth+nancy+tupper+ling&qid=1718591340&sprefix=Bless+the+Eart%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1] Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress