Past and Pen: A Creative History Podcast for Kids

Why School Buses Are Yellow (and Other Back-to-School Stories)

Welcome to Past and Pen Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the TrollProduced by: Sweet Meadowlark StoriesAuthor Website: https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/storiesEmail: pastandpen@gmail.comIn this episode of Past and Pen, we head back in time for a Back to School Special. From the very first public school in America to one-room schoolhouses, yellow buses, summer vacation myths, and sweet traditions like Germany’s candy-filled Schultüte, we explore the history behind the rituals and routines that shape school as we know it. We also look at why apples became the classic teacher’s gift.Reading List: Dear Teacher by Amy HusbandHow Not to Start Third Grade by Cathy HapkaSplat the Cat: Back to School, Splat! by Rob ScottonSchooled by Gordon KormanTales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy BlumeWriting Prompt: What is your favorite back-to-school tradition, or one you would like to start? Share your story with me at pastandpen@gmail.com, and it may be featured in a future episode. Looking for more summer reading adventures? Check out Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure [https://sweetmeadowlark.gumroad.com/l/wanderbundle], a book club for kids and grown-ups packed with activities, recipes, discussion questions, and stories: Become a Patreon [https://patreon.com/PastandPenPodcast]member to support the show and unlock fun extras like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to answer the Question of the Month: What is one special memory you made this summer?New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM, so let history repeat itself and tune in!

Wheels of Change

Meet Your Host:Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of ⁠Linus the Troll⁠Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories🌐 ⁠Author Website⁠ [https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/stories]📧 Email: ⁠pastandpen@gmail.com⁠ Episode Summary:In this special episode of Past and Pen, we explore a surprising connection between disaster and discovery. What does a volcanic eruption have to do with your favorite two-wheeled ride? Quite a lot, actually!Part of Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure, this episode was made for Pathway 2: The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle. Find the curriculum here [sweetmeadowlark.gumroad.com/l/adventuresofagirl]! Wheels of Change takes listeners on a journey from the ash-covered skies of 1816 to the birth of the modern bicycle. Meet the imaginative minds behind the celerifere, the dandy horse, and the velocipede—and discover how necessity and creativity turned a transportation crisis into one of the most beloved inventions in history.So hop on as we roll through time to uncover the wheels of change. Reading List: Bicycle Book by Gail Gibbons – An introduction to the history and mechanics of bicycles. Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom by Sue Macy – Discover how bicycles played a role in women's liberation. 100 Amazing Facts about Cycling: A Breathtaking Tour in the World of Bicycles by Marc DresguiWriting Prompt:Imagine it’s the year 1817, and you've just seen a strange new invention rolling down the street—it doesn’t have pedals, and people are calling it a “running machine.” Write a journal entry as a curious kid living in that time. What do you think of this odd two-wheeled contraption? Would you want to try it? How do you think it could change the way people travel? Email your stories to pastandpen@gmail.com and I may share them on a future episode! How You Can Support the Show: Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/pastandpenpod] Join my Patreon [ patreon.com/PastandPenPodcast] for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show! Dinner Conversation: If you could invent something to solve a problem in your community, what would it be and why? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show with a fellow history lover or curious kid.New episodes every other Tuesday at 4 PM. Stay curious—and keep writing your story.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby: The Story Behind America’s Greatest Horse Race

Meet Your Host:Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of ⁠Linus the Troll⁠Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories ⁠Author Website⁠ [https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/stories]📧 Email: ⁠pastandpen@gmail.com⁠ Episode Summary:In this galloping episode of Past and Pen, we’re off to the races—literally! From polished saddles to fancy hats, The Road to the Kentucky Derby explores how a single dream turned into America’s most iconic horse race.Part of Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure, this episode was created especially for Pathway 2: The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle. The curriculum is available here [sweetmeadowlark.gumroad.com/l/adventuresofagirl]!Journey back to 1875 and meet Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.—a visionary inspired by Europe’s grand racing traditions—who brought his bold dream home to Kentucky. Learn how the rolling hills of Louisville became the birthplace of Churchill Downs and how the thunder of hooves grew into “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”From Aristides to secret magical Derbies, this episode is filled with fast facts, historic charm, and a big helping of imagination. Saddle up and ride through time as we uncover the story behind the Kentucky Derby! Reading List: Seabiscuit vs War Admiral: The Greatest Horse Race in History by Kat ShehataD is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet by Helen L. WilburSeabiscuit the Wonder Horse by Meghan McCarthyThe Mystery at the Kentucky Derby (Real Kids! Real Places!) by Carole Marsh Writing Prompt:Time to trot into your imagination!In a secret version of the Kentucky Derby hidden from the public, magical creatures race instead of horses—like flying pegasi, thundering unicorns, or shape-shifting shadow beasts. You’ve just been chosen as the youngest rider in history!Write a story about your first magical Derby:What creature are you riding?What challenges do you face on the track?Do you discover a secret during the race?And most importantly—can you win?Send stories to pastandpen@gmail.com⁠ and I may read them on a future show! Support the Show:Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi [ https://ko-fi.com/pastandpenpod] Join my Patreon [https://patreon.com/PastandPenPodcast] for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show!Dinner Question:If you could design a race—any kind, anywhere, with any creatures or machines—what would it look like?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show with a fellow history lover or curious kid.New episodes every other Tuesday at 4 PM.Stay curious—and keep writing your story.

Stay Tuned! Be Back Soon !

Hi friends and history lovers! I wanted to pop in with a quick update about Past and Pen. My daughter is starting school this week, and between that and some exciting events—like being at the Lubbock Book Festival in just a few days, I’m in a busy season. So I’ve decided to press pause on the podcast, just until September 9. Don’t worry, I have so many more fascinating stories to share with you when I’m back. In the meantime, if you’re at the Lubbock Book Festival, please stop by my table and say hello. I’d love to meet you. And to everyone starting a new school year, whether in a classroom, at home, or somewhere in between, I’m wishing you a great start. See you September 9!

Episode 11: Driven to Discover

Welcome to Past and PenHosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories Author Website: https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/stories Email: pastandpen@gmail.com In this episode of Past and Pen, we hit the open road with real stories of invention, adventure, and determination. Meet Bertha Benz, the trailblazing woman who took the very first road trip in a motor car—proving to the world that the future of travel had arrived. With clever fixes (and a hatpin or two), Bertha's 66-mile journey changed everything. Then, take a pit stop in France, where two brothers created the Michelin Guide—a clever way to sell more tires that eventually became one of the most prestigious restaurant awards in the world. Finally, we cruise across the United States on the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental road—and discover how it helped spark America’s love for road trips (with a young Dwight D. Eisenhower along for the ride!). Reading List: “Read Trip” This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Bertha Takes a Drive [https://amzn.to/41hrNBq] by Jan Adkins Road Trip Fun Facts For Kids [https://amzn.to/4mnXuRR] by Ben Clardy Road Trip! [ https://amzn.to/3H61Zl2] by Gary Paulsen The Sun Will Come Out [https://amzn.to/4l4X6Xe] by Joanne Levy Road Trip with Max and His Mom [https://amzn.to/4lVkckf] by Linda Urban The Vanderbeekers on the Road [https://amzn.to/3H9OOj0]by Karina Yan Glaser For grown-ups: [https://amzn.to/3GUy1QZ] The Lincoln Highway [https://amzn.to/3GUy1QZ]: A Novel by Amor Towles Writing Prompt: “Wheel-y Fun Writing Prompt” Imagine you're Bertha Benz in 1888, setting off on the world’s first long-distance car trip. What do you see, hear, and feel? What unexpected challenges do you face—and how do you solve them? Send your stories or art to pastandpen@gmail.com. I might feature them on a future episode! Question of the Month: What’s one special memory you made this summer? Become a Patreon [https://patreon.com/PastandPenPodcast] member for as little as $1 to send in your answer and unlock fun extras like early access and birthday shoutouts. Looking for more summer reading adventures?Check out Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure [https://sweetmeadowlark.gumroad.com/l/wanderbundle]—a book club for kids and grown-ups with activities, recipes, and more: New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so let history repeat itself and tune in!