Children’s Book Radio is podcast for parents, teachers, and children’s book lovers. The host, Sabrina Weissler says she is almost a preacher about the value of reading to children. Each weekly podcast has Weisller reviewing a book and features a “bonus”. The bonus may be an interview with a children’s book author, reader’s feedback, or information about a child related website. The podcasts vary in length, some are less than ten minutes, some are more than twenty.
Weissler covers books from the Pre-K level all the way to books for young adults. She reviews new books as well as classics like Pippi Longstocking and The Giving Tree. Not only does she explain what the books is about, she shares why she and her family loves the book. I especially like that Weissler often shares her ideas for educational extensions with the story.
Authors such as Jane Yolen, Ronne Randall, Wendy Orr, Nancy Yi Fan, Mem Fox, Anastasia Sue, and Cynthia Leitich Smith have been featured on the podcast. They give insights into their books and the life of a writer.
Through the podcast I’ve learned about the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts, a new museum celebrating picture book art. I’ve been reminded of Project Gutenberg, an online collection of 17,000 free ebooks that are public domain. I’ve also learned about new child friendly search engines, and new ways to use technology so that children can listen to their favorite books with added sound effects.
The website has an archive of past shows, so you can listen to them all! The podcasts can be listened to on a browser or downloaded to a mp3 player. You can also find lists of the books featured on the show.
Children’s Book Radio is a great reminder of the fun and importance of reading to children.
Also See:
Just One More Book
The Children’s Book Section of our Media Blog
Best Children’s Books in our Families Forum