FVRL ReadRadio Podcast

Did you hear the joke about the little mountain? It’s HILL-arious! If you like jokes, Sally has three books for you that are packed with awesome, funny puns: Wee Hee Hee: A Collection of Pretty Funny Jokes and Pictures https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1924117 Max Meow series by John Gallagher https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Max%20Meow&searchType=series The Bunnicula Collection (Books 1–3) by James Howe https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1773016

In today’s podcast, we explore an insightful non-fiction title by author Jessica Baum. Anxiously Attached: Becoming More Secure in Life and Love is a “road map for building strong and secure relationships for those who struggle with anxiety in their romantic connections.” Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1869469

In today’s podcast, Linda shares some modern takes on Jane Austen’s beloved novels. These retellings are fun, diverse and offer new perspectives on her timeless works: Good Fortune by C.K. Chau https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1890506 Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1845807 Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1925183

In this week's podcast, Sally shares some fun books and resources to help you start your own art project: Drawing Class — Animals: Learn to Draw With Simple Shapes and Online Tutorials by Keegyum Kim https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1899073 Easy Paper Crafts for Kids: 45 Fun and Creative Projects for Children Aged 5 Years+ by Catherine Woram https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1927077 Creativebug https://www.creativebug.com/lib/fraservalley

April is Poetry Month! In today’s podcast, Sally shares some terrific books of poetry – written especially for kids: Rainbow Shoes by Tiffany Stone https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1629212 Remember by Joy Harjo https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1889826 My Head Has a Bellyache — and More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups by Chris Harris https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1900147

In today’s podcast, Sally shares four board books that she and her little one love reading together: Good Night World: Animals of the Native Northwest https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1586065 Ten Little Lambs by Samantha Meridith https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1915687 Stay My Baby by Lana Button https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1898937 Ooo, Baby Baby! A Little Book of Love by Sandra Boynton https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1903025

This episode of Read Radio introduces listeners to This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub.

In this week’s podcast, Jessica and Charlotte share Listen for the Lie, a fun murder mystery thriller by Amy Tintera. What would you do if you thought you murdered your best friend? And if everyone else thinks so too? What if the truth doesn't matter? As Lucy Chase's Texas hometown begins to tell versions of what happened and who Lucy is to a nationwide, true crime-obsessed audience, at the bequest of her grandmother, she returns to the place she vowed never to set foot in again. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1914712

Today, Sally shares her latest five-star read: the dark gothic fantasy Starling House by Alix E. Harrow. Opal, a cashier and high school drop-out, takes a job as a housekeeper at a mysterious, foreboding mansion called Starling House in the small town of Eden, Kentucky. Opal must uncover the dark secrets of the house and its reclusive heir, Arthur Starling, as sinister forces threaten the town and its buried past. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1898111

Today Sally shares a story about a very smart, very woolly, very friendly sheep. It's called One Smart Sheep by Gary D. Schmidt. Wilson is a curious sheep, and after he foolishly climbs into the back of a piano movers' truck, he ends up alone in the big city, far from the farm. But Wilson is also one smart sheep, and soon enough he's finding his way home to his worried owner by recognizing the sounds that he heard while he was trapped in the truck — a jackhammer, a calliope, a hotdog man. And could that be the excited barking of his friend Tippy, the border collie? Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1854288

In today’s ReadRadio podcast, Jessica shares two spicy Viking romantasy titles by Canadian authors: A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1915901 The Road of Bones by Demi Winters https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1941925

In this episode of Kids' Read Radio Deanna interviews author Joan Marie Galat. Her book Mortimer: Rat Race to Space is one of the selections for the 2024/2025 Reading Link Challenge. A spot on the International Space Station (ISS) has opened up, and Mortimer, the journal-keeping lab rat, is not about to miss his chance to become an intergalactic space rat. And that's just the first step in his master scheme to prove that rats are much better suited than humans when it comes to colonizing Mars. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1902340

Today, we have a very special episode of ReadRadio podcast. FVRL Events Specialist Deanna interviews Canadian author Beka Shane Denter. They are joined by several of the remarkable women profiled in Beka’s new book, Bloom Across Canada: • Kim Taylor — Potter and Photographer (Gabriola Island BC) • Carla Tak — Painter, Parker Street Studios (Vancouver BC) • Mallory Tolcher — Visual Arts Athletic Artist (Guelph ON) • Jill Pangman — Co-founder, Conservationist and Guide, Sila Sojourns (Whitehorse YT) • Peace Akintade — African-Canadian Interdisciplinary Poet, Public Speaker, Actor and Model (Saskatoon SK) • Joyce Majiski — Painter, Printmaker and Sculptor (Whitehorse YT) • Silvia Tennant — Curve Model, Founder and Designer, Zaleska Jewelry (Vancouver BC) Bloom Across Canada is a fascinating collection of 50 interviews and portraits that celebrate diversity, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. The women and non-binary people featured in this book represent different backgrounds, creative journeys and walks of life. They come from every province and territory in Canada, though many have roots in other parts of the world. The one thing they all have in common is that they have followed their own path in life and have a unique story to tell. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1949829

In this episode of Kids' Read Radio, Sally shares her fascination with birds. Listen to learn about FVRL's Birdwatching Backpacks and a fascinating non-fiction title about birds: Listen to the Birds by Donald E. Kroodsma Discover North America's birds and their varied and beautiful songs with this informative, brightly illustrated picture book and its easy-to-use app. Take a dawn walk through the pages of Listen to the Birds and discover forty species of North American birds, guided by expertly informed text and gorgeous illustrations. Then, hold a phone with the paired app up to the art and watch — and listen — as the birds spring to life and sing. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1923879 FVRL Birdwatching Backpacks Observing birds and their habitats through birdwatching promotes STEAM learning, providing insight into ecology, biodiversity and the environment. This activity is suitable for all ages and backgrounds and offers a relaxing and educational experience for the whole family. Birdwatching Backpacks offer tools for bird identification and observation. Great for all ages, this activity promotes STEAM learning and connects you with nature. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1797374 Learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count: https://www.birdcount.org/

In today’s podcast, Sally shares her favourite picture books to read aloud at library Storytime — and to her own little one at home. Joy by Yasmeen Ismail https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1818650 If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1685490 Sheep Go to Sleep by Nancy Shaw https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1686228 We All Play by Julie Flett https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1946694

In today's podcast, Charlotte shares a fantastic read for kids ages 8 and up: The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson. Lucy, a spirited French-Ojibwe orphan, is sent to the stormy waters of Lake Superior to live with a mysterious family of lighthouse-keepers-and, she hopes, to find the legendary necklace her father spent his life seeking. Find the title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1921211

In today’s podcast, Deanna tells us about Family Literacy Day 2025 and the contest we’re hosting at all 25 FVRL locations and online. Enter to win one of these two books celebrating this year’s theme: “Learn to Be Green, Together.” You can also borrow these titles from the FVRL collection. Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley — A mother and son hop on their bike for a ride through the neighbourhood, joining friends and neighbours along the way. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1926253 Mothering Earth: The Busy Family’s Guide to Saving the Planet by Julia Rockwell — Learn how sustainable living can simplify life, help us make healthier choices, and save the planet. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1930012 Enter our contest online or at any FVRL location from January 6 to 31: https://m.cmpgn.page/cV3n6F

In this episode of Read Radio, listeners learn about Cue the Sun, an exploration of Reality TV. From beloved New Yorker TV critic Emily Nussbaum comes a groundbreaking narrative detailing the fights, egos, drama and future presidents of reality television. Cue the Sun is a rollicking, deeply reported story about how the early reality TV business metastasized into an industry that now dominates entertainment in the United States. Starting in 1948, Nussbaum pulls back the curtain on the cultural meat grinder that created a generation-defining form of entertainment, examining shows from The Real World to Survivor to The Apprentice. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1932317

In this episode, Brenna tells listeners about the middle school graphic novel Brave by Svetlana Chmakova. In his daydreams, Jensen is the biggest hero that ever was, saving the world and his friends on a daily basis. But his middle school reality is VERY different — math is hard, getting along with friends is hard ... Even finding a partner for the class project is a big problem when you always get picked last. And the pressure's on even more once the school newspaper's dynamic duo, Jenny and Akilah, draw Jensen into the whirlwind of school news, social experiment projects, and behind-the-scenes club drama. Jensen's always played the middle school game one level at a time, but suddenly, someone's cranked up the difficulty setting. Will those daring daydreams of his finally work in his favour, or will he have to find real solutions to his real-life problems? Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1742606

In this episode of Read Radio, Margarita tells listeners about the gothic romance Gothikana by RuNyx. An outcast her entire life, Corvina Clemm is left adrift after losing her mother. When she receives the admission letter from the mysterious University of Verenmore, she accepts it as a sign from the universe. The last thing she expects, though, is an old, secluded castle on top of a mountain riddled with secrets, deceit and death. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1915498https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1915498