FVRL ReadRadio Podcast

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

Did you know you don’t have to wait until you’re a grownup to start cooking? In today’s podcast, Mieke shares five cookbooks for kids. They are full of easy recipes and come with great pictures! Learn to Cook: 35 Fun and Easy Recipes for Children Aged 7 Years + https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1880882 America’s Test Kitchen: The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1775352 America’s Test Kitchen: The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1802805 America’s Test Kitchen: The Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1828791 America’s Test Kitchen: Cooking With My Dad, the Chef — by Verveine Oringer https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1876923

Jessica reviews Rose Sutherland's historical novel, A Sweet Sting of Salt. Once a young woman uncovers a dark secret about her neighbour and his mysterious new wife, she’ll have to fight to keep herself — and the woman she loves — safe in this stunning queer reimagining of the classic folktale The Selkie Wife. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1926057

In this episode of Kids Read Radio, Sally tells listeners about a first chapter book mystery series by Dori Hillestad Butler: King and Kayla. In King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats: Kayla makes special dog cookie treats for her friend’s new puppy, but they went missing and her dog King is the key suspect. But the facts just aren’t adding up! King and Kayla have to work as a team to gather facts, make lists and evaluate evidence to solve the mystery. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1757175

November 2 to 8 is Climate Action Week. This week, public libraries are raising awareness of climate change-related challenges and emergencies facing our communities. In today’s podcast, Chris and Jessica share some book suggestions that will help you become a climate action hero. These include: • Cranky Uncle Vs. Climate Change: How to Understand and Respond to Climate Science Deniers by John Cook • #EatMeatLess: Good for Animals, the Earth and All by Robin Asbell •The Climate Change-Resilient Vegetable Garden: How to Grow Food in a Changing Climate by Kim Stoddart • Intervention Earth: Life-Saving Ideas from the World’s Climate Engineers by Gwynne Dyer Find these and other great resources in our Climate Action Week reading list: https://fvrl.me/caw2024

In this episode of Kids' ReadRadio, Jessica makes the BIG announcement you’ve all been waiting for: the 2024–2025 Reading Link Challenge book list! She introduces listeners to the main characters of each book and the stories you’re about to fall in love with. Ready, set, read! The books are: 1. Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian 2. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau 3. Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko 4. Mortimer: Rat Race to Space by Joan Marie Galat 5. The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman 6. A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga

In this episode of Read Radio, Sally tells listeners about Stephen Graham Jones' thought provoking Indian Lake trilogy.

In today's podcast, Sally tells us about three of her favourite easy reader series. These books are great if you're just starting to learn to read on your own or with a little help: Amelia Bedelia by Herman Parish Danny and the Dinosaur by Bruce Hale Mr. Putter & Tabby by Cynthia Rylant

This episode of Read Radio explores The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali, an emotional read about long lost love with historical elements.

In today's podcast, Jessica tells us about three fantasy books for young readers: Willodeen by Katherine Applegate When the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, dwindles and no one knows why, Willodeen, armed with a magical birthday gift, speaks up for the animals she loves and vows to uncover this mystery. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1846060 The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson Two Indigenous foster children uncover a hidden world in a frozen realm, learning about their heritage and the power of friendship as they embark on a quest to save it. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1820669 The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Nobody Owens is a normal boy, except that he has been raised by ghosts and other denizens of the graveyard. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1495578

In today’s podcast, Sally tells us about the Ben Packard mystery thriller series. The first two novels are "And There He Kept Her" and "Where the Dead Sleep." Book three, "A Long Time Gone," will be published in 2025. Personal tragedy has sent former police officer Ben Packard back to the small Minnesota town of Sandy Lake in search of a fresh start. Now a sheriff's deputy, Packard is leading the investigation into the missing teens, motivated by a family connection. As clues dry up and time runs out to save them, Packard is forced to reveal his own secrets and dig deep to uncover the dark past of the place he now calls home. Find these titles in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Moehling%2C%20Joshua%2C&searchType=author

In this episode, Charlotte introduces listeners to the fantasy novel Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll. Ramya Knox is used to feeling cursed. People only notice her long enough to call her a troublemaker. Except Grandpa. He sees Ramya and her neurodiversity as enchanting. But when Grandpa dies, Ramya's world loses its charm...until she discovers he left behind one big secret: that magic is real and Ramya can see it. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1914183