FVRL ReadRadio Podcast

In this episode, Charlotte shares an exciting middle-grade fantasy novel: Abeni's Song by P. Djèlí Clark. Abeni, a reluctant magical apprentice, and a team of spirit kids set out to save their village from the evil Witch Priest who captured and marched off everyone toward ghost ships bound for distant lands. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1900070

In today’s podcast, Joys shares two children’s books about home. In these books, families seek home and redefine their home as they deal with tough realities and challenges together. Find these titles in the FVRL collection: Home by Tonya K. Lippert This lyrical story is timely and thoughtful, depicting the life of two children thrust into homelessness and uncertain housing situations as they move out of their house, to a motel, to a shelter, and finally to another, more permanent home. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1861425 A Place to Stay: A Shelter Story by Erin Gunti This simple, touching picture book shows readers a women's shelter through the eyes of a young girl, who with her mother's help, uses her imagination to overcome her anxiety and adjust. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1861426

In this episode, Diane tells listeners about one of her favourite young adult series, Caraval by Stephanie Garber. This series will thrill readers as it explores a world of wonder, whimsy, adventure, mystery and romance. Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over. But this year, Scarlett's long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor who she has just met, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner. Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1722674

In this episode Jennifer introduces listeners to one of her all-time favourite books, Circe by Madeline Miller, a narrative that transforms a minor Greek goddess into a complex heroine. In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child — neither powerful like her father nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power: the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves. Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts, and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus. But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from or with the mortals she has come to love. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1758448

If you like the classic novel Anne of Green Gables, you might like Anne: An Adaption of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) by Kathleen Gros — a kids’ graphic novel that takes place in the present day. Anne Shirley has been in foster care her whole life. So when the Cuthberts take her in, she hopes it's for good. They seem to be hitting it off, but how will they react to the trouble that Anne can sometimes find herself in ... like accidentally dyeing her hair green or taking a dangerous dare that leaves her in a cast? Then Anne meets Diana Barry, a girl who lives in her apartment building, the Avon-Lea. The two become fast friends, as Anne finds she can share anything with Diana. As time goes on, though, Anne starts to develop more-than-friends feelings for Diana. A new foster home, a new school, and a first-time crush--it's a lot all at once. But if anyone can handle life's twists and turns, it's the irrepressible Anne Shirley. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1875506

In this episode we are introduced to a picture book series called "How Do Dinosaurs" by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague. Each story begins with an example of silly, not-so-perfect dinosaur behaviour, followed by the polite ways dinosaurs (and kids) *should* act — whether it's at school, bedtime or dinner. This series will help your child become a confident reader, all while teaching them little life lessons. Find the How Do Dinosaurs series in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=%22how%20do%20dinosaurs%22%20&searchType=smart&page=1

Charlotte shares The Ash House, a wonderfully creepy story by Angharad Walker, perfect for kids ages 11 and up – or anyone who likes spooky books with lots of twists and turns. When 11-year-old Sol arrives at the Ash House, desperate for a cure for his complex pain syndrome, he finds a community of strange children long abandoned by their mysterious Headmaster. The children at the Ash House want the new boy to love their home as much as they do. They give him a name like theirs. They show him the dorms and tell him about the wonderful oasis that the Headmaster has created for them. But the new boy already has a name. Doesn't he? At least he did before he walked through those gates.... Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1838145

Looking for a romantic read? In this episode, Kaori tells listeners about Emily Henry's People We Meet on Vacation, a "sparkling novel that will leave you with the warm, hazy afterglow usually reserved for the best vacations." Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1836234

In this episode, Mieke tells listeners about two science fiction and fantasy novels for kids that explore time travel and mystery: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers and a search for Meg's father, who has disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1049627 When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1980s television game show, "The $20,000 Pyramid," a 12-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1515676

The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place from February 16 to 19, 2024. Borrow a Birdwatching Backpack from FVRL, and identify bird species in this annual count! Learn more about the FVRL Birdwatching Backpack: https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/birdwatching.php About the Great Backyard Bird Count: "Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations." Learn more at: www.birdcount.org Want to learn more? There are lots of great resources available at the library that can be enjoyed by anyone from an amateur birder to an avid ornithologist. Check out our All About Birds reading list: https://fvrl.me/allaboutbirds

In this episode, Charlotte introduces listeners to an adventurous graphic novel: Doña Quixote: Rise of the Knight by Rey Terciero. It tells the story of a young girl in Texas who is obsessed with becoming a modern-day knight and thwarting supernatural evil. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1904480

In today's podcast, Ariel talks about her favourite science fiction writer, Andy Weir, author of The Martian, Artemis, and Project Hail Mary. Look for this author in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Weir%2C%20Andy&searchType=author

In this episode, Brenna tells listeners about the first book of a chapter book series: Megabat by Anna Humphrey. In the first book of the series, Daniel Misumi has just moved to a new house. It's big and old and far away from his friends and his life before. And it's haunted — or is it? Megabat was just napping on a papaya one day when he was stuffed in a box and shipped halfway across the world. Now he's living in an old house far from home, feeling sorry for himself and accidentally scaring the people who live there. Daniel realizes it's not a ghost in his new house. It's a bat. And he can talk. And he's actually kind of cute. Megabat realizes that not every human wants to whack him with a broom. This one shares his smooshfruit. Add some buttermelon, juice boxes, a light saber and a common enemy and you've got a new friendship in the making! Look for this book series in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Megabat%20(Series)&searchType=series If you want to learn more about bats, try out an FVRL Bat Pack! It's available for loan from your library: https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/batpacks.php

Today, Jennifer shares a thrilling story jam-packed with humour and heart: The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley. This wildly surprising and entertaining novel features a college dropout and an 84-year-old woman on the run from the law. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1881500

Charlotte introduces listeners to a graphic novel to add to your winter reading list: Pepper Page Saves the Universe! by Landry Q. Walker. The year is 2421. Awkward and shy, Pepper buries herself in the universe of the classic fictional superhero Supernova to avoid dealing with the perils of the ninth grade. But then fate intervenes when Pepper encounters a strange cat named Mister McKittens and stumbles into a volatile science experiment run by a sinister substitute teacher named Doctor Killian. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1838813

Tis the season for holiday reads! Liana introduces listeners to a recently published, feel-good Christmas story: Otto the Ornament by Troy Cummings. Initially, super-snazzy Christmas tree ornament Otto thinks he should be placed at the top of the tree to be admired, but then he realizes where he really wants to be. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1901587

Are you a fan Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, and are searching for a new series to read? Mac suggests checking out the Secret series by Pseudonymous Bosch. In this episode listeners learn about the first book in the series: The Name of This Book Is Secret. Two eleven-year-old misfits try to solve the mystery of a dead magician and stop the evil Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais, who are searching for the secret of immortality. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1496836

Do you enjoy cosy holiday romances? Are you a fan of Hallmark movies? If yes, Margarita has a recommendation for you: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley. From two bestselling Canadian authors comes a multi-faith holiday rom-com about the delightful havoc that occurs when Christmas, Ramadan and Hanukkah all fall at the same time, and two strangers-turned-friends are snowbound in the small, charming town of Snow Falls along with the cast and crew of a holiday romance movie, nosy family members, and their lifelong crushes. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1900204

In this episode Colin tells listeners about the first book in the graphic novel series Lightfall by Tim Probert: The Girl and the Galdurian. For fans of Amulet and middle grade readers who love sweeping worlds like Star Wars, the first book of the Lightfall series introduces Bea and Cad, two unlikely friends who get swept up in an epic quest to save their world from falling into eternal darkness. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1824527

In this episode, we'll learn about the rich heritage of The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes From Omma's Kitchen by Joanne Lee Molinaro. Joanne Lee Molinaro has captivated millions of fans with her powerfully moving personal tales of love, family and food. In her debut cookbook, she shares a collection of her favourite Korean dishes, some traditional and some reimagined, as well as poignant narrative snapshots that have shaped her family history. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1848022