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

In this episode of ReadRadio, Kaori introduces listeners to This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. On the eve of her 40th birthday, Alice's life isn't terrible. She likes her job, even if it isn't exactly the one she expected. She's happy with her apartment, her romantic status, her independence, and she adores her lifelong best friend. But her father is ailing, and it feels to her as if something is missing. When she wakes up the next morning, she finds herself back in 1996, reliving her 16th birthday. But it isn't just her adolescent body that shocks her, or seeing her high school crush. It's her dad: the vital, charming, 40-something version of her father with whom she is reunited. Now armed with a new perspective on her own life and his, some past events take on new meaning. Is there anything that she would change if she could? Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1867408

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/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 The Reading Link Challenge competition is a partnership between local schools and public libraries that promotes a lifelong love of reading for children in Grades 4 and 5. In this award-winning program, students work in teams to read books and answer questions in a quiz-show format, earning points and advancing through four levels of friendly competition. https://readinglinkchallenge.ca/index.html

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. The Stationery Shop is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of 1950s Tehran, exploring love, loss and the enduring power of memories. The story follows Roya, a young woman who falls in love with Bahman in a quaint stationery shop filled with dreams and hopes. As political turmoil and personal tragedies unfold, their love faces unimaginable challenges. Through richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions, Kamali weaves a narrative that reflects on the impact of history on personal lives, ultimately revealing how love can transcend time and place. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1787230

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

This episode of Read Radio dives into the first novel of Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series. This witty, fast-paced adult mystery series follows struggling suspense novelist and single mom turned-amateur-sleuth Finlay Donovan, whose fiction begins to tread dangerously close to the truth. Find Finlay Donovan Is Killing It in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1839994

Are you interested in learning new facts about the world around you? Do you like reading about real life and looking at photos of places, animals and people? Then check out the Super Readers book series for kids at all reading levels – available at your library! Find these books in the FVRL catalogue: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=DK+Super+Readers&searchType=keyword

In today's Podcast, Jean discusses the In Death series by author Nora Roberts, writing under the pseudonym J.D. Robb. These futuristic suspense novels, set in mid-21st-century New York, follow detective Eve Dallas, a tough cop with a dark past who solves chilling crimes while navigating a complex personal life. Find books by J.D. Robb in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Robb%2C%20J.%20D.&searchType=author

In this episode, we learn about Ash Van Otterloo's Cattywampus. Magic is strictly forbidden in the McGill house, but Delpha McGill has found the family book of spells and plans to use it to make things a little easier for herself and her mother. Katybird Hearn comes from a rival family of witches, but her magic has been slow to emerge. She thinks a spell book is just what she needs to help things along. When a quarrel between the two unleashes a graveyard full of angry zombies, the two girls must work together to save Howler's Hollow and themselves. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1824027

In this episode, Laurel tells listeners about Melissa Wiesner's fun, light-hearted romance, The Second Chance Year. Sadie Thatcher's life has fallen apart in spectacular fashion. In one fell swoop, she managed to lose her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend-all thanks to her big mouth. So when a fortune teller offers her one wish, Sadie jumps at the chance to redo her awful year. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1919140

In this episode, Linda tells listeners about a selection of thrillers that explore art crime. Find these titles in the FVRL collection: The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession — by Michael Finkel https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1893876 The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century — by Kirk W. Johnson https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1752297 Portrait of a Thief: A Novel — by Grace D. Li https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1858271

In this episode, Charlotte dives into the adventurous and magical world of Coral's Reef by David Lumsdon. Meet Coral, a sweet-natured girl who lives with her parents, kid sister Maki, and pet sea otter in the seaside town of Reef Beach. She's no different than any other teenager — except like all inhabitants of New Lemuria, she's not quite human. Coral is a sea sprite, and when not at school, or helping out in her mom's dress shop, or hanging out with friends, she's out catching waves on her beloved surfboard. But Coral's life is about to turn upside down once dreamy fire ifrit, Nick Inferno, comes to town. How can she not crush on this boy who is literally burning hot?! Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1924133

In this podcast, listeners learn about three titles that explore the subject of magical herbalism. Dawn recommends three books from the FVRL collection: Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants — by Juliet Diaz https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1829207 Wild Witchcraft: Folk Herbalism, Garden Magic, and Foraging for Spells, Rituals, and Remedies — by Rebecca Beyer https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1868073 The Poison Path Herbal: Baneful Herbs, Medicinal Nightshades, and Ritual Entheogens — by Coby Michael https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1865856

Looking for a graphic novel series to read to add to your summer reading? In this episode Laura-Lea tells us about Kazu Kibuishi's page-turner, Amulet. In this nine-volume series, a mysterious amulet opens the door to a beautiful but dangerous world of new friends, giant robots and shadowy enemies! Find the Amulet series in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?custom_edit=false&query=series%3A(Amulet)&searchType=bl&suppress=true&page=1

In today's podcast, Mieke tells us about Christina Baker Kline's The Exiles. This powerful, emotionally resonant novel captures the hardship, oppression and hope of four women's lives — three English convicts and an orphaned Aboriginal girl — in nineteenth-century Australia. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1821874

Do you have questions about what the future might look like? Do you wonder how you will fit into this new world? In today's podcast, Thurza tells us about the audiobook 21 Lessons for the 21st Century written by Yuval Noah Harari and read by Derek Perkins. This book provides a kind of instruction manual for the present day to help readers find their way around the 21st century, to understand it, and to focus on the really important questions of life. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1768231

In today's podcast, coworkers Charlotte and Jessica get together to talk about Mister Magic, a '90s nostalgia-filled horror written by Kiersten White. Who is Mister Magic? In this dark supernatural thriller, former child stars reunite to uncover the tragedy that ended their show and discover the secret of its enigmatic host. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1890936

Jean tells listeners about a recent favourite audiobook listen, the fascinating autobiography of Elton John. In his first and only official autobiography, music icon Elton John reveals the truth about his extraordinary life, from his rollercoaster lifestyle as shown in the film Rocketman, to becoming a living legend. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1798192

Mieke tells listeners about The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet, a deeply moving collection of personal essays from John Green, the author of The Fault in Our Stars and Turtles All the Way Down. The Anthropocene is the current geologic age, in which humans have profoundly reshaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his groundbreaking podcast, bestselling author John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scale — from the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets to Canada geese and Penguins of Madagascar. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1834514

Did you know that otters add air bubbles to their fur to help keep themselves warm? In this episode, Brenna tells listeners about Katherine Applegate's free verse novel, Odder. Learn all about otters in this environmental tale! Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practising her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she's known. She's a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself — and about the humans who hope to save her. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1870146

In this episode, Kaori tells listeners about a science fiction adventure: This Is How You Lose the Time War. From award-winning authors Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone comes an enthralling, romantic novel spanning time and space about two time-travelling rivals who fall in love and must change the past to ensure their future. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1788115

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