Podcasts about children's books

This week, the great children's author Aidan Chambers sadly passed away. And this show we take a fond look back on the ghostly books he penned and the various anthologies of spooky stories he edited.

The Out of Tune InstrumentsOn the bank of a stream, where a great many colorful little fish swam, lived a small family: mamma, babbo, and their seven children — four boys and three girls. Their house was a bit far from the town of Strumentopoli, but being close to the stream and next to the Great Forest made it a wonderful place to live.Mamma lovingly tended the vegetable garden. Babbo, on the other hand, was a woodworker who crafted musical instruments from the finest trunks, chosen among the sturdiest and most fragrant trees in the forest.The children went to school in the village. In winter, they reached it on skis, while in spring and autumn they rode in a cart pulled by two young deer — one white and one black, like the keys of a piano.Before they left, babbo counted them one by one to make sure no one was missing. Then, as he did every day, he reminded them:“Behave yourselves, don't skip school, and remember the tale of Pinocchio and his nose!”Those words always ended with a smile from everyone.Babbo would then return to his workshop. His instruments were well-made, using excellent materials, but there was one problem: they were out of tune. Still, as a good luthier, he didn't lose heart. His passion for music was so strong that teaching his children to play had become a joy. He even gave them special names: Chitarra, Violino, Oboe, Liuto, Arpa, Bongo, and Ukulele.Mamma didn't object. Of course, naming them after vegetables might have been funny, but their village friends probably would've made fun of them.The children did well in school, and when they came home, they helped mamma in the garden. One day, though, they mistook some nettle plants for lettuce — what a sting! They all ran straight to the stream and jumped in to soothe the burning.The little fish burst into laughter:“You're so silly! Ah ah ah!”Mamma helped them out of the water and, turning to the fish, said:“This evening, at sunset, there will be a concert in our courtyard. My children will perform with their instruments. You're all invited!”The fish replied enthusiastically:“Thanks for the invitation! We'll be there for sure — it's going to rain, and we love splashing! Splich, sploch, splach!”That evening turned out to be a real party. At the concert of slightly strange and delightfully quirky music, everyone had a blast: the musicians, the animals from the forest, and even the fish — who mamma cheerfully sprayed with water.After that joyful evening, life went back to its usual pace: school, garden, and even the forest. In fact, during their free time, the children often helped babbo choose and cut wood to build his instruments.The Great Forest had become familiar to them. So one day, while they were playing there and climbing trees, the kids spotted a group of gnomes huddled together, looking agitated. They quickly hid behind some bushes to observe and listen in on their conversation.The meeting, called in great haste, was to make a decision about an imminent danger. A powerful storm was on the way. They spoke of a hurricane wind that hadn't been seen or heard in a hundred years — or perhaps even longer — and it was heading for the forest.“We must stop it, by any means,” said the gnomes.So they decided to call on an old ally: the Great Warrior of the Mountain, armed with a sword and magical powers. He was the one who, in the past, had already defeated dragons and even extraterrestrials who had tried to conquer Earth.The seven children, alarmed by the news and determined to help in the battle, ran quickly back to the house — also to warn the villagers of the impending danger. Meanwhile, the wind drew closer. You could hear it from afar — wild and howling. As it passed, the trees bent until their tops brushed the ground. Some swayed, others snapped, and a few were completely uprooted.The people of Strumentopoli, who had begun to feel the wind blowing through the village streets and saw the Great Warrior descending the mountain, grew concerned — but they didn't panic. Everyone grabbed their instruments and rushed toward the house by the stream to help the family who lived there, and together try to save the Great Forest.At the same time, the colorful fish arrived — united and determined — along with the other animals of the woods and stream.“All together we can form a barrier and block the wind!” they shouted in unison.At that moment, the children of the family — still out of breath from running — stepped forward and said:“We have our babbo's instruments too. They're strange, a bit out of tune… but if we all play together, maybe we can stop the storm.” And with that, they rushed into the house and came back out in no time at all.The gnomes, fully aware of the instruments' flaws, cast a powerful musical spell. When the children began to play, something magical happened. For the first time, the music was melodious, harmonious, and full of feeling.One by one, all the people of Strumentopoli joined in. Each person, with their own instrument, contributed as if they were all part of one great orchestra.The hurricane wind — engaged in a fierce battle with the Great Warrior of the Mountain — heard the music from afar and immediately began to calm. Its howling softened, and by the time it reached the forest, it had become a cool mountain gust, and finally… a gentle valley breeze.The wind had become part of that marvelous orchestra — the battle was won thanks to everyone. Each had offered their own music and helped bring about the victory.“United we are strong,” they all said proudly.The babbo luthier continued building instruments with the finest wood the forest had to offer. They were so beautiful and sounded so good that people said they were the most melodic ever heard.The children — Chitarra, Violino, Oboe, Liuto, Arpa, Bongo, and Ukulele — joined the village band. At every festival, they played with great success, cheered on by applause and warm smiles. Even the gnomes and the Great Warrior listened to their music… from the forest and the mountain.The colorful fish swam and danced happily in the stream, and when someone passed by, they greeted them with joyful splashes.The family continued to live near the Great Forest, and on summer evenings, when everything finally grew quiet, they would lie along the stream and watch the stars above. Their hearts would tell stories… and the night would write the happy ending of every tale.

Children's author-illustrator Niña Mata joins the Thriving Writers Podcast to chat about her publishing journey—from illustrating educational materials, working with Olympian athletes, to finally writing her own stories! Listen to hear Niña share some tips on what illustrators gravitate towards in manuscripts and ways writers can make the collaborative process smoother. Plus, get her thoughts on the value of storytelling and what she hopes readers take away from her work.Niña MataWebsite: https://www.ninamata.com/Social: @ninamataartGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we're here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you're ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we're here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children's book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitIrresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511KWriting Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQWriting Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BNEW! Writing Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslqFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/

In this episode, LaLa opens up about her rising anxiety as she prepares for a new cruise, reflecting on the terrifying storm she encountered during her first one.  Shawna and LaLa also dive into the fascinating world of red light therapy with Clearlight's Marketing Manager, Melissa Van Riper, who explains the science behind it and its incredible benefits for health and wellness.  Next, they sit down with Sarah Sparks, author of The Monsters on Mill Street children's book series. Sarah shares her inspiring journey of overcoming her disability to become a successful author and discusses the impact her books have on young readers.  Finally, the duo continues their Mother's Day segment with must-haves for moms, including Graco's EasyTurn 360 car seat, Force of Nature's eco-friendly cleaning solution, Tarte Cosmetics, St. Pierre's bakery treats, and the snack lover's paradise, Nuts.com. 

Send us a textJoin us as we sit down with Author, Katie Kuperman, to discuss her new children's book, which aims at teaching kids how to cope with everyday struggles and difficult emotions through the power of humor and laughter.As a leading divorce firm in Portland, our attorneys provide guidance on custody, alimony, separation, estate planning, and more. Learn what to expect in Oregon and Washington divorce cases and how we can help.If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.To learn more about how Katie can help you, you can visit her website at: https://www.katiekuperman.com/Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

What a magnificent full moon!Late April.The San Fernando Valley shimmered gently.Tiny lights flickered softly,like electric fireflies in summer dreams.In a small garden,beneath an old wise lemon tree,something special was about to happen.Because lemon trees, you know,hide delicate secrets;magical whispers, patiently guardedamong their fruits, flowers and branches.Up high, safe and sound,Mr and Mrs Hummingbird waited.Little hearts vibrating with hope.They watched carefully,as small eggs cracked, whispered and hatchedunder California's warm sky.Jack and Sally arrived.At first with their eyes closed,resting peacefully in the warmth of their mother.Days passed gently.Soon their eyes opened andfeathers grew, stretching softly.From their nest they gazed with wonderat the lively world of the garden:birds singing, flowers murmuring,bees buzzing tirelesslyand squirrels chasing each other merrily,leaping from tree to treeas if they'd had a little too much coffee;far too much, in fact!“Calm down a bit,” exclaimed Sally bravely from the nest.“We're still learning how to be hummingbirds!”The garden fell silent for a moment,smiled quietly,and kindly replied,“Welcome, Jack! Welcome, Sally! Welcome to the Valley!”Days turned into weeks. Sally stretched her wings,tiny feathers growing stronger by the hour,training and preparingto reach the sky of her dreams.At last, the big day came.“Watch me, Jack!” sang Sally joyfully,and with a brave flutter, she left the nest.She flew—slowly at first, then faster;twirling, laughing, gliding above the flowers and below the branches,while the whole garden cheered and clapped.Jack watched from the nest, silent.His left wing, carefully folded, was still unsure.The garden held its breath, happy for Sally,but gently concerned for Jack.“Your moment will come too, dear,” whispered Mrs Hummingbird softly,kissing Jack on the forehead. “Believe in it.”That very night, as stars filled the sky,Jack stared at the little Glass Hot-Air Balloon that,hanging from a branch of the lemon tree,swayed gently in the evening breeze.An ornament, a sunset trapped,gently lit from within by dancing flames that, perhaps, were fake,but only if you didn't believe in magic.Jack believed.He balanced carefully, hopping softly,bravely, from branch to branch,towards the glowing balloon that kept on dancing in the windas if it were flying through the sky.Without hesitation, he jumped into the tiny basket.Suddenly, sparks shimmered. Whirls danced.Magic awakened beneath his feathers,as the Glass Hot-Air Balloon rose,lifting slowly into the evening air.“Jack!” exclaimed Sally, eyes full of wonder.She flew right up next to him, laughing.Together they soared, joyfully twirling,while the garden clapped louder than ever.Even Mr and Mrs Hummingbird blinked in astonishment,smiling proudly at their brave children.“You know,” said an old owl,smiling wisely from a nearby branch,“if you follow the sunset, through the canyon,you'll reach the Great Blue Ocean.”Jack's heart fluttered with courage.“Come with me, Sally!” he said, eyes shining.And Sally didn't hesitate.She joined Jack on the hot-air balloonand together they flew higher and farther,beyond the valley, over winding canyons,towards golden rays blending with endless blue.The ocean appeared—glittering, infinite;the waves whispering gentle secretslit softly by what was left of the sunset.Below, the Malibu pier glowed warm and welcoming,caressed by the Pacific Ocean and the breeze.The whole bay greeted the brave adventurers.Jack breathed deeply, heart full.He had found his way to fly, to soar in the sky;not by trying to be like the others,but by embracing who he truly was.Because it's not our limits that define us,but our courage to dream,our will to believe,and the magic we carry within.Because nothing,absolutely nothing,can stop those who dare to dream.- Written by Marco Ciappelli

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to The Rhyming Rabbit one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

  What would it be like to leave everything you know, everything you own, everyone you love to escape war, persecution, or poverty? In “Refugee,” Alan Gratz imagines how three young people struggle to survive as they excape to freedom. Students from Washington Latin Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Actress Amy Solano is celebrity reader. SPOILER ALERT: plot points are discussed in this episode.   FAVORITE BOOKS FROM WASHINGTON LATIN PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the Long Haul - Jeff Kinney The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas Twilight - Stephenie Meyer Alan Gratz' Favorite Book: As Brave as You - Jason Reynolds Amy Solano's Favorite Book: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Pip and Posy The Friendly Snail one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Today is National Picture Book Day, so we celebrate by bringing the voices of Rob and Amy Dixon to the table. In this episode, I speak with Amy and Rob Dixon about their new picture book, Penny Preaches, which helps normalize girls in church leadership roles. We:• Explore the theological frameworks of complementarianism versus egalitarianism in church settings.• Understand how women's leadership gifts remain untapped – "the church has been trying to fulfill the Great Commission with half the team on the bench."• Discuss the importance of representation and modeling in helping children envision possibilities: "It's hard to be what you can't see."• Look at how to raise children with an egalitarian mindset through transparency and collaboration.• Respond to resistance with "convictions held with humility" rather than combativeness.• Unleash the powerful message that "God gives good gifts to everyone" regardless of gender.Order this powerful children's book: Penny PreachesLearn more abut Rob's books: Dr. Rob DixonLearn more about Amy's other children's books: Amy Dixon BooksSupport the showBegin Your Heartlifter's Journey: Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

The Tribe of the Wandering Shoes | Part Three & Four | Winter, Spring, and the ReturnAfter a summer shining with light and an autumn drizzly but fascinating in its colors, the Tribe of the Wandering Shoes set off again for new adventures—mysterious, surprising, and of course, a little dangerous. More determined than ever, ready to overcome any challenge, they resumed their journey Winter didn't take long to arrive: in December, the first snow fell on the mountains. The Tribe boarded a coach headed to the Dolomites, where the snow-covered peaks waited for them on the horizon. As soon as they settled into the hotel, excitement took over. They couldn't wait to dive into the fresh snow and build a giant snowman! They got straight to work, shoveling pile after pile of snow. With a little ladder, step by step, they reached the height of the face. Two buttons for eyes, a carrot for a nose, a pipe in the mouth, and a scarf wrapped around the neck—it was perfect!“Brrr! It's freezing!” — exclaimed one of them, and they all looked down at their tips and saw they were completely frozen.“We need a miracle!” — declared one shoe with a solemn tone.“Maybe a portable radiator…” — mumbled another, her laces trembling.They decided to call the Alpine Rescue Team, which arrived with a supersonic jet packed with hot water bottles, boiling tea, and thermal blankets. But just then, the weather station—mounted on a space ship at the top of the mountain—reported a severe snowstorm on the way. The Tribe, worried, asked to return immediately to the valley, but the jet couldn't transport them in the traditional way. The only solution? Catapult them down like snowballs wrapped in thermal blankets!“Um… excuse me, but has anyone ever tried this system before?” — asked one shoe, suspicious.“No, but what could possibly go wrong?” — replied another.“Worst case, we'll end up spread across the snow like jam on toast!”The flight was wild: they bounced off a cable car, spun an eagle and a couple of vultures into the air, who, surprised, exclaimed, “Oh! Oh!”Fortunately, the mountain pines gave them a soft landing with their snowy branches. The shoes landed unlaced, a bit bruised, but safe.“I think we just invented the first extreme sport for footwear,” — commented one, still dizzy.The villagers in the valley found them and, touched by their story, brought them to the old cobbler in town. The man, with decades of experience repairing mountain shoes, was initially puzzled to see such a colorful and battered bunch. That night, the cobbler couldn't sleep, wondering how to fix them. At dawn, with determination, he got to work.“No, no, help! You're going to hurt me!” — protested the purple shoe at the sight of the tools.“Oh please!” — said the cobbler with a smile.“I've been bringing mountain boots back to life for years. You'll be brand new, trust me!”And so, with expert hands, he stitched, glued, and brightened their colors, working passionately until every shoe looked spectacular again.The Tribe spent happy days in the village. With Christmas around the corner, they helped decorate the lit-up streets, snow-covered trees, and shop windows. By then, everyone knew their story and called them left and right for advice on decorations, and the atmosphere was magical and festive.Soon, the days grew brighter and you could feel the awakening of spring in the air. Their snowy adventure was behind them, but a new challenge was waiting ahead. The Tribe started to miss the city they had left and decided to go back. They marched in single file and took the right road at the first roundabout. They followed a little stream and, after a long walk, stopped by the bank to rest. They stepped into the shallow water to cool off, when one of them, sharper than the others, noticed something strange beneath some dry branches.“Come here, come here!” — she called out.The others rushed over curiously, and with great effort, they managed to flip over what turned out to be an old wooden boat. They jumped in, nudging each other.“I'm going first!”“No, me first!”They bickered, tripping over their own laces, but since they were a bit tired from walking, each one took her place. Soon, they noticed a problem.“Um… has anyone seen the oars?”“Oh no! Now how do we move?”Just then, a shiny pike and a giant shimmering carp emerged from the foamy waves and, without saying a word, began to push the boat, gliding it along the stream and lifting it into the air.“But… this is magic!” — gasped one shoe, amazed.As the stream widened into a river, they spotted their city in the distance. The two extraordinary fish dropped them off on the shore and, in the blink of an eye, vanished into the golden reflections of the water.“Good gracious, what just happened?” — they all exclaimed.Still stunned and silent, they headed toward the big tree-lined park in the city. Lying in the grass, they looked up at the blue sky and realized just how much they had missed their busy store and the bustling crowd. That's when they noticed something strange.For the first time, they looked carefully at the glowing sign above the entrance: “Sorelle Soletta Department Store”They stared at each other, wide-eyed. The Little Witch Soletta… was the owner of the shop!Once placed back on the shelves, with their laces tied tight and their soles polished, the shoes smiled at one another.“What an adventure, folks…” — sighed the purple shoe.“Oh yeah,” — replied the red one, “but it's so nice to be back here!”“With all due respect to eagles, cobblers, and flying fish… nothing beats the smell of the shop in the morning,” — added the blue shoe dreamily.“And here we've got curtains, changing rooms, and customers who try us on gently…”“…not to mention Little Witch Soletta watching over us!” They all burst out laughing. “In the end,” — concluded the one with golden laces, “traveling is wonderful… but coming home is even better.”And from that day on, every time a child or an adult chose one of them, a new story began.But that one… well… that's another adventure!

This Thursday I have a truly exciting guest--author Jane Sharpe--who's here to give all of us an exclusive preview of her brand new book, Winston the Cat with a Mech Suit! This heartwarming tale follows Winston, who's family builds him a high-tech mech suit to help them with chores around the house! If you love stories filled with creativity and a dash of futuristic fun, you won't want to miss this podcast! We'll also learn about Jane's other works and of course a little bit more about Jane herself! So grab a comfy seat and dive into the world of Winston, the Cat with a Mech Suit!

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Maria Castellucci Moore, a first-generation American, mother of four, and multifaceted entrepreneur. Maria shares her journey from growing up with immigrant parents from Italy to balancing her roles as a wine business owner and children's book author. Her parents' hard work and perseverance instilled in her a strong ethic and desire to positively impact the world. Listen in as Maria reflects on her passion for storytelling, inspired by the wonder she saw in her children's eyes when reading. Her book series aims to instill self-discovery and intentional living in young readers, encouraging them to recognize and embrace their unique gifts and paths. In another engaging segment, we explore the power of authenticity in entrepreneurship and writing. Maria discusses the joy of working with children in educational settings and her experiences visiting schools to engage students with interactive activities. She also highlights the potential for translating her books into other languages to reach a broader audience. Additionally, we explore the essence of empowered women and how adaptability, resilience, and confidence can lead to thriving amidst life's challenges. Maria shares her insights and invites listeners to connect with her through various platforms, offering a glimpse into her life in California's beautiful wine country and her empowering message through her children's books.   Connect with Maria: Website: www.mariacastelluccimooreauthor.com  Facebook: Mariamooreauthor  Instagram: @mariamooreauthor Let's keep the conversation going!Website: martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest  Watch my TEDx talk: http://bit.ly/martatedx Ever thought about investing in the Stock Market but don't know where to start? Introducing Market Minds by Market Start—the all-new platform designed to make stock market investing simple, fast, and profitable! So why wait? Start your journey to financial success today! Visit themarketstart.com and take control of your future.   Great leadership isn't accidental — it's intentional. In CARE to Lead, Alex Draper reveals the key to building high-performing, people-first environments at work and at home through the powerful CARE Equation — Clarity, Autonomy, Relationships, and Equity®. Ready to lead and influence with impact? Grab your copy now at alex-draper.com and start your journey to better leadership today!  

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Pip and Posy the big Balloon one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

The Wondrous Vegetable ShopWith the arrival of spring, beneath the soft mantle of the earth, tubers and roots began to awaken. The carrots stretched their orange tips with their green tufts. The round and plump potatoes whispered among themselves.“I can feel the warmth of the sun even down here,” said a deep red beetroot. “Doesn't it seem like the perfect moment to show ourselves to the world?”“You're right!” an enthusiastic onion replied. “Enough of staying down here! I want to shine on the shelves of a beautiful shop.”So, they began their journey toward the surface. The earth gently parted to let those cheerful and determined roots pass through. Once they emerged, they started strolling carefree among the olive trees of the Tuscan hills, chatting happily about their new adventure.Along their path, some sparrows hopped on the branches and, seeing the lively and chatty group, immediately chirped: “Chirp, chirp, chirp! Where are you going, fragrant vegetables?”“To find the most special shop in town and put ourselves on display,” they replied.A farmer, who had cultivated with passion for many years and cared deeply about the quality of his produce, noticed them and gently gathered them. He placed them in a basket and took them to a shop in Sesto Fiorentino, well known for its dedication to the finest products of the land.Above the shop's window, the sign read: THE WONDROUS VEGETABLE SHOP.In baskets lovingly arranged, the carrots displayed their vibrant orange color, the potatoes gleamed, and even the onions proudly showed off their shining hues. The radishes giggled and happily put themselves on display as well.Customers couldn't resist such a spectacle of colors and scents and stopped, enchanted, saying: “What spectacular vegetables! Now this is a well-stocked and high-quality shop!”The vegetables were delighted to be appreciated and purchased—they knew they would bring flavors and smiles to every kitchen with delicious dishes. Full of taste and nutrients, they were happy to be healthy and wholesome ingredients for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, bringing to the table the joy and warmth of a meal shared with family and friends, following Italian tradition.And so, buon appetito to everyone!________________________________________________________________________Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available.Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Girls can do anything one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Freddie and the Fairy one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

On today's heartfelt episode, I welcome New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and wildly successful podcast host Annie F. Downs to the show. She shares the inspiration behind her latest children's book, "Where Did TJ Go?," crafted to assist parents and children in navigating grief and loss. Discover how Annie and her family transformed their personal sorrow into a touching narrative that balances joy and suffering. This book is a beautiful resource for parents featuring insights on parenting through grief and creating meaningful conversations. Tune-in for an uplifting discussion filled with hope, love, and healing for families facing tough times.Check out the show notes for this episode HERE.Get every new episode of Secret Mom Hacks delivered to your inbox by subscribing for free HERE!Connect with Annie F. Downs:Website: https://www.anniefdowns.com/Where Did TJ Go?: https://wheredidtjgo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniefdownsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniefdownsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anniefdownstsfYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa-tPvY6HODihpmzjDV_KxAThat Sounds Fun: https://www.anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun/Let's Read The Gospels: https://www.anniefdowns.com/letsreadthegospels/miniBFF: https://www.anniefdowns.com/minibffpodcast/Connect with Secret Mom Hacks:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretmomhacksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristamischell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretmomhacks/Listen to these episodes next:Momlife & music industry careers: How a new non-profit helps parents juggle both | Ep. 92Twice exceptional: Neurodivergent parenting with Sarene Leeds | Ep. 80Find your tribe: Why mom groups improve mental health & resources to get connected | Ep. 83Favorite resources for listeners:

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Sammy Striker and the Football Cup one of Alberts favourite books.With special guest reading from Jill Scott MBE.Thanks for Listening.

On a Bench, Waiting for the TrainAt the village station, under a long wooden canopy, steel tracks ran on both sides, allowing trains to speed past in a blur. But every now and then, some would stop, only for a moment, before continuing their journey after passengers had disembarked and boarded.Grandfather had promised many times to take his grandson to visit the train station near their home, and now they were finally there. Standing on the platform, the boy waited with eager anticipation—his first time seeing a train arrive.After a few minutes, a bell rang, followed by an announcement:"Train number 75265 arriving on Track 2. Coming from here, going there. Please pay attention and board if it's yours. It won't wait long—it's running late, as usual…"Soon, the locomotive appeared in the distance, approaching rapidly before slowing to a stop in front of them.The boy had never seen anything so overwhelming. Gripping his grandfather's trousers, he shrank back and cried out:"Help, help, help!"To his eyes, the train was a towering iron giant, covered in strange designs, exuding mystery. A moving machine on rails. A long, mechanical serpent, fast as lightning—imposing, unfamiliar, and yet… fascinating.Passengers stepped out of the open carriage doors, while others hurried aboard. Some people rushed back and forth, luggage in hand, checking schedules on glowing boards before boarding their trains to destinations unknown."Maybe it's not a monster after all. The grown-ups aren't scared like I am."The boy tried to be brave, glancing up at his grandfather, who smiled and took his hand. They lingered at the station for a while, sitting on a bench, watching trains come and go, the stationmaster blowing his whistle, the endless movement of travelers.As the sun dipped below the horizon, Grandfather bought two ice creams—strawberry and pistachio—from the station café. Enjoying their sweet treats, they strolled home, hearts light with happiness. A few days later, it was the boy's birthday. Grandfather never had any doubt about what to give him. They returned to the station, and after purchasing two tickets, he said:"Now you're old enough to travel. So today, we set off on your first adventure. And just wait—when you grow up, you'll have so many more!"But these were no ordinary tickets.When the station clerk heard it was the boy's first train journey, he called over the Stationmaster. With a knowing smile, the Stationmaster reached into his pocket and handed them two colorful tickets that read:Destination: End of the Line StationTrain Number: 18674Valid for: Round TripPlatform: 2 and 1/2, almost 3Valid in: Sun, rain, snow, or windIncludes: Popcorn and souvenir"Huh, how odd," Grandfather thought, scratching his head beneath his hat."But everyone knows you can always trust the Stationmaster."And so, hand in hand, they made their way to Platform 2 and 1/2, almost 3.A few benches were occupied by waiting passengers, but one was free. They sat side by side. Excitement buzzed in the air like migrating birds, their imaginations already soaring as a soft breeze brushed their faces.The train was arriving!A whistle. The screech of brakes. The hum of engines. The overhead speakers announced:"Attention, attention! Train Number 18674 is now at the station. Departure imminent for the End of the Line Station. The weather is uncertain, but that's fine—nothing to be done about it anyway. Fresh, crunchy popcorn will be served throughout the journey."The train slowed to a full stop, and with a gentle creak, its doors swung open. No one got off, but many climbed aboard, quickly filling the seats—except for one at the back of the carriage.Grandfather settled into it, placing his grandson on his lap. The boy felt safe there.With wide eyes, he took in the strange world around him. Some seats faced forward, others backward."Which ones were pointing the right way?"He wondered for a moment, then, with a spark of imagination, transformed the passengers into pieces on a grand chessboard, ready for a fantastic game.A tall, broad-shouldered man with a long beard stood at the front."Aha! An ogre!"Beside him, a plump woman with strong features."Definitely the ogress!"At the center, a blonde girl with blue eyes, absorbed in her phone."A princess!"A heavily tattooed man with multiple earrings and a face full of stories."An explorer!"Further back, a young woman in a wide-brimmed straw hat, wearing flowing clothes and bracelets that jingled softly."A traveler!""How could all these different characters fit into the same story?"As he pondered, the train whistled louder, gliding through plains, tunnels, and hills until the voice overhead declared:"Attention, attention! The train is arriving at End of the Line Station. All passengers, prepare to disembark."A gentle deceleration. A smooth stop."Wow! Amazing!"Instead of opening, the train's side panels lowered to the ground, forming ramps leading directly onto the platform.A light mist veiled the station, but an irresistible scent of roasted treats and cotton candy filled the air. Following the sweet aroma, the passengers arrived at a vast square where a statue in the center spouted water from its enormous mouth, surrounded by a fantastic garden.As the mist lifted, a flock of brightly colored, chattering parrots burst into view, circling above.Then, suddenly—"Look, look! What a surprise!"They all exclaimed in unison.Mary Poppins, on a bicycle, umbrella in hand, was pedaling through the garden."Why are you here?" the parrots asked, curious and mischievous."I'm collecting children's wishes in my upturned umbrella," she replied. "My chimney sweep friends will carry them home, transforming them into dreams ready to come true.""Craa, craa! We have a wish too! To fly around the world, with no destination, no hurry!""Very well," Mary Poppins smiled. "And what's your address for the dream delivery?"The parrots twirled in the air, singing:"Craa, craa! The street that isn't there, in the invisible house at number no-number! Bye-bye, Mary Poppins! We're free—craa, craa—we're off to dream!"She waved farewell and pedaled away.In the enchanted garden, stalls overflowed with sweets, magical rides spun, enchanted toys lay scattered, and a marvelous cart brimmed with books that turned their pages with a mere thought. An ancient talking tree told fairy tales, offering juicy, special fruits to those who listened.The parrots, flitting here and there, served as slightly distracted guides, leading the travelers left and right. A small group was following the man who looked like an ogre.He walked with determination, carrying a large suitcase, and was followed by his wife, who held a half-open bag overflowing with all sorts of trinkets. Behind them came the explorer, the blue-eyed princess, and finally, the tourist with the straw hat.Guided by the parrots, they made their way toward a strange building at the edge of the square. As they got closer, they realized it was an old, neglected theater—worn with time but still holding a certain architectural charm. The scent of dust and aged wood drifted from the slightly open door, adding to the place's mysterious atmosphere.The five peculiar characters were none other than actors, ready to perform a show filled with surprises, illusions, and wonders. Entry was free.Inside the theater, soft music played in the background, audible even from outside, leading them toward the stage.The enchantment of the place and sheer curiosity drew in all the other travelers as well, including the grandfather and grandson, who stepped inside to witness an unexpected spectacle.They had barely found their seats—worn and faded with age—when suddenly, white doves appeared, fluttering above their heads.The ogre revealed himself to be, in fact, a magician. With a swift motion, a breath, and—pluff!—his costume changed in an instant. Then again. And again.At the sides of the stage, a hall of mirrors distorted objects into strange shapes, while hidden playing cards appeared and vanished within the audience's seats, mixing together as if by magic. Yet, no matter what, the magician always seemed to guess the chosen card correctly.Suddenly, as if by enchantment, the princess and the explorer appeared. Behind them, sparks of fire shaped like stars filled the theater."What a show, what a marvel!"The entire stage lit up as the magician, waving his wand in the air like a conductor, brought forth a waltz. At its rhythm, the two actors, now transformed into dancers, moved gracefully to the music. Under the magician's guidance, they floated into the air, performing acrobatics.Meanwhile, the magician's wife—who was a bit of a sorceress herself—stepped onto the stage, opened her bag of trinkets, and out came balls, rings, and juggling pins. The tourist in the straw hat appeared beside her, and together, they began a dazzling juggling act, perfectly in sync with the music.As the waltz neared its end, both the dancers and the jugglers vanished in a cloud of smoke and lights. Incredibly, even the stage itself disappeared.The audience held their breath, stunned and enchanted, before bursting into applause, smiling in amazement as the Ogre Magician bowed deeply in gratitude.The show had come to an end.Still astonished, the travelers left the theater, but the magic followed them as they made their way back toward the station.The whole town felt like an enchantment, and at the heart of it were the grandson and his grandfather—unexpected protagonists of a timeless adventure. So great was their wonder that they had lost track of how long they had been there.Guided once again by the flitting parrots, they returned to the main square along with all the other passengers. From the nearby station, glowing signs signaled the imminent departure of Train 18674."Attention, attention! Train Number 18674 has arrived at the station. Departure imminent for destination: Return Station. Weather still uncertain, but no need to worry. Hot popcorn, souvenir postcards, and an almost-magic wand included in the ticket price."As the travelers boarded, the parrots fluttered in farewell, then soared toward the horizon, disappearing alongside Mary Poppins.The train pulled away slowly, smoothly. From the windows, passengers watched as the enchanted town faded into the mist once more.In the blink of an eye, they were back where they had started: the small village station.As the train glided through the mist, the village slowly reappeared.In the warm light of a summer evening, the passengers stepped off one by one, still in awe of the unexpected journey. They whispered among themselves, exchanging impressions of what they had just experienced.Grandfather and grandson decided to stop for an ice cream before heading home. They walked over to the station café and, without hesitation, ordered two cones with their favorite flavors: strawberry and pistachio.Just as they took their first bites, they turned toward the tracks—and froze.The train that had taken them on their journey was gone.Not only that—the other passengers had vanished too, without leaving a trace.From behind the station clock's column, the Stationmaster appeared, his satchel slung across his shoulder and his signal paddle in hand. He raised his head, tipped his hat with a smile, and then, whistling softly, strolled down the empty platform.Grandfather and the boy waved enthusiastically before taking each other's hand. As they walked home, savoring their strawberry and pistachio ice creams, they talked happily about their extraordinary adventure.It almost felt like a dream.But, as everyone knows, reality and fantasy often walk hand in hand.Just like the grandfather and the child, making their way home, bathed in the golden hues of sunset.

Blinky Bill, created by Dorothy Wall in the 1930s, has captured the hearts of generations through books, television, and film. More than just a cheeky bush troublemaker, Blinky represents resilience, adventure, and the spirit of the Australian outback. His tales have been used to teach children about conservation, friendship, and the challenges facing Australia's unique wildlife.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the legacy of Blinky Bill and his impact on Australian culture.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Today we are talking about the probably soon to be FBI Director, Kash Patel. As with all good heads of governmental departments that are supposed to be nonpartisan, Kash Patel sees Donald Trump as a king. He literally wrote a book about it, so embarrassing for him. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Zane Carson Carruth is an award-winning international children's book author, a certified business etiquette and protocol professional and sits on numerous non-profit boards in Houston, TX as well as the Vice President of Carruth Foundation. Zane serves on the SPCA board of directors, Discovery Green Conservancy, TUTS (Theatre Under the Stars) and previously on The Houston Grand Opera Board for 6 years.Carruth has been honored to be named an ABC13 Woman of Distinction for 2020, Top Inspiring Woman Impact Maker for 2020, an honoree of The Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award, named one of the March of Dimes Houston's Best Dressed 2023 recipients, and St Jude's Woman of Philanthropy for Houston TX 2021.She and her husband Brady were named Houston Treasures 2022 and Houston Heros 2023 by Texas Children's Hospital. She was also honored to serve as First Lady of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the 2021 to 2023 season, when her husband, Brady Carruth was Chairman of the Board of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.She currently hosts a Live Broadcast titled Elegance, Polished Demeanor & Posh Living on USA GLOBAL TV & RADIO in Partnership with E360 TV the last Thursday of each month. She won the USA GLOBAL TV & RADIO 2023 Rising Star Host award for her very successful broadcast.LATEST BOOK: ABELLA AND THE HAUNTED HOUSE: Abella and Darcie befriend a haunted house and the ghost that lives there. Thanks to Abella's quick thinking and determined nature, they save the big, haunted house from being torn down. And in the process, make new friends in the weirdest places! Never underestimate the can-do spirit of these two little fairies.  http://WorldsFirstToothFairy.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWYx5e7rYZI

Dr. Rick LeCouteur is a veterinarian, author, teacher, and a conservation photographer.  His journey has evolved beyond clinics and teaching into the enchanting realm of children's literature, including his newest children's book, "Nasty Names are Hurtful:An Australian White Ibis in the City."  Through his stories about animals, Rick seeks to cultivate in young readers a sense of curiosity, empathy and responsibility toward the natural world.   Learn more about Dr. LeCouteur and his books at RickLeCouteur.com Contact Julie for coaching or questions at theveterinarylifecoach.com

In this episode of the Modern Man Podcast, host Ted Phaeton speaks with Russell Rogers, founder of the MoveToday 365 movement. They discuss the importance of investing in children, the impact of COVID-19 on personal and professional lives, and the inspiration behind Russell's children's book series. The conversation emphasizes the need for outdoor activities, creating lasting memories with kids, and the power of intentionality in daily life. Russell shares how his movement has grown into a nationwide initiative, encouraging families to engage in physical activities together and foster community connections.   Takeaways Investing in others is crucial for growth. Outdoor activities are essential for children's development. Creating memories with kids is invaluable. Intentionality can transform daily habits. Simplicity in life can lead to greater happiness. COVID-19 prompted a reevaluation of life and career. The Move Today 365 movement encourages community engagement. Quality time with children strengthens family bonds. Parents can find joy in simple activities with their kids. Reflecting on past experiences can inspire future actions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Modern Man Podcast 01:10 Meet Russell Rogers: A Journey of Passion and Purpose 03:30 The Impact of COVID-19 on Life and Career 05:59 Inspiration Behind Move Today 365 10:29 The Launch of the Today Book Series 11:45 The Importance of Outdoor Activities for Kids 16:25 Creating Lasting Memories with Children 20:43 Reflections from Parents and Grandparents 24:32 Building a Nationwide Movement 29:29 The Power of Intentionality in Daily Life 33:03 Simplicity and Childlike Joy in Life   Russells Links: Website: movetoday365.com  Instagram: movetoday365  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093678386343&mibextid=LQQJ4d  The Books: TODAY    Free eBook Here: Mastering Self-Development: Strategies of the New Masculine: https://rebrand.ly/m2ebook   ⚔️JOIN THE NOBLE KNIGHTS MASTERMIND⚔️ https://themodernmanpodcast.com/thenobleknights  

Learn more about Read Across America, and access the calendar: https://www.nea.org/readacrossamericaCheck out Simon B. Rhymin' : https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/find-your-book/simon-b-rhymin

Children's Corner: The Four Santas with Liliane Fortna Celebrate this Christmas season with this heartwarming new take on Santa Claus. Dive into this delightful Christmas picture book to discover his magical origin, his reason for spreading joy and love to children throughout the world, and how he is able to make all those deliveries in only one night! Perfect for children ages 5-9. Charlie is shocked! The Santa he saw this year didn't look like the one he saw last year. Why the difference? Is Santa real? Happily, Charlie's wise grandmother knows the real tale about Santa and how he brings joy and love to children all over the world. Santa Claus is known throughout the world, but lots of youngsters hit an age when they start asking questions about where he came from and how – and why -- he manages to deliver toys to children all over the world on Christmas Eve. This delightful, beautifully illustrated book answers these and other questions about the world's most famous “jolly old elf” To learn more visit:  *************************************************** For more information about BITEradio products and services visit: http://www.biteradio.me/index.html To view the photography of Robert at: http://rpsharpe.com/

Text the show!Join us for an inspiring conversation with Teri Weber, a trailblazing fourth-generation military officer and C-17 pilot in the United States Air Force. Teri shares her incredible journey as a female aviator in a male-dominated field and how she has built a personal brand in the Air Force, all while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and authorship. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, strength, and femininity in achieving success.Teri's passion for storytelling and aviation comes to life in her children's book series, "Operation Aviation," which aims to captivate young readers with engaging tales of teamwork and adventure, all while offering educational insights into military missions.Listen in as Teri reveals her branding journey, balancing military regulations with personal style, and how her role as a mother enriches her personal brand. Her partnership with BrandWell and their strategic approach to visual branding underscore the importance of creativity and community interaction. Teri's story is a full-circle moment, demonstrating that building a successful brand doesn't require a formal business education, but rather a commitment to authenticity, adaptability, and empathy. Don't miss this empowering episode filled with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in any industry.DISCLAIMER: Major Teri Weber Boivin's opinions do not necessarily express those of the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Visit Teri's WebsiteOrder “Operation Aviation” Books! Work with BrandWell DesignsFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to The Magic Porridge Pot one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to The Snow Queen one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to The Dragon Machine one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

This week's free story comes from the So Many Fairies Halloween Story collection. It's called "Halloween Story: Part One."   We meet Henry - a creative, delightful boy who would very much like to be an elf. When the Halloween season begins, he throws himself into preparation, for this year he will get to try on his elf-ness! He also meets Brie, a classmate who invites him to trick-or-treat in her neighborhood. On Halloween eve they immediately see that this is no ordinary Halloween: Henry-the-Elf and Brie-the-Cat discover a "Story House," and the adventure begins.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia's Halloween collection. It's called "Part One: The Thinning of the Veils"   The stories follow the events that unfold over the few days before Halloween as the creative brother and sister prepare for their annual Fairy Ball.   Part One: "The Thinning of the Veils" While Martin and Sylvia wait for the invitations to arrive for their annual Halloween Fairy Ball, Sylvia spies something curious sticking out of the toy shelf in their bedroom. She examines it, and finds that it is an orange piece of paper with a drawing — and on the drawing is a red “X.” Martin declares that it must be a treasure map! And thus brother and sister are launched on a cross-town treasure hunt. Where will it lead them?   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

The Tribe of Wandering ShoesA Story Under the Stars in Four Parts. Just like the seasons!This Is The Second Part: The Autumn Adventure.The season was changing. The warm, sunny days of summer had given way to crisp and fresh mornings, often with a layer of fog beginning to cover the fields. The days were getting shorter, and the cool wind made the leaves fall — the street sweepers with their brooms couldn't gather them fast enough before another strong gust brought down just as many.The Tribe of the Wandering Shoes gathered for an extraordinary meeting; they all agreed that it was time to leave the beaches and resume their adventure before dark clouds full of rain appeared on the horizon.They packed their bags, put together some provisions, and cheerfully set off toward the Tuscan countryside. They walked through fragrant woods, where the leaves crunched under their feet and the colors of the trees painted the landscape with shades of red, orange, and gold.The Wandering Shoes felt the first drops of autumn rain as they wandered through winding paths and small villages. Everywhere they went, they saw other signs of the seasonal change: pumpkins on porches, scarecrows guarding the last cornfields, and the smell of spices in the air.At one point, they reached a small country town, where preparations for Halloween were already in full swing, and that's when the rain began to pour down heavily. The streets, flooded with water, looked like small streams, and the shoes were completely soaked.They tried to climb onto the roofs of the houses, but the tiles, slippery like soap, made them fall back down. They didn't know what to do anymore, but luckily, at that moment, along came Senapino the donkey, pulling a cart.It was Halloween, and his load consisted of yellow pumpkins, round and of various sizes. Senapino stopped and kindly said to the shoes: "Hop on, I'll give you a lift!"The shoes didn't need to be told twice, and full of joy, they jumped on in the blink of an eye. They squeezed together as much as possible to make room among the pumpkins, and the good donkey, understanding they needed a dry place, took them out of town.After a short journey, they arrived in front of an abandoned barn with a very tall tower."In the tower, you'll be warm, and from its top, you can enjoy a beautiful view: the starry sky at night and the red roofs of the town by day. A perfect place for Halloween night."Senapino invited them to get off and, after saying goodbye, resumed his journey, slowly disappearing into the distance.No door blocked the dark entrance of the tower, so the Wandering Shoes went in and climbed the old stone staircase worn by time. As they climbed slowly, they heard a bouncing noise behind them. Turning around, they saw the pumpkins following them step by step.Some torches lit up by magic, and suddenly the stairs were illuminated by faint, flickering flames. Once they reached the top, the whole Tribe settled into the tower-barn, accompanied by the pumpkins that had followed them. They dried off well and thought it would be fun to celebrate Halloween together.To create the right atmosphere, they carved the pumpkins from Senapino's cart, placed candle stubs found among the barn's junk inside them, and after lighting them, placed them on the windowsills and terrace. The tower, with its glowing pumpkins, could be seen from afar, and it was a sight to behold. Surely the villagers would appreciate the view.But then, suddenly, incredibly, and unexpectedly, all the pumpkins, with a jump, transformed into spiders with long legs and big, glowing red eyes. They quickly started hunting down the Wandering Shoes, as if they had always been their favorite prey.What a fright! What chaos!There were shoes running in every direction and others hiding behind the braver ones, who, stretching out their laces, tied themselves together like a magical web. In no time, this web intertwined and grew out of control, forming an enchanted shield around the shoes to protect them.The spiders, furious, began jumping and climbing everywhere like mad but were unable to catch any prey. After several attempts, disappointed, they scurried down the stairs, abandoning the barn and heading toward the town in search of new victims. But the streets were filled with floating ghosts, white like sheets, and as they brushed against the scary spiders, they transformed them back into friendly glowing pumpkins.The danger had been averted. It was Halloween night, and as we all know, on this enchanted night, anything can happen.Even in the tower, the Wandering Shoes were breathing a sigh of relief as the remaining bits of candles were burning out. Soon, darkness fell, and the restless evil forces launched a new attack.In the large, dark, and gloomy room, a gust of icy wind slammed all the doors and windows shut, and enormous sabers appeared, crossed and wrapped in iron chains; as if that weren't enough, in the center was a large rusty bolt with keys hanging, but out of reach.By magic, every exit was barred, and the shoes were trapped.Two pairs of yellow shoes tried in vain to kick the exit door, while others attempted to jump for the keys, but they too were unsuccessful. So, even though the pumpkins had been defeated, the Wandering Shoes found themselves trapped in the abandoned barn, victims of some evil power.When they had lost all hope of being freed and celebrating Halloween, a sudden blaring sound, a vibration, and a gust of wind rushed toward the tower. A fiery bolt unlocked the main latch with a loud bang, and with a sharp and resonant metallic snap, the key fell. At that moment, all the swords and chains dropped to the floor at once. The curse dispersed like a ghostly glow.Without hesitation, the shoes ran to the tower windows to see what had happened! Not only were they open, but once again illuminated by warm, flickering torchlight.From there, they could see the town below, where pumpkins of all sizes lit up the town with their glowing candles. The danger was truly over this time, and it was the best Halloween night. On the terrace were delicious treats of all kinds, some even spider-shaped, crispy and ready to munch on.Finally safe and happy, the next morning they would be able to continue their journey.In the night, they wondered among themselves:“But could that donkey, Senapino, have been part of the spell that imprisoned us?” “Who knows?”And all in chorus: “Maybe the little witch Soletta knows something about it! Is she the one pulling the magic web's strings?”____________________________________What can we expect at this point, after the summer and autumn adventures?Stay alert; the story will continue in the third part: the winter adventure in the snowy mountains. Don't miss the next high-altitude journey!

On todays episode we talk to our talented friend - Terrence Terrell. We talk about how his childhood struggles influenced his acting career, the personal meaning behind his published books, and so much more. Lets get into it!Follow Terrence Terrell: https://www.instagram.com/iamterrencet/About the hostsTabitha Brown is the world's favorite mom and auntie! She is an Emmy award winning show host, actress, a 3-time New York Times Best Selling author and a 4 time NAACP Image Award winner. Follow Tabitha Brown: https://www.instagram.com/iamtabithabrown/https://www.iamtabithabrown.com/Chance Brown is a father, mentor, retired police officer, entrepreneur, and youth basketball coach. If you ask him, he'll tell you he is a professional human! Follow Chance Brown: https://www.instagram.com/teamchancebasketball/Watch us record Tab and Chance live and ask us questions (and watch our not official reality show) by joining us on patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TabandChance Watch us record Tab and Chance live and ask us questions (and watch our not official reality show) by joining us on patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TabandChance

The Battle Of HalloweenThree friends, neighbors and very curious, met every afternoon, after finishing their homework, at the playground in their village nestled in the green Tuscan hills. There, sitting on a bench in the middle of the lawn, they plotted how to end the day with fun. Usually, they got up to mischief and sometimes ended up in peculiar situations.The days passed, and summer was now just a memory. But despite a bit of rain and an autumn breeze, one afternoon they met on the usual bench. After much scheming, they gathered all their courage and decided that one of these nights, they would secretly go to the old abandoned cemetery. It was located behind the church, at the foot of the hill, about 2 kilometers from the village center.Ghost stories linked to the cemetery, whispered by the elders, had discouraged them many times; moreover, they had heard rumors of a strange character, somewhere between real and imaginary—a mysterious guardian who sometimes watched over the main gate at night.It was autumn, dense clouds darkened the sky, and the days were gray and foggy—the perfect season for the adventure of the three kids, before winter arrived. The calendar marked October 31, and that very night, Halloween night, would be simply perfect.A handshake, then a goodbye, and each went home. They had dinner and went to bed early as usual, not to arouse suspicion. Lying in bed, they dozed off, but in their half-sleep, every noise—the bang of a shutter, the creaking of the floor, or the squeak of a door—seemed like spirits moving, maybe ready to join them on their adventure. As planned, at exactly the tenth toll of the bell from the church tower, they snuck out, each from their bedroom window, slipping out through the back of their houses.Almost at the same time, they met at the designated spot and in the darkness made their way toward the cemetery. Lina, who seemed the bravest, held a small flashlight, pointing it behind her to light the way for Sara and Teo, the other two companions in the adventure.They were all a bit nervous, stopping to hide at the slightest rustle or the appearance of a sudden shadow. Once they reached the church, they hurried determinedly towards the entrance of the cemetery, and that's where the night started to get interesting.For starters, Martino, the mysterious guardian they had heard so much about, was really there. They saw him with their own eyes in front of the old, rusty, and decaying gate. He was sitting, half-asleep, but certainly alert to the slightest noise. He held a still-lit pipe in one hand and a harmonica in the other. A jet-black raven perched on his right shoulder, and a small yet regal-looking dog sat by his left side, keeping him company.The fear of being discovered froze them instantly. They caught their breath and, in the blink of an eye, reached the wobbly fence barely standing at the back of the cemetery. From there, they climbed a large elm tree and sat on the highest branches. The call of some owls with big, piercing eyes echoed like a dark omen, but a glow unexpectedly appeared on the other side of the crumbling wall.From the large elm, Lina, Sara, and Teo witnessed an unusual and astonishing sight. In front of them lay a well-kept green park, like a secret garden. Small graves, with tombstones shaped like dogs, cats, and other pets, adorned with flowers of every shade, were scattered in every corner.In the central part stood imposing statues representing sacred figures for the cemetery and its inhabitants. These were the statues of the Royal Frog, the Wise Turtle, the Noble Horse, the Mysterious Cat, and the Faithful Dog.Looking around from their vantage point, they saw pumpkins of various sizes, carved with images of animals and lit by candles. Lanterns and various objects typical of Halloween Night were placed around the graves. Curious, they decided to climb down from the elm and, little by little, started walking toward the park, paying attention to the movements of the faint, flickering lights that cut through the mist. The atmosphere was enchanted and magical.They moved quietly, Lina always leading the way. Every now and then, she would stop Sara and Teo, saying, “Do you hear that noise? Are we sure it's not a ghost?”“N-n-no, just the wind... we hope,” whispered Sara and Teo — But it was Halloween Night, and anything could happen.In the center of the park, the spirits of the animals living in the cemetery jumped and flew, carried by the air with the help of colorful pinwheels spun by a gentle breeze. It was a full-on celebration. Paper lanterns lit up small stalls filled with all kinds of treats for the joy of the animals. Cookies and snacks shaped like little ghosts, skulls, and bats, small fruit pumpkins, and—believe it or not—mini chicken and turkey sausages for dogs, and fish ones for cats!Several spotlights rose into the sky at the edges of the park, operated by magpies that vigilantly watched over the cemetery. Suddenly, all the beams of light illuminated one area of the lawn. What was happening?The magpies had sounded the alarm. A white dog with black patches was running away with a string of sausages dangling from its mouth. A dark brown wolf intercepted him immediately:“Woof! Woof! Oh, stop! Halt! What are you doing, running off with sausages in your mouth? What's your name? Where are you from? What are you doing here?”“Oh! Calm down. My name's Spot!” replied the white dog with black patches. “I live on the other side of the cemetery's fence; through a secret passage, I sometimes meet my friends who live here. Every year for the Halloween celebration, I take the chance to visit them and grab some tasty treats to eat. Everything's so good, Mmmh Mmm… what a delight!”Then the wolf said: “Ooh, but don't you know that it's dangerous to wander around on Halloween night? You might run into malevolent supernatural beings.”Meanwhile, all the spirits of the cemetery animals were already bringing more goodies to give to Spot, and in chorus, they said: “Stay with us for the Halloween celebration!” The dog happily accepted the invitation, wagging his tail and doing a thousand somersaults. The Halloween celebration had begun. Soon the twelve chimes of the church bell would echo through the silence of the night.While everyone was having fun and eating to their heart's content, the moon darkened: thunder, howls, meows, and other strange noises created a ghostly soundtrack. Then, a dense mist and absolute silence fell over the cemetery like a threat. It was midnight, and a destructive force was being unleashed, led by ghosts and skeletons armed with bone scythes and glowing green swords. The dry trees snapped like twigs as they passed. The spectral ghosts appeared wrapped in long strips of mist-made fabrics. Their intention was clear: to reach the sacred statues of the animal protectors and destroy them.In this terrifying situation, the three companions, who had spotted a crypt at the far end of the park, instinctively took off running toward it to seek refuge. But, passing by the maintenance shed, where all sorts of tools were stored, an idea suddenly struck them. They stopped to gather nets, ropes, mousetraps, sticks, rakes, and shovels. They immediately used them to create improvised traps to stop the malevolent intruders. The skeletons tripped and fell apart with a creak, while the ghosts got caught in the traps with their fabric strips.But these figures were driven by a destructive force and formed a large group ready to advance and wage battle. Only a small number of them had fallen into the traps, but most of them were moving swiftly, causing devastation and terror, destroying everything in their path. They were dangerously approaching their goal. When all seemed lost, the spirits of the domestic animals, led by Spot, the wolf, and the magpies, formed a circle around the statues. Even the three friends had joined the battle to defend the cemetery.Despite this extreme act of courage, the malevolent forces did not seem intimidated and continued advancing, shrouded in the mist that accompanied them, among ghostly sounds.While all of this was happening, Martino, the guardian at the main entrance, though half-asleep, was suddenly awakened by a cold wind and his faithful, alarmed, and attentive companions. He immediately stood up, shivering, and peered through a thick, mysterious fog that partially obscured his view, while inexplicable noises came from the park.The raven on his shoulder took flight, reaching the old, rusty sign of the gate, while King Lilo, the dog, sniffing the night air, walked without hesitation along the main path. At that point, Martino placed the harmonica to his lips, grabbed his old cane, and walked down the path, following King Lilo; the raven soared into the air.Soon, they reached the group that was bravely resisting the attack. As they approached the battleground, the music from Martino's harmonica intensified, while his raven flew directly toward the malevolent forces, distracting them from above. King Lilo, fast as a beam of light, circled around the brave protectors and positioned himself between them and the spectral invaders. Spot, Lina, Sara, and Teo did not hesitate for a moment and stood by his side — and so did all the other spirits of the domestic animals.It was at that point that the ghosts and skeletons halted their march, and when the sound of the magic harmonica reached them, they floated into the cold night air and vanished into nothingness. Finally, the nightmare was over, and the celebrations could resume.The three friends were greeted by a multitude of wagging tails and were invited to spend Halloween night in their company. Of course, even Spot the dog, the guardian Martino, King Lilo, the Black Raven, and the Brown Wolf joined the celebrations with plenty of treats and few tricks — because clearly, everyone had already had enough of tricks and scares.Like a dream, the mysterious adventure of three curious friends vanished with the dawn, and all three woke up happy and incredulous in their beds. But what had really happened on that mysterious Halloween night?Perhaps only Martino, the guardian, and his loyal companions, who knew the legends and secrets of the night, could know, but no one ever saw them guarding the entrance to the abandoned cemetery again.Well, they weren't seen again for a while; to be exact, not until the Halloween night of the following year!Happy Halloween to everyone!

Mary Alice Burt is our guest in this episode and she has obeyed the Lord even in a task that seemed overwhelming and impossible. But as she stepped to obey Him, He provided. The Lord gave her a heart for the next generation, and teaching them to connect with the Lord in a deep and true way.  She knew nothing of tech or the writing world, or even how to afford the process, and yet, she obeyed, and the Lord provided, and now she has more than one book coming out! Be sure to purchase her books on Amazon here: Children's Book: God! I Wanna Know You Or you can find her at her and her books at her website: https://www.maryalicethewriter.com

The Tribe of Wandering ShoesA Story Under the Stars in Four Parts. Just like the seasons!The Summer AdventureIn a large clothing store downtown, among other items for sale, there were some rather peculiar sports shoes. In addition to being very comfortable, cheerful, and available in various colors, they would occasionally swap laces and positions for fun. And, believe it or not, they talked to each other.Lately, during the closing hour from 1:45 to 2:45, they would plot how one day they could fulfill their dream: they wanted to wander the world aimlessly, thus becoming the Tribe of Wandering Shoes.Hidden behind thick curtains were the fitting rooms, where, invisible to the store staff and customers, lived a lively little witch. Her name was Soletta the Witch, and she had a glowing magic wand from which she cast spells whenever she pleased.By day she spied, and by night she schemed, wandering around the store as if it were her own; it was no surprise she knew about the plot of the sports shoes.When they decided to take action, Soletta the Witch cast a spell, first tripling their number and with a flick of her wand and a puff of air, sent them sliding down the escalator. Suddenly, they found themselves free outside.Now, free and multiplied, the Tribe of Wandering Shoes was ready for adventure.It was summer, the days were so hot and sunny that they decided to go to the beach. This would be their first stop. After packing for the journey, they set off.Step by step, they reached the seaside just at sunset: an incredible light reflected on the waves, turning them silver, and upon arriving at the beach, they swayed like leaves in the wind. The cool sand was pleasant to step on, but the grains that got into their shoes as they walked caused a lot of itching. They started jumping, dancing, and having fun, waking up all the umbrellas which reopened along with the drowsy deckchairs. At that point, everyone was laughing and dancing with the shoes; joy, as we know, is contagious.After a wonderful evening together, they went to their hotel, and after a refreshing sleep, they got up early. The sun was still low on the horizon, and all agreed it would be nice to take a walk in the pine forest. After a hearty breakfast, they set off in single file: one, two, three, one, two, three, forward march.They walked in the shade along a tree-lined avenue. Seeing them, people were curious and said: “What beautiful colorful shoes” and they, happy and indifferent, continued: one, two, three, one, two, three, forward march.Reaching the pine forest, they sat under a huge tree. Everything was pleasant and relaxing until a bright flash, a sudden bolt from the blue, grazed them. They closed their eyes in fright, and when they opened them, they saw a vast field of mushrooms in front of them.Were they magical mushrooms? How could they have appeared so suddenly? And what about the pine forest? Was it perhaps a fantastic and enchanted place?Seeing the bewilderment of the Wandering Shoes, some mushrooms began to speak in unison: “We are part of a magic spell. This is the Pine Forest of Wonders. We communicate with fantastic creatures and, together with them, protect the animals and plants living in this habitat.”“We are very curious about this,” said the surprised Wandering Shoes, “what else do you do?”The mushrooms responded again in chorus: “At night we illuminate the undergrowth with iridescent lights, our stems grow, and our caps change color.”And they continued: “We traverse secret paths, where magical plants grow that emit an enveloping and intoxicating fragrance. We enter caves where elves, squirrels, owls, bunnies, and many others live. We have the power to communicate with them.”“But if you are wondering why we appeared to you, it is because, unexpectedly, something fantastic has happened. The bright flash that grazed you has given you a superpower that now allows you to know the magical secrets of the pine forest.”The mushrooms invited the entire Tribe of Wandering Shoes, astonished and speechless, to stay in the pine forest and wait for the night. Mystery hung in the air until dusk when the forest magically transformed into an enchanted fairy tale.And as the mushrooms had said, the shoes with their newfound superpower became part of it. They quietly explored the secret paths, entered the caves following the mushrooms, and met the elves and all the other inhabitants of the pine forest — magical and non-magical.At one point, all the shoes found themselves asleep under the big tree. Awakening before dawn as if from an incredible and fantastic dream, the pine forest returned to their eyes as it was the day before. They lay for a while, reflecting on the mystery of the magical mushrooms.Drawn to the fantastic life of the nighttime pine forest, they returned once, twice, three times, and more. They learned the secret language used by the animals, mushrooms, and elves to communicate with each other, and thus the Wandering Shoes became part of the fairy tale.They spent the rest of the summer days breathing in the sea air and watching the sunsets, while the waves whispered mysterious melodies on the sand. But they spent the nights in the pine forest. Occasionally, they looked at each other and whispered incredulously: “Do we really have a superpower?!” “Who knows?”And all in chorus: “Maybe Soletta the Witch knows something!”_______________________________And maybe, just maybe, she does. Yes? No? What do you think?From summer to autumn, the adventure of the Tribe of Wandering Shoes continues with a slightly spooky, but not too scary, Halloween story! Don't miss the next thrills and surprises.

Karl Riemensperger is a proud U.S. Marine veteran, has been married to his wife Karen since 2009. They share a deep love for Labrador Retrievers, often opening their home to dogs in need of a temporary haven. Their adventures with their beloved dog Gunner, who formed a special bond with their young son Kaiden, inspired Karl to write his first children's storybook, “Gunner Gets Lucky”, because children taught early that adopting older dogs from shelters and rescues groups is often far more rewarding and joyful than buying a new puppy… not always, but the homeless dog population is a crisis worth solving.Gunner is a 10-year-old Black Labrador Retriever who came to their family as a foster via Florida All-Retriever Rescue (FARR) in 2019. Gunner successfully made their foster house his "furever" home and he has been a part of their family ever since! He loves to play fetch and swim (like it's nobody's business), understands a LOT of human words, tucks his boy into bed every night, and is always up for a car ride, but his favorite rides include grabbing a "pup-cup" at Twistee Treat!Gunner is a loyal and playful 4 year-old Black Labrador mix that finds himself feeling unlucky having been separated from his original family. Follow Gunner's journey as he temporarily spends time on a farm and ultimately finds a new home; Gunner might become luckier than he ever imagined with adventures and dreams along the way! Too many dogs are abused, stranded, or owner surrendered and never make it to foster or “furever” homes. For this reason, a portion of the proceeds of this book will benefit Florida All-Retriever Rescue (FARR) – facilitator of Gunner's authentic route and journey to his “furever” home!Gunner Goes website is http://gunnergoesseries.comThe Douglas Coleman Show VE (Video Edition) offers video promotional packages for authors. Please see our website for complete details.http://douglascolemanshow.com Please help us to continue to bring you quality content by showing your support for our show.https://fundrazr.com/e2CLX2?ref=ab_eCTqb8_ab_31eRtAh53pq31eRtAh53pq

Storytime is one of the most influential times for children. Childrens' books are loaded with quotes and themes designed to encourage children to become the best people they can be. Over at Discussion Partners, Tom Casey and other senior executives spend most of their time teaching people to become more effective leaders and guiding them on how to invest in the development of their employees with the intention of promoting the overall success of the company. Reading children's books to each other has become Discussion Partners go-to way to figure out what they would have learned about leadership if they had just paid attention all those years ago. Today host Jack Russo finds out the not so hidden messages we missed when those books were read to us, and when we read them to our children. Encore Edition   https://discussionpartners.com/about-us  Jack Russo Managing Partner Jrusso@computerlaw.com www.computerlaw.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackrusso "Every Entrepreneur Imagines a Better World"®️  

Alessandra WilliamsTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know actress Alessandra Williams. In this episode, we chat about her growing up in New Jersey, and where some of the best pizza is. Then we get into what made her want to become an actress in the first place. She explains how gymnastics and competitive cheerleading as a youth, helped her win some of her first auditions. Alessandra tells a wonderful story abut moonwalking into an audition for a Bollywood film; and how that turned out. Then we discuss some of her other passions. Alessandra not only acts, but paints, and writes children's books. Naturally, I ask about how and why she became a member of The Actors Studio, and she tells me how Al Pacino helped her get in. We cover a few of her film projects with Peter Berg, and she cracks me up with a tale about working with Gina Gershon. Alessandra shares a couple of stories from the set with Jim Caviezel, and then we talk about her new film Lissa's Trip; where she plays TWO roles. Lissa's Trip is available for free on Tubi TV. Check it out!

Richard Gurman, veteran Hollywood writer, producer and show-runner, who has worked on some of the biggest TV shows of all time. He's the author of the new book “Married with Children V.S. The World” Topic: the behind the scenes of the production of “Married with Children” Book:  https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Married-With-Children-vs-the-World/Richard-Gurman/9781637588314 Bio/Website:  https://marriedwithchildren.fandom.com/wiki/Richard_Gurman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robots on the HillOn a bright spring day, some schoolchildren on a field trip passed near the Observatory on the Hill. The large, gleaming building was an architectural wonder, with tall towers reaching toward the sky, silver domes shining in the sun, and gigantic telescopes protruding like curious eyes, always ready to explore the universe. It was the first time they had seen it up close, and to their eyes, it appeared as the wonder of wonders.Back at school, the children couldn't stop thinking about that mysterious place, and during the remaining hours of lessons, they frequently raised their hands to ask questions. But the teachers' answers were vague, and their doubts remained unresolved. To be honest, not many in town knew much about that building. It had been there for so long that no one paid much attention to it anymore. Maybe it had always been there.Among the students in that class were a brother and sister, who were perhaps a little more curious than the others. When they got home, they decided to visit their grandmother, who, more often than not, knew how to answer their strangest questions: "Grandma, you who always tell us memories of the past, and that a merry-go-round and a music box were your favorite games to play, could you tell us something about the future? What secrets are hidden in the sky? What happens in the great Observatory on the Hill?"Grandma smiled, and her eyes lit up with a mysterious sparkle. The two grandchildren, by the way, were sure that their grandmother was hiding some secret in her super-private garage. In fact, Grandma wasn't just passionate about stories from the past: she read a lot, listened to the radio, and often, at night, she observed the sky with peculiar tools. And it was in the sky that she had a dear friend, the Wizard of Knowledge, with whom she had often collaborated in the past to decipher the mysteries of the universe and the future.Without hesitation, Grandma decided to call him on the radio, so that he could answer her curious grandchildren. After a few moments, the Wizard of Knowledge appeared with his shimmering spaceship. Floating next to him was a magical book, which opened and closed on its own, revealing strange symbols, ancient formulas, and secrets.The Wizard turned to the children with a wise smile and told them that the Observatory on the Hill is open 360° to the world, made of glass windows with an infinite view, from where you can study the entire universe. Some robots, coming from distant planets, discovered it while wandering on Earth. To conduct their studies as astronomer scientists, it was the perfect place.The robots that lived there and were in charge of the research project had particular names:ASSO, the Robot best at organizing things, was the head of the expedition.CONNI, the Explorer Robot, who was connected to the universe and understood it better than anyone else.UNO, the Math Genius Robot, who counted the stars and all flying celestial bodies, including meteors and shooting stars.SALUS, the Researcher Robot, who was knowledgeable about Planet Earth, observed all its inhabitants, and tracked every change, from ecosystems to biodiversity.AUDIO, the Artificial Intelligence that was invisible but responsible for all space communications and coordinated discoveries between the various planets.After explaining, the Wizard of Knowledge invited Grandma and the grandchildren to board his spaceship, and together they floated slowly toward the observatory. Gravity seemed suspended, and everything around them shone with a magical light.The Wizard offered them colorful balloons that lifted them into the air, and through the open roof of the spaceship, they were transported to the glass windows of the Observatory.What a wonder! There were hundreds of instruments and many robots of different sizes, all busy with their tasks. Among them stood out for size, shape, and color, Asso, Conni, Uno, and Salus. They looked up, surprised and amazed at the sight of the visitors, and didn't know how to react. The children sent kisses and greetings, but the robots, who didn't understand affection, exchanged only light signals and went back to work as usual. Who knows what thoughts they had and what secrets they hid in their electronic brains.Once back home, they were happy about the adventure, but their curiosity had grown even more. The robots' work would continue, but in their opinion, it was necessary for them to interact with humans to share their discoveries and collaborate for a better world.The robots they had seen through the glass were of few words and too absorbed in their tasks to chat with them. But perhaps what couldn't be seen was the solution: AUDIO, the Artificial Intelligence!To contact it, they needed a genius idea: Grandma's radio could be what they needed. But it required some changes. They immediately fitted it with super-powerful antenna and microphone. Without hesitation, they tried to get in touch with AUDIO, explaining their idea. But no response came. They changed frequencies and tried for several evenings, but without luck.One day, Grandma, while cooking spaghetti with tomato and basil, was listening to news about the universe, tuned to a new local radio station called Space Station. By chance, there was an interference and, between one forkful of spaghetti and another, as she adjusted the tuning, she intercepted a metallic voice that seemed to want to communicate with her grandchildren. There was no doubt: she realized that the transmission came from the Observatory on the Hill and that it was AUDIO!Grandma immediately informed her grandchildren and all the children in town, who happily gathered every day after school to talk to AUDIO. They talked about all sorts of things, and while they were learning a lot, so was he, and so were the other robots, with whom AUDIO could act as a translator.Time passed, and many pieces of information and discoveries continued to arrive from the observatory. After a year of knowing each other, the children asked AUDIO: "Can we celebrate with a cake with candles?"AUDIO replied: "I have no age, and time makes no difference to me. Besides, to be honest, sugar is bad for gears. You eat the cake and let the wind blow out the candles."The children smiled, realizing that their curiosity had truly opened a window to the future."Look!" they exclaimed joyfully, "AUDIO and his friends are one of the wonders of the future."Grandma, on a day of rain and sunshine, took her mini spaceship out of the garage, quickly started it up, and after a refueling stop on the rainbow, reached the Planet of Wisdom at incredible speed for a greeting and afternoon tea with her friend, the Wizard.She returned home before dark, and after parking her mini spaceship in her secret garage, she relaxed in the garden. While she was sitting in her rocking chair, her grandchildren arrived and asked her:"What are you looking at?""I'm observing the sky, you know, it's crowded with astronauts in spaceships, some headed for the Moon, others for Mars, and even beyond.""You know a lot, Grandma," they said, smiling. "The merry-go-round and the music box were your past games to play, now you know the secrets of the future. Well done! And if one day you fly again, let us know; we'll watch you along with the robots and our friends. Maybe one day we can join you on one of your space adventures. What do you think, Grandma?"Grandma smiled, and looking at the starry sky, replied:"Who knows... maybe one day..."

Get ready for a captivating journey into the world of kid's books! In this episode, host Jed Doherty chats with two talented authors who are bringing their unique visions to life. First up, we meet Mary Trudeau, the brilliant mind behind the debut children's book "A Tale of Two Planets." Mary shares how her work in environmental conservation inspired her to create a story that celebrates the wonders of our incredible planet. As she describes the magical features of Earth that we often take for granted, you can't help but be in awe of the natural world around us. Mary also opens up about the challenges and joys of transitioning from her career in water management to becoming a published kids' author. Her passion for protecting the environment shines through, and you'll be inspired to appreciate the small miracles happening in your own backyard, just like the monarch butterflies and hummingbirds that captivate Mary. Next, we chat with Howard Pearlstein, the author of the delightfully mischievous picture book "This Book Is Not for You." Howard's background in the fast-paced world of advertising has given him a unique perspective on crafting engaging stories for young readers. He explains how he flipped the script, creating a book that kids will love, even though the main character insists it's not for them. As Howard shares his journey from advertising to children's books, you'll be struck by his unwavering passion and commitment to his craft. He offers valuable insights on building an author brand, navigating the publishing industry, and the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a lover of great storytelling, this episode is a must-listen. Dive into the magic of children's books and discover how these talented authors are creating works that inspire, entertain, and bring families closer together. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

Tracey West is the author of the New York Times bestselling series Dragon Masters for Scholastic Branches. She has written more than 400 books for children, including the Underdogs series, illustrated by Kyla May; the Pixie Tricks series, illustrated by Xavier Bonet, and the perennially popular Pokémon chapter books. She lives with her husband, adopted dogs and chickens in the western Catskill mountains of New York.In the series, Dragon Masters must figure out how to use their dragon's power and learn how to team up and work together to solve problems and save the kingdom.  http://traceywest.com   

Hello again everyone. Welcome to episode 451 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today, I'm speaking with fellow OWAA member Emanuel Rose. Emanuel is an author, outdoorsman, and marketing expert. He says his love for the natural world has been a constant in his life, and he finds joy in exploring towering forests and the energy of the ocean. His childhood fantasy of discovering special wild places inspired him to write, and his children's book series is growing as a result of that passion. Facebook​ ​Twitter​ ​Instagram​ Love the show? Subscribe, ​rate, review, and share!​ Sign up for my Newsletter ​HERE​ I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Thrive Market Show Notes 06:10 Emanuel started writing in childhood, shifted to children's books for grandchildren. 09:41 Emanuel is working on two projects, one about mentoring Gen Z and the other for Gen Z on how to be dynamic individuals. They also wrote about the importance of showing leadership in detoxing from technology and triggering more outdoor time. 12:35 Started a podcast because I was seeking to engage in conversations, provide resources for marketing and AI, and inspire outdoor exploration and wilderness activities. 15:39 re: podcasts, as the host, having the talent and the control allows for selecting guests and topics based on personal interest and connection to outdoor retail wholesale space. 17:21 Authentic Marketing in the Age of AI-AI Marketing: The text is a conversation about the challenges of marketing in the modern world. It focuses on the importance of simplifying marketing efforts and getting back to basics, such as addressing people's concerns in a human-to-human manner and making transactions easy for them. The speaker emphasizes the need to move away from getting lost in key performance indicators (KPIs) and various tools, and instead, focusing on solving problems, providing solutions, and effectively communicating with people. 21:00 Daily Routine: Morning writing and client work, followed by leisure activities in the afternoon such as golf, workouts, or mini adventures. I can easily access nature within an hour. 25:54 Including specific details when reaching out to someone generates better questions and improves the interaction. It's a great tip for effective communication. Emanuel's Childrens Books Learn More You can follow up with Emanuel at: emanuelrose.com Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #writer, #marketing books, #children's books, #nature-themed books, #value clarification, #mentorship, #nature impact, #self-discovery, #authentic marketing, #OWAA, #fishing tips, #coaching, #simplifying marketing, #generative AI, Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this conversation, Kimberly Snyder and her husband Jon discuss the power of heart-based living and their new children's book, Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur: Journey to the Heart. They highlight the importance of teaching children how to deal with their feelings in a fast-paced and technology-driven society. They explain the science of heart coherence and how it can lead to calmer thoughts, emotional intelligence, and better overall health. They emphasize the need for labeling and feeling emotions, as well as the benefits of heart-based living for both children and adults. The book offers tools and techniques for heart coherence and includes a kids-friendly version of the heart-aligned meditation.