Ishara's Reading Podcast

Hope Lives On - Alan Weisman: National Book Festival 25th Anniversary Series - Season 4 Finale

Send us a textSeason 4 wraps up in style! Join Ishara at the 2025 National Book Festival as she sits down with bestselling author Alan Weisman to talk about his new book, Hope Dies Last: Keeping the Future Alive. From tackling global environmental challenges to spotlighting individuals and communities from the book making a real difference, this conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and...yes....hope. They also dive into the wonders of birds, coral reefs, and nature’s incredible resilience.Perfect for book lovers, eco-warriors, and anyone curious about the future of our planet.🌱 Take action with hope: Get inspired by the stories Weisman's research uncovered and discover ways you can make a difference for the environment: every small step counts!You can watch the entire interview on my YouTube channel. #HopeDiesLastKeepingTheFutureAlive #AlanWeisman #Dutton #NationalBookFestival #IsharasReadingPodcast #Season4Finale #BookLovers #EnvironmentalBooks #AuthorInterview #Inspiration #ClimateHope #TakeAction #MustListenPodcast And that’s not all! Season 5 is coming soon, and Ishara needs your help: Which Christmas book should kick off the season? Plus, the highly anticipated K vs J interviews are saved just for Season 5: You won’t want to miss them!Join the conversation, share your picks, and get ready for another exciting season of books, ideas, and inspiration.Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road to interview the authors and illustrators of the books I will be reading on the podcast. #KidsPodcast, #ChildrensBooks, #ReadAloudPodcast, #StoryTimePodcast, #KidsReading, #BookLovers, #ChildrensLiterature, #KidLit, #RaisingReaders, #ChildrensAuthor, #PictureBooks, #ChapterBooks, #KidsStories, #BedtimeStories, #HomeschoolPodcast, #TeacherResources, #BookishKids

Meet Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, creator of "The Deadliest" book series: National Book Festival 25th Anniversary Series

Send us a textThis conversation was BUGGING me out (in the best way)! I got to interview Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, an entomologist and creator of "The Deadliest" book series,  where animals compete game-show style to see who's the most lethal! Dr. Rice broke down the fascinating world of pheromones, the secret chemical messages bugs use to communicate  and it blew my mind! We even played a game from her book series, and you'll never guess what the deadliest sea creature is... hint: it's NOT a shark, but something people actually eat! (Spoiler: puffer fish!) Her enthusiasm for the insect world and deadly creatures was contagious, and now I understand why the smallest and strangest animals are actually the coolest! Join me, Ishara, as I explore the wonders of science and nature with experts who help us see the world in totally new ways.You can watch the entire interview on my YouTube channel. #EleanorSpicerRice #TheDeadliest #Entomology #Pheromones #PufferFish #ScienceForKids #KidsPodcast #STEMEducation #ChildrensBooks  #nationalbookfestival Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road to interview the authors and illustrators of the books I will be reading on the podcast. #KidsPodcast, #ChildrensBooks, #ReadAloudPodcast, #StoryTimePodcast, #KidsReading, #BookLovers, #ChildrensLiterature, #KidLit, #RaisingReaders, #ChildrensAuthor, #PictureBooks, #ChapterBooks, #KidsStories, #BedtimeStories, #HomeschoolPodcast, #TeacherResources, #BookishKids

Dr. Jorge Cham PHD Comics Creator Talks About Oliver's Universe, Volcanoes, Earthquakes & Science for Kids: National Book Festival 25th Anniversary Series

Send us a textIshara had an amazing time at the National Book Festival interviewing the brilliant Dr. Jorge Cham! Dr. Cham is a cartoonist, author, and the creator of the popular webcomic "PHD Comics" (Piled Higher and Deeper), which hilariously captures life in academia and graduate school.In this exciting interview, Ishara and Dr. Cham dive into his wonderful book "Oliver's Great Big Universe - Volcanoes are Hot", a delightful story that combines science, adventure, and curiosity!  They discuss everything from volcanoes and earthquakes to what a Ph.D. is. Dr. Cham shares his passion for making science accessible and fun for young readers, inspiring kids to ask questions and explore the natural world around them.Dr. Jorge Cham has a background in robotics and engineering, and he's dedicated his career to communicating science in creative and entertaining ways. Beyond "Oliver's Great Big Universe - Volcanoes are Hot," he's also co-created science communication projects and continues to inspire future scientists through his work.This conversation is perfect for young scientists, curious minds, and anyone who loves learning about how our planet works! You can watch the entire interview on Ishara's YouTube Channel.Stay tuned for more interviews from Ishara's 2025 National Book Festival experiences.Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road to interview the authors and illustrators of the books I will be reading on the podcast. #KidsPodcast, #ChildrensBooks, #ReadAloudPodcast, #StoryTimePodcast, #KidsReading, #BookLovers, #ChildrensLiterature, #KidLit, #RaisingReaders, #ChildrensAuthor, #PictureBooks, #ChapterBooks, #KidsStories, #BedtimeStories, #HomeschoolPodcast, #TeacherResources, #BookishKids

What Would 'The First Cat in Space' Think of Mac Barnett as National Ambassador? National Book Festival 25th Anniversary Series

Send us a textIshara is thrilled to share her latest interview with Mac Barnett, the 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature! As the ninth writer to receive this prestigious honor, Mac has been inspiring young readers across the country with his imaginative stories and dedication to fostering a love of reading.Mac Barnett is a celebrated author known for his wildly creative and humor-filled books that captivate kids everywhere. In this delightful interview, Ishara and Mac dive into his hilarious "The First Cat in Space" series, which has become an instant favorite among young readers! 🚀🐱 The series follows an adventurous cat on an epic journey through space, filled with laughs, friendship, and out-of-this-world excitement.During their conversation, Mac shares the inspiration behind this beloved series, his creative process, and what it means to be the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. He also talks about his mission to encourage kids to embrace their creativity and discover the magic of storytelling.Mac Barnett has written numerous award-winning books, including picture books like "Sam & Dave Dig a Hole", illustrated by Jon Klassen, and middle-grade novels like "The Terrible Two" series. His work has earned him multiple honors and a devoted following of young readers.Want to learn more about Mac's work as National Ambassador and his initiatives to promote reading? Visit the Library of Congress website for updates on his tour and programs! You can watch the entire interview on Ishara's YouTube Channel. Recorded live at the National Book FestivalStay tuned for more interviews from Ishara's 2025 National Book Festival experience, including conversations with Jorge Cham, Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, Jerry Craft, and Kwame Alexander! #MacBarnett #TheFirstCatInSpace #NationalAmbassador #NationalBookFestival #KidsLit #ChildrensBooks #YoungReadersLiterature #LibraryOfCongress #ReadingPodcast #KidsPodcast #AuthorInterview #PictureBooks #MiddleGrade #LiteracyMatters #RaisingReaders #BookLovers #ChildrensLiterature #JonKlassen #TheTerribleTwo #SamAndDavDigAHole #SpaceAdventure #KidsReading #BookstagramKids #ReadWithKids #LiteratureForKids #JerryCraft #KwameAlexander #JorgeCham #DrEleanorSpicerRice #IsharasReadingPodcast #YoungReaders #BookFestival2025Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road to interview the authors and illustrators of the books I will be reading on the podcast. #KidsPodcast, #ChildrensBooks, #ReadAloudPodcast, #StoryTimePodcast, #KidsReading, #BookLovers, #ChildrensLiterature, #KidLit, #RaisingReaders, #ChildrensAuthor, #PictureBooks, #ChapterBooks, #KidsStories, #BedtimeStories, #HomeschoolPodcast, #TeacherResources, #BookishKids

BEHIND THE SCENES: Ishara's National Book Festival Favorites!

Send us a textEver wonder what it's like to experience the National Book Festival through the eyes of a 10-year-old podcaster? In this special episode, Ishara takes you behind the microphone to share her favorite moments from this year's festival!ISHARA'S TOP SESSIONS: "J vs. K" - Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander's dynamic session that had the audience captivated!"Spiders! Volcanoes! Our Scary and Amazing World" - Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice and Dr. Jorge Cham made science absolutely fascinating!From the creative energy of Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander's face-off to the mind-blowing science adventures with Dr. Rice and Dr. Cham, Ishara gives you the insider scoop on what made these sessions unforgettable!Plus: Find out which audience questions stuck with her long after the festival ended and why these particular sessions sparked her curiosity the most.Watch the full video episode on Ishara's YouTube channel.Recorded live at the National Book Festival#NationalBookFestival #JerryCraft #KwameAlexander #EleanorSpicerRice #JorgeCham #IsharasReadingPodcast #BookFestival #YoungPodcaster #Science #GraphicNovels #Reading #books #Booknerd #ReadingSupport the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road to interview the authors and illustrators of the books I will be reading on the podcast. #KidsPodcast, #ChildrensBooks, #ReadAloudPodcast, #StoryTimePodcast, #KidsReading, #BookLovers, #ChildrensLiterature, #KidLit, #RaisingReaders, #ChildrensAuthor, #PictureBooks, #ChapterBooks, #KidsStories, #BedtimeStories, #HomeschoolPodcast, #TeacherResources, #BookishKids