Staying True to Yourself & Combatting Stereotypes with Shifa Saltagi Safadi
It's finally summer! To kick off summer reading, Elizabeth is speaking with authors about their books.
In this episode, Elizabeth speaks with Shifa Saltagi Safadi, the author of the Amina Banana series and Kareem Between. They begin by talking all about the Amina Banana series--where she got the idea for the series and how she decided to tackle tough topics in the books. Elizabeth and Shifa discuss writing authentically and how Shifa represents the culture authentically so that her character's backgrounds are truly seen. The conversation ends with ideas for kids about how to write bravely--and how parents and teachers can encourage this.
Please check out Shifa’s website and books here!
Libraries Offer Kids Access to All Levels of Books
The American Library Association is hosting its Annual Conference this month--and to gear up for the conference, this episode is about the library!
Should your child only read books on their level? The short answer is no! So, to look for books that your child will enjoy on a variety of levels, hit the library! And, now is a great time--to get your summer reading stack!
Changes, Challenges, and Core Values: Talking about the Role of Libraries with Dan Montgomery
The American Library Association is gearing up for its Annual Conference (June 25-29, 2026)--and joining Elizabeth is Dan Montgomery, who is the Executive Director of the ALA.
In our conversation, Dan talks about the importance of celebrating 150 years of the ALA, what to expect at the Annual Conference (and why you should go!), and what the ALA is facing today. Libraries are facing challenges in these changing times, but there are core values that they are upholding.
Check out their website for more information about the ALA’s Annual Conference.
Libraries Have More Than Books
To celebrate the American Library Association's 150th Anniversary and their upcoming Annual Conference, this week's mini episode is library themed!
Libraries are known for books and reading materials, but they also have materials and resources that serve their particular community. Listen to this episode to learn about some of the materials libraries lend out--then check out your library to see what they have in store for you!
Check out their website for more information about the ALA’s Annual Conference.
150 Years of the American Library Association with Sam Helmick!
It's the 150th Anniversary of the American Library Association! Joining Elizabeth is the current President of the ALA, Sam Helmick, who is talking about the ALA's annual conference and why this year is so special.
In this episode, you will hear Sam speak about:
The ALA’s 150th Year and how they are celebrating at this year’s conference;
A few of the speakers at this year’s conference (you won't want to miss this announcement!);
Why you should consider attending this year’s conference;
And, what challenges libraries are facing today and how you can help.
The ALA's annual conference is being held in Chicago at the end of June (June 25-29).
Check out their website for more information about this wonderful event.
What are you Reading? Kids Mimic Our Actions
Finding time to read can be a challenge. Schedules are busy and when things get hectic, reading is often the first thing that gets cut out. But...this is a tip that really pays off.
It's so beneficial to your kids to let them see you reading. Elizabeth starts with a story that highlights why kids need to see the adults in their lives reading. There are so many benefits to reading in front of your kids. The benefits include:
Modeling behavior that you want your kids to see
Reading is a part of your family's routine
Modeling lifelong curiosity
Shift the focus from screens
The emotional connection that comes when reading
Acknowledging Service Members with Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares
Memorial Day is quickly approaching and to talk about the importance of acknowledging service members, Elizabeth is joined by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares. They are the author and illustrator of the books, Honor Flight: Celebrating American's Veterans and Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--two books that focus on veterans.
Memorial Day is a great occasion to teach children about military history, and both books honor the service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Check out both books--and hear Jeff and Matt's ideas for how these books can support kids' understanding of veterans and the armed forces--in the classroom and at home!
Libraries Spark Curiosity
If you are looking for ways to introduce your child to book about their interests or new books--look no further than the library! Libraries spark curiosity in many ways, which include:
Access to amazing librarians who are very knowledgable about books
The limitless topics they house
They host many events for the community
They offer more than just books for patrons!
Check out this episode to learn more about how taking your child to the library can spark their curiosity!
How Experiences Impact Our Stories: Learning about Crouton the Cat with Author and Illustrator Kristine A. Lombardi
If you love cats, then this episode is for you! Elizabeth is joined by the author and illustrator, Kristine A. Lombardi. She recently wrote and published the book, Crouton, which is about a shelter cat looking for her perfect person to take her home.
Crouton is a very sweet story, and Kristine talks all about where the idea came from, her illustration style in the book, and she even shares ideas about how this book can be used with kids--at home and as school.
Check out Kristine’s work here. And, follow her on Instagram! Pick up a copy of Crouton here!
Mini Episode: Reading for Recall
Elizabeth was recently asked about what reading for skills looks like. In today's mini episode she shares how you can help your child with the skill of recalling what they read after reading.
Bringing Authors to Life: Dr. Karen Huff and the Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference
Are you looking for an event that brings together children's authors, teachers, parents, and children? Well, look no further than the Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference!
Today, Elizabeth is joined by Dr. Karen Huff who directs the Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference. This year marks the 40 Anniversary of this conference and so many wonderful authors are attending.
In this episode, you will learn all about the conference - how it began, the virtual option to attend, and the in-person option to attend, the authors who will be there, and a bit about what is planned for those who attend.
Please, check out this conference here. If you are in/near Virginia, consider checking it out!
Mini Episode: Keep A Journal
Today's tip comes from the author N. West Moss. In her book, Birdy, the main character keeps a journal. N. West Moss has been asked about the benefits of keeping a journal. Today's mini episode shares some benefits to journaling and gives steps to get your kids started!
The Write Stuff For Early Readers with Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift
Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift is back on the podcast! Today she is joining Elizabeth to talk about writing -- and how writing can help boost reading skills.
In this episode, Dr. Swift discusses:
Why writing is actually a very natural activity for kids
The connection between reading and writing and why it's so important to make sure kids have the time to write during the school day (and at home!)
The importance of handwriting instruction
And, how parents can include writing into the daily routine at home
Mini Episode: The 'What Just Happened' Strategy
This week's mini episode tip is designed to support your child with reading comprehension. Recalling and remembering what happened in a story is an important skill that we want kids to be able to apply when they read.
If your child reads a book or a passage and can't remember what happened - then this tip is for you!
The strategy is broken down into three steps:
1) Pick up a book or passage and tell your child that they are going to be paying attention to what happened in the paragraph you read.
2) You read the first paragraph to your child.
3) Stop and ask your child the question - What just happened?
Keep listening to find out what you do when your child is able to tell you what happened as well as what you can do if your child did not understand what you just read.
Spring into Planning with Sarah Hart-Unger
It's a new season! And, to kick off this new season, Elizabeth is joined by planning expert, Sarah Hart-Unger. Sarah is the host of the Best Laid Plans podcast and the author of the book Best Laid Plans: : A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love.
Sarah joins Elizabeth to share her planning system and talk about how teachers and parents can plan for daily tasks and also longer-term goals. Sarah makes a case for adding more fun into your schedule and how you can do a fun-audit of your time. We also discuss planning with kids and teaching them to plan.
Check out Sarah's book Best Laid Plans!
Mini Episode: Be Positive About the Books Your Kids Read
Today's tip is to be positive about the books that your kids and students read. Our words have an impact on our kids. When adults make negative comments about the books that kids read, it impacts how they view themselves as readers. If your child is reading a book that you are not crazy about, rather than telling them to read something better, compliment them for reading.
Give it a try! Happy Reading!
Collaboration and Creativity with Laurel Snyder and LeUyen Pham - The Author and Illustrator of Shrinking Violet
Have you ever wondered how writers and illustrators work together? Well, today's episode answers that question! Joining Elizabeth on the podcast are Laurel Snyder and LeUyen Pham - the author and illustrator of the book Shrinking Violet that is coming out at the end of March.
Laurel shares how she came up with the idea for Shrinking Violet, and LeUyen talkes about how she interpreted the words in the illustrations.
At the end of the episode, Laurel and LeUyen share an idea about how you can use Shrinking Violet with children!
Mini Episode: Go On A Book Search Adventure
Welcome to the Mini Episodes! This is where Elizabeth shares a tip, a trick, or a strategy to take your kids from just reading to actually wanting to read.
Today's tip is to make searching for or finding books for your kids to read an adventure. Rather than buy a book for your child, take your child with you to the library or a bookstore to search for books -- and, you can make it extra special by adding in an extra stop!
Episode 79: The Language of Self-Affirmations with Caitlin Santomauro
How we speak to ourselves is so important. Today's guest, Caitlin Santomauro is the author of the amazing book, The Language of Self-Affirmations: A Magical Practice of Manifesting Personal Power.
Caitlin begins by explaining what a self-affirmation is and why they are so important to include in our daily lives. She explains how self-affirmations can support kids - she talks about how she has used self-affirmations with her own students.
She gives listeners a taste of the content of her book by sharing a passage.
Check out Caitlin's book on Amazon!
Episode 78: Tips for the New Year that Support Readers: Conversations Build Confident Readers
Today's reading tip is to talk to your parents about the books that they are reading.
Elizabeth explains why talking to kids about the books that they are reading is so supportive. These conversations can be short and informal, but they are effective because they help increase reading confidence and they help support comprehension.
Check out today's episode for the final tip of the month to support kids with reading at home - in small, but impactful ways!