Special Announcement!

It's the Christmas season! The time of year to reflect and spread good cheer! Ishara visited the Urbana Public Library in search of the perfect Christmas book to read, and she made a happy discovery: Adam McKeown's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," lovingly retold for children and beautifully illustrated by Gerald Kelley. So gather around the fireplace, cuddle up on the couch, and listen close as Ishara reads this timeless classic and inspires us to think about the many ways you can bring joy and kindness to others and the world.

Merry Christmas from Ishara's Reading Podcast!

You can watch Ishara read  "A Christmas Carol" on her YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/60DXu0CWAtE 

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

This week we share my final author interview at this year's National Book Festival, hosted by the Library of Congress! I had so much fun meeting award-winning author Ms. Erica Perl, whose books have been New York Times Best Sellers! Ms. Erica has done so many different and amazing things, including writing, teaching, advocating for access to more books, acting, becoming a lawyer, and most delicious of all, driving an ice cream truck (yum!) One of my favorite parts of this interview was learning what it was like for Ms. Erica to write a book with *THE* Dolly Parton! How cool is that?!?! 

After our interview, I walked over to The Story District where I joined an audience of fellow kid super-readers to listen as Ms. Erica read her book, "The Three Little Guinea Pigs," beautifully illustrated by Ms. Amy Young. It was so hilarious, I decided to read it for this week's podcast! These little guinea pigs are funny, surprising, delightfully clever, and totally entertaining. Let's read it together!

Thanks to Ms. Erica for such a wonderful interview and story reading! Please support Ms. Erica and learn more about her work by checking out her website and social media!

https://www.ericaperl.com/

Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest: @ericaperl

You can also watch this interview with Ms. Erica and my read-aloud  of "The Three Little Guinea Pigs" on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/tR9RW17PPI0 

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

With the deepening beauty of fall colors and chilly evenings, the podcast celebrates this week's Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos as Ishara reads aloud Coco, adapted by Adrian Molina, illustrated by Fabiola Garza, and designed by Tony Fejeran! Maybe you saw the movie - now join Ishara as she dives through the pages of this heartwarming adventure with our young hero Miguel, who must traverse the veil between life and death itself to uncover a generations-old secret that will restore a forgotten legacy of his family. On this amazing reading journey, Ishara experiences through Miguel's eyes how Día de los Muertos honors our beloved family members who have passed from this life into the next, and how the bonds of love and family have the power to transcend death itself. Ishara closes by reflecting on why she chose the story of Coco and how the themes of this celebration recently touched her life and family in a deep and powerful way.

Feliz Día de los Muertos, Super-Readers!

P.S. And cale coles!

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

This week we get back to our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries:  Charlotte's spun master piece: "Some Pig" right above Wilbur's pen is discovered by Lurvy, Mr. Zuckerman and Mrs. Edith Zuckerman. Now everyone wants to take a look at Wilbur, the extraordinary pig on Mr. Zuckerman's farm. Find out if they think Charlotte has out smarted them as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 11 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams!  

Fans of Ishara’s Reading Podcast aka Super Readers! We are at the exact halfway point of  “Charlotte’s Web” so this a wonderful place to stop and reflect. Let’s start by figuring out which character do you like the most? What would you change if you wrote Charlotte’s Web? And how would it affect your favorite character?   If you were Charlotte, what would you have written in your web about Wilbur? And why did Charolette like Wilbur so much?

Tune in next year 2024, for season 3, Ishara will continue her Summer/Fall chapter book miniseries reading of “Charlotte’s Web.” In addition, Ishara will add a new surprise chapter book to the summer series! 

 And remember to check out the Christmas holiday episodes, Ishara will be reading aloud some of her favorites this December 2023. 

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Welcome to this very special episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast! In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, Ishara was honored to interview acclaimed poet, writer, and musician Ms. Joy Harjo of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation who is the first ever Native American US Poet Laureate! And for this week’s book, Ishara reads aloud Ms. Joy’s moving poem, “Remember” which is now a children’s book, beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling artist Michaela Goade of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes.

In her interview with Ishara, Ms. Joy shares her wisdom and reflections on the symbolism of the circle in storytelling, deepening family bonds across generations, and helping to build a community of indigenous artists and writers to share their works with wider audiences. Ms. Joy discusses her soulful connection to of her oldest poem, “Remember” and celebrates her collaboration with Michaela in making it a children’s book that honors both the Mvskoke and Tlingit peoples. Ms. Joy also shares from her gifts as a musician and teaches Ishara a Mvskoke song of welcoming!

So gather around, super readers and listeners, as Ishara celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day and reads aloud Joy Harjo’s timeless poem “Remember”. Join Ishara in celebrating the power of storytelling to bring people together as she shares her reflections on an unforgettable journey through stories, song, and poetry with the incredible Joy Harjo!

Also check out the video of Ishara’s interview with Joy Harjo: https://youtu.be/Iru7kvji7Bc

Learn more about Joy Harjo & Michaela Goade’s work at the links below: 

Joy Harjo 

Website: https://www.joyharjo.com/ 

Book: https://www.joyharjo.com/books

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyHarjo

Masterclass: https://youtu.be/cPgbx_dsngU

Music: https://www.joyharjo.com/music

Michaela Goade

Website: https://www.michaelagoade.com/ 

Book: https://www.michaelagoade.com/books

Art: https://www.michaelagoade.com/purchase-art

And don’t miss the upcoming podcast episode of Ishara’s National Book Festival interview with beloved children’s book author Erica S. Perl!

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

On this week’s podcast, we continue Ishara’s exclusive interview series with authors from the 2023 National Book Festival in Washington D.C., sponsored by the Library of Congress!

Calling all aspiring interior designers out there! Looking to bring your unique flair and sense of style to the décor in your home? How do we – and especially kids – create places in our home where we live and play that embody and honor our culture and heritage? That is what this week’s book is all about! “AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home,” by Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason!

Jeanine and Bryan founded AphroChic over 15 years ago to celebrate creativity and design from across the African Diaspora, starting as creators and Editors-in-Chief of AphroChic magazine, and now with their own AphroChic Podcast, product line, and design studio. They celebrate the Black family home and design in projects with HGTV, House Beautiful, and in their previous book, “REMIX: Decorating with Culture, Objects and Soul.”

In her wide-ranging interview and conversation, Ishara asks Jeanine and Bryan about their inspiration to start AphroChic, how design helps bring our culture and ancestors to life in our homes, and advice for kids who want to start their own interior design projects right now. Ishara especially loved sharing her own ideas with Jeanine and Bryan and getting feedback on how to redesign her room. And so much more!

Plus, stay tuned for an exciting update where Ishara catches up with Jeanine and Bryan to celebrate the release of this podcast episode, and the amazing news that Ishara will be featured in an upcoming issue of AphroChic magazine! Many thanks to Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan for being amazing mentors to Ishara, who is so honored to be part of the AphroChic family!

Learn more about AphroChic and the wonderful work of Jeanine and Bryan at the links below!

Website: https://www.aphrochic.com/
Book: https://www.aphrochic.com/aphrochic-book/
Podcast: https://www.aphrochic.com/podcast/

Also check out the video of Ishara’s interview with Jeanine and Bryan at the 2023 National Book Festival:

https://youtu.be/WRgIAkWxKgQ

Don’t miss our upcoming podcast episodes, featuring a celebration of Indigenous Peoples and First Nations with a special guest interview, and Ishara’s National Book Festival interview with beloved children’s book author Erica S. Perl!

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

This week we continue our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries:  Charlotte puts her plan to save Wilbur into action, only after narrowly escaping from Avery Arable! Find out how Charlotte survived being captured by Avery as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 10 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Hi Ishara’s Reading Podcast fans! I’m sorry there is no new podcast episode this week, I’m a little sick 🤢. But next week Thursday (September 28th), I’ll be back to read aloud chapter 10 of Charlotte’s Web!

Exciting news: I will be featured in Ms. Jeanine Hays and Mr. Bryan Mason magazine Aphrochic  (https://www.aphrochic.com/)😍 A few weeks ago during the National Book Festival, I interviewed Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan!  How cool is that!!! 😎 Check out that interview right here my podcast or watch it on my YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJVZwhibLoRgNimBLMrcdTunSIJ4ea2l&si=pPm645kWr7XjyJRc), Thursday October 5th to learn more about Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan and Aphrochic🥰

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

This week we continue our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries:  Charlotte may be one of the smallest creatures on Zuckerman's farm but she is very smart and has the biggest heart. She is willing to defend and protect her friends, no matter who they are! Find out more about Charlotte's personality as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 9 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Just a few weeks ago Ishara had the opportunity to attend her second National Book Festival sponsored by the Library of Congress annually in Washington D.C. And this time, it was an even bigger deal - Ishara received her very first press pass! She had an amazing experience interviewing several of her favorite authors! First to be interview by Ishara was Meg Medina - the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature!

Meg is a beautifully proud Cuban American author, who has written books for kids of all ages and she is the eighth writer to receive the honor of National Ambassador! Meg has written a library of acclaimed books, some of which are Ishara’s favorites, “Mango, Abuela, and Me,” illustrated by Angela Dominguez; and “Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away,” illustrated by Sonia Sánchez and “Tía Isa Wants a Car,” illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. Learn more about Meg’s platform - “Cuéntame! - Let’s talk books" and her dedication literacy education for children during her interview with Ishara.

For more information about Cuéntame! and Meg’s national tour stops for public events at a local library and private program at an area school near you check out https://guides.loc.gov/meg-medina/cuentame

To watch the recording of Ishara’s National Book Festival Interview with Meg Medina check out her Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/H2sii6yeHGc
 
Stay tuned for Ishara's other 2023 National Book Festival interviews with Erica S. Perl and AphroChic: Jeanine Hayes and Brian Mason!

*And Ishara will continue her reading of “Charlotte’s Web” next Wednesday (September 13th)!

Keep 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 during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.