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PODCAST

BookWorthy

Valerie Fentress

Looking for books your kids will love — and you can trust?The award-winning BookWorthy Podcast is your weekly guide to help Christian parents cut through the noise and find books that actually matter. Each week, award-winning children"s author Valerie Fentress chats with authors about stories that help kids process big feelings, grow in faith, and see God’s goodness in everyday life.Think of it as your trusted book buddy for raising readers who love Jesus.Full Transcripts available at

kids & family stories for kids

All Episodes

22:36

Teaching Kids Faith Through Adventure and Mystery...

BookWorthy ·

2026/09/30

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, authors Gail Veitenheimer and Jen Weaver discuss their children's book series, The Mystery of the Missing Falls, which combines engaging detective stories with Christian discipleship themes. They explore how storytelling can teach kids about hearing God's voice, identity in Christ, and faith in everyday life, making complex spiritual concepts accessible and relatable for young readers. https://kingswellkids.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Dynamic...

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22:01

How Children's Books Can Plant Seeds of the Spirit...

BookWorthy ·

2026/09/23

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, children's author Dawn De Wulf shares her journey of writing faith-based children's books, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit and the importance of planting seeds of faith early in life. She discusses her creative process, the lessons behind her series, and how she aims to inspire young readers to grow in their faith and character. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dawn Caldwell-DeWolf and Her Mission 02:17 The Picking the Fruit of the Spirit Series 04:4...

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18:58

When Horses Teach Us About Hope: A Conversation with...

BookWorthy ·

2026/09/16

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, author Kathy O'Neill shares her journey from horse-loving kid to author of 'Hoofprints of Hope,' a devotional blending faith and science for young readers. Discover her insights on the spiritual lessons from horses, her writing process, and her involvement with Right to Ignite. See the Blog Version of this post at www.valeriefentress.com/blog Kathy O'Neill | Author, Speaker, Art Educator Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hoof Prince of Hope 02:37 T...

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19:15

How Fairy Tales Inspire Modern YA Fantasy with Angie...

BookWorthy ·

2026/09/09

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, author Angie Dickerson discusses her YA fantasy novel 'The Star Blessed,' her inspiration from fairy tales like Rumpelstiltskin and Catskin, and her journey as a writer. She shares insights into world-building, themes of courage and hope, and her love for retelling fairy tales. See this Episode's Blog post Here: www.valeriefentress.com/blog Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fairy Tale Retellings 02:01 Exploring The Star Blessed 04:07 Character Developmen...

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23:52

Art, Faith, and Self Discovery with Carolyn Leiloglou

BookWorthy ·

2026/09/02

Send us Fan Mail Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog Carolyn Leiloglou discusses her middle-grade series, The Restorationists, and the inspiration behind it. The series takes place in a world where art is powerful and paintings are portals. The first book, Beneath This Rolling Sky, follows Vincent as he discovers his family's role as Restorationists and tries to protect his sister. The second book, Between Flowers and Bones, shifts to Georgia's perspective as she...

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23:56

The Great Advantage of Faith in Fantasy with Megan...

BookWorthy ·

2026/08/26

Send us Fan Mail Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode, author Megan Schaulis discusses her YA duology, The Susa Chronicles. Book One, Protector, is inspired by the book of Esther and follows the story of Novalice, a brave heroine who becomes the king's bodyguard. Book Two, Proclaimer, is set to release in April. Megan shares how her faith and personal experiences influenced the writing of the series, emphasizing the importance of our relationship w...

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21:07

How to Help Kids Take Jesus to School with April Graney

BookWorthy ·

2026/08/19

Send us Fan Mail The blog version of this episode is available at www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews author April Graney about her latest book, 'If Jesus Came to My School.' The conversation explores the themes of kindness, support in public schools, and the importance of instilling values in children. April shares her experiences as a middle school teacher and her journey as a writer, emphasizing the impact of literature on young minds. The discus...

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32:48

The Mythmakers, the Magic, and the Making of a...

BookWorthy ·

2026/08/12

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Valerie interviews John Hendrix, a New York Times bestselling illustrator and author of children's books. They discuss his latest book, 'The Mythmakers,' which explores the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and their impact on storytelling and literature. They also talk about the power of myth and fantasy, the complexities of friendship, and the importance of community for artists. John shares his advice for parents of creative children and giv...

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18:03

Embracing Imperfection with Leslie Coleburn

BookWorthy ·

2026/08/05

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews children's author Leslie Colburn about her latest picture book, Jilly Goat. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the importance of embracing imperfection, and the journe...

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21:49

Self‑Publishing Truths, Yeti Wizards, and Raising...

BookWorthy ·

2026/07/29

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews children's author Theresa Marie Villarreal, who discusses her Adventures in Oculus series, a middle-grade portal fantasy with Christian undertones. They explore the inspiration ...

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24:20

Unveiling Cultures: A Conversation with Jenny Marcelene

BookWorthy ·

2026/07/22

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews author Jenny Marcelene about her international adventure series for children, 'The Dreamer.' Jenny shares her passion for connecting families with God's heart for the world thro...

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21:05

Season 9 Bonus: Celebrating Christmas in July with...

BookWorthy ·

2026/07/22

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews children's author Sonja Anderson about her book 'A Christmas Wish for a Little Dala Horse.' They discuss the inspiration behind the story, the incorporation of Swedish tradi...

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18:21

A Journey of Self-Acceptance and Faith with Elizabeth...

BookWorthy ·

2026/07/15

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Book Worthy, host Valerie interviews author Elizabeth Lizu, who discusses her journey as a writer and the themes of her children's books, with a particular focus on faith, self-acceptance, and emotional growth...

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42:38

Navigating Grief with Faith as a Family with Diane...

BookWorthy ·

2026/07/08

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog The conversation explores the profound experiences of Diane Nienas, who shares her family's journey through significant loss and hardship. Central to this narrative is her son Leo, who began having visions of Jesus at a young ag...

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25:45

How Stories Shape a Nation: Jenny L. Cote on Faith,...

BookWorthy ·

2026/07/01

Send us Fan Mail Join Valerie and award-winning author Jenny L. Cote as they explore the inspiring stories behind America's founding, biblical principles in history, and how to engage children with faith-based historical storytelling. Discover how Jenny's revolutionary series brings history to life through faith, research, and storytelling to inspire the next generation. Epic Order Of The Seven | United States | Jenny L. Cote BookWorthy's Patriotic Book List Chapters 00:00 Celebra...

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23:34

Inside Dragon’s Kiss and the Real Risks of Spicy YA:...

BookWorthy ·

2026/06/24

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Book Worthy, host Valerie interviews author E.A. Winters about her book 'Dragon's Kiss' and the broader implications of media content for young readers. They discuss the inspiration behind the Blood and Flame ...

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32:19

Helping Little Ones See God’s Big, Beautiful World...

BookWorthy ·

2026/06/17

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog Exploring God's Creation and Children's Literature with Tori Higa, Discover how children's books can beautifully showcase God's vast creation and love. Join us as we chat with author and illustrator Tori Higa, delving into her c...

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18:58

Teaching Kids to Love God’s World: Inside ‘Mary the...

BookWorthy ·

2026/06/10

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews Yvonne M Morgan, an award-winning author known for her children's book 'Mary the Missionary.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, which aims to teach children about co...

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18:05

Exploring 'Smoke and Mirrors' with Jeff Maxim

BookWorthy ·

2026/06/03

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews Jeff Maxam, author of the award-winning middle-grade fantasy, 'Smoke and Mirrors,' . They discuss the book's themes, including handling life's trials, the role of dragons, a...

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27:17

Finding Harmony and Friendship with Allia Zobel Nolan

BookWorthy ·

2026/05/27

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Bookworthy, children's author Allia Zobel Nolan discusses her latest picture book, 'Finding Harmony,' which explores themes of peace, friendship, and teamwork through the story of a kitten. The conversation de...

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163 results

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