Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for BookWorthy
Kids & FamilyStories for KidsReligion & SpiritualityChristianityArtsBooks

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 http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog

Play
Open in
  • 23 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 23 min
  • English

Episodes 23

NewestOldestLongest
All3Unplayed3In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • May 6 · 20 min

    Teaching Kids to Pray Big Prayers with Kirthana Fanning

    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, author Kirthana J. Fanning discusses her book 'The Girl with Her Noble Steed' and her passion for empowering young readers through Christian faith-based storytelling. She shares how her love for underdog stories and fairy tales inspired her to create a story about a young girl named Ophie who relies on her faith and courage to overcome challenges. Fanning also talks about the importance of including Christian elements and the Word of God in children's stories. She discusses her journey from television production to becoming a children's author and shares her favorite books and upcoming projects. A Girl and Her Noble Steed (affiliate link) Takeaways Author Kirthana J. Fanning is passionate about empowering young readers through Christian faith-based storytelling. Her book 'The Girl with Her Noble Steed' is a heartwarming Christian fairy tale about a young girl named Ophie who relies on her faith and courage to overcome challenges. Fanning believes in including Christian elements and the Word of God in children's stories to teach kids about faith, prayer, and the power of God's word. She shares her journey from television production to becoming a children's author and how the pandemic played a role in shifting her career path. Fanning's favorite books include 'The Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia', and she has upcoming projects, including a Christmas-themed book and more books in the 'Girl and her Noble steed' series. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Empowering Young Readers Through Christian Storytelling 02:52 The Girl with Her Noble Steed: A Heartwarming Christian Fairy Tale 06:21 Including Christian Elements and the Word of God in Children's Stories 08:38 From Television Production to Children's Author: Kirthana J. Fanning's Journey 15:24 Favorite Books: 'The Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia' 16:46 Upcoming Projects: A Christmas Book and More in the 'Golden Noblesteed' Series Christian Children Books and Stories | Kirthana.J.Fanning (kirthanajfanning.com) Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    • Transcript
  • April 29 · 28 min

    A Gift, a Book, a Blessing with Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer

    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 Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer discuss their latest book, 'This Special Blessing for You,' which is based on the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:23-27. They share their inspiration for writing children's books that teach biblical context and the importance of asking the right questions. The couple also talks about their upcoming book, 'Good Night Noah Good Night Ark,' and where to find more information about their work. Takeaways Teaching children biblical context and the meaning behind verses can help make their faith more real and impactful. Children's books can be a powerful tool for teaching and exploring faith. As parents, it is important to shape our children's lives and help them understand their identity as children of God. The art of storytelling, whether through music, art, or words, can bring the Bible to life and make it more relatable for children. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:36 About Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer 06:12 Inspiration behind 'This Special Blessing for You' 09:49 The Aaronic Blessing 12:42 Transition to Children's Book Authors 17:09 The Art of Storytelling 19:32 Impactful Books 24:26 Upcoming Book: 'Good Night Noah Good Night Ark' 26:33 Where to Find Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer 27:30 Conclusion Eric & Meredith Schrotenboer (ericandmeredithschrotenboer.com) Amazon.com: This Special Blessing for You: 9780310154761: Schrotenboer, Eric, Schrotenboer, Meredith, Hughes, Denise: Books Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    • Transcript
  • April 22 · 21 min

    A Beautiful Earth Day Compilation of Poems with Nancy Tupper Ling

    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 Play it Again episode, Nancy Tupper-Ling discusses, Bless the Earth, which is a collection of poems for children to celebrate and care for the world, co-edited with bestselling anthologist June Cotner. The book features a variety of poetry styles and beautiful illustrations. Ling explains that poetry comes in and out of fashion, but it is making a comeback, especially with the inclusion of fun and joyful poems. The book aims to inspire children and families to appreciate and care for the Earth. Ling also shares her connection to nature and how it inspires her writing. She mentions that the book includes resources for poetry exercises and encourages readers to explore different types of poetry. Bless the Earth Book (affiliate link) Takeaways Bless the Earth is a poetry compilation for children that celebrates and encourages care for the world. Poetry is making a comeback and is a powerful way to communicate big truths and emotions in a small moment. Nature can be a source of inspiration and connection to God. The book includes a variety of poetry styles and resources for poetry exercises. Children's books, including poetry, can help children understand and navigate complex emotions and situations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bless the Earth 02:29 The Collection of Poems 03:40 The Power and Variety of Poetry 06:01 Finding Inspiration in Nature 08:09 Exploring Different Poetry Styles Nancy Tupper Ling – Children’s Author and Poet June Cotner Bless the Earth: A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World: Cotner, June, Ling, Nancy Tupper, Song, Keum Jin: 9780593577660: Amazon.com: Books Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress

    • Transcript
Showing 21–23 of 23 episodes