The Children's Hour Inc.
The Children’s Hour is Kids Public Radio, broadcasting weekly on public radio stations worldwide. Our theme based shows are entertaining and educational, and feature only the best in music. Excellent for road trips, explore our world and learn with us!
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Get ready to celebrate the end of the school year with The Children’s Hour! This week, we honor teachers, cheer for graduates, and dive into hilarious and heartfelt stories about finishing school. Plus, we share songs about summer adventures and new beginnings. Join us for a joyful goodbye to another great year!
It’s the season for sleeping outside under the stars, and The Children’s Hour kids learn more about how to avoid bears, stay safe in bad weather, and be prepared for campfires and camping from our friends Jordan Stone and Naina Panthaki at Cottonwood Gulch, and meteorologist Kerry Jones.
Why do animals travel long distances every year? On this episode of The Children’s Hour, we learn all about migration—how it works, why it happens, and which creatures migrate the farthest. From the skies to the seas, we’ll explore the incredible journeys that animals take in search of food, warmth, and safety.
This week on The Children’s Hour, we’re celebrating one of the most important people in our lives—our moms! This special episode, called For Mom, is filled with love, laughter, and appreciation for everything mothers do. Find the full episode page with the playlist at https://childrenshour.org/for-mom You’ll hear from kids on our Kids Crew and from listeners who share sweet, funny, and heartfelt messages for their moms. They talk about the ways their moms help, support, and care for them, whether it’s through hugs, making dinner, or cheering them on when things get tough. We also learn about the history of Mother's Day and how honoring moms is a tradition around the world. From the very first Mother’s Day in the United States to how moms help us grow into our best selves, this show reminds us why mothers are so special. Plus, in a segment from BirdNote, we discover how bird moms care for their chicks. Some share the work with dads, others do it all alone. Whether it’s feeding their babies or teaching them to fly, bird moms are just as amazing as human ones! This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Special thanks to the kids who submitted Mother's Day shoutouts via our Speakpipe. The Children’s Hour is produced by The Children's Hour Inc., a non-profit supported by listeners like you. Our theme music was written by C.K. Barlow, and we are distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children's Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
In this episode of The Children’s Hour, we explore the amazing world of frogs and toads with expert guest Josh Butler from the Albuquerque Biopark Zoo. Listeners will learn the differences between frogs and toads, what they eat, where they live, and why their survival is so important. With fun music and real-life science, this show dives deep into amphibian life. Plus, we discover simple ways we can all help protect frogs and toads in our own communities. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/frogs-toads/ On this episode of The Children’s Hour, we met Josh Butler, the senior zookeeper for reptiles and amphibians at the Albuquerque Biopark Zoo. He taught us about these amazing creatures and even introduced us to one of the largest toads in North America: the Colorado River Toad, also called the Sonoran Desert Toad. This toad has a very poisonous skin, which protects it from predators like dogs. Its special skin glands help it stay moist and safe. Toads are actually a kind of frog, even though they look different, they're in the same family. Toads usually have bumpy skin, short legs, and can live far from water. Frogs usually have smooth skin, long legs, and live in wetter places. Both frogs and toads eat bugs—a lot of bugs—and help keep insect populations under control. We learned about the Woodhouse’s toad, a species that’s common in Albuquerque. These toads love to hang out near streetlights at night to snack on insects. We also heard how some frogs, like bullfrogs, make big, booming croaks. That’s actually how bullfrogs got their name—because of their loud voices, not because they like the color red! Did you know frogs can breathe through their skin? That's why it's important they stay wet. Their thin skin can even absorb oxygen from water! Frogs and toads are not like lizards—they don’t have scales and need moisture to survive. But not everything is happy in the frog world. According to the Extinction Diaries, about 40% of amphibians are at risk of going extinct in the next 20 years. That's nearly 2,000 kinds of frogs and toads! Pollution, pesticides, climate change, and a deadly skin disease are all hurting them. Some chemicals even mess up frog hormones, turning boy frogs into girls. This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Our interview with Josh Butler was recorded online at the Sunspot Solar Studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Children’s Hour radio show is distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Roots are everywhere! They grow under trees, flowers, and even the food we eat. In this episode of The Children's Hour, we dig deep into the ground to learn about roots and how they help our planet. Roots do more than just hold a plant in place—they gather water and nutrients from the soil, helping plants grow tall and strong. Some roots are so powerful that they can break through concrete, while others stretch deep underground to help trees survive in the desert. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/roots We met Jane Westbrook, an artist and educator who calls herself a “rootologist.” Jane has spent years studying roots and even painted a massive mural showing different kinds of roots at the Open Space Visitor Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She taught us about different types of roots and how they feed plants, store food, and even talk to each other through underground networks! Did you know that some of the food we eat comes from roots? Carrots, radishes, beets, and potatoes are all roots! We talked about how plants store energy in their roots, making them a great food source for humans and animals. Some roots, like ginger and turmeric, are even used as medicine! Trees don’t just stand there quietly—they actually talk to each other! We learned that tree roots are connected underground by tiny threads called mycelium, a type of fungus that helps trees share nutrients and send messages. If a tree is attacked by bugs, it can send a warning through its roots to other trees nearby! We were also joined by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author of Braiding Sweetgrass, and Monique Gray Smith, who adapted the book for young readers. Braiding Sweetgrass is about how Indigenous knowledge and science can work together to help us understand plants and nature. Robin and Monique shared stories about how plants teach us important lessons, and how we can give back to the Earth in return for all the gifts it gives us. Robin Wall Kimmerer told us the ancient Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) story of Sky Woman. In this legend, a woman falls from the sky and is saved by animals who help create the land we live on today. This story reminds us that we must care for the Earth, just as it cares for us. Roots do so much for the planet! They: • Hold soil in place to prevent erosion. • Help plants survive by finding water and nutrients. • Store carbon from the air, helping to slow climate change. • Create food for animals and humans. By planting trees and taking care of plants, we can help keep the Earth's roots strong! Credits This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Special thanks to our guests Jane Westbrook, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Monique Gray Smith. The Children’s Hour is produced by The Children's Hour Inc., a non-profit supported by listeners like you. Our theme music was written by C.K. Barlow, and we are distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children's Hour Inc, All Rights Reserved
Our minds help us understand, learn, and express ourselves. But not everyone thinks the same way! In this episode of The Children's Hour, we explore different kinds of minds, including neurodivergent thinkers, emotional intelligence, and artificial intelligence. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/many-kinds-of-minds Carl is a kid just like any other—except his brain works a little differently. He’s the main character in Carl the Collector, a PBS Kids show that features an autistic child at its center. Carl is great at remembering facts about his collections and birthdays, but sometimes he struggles to understand emotions and social situations. The show’s creator and Executive Producer, Zachariah O’Hora and director Lisa Whittick, join us to share why it’s important for kids to see neurodivergent characters in media. They explain how they worked closely with autistic writers and artists to make Carl and his friend Lotta, another autistic character, feel authentic. Lotta experiences autism differently than Carl—she wears headphones to block loud noises and sometimes sees colors in music, a condition called synesthesia. By showing different autistic experiences, Carl the Collector helps all kids better understand and appreciate neurodiversity. Emotions can be hard to manage, but music can help! Former Wiggles star Sam Moran joins us to talk about his album All the Feels, which helps kids understand their emotions through song. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many children struggled with anxiety and big feelings. Sam, who has experienced depression himself, wanted to create songs that could help kids name their emotions and feel less alone. His album includes songs about joy, sadness, nervousness, and more. He reminds us that emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage emotions—is like a muscle that gets stronger with practice. AI, or artificial intelligence, is everywhere—when we use Alexa, get YouTube recommendations, or even check our spelling in a document. But how does it really work, and what does it mean for our future? Dr. Martin Spinelli joins us to explain AI and how it’s already affecting our daily lives. He shares his work in training AI to be kinder and more empathetic, and we discuss the challenges of AI-generated content, misinformation, and ethics. Should AI be used in schools? What happens when AI gets things wrong? We explore the big questions about this powerful technology. There are many different kinds of minds, and each one sees the world in its own way. Some people are great at recognizing patterns, while others excel at reading emotions or coming up with creative ideas. By learning about neurodiversity, emotional intelligence, and artificial intelligence, we gain a deeper understanding of how people think and process information. This episode encourages kids to embrace differences, ask questions, and appreciate the many ways minds work. No matter how our brains function, we all have something unique to offer the world. The Children's Hour is produced by The Children's Hour Inc., a New Mexico-based nonprofit. This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Christina Stella, Sarah Gabrielli, Jacqui Fulton and our intern Thaniel. Our theme music was composed by C.K. Barlow. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children's Hour Inc, All Rights Reserved.
How do you express yourself? Creativity takes many forms, from drawing and painting to acting, composing music, and even writing stories. On this episode of The Children's Hour, we explore the many ways people create their own path through the arts. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/create-your-own-way We meet Albuquerque-based street artist Maywin Padilla, who transforms public sidewalks into vibrant works of chalk art. She shares her journey as an artist, the joys of working with temporary media, and how she found her creative passion. We’re also joined by some of the most imaginative minds in entertainment, including the legendary William Shatner, who speaks about his creative process as an actor, musician, and storyteller. Hear a track from his children’s release, Where Will The Animal Sleep. Dan Gutman, bestselling author of the My Weird School series, tells us how he turned a childhood love of stories into a career writing books that make kids laugh. Plus, we chat with Celestina Harris, an 11-year-old actress and voice talent known for her work on The Backyardigans and Young Jedi Adventures. Music plays a huge role in creativity, and in this episode, we showcase the world premiere of A Balloon’s Breath, a symphony for strings composed by 12-year-old Evan Daitz. Inspired by the sound of hot air balloons during Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta, this piece highlights the boundless possibilities of young composers. Performed at Chatter, a monthly series at the Santa Fe Contemporary Art Center. Directed by David Feilberg. This episode was recorded at Tiguex Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Santa Fe Contemporary Art Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with additional studio recordings in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho New Mexico. The Children’s Hour is produced by Katie Stone with production help this week from Sarah Gabrielli, Anne Lopez, Thaniel Lentz, Claire Reynolds, and Benjamin Green. Our audio engineer is Chad Sheer, with additional engineering by Grant Taylor, Katie Stone and Thaniel Lentz. Special thanks to David Feilberg and the musicians at Chatter for their performance of A Balloon’s Breath. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
What is justice, and why is it important? In this episode of The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew explores what justice means and how the courts help make sure laws are fair for everyone. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/justice Our first guest, Maria Martinez-Sanchez, is a lawyer from ACLU New Mexico. She teaches us about the three branches of government and how they work together to make and enforce laws. We learn that there are different kinds of courts, from small local courts to the biggest court in the country, the U.S. Supreme Court. Maria explains how courts handle both criminal cases (when someone is accused of breaking the law) and civil cases (when people have a disagreement that needs to be solved). Maria also helps us understand how a trial works. She talks about how juries decide cases, how judges make sure everything is fair, and how people can appeal if they think a court made a mistake. We hear about important court cases in history, like Brown v. Board of Education, which made it illegal to separate students in schools based on their skin color. The Kids Crew asks Maria lots of questions about laws, fairness, and how courts protect our rights. But did you know that the United States actually has two different kinds of justice systems? Native American tribes have their own tribal courts, which work separately from state and federal courts. Our second guest, Chief Justice Rosanna Toya, helps us understand how tribal courts work. She explains that every tribe has its own way of handling justice—some use a system similar to the U.S. government, while others follow traditional laws passed down for generations. Chief Justice Toya tells us how tribal courts handle problems in their communities, like arguments between neighbors or bigger cases that affect the whole tribe. She explains why it’s important for Native American nations to have their own laws and judges, so they can protect their traditions while keeping people safe and treated fairly. This episode of The Children's Hour takes listeners on a journey to understand what justice is, how courts work, and why different justice systems exist in the U.S. This episode was produced by Katie Stone with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Many thanks to the ACLU-NM Legal Director Maria Martinez Sanchez, and to Chief Justice Roshanna Toya for being with us on the show. The Children's Hour is a production of The Children's Hour Inc., a New Mexico-based nonprofit. Our show is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children's Hour Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Learn all about sloths with author Georgeanne Irvine from the San Diego Zoo, and biologist Sam Trull from the Sloth Institute in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica. Find out how we can all help protect sloths. This episode comes with a hands-on Learn-Along guide. Find the full episode page with the learning guide at https://childrenshour.org/sloths Sloths live in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, but Tornero lives in San Diego. A favorite at the San Diego Zoo, Tornero is the subject of Georgeanne Irvine’s book, Teaching Tornero: The True Story of a Sloth Superstar. Georgeanne Irvine works in the publishing office at the San Diego Zoo, and has written more than 50 books about animals, but this is the first one about sloths. The kids talk with her about Tornero’s extraordinary life at the San Diego Zoo, and we learn a bit about the different species of sloths. Then, Jo from our Kids Crew reviews Teaching Tornero. The book is geared toward elementary aged kids, and is full of stunning photos of Tornero at the zoo throughout his lifetime. Then we head down to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica where we meet Sam Trull. She is a founder of the Sloth Institute, a conservation organization dedicated to saving sloths who are orphaned, or injured. Sloths in Costa Rica face numerous challenges, including electrocution from the commonplace, uninsulated electrical wiring used throughout the country. Sloths are also prone to becoming orphans as a result of their mothers being injured, killed, and the ever-shrinking habitat they call home. Even the loss of one tree can be devastating for a sloth population. We learn how we can support sloths no matter where we live, by refusing to participate in invasive, exploitive sloth tourism. Sam Trull explains that anywhere people are allowed to interact up close, or pet sloths, they are actually harming the animals. Sloths are solitary, and the best way to enjoy them in the wild is to quietly observe them in the tree canopy while staying far away from them, or seeing them from the ground. Then meet the Paleolithic Ground Sloth, a mega fauna that thrived on the American continent for millions of years until just 11,000 years ago, when humans made them extinct. You can learn more about ground sloths in our Fossils episode, and hear how they interacted with people in our Brief History of the American Southwest for Kids podcast series. This episode was written and produced by our Senior Producer, Christina Stella and Katie Stone, our Executive Producer. Production help was also provided by Thaniel Lentz. We recorded this show at the Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with help from engineer Chad Scheer. Our Learn-Along guide was written by Lorraine Archibald. © 2025 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
What makes music so fun? It brings people together. On this episode of The Children’s Hour, we meet Grammy-winning musicians Lucky Diaz and Alicia Gaddis from Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. They create songs that families love to sing and dance to—sometimes in English, sometimes in Spanish, and always filled with joy and energy. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/lucky-diaz Lucky and Alicia share their journey as musicians and storytellers. They were the first North American band to ever win a Latin Grammy. They tell us what it was like to receive seven Grammy nominations and finally take home the award for their album ¡Brillo, Brillo! in 2025. Our Kids Crew brings us book reviews of stories written by Lucky and Alicia, including Palitero Man and She Loves Me All the Same. These books celebrate culture, family, and love. Join us and dance to the infectious beats and learn through a lively discussion with the 2025 Best Children’s Release winners, Alicia Gaddis and Lucky Diaz from Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band. Credits: The Children's Hour is written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Thaniel Lentz. Our show is distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. ©2025 The Children’s Hour Inc, All Rights Reserved.
On this episode of The Children's Hour, we are going to dive into the life and legacy of Dr. Seuss, exploring how he crafted his beloved stories and why his books continue to captivate young readers today. Through engaging discussions, musical interludes, and fascinating insights, we uncover what makes his work so timeless and impactful. Find full episode details at https://childrenshour.org/dr-seuss We were joined by biographer Brian Jay Jones, who wrote Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination. He shared amazing stories about how Dr. Seuss became an author, where he got his ideas, and how he changed children's books forever. Did you know Dr. Seuss wasnt really a doctor? And that he almost gave up after his first book was rejected many times? Brian Jay Jones told us all about it! Dr. Seuss' books arent just fun"they also carry important messages. The Lorax teaches about protecting the environment, Horton Hears a Who reminds us that every voice matters, and The Butter Battle Book shows how silly arguments can grow into big problems. His playful words make reading fun while helping us learn valuable lessons. Throughout the show, we heard songs inspired by Dr. Seuss, and had a lively discussion with our Kids Crew about their favorite Seuss books. Do you have a favorite? Maybe Oh, the Places You'll Go! or Horton Hears a Who!? Grab your Dr. Seuss books and join us as we learn about his incredible life and legacy. National Dr. Seuss Day is celebrated every year on March 2nd, the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. This special day is part of Read Across America, a nationwide event that encourages children to discover the joy of reading. Schools, libraries, and communities honor Dr. Seuss' legacy by hosting fun literacy activities, reading his beloved books, and dressing up as favorite Seussian characters. Its a day to inspire a love for storytelling, creativity, and imagination in young readers everywhere! This episode was written and produced by The Children's Hour Inc, and executive producer Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Many thanks to our guest, Brian Jay Jones, for sharing his insights into the world of Dr. Seuss. Our show was recorded at the Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque, New Mexico by Chad Scheer. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network.
This time on The Children's Hour, we celebrate the First Lady of children's music, Ella Jenkins, who died in November 2024 at the age of 100. Learn about her extraordinary life and how she created a whole new genre of music for kids and families.
We explore Black History through stories from Dr. Marsha Hardeman, Professor of Africana Studies at the University of New Mexico.
Have you ever wondered about the mighty eagle, the king of the skies? In this episode of The Children’s Hour, we take flight with these incredible birds. Eagles are known for their sharp eyesight, powerful wings, and majestic presence. They’re also important symbols in cultures around the world, representing strength and freedom. Find this episode page at https://childrenshour.org/eagles We explore what makes eagles unique, from their incredible hunting skills to their ability to soar at great heights. You’ll learn about the different kinds of eagles, like the bald eagle and golden eagle, and where they live. Did you know that bald eagles aren’t actually bald? Their white feathers just make it look that way! Our Kids Crew takes you on a journey to understand why eagles are so special. We’ll also share fun facts, like how eagles build giant nests called eyries and raise their chicks high up in the trees or cliffs. We’re also thrilled to take you to the Zuni Eagle Sanctuary, a unique aviary where eagles are cared for and honored as part of the Zuni cultural tradition. Kids Crew members Caibiya and Lucasti bring us their field reporting from this incredible place, sharing what they learned about the connection between eagles and the Zuni people. Then, we are joined by Dr. Brian Millsap, a research biologist from New Mexico State University, who shares his insights about eagle behavior and conservation. As we learn about the lives of these predators, we also discover what makes an eagle unique, and how their populations are managing around the globe. Join us as we celebrate the beauty and power of eagles through stories, science, and fun. A favorite bird for so many people around the world, soar with eagles on The Children’s Hour. This episode of The Children’s Hour is dedicated to the memory of Dorothy Jensen Blanchard of Albuquerque who passed away on June 20, 2024 at the age of 101. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Naval Chief Petty Officer Blanchard was one of the first women to serve in the military. She was also a devoted listener to The Children’s Hour. “May you have fair winds and following seas.” Episode Credits This episode of The Children’s Hour was produced by Katie Stone and the Kids Crew, along with Gus Tafoya, Sarah Gabrielli, and Thaniel Lentz. Engineering support was provided by Chad Scheer. Special thanks to everyone who contributed their voices, questions, and energy to make this show possible, including the Tsabetsaye family in Zuni Pueblo, and Dr. Brian Millsap at New Mexico State University. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. ©2025 The Children’s Hour Inc. Learn more at ChildrensHour.org.
This time on The Children's Hour, the Kids Crew get aboard the JOIDES Resolution, virtually, while the ship is at sea off the coast of Portugal. We meet Amy Mayer, the Onboard Outreach Officer for the JOIDES Expedition 397, and research fellow Saray Sanchez. Find the full episode post at https://www.childrenshour.org/the-bottom-of-the-sea/ We learn how the JOIDES brings up core samples from the ocean floor, that they then slice, x-ray, and study. Some of the soils they are bringing to the surface are over 300 million years old. Scientists aboard the JOIDES stay for a short rotation, and collect as much data as possible. The ship is drilling for core samples 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when they are at the drilling site. The Kids Crew have a lot of questions for Amy and Saray about life on board a scientific research vessel. We also hear a poem by Kenn Nesbitt, from his poetry playground Poetry4Kids.com. Mixed with great music celebrating the sea, get to the bottom of the ocean with us, this time on The Children's Hour. This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Katie Stone at the Sunspot Solar Studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico USA, with production help from Christina Stella and Sarah Gabrielli. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children's Hour Inc. All rights reserved.
Celebrate the best in Kindie musical releases in 2024. We hear from all five Grammy nominees for best children’s release and meet Andre DeShields, the star of the hit kids podcast: Live from Mount Olympus, along with the show founder and showrunner, Julie Burnstein. We've got a Kids Crew review of this podcast, and we keep you dancing, singing and humming for the whole hour. Find the full episode post at https://childrenshour.org/best-of-2024 It's that time of year, when we review all the great music for kids and families, and think about what we love the best. This episode starts with a sample of each of the 2025 Grammy nominees for Best Children's Release, including John Legend, Divinity Roxx, Joanie Leeds and the Jazz Cats, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, and Rock for Children. Which one do you think will win the Grammy award on February 2, 2025? Hear from more of our favorite musical releases of the year, too! There were so many great ones, we couldn't fit them all into this episode, but if you follow our playlist, you can see which bands made the cut. These songs are played throughout the episode. The Kids Crew meet the star of the podcast series Live from Mount Olympus, André DeShields and show creator and showrunner, Julie Burnstein. We learn why Greek myths are something we should all know, and how the show came to be. Live from Mount Olympus is a wildly popular podcast series which can be used in classrooms, or just for fun at home. Marcel from our Kids Crew has a review. This episode of The Children's Hour was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production support from Jacqui Fulton. Chad Scheer is our recording engineer at Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque New Mexico. Thaniel Lentz is our intern. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children's Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Get into the holiday spirit with The Children’s Hour as we unwrap the traditions and tunes that make the season magical! 🎁✨ This week, we explore how New Mexicans celebrate Christmas with a unique twist—ever heard of “Christmas” red and green chili on your food? 🌶️ The second graders from Coronado Elementary School’s bilingual classroom teach us all about the state’s iconic chilies, their history, and how they’re grown. 🌟 Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/holidays-2024 Tune in for festive music, fun facts about holiday traditions from around the world, and a special spotlight on how chilies are central to New Mexican culture. From carols to chili ristras, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss this heartwarming holiday adventure brought to you by kids, for kids, and kids at heart! ❤️ 🎶 Featuring music from Laurie Berkner, Joanie Leeds, Van Sereno, Ella Jenkins, and more. Plus, hear holiday favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” with a TCH twist! This episode of The Children’s Hour is written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Ann Lopez. Many thanks to the second grade students in Mrs. Monica Charles' bilingual class at Coronado Elementary School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Step into the magical world of storytelling with this special episode of The Children's Hour! Join host Katie Stone and the Kids Crew as they explore the wonders of folktales—stories that have been passed down through generations to teach, entertain, and inspire. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/folktales Our special guest, renowned storyteller Dr. Rosalia Pacheco, shares the haunting New Mexican legend of La Llorona (The Crying Woman). Her vivid storytelling will give you chills as she brings this classic folktale to life, teaching us lessons about safety and the importance of cultural traditions. You’ll also hear about similar stories from around the globe, like Ireland’s Banshee and Japan’s wailing spirits, showing how cultures everywhere use storytelling to teach important life lessons. The Kids Crew dives deep into other famous folktales, including The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Hansel and Gretel, and The Emperor's New Clothes. Through their lively discussions, they uncover the morals behind these tales, like the importance of honesty, the dangers of trusting strangers, and the value of seeing the truth. These stories have entertained children for centuries while helping them learn essential life skills. This episode is filled with music and fun! Sing along to folk songs like This Old Man by the Seegers and Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger, and enjoy a playful reenactment of Henny Penny performed by Theater in the Making. The blend of music, stories, and discussion makes this an episode the whole family can enjoy together. Katie Stone encourages listeners to explore their own family and community traditions by asking parents, grandparents, and friends about the stories they grew up hearing. Folktales are a way to share wisdom and stay connected to the past while enjoying the magic of storytelling in the present. The Children's Hour is produced by The Children's Hour Incorporated, a New Mexico nonprofit. This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone with production help from Christina Stella and our intern Thaniel Lentz. Special thanks to Dr. Rosalia Pacheco, supported by a generous grant from the New Mexico Humanities Council Speakers Bureau. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This time on The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew explores graphic novels. These modern day comic books can help kids become better readers, while keeping them engaged and learning. Dr. Lee Francis IV has a publishing house featuring graphic novels for all ages written by Native authors and illustrators. We also meet a science illustrator whose books help kids understand complex scientific topics. Plus we have book reviews! Find the full episode post at https://childrenshour.org/graphic-novels What kind of books do you like to read? If you enjoy books with illustrations, you might be a fan of graphic novels. Dr. Lee Francis, the Chief Indigenerd at the Indigenous Imagination Workshop writes and publishes graphic novels himself, and he teaches us what a graphic novel is, how they are created, and what topics they might cover. The Kids Crew are surprised to learn that graphic novels can also be nonfiction. For indigenous authors, graphic novels are a new form of storytelling to share traditional and historic stories to new generations of readers. We then meet Rachel Ignotofsky. She’s a science illustrator and author of many books for kids and adults. Her science series for kids uses graphics to illustrate a wide range of topics. These graphics help children and adults visualize the data and facts the books are teaching, and are beautiful at the same time. Thorfin brings us a review of a book published by Lee Francis called Saga Sky by Roy Boney. This graphic novel gets high marks from Thorfin. We also hear Max’s review of the graphic novel by RL Stine called The Graveyard Club. While these are a little scary, these books help tell spooky stories with compelling illustrations. We want to know: do you like graphic novels? Send us an email, or leave us a voicemail and let us know what you’re reading these days. We want to know: do you like graphic novels? Send us an email, or leave us a voicemail and let us know what you’re reading these days. This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Ameeta Ganetra, Jacqui Fulton, and Christina Stella. Thaniel Lentz is our intern. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All rights reserved.