The Day the Kids Took Over  written by Sam Apple, illustrated by Julie Robine, and published by JIMMY Patterson Books, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group Inc. in 2021.
     Listeners will discover the meaning of compromising, and how to resolve disputes through this story.
     

Who Will Kiss the Crocodile? written by Suzy Senior, with illustrations by Claire Powell, and published originally in Great Britain by Little Tiger Press Ltd. & the U.S. by Tiger Tales Books in 2022.
   A modern version of Sleeping Beauty that will delight little readers with its rhyming cadence and happy ending!

Run, Turkey, Run! written by Diane Mayr, illustrated by Laura Rader, and published by Walker Publishing Company, Inc. in 2007.
    This story is strictly entertaining! It provides examples of personification and onomatopoeia, which helps youngsters in the process of re-telling the story, and remembering the correct sequence of events.  

   Pencil: A Story with a Point, written by Ann Ingalls & illustrated by Dean Griffiths (2019), was adapted for this podcast by Joanne Avery(2020). 
   This episode is dedicated to a young man with the initials M.D.A., who loves his tablet and knock-knock jokes! 
   This story contains fun with puns and personification. Jackson, the main character, and Pencil used to have loads of fun drawing together.  But after Tablet arrives on the scene and takes over, Pencil is no longer #1.  He feels pointless.  How will he win Jackson back?
   You can get this book at your local library, too!

The Man with the Violin, written by Kathy Stinson & illustrated by Dusan Petricic (2013) Adapted for the podcast by Joanne Avery (2019).  This story recaps the experiment done by world-famous violinist Joshua Bell with The Washington Post on 1/12/2007.  Bell was dressed as an ordinary street musician playing his Stradivarius violin in the lobby of a Washington, D. C. train station.  After playing 43 minutes he only observed a few people stopping to listen, and he only had $32.17 laying in his violin case-yet people usually pay hundreds for a ticket to hear him in a concert hall.  The story inspires all to stop, look, and listen to the beauty and miracles in our daily lives, and to respect the imagination and curiosity of our children in their quest toward their aspirations.

This podcast is dedicated to music teachers everywhere and to my mother, Beatrice Gilbride, a concert violinist, and Josh Z., a former student of mine, who could make the violin ‘sing’ from the time he was 3 years old!

Resources:

Washington Post Subway experiment, Joshua Bell, 2007

www.itunes.com/voice of the violin, Joshua Bell

www.youtube.com/Vocalise, Op.34 No.14, Joshua Bell & Michael Stern Orchestra 

www.youtube.com/ Am I Wrong by Nico & Vinz, Cover by Damien Escobar, Black Star Elephant, 2014.

 Subscribe to hear Damien Escobar first: http://bit.ly/1QIGLXi For more Damien Escobar covers click here: http://bit.ly/1SmLI85

Tacky's Christmas written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (2010) is a story for all ages!  It captures the true meaning of the holiday season by demonstrating how an odd gift and warm hearts can save the day.  Enjoy festive carols and a new selection of music by Igor Khainskyi entitled "Christmas Magic" during this episode.  Happy Holidays to all! 

This story was written and illustrated by Amy Young in 2010. The main character, Emmalina, is a fairy trying to earn her wings by doing something important.  Her talents and interests are quite different from the other fairies.  The lesson here is to be true to yourself, exploring your talents & interests, as long as you are enjoying them and getting better every day. 

In this story, the main character demonstrates how differences make every living creature special.  The author, Karina Wolf (2018), wrote this story about her own dog.

Trudy Ludwig (2013) highlights strategies of relationship building for children- demonstrating the value of consideration, compassion, and empathy.

A classic story, by Russell Hoban, encourages youngsters to try new things. This episode may foster productive discussions about health and nutritious foods.  Something we all need to focus on in this 'fast food' society.

Author Judith Viorst teaches another valuable lesson through the beloved character Alexander. This story, published by Atheneum Books (1978), emphasizes the difficulties
in trying to save money. It will make you laugh!

 The Kiddie Table , is written and illustrated by Colleen Madden, published by Capstone Editions, a Capstone imprint, in 2018.
    Everyone can relate to this story, especially as the holiday season approaches, because we have all experienced what the main character is going through!  The importance of controlling strong emotions is stressed in the follow-up discussion.  Rhyming words are also highlighted by Miss Joan.

Old Lion and Little Rabbit is written and illustrated by Keiko Kaichi, English Editions published in 2017 by Michael Neugebauer Publishing Ltd. in Hong Kong.

   This is a heartwarming tale about the strength of bonds between friends.  Two extremely different creatures develop a powerful bond of friendship, demonstrating how to guard and protect our friends.  The main character demonstrates how the power of friendship can overcome even instinctive behaviors.

Cherry and Olive  is written and illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe, published by Walker Publishing Co., Inc. in 2007.  This realistic fiction story promotes discussion about friendship, bullying, diversity, and kindness.

GRUMPY MONKEY Party Time!  is written by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang, and published by Random House Children's Books, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC in 2019.
  This story highlights the problem of being encouraged (or pressured) by friends to do something that you REALLY do not want to do.  Kids discover that speaking up and being true to their feelings is the solution, and it is okay not to follow the crowd.

Stay: A Girl, A Dog, A Bucket List is written by Kate Klise, illustrated by Sarah Klise, and published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC in 2017.
     This heartwarming story focuses on the special relationships that all people develop with their pets.  We can also extend the overarching theme of this story to our personal relationships:  Just spending time with each other is more meaningful than the activities we do when we are together.  Cherish your time together!

Muggie Maggie, written by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Kay Life, and published by William Morrow and Company, Inc. in 1990. 
     This is a funny story with a serious lesson for students worrying about the challenges of this new school year.

Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures 2: The Great Egyptian Grave Robbery  was created by Jeff Brown and written by Sara Pennypacker, with pictures by Macky Pamintuan, published by Scholastic Inc. by  arrangement with HarperCollins Children's Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers in 2009.
     Flat Stanley's adventures create enjoyment through 'stretching' youngsters' imagination.  This book goes beyond fantasy to promote developing map skills, exploring different cultures, and also emphasizes being polite and kind, no matter what predicament may be at hand!
     Chapter markers are used in this episode to enable listeners to stop when they choose, and be able to pick-up where they left off easily the next time!

We Are Brothers  is written by Yves Nadon, illustrated by Jean Claverie, and published by Creative Editions, an imprint of The Creative Company in 2018.
  This story highlights encouragement between siblings when faced with challenging activities.  This story is truly uplifting and inspirational for brothers and sisters alike!

Elmore is written and illustrated by Holly Hobie, and published by Random House Children's Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, in 2018.
   This is a story about friendship & appreciating differences among ourselves. Vocabulary development is included with this episode

Splat the Cat and the Lemonade Stand ; A Level 2 I Can Read Book, created by Rob Scotton, with cover art by Rick Farley, and Laura Driscoll, with pictures by Robert Eberz, published by Harper Collins Children's Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers, in 2019.
          This is a story is about summer fun for two friends.   Splat and Spike learn to enjoy working together, and learn responsibility in this venture.  Listeners might also discuss goal setting after hearing this story.

A Real Friend is written by Jennifer Wolfthal, illustrated by Judi Abbot, and published by Clavis Publishing Inc. in 2020.
   This story promotes friendship building and consideration for others.

Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep written by Robin Newman, illustrated by Chris Ewald, and published by Creston Books, LLC in 2016.
 This delightful story borrows characters from other classic children's stories to aid with sequencing events and retelling.  Onomatopoeia, which are words that mimic sounds, adds to the fun of this story!  The social learning within promotes getting along with others through honesty and discussion of problems, resulting in solutions that make everyone a bit happier!

Don't Rant & Rave on Wednesdays ! is written by Adolph Moser, Ed.D., illustrated by David Melton, and published by Landmark Editions, Inc. in 1994.
This book holds many suggestions for managing behavior under the stress of anger.  No matter how old you are, controlling your behavior when annoyed is something everyone needs to practice.

Don't Tell A Whopper on Fridays! The Children's Truth-Control Book is written by Adolph Moser, Ed.D., illustrated by David Melton, and published by Landmark Editions, Inc. in 1999.
   This book was written to help us realize that being truthful is important, and becoming a more truthful person is what everyone should strive to be!

Don't Despair On Thursdays! is written by Adolph Moser, Ed.D., illustrated by David Melton, and published by Landmark Editions, Inc. in 1996.
   This is a children's book dealing with grief- management.  After losing a relative, or a friend, or a pet, children may grieve more intensely than adults, and need all the love, consideration, and help that we, as adults, can offer!  This episode offers thoughtful reflections and suggestions for all listeners to help manage grief.  

The Scar is written by Charlotte Moundlic, illustrated by Olivier Tallec, and published by Candlewick Press in 2011.  This story exemplifies strategies for children dealing with grief, leaving listeners more hopeful.  The author poses effective strategies for dealing with strong emotions, which promotes enriching family discussion.

The Belonging Tree is written by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, illustrated by Kristine A. Lombardi, and published by Henry Holt & Company Publishers, a registered trademark of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC in 2020.
   This story has a message for people of all ages regarding respect & inclusion- "the way a neighborhood should be".

David's Father  is written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and published by Annick Press Ltd. in 2004.
   This is a humorous story that stresses differences among families.  The main character, Julie, learns that it doesn't matter how people look - more importantly - how they respect & love one another is what matters most!

What Should Darla Do?  written by Ganit and Adir Levy, illustrated by Doro Kaiser, and published by Elon Books in 2019.  Darla uses her 'power to choose' in this episode to learn that admitting mistakes and being truthful always results in a good day.  

Wemberly Worried  by Kevin Henkes is published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, in 2000.  This is a delightful story about a topic that can cause BIG problems.  Wemberly, the main character, provides listeners with solutions for easing worry.

Flat Stanley and the Bees, created by Jeff Brown, story by Lori Haskins Houran, with pictures by Macky Pamintuan and published by Harper Collins Children's Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers in 2019.
          This is a perfect story of summer fun with Stanley, Arthur, and their friends!   The episode encourages listeners to retell the story by highlighting story elements that promote comprehension.

"Martin's Scarf" is taken from the book entitled 24 Stories for Advent written by Brigitte Weninger, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, and published by NorthSouth Books Inc. in 2015.
   There is an important lesson in this story from a youngster with a big heart and some loose change in his pocket!

A Clever Beatrice Christmas is written by Margaret Willey, illustrated by Heather M. Solomon, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2006.
   This story highlights French Canadian Christmas traditions and the delightful wittiness of Beatrice, the main character.  One thing is certain, however, Santa is " the cleverest of all." Enjoy the story and festive music with special sound effects in this episode! 

Dear Santa, I Know it looks BAD But it Wasn't My FAULT!  is written by Norma Lewis, illustrated by Olivia Beckman, and published by Peter Pauper Press, Inc., in 2018.
   A mischievous cat named Scalawag tries to explain the way things 'really happened' to Santa.  His change of heart will surprise you!

Cookiesaurus Christmas is written by Amy Fellner Dominy & Nate Evans, illustrated by A.G. Ford, and published by Scholastic Inc. in 2018.
     Enjoy this funny story about a cookie getting ready for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve. The episode includes a suggestion for a new Christmas tradition- you might try it!

Think For Myself At The Park is written by Kristy Hammil,  illustrated by Alex Bjelica, and published by Kristy Hammil with Holistic Thinking Kids in 2018.  
This story encourages children to be independent thinkers and to take pride in being that way! You may find other stories like this by visiting www.holisticthinking.org 

Stephanie's Ponytail is written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and published by Annick Press Ltd. in 2004.
   This story suggests ideas that deal with peer interactions regarding "copycats".  A humorous story with a change in perspective toward copying ideas & styles.

What Do You Do With A Problem? is written by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom, and published by Compendium, Inc. in 2016.  This is another inspirational story for people of all ages.  It leads listeners to discover the 'silver lining of each cloud' that hovers over our heads as we journey through life.  This book makes a wonderful keepsake gift!

The Cow Who Climbed A Tree is written & illustrated by Gemma Merino and published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2016.  This story encourages curious dreamers to always follow their dreams because the possibilities are endless.  You'll do things that are surprising and remarkable- dream on!

Come With Me is written by Holly M. McGhee, illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre and published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, a division of Penguin Random House LLC in 2017.
This is a story of encouragement, kindness, and bravery in a world that can be very frightening to children.  Listen for things we can do for our children to ease anxiety and make the world a better place.

The Kindness Quilt  written and illustrated by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, published by Marshall Cavendish Corporation in 2006.  The main character, Minna, has an idea that you'll want to hear, no matter what your age!  

Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia  is written by Herman Parish, with illustrations by Lynn Sweat, and published by Greenwillow  Books, a division of William Morrow & Company, Inc. in 1995.
          Back by popular demand- Amelia is loved by our listeners all over the globe!  Get ready to laugh out loud as you enjoy the antics of Amelia and Mr. Rogers trying to drive through the countryside!

Strega Nona's Harvest is written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, and published by the Penguin Group, New York, NY in 2009.  Another delightful, inspirational story of Strega Nona and her helpers, Big Anthony and Bambolona, sharing their bounty at harvest time.

What Do You Do With A Chance? written by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom, and published by Compendium, Inc. in 2017.
This is an inspirational story for all ages.  Beautifully illustrated with pencil & watercolors creating adorable characters with an encouraging message.  What do you do with a chance?  "You take it because it could lead to something incredible." The possibilities for discussion are endless.  

Strictly No Elephants  is written by Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeew Yoo, and published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers in 2015.

This is a delightful story about friendship and never leaving anyone behind.

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon (S.E.L.) is written by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow, and published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group, in 2001.
   This delightful story emphasizes appreciating our differences, treating others as you want to be treated, and the power of positive thinking.  Self- confidence grows from positive reinforcement from everyone around you!  

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything  is written by Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd, and published by HarperCollins Children's Books in 1986.
     This is a Halloween story that will delight youngsters and motivate them to retell it to friends or family members.  Enjoy this Halloween season!

What Should Darla Do? (S.E.L.) is written by Ganit & Adir Levy, illustrated by Doro Kaiser, and published by Elon Books in 2019.
    Darla shows us how to reset a bad day with her super power to choose.  This episode is the second version of eight in this choose your own ending book.  This book promotes limitless discussion and would make a treasured gift.  Also, remember "What Should Danny Do?" (2017) by the same authors, when buying books.