Roar for Reading: Exploring Freedom to Read and the Magic of Picture Books with Beth Ferry

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Episode Summary: What does it mean to have freedom to read? Join us this week as best-selling author Beth Ferry celebrates the power of libraries and the freedom to read through her brand new picture book, Roar for Reading. We dive into banned books week as we explore the role of libraries (and those wonderful librarian lions) as guardians for the freedom to read.

We also journey into the whimsical realm of another of Beth's recent picture books -- Prunella -- which celebrates the connections that can be made when you embrace your own unique perspective and share it with others. And there are some seriously strange and exotic plants involved too! Plus, Beth gives us a sneak peek into next month's picture book, A Moving Story. You'll leave this episode inspired by Beth’s passion for nurturing a lifelong love of reading in children.

(0:00:03) - The Power of Roar for Reading (14 Minutes)

• Discussion on the ongoing challenges to the freedom to read in America.
• Beth Ferry shares her inspiration for Roar for Reading, a love letter to libraries and a subtle address to book banning.
• The importance of libraries as safe havens for diverse literature and their impact on children's development.

(0:13:57) - Discovering Individuality Through Prunella and Peculiar Plants (6 Minutes)

• Exploration of Beth Ferry’s picture book Prunella, which celebrates individuality through a girl’s fascination with peculiar plants.
• Sneak peek into the upcoming book A Moving Story, co-authored with Tom Lichtenheld.

(0:20:13) - The Magic of Children's Picture Books (5 Minutes)

• The importance of inspiring children to read and revisit books for deeper understanding as they grow older.
• The joy of rediscovering picture books, even for older students, and the unique experience of analyzing the interplay between text and illustrations.

Resources and Links:

• Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry
• Prunella by Beth Ferry
• A Moving Story by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld
• American Library Association's 1953 Statement on the Freedom to Read
• More on the Freedom to Read
• Every Library resources
• Follow Beth Ferry on |

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.