Ishara's Reading Podcast: Recent Episodes

Ishara

Hi Everyone! You might recognize me from The Kids Reading Podcast! If not, please check it out -- it's amazing! I started this podcast because I want to continue inspiring kids all over the world to read. I love to pretend, and reading helps me to create amazing new characters and imaginary worlds to play with my family. Reading is a fun way to build knowledge and understanding of the universe we live in. Join me every two weeks as we read an exciting new book! Follow me on Instagram to share your favorite reading stories and to send ideas for new books we can read together!

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Join us for Ishara's interview with Aida Salazar, author of the thrilling story "Jovita Wore Pants"! Their conversation takes us on a journey through both heartbreak and joy, interweaving reflections on the legacy of our ancestors and Aida's family history of sacrifice, fighting for civil rights alongside Cesar Chavez, empathy for children growing up in war zones, and envisioning what advice Jovita would give to young girls in 2024.

Ms. Salazar is joined by two special guests - Andrea and her daughter Julia, who came all the way from Spain to celebrate the memory of Julia's dad, who was an amazing and much-beloved musician. Ishara shares her excitement at meeting Julia, a fellow homeschooler from a different country, and looks forward to their cultural exchange!

Join Ishara on the podcast for this interview or watch on her Youtube channel!

Thanks Ms. Aida, Julia and Andrea for being a part of my podcast.

To learn more about Ms. Aida Salazar's amazing award-winning books, please check out her website: http://www.aidasalazar.com/

Support the Show.

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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As Ishara reflected on her understanding of Memorial Day, she choose to read "Jovita Wore Pants -The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter," Written by Jovita's great-niece and Américas Award-winner Aida Salazar and Illustrate by Eisner Award-honoree Molly Mendoza. Jovita Valdovinos true story incredible! Ishara felt Jovita reminded her of one of her favorite pretend heroes Mulan, who disguises herself as a male warrior in order to save her father. Join Ishara on the podcast or watch on her YouTube channel as she reads aloud Jovita's remarkable story of determination, resourcefulness, bravery and against all odds lead her peasant army to fight for their religious rights.

Support the Show.

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This special episode celebrates Passover and Earth Day! Ishara believes caring for the earth and each other is everything!

Ishara discovered “The Passover Guest," while shopping at the Politics and Prose bookstore. This amazing book is written by Susan Kusel and Illustrated by Sean Rubin. She fell in love with “The Passover Guest," immediately and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to read it to you. Ishara loves that this amazing book takes the reader on a journey of hope, kindness, love and tradition, with a splash of magic.

The main character, Muriel is a young girl who lives in the Washington D.C. area in the 1930s. She sees the world full of wonder and possibilities in spite of the looming existence of the great depression, find-out what happens when she meets a stranger by the Lincoln Memorial on the precipice of Passover.

Thank you for supporting my podcast and you can watch the episode on my YouTube channel as I read aloud.”

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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I am so excited to welcome all of you to Season 3 of Ishara's Reading Podcast! For our Season 3 Premiere, we are celebrating Women's History Month with a special podcast guest – award-winning children’s book author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich! She is a writer for PBS Parents, an NAACP Image Award nominee, and an editor for We Need Diverse Books. Some of her acclaimed books include Mae Makes a Way, Operation Sisterhood, It Doesn’t Take a Genius, 8th Grade Superzero, and Saving Earth: The Climate Crisis. Learn more about Ms. Olugbemisola on her website: https://www.olugbemisolabooks.com/ , https://aalbc.com/authors/article.php?id=2293, and https://www.pbs.org/parents/authors/olugbemisola-rhuday-perkovich

After interviewing Ms. Olugbemisola, I had a blast reading aloud her book, which is one of my favorites: Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat. This book takes us on a culinary journey around the world as Makeda and her classmates share their favorite cultural treats and they come to appreciate each other’s differences, realize how important it is to be true to oneself when sharing with others.

And with the start of spring, I wanted to record the first episode of Season 3 at the Duke University Gardens, which is a very special place for my Mama and Daddy. Join me here on my podcast and my YouTube channel to watch this episode at Ishara’s Reading Podcast or https://www.youtube.com/@isharasclub/podcasts as we begin our third season of reading adventures!

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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It's the Christmas season! The time of year to reflect and spread good cheer! Ishara visited the Urbana Public Library in search of the perfect Christmas book to read, and she made a happy discovery: Adam McKeown's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," lovingly retold for children and beautifully illustrated by Gerald Kelley. So gather around the fireplace, cuddle up on the couch, and listen close as Ishara reads this timeless classic and inspires us to think about the many ways you can bring joy and kindness to others and the world.

Merry Christmas from Ishara's Reading Podcast!

You can watch Ishara read "A Christmas Carol" on her YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/60DXu0CWAtE

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week we share my final author interview at this year's National Book Festival, hosted by the Library of Congress! I had so much fun meeting award-winning author Ms. Erica Perl, whose books have been New York Times Best Sellers! Ms. Erica has done so many different and amazing things, including writing, teaching, advocating for access to more books, acting, becoming a lawyer, and most delicious of all, driving an ice cream truck (yum!) One of my favorite parts of this interview was learning what it was like for Ms. Erica to write a book with THE Dolly Parton! How cool is that?!?!

After our interview, I walked over to The Story District where I joined an audience of fellow kid super-readers to listen as Ms. Erica read her book, "The Three Little Guinea Pigs," beautifully illustrated by Ms. Amy Young. It was so hilarious, I decided to read it for this week's podcast! These little guinea pigs are funny, surprising, delightfully clever, and totally entertaining. Let's read it together!

Thanks to Ms. Erica for such a wonderful interview and story reading! Please support Ms. Erica and learn more about her work by checking out her website and social media!

https://www.ericaperl.com/

Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest: @ericaperl

You can also watch this interview with Ms. Erica and my read-aloud of "The Three Little Guinea Pigs" on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/tR9RW17PPI0

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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With the deepening beauty of fall colors and chilly evenings, the podcast celebrates this week's Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos as Ishara reads aloud Coco, adapted by Adrian Molina, illustrated by Fabiola Garza, and designed by Tony Fejeran! Maybe you saw the movie - now join Ishara as she dives through the pages of this heartwarming adventure with our young hero Miguel, who must traverse the veil between life and death itself to uncover a generations-old secret that will restore a forgotten legacy of his family. On this amazing reading journey, Ishara experiences through Miguel's eyes how Día de los Muertos honors our beloved family members who have passed from this life into the next, and how the bonds of love and family have the power to transcend death itself. Ishara closes by reflecting on why she chose the story of Coco and how the themes of this celebration recently touched her life and family in a deep and powerful way.

Feliz Día de los Muertos, Super-Readers!

P.S. And cale coles!

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week we get back to our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries: Charlotte's spun master piece: "Some Pig" right above Wilbur's pen is discovered by Lurvy, Mr. Zuckerman and Mrs. Edith Zuckerman. Now everyone wants to take a look at Wilbur, the extraordinary pig on Mr. Zuckerman's farm. Find out if they think Charlotte has out smarted them as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 11 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams!

Fans of Ishara’s Reading Podcast aka Super Readers! We are at the exact halfway point of “Charlotte’s Web” so this a wonderful place to stop and reflect. Let’s start by figuring out which character do you like the most? What would you change if you wrote Charlotte’s Web? And how would it affect your favorite character? If you were Charlotte, what would you have written in your web about Wilbur? And why did Charolette like Wilbur so much?

Tune in next year 2024, for season 3, Ishara will continue her Summer/Fall chapter book miniseries reading of “Charlotte’s Web.” In addition, Ishara will add a new surprise chapter book to the summer series!

And remember to check out the Christmas holiday episodes, Ishara will be reading aloud some of her favorites this December 2023.

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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Welcome to this very special episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast! In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, Ishara was honored to interview acclaimed poet, writer, and musician Ms. Joy Harjo of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation who is the first ever Native American US Poet Laureate! And for this week’s book, Ishara reads aloud Ms. Joy’s moving poem, “Remember” which is now a children’s book, beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling artist Michaela Goade of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes.

In her interview with Ishara, Ms. Joy shares her wisdom and reflections on the symbolism of the circle in storytelling, deepening family bonds across generations, and helping to build a community of indigenous artists and writers to share their works with wider audiences. Ms. Joy discusses her soulful connection to of her oldest poem, “Remember” and celebrates her collaboration with Michaela in making it a children’s book that honors both the Mvskoke and Tlingit peoples. Ms. Joy also shares from her gifts as a musician and teaches Ishara a Mvskoke song of welcoming!

So gather around, super readers and listeners, as Ishara celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day and reads aloud Joy Harjo’s timeless poem “Remember”. Join Ishara in celebrating the power of storytelling to bring people together as she shares her reflections on an unforgettable journey through stories, song, and poetry with the incredible Joy Harjo!

Also check out the video of Ishara’s interview with Joy Harjo: https://youtu.be/Iru7kvji7Bc

Learn more about Joy Harjo & Michaela Goade’s work at the links below:

Joy Harjo

Website: https://www.joyharjo.com/

Book: https://www.joyharjo.com/books

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyHarjo

Masterclass: https://youtu.be/cPgbx_dsngU

Music: https://www.joyharjo.com/music

Michaela Goade

Website: https://www.michaelagoade.com/

Book: https://www.michaelagoade.com/books

Art: https://www.michaelagoade.com/purchase-art

And don’t miss the upcoming podcast episode of Ishara’s National Book Festival interview with beloved children’s book author Erica S. Perl!

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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On this week’s podcast, we continue Ishara’s exclusive interview series with authors from the 2023 National Book Festival in Washington D.C., sponsored by the Library of Congress!

Calling all aspiring interior designers out there! Looking to bring your unique flair and sense of style to the décor in your home? How do we – and especially kids – create places in our home where we live and play that embody and honor our culture and heritage? That is what this week’s book is all about! “AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home,” by Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason!

Jeanine and Bryan founded AphroChic over 15 years ago to celebrate creativity and design from across the African Diaspora, starting as creators and Editors-in-Chief of AphroChic magazine, and now with their own AphroChic Podcast, product line, and design studio. They celebrate the Black family home and design in projects with HGTV, House Beautiful, and in their previous book, “REMIX: Decorating with Culture, Objects and Soul.”

In her wide-ranging interview and conversation, Ishara asks Jeanine and Bryan about their inspiration to start AphroChic, how design helps bring our culture and ancestors to life in our homes, and advice for kids who want to start their own interior design projects right now. Ishara especially loved sharing her own ideas with Jeanine and Bryan and getting feedback on how to redesign her room. And so much more!

Plus, stay tuned for an exciting update where Ishara catches up with Jeanine and Bryan to celebrate the release of this podcast episode, and the amazing news that Ishara will be featured in an upcoming issue of AphroChic magazine! Many thanks to Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan for being amazing mentors to Ishara, who is so honored to be part of the AphroChic family!

Learn more about AphroChic and the wonderful work of Jeanine and Bryan at the links below!

Website: https://www.aphrochic.com/
Book: https://www.aphrochic.com/aphrochic-book/
Podcast: https://www.aphrochic.com/podcast/

Also check out the video of Ishara’s interview with Jeanine and Bryan at the 2023 National Book Festival:

https://youtu.be/WRgIAkWxKgQ

Don’t miss our upcoming podcast episodes, featuring a celebration of Indigenous Peoples and First Nations with a special guest interview, and Ishara’s National Book Festival interview with beloved children’s book author Erica S. Perl!

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week we continue our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries: Charlotte puts her plan to save Wilbur into action, only after narrowly escaping from Avery Arable! Find out how Charlotte survived being captured by Avery as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 10 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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Hi Ishara’s Reading Podcast fans! I’m sorry there is no new podcast episode this week, I’m a little sick 🤢. But next week Thursday (September 28th), I’ll be back to read aloud chapter 10 of Charlotte’s Web!

Exciting news: I will be featured in Ms. Jeanine Hays and Mr. Bryan Mason magazine Aphrochic (https://www.aphrochic.com/)😍 A few weeks ago during the National Book Festival, I interviewed Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan! How cool is that!!! 😎 Check out that interview right here my podcast or watch it on my YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJVZwhibLoRgNimBLMrcdTunSIJ4ea2l&si=pPm645kWr7XjyJRc), Thursday October 5th to learn more about Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan and Aphrochic🥰

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week we continue our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries: Charlotte may be one of the smallest creatures on Zuckerman's farm but she is very smart and has the biggest heart. She is willing to defend and protect her friends, no matter who they are! Find out more about Charlotte's personality as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 9 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Support the show

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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Just a few weeks ago Ishara had the opportunity to attend her second National Book Festival sponsored by the Library of Congress annually in Washington D.C. And this time it was an even bigger deal - Ishara received her very first press pass! She had an amazing experience interviewing several of her favorite authors! First to be interview by Ishara was Meg Medina - the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature!

Meg is a beautifully proud Cuban American author, who has written books for kids of all ages and she is the eighth writer to receive the honor of National Ambassador! Meg has written a library of acclaimed books, some of which are Ishara’s favorites, “Mango, Abuela, and Me,” illustrated by Angela Dominguez; and “Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away,” illustrated by Sonia Sánchez and “Tía Isa Wants a Car,” illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. Learn more about Meg’s platform - “Cuéntame! - Let’s talk books" and her dedication literacy education for children during her interview with Ishara.

For more information about Cuéntame! and Meg’s national tour stops for public events at a local library and private program at an area school near you check out https://guides.loc.gov/meg-medina/cuentame.

To watch the recording of Ishara’s National Book Festival Interview with Meg Medina check out her Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/H2sii6yeHGc

Stay tuned for Ishara's other 2023 National Book Festival interviews with Erica S. Perl and AphroChic: Jeanine Hayes and Brian Mason!

*And Ishara will continue her reading of “Charlotte’s Web” next Wednesday (September 13th)!

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: We learn that Fern may just have one of the best super powers ever! Find out about Fern's unique ability as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 8 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: Wilbur learns about a plot to end his life on the Zuckerman Family Farm from an unlikely source! He is understandably distressed? Will any of his friends try to save him? Find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 7 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: There is  some much going on at the Zuckerman's Family Farm! The birds are singing, bees are buzzing, flowers are blooming and the new baby goslings are finally here, but can Templeton be trusted to not eat them? Find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 6 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she reads aloud her favorite passages and shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: Wilbur finally meets his new friend - Charolette! But does he like her ways of feeding herself? Find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 5 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she reads aloud her favorite passages and shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: Wilbur is lonely, sad, and friendless - or is he?  Find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 4 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she reads aloud her favorite passages and shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: Wilbur is now 2 months old and he's adjusting to his new home on the Zuckerman's farm. Wilbur makes new friends but should he take their advice, find out as Ishara reads aloud chapter 3 of Charlotte’s Web written by E. B. White and Illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she reads aloud her favorite passages and shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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Find out what happens to Wilbur, Fern's baby pig on this week's Chapter Book Summer Miniseries! Ishara reads aloud chapter 2 of Charlotte’s Web written by E. B. White and Illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she reads aloud her favorite passages and shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds! 

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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Calling all super readers! Join Ishara as she embarks on her Chapter Book Summer Miniseries with a timeless children’s favorite - Charlotte’s Web written by E. B. White and Illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she reads aloud her favorite passages and shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds! 

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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Join Ishara on an extraordinary summer adventure in this first-ever special podcast crossover event with the "Foggy Oak Fairy Tales" podcast by author Claire Krendl Gilbert! In this episode, Ishara reads Ms. Claire’s book “Ruth on the Roof”. Follow along with Ishara on the courageous journey of Ruth, a curious cat living in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains. Ruth learns to face her fears with the support of her family, and through her determination, little Ruth discovers an inner strength she never knew she had.

And for this episode, Ishara went on a journey of her own to the hallowed halls of the Brooklyn Public Library, where she recorded this special book reading. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic words and vivid illustrations as the story of Ruth comes to life.

But that's not all! Ishara went the extra mile to bring you an exclusive interview with Ms. Claire herself! They discuss the real-life inspirations behind "Ruth on the Roof" and gain insights into the themes that underpin this marvelous tale of newfound courage. Don't miss this unprecedented collaboration as Ishara and Ms. Claire celebrate the joy of sharing stories!

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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Summer’s here! To get ready for a season filled with outdoor adventures, Ishara reads aloud “Adventure Girl: Dabi Digs in Israel” by award-winning author and illustrator Janice Hechter! Ishara shares her interview with Ms. Janice, who talks about the power of archaeology to inspire young girls, how she selected the artifact that Dabi discovers on the dig, and how she went on her own real-life adventure to the archaeological site in the book and the discovery she made there! Enjoy as Ishara recounts the tale of fellow Adventure Girl Dabi, who defies expectations, follows her passions, and discovers an ancient artifact that connects her with children who lived thousands of years ago. And learn some Hebrew on the way! Come join Ishara on a summer of adventure! 

Thank you to Ms. Janice for joining Ishara’s Reading Podcast!

Support the showKeep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Ishara reads aloud Ramen for Everyone! Join us for Ishara’s special interview with author Patricia Tanumihardja and illustrator Shiho Pate. This book celebrates the joy of sharing a family tradition and has the ingredients kids of all ages love to help get them excited about reading and family. Ishara reads aloud this story about the joy of cooking, eating, spending time with each other, and returning the favor by preparing something for the ones we love. We learn how worrying about being perfect can get in the way of the more important goal of trying and being our best, and the power of cooking and sharing a heartfelt meal to bring our loved ones closer together. Thanks to Ms. Pat and Ms. Shiho for sharing stories of their families in their interview with Ishara! Cheers to reading a delicious book, and perhaps starting a tasty family tradition of your own!

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other!

And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 2 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

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Hello Ishara's Reading Podcast fans! Welcome to Season 2! Can you believe it? And to kick off this season, we have an extra special Megapod! I got to attend the world premiere and book launch celebration for "No World Too Big" by Lindsay Metcalf, Keila Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley at Politics and Prose Bookstore in Washington, DC. Their book is about kids from all over the world who are fighting global climate change. Hearing these kids' inspiring stories showed me that we're not just kids -- we're activists! We're here, there, and everywhere, and when we get together, we can do anything! We can roar! 

And most fun of all, I got to meet and interview Ms. Lindsay, Ms. Keila, and Ms. Jeanette at the book launch celebration. We discussed why they love sharing the stories of these young activists with other kids and the people who have inspired them the most. Thanks to all of them for this inspiring book and for granting me my first ever podcast interview!

Enjoy the premiere of Season 2 of Ishara's Reading Podcast!!!

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

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It’s that time of year with a certain Mariah Carey song in the air – that time when we sip hot cocoa, open presents, enjoy the warmth of family, and read classic Christmas stories! Join Ishara as she reads aloud one of her favorite holiday books which she got from her daddy, who got the book when he was a kid – The Polar Express, which he had autographed when he met the author, Chris Van Allsburg, thirty years ago! Snuggle up in a blanket and ride with Ishara on this magical journey to the North Pole and back again. 

Thanks to all of you who have supported Ishara during her podcast’s premiere season! Wishing all of Ishara’s podcast listeners a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and an Exciting Book-Reading New Year! We will see you in 2023 for Season Two of Ishara’s Reading Podcast!

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

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Ishara brings her first-ever podcast episode on the road as she records from downtown San Francisco! Inspired by the Pacific Ocean, Ishara discusses the importance of ocean conservation, sharing the history of nearby Monterey, and the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Awed by the beauty and diversity of marine life, Ishara reads aloud "Octopus Alone" by Divya Srinivasan. 

Swim along as Ishara joins an octopus through her journey seeking solitude and peace, only to discover the unexpected bonds of friendship that surrounded her all along!

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

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Ishara reads aloud a charming story about chameleons, “Chamelia and the New Kid in Class” written by Ethan Long. As we learn about Chamelia, Ishara explores the amazing abilities of chameleons to change colors and blend into the environment based on their emotions – and in this case, while trying too hard to hold on to the spotlight. Chamelia discovers how caring for and including others means sharing the spotlight with them, revealing to her the newfound joy of helping someone accomplish more than they thought they could and gaining a friend as a result.

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

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For this week’s episode, Ishara chose to read aloud Big Hero 6, written by Laura Hitchcock, illustrated by Victoria Ying and Mike Yamada, and designed by Alfred Giuliani. Ishara reflects on what she learned during her field trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian on Indigenous Peoples Day, and also explores the long history of Halloween and how it is celebrated in other parts of the world. For both of these October holidays, Ishara draws on their shared themes of gratitude and grace, and uses these as a lens to read and understand Big Hero 6. Ishara encourages kids of all ages to recognize the hero within themselves and to honor the memories of loved ones who have passed on by remembering the sacrifices they made. Happy Halloween to all the listeners of Ishara’s Reading Podcast! 

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

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For the first time on her podcast, Ishara welcomes guest readers Matthew and Emma Howard, two of Ishara’s best friends! On this episode, Ishara celebrates the gift of friendship as she reads “Ribbit!” written by Rodrigo Folgueira and illustrated by Poly Bernatene! This amazing book encourages kids of all ages to embrace each other’s differences, and to celebrate new and old friendships. 

Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/

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Ishara has a blast reading "Mixed: A Colorful Story”, written and illustrated by Arree Chung! While reflecting on her own colorful ancestry, Ishara encourages everyone to investigate what makes them unique.   

Ishara explores two different theories on the nature of color and how we perceive it. Did you know there's more than one set of primary colors? Listen in and learn more! Join Ishara as she reads this remarkable story about three beautiful groups of primary colors, their struggle, and the power of love! 

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Ishara reports on her adventures at the National Book Festival organized by the Library of Congress in Washington DC! At the festival, she met author and journalist Julia Lyon, who wrote the book "A Dinosaur Named Ruth: How Ruth Mason Discovered Fossils in Her Own Backyard." In her book, Ms. Julia shares the amazing true story of a young girl who never stopped asking questions and followed a trail of clues to reveal an undiscovered world right under her own feet!

Join Ishara as she reads aloud this inspiring story about a fellow girl scientist whose curiosity and determination forever changed the way we view our earth's past! 

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Ishara has a blast reading three of her favorite rhymes from Mother Goose  - One Hundred Best-Loved Verses by Mary Engelbreit, introduced by Leonard S. Marcus.

Join Ishara as she reads aloud Little Miss Muffet (page 18), The Three Little Kittens (page 84), and Hey Diddle Diddle (page 94).  

Which Mother Goose rhymes are your favorites? Be sure to let Ishara know on her Instagram page :)