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BookWorthy

BookWorthy

Written by: Valerie Fentress
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About this listen

Looking for books your kids will love — and you can trust?


The BookWorthy Podcast is your weekly guide to help Christian parents cut through the noise and find books that actually matter. Each week, award-winning children's author Valerie Fentress chats with authors about stories that help kids process big feelings, grow in faith, and see God’s goodness in everyday life.


Think of it as your trusted book buddy for raising readers who love Jesus.


Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog

© 2026 BookWorthy
Art Christianity Literature & Fiction Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Teaching Kids to Pray Big Prayers with Kirthana Fanning
    May 6 2026

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    Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog

    In this episode of Book Worthy, author Kirthana J. Fanning discusses her book 'The Girl with Her Noble Steed' and her passion for empowering young readers through Christian faith-based storytelling. She shares how her love for underdog stories and fairy tales inspired her to create a story about a young girl named Ophie who relies on her faith and courage to overcome challenges. Fanning also talks about the importance of including Christian elements and the Word of God in children's stories. She discusses her journey from television production to becoming a children's author and shares her favorite books and upcoming projects.

    A Girl and Her Noble Steed (affiliate link)

    Takeaways

    Author Kirthana J. Fanning is passionate about empowering young readers through Christian faith-based storytelling.

    Her book 'The Girl with Her Noble Steed' is a heartwarming Christian fairy tale about a young girl named Ophie who relies on her faith and courage to overcome challenges.

    Fanning believes in including Christian elements and the Word of God in children's stories to teach kids about faith, prayer, and the power of God's word.

    She shares her journey from television production to becoming a children's author and how the pandemic played a role in shifting her career path.

    Fanning's favorite books include 'The Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia', and she has upcoming projects, including a Christmas-themed book and more books in the 'Girl and her Noble steed' series.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: Empowering Young Readers Through Christian Storytelling

    02:52 The Girl with Her Noble Steed: A Heartwarming Christian Fairy Tale

    06:21 Including Christian Elements and the Word of God in Children's Stories

    08:38 From Television Production to Children's Author: Kirthana J. Fanning's Journey

    15:24 Favorite Books: 'The Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia'

    16:46 Upcoming Projects: A Christmas Book and More in the 'Golden Noblesteed' Series

    Christian Children Books and Stories | Kirthana.J.Fanning (kirthanajfanning.com)

    Listener Survey invitation

    Let's discover great books together!

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    YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube
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    20 mins
  • A Gift, a Book, a Blessing with Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer
    Apr 29 2026

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    Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.

    Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog

    Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer discuss their latest book, 'This Special Blessing for You,' which is based on the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:23-27. They share their inspiration for writing children's books that teach biblical context and the importance of asking the right questions. The couple also talks about their upcoming book, 'Good Night Noah Good Night Ark,' and where to find more information about their work.

    Takeaways

    Teaching children biblical context and the meaning behind verses can help make their faith more real and impactful.

    Children's books can be a powerful tool for teaching and exploring faith.

    As parents, it is important to shape our children's lives and help them understand their identity as children of God.

    The art of storytelling, whether through music, art, or words, can bring the Bible to life and make it more relatable for children.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    02:36 About Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer

    06:12 Inspiration behind 'This Special Blessing for You'

    09:49 The Aaronic Blessing

    12:42 Transition to Children's Book Authors

    17:09 The Art of Storytelling

    19:32 Impactful Books

    24:26 Upcoming Book: 'Good Night Noah Good Night Ark'

    26:33 Where to Find Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer

    27:30 Conclusion

    Eric & Meredith Schrotenboer (ericandmeredithschrotenboer.com)

    Amazon.com: This Special Blessing for You: 9780310154761: Schrotenboer, Eric, Schrotenboer, Meredith, Hughes, Denise: Books

    Listener Survey invitation

    Let's discover great books together!

    Follow for more:
    FB: @bookworthypodcast
    Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast
    YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube
    tiktok: @valeriefentress

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • A Beautiful Earth Day Compilation of Poems with Nancy Tupper Ling
    Apr 22 2026

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    Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.

    Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog

    In this Play it Again episode, Nancy Tupper-Ling discusses, Bless the Earth, which is a collection of poems for children to celebrate and care for the world, co-edited with bestselling anthologist June Cotner. The book features a variety of poetry styles and beautiful illustrations. Ling explains that poetry comes in and out of fashion, but it is making a comeback, especially with the inclusion of fun and joyful poems. The book aims to inspire children and families to appreciate and care for the Earth. Ling also shares her connection to nature and how it inspires her writing. She mentions that the book includes resources for poetry exercises and encourages readers to explore different types of poetry.

    Bless the Earth Book (affiliate link)

    Takeaways

    Bless the Earth is a poetry compilation for children that celebrates and encourages care for the world.

    Poetry is making a comeback and is a powerful way to communicate big truths and emotions in a small moment.

    Nature can be a source of inspiration and connection to God.

    The book includes a variety of poetry styles and resources for poetry exercises.

    Children's books, including poetry, can help children understand and navigate complex emotions and situations.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Bless the Earth

    02:29 The Collection of Poems

    03:40 The Power and Variety of Poetry

    06:01 Finding Inspiration in Nature

    08:09 Exploring Different Poetry Styles

    Nancy Tupper Ling – Children’s Author and Poet

    June Cotner

    Bless the Earth: A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World: Cotner, June, Ling, Nancy Tupper, Song, Keum Jin: 9780593577660: Amazon.com: Books

    Listener Survey invitation

    Let's discover great books together!

    Follow for more:
    FB: @bookworthypodcast
    Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast
    YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube
    tiktok: @valeriefentress

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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