Foster and the People – Episode 2: Children’s Book Spotlight

On today’s podcast, Olivia and Audrey talk about some books that were formative to their childhoods, and talk about some newer releases for grown-ups that contain echoes to these nostalgic faves. Here’s what other staff members had to add!

Lona says: “I must have been 12 or 13 and remember reading Little Women and Little Men by Louisa May Alcott. Then I read Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. They were my introduction to historical fiction, which I still read today.”

Cathy says:Baby Island by Carol Ryrie Brink, illustrated by Helen Sewell. OMG, I must have read and reread this book a hundred times, no word of a lie. It’s about 2 young sisters who are shipwrecked with 4 babies and their ability to step up to the responsibility and keep everyone alive and happy. It’s a story of courage and nurturing and adventure… I hesitate to say that I still have it. For 8-12 year olds, but in this day and age, I’d say 8-10.”

What about you? Share your faves below and we’ll give them a shoutout in the next episode!

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller*
    • Open Wide, Tooth School Inside by Laurie Keller
    • Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller†
    • The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter*
    • Corduroy by Don Freeman*†
    • Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown*†
    • In the Great Green Room by Amy Gary
    • The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward*†
    • Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel*†
    • Frog and Toad are Doing Their Best by Jennie Egerdie*
    • Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park*†
    • The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett*†
    • The Thirteen Clocks by James Thurber*
    • Hatchet by Gary Paulsen*†
    • The Haymeadow by Gary Paulsen*
    • Good Masters, Sweet Ladies by Laura Amy Schlitz*†
    • A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket*†
    • The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch*†
    • A Whole Nother Story by Gerry Swallow†
    • Inkheart by Cornelia Funke*†

    *available at Tyler Free Library

    †available at Foster Public Library

    Not on Spotify? You can still listen directly on our website below!

    Edited by Audrey Dubois. Music: Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: Dreaming by Robert Schumann.