20 Children's Book Podcast
Remember the magic of children's books? The way they transported us to fantastical worlds, introduced us to unforgettable characters, and sparked our imaginations? Even as adults, there's something truly special about revisiting those stories, whether it's sharing them with a new generation or simply indulging in a bit of nostalgia. But exploring the world of children's literature doesn't have to stop with just reading the books themselves. There's a whole other exciting avenue to discover these stories and the brilliant minds behind them: podcasts! Beyond the many captivating storytelling podcasts that bring these tales to life, there's a growing number of podcasts dedicated to the authors themselves, offering fascinating insights into their creative processes and inspirations. So, if you're looking for a new way to delve into the world of children's books, look no further! Today, I'm sharing a round-up of some of the best children's book podcasts out there, perfect for anyone who loves a good story, insightful interviews, or simply a dose of childhood wonder.
Children's Book Podcast
Before we dive into the list, let's talk a little bit about what makes a truly good children's book podcast. Whether you're looking for engaging narrators, insightful author interviews, or in-depth discussions about themes and illustrations, knowing what you want in a podcast can greatly enhance your listening experience. I'll be highlighting some key elements to consider, such as sound quality, host enthusiasm, and the overall focus of the show. This will help you set your expectations and find the perfect podcasts to add to your playlist, whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, or simply a lover of children's literature. Click here for a list of children's award winning books.
What Makes A Good Children's Book Podcast
Several factors contribute to a truly engaging and worthwhile listening experience. Here's a breakdown of key elements:
Content and Focus: What's the podcast's main purpose? Some focus on dramatic readings or storytelling, bringing the books to life through voice acting and sound effects. Others offer author interviews, providing insights into the creative process and inspirations behind the stories. Still others delve into literary analysis, exploring themes, illustrations, and the impact of children's literature. A clear focus helps listeners find what they're looking for. Does the podcast focus on specific age groups, genres, or formats (picture books, chapter books, etc.)? A well-defined niche can be a real plus.
Host(s) and Presentation: The host's enthusiasm and personality can make or break a podcast. Are they engaging storytellers? Do they ask insightful questions during interviews? Are they knowledgeable about children's literature? A warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable host creates a connection with the listener. Clear articulation and a pleasant speaking voice are also important.
Production Quality: Good sound quality is essential. Listeners shouldn't have to strain to hear the host or struggle with background noise. Sound effects and music, when used appropriately, can enhance the listening experience, especially in storytelling podcasts. A well-edited podcast flows smoothly and keeps the listener engaged.
Guest Quality (if applicable): For interview-based podcasts, the quality of the guests is crucial. Are they interesting and articulate? Do they offer valuable insights? The host's ability to ask thoughtful questions and draw out the best from their guests is key.
Target Audience: Who is the podcast for? Parents? Teachers? Children themselves? Knowing the target audience helps determine the tone, content, and complexity of the discussions. A podcast aimed at children will likely have a different style than one geared towards adults.
Length and Format: Podcast length can vary significantly. Some are short and sweet, perfect for a quick commute, while others are longer and more in-depth. The format can also vary. Some podcasts feature a single host, while others have multiple hosts or guests. Consider what format and length you prefer.
Consistency and Frequency: A good podcast releases new episodes regularly. Consistency keeps listeners engaged and coming back for more. A predictable schedule helps build anticipation.
Overall Vibe and Tone: Is the podcast lighthearted and fun? Serious and academic? Warm and cozy? The overall vibe and tone should be consistent with the content and target audience.
By considering these factors, listeners can better evaluate different children's book podcasts and find the ones that best suit their interests and needs.
What Are The Best Podcasts On Books For Children
I want to note that I do not get paid to do these posts, I just love authors and the book industry. However, they do take time and energy to create. If you want to donate a few dollars to my coffee fund, which keeps this blog going, you can do so here: https://venmo.com/AshleyHasty or here: http://paypal.me/hastybooklist.
The Yarn
Hosted by Travis Jonker, this podcast focuses on picture books, exploring their art, design, and storytelling. Expect insightful discussions about illustrations, text, and the overall craft of picture book creation. It's geared towards educators, librarians, and anyone with a deep appreciation for the picture book format.
Read-Aloud Revival
Hosted by Sarah Mackenzie, this podcast champions the importance of reading aloud to children. Expect episodes with author interviews, book recommendations, and discussions about fostering a love of reading in kids. It's a valuable resource for parents and educators.
Click here for more book recommendation podcasts.
Little Stories for Tiny People
This podcast offers original, gentle stories designed specifically for young children. Expect calming narratives, soothing voices, and imaginative tales perfect for bedtime or quiet moments.
The Children's Book Podcast
The Children's Book Podcast explores the power of stories to help us feel seen, understood, and valued, delving into the big ideas that shape our lives. Hosted by a teacher and school librarian, each episode features insightful and sincere interviews with authors, illustrators, and others involved in the journey of a book, from creation to publication. The podcast connects kids and listeners of all ages with powerful, impactful, and lasting stories, and the people who bring them to life.
Book Club for Kids
Designed to ignite a lifelong love of reading, Book Club for Kids is a free, 20-minute podcast featuring middle graders discussing a popular middle-grade novel. Host Kitty Felde guides the conversation, which includes an interview with the author and a celebrity reading an excerpt from the book.
Storynory - Audio Stories For Kids
Little Stories for Tiny People offers beautifully written and narrated original audio stories for children. Founded in 2005, it's a pioneer in the world of kids' story podcasts.
Circle Round
WBUR's Circle Round, created by parents of young children, adapts carefully selected folktales from around the world into engaging radio plays for kids ages 3-10. Each 15-25 minute episode explores themes like kindness, persistence, and generosity, and concludes with an activity to encourage deeper conversations between children and adults.
Stories Podcast
The Stories Podcast brings you a brand-new, family-friendly story every week. From reimagined fairy tales like Snow White and classic tales like Peter Rabbit to original stories, our G-rated episodes offer something for all ages. Perfect for car rides, quiet time, or screen-free entertainment, the Stories Podcast provides imaginative fun that both kids and parents will enjoy.
The Story Seeds Podcast
Their Webby Award-nominated show connects children aged 6-12 with diverse, beloved children's authors, pairing kids' story ideas with established writers. 1 Each episode documents the collaborative process and features the author reading the resulting story aloud. Bonus episodes include author interviews with host Betsy Bird. Recognized by Common Sense Media for its engaging stories, valuable content, and diverse representation, the show has received an A+ for educational value and has been featured in numerous publications, including Wired, Time for Kids, Parents, The New York Times, and CBC. It was also The Week Junior magazine's 2020 Podcast of the Year. 2 The show's music is composed and performed by Grammy-nominated musician Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT. A companion activity book, "Imagination Lab: Experiments in Creativity," is a New York Times/Wirecutter "Best Gift for 10 Year Olds" pick. 3 The podcast is a Literary Safari Production.
The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast
"Not every book is for every child, but for every child there is a book." The Children's Book Review, a resource dedicated to children's literature and literacy, presents the Growing Readers Podcast. This podcast features interviews with authors, illustrators, and more, highlighting exceptional books for children of all ages. It's a valuable resource for parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and librarians looking to nurture a love of reading in young people.
Story Pirates
The award-winning Story Pirates Podcast transforms kids' imaginative stories into hilarious sketch comedy and catchy songs. Featuring a talented ensemble of comedians, songwriters, and frequent celebrity guests, the Story Pirates inspire creativity and bring laughter to audiences of all ages. Each episode showcases hilarious sketches, original songs spanning various genres, and interviews with the true stars of the show: the kids who wrote the stories!
Buttons & Figs
Buttons & Figs is a podcast for kids about playing with words.
Puffin Podcast: Mission Imagination
The Puffin Podcast: Mission Imagination, hosted by Babatunde Aléshé and two young Puffineers, returns with a new series. Each episode features a different Puffin author, including Tamzin Merchant, Lee Newbury, and Sharna Jackson, and transports young listeners to a unique magical world. The podcast celebrates the power of imagination through immersive journeys to fantastical locations.
A Kids Book About: The Podcast
This podcast tackles important topics for kids, including racism, body image, and belonging. Expanding on the themes explored in the groundbreaking "A Kids Book About" series, each episode aims to spark meaningful conversations. Created by people with lived experience, the podcast offers honest, relevant, and essential discussions for today's kids. It's time to start the conversation.
Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids
The podcast invokes the Muses to recount some of the greatest stories ever told: tales of gods and goddesses, monsters, and heroes. It offers a kid-friendly retelling of classic ancient Greek myths, perfect for the whole family.
The Children's Book Author Podcast
Elena Paige, The Children's Book Author, hosts a podcast exploring all aspects of writing, publishing, and marketing children's books. She interviews a variety of guests, delving into topics like boosting creativity, maximizing productivity, and everything else aspiring children's book authors need to know to succeed. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of a career in children's literature.
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
The Reading With Your Kids Podcast encourages families to connect through shared activities like reading, exercising, cooking, and creating. The podcast introduces listeners to some of the most talented authors across all genres of children's literature.
Hey YA
Hey YA celebrates the vibrant world of young adult literature, covering everything from exciting new releases and beloved classics to news and the latest on-screen adaptations.
Fun Kids Book Worms
Join Bex from Fun Kids radio as she interviews leading children's authors about their books and shares excerpts through readings. She also offers monthly recommendations of her and her friends' favorite children's books.
Girl Tales
Girl Tales presents reimagined fairy tales where girls take charge of their own destinies. Forget damsels in distress; these stories offer exciting new adventures with strong female leads. Energetic voice acting and professional sound design bring these tales to life. New episodes are released every Monday and are recommended for children aged 5-10.
So there you have it – a diverse collection of children's book podcasts to spark imaginations, ignite a love of reading, and offer valuable insights into the world of children's literature. Whether you're a parent seeking engaging stories for your kids, an educator looking for resources to enhance your curriculum, or simply a fan of children's books yourself, there's a podcast out there for you. From author interviews and literary discussions to dramatic readings and original stories, these podcasts offer a wealth of entertainment and educational value. So grab your headphones, gather your little listeners (or just yourself!), and dive into the wonderful world of children's book podcasts. Happy listening!
