Audiobooks in Car5

Our daily commute together to school is about 30 minutes, giving us an hour together in the car every day. And our commute has always included stories.

We recently went down the rabbit hole of trying to remember as many of the audiobooks we have read together as we could. With some help from twitter and goodreads, we remembered over 100 books we shared, and we keep remembering more!

Thinking of each of these books stirs strong feelings.
I know my love for many of them is greater because we read them together.

Many, many thanks to the Hennepin County Library system and their collection of fabulous audiobooks that has always supplied our commute with great stories!

5 Questions with Susan Fletcher author of Journey of the Pale Bear

"Once, she struck fear into the hearts of hardened soldiers, swam for leagues in the sea without stopping, withstood a hail of arrows, waged battle against pirates, rescued a boy who had come to love her, and was flaunted and prized by kings. Once long ago... when she and I were young."

Journey of the Pale Bear was inspired by a real gift, a Polar Bear, given from the King of Norway to the King of England in 1251.

Publisher's Book Description: 
The polar bear is a royal bear, a gift from the King of Norway to the King of England. The first time Arthur encounters the bear, he is shoved in her cage as payback for stealing food. Restless and deadly, the bear terrifies him. Yet, strangely, she doesn’t harm him—though she has attacked anyone else who comes near. That makes Arthur valuable to the doctor in charge of getting the bear safely to London. So Arthur, who has run away from home, finds himself taking care of a polar bear on a ship to England. 

Tasked with feeding and cleaning up after the bear, Arthur’s fears slowly lessen as he begins to feel a connection to this bear, who like him, has been cut off from her family. But the journey holds many dangers, and Arthur knows his own freedom—perhaps even his life—depends on keeping the bear from harm. When pirates attack and the ship founders, Arthur must make a choice—does he do everything he can to save himself, or does he help the bear to find freedom?

The tender connection that grows between Arthur and the bear will certainly be echoed in readers' hearts.  Journey of the Pale Bear is a perfect choice for animal lovers and fans of survival-adventure stories alike.

Author Susan Fletcher stopped by to answer my 5 questions: 

Pub Date: October 2, 2018

Welcome, Susan, thank you so much for visiting LibLaura5!

Thank you so much for inviting me! What an honor and a treat!

1. The fact that a “pale bear” was given as a gift to the King of England from the King of Norway in the mid 1200s is fascinating on its own--at what point did you know that this idea should be a story for young readers?

Right away, as soon as I read about that bear in Daniel Hahn’s book, The Tower Menagerie! I mean…a polar bear swimming in the Thames River in medieval times? Irresistible! But, as often happens, I didn’t really know how to frame the story. Where to begin? What would the main conflict be? How could I put a kid at the heart of the story? I mulled this over for a year or two…until one day, in a book store, I stumbled upon José Saramago’s The Elephant’s Journey. Instantly I realized that the bear’s journey from Norway to England would make for a thumping good tale, and I was on my way.

2. Polar bears…

...are, for humans, some of the most dangerous animals on Earth—and also some of the most spectacular and beloved. (It’s a paradox!)

3. What surprised you while working on Journey of the Pale Bear?   

I had started out thinking that the bear would be a male, and that Arthur and the bear, once they got comfortable with each other, would have a two-guy adventure dynamic, sort of a road trip bromance. But the more I thought about how dangerous young male polar bears are, the more uncomfortable I became with that idea. It seemed less and less plausible that Arthur would have emerged unscathed. Reluctantly, I changed the bear to a female, a mother who had probably been separated from her cubs. What surprised me after that was discovering that I had already put in some of the chemistry to make the mother-cub dynamic work. From the get-go, I had Arthur humming to calm the bear. To my astonishment, I found out, through later research, that polar bear cubs make a sort of humming sound to their mothers! Also, from the very start, I had had the bear reach a paw to the edge of the cage to press against Arthur’s boot. I found out later that polar bears reach out their back paws to touch their cubs as they sleep! Kind of spooky how that happened…but it made me feel that having the bear be a female was the best choice all along.

4. I hope readers of Journey of the Pale Bear…

...will be caught up in the adventure, unable to put the book down, and that the world will feel somehow broader—bigger and more full of ideas than they had imagined—by the time they read the last page.

5. Sharing the books we love is a way we share about ourselves and connect with each other. What is one book that has been important in your life?

When I was in fourth grade, my teacher read Beverley Cleary’s Ellen Tebbits to our class. Now, fourth grade was the year for long division and, though I did my homework, I just couldn’t seem to get it. I felt there must be something wrong with me. My teacher obviously disapproved, and I got terrible grades on my math papers. But listening to her read Ellen Tebbits…helped, somehow. Because Ellen messed up in that book. She did some stuff she really shouldn’t have done. But nobody gave up on her, and she made it through. And I could tell that my teacher really liked Ellen, in spite of everything. It sort of put my math troubles in perspective, and it made me feel that maybe everything would all come out okay. So, sometimes people ask me why I put my characters in so much trouble…and that’s kind of it. Because we all have troubles, of one kind or another, and it is affirming to see someone—even a character in a book—struggle through and come out okay in the end. 

Thank you, Susan!

Visit Susan Fletcher's Webpage: www.susanfletcher.com

Find Journey of the Pale Bear on...

About Susan Fletcher:

SUSAN FLETCHER is the acclaimed author of the Dragon Chronicles as well as the award-winning Alphabet of Dreams, Shadow Spinner, Walk Across the Sea, and Falcon in the Glass. Ms. Fletcher lives in Bryan, Texas. To read about the fascinating story behind the inspiration for Journey of the Pale Bear, visit her website, SusanFletcher.com

Episode 29 - Book Recommendation Bonanza - PCS Reads

It's an end of summer book recommendation bonanza featuring authors, illustrators and cartoonists along with PCS Readers recommending great books to cap off your summer and start a new school year with some fabulous reads.

Visit pcsreads.blogspot.com/2018/08/ep29.html to listen and for more details about the episode. 

Subscribe to PCS Reads through Apple Podcasts.

Episode 28 - Henry Lien - PCS Reads

Author Henry Lien visits PCS Reads and shares about writing Peasprout Chen: Future Legend of Skate and Sword.

Visit pcsreads.blogspot.com/2018/08/ep28.html to listen and for more details about the episode. 

Subscribe to PCS Reads through Apple Podcasts.

Episode 27 - Alexis Fajardo - PCS Reads

Cartoonist Alexis Fajardo visits PCS Reads and shares about making the Kid Beowulf series.

Visit pcsreads.blogspot.com/2018/07/ep27.html to listen and for more details about the episode. 

Subscribe to PCS Reads through Apple Podcasts.

Episode 26 - Caren Stelson - PCS Reads

Author Caren Stelson visits PCS Reads and shares about writing Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story.

Visit pcsreads.blogspot.com/2018/07/ep26.html to listen and for more details about the episode. 

Subscribe to PCS Reads through Apple Podcasts.

Episode 25 Heather Bouwman - PCS Reads

Author Heather Bouwman (H.M. Bouwman) visits PCS Reads and shares about her novel Crack in the Sea.

Visit pcsreads.blogspot.com/2018/06/ep25.html to listen and for more details about the episode, 

or subscribe to PCS Reads through Apple Podcasts.

Episode 24 Melanie Heuiser Hill - PCS Reads

Author Melanie Heuiser Hill visits PCS Reads and shares about writing her novel Giant Pumpkin Suite. 

Visit pcsreads.blogspot.com/2018/06/ep24.html to listen and for more details about the episode, 
or subscribe to PCS Reads through Apple Podcasts.

Season 3 of PCS Reads

Summer is almost here--I'm getting excited about my TBR pile for summer reading and Season 3 of PCS Reads! Head over to PCSReads.blogspot.com for a sneak peek of what's in store.

5 Questions with Mira Bartók author of The Wonderling

"Be brave! And don't forget: Never lose hope!"

Number 13 is a one-eared fox groundling--part animal, part human--who has been living a life of serving and suffering at Miss Carbunkle's Home for Misbegotten Creatures for longer than he can remember. Despite having only one ear, he can hear beyond walls and begins to understand creatures others cannot. A new friend, a flightless bird groundling named Trinket, gives him a proper name--Arthur. Together they escape and embark on an epic adventure in the world beyond Miss Carbunkle's.

Bartók's richly imagined fantasy is a delight to read aloud, and her soft, sepia colored illustrations throughout add a classic feel to Arthur's captivating story filled with music, mystery, magic and wonder.

Today author Mira Bartók stopped by to answer my 5 questions. 
Be sure to keep scrolling after the interview to enter a giveaway for a copy of The Wonderling!

Welcome, Mira Bartók, thank you so much for visiting LibLaura5!

1. Where did the rich and unique world of The Wonderling get its start?

Like most everything I do, it began with a drawing. I drew a quick sketch of a one-eared creature about two and a half years ago. And at the time I was also re-reading a lot of Dickens. So those two things sort of merged in my brain I suppose.

2. Music... is the highest art form of all. It crosses all boundaries, all cultures, all ages.

3. What surprised you while writing/creating The Wonderling?

How much easier it was to write a novel than to illustrate one! Not that it was EASY, but illustrating it was a lot more difficult, that’s for sure!

4. I hope readers of The Wonderling... will not be able to put it down!

5. Sharing the books we love is a way we share about ourselves and connect with each other. What is one book that has been important in your life?

One book that has been so important in my life has been Shaun Tan’s wordless graphic novel, The Arrival. I think it is one of the most profoundly beautiful books of our time. Without words, Shaun has managed to create a story about immigration that is intensely moving, harrowing, but ultimately uplifting. It’s a work of pure genius, and I keep it on my nightstand because I can’t bear to have it far away.

Thank you, Mira Bartók!

Visit Mira Bartók's Webpage: mirabartok.com

Read an excerpt of The Wonderling:

(Click here to open the reader in new window)

Find The Wonderling on...

About Mira Bartók:

Mira Bartók is an artist and writer, and the creator of The Wonderling: Songcatcher, the first book in an illustrated middle-grade fantasy series. As luck would have it, The Wonderling will also be a movie, directed by award-winning British director, Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Billy Elliot, The Reader,etc.), and produced by Working Title Films and Fox2000. (You can read more about the crazy book to movie deal HERE and HERE). She is also the author of The Memory Palace, a New York Times bestselling memoir and winner of theNational Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography. She has written numerous books on ancient and indigenous cultures for children (The Ancient and Living Stencil Series), and her writing for adults has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, noted in The Best American Essays series and has appeared in many literary journals, magazines and anthologies. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her musician/producer husband Doug Plavin and their little bat-eared dog Sadie.  

5 with Jennifer Maschari author of Things That Surprise You

Things That Surprise You begins the summer before middle school for Emily Murphy. Things with Emily's best friend Hazel have been changing ever since Hazel joined the field hockey team, things with her family have been evolving after her parents' divorce, and things with her sister have been the most difficult of all. Emily's sister Mina has been living at a treatment facility to deal with her anorexia.

Things That Surprise You perfectly captures the feelings of a sibling just outside the epicenter of a family emergency who is trying not to add to the damage by quietly internalizing emotional aftershocks. This tenderly crafted and poetically written story filled with truth and hope will leave Emily Murphy firmly nestled in your heart.

Today author Jennifer Maschiari stopped by to answer my 5 questions. 

Be sure to keep scrolling after the interview to enter 2 fabulous giveaways!

Published: August 22, 2017

Welcome, Jennifer, thank you for visiting LibLaura5!

Thank you so much, Laura! I’m so happy to be here.

1. When did you know that you wanted to tell this story and to tell it from Emily’s perspective?

As I was finishing up edits on my first book, THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF CHARLIE PRICE, I knew I wanted to write my next book about a girl who was having difficulty with changes in her life. I also wanted to write a sister story. Originally, though, I set the book at a camp and called it BEST SUMMER EVER. The idea and story underwent a lot of revision and rethinking and many, many drafts. But Emily’s character and voice were there from the very beginning.

2. Eating disorders... are important for kids to know about. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 20 million women and 10 million men in the United States will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetimes.. It is likely that kids will know someone in their real lives impacted by an eating disorder.

3. Emily’s teacher Ms. Arnold is a wonderfully memorable supporting character. Were there real people or experiences that played a part in shaping her in the story?

Oh, I’m so glad that you love Ms. Arnold! I can remember a few really influential, wonderful teachers from my childhood who encouraged me and really made that extra effort to get to know me and what was going on in my life. I wanted Emily to have a special teacher like this - who sees that she is struggling and who meets that with kindness and support. In addition to being an author, I’m a teacher, too! I teach 7th and 8th grade science now, but for a time, I was a fifth grade language arts teacher. I loved reading along with my students and suggesting books, just like Ms. Arnold. She’s far more stylish than I am though!

4. I hope readers of Things That Surprise You... see themselves in the story! Middle school can be SUCH a hard time for kids. I hope I’ve captured the awkwardness and the rough patches but also some of the bright spots, too (like making friends who really get you and being true to who you are).

5. Sharing the books we love is a way we share about ourselves and connect with each other. What is one book you read and loved lately?

One book - that’s tough! I have been reading a lot of fantastic books lately. I really enjoyed  Dee Romito’s NO PLACE LIKE HOME. It’s about a girl named Kenzie who is always on the road with her dad. For six weeks, she gets the chance to settle down into real middle school life. It was such a fun read, full of heart.

And if I could sneak in a second book, I also read ORPHAN ISLAND by Laurel Snyder (I loved her 5 questions on your blog!) and was mesmerized by it: the kids on the island, the island itself, the survival aspect. Some of the very best discussions I ever had with my students were about the end of THE GIVER. I think this book is going to invite that same rich conversation. There are so many questions to chew on.

Thank you, Jennifer!




Giveaway #1: Enter to win a copy of Things That Surprise You using the form below

~AND~

Giveaway #2: Click here to enter to win the Grand Prize Crafty Unicorn Kit!

Visit Jennifer Maschari's Webpage: jenmaschari.com

Things That Surprise You Discussion Guide

Find Things That Surprise You on...

About Jennifer MaschariJennifer Maschari is a classroom teacher and the author of THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF CHARLIE PRICE and THINGS THAT SURPRISE YOU. She is hard at work on her next middle grade novel with Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins. Jennifer lives in Ohio with her husband and stinky (yet noble) English bulldogs, Oliver and Hank.

Episode 23 Drew Brockington - PCS Reads

Author-Illustrator Drew Brockington visits PCS Reads and shares about creating his Catstronauts graphic novel series. 

Visit pcsreads.blogspot.com/2017/08/ep23.html to listen and for more details about the episode, or subscribe to PCS Reads through iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

5 with Kathy Strahs author of The Lemonade Stand Cookbook

"Give life a squeeze"

There is truly something special about the idea of a lemonade stand. It is an idea that has ignited excitement and action in kids for decades. The Lemonade Stand Cookbook is a the perfect guidebook including information on finances, advertising, following the law, safety, and of course lots of delicious recipes and creative crafts.

As author Kathy Strahs explains at the start of The Lemonade Stand Cookbook, there may be specific laws in your area to follow about Lemonade Stands. Regardless this collection of simple and enticing recipes with easy to follow instructions for drinks, treats, snacks and crafts stands out as one to share with young makers and bakers.

This cookbook includes pictures, anecdotes and testimonials from a diverse group of girls and boys ages 5-11. Even details like using a range of skin tones in the illustrated images for instruction steps are not overlooked. Young readers are sure to see themselves and find inspiration in The Lemonade Stand Cookbook.

Today author Kathy Strahs stopped by to answer my 5 questions. 

Welcome, Kathy, thank you so much for visiting LibLaura5!

1. You have written multiple cookbooks for adults, what drew you to create one for young readers?

My own children, who are 7 and 9, inspired me to write this book. I observed how much fun (and learning) they were experiencing at their lemonade stands with friends from our cul-de-sac.  It was more than just kids selling lemonade. They were collaborating, strategizing, preparing drinks and food, shouting to attract customers. Most importantly, they were having a blast. As a cookbook author, a parent, and an entrepreneur I wanted to help kids everywhere have experiences like this.

2. Lemonade Stands... allow kids to get creative, raise money, and learn important life lessons – all while having a ton of fun.

3. What surprised you during the writing and creating of The Lemonade Stand Cookbook?

I was surprised by just how many lemons it takes to write a cookbook about lemonade stands!

4. I hope readers of The Lemonade Stand Cookbook… are inspired to set up their own lemonade stand and experience the satisfaction of becoming a creative entrepreneur. I hope that it helps pave the way for them to confidently pursue their goals – whatever they may be – in the future.

5. Sharing the books we love is a way we share about ourselves and connect with each other. What is one book that has been important in your life?

One of my favorite books is actually a cooking reference book, called The Flavor Bible. It’s a big, thick book that lists a whole bunch of different ingredients along with the flavors that pair well with them, according to well-known chefs and others with great palates. For example, under “chocolate” it recommends bananas, cinnamon, and mint as excellent complementary flavors. As someone who loves to cook, it’s been an incredible resource when I’m creating new dishes.

Thank you, Kathy!

Visit The Lemonade Stand Cookbook Website: www.lemonadestandcookbook.com/

Find The Lemonade Stand Cookbook on...

Author Kathy Strahs:

KATHY STRAHS is the author and publisher of The Lemonade Stand Cookbook. She founded Burnt Cheese Press in 2015. A former marketer with a Stanford MBA, Kathy entered the food world first as a blogger (Panini Happy, Cooking On the Side and Sunny Days Good Food) and later as a cookbook author (The 8x8 Cookbook and The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook). The 8x8 Cookbook earned the Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book - Nonfiction at the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Benjamin Franklin Awards in 2016.​Kathy has been named one of the top Mom Food Bloggers by Babble.com several times. She is also a frequent cooking contest judge, including the Grilled Cheese Invitational in Los Angeles and the World Food Championships in Las Vegas.​Kathy is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP), Les Dames d’Escoffier, San Francisco Professional Food Society, IBPA, and Northern California Independent Booksellers Association (NCIBA). Kathy, her husband Michael, and their two children live in the Silicon Valley.