Worlds Awaiting - Season 1

Literacy expert, Nell Duke, discusses ways we can help our children engage with literature, and children’s book author, Matthew J. Kirby talks about his process in writing stand-alone books as opposed to a series.

Educator-author Mary Bigler talks about building character in children with a little help from books. Children’s Literature expert, Terrell Young, talks about sharing the joy of poetry with kids.

Join us this week as we celebrate the season through the eyes of Children's Literacy.

Award-winning author Kate Di Camillo offers great suggestions for books to give kids this holiday season. Illustrator-author Julie Olson talks about her favorite activity – visiting with her young readers.

Music Educator, Jennifer Purdy, talks about the importance of music in the lives of our children. And literacy expert, Jennifer Wimmer, discusses how technology can help us better engage with the world.

Reading Specialist, Donalyn Miller shares ways to help our children become lifelong readers. And BYU Humanities Professor, Kerry Soper, discusses how Comics can help us better understand the world.

Popular illustrator-author Bob Shea, talks about his journey to his present profession. And Professor Lynnette Christensen, shares how supporting positive behaviors will help curb misbehavior in children.

Young Adult author, Tim Wynne-Jones talks about his creative process and how he enjoys the anticipation of what direction a story will take. And, Sportscaster Spencer Linton, shares how his love of sports got a boost from the books he read growing up.

Young Adult author, Robison Wells, talks about his struggle with mental illness and how speaking out about it in his books, articles and social media has helped him to heal. High School teacher, Angela Nederhand emphasizes the importance of teaching leadership skills to teens.

Literary expert, Jon Ostenson, talks about the popularity of dystopian books for young adults. And, Dr. Tina Dyches, talking about the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award which recognizes high quality children’s books that portray characters with developmental disabilities.

Poet, Gina Clark, discusses the importance of reading poetry out loud to our children in the growing years. And, BYU Radio Host, Julie Rose, talks about the power of sharing our stories with those closest to us and how to get started with the process.

Graphic novelist, Gene Luen Yang, discusses how literature widens our world. And, illustrator and author, Molly Idle talks about her joy in illustrating and creating picture books.

BYU Chemistry professor, Rebecca Samson, talks about how to encourage girls who have an interest in science, to stay with it. And, drama specialist, Teresa Love, discusses live theatre and how it offers great storytelling for children.

Young Adult author, Patrice Kindl talks about how her writing is influenced by what she loves. And, Gene Nelson, director of the Provo City Library, reviews the picture book, “The Night Gardener” by the Fan brothers.

Brad Wilcox talks about how literacy can open doors for children to worlds of learning and opportunity. Young Adult author, Jennifer Nielsen, talks about her joy in being an author and helping her readers boost their desire to read.

Family specialist, Julie Nelson talks about building your own culture of literacy and Math Educator, Eula Monroe shares how to take the fear out of math with literature.

Many women in history have wielded considerable power. Bethanne Anderson, illustrator, talks about this theme in her books. And, Physical Activity Prof., David Barney, discusses exercise and its positive affect on learning and how it can decrease stress.

Music Educator, Jennifer Purdy, offers tips on how to help your child learn about and appreciate music. And, Melissa Heath and Katie Smith of the BYU Psychology Department, address the subject of Bibliotherapy.

Children’s literature expert, Terrell Young, talks about the amazing world of Non-Fiction. And Doctors Martin Fujiki and Bonnie Brinton of the BYU Department of Communication Disorders offer advice for helping children with language impairment.

Lynnette Christensen talks about the important role that aunts and uncles play in developing literacy in children. And, first grade teacher, Ed Spicer, suggests ways we can help our children become critical readers.

Folklorist Jill Rudy, talks about how traditions shape our daily experiences. And, poet Janet Wong shares how she discovered the joy of poetry later in her career.

Librarian, Amanda Hovious introduces us to the world of Transmedia Storytelling and thoughts from families, teenagers, college students, and others on the new phenomenon, Pokemon Go.

Kathryn Pole talks about the letter-writing project she did with her Kindergarten class and the improvements she saw in the children. And, Provo Library Director, Gene Nelson, reviews the teen book, “Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys.

Enjoy this Worlds Awaiting Web Exclusive sit down with Mary Bigler.

Children’s book author and illustrator, Leslie Helakoski, shares how her parents’ and grandmother’s encouragement allowed her to pursue art. And, library administrator and author, Tim Wadham talks about how guys can read to kids, too.

Children’s book author and poet, Marilyn Singer, talks about the variety of styles she writes in. And, art educators, Scott and Cally Flox, share how they have made the arts an integral part of their home.

Julie Rose, host of BYU Radio’s “Top of Mind,” talks about the importance of gathering and sharing family stories. And, Mark H. Pulham, puppeteer and storyteller, talks about the joy of puppetry.

Jon Ostenson, adolescent literature expert, talks about what makes a book great, especially with our youth. And, art educator, Lynda Palma discusses the importance of art in a child’s life.

Gene Luen Yang, graphic novelist, talks about this medium and his creative process. And, Melissa Heath and Katie Smith address bullying and how we can build resilience and teach coping skills to our children.

Mary Bigler talks about how to help children find enjoyment in reading. And, Whitney Troxel and Aylea Stephens give contrasting reviews on “Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Levine.