Send us a Text Message.This special episode celebrates Passover and Earth Day! Ishara believes caring for the earth and each other is everything!Ishara discovered “The Passover Guest," while shopping at the Politics and Prose bookstore. This amazing book is written by Susan Kusel and Illustrated by Sean Rubin. She fell in love with  “The Passover Guest," immediately and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to read it to you. Ishara loves that this amazing book takes the reader on a journey of hope, kindness, love and tradition, with a splash of magic.The main character, Muriel is a young girl who lives in the Washington D.C. area in the 1930s. She sees the world full of wonder and possibilities in spite of the looming existence of the great depression, find-out what happens when she meets a stranger by the Lincoln Memorial on the precipice of Passover. Thank you for supporting my podcast and you can watch the episode on my YouTube channel as I read aloud.” Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.I am so excited to welcome all of you to Season 3 of Ishara's Reading Podcast! For our Season 3 Premiere, we are celebrating Women's History Month with a special podcast guest – award-winning children’s book author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich! She is a writer for PBS Parents, an NAACP Image Award nominee, and an editor for We Need Diverse Books. Some of her acclaimed books include Mae Makes a Way, Operation Sisterhood, It Doesn’t Take a Genius, 8th Grade Superzero, and Saving Earth: The Climate Crisis. Learn more about Ms. Olugbemisola on her website: https://www.olugbemisolabooks.com/ , https://aalbc.com/authors/article.php?id=2293, and https://www.pbs.org/parents/authors/olugbemisola-rhuday-perkovich After interviewing Ms. Olugbemisola, I had a blast reading aloud her book, which is one of my favorites: Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat. This book takes us on a culinary journey around the world as Makeda and her classmates share their favorite cultural treats and they come to appreciate each other’s differences, realize how important it is to be true to oneself when sharing with others.And with the start of spring, I wanted to record the first episode of Season 3 at the Duke University Gardens, which is a very special place for my Mama and Daddy. Join me here on my podcast and my YouTube channel to watch this episode at Ishara’s Reading Podcast  or https://www.youtube.com/@isharasclub/podcasts as we begin our third season of reading adventures!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.It's the Christmas season! The time of year to reflect and spread good cheer! Ishara visited the Urbana Public Library in search of the perfect Christmas book to read, and she made a happy discovery: Adam McKeown's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," lovingly retold for children and beautifully illustrated by Gerald Kelley. So gather around the fireplace, cuddle up on the couch, and listen close as Ishara reads this timeless classic and inspires us to think about the many ways you can bring joy and kindness to others and the world. Merry Christmas from Ishara's Reading Podcast!You can watch Ishara read  "A Christmas Carol" on her YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/60DXu0CWAtE Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week we share my final author interview at this year's National Book Festival, hosted by the Library of Congress! I had so much fun meeting award-winning author Ms. Erica Perl, whose books have been New York Times Best Sellers! Ms. Erica has done so many different and amazing things, including writing, teaching, advocating for access to more books, acting, becoming a lawyer, and most delicious of all, driving an ice cream truck (yum!) One of my favorite parts of this interview was learning what it was like for Ms. Erica to write a book with *THE* Dolly Parton! How cool is that?!?! After our interview, I walked over to The Story District where I joined an audience of fellow kid super-readers to listen as Ms. Erica read her book, "The Three Little Guinea Pigs," beautifully illustrated by Ms. Amy Young. It was so hilarious, I decided to read it for this week's podcast! These little guinea pigs are funny, surprising, delightfully clever, and totally entertaining. Let's read it together!Thanks to Ms. Erica for such a wonderful interview and story reading! Please support Ms. Erica and learn more about her work by checking out her website and social media!https://www.ericaperl.com/Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest: @ericaperlYou can also watch this interview with Ms. Erica and my read-aloud  of "The Three Little Guinea Pigs" on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/tR9RW17PPI0 Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.With the deepening beauty of fall colors and chilly evenings, the podcast celebrates this week's Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos as Ishara reads aloud Coco, adapted by Adrian Molina, illustrated by Fabiola Garza, and designed by Tony Fejeran! Maybe you saw the movie - now join Ishara as she dives through the pages of this heartwarming adventure with our young hero Miguel, who must traverse the veil between life and death itself to uncover a generations-old secret that will restore a forgotten legacy of his family. On this amazing reading journey, Ishara experiences through Miguel's eyes how Día de los Muertos honors our beloved family members who have passed from this life into the next, and how the bonds of love and family have the power to transcend death itself. Ishara closes by reflecting on why she chose the story of Coco and how the themes of this celebration recently touched her life and family in a deep and powerful way.Feliz Día de los Muertos, Super-Readers!P.S. And cale coles!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week we get back to our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries:  Charlotte's spun master piece: "Some Pig" right above Wilbur's pen is discovered by Lurvy, Mr. Zuckerman and Mrs. Edith Zuckerman. Now everyone wants to take a look at Wilbur, the extraordinary pig on Mr. Zuckerman's farm. Find out if they think Charlotte has out smarted them as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 11 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams!  Fans of Ishara’s Reading Podcast aka Super Readers! We are at the exact halfway point of  “Charlotte’s Web” so this a wonderful place to stop and reflect. Let’s start by figuring out which character do you like the most? What would you change if you wrote Charlotte’s Web? And how would it affect your favorite character?   If you were Charlotte, what would you have written in your web about Wilbur? And why did Charolette like Wilbur so much?Tune in next year 2024, for season 3, Ishara will continue her Summer/Fall chapter book miniseries reading of “Charlotte’s Web.” In addition, Ishara will add a new surprise chapter book to the summer series!  And remember to check out the Christmas holiday episodes, Ishara will be reading aloud some of her favorites this December 2023. Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to this very special episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast! In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, Ishara was honored to interview acclaimed poet, writer, and musician Ms. Joy Harjo of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation who is the first ever Native American US Poet Laureate! And for this week’s book, Ishara reads aloud Ms. Joy’s moving poem, “Remember” which is now a children’s book, beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling artist Michaela Goade of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes.In her interview with Ishara, Ms. Joy shares her wisdom and reflections on the symbolism of the circle in storytelling, deepening family bonds across generations, and helping to build a community of indigenous artists and writers to share their works with wider audiences. Ms. Joy discusses her soulful connection to of her oldest poem, “Remember” and celebrates her collaboration with Michaela in making it a children’s book that honors both the Mvskoke and Tlingit peoples. Ms. Joy also shares from her gifts as a musician and teaches Ishara a Mvskoke song of welcoming!So gather around, super readers and listeners, as Ishara celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day and reads aloud Joy Harjo’s timeless poem “Remember”. Join Ishara in celebrating the power of storytelling to bring people together as she shares her reflections on an unforgettable journey through stories, song, and poetry with the incredible Joy Harjo!Also check out the video of Ishara’s interview with Joy Harjo: https://youtu.be/Iru7kvji7BcLearn more about Joy Harjo & Michaela Goade’s work at the links below: Joy Harjo Website: https://www.joyharjo.com/ Book: https://www.joyharjo.com/booksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyHarjoMasterclass: https://youtu.be/cPgbx_dsngUMusic: https://www.joyharjo.com/musicMichaela GoadeWebsite: https://www.michaelagoade.com/ Book: https://www.michaelagoade.com/booksArt: https://www.michaelagoade.com/purchase-artAnd don’t miss the upcoming podcast episode of Ishara’s National Book Festival interview with beloved children’s book author Erica S. Perl!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.On this week’s podcast, we continue Ishara’s exclusive interview series with authors from the 2023 National Book Festival in Washington D.C., sponsored by the Library of Congress! Calling all aspiring interior designers out there! Looking to bring your unique flair and sense of style to the décor in your home? How do we – and especially kids – create places in our home where we live and play that embody and honor our culture and heritage? That is what this week’s book is all about! “AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home,” by Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason!Jeanine and Bryan founded AphroChic over 15 years ago to celebrate creativity and design from across the African Diaspora, starting as creators and Editors-in-Chief of AphroChic magazine, and now with their own AphroChic Podcast, product line, and design studio. They celebrate the Black family home and design in projects with HGTV, House Beautiful, and in their previous book, “REMIX: Decorating with Culture, Objects and Soul.” In her wide-ranging interview and conversation, Ishara asks Jeanine and Bryan about their inspiration to start AphroChic, how design helps bring our culture and ancestors to life in our homes, and advice for kids who want to start their own interior design projects right now. Ishara especially loved sharing her own ideas with Jeanine and Bryan and getting feedback on how to redesign her room. And so much more! Plus, stay tuned for an exciting update where Ishara catches up with Jeanine and Bryan to celebrate the release of this podcast episode, and the amazing news that Ishara will be featured in an upcoming issue of AphroChic magazine! Many thanks to Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan for being amazing mentors to Ishara, who is so honored to be part of the AphroChic family!Learn more about AphroChic and the wonderful work of Jeanine and Bryan at the links below!Website: https://www.aphrochic.com/Book: https://www.aphrochic.com/aphrochic-book/Podcast: https://www.aphrochic.com/podcast/Also check out the video of Ishara’s interview with Jeanine and Bryan at the 2023 National Book Festival:https://youtu.be/WRgIAkWxKgQDon’t miss our upcoming podcast episodes, featuring a celebration of Indigenous Peoples and First Nations with a special guest interview, and Ishara’s National Book Festival interview with beloved children’s book author Erica S. Perl!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week we continue our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries:  Charlotte puts her plan to save Wilbur into action, only after narrowly escaping from Avery Arable! Find out how Charlotte survived being captured by Avery as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 10 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.Hi Ishara’s Reading Podcast fans! I’m sorry there is no new podcast episode this week, I’m a little sick 🤢. But next week Thursday (September 28th), I’ll be back to read aloud chapter 10 of Charlotte’s Web! Exciting news: I will be featured in Ms. Jeanine Hays and Mr. Bryan Mason magazine Aphrochic  (https://www.aphrochic.com/)😍 A few weeks ago during the National Book Festival, I interviewed Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan!  How cool is that!!! 😎 Check out that interview right here my podcast or watch it on my YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJVZwhibLoRgNimBLMrcdTunSIJ4ea2l&si=pPm645kWr7XjyJRc), Thursday October 5th to learn more about Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan and Aphrochic🥰Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week we continue our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries:  Charlotte may be one of the smallest creatures on Zuckerman's farm but she is very smart and has the biggest heart. She is willing to defend and protect her friends, no matter who they are! Find out more about Charlotte's personality as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 9 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.Just a few weeks ago Ishara had the opportunity to attend her second National Book Festival sponsored by the Library of Congress annually in Washington D.C. And this time, it was an even bigger deal - Ishara received her very first press pass! She had an amazing experience interviewing several of her favorite authors! First to be interview by Ishara was Meg Medina - the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature! Meg is a beautifully proud Cuban American author, who has written books for kids of all ages and she is the eighth writer to receive the honor of National Ambassador! Meg has written a library of acclaimed books, some of which are Ishara’s favorites, “Mango, Abuela, and Me,” illustrated by Angela Dominguez; and “Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away,” illustrated by Sonia Sánchez and “Tía Isa Wants a Car,” illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. Learn more about Meg’s platform - “Cuéntame! - Let’s talk books" and her dedication literacy education for children during her interview with Ishara. For more information about Cuéntame! and Meg’s national tour stops for public events at a local library and private program at an area school near you check out https://guides.loc.gov/meg-medina/cuentameTo watch the recording of Ishara’s National Book Festival Interview with Meg Medina check out her Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/H2sii6yeHGc  Stay tuned for Ishara's other 2023 National Book Festival interviews with Erica S. Perl and AphroChic: Jeanine Hayes and Brian Mason!*And Ishara will continue her reading of “Charlotte’s Web” next Wednesday (September 13th)!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: We learn that Fern may just have one of the best super powers ever! Find out about Fern's unique ability as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 8 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: Wilbur learns about a plot to end his life on the Zuckerman Family Farm from an unlikely source! He is understandably distressed? Will any of Wilbur’s friends try to save him? Find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 7 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: There is  so much going on at the Zuckerman Family Farm! The birds are singing, bees are buzzing, flowers are blooming, and the new baby goslings are finally here, but can Templeton be trusted not to eat them? Find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 6 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: Wilbur finally meets his new friend - Charolette! But does he like her ways of feeding herself? Find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 5 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: Wilbur is lonely, sad, and friendless - or is he?  Find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 4 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: Wilbur is now 2 months old and he's adjusting to his new home on Zuckerman's Family Farm. Wilbur manages to makes new friends but should he take their advice, find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 3 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.Find out what happens to Wilbur, Fern's baby pig on this week's Chapter Book Summer Miniseries! Ishara reads aloud Chapter 2 of “Charlotte’s Web”written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds!Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.

Send us a Text Message.Calling all super readers! Join Ishara as she embarks on her Chapter Book Summer Miniseries with a timeless children’s favorite - “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she reads aloud a new chapter each time  and shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds! Support the Show.Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/isharas_reading_podcast/ Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber. All proceeds will be used to buy building materials to create roadside libraries to encourage kids of all age to read. In addition, your donations will support my travels as I hit the road during season 3 to interview the authors and editors of the books I will be reading on the podcast.