Ishara's Reading Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Season 4 premiere of Ishara's Reading Podcast !  In this exciting episode, Ishara brings the whimsical world of children's literature to life as she reads, "I Took the Moon for a Walk" written by Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay. Perfect for little listeners, this beautifully illustrated tale takes us on a magical journey as the moon and a young chi...

Send us Fan Mail For the final episode of season 3, Ishara has picked the perfect holiday tale full of friendship, adventure, and tons of festive fun! In this special episode, Ishara is super excited to chat with the talented Erica S. Perl about her delightful book, How Carrot and Cookie Saved Christmas 🥕🍪 Join Ishara as Erica shares the behind-the-scenes magic of how a delightful little Carrot...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartwarming episode, Ishara dives into the beautiful world of Fred Rogers with a reading of You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood . Written by Aimee Reid and illustrated by Matt Phelan, this book captures the gentle spirit and profound kindness that made Mister Rogers a beloved figure for generations. Join Ishara as she explores the life and i...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why the sky seems so distant, or how a simple folktale can teach us profound lessons about our relationship with nature? Join me, Ishara, as we explore the captivating Nigerian folktale "Why is the Sky So Far Away?" beautifully retold by Mary Joan Garson and brought to life through Carla Golumbi's vibrant illustrations. This episode takes you on an une...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for Ishara's interview with Aida Salazar, author of the thrilling story "Jovita Wore Pants"! Their conversation takes us on a journey through both heartbreak and joy, interweaving reflections on the legacy of our ancestors and Aida's family history of sacrifice, fighting for civil rights alongside Cesar Chavez, empathy for children growing up in war zon...

Send us Fan Mail As Ishara reflected on her understanding of Memorial Day, she  choose to read "Jovita Wore Pants -The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter," Written by Jovita's great-niece and Américas Award-winner Aida Salazar and Illustrate by  Eisner Award-honoree Molly Mendoza.  Jovita Valdovinos true story incredible! Ishara felt Jovita reminded her of one of her favorite preten...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 b...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 law...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Migu...

Send us Fan Mail 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 read...

Send us Fan Mail 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 b...

Send us Fan Mail 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 li...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Festiva...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 s...

Send us Fan Mail 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! Tun...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sh...

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 shar...

Send us Fan Mail 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 o...