The Children's Literature Podcast

Current Episode: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux is bittersweet, gruesome, enchanting, and thought-provoking. This book won the Newberry Medal in 2004 and draws heavily on ancient and medieval sources, but has a modern emphasis on forgiveness and second chances. Check out the show notes for three lesson plans that go with this story.

Previous Episodes:

1 – Aesop’s Fables
2 – Cinderella Part 1 – Early Tales
3 – Cinderella Part 2 – Perrault and the Brothers Grimm
4 – Little Women Part 1
5 – Little Women Part 2
6 – Hatchet
7 – The Sneetches
8 – Little Red Riding Hood
9 – Much Ado About Nothing
10 – The Rainbow Fish
11 – Peter Pan
12 – The Nutcracker
13 – Animal Farm
14 – Charlotte’s Web
15 – Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Ricki the Racer

Rune Dances

Coloring Pages for Rune Dances

TQ Townsend has always loved reading stories to children, and talking about them with her friends. A native of Los Angeles, she holds degrees in History and English Literature.

The Children’s Literature Podcast is a grown-up discussion of children’s books, aimed not at kids but at grown-up book lovers, teachers, parents, and maybe even a few savvy teenagers. This podcast looks into the background and cultural context of a story, helping educators and parents to deliver deeper understanding to the kids they teach. With each episode you’ll find lessons, activities, and fun that can bring a story to life whether it’s being read at home or taught in the classroom.

If you have a comment about an episode or a suggestion for a book to be discussed, please send a message to [email protected]. Please indicate if you are willing to have your letter shared on the podcast.