Children's Author Phoebe Fox
Monsoon Coyote was written by Sally Harper Bates and Ramsey Fornara and illustrated by Alec Kozak. “Come inside and meet Blanco, the Great White Buffalo, Renalda the Rainbird, and Monsoon, the brave little coyote. Run with them through the clouds as they bring rain to the deserts of the southwest and the animal friends who live there.”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Sally Harper Bates.
My Best Friend Granny was written and illustrated by Ricardo Yancey Jr. “The love between a Grandma and her grandson is something special. In this story we see all the adventures and activities between a sweet boy and his granny. The bond they form and the connection they have is one that will live on forever.”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author-illustrator, Ricardo Yancey Jr.
In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, join Children’s Author Phoebe Fox for A Time to Wean, written by Marlene Susan and illustrated by Hayley Lowe. “A Time to Wean is a picture book for babies and toddlers who are weaning from nursing. Follow favorite animals as they too, grow, discover new things, and nurse less, all with the comfort and reassurance that love and hugs from mama never change.” This gentle book has soft, endearing illustrations that will stand the test of time and bring joy to readers and listeners, even after weaning has taken place.
Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Marlene Susan.
Join Phoebe Fox as she reads her book Starry’s New Friend with the help of her puppets, Starry and Luna! “Starry the Sheep is perfectly content in her pen next to the apple tree. Then Luna arrives. Luna is new. Luna is boisterous. The school children are delighted. Starry is not.” Written by Phoebe Fox and illustrated in gorgeous watercolors by Nikki Brzescinski, the third book in the Starry the Sheep series reminds us that when it comes to friendship, someone new might not fit the exact mold we have in mind, but that someone may be exactly what we need.
Join Children’s Author Phoebe Fox as she interviews a very special guest…Karen Robbins! Karen Robbins is the author of the books Care for Our World, Shoe Print Art: Step into Drawing, and new release, I Love You More than Candy Pops! Karen has been an elementary school teacher, “Miss Karen” on television’s Romper Room Show, and a university instructor. She holds a master of education degree from the University of Puget Sound. In this video, Karen will teach you how to create various creatures using a method she has been teaching for 30 years – drawing from a shoe print shape! “Give free reign to your inner creativity as you learn simple techniques for using a shoe print shape as the base for everything from a balloon to a bat. With 55 step-by-step projects arranged by difficulty, you’ll be able to take each venture in stride before you let loose on an uncharted path. Turn your creations into greeting cards, note cards, or even foam refrigerator magnets. From ladybugs and bumblebees to gum ball machines and helicopters, this book is sure to unleash your inner artist.”
Join Phoebe Fox for an endearing story about the loss of a pet and the adoption of a new one. Bea and Honey, The Secret was written by Claudia Teetsel and illustrated by Judith Grosse. The adorable cover painting is by Jason Teetsel. “A family loves a black and white dog named Bea for many years, but when Bea dies their hearts are broken. Then, the family adopts a new dog named Honey. Honey has a secret…”
Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Claudia Teetsel.
Join Phoebe Fox as she reads to you from the Sonoran Desert! A fun and interesting rhyming book, Look Who Lives in the Desert! was written and illustrated by Brooke Bessesen and published by Arizona Highways Books. From rattlesnakes and scorpions to kangaroo rats and cougars, the wide variety of desert animals will surprise and delight you with an amazing array of features. And if you check out a copy from the library, you can learn even more fascinating facts from the sidebars on each page!
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author-illustrator, Brooke Bessesen.
In this episode of Storytime Saturdays, Phoebe Fox reads to you from the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona! This darling rhyming book about desert tortoises was written by Conrad Storad and illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen. “It’s life in the slow lane, the slow for me! The tortoise’s way is the best way to be!” Shelly the Tortoise loves spending time with her Grandpa, and he loves to reminisce about life in the desert during the good old days. Life in the slow lane sure seems idyllic, but what can be done about the homes and freeways moving in and taking up all that desert space? Shelly and Grandpa have a lot to teach us. You will learn all about tortoises in this charming tale, and when you get your own copy of this book, you can explore the fascinating facts at the end!
Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Conrad Storad.
Meet Rhonda, an insecure but sweet rhino, who wishes her feet were dainty and graceful, not big and flat. But when danger comes to the rainforest and Rhonda’s friends are in danger, she discovers that her feet are the best tools to help her save the day! Rhonda’s Amazing Feet was written and illustrated by Rita Goldner.
The Verde River is Arizona’s longest free-flowing river and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. “On the Verde River” was illustrated by Jim Fox and published by The Friends of the Verde River. “Spend the day along the Verde River, where rabbits hop, owls swoop, and stars shimmer in the night sky. Lyrical text and soft watercolors highlight the vast array of animals and plants that can be found in the Verde Valley, home to one of the most crucial free-flowing river systems in Arizona.”
Join children’s author and librarian Phoebe Fox (and a real-life peacock) as she reads her book Julian Blooms at Whitfill Nursery in Phoenix, Arizona. “Last to hatch, little Julian is behind in everything. His mother assures him that he is wonderful just the way he is, but he longs to catch up to his peacock brothers. In this uplifting story about a late bloomer, Julian learns that he, too, has what it takes to bloom!”
Found: One Dinosaur was written and illustrated by Michael Hale. “A girl finds a dinosaur on her way home from school and realizes that she can not keep it and must find a home for it. She struggles with finding the perfect home for a T-Rex. A rhyming, humorous tale about a pet that you know you should not keep.”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author and illustrator, Michael Hale.
Lilly the Lovable Ladybug, by Debbie Chamberlain, is an interactive story about kindness and the importance of self-love.
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Debbie Chamberlain.
Spend the day along the Verde River, where rabbits hop, owls swoop, and the stars shimmer in the night sky. Lyrical text and stunning watercolors highlight the vast array of animals and plants that can be found in the Verde Valley, home to one of Arizona’s last free-flowing river systems. Written by Phoebe Fox and illustrated by Jim Fox, this book was published by the Friends of the Verde River and received the honor of being selected for the 2024 Great Reads from Great Places list with the Library of Congress!
“The Boy Who Burped” was written by Beth Lewis and illustrated by Daniel Wtodarski. “Brother learns that his love of chocolate and lack of movement has caused his constant belching. Brother’s burping plague is matched only by Sister’s continued hiccups, Momma’s sneezes, and Daddy’s toots. Will this family be able to make the needed changes to feel better?”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Beth Lewis.
Join Phoebe Fox for “Gnome for Christmas,” written by Karlie Burnham and illustrated by Shelley Linford. “Omer the gnome and his friends at Jingle’s Toy Store love it when children come to visit, especially at Christmastime. But why is there a different feeling this time of year? What really is this holiday we celebrate? Could it be more than getting a bunch of toys? Join Omer as he goes on a journey to find out for himself and meets a family who can answer his questions.”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Karlie Burnham.
Phoebe Fox interviews with the author of the Mortimer and Me chapter book series – Kathie McMahon! “A boy and a moose . . . What could possibly go wrong?” In her first book, Kathie McMahon writes about eight-year-old Jimmy, who is the new kid in school and has already been labeled as a troublemaker. “After his first attempt to make a friend has disastrous results, the only one who seems to care about him is Mortimer – a big ole clumsy moose who wanders into town causing problems of his own. Jimmy and Mortimer face one setback after another, including a run-in with a couple of bullies and an escape by the class pet. The soccer game between the teachers and the third graders might be the opportunity Jimmy is searching for. Can he and Mortimer finally prove to everyone that they belong?” There are seven books in her series, with illustrations by Tom Tate, and in this interview, Kathie McMahon reads an excerpt from her new release, Mortimer and Me: Undercover Moose. She also tells us about an exciting, upcoming new series!
The Ruffington Dog Show was written by Hayley Rose and illustrated by Gabby Correia. “Four contestants compete for ‘top dog’ at the Ruffington Dog Show, but when one performer falls out of line, will anyone break rank to save her? In this humorous, rhyming fairytale, all dogs learn the value of friendship, kindness and the importance of helping others.”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Hayley Rose.
Busy Bee Learns to Be is a book about mindfulness by Debbie Chamberlain. Follow Busy Bee through her very scheduled day as she grows exhausted from all the activity and begins to feel overwhelmed. “Flying to the field, it was time to play. Without her ‘busy buzzy’ she was not okay.” With the help of her soccer coach, Busy Bee learns to take a break and a slow, mindful breath whenever she needs one. The back of this book has multiple suggestions for mindfulness activities. “Research shows that participating in mindfulness practice can increase focus, improve communication, help control emotions, maintain energy levels, promote active listening, encourage responsible decision making, and helps prioritize what’s important. Practice daily if you can!” Learn more at Mindfulness Matters.
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Debbie Chamberlain.
Join Children’s Author Phoebe Fox for an interview with the Author of Grandma’s Chicken Stories – Emy Porter! This book was “inspired by the bedtime tales told by Carolyn Helscher Sladek to her grandchildren. Growing up in rural Iowa, one of her chores as a child was to collect eggs and care for the chickens on the family farm. She has worked as a teacher and educator for over 20 years. Carolyn and her husband, Frank, have raised four children to adulthood. They live happily in Iowa with their dog, Eddison.” This darling book helps children learn the acronym for the colors of the rainbow: ROY-G-BIV. It also teaches about how caterpillars become butterflies and chickens hatch from eggs!
“Harry Can Hear” was written by Fynisa Engler, illustrated by Milanka Reardon, and published by Lawley Publishing. “Everyone assumes Harry can’t listen like he’s supposed to, so it’s no surprise that he doesn’t respond during the hearing test at school. However, the test reveals it’s not that Harry isn’t listening, it’s that he has trouble hearing. Harry has missed out on so much, but there is hope. Once Harry is fitted with hearing aids, he discovers the joy of all he had been missing out on.
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Fynisa Engler.
Join Children’s Author and Librarian Phoebe Fox for “This is the Sun” written by Elizabeth Everett, illustrated by Evelline Andrya, and published by @sciencenaturally. “From the tiniest animal to the tallest tree, everything on Earth is connected through the circle of life. At the center of it all is a different kind of circle—the Sun! With rhythmic repetition and vibrant collage art, young children are introduced to the bright Sun that provides energy for all life on Earth. Follow along as a young tree uses the light from the Sun to make its own food, then passes its energy along the food chain.” This is Storytime Saturday episode #122.
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the publisher, Science Naturally.
Join Phoebe Fox for a reading of her book, Babies Bond. A companion book to the award-winning picture book, Babies Nurse/Así se alimentan los bebés, also by Phoebe Fox, Babies Bond highlights the magical relationship between mammal mothers and their offspring. Graceful watercolor illustrations by Jim Fox accompany tender haiku poems, followed by four pages of informative animal fun facts. This picture book is a wonderful science learning tool and a gentle introduction to haiku poetry.
Join Children’s Author and Librarian Phoebe Fox for a reading of the book Samsoon and Farewells. This tender book by Korean Author and Illusatrator Soon Ju Kim is a perfect read for anyone who has lost someone close to them. “Samsoon and Farewells is a celebration of all souls overcoming obstacles. You are loved, valuable, and precious!”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author/illustrator Soon Ju Kim.