Exploring Pages With Sister Bookstagrammers

The Lil' Leaders Podcast

Episode 12 Repost:

Welcome to this week's repost of an unforgettable literary journey with Paige and Laly, the dynamic duo behind @paigesandlalypops! With summer break underway, these girls know all the best books for kids aged 5 and up! Get ready to laugh, learn, and leap into the pages of amazing tales as Paige and Laly bring their infectious energy and passion for reading straight to your ears. From early readers to tweens, no book is off-limits for these sister bookstagrammers. But it's not just about the books; it's about the journey. Paige and Laly will guide you with humor and heart, showing you how to swap screens for the magic of reading. These sisters have all the secrets. Enjoy this special feature interview with @paigeandlalypops.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. The Library Girl

Author: Karen Henry Clark Illustrator: Sheryl Murray

Nancy Pearl loved books and spent so much time in her school library that her grade school classmates teased her, calling her “library girl.” When she discovers her neighborhood public library is open on Saturday, she begins the adventure of her lifetime. There, an inspiring librarian recognizes her abilities, recommends books that ignite her vivid imagination, and provides experiences to bolster her burgeoning self-confidence. As she loses herself in the books she finds herself in their pages and comes to recognize her strengths. Her self-discovery brings a realization at a young age that she wants to become a librarian so she can help children discover their dreams. This young girl, Nancy Pearl, grows up to become “America’s Most Celebrated Librarian,” devoting her life to talking about books up and down library aisles, on radio and television, at conferences and colleges around the world. Ultimately, she authors books about books, believing that reading allows people to find dreams of their own . . . with the turn of every page.

b. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read

Author: Rita Lorraine Hubbard Illustrator: Oge Mora

Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author. In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

c. The Library Book

Author: Tom Chapin, Michael Mark Illustrator: Chuck Groenink

What’s the best way to cure a gloomy day? A trip to the library! Based on the hit song by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark, here is an affectionate, exuberant, uproarious celebration of books, reading, and—SHHH!—libraries! The rain is pouring, Dad is snoring, and the same old stuff is on TV—boring.

What is there to do today?

Go to the library, of course!

Who will we meet there? Let's find out!

d. How To Read A Book

Author: Kwame Alexander Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

A stunning new picture book from Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander and Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet! This New York Times bestselling duo has teamed up for the first time to bring you How to Read a Book, a poetic and beautiful journey about the experience of reading.

Find a tree—a

black tupelo or

dawn redwood will do—and

plant yourself.

(It’s okay if you prefer a stoop, like Langston Hughes.)

With these words, an adventure begins. Kwame Alexander’s evocative poetry and Melissa Sweet’s lush artwork come together to take readers on a sensory journey between the pages of a book.

Questions For Discussion:

-How do Paige and Laly pick out books to suggest for kids of different ages?

-Why do the sisters think reading is so important for kids, and can they give examples to explain why?

-Describe a time Paige and Laly discovered their book reviews helped a kids in a big way?

-What was a specific problem they had in getting kids excited about reading, and how do they discover the solution?

-What is your main take away from today's episode? Why?

Have a great week!

Keep Reading and Keep Leading,

Tina