Are you looking for something good to read? Or watch? Or listen to? Tune in to Fraser Valley Regional Library’s ReadRadio podcast for some great recommendations. In each episode we will highlight some of the library’s books, movies and TV shows that you might not know about. All reviewed materials are available for loan in the FVRL catalogue. Fraser Valley Regional Library is the largest public library system in British Columbia, with 25 community libraries serving nearly 680,000 people in i ...
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Fraser Valley Regional Librarys Podcasts

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Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw's Forest Powwow
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2:46In today’s podcast, Reading Adviser Sally shares a fantastic first chapter book: Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw's Forest Powwow by Sita MacMillan. It’s perfect for kids in Grades 2 and up – especially if you’re just starting to read chapter books but still enjoy a few pictures.When Sarah moves to the city, she feels lost and far from home —…
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In today’s podcast, Larissa shares The Lotus Shoes, a book of historical fiction by author Jane Yang. The novel explores the lives of two girls from significantly different social backgrounds in 18th-century China.As a child, Little Flower is sold to Linjing's wealthy family to become a muizai. In a fit of childish jealousy over her new handmaiden'…
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In this special episode of FVRL ReadRadio, we're joined by R.S. Twells, the award-winning author of The Bennet Saga. This series has captivated YA readers since the release of her first novel, The Field Agent, in 2021. The series currently includes three books, with a fourth set for release in spring 2026. In this interview with FVRL Events Special…
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Today, Reading Adviser Sally shares a great mystery book for kids in Grades 4 and up. The Case of the Pilfered Pin is part of Michael Hutchinson’s Mighty Muskrat series. This story is full of suspense, adventure and teamwork.The Windy Lake First Nation's lands have been shared with cottagers for 50 years, but no one can agree on where the reserve l…
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In the second of this two-part podcast, the FVRL Reading Advisers explore more not-so-cosy cosy mysteries: Pies Before Guys Mystery series by Misha Popphttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Pies%20before%20guys%20mystery&searchType=seriesShe Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Mokehttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1950573…
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In the first of a two-part podcast, the FVRL Reading Advisers explore some mystery series that offer a bit more diversity, character development and real-life challenge than your typical cosy mystery:The Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybournhttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Veronica%20Speedwell&searchType=series&sort=seriesTita …
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In today’s podcast, FVRL Reading Adviser Margarita dives into the TV show 1923, the gripping prequel to the popular Yellowstone series – a show that redefines the western genre for a modern audience. Set in the volatile years after World War I, 1923 follows the Dutton family as they struggle to maintain their Montana ranch against forces beyond the…
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Today, Laurel shares Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis. If you enjoy fantasy, romance and strong female characters, you'll like this book.Queen Saskia is the wicked sorceress everyone fears. After successfully wrestling the throne from her evil uncle, she only wants one thing: to keep her people safe from the empire next door. For that, sh…
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In today's podcast, Mieke shares two novels of historical fiction by Dutch-Canadian author Ellen Keith: The Dutch Wife and The Dutch Orphan. Both novels take place during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.The Dutch WifeAmsterdam, May 1943. As the tulips bloom and the Nazis tighten their grip across the city, the last signs of Dutch resistance …
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Today, Sally shares a novel that she’s dying to talk about: Run by Blake Crouch — a gripping apocalyptic thriller about a man and his family running for their lives in an America gone mad.From the publisher:"No time to think. No time to ask why. Only time to run. Five days ago, the epidemic of rage began. Four days ago, the rash of senseless murder…
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Today, Laurel tells us about the historical fantasy novel What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez. Set in 1884, 19-year-old Inez travels to Egypt after the sudden death of her parents to uncover the truth about their deaths. As she attempts to unravel the mysteries her parents sought, she becomes a pawn in a larger game that threatens to kill her.Fin…
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In this week’s podcast, Taylor shares one of her favourite books: Eliot Schrefer’s The Darkness Outside Us. Taylor recommends this YA sci-fi epic for its queer enemies-to-lovers romance, existential dread and pulse-pounding plot twists.“Earth's population is divided between only two existing countries, which cannot manage to cooperate in any way, u…
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In today’s podcast, Sally shares a strange, unsettling story by Argentinian writer Agustina Maria Bazterrica. Tender Is the Flesh is a dystopian novel set in a society where a virus has made animal meat poisonous, leading to the legalization of human consumption. The story follows Marcos, a worker in a human processing plant, as he grapples with th…
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Did you hear the joke about the little mountain? It’s HILL-arious!If you like jokes, Sally has three books for you that are packed with awesome, funny puns:Wee Hee Hee: A Collection of Pretty Funny Jokes and Pictureshttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1924117Max Meow series by John Gallagherhttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Ma…
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In today’s podcast, we explore an insightful non-fiction title by author Jessica Baum. Anxiously Attached: Becoming More Secure in Life and Love is a “road map for building strong and secure relationships for those who struggle with anxiety in their romantic connections.”Find this title in the FVRL collection:https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/recor…
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In today’s podcast, Linda shares some modern takes on Jane Austen’s beloved novels. These retellings are fun, diverse and offer new perspectives on her timeless works:Good Fortune by C.K. Chauhttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1890506Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Devhttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1845807Once Persuaded, T…
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In this week's podcast, Sally shares some fun books and resources to help you start your own art project:Drawing Class — Animals: Learn to Draw With Simple Shapes and Online Tutorials by Keegyum Kimhttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1899073Easy Paper Crafts for Kids: 45 Fun and Creative Projects for Children Aged 5 Years+ by Catherine Wor…
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April is Poetry Month! In today’s podcast, Sally shares some terrific books of poetry – written especially for kids:Rainbow Shoes by Tiffany Stonehttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1629212 Remember by Joy Harjohttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1889826 My Head Has a Bellyache — and More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature…
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In today’s podcast, Sally shares four board books that she and her little one love reading together:Good Night World: Animals of the Native Northwesthttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1586065Ten Little Lambs by Samantha Meridithhttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1915687Stay My Baby by Lana Buttonhttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2…
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In this episode of ReadRadio, Kaori introduces listeners to This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub.On the eve of her 40th birthday, Alice's life isn't terrible. She likes her job, even if it isn't exactly the one she expected. She's happy with her apartment, her romantic status, her independence, and she adores her lifelong best friend. But her father i…
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In this week’s podcast, Jessica and Charlotte share Listen for the Lie, a fun murder mystery thriller by Amy Tintera.What would you do if you thought you murdered your best friend? And if everyone else thinks so too? What if the truth doesn't matter? As Lucy Chase's Texas hometown begins to tell versions of what happened and who Lucy is to a nation…
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Today, Sally shares her latest five-star read: the dark gothic fantasy Starling House by Alix E. Harrow. Opal, a cashier and high school drop-out, takes a job as a housekeeper at a mysterious, foreboding mansion called Starling House in the small town of Eden, Kentucky. Opal must uncover the dark secrets of the house and its reclusive heir, Arthur …
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Today Sally shares a story about a very smart, very woolly, very friendly sheep. It's called One Smart Sheep by Gary D. Schmidt.Wilson is a curious sheep, and after he foolishly climbs into the back of a piano movers' truck, he ends up alone in the big city, far from the farm. But Wilson is also one smart sheep, and soon enough he's finding his way…
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In today’s ReadRadio podcast, Jessica shares two spicy Viking romantasy titles by Canadian authors:A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensenhttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1915901The Road of Bones by Demi Wintershttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1941925By Fraser Valley Regional Library
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In this episode of Kids' Read Radio Deanna interviews author Joan Marie Galat. Her book Mortimer: Rat Race to Space is one of the selections for the 2024/2025 Reading Link Challenge.A spot on the International Space Station (ISS) has opened up, and Mortimer, the journal-keeping lab rat, is not about to miss his chance to become an intergalactic spa…
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Today, we have a very special episode of ReadRadio podcast. FVRL Events Specialist Deanna interviews Canadian author Beka Shane Denter. They are joined by several of the remarkable women profiled in Beka’s new book, Bloom Across Canada:• Kim Taylor — Potter and Photographer (Gabriola Island BC)• Carla Tak — Painter, Parker Street Studios (Vancouver…
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In this episode of Kids' Read Radio, Sally shares her fascination with birds. Listen to learn about FVRL's Birdwatching Backpacks and a fascinating non-fiction title about birds: Listen to the Birds by Donald E. KroodsmaDiscover North America's birds and their varied and beautiful songs with this informative, brightly illustrated picture book and i…
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In today’s podcast, Sally shares her favourite picture books to read aloud at library Storytime — and to her own little one at home.Joy by Yasmeen Ismail https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1818650If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1685490 Sheep Go to Sleep by Nancy Shaw https://fvrl.bibliocomm…
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In today's podcast, Charlotte shares a fantastic read for kids ages 8 and up: The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson. Lucy, a spirited French-Ojibwe orphan, is sent to the stormy waters of Lake Superior to live with a mysterious family of lighthouse-keepers-and, she hopes, to find the legendary necklace her father spent his life seek…
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In today’s podcast, Deanna tells us about Family Literacy Day 2025 and the contest we’re hosting at all 25 FVRL locations and online. Enter to win one of these two books celebrating this year’s theme: “Learn to Be Green, Together.” You can also borrow these titles from the FVRL collection.Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley — A mother and son hop on the…
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In this episode of Read Radio, listeners learn about Cue the Sun, an exploration of Reality TV.From beloved New Yorker TV critic Emily Nussbaum comes a groundbreaking narrative detailing the fights, egos, drama and future presidents of reality television. Cue the Sun is a rollicking, deeply reported story about how the early reality TV business met…
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In this episode, Brenna tells listeners about the middle school graphic novel Brave by Svetlana Chmakova. In his daydreams, Jensen is the biggest hero that ever was, saving the world and his friends on a daily basis. But his middle school reality is VERY different — math is hard, getting along with friends is hard ... Even finding a partner for the…
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In this episode of Read Radio, Margarita tells listeners about the gothic romance Gothikana by RuNyx. An outcast her entire life, Corvina Clemm is left adrift after losing her mother. When she receives the admission letter from the mysterious University of Verenmore, she accepts it as a sign from the universe. The last thing she expects, though, is…
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Did you know you don’t have to wait until you’re a grownup to start cooking? In today’s podcast, Mieke shares five cookbooks for kids. They are full of easy recipes and come with great pictures!Learn to Cook: 35 Fun and Easy Recipes for Children Aged 7 Years +https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1880882America’s Test Kitchen: The Complete C…
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Jessica reviews Rose Sutherland's historical novel, A Sweet Sting of Salt. Once a young woman uncovers a dark secret about her neighbour and his mysterious new wife, she’ll have to fight to keep herself — and the woman she loves — safe in this stunning queer reimagining of the classic folktale The Selkie Wife.Find this title in the FVRL collection:…
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In this episode of Kids Read Radio, Sally tells listeners about a first chapter book mystery series by Dori Hillestad Butler: King and Kayla.In King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats: Kayla makes special dog cookie treats for her friend’s new puppy, but they went missing and her dog King is the key suspect. But the facts just aren’t ad…
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November 2 to 8 is Climate Action Week. This week, public libraries are raising awareness of climate change-related challenges and emergencies facing our communities. In today’s podcast, Chris and Jessica share some book suggestions that will help you become a climate action hero. These include:• Cranky Uncle Vs. Climate Change: How to Understand a…
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In this episode of Kids' ReadRadio, Jessica makes the BIG announcement you’ve all been waiting for: the 2024–2025 Reading Link Challenge book list! She introduces listeners to the main characters of each book and the stories you’re about to fall in love with. Ready, set, read!The books are:1. Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian2. The City of Em…
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In this episode of Read Radio, Sally discusses Stephen Graham Jones' thought-provoking horror trilogy, Indian Lake. In her quickly gentrifying rural lake town, Jade sees recent events only her encyclopedic knowledge of horror films could have prepared her for. The trilogy includes the titles My Heart Is a Chainsaw, Don't Fear the Reaper, and The An…
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In today's podcast, Sally tells us about three of her favourite easy reader series. These books are great if you're just starting to learn to read on your own or with a little help:Amelia Bedelia by Herman ParishDanny and the Dinosaur by Bruce HaleMr. Putter & Tabby by Cynthia RylantBy Fraser Valley Regional Library
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This episode of Read Radio explores The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali, an emotional read about long lost love with historical elements.The Stationery Shop is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of 1950s Tehran, exploring love, loss and the enduring power of memories. The story follows Roya, a young woman who falls in love with Bahman in a q…
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In today's podcast, Jessica tells us about three fantasy books for young readers:Willodeen by Katherine ApplegateWhen the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, dwindles and no one knows why, Willodeen, armed with a magical birthday gift, speaks up for the animals she loves and vows to uncover this mystery.https://fvr…
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In today’s podcast, Sally tells us about the Ben Packard mystery thriller series. The first two novels are "And There He Kept Her" and "Where the Dead Sleep." Book three, "A Long Time Gone," will be published in 2025.Personal tragedy has sent former police officer Ben Packard back to the small Minnesota town of Sandy Lake in search of a fresh start…
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In this episode, Charlotte introduces listeners to the fantasy novel Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll.Ramya Knox is used to feeling cursed. People only notice her long enough to call her a troublemaker. Except Grandpa. He sees Ramya and her neurodiversity as enchanting. But when Grandpa dies, Ramya's world loses its charm...until she discovers he left…
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This episode of Read Radio dives into the first novel of Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series. This witty, fast-paced adult mystery series follows struggling suspense novelist and single mom turned-amateur-sleuth Finlay Donovan, whose fiction begins to tread dangerously close to the truth.Find Finlay Donovan Is Killing It in the FVRL collection:ht…
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Are you interested in learning new facts about the world around you? Do you like reading about real life and looking at photos of places, animals and people? Then check out the Super Readers book series for kids at all reading levels – available at your library!Find these books in the FVRL catalogue: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=D…
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In today's Podcast, Jean discusses the In Death series by author Nora Roberts, writing under the pseudonym J.D. Robb. These futuristic suspense novels, set in mid-21st-century New York, follow detective Eve Dallas, a tough cop with a dark past who solves chilling crimes while navigating a complex personal life.Find books by J.D. Robb in the FVRL co…
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In this episode, we learn about Ash Van Otterloo's Cattywampus.Magic is strictly forbidden in the McGill house, but Delpha McGill has found the family book of spells and plans to use it to make things a little easier for herself and her mother. Katybird Hearn comes from a rival family of witches, but her magic has been slow to emerge. She thinks a …
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In this episode, Laurel tells listeners about Melissa Wiesner's fun, light-hearted romance, The Second Chance Year.Sadie Thatcher's life has fallen apart in spectacular fashion. In one fell swoop, she managed to lose her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend-all thanks to her big mouth. So when a fortune teller offers her one wish, Sadie jumps at t…
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In this episode, Linda tells listeners about a selection of thrillers that explore art crime. Find these titles in the FVRL collection:The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession — by Michael Finkelhttps://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1893876The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the…
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