Best Picture Book Read Alouds Podcasts (2025)

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35. Picture Books to Help Students Who are Feeling Worried 17:38

Play Pause

2d ago17:38

17:38

As we inch closer to back-to-school season, you know what's coming—those first-week jitters, the worried faces in your morning lineup, and yes, that familiar flutter in your own stomach too. What if I told you that ten carefully chosen picture books could transform those anxious moments into powerful teaching opportunities that help your students u…

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RAR #268 Advice to Young (And Young at Heart) Creatives 34:53

2d ago34:53

34:53

Have you ever read a book and thought, “Wow, how did the author do that?!” Or maybe you’d love to sit down with your favorite author and pick their brain about their writing process or tips and tricks for when you get stuck. Today, the Read-Aloud Revival team has compiled some of our favorite advice about getting creative from the archives of RAR P…

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34. Maximize Your Read Aloud Selections: Make One Book Do the Work of Three 11:44

5d ago11:44

11:44

Ever feel like you're constantly hunting for new books to teach different subjects, even though your classroom library is already bursting at the seams? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm sharing the game-changing strategy that smart teachers use to make one amazing picture book do the work of three. We'll explore how to uncover the hidden cros…

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33. New Picture Books! July 2025 14:41

9d ago14:41

14:41

You know that feeling when you discover a picture book that's so perfect for your classroom that you can hardly contain your excitement? Well, get ready to experience that joy eleven times over because this month's new releases are absolutely incredible. From poetry that turns everyday moments into pure delight to stories that help kids navigate bi…

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32. How to Turn Any Picture Book into a Powerful Lesson in Under 10 Minutes 12:46

13d ago12:46

12:46

Ever grabbed a picture book for a lesson only to realize halfway through that it wasn't going to work for what you planned to teach? (Been there!) In this episode, I'm sharing my proven 10-minute framework that will transform how you prepare read alouds forever. No more late-night planning or scrambling for questions while you're reading - just a s…

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31. Picture Books to Teach Asking Questions 18:47

17d ago18:47

18:47

You know that magical moment when a student asks a question that makes you think, "Yes! They're really thinking deeply about this story!" But let's be honest—teaching students HOW to ask meaningful questions during reading can feel like another thing to squeeze into an already packed day. What if I told you there are picture books that naturally sp…

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RAR #267: A Conversation About Belovedness with Emily Wilson Hussem 43:54

16d ago43:54

43:54

If you’ve been around the Read-Aloud Revival for a minute, you might know that C. S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters is one of my all-time favorite books. It’s the book I have read and re-read the most, and it’s also the source of some of my favorite read-aloud memories with my young adult son. Today’s guest has written a book in a similar style with…

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30. The Last-Minute Scramble: Why Teachers Find Themselves Unprepared for Read Alouds (And How to Stop) 12:33

19d ago12:33

12:33

Ever found yourself frantically scanning your bookshelf minutes before a read aloud, grabbing any book you can find while hoping it somehow works for your lesson? You're not alone! In this episode, we dive into why even the most experienced teachers find themselves in this last-minute scramble and how it impacts both your confidence and your studen…

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29. Picture Books to Teach Problem & Solution 17:54

24d ago17:54

17:54

Picture this: it's Sunday night, you're planning for the week ahead, and you need books that actually help your students understand problem and solution—not just pretty stories that check the box. You know those moments when you find the perfect book that makes a tricky concept finally click for your students? That's exactly what these 10 picture b…

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Magical Negro 17:25

24d ago17:25

17:25

Victor Varnado, KSN and Rachel Teichman, LCSW explore the origins and critiques of the “Magical Negro” trope in literature and film. This character type, often portrayed as a wise Black figure whose main role is to help the white protagonist, is examined through a cultural and historical lens. The episode raises thoughtful questions about represent…

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Charlie The Unicorn 14:17

25d ago14:17

14:17

Rachel Teichman, LMSW and Victor Varnado, KSN dive into the bizarre and whimsical world of Charlie the Unicorn, the viral animated short that took the internet by storm in the mid-2000s. As they read through the Wikipedia page, listeners learn how a simple quest for a candy mountain spiraled into a cult classic. The episode uncovers the surreal hum…

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Gay Bomb 6:50

25d ago6:50

6:50

In this unforgettable episode, Rachel Teichman, LMSW, and Victor Varnado, KSN, read through the Wikipedia page for the "gay bomb"—a non-lethal chemical weapon concept actually proposed by a U.S. military lab in 1994. The strange idea was to deploy an aphrodisiac to disrupt enemy morale, highlighting one of the more bizarre chapters in military brai…

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28. Building Your Read Aloud Confidence 17:17

27d ago17:17

17:17

Ever find yourself reading a wonderful picture book to your class, only to realize you've forgotten to ask a single question? Or maybe you're constantly second-guessing if you're stopping at the right moments or holding the book the "correct" way? You're not alone! In this episode of The Read Aloud Classroom, I'm pulling back the curtain on somethi…

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27. Picture Books to Teach Point of View 13:49

1M ago13:49

13:49

You know that moment when you're trying to explain point of view to your students and they stare back at you like you're speaking another language? We've all been there! Teaching this concept can feel tricky, but the right picture books make all the difference. In this special bonus episode, I'm sharing 10 amazing mentor texts that transform point …

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RAR #266 How to Do Shakespeare (and Actually Enjoy It) 21:06

1M ago21:06

21:06

On the last episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, we talked about why Shakespeare is not a school subject. I hope we were able to convince you! But if we know that Shakespeare isn’t a school subject or an item on a checklist, how do we actually do it? And how do we make Shakespeare not just doable in our homeschools, but delightful? Today, we’ll talk …

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Joy Buzzer 5:14

1M ago5:14

5:14

Victor Varnado, KSN and Rachel Teichman, LCSW get a jolt of amusement diving into the prankster classic—the joy buzzer. This electric gag device has been shocking unsuspecting victims (mildly, of course) since the early 20th century. The episode unravels the invention’s surprising origins and why it’s become a symbol of playful mischief. It's a cha…

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Passive Aggressive Behavior 7:51

1M ago7:51

7:51

Tension bubbles just below the surface as Rachel Teichman, LCSW and Victor Varnado, KSN explore the slippery concept of passive-aggressive behavior. Whether it’s silent treatment or backhanded compliments, the episode unpacks how this indirect form of expression shows up in everyday interactions. A fun fact? Psychologists once classified it as a pe…

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26. Read Aloud Burnout: When Teachers Get Tired of the Same Books (And What to Do About It) 12:00

1M ago12:00

12:00

Are you staring at your bookshelf, dreading the thought of reading "Chrysanthemum" for the hundredth time? That feeling of reluctance when selecting books, the relief when you run out of time for read alouds, or grabbing any random title just to check the box—these are all signs of read aloud burnout. In this episode, I share my own experience with…

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25. New Picture Books! June 2025 14:52

1M ago14:52

14:52

Picture this: It's one of those days when your lesson needs the perfect book, but you have zero time to research new titles. That's exactly why I created this month's "First Thursday" episode! I'm sharing 10 incredible new picture books hitting shelves this June that will engage even your most distracted students and fit seamlessly into your busy t…

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24. Creating Home-School Reading Connections That Actually Work 11:20

1M ago11:20

11:20

Are your students leaving their reading skills at the classroom door? In this episode, I break down how to create home-school reading connections that actually work for real families living real lives. Forget complicated reading logs and forced 20-minute sessions that everyone dreads. I'm sharing practical strategies that transform reading at home …

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RAR #265 Shakespeare Is Not a School Subject 52:27

1M ago52:27

52:27

When most of us hear the name “Shakespeare,” we probably think back to a high school classroom, fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, while we struggled through Romeo and Juliet line by line—“wherefore art thou” and all that. But here’s the truth: Shakespeare was never meant to be dissected like a frog under a microscope. His work, in fact, was neve…

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23. Student Sharing Strategies for an Interactive Read Aloud 14:13

2M ago14:13

14:13

Ever opened a picture book in your classroom only to have a student's enthusiastic but completely off-topic story derail your carefully planned lesson? Or perhaps you've watched the same three hands shoot up while the rest of your class sits silently? In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest challenges teachers face during interactive read alou…

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Jigglypuff 8:15

2M ago8:15

8:15

Victor Varnado, KSN and Rachel Teichman, LCSW sing the praises of one of Pokémon’s most melodious characters: Jigglypuff! Known for its adorable appearance and sleep-inducing lullabies, Jigglypuff has charmed fans since the '90s. The duo dives into its unique role in battles and pop culture, including its unexpected persistence with that microphone…

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22. Turn & Talk Strategies for Interactive Read Alouds 14:11

2M ago14:11

14:11

Have you ever asked your students to turn and talk during a read aloud only to watch your carefully planned lesson dissolve into chaos? You're not alone! In this episode, I dive into practical turn and talk strategies that actually work in real K-3 classrooms. You'll discover how to transform these short partner discussions from potential managemen…

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Identity Document Forgery 13:43

2M ago13:43

13:43

Rachel Teichman, LCSW and Victor Varnado, KSN navigate the sneaky world of fake IDs and forged papers in this eye-opening episode. From altered passports to entirely counterfeit driver's licenses, the hosts uncover how document forgery has evolved over time. Did you know that some forgeries are so convincing they've fooled major government agencies…

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Harlan Ellison Part 2 11:29

2M ago11:29

11:29

Continuing their examination of Harlan Ellison, Rachel Teichman, LCSW, and Victor Varnado, KSN, return for Part 2 to cover more of Ellison’s controversies and trouble with the law. Ellison’s impact on speculative fiction is undeniable, and his outspoken nature only deepened his mystique. An unapologetically bold end to a fascinating figure’s story.…

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RAR #264: How to Read Classics (and Actually Enjoy Them) 42:11

2M ago42:11

42:11

Why should we read the classics? So many of us want to read and enjoy them, but we don’t want to spend our precious free time feeling like we’re incompetent because we just don’t get it or that the internet has completely ruined our brains (is this just me?). This winter in RAR Premium, we did a whole retreat about falling in love with your reading…

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Harlan Ellison Part 1 12:42

2M ago12:42

12:42

Kicking off a two-part deep dive, Victor Varnado, KSN, and Rachel Teichman, LCSW, begin exploring the life of prolific science fiction author Harlan Ellison. Known for his fiery personality and genre-defying work, Ellison challenged norms in both literature and television. This first installment touches on his early career, notable short stories, a…

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Dozens (Game) 13:44

2M ago13:44

13:44

Rachel Teichman, LCSW, and Victor Varnado, KSN, explore the cultural roots and social impact of "playing the dozens"—a verbal sparring game of witty insults. The episode traces the tradition’s influence on modern-day comedy, battle rap, and everyday banter. You’ll also learn about its African-American origins and how it's both a bonding and competi…

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Baby Pac-Man 4:08

2M ago4:08

4:08

Victor Varnado, KSN, and Rachel Teichman, LCSW, dive into the hybrid world of Baby Pac-Man, a unique arcade game that combined video gaming with pinball mechanics. This 1982 title broke the mold by offering gameplay that seamlessly shifted between a digital maze and a physical pinball table. The episode explores how the game was both innovative and…

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21. Reading Over the Summer? 15:12

2M ago15:12

15:12

Are you worried about your students losing their reading momentum during those long summer months? In this episode, I'll show you how to transform summer reading from a dreaded academic chore into an exciting adventure that keeps the read-aloud magic alive when school's out! I share practical strategies for setting students up for reading success b…

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Tamagotchi Effect 10:29

2M ago10:29

10:29

Rachel Teichman, LCSW, and Victor Varnado, KSN, click through the quirky digital attachment known as the Tamagotchi Effect. This psychological phenomenon describes the emotional bond people form with virtual pets and even robots. First sparked by the late-'90s toy craze, the effect has implications for our growing relationships with AI and technolo…

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Pop It 5:11

2M ago5:11

5:11

Get ready to fidget as Victor Varnado, KSN, and Rachel Teichman, LCSW, pop into the viral toy sensation known as "Pop It." They trace the toy’s rise to fame through TikTok trends and pandemic boredom. Originally patented in 1975, it took decades for the toy to hit mainstream popularity. Whether you've used one for stress relief or just enjoy the sa…

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Dutch Manure Crisis 13:58

2M ago13:58

13:58

Rachel Teichman, LCSW, and Victor Varnado, KSN, explore the surprisingly complicated world of cow poop and environmental policy in this stinky but serious episode. The Dutch manure crisis refers to the overproduction of animal waste due to intensive farming, leading to major ecological and political challenges. In fact, the Netherlands had to imple…

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Indigo Children 15:43

2M ago15:43

15:43

Victor Varnado, KSN, and Rachel Teichman, LCSW, dive into the fascinating world of "Indigo Children," a New Age concept describing kids who are believed to possess special, sometimes supernatural traits. The hosts explore the origins of the idea and how it's been embraced—and criticized—by various communities. Did you know the term gained popularit…

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20. Read Alouds for the End of the Year 11:42

2M ago11:42

11:42

Are you feeling the end-of-year crunch? With field days, awards ceremonies, and classroom cleanup dominating your schedule, it's easy to let read alouds slide. But these final weeks offer the perfect opportunity to bring meaningful closure to your classroom's reading journey! In this episode, I'll share five types of powerful end-of-year read aloud…

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19. New Picture Books! May 2025 17:49

2M ago17:49

17:49

Need a fresh infusion of picture books for your classroom? In this month's new releases roundup, I'm sharing 16 incredible picture books that just hit the shelves! From heartwarming friendship stories like "Noah and His Wagon" to STEM explorations in "Hurricane" and "Sea in My Cells," there's something for every classroom need. I'll even tell you h…

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RAR #263: Growing in Confidence as a Homeschool Mama with the RAR Team 58:30

2M ago58:30

58:30

In this episode, RAR Community Manager Kelsey Murphy and I sat down to tackle some of your listener questions. We put our heads together to answer questions about loved ones who don’t support your choice to homeschool, curriculum overwhelm, reading aloud with older kids or a wide age range of ages, how to encourage your kids to read high quality li…

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18. Managing Interruptions During a Read Aloud 15:37

3M ago15:37

15:37

Every teacher knows that feeling—you're in the middle of a captivating read aloud, your students are fully engaged in the story, and then it happens. A student shouts out, the intercom blares, or there's a knock at your classroom door. Just like that, the magical moment is broken, and getting everyone back on track feels nearly impossible. In this …

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Death And Funeral Of Pope Francis 15:33

3M ago15:33

15:33

With the recent passing of Pope Francis, Victor Varnado, KSN, and Rachel Teichman, LMSW, turn to Wikipedia to read about the solemn and detailed traditions that follow the death of a reigning pope. The episode offers a look at how the Catholic Church honors its highest spiritual leader. The hosts highlight fascinating elements like the sealing of t…

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17. Keeping Wiggly Students Engaged During a Read Aloud 16:44

3M ago16:44

16:44

We've all been there – you're in the middle of reading that perfect picture book, and suddenly you notice Jimmy rolling around, Sarah playing with her shoelaces, and half your class looking everywhere but at you. In today's world of constant stimulation and shorter attention spans, keeping wiggly students engaged during read alouds has become one o…

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RAR #262: Every Question Is a Doorway, with Jonathan Auxier 1:02:54

3M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Today, one of my very favorite authors returns to Read-Aloud Revival. You know him as the author of Sweep, The Night Gardener, the Peter Nimble series, and The Fabled Stables. That’s right–Jonathan Auxier is back! This time, we’re talking about the much-awaited conclusion to the Peter Nimble series, The War of the Maps. In our conversation, we delv…

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16. Making Read Alouds Interactive (without losing control) 21:13

3M ago21:13

21:13

Are your read alouds feeling a bit... boring? Or maybe you've tried to make them more interactive only to end up with chaos and confusion? In this episode, I'm tackling one of the biggest challenges teachers share with me: making read alouds truly interactive without losing classroom control. I'll show you exactly how to engage your students in mea…

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15. Setting the Expectations for the Read Aloud 16:41

3M ago16:41

16:41

Ever picked up a book for a quick read aloud only to spend more time managing interruptions than actually reading? You're not alone! In this episode, I dive into why setting clear read aloud expectations is the foundation that transforms this daily ritual from chaotic to magical. I'll share my own fifth-grade teaching mistake that taught me even ol…

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14. New Picture Books! April 2025 10:25

3M ago10:25

10:25

Looking for fresh new stories to spark your students' imagination this spring? In this episode, I'm sharing twelve brand-new picture books hitting shelves in April 2025 that are perfect for your classroom! From Jacques the underwear-loving hedgehog to a tiny hummingbird making a big difference, these stories offer wonderful opportunities to discuss…

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RAR #261: Why the Modern Myths of Tolkien & Lewis Feel So True 42:58

3M ago42:58

42:58

One of my favorite reads of 2024 was The Myth Makers by John Hendrix. This gorgeous graphic novel tells the story of the remarkable friendship of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. I thought I already knew quite a bit about these Inklings, but there was even more to uncover. Today, I’m delighted to share my conversation with the author and illustrator…

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13. How to Extend Your Read Aloud Lesson | Interactive Read Aloud Series 12:29

3M ago12:29

12:29

You've mastered choosing the perfect book, planned an amazing lesson, and delivered an engaging read aloud... but now what? In this final episode of our Interactive Read Aloud series, we're tackling one of the most common questions I hear from teachers: what do we do after we close the book? If you've ever felt stuck trying to come up with meaningf…

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12. How to Build Engagement During a Read Aloud | Interactive Read Aloud Series 14:02

4M ago14:02

14:02

Picture this: You're in the middle of what you thought would be an amazing read aloud, but half your class is sliding down to the floor, three students are poking each other, and only your usual eager participants are actually engaged. Sound familiar? In Episode 4 of our Interactive Read Aloud series, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges te…

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RAR #260: The Woman Behind Narnia’s Iconic Illustrations 41:21

4M ago41:21

41:21

What comes to mind when you think of C. S. Lewis’s Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings? There’s a good chance a lot of us are seeing very similar pictures. We’re seeing images that swept us into the whimsical world of wonder beyond the wardrobe (and into the Shire). The beloved images of these childhood stories remain with us. But it’…

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11. How to Deliver an Engaging Read Aloud | Interactive Read Aloud Series 12:47

4M ago12:47

12:47

Do you ever feel like you're second-guessing yourself during read alouds? From managing interruptions to wondering if you're asking the right questions at the right time, delivering a read aloud can feel overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be! In this episode, I'm sharing my tried-and-true strategies for delivering engaging interactive read alouds…