Best Andrew Banta Podcasts (2025)

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Last Chance Dance: Regular Season Wrap-Up 57:03

6M ago57:03

57:03

Smashville Fantasy Football Podcast: Week 14 Playoff Push! Join host Andrew Banta and fantasy analyst Will Ott as they dive deep into Week 14 of the Smashville Fantasy Football League. This exciting episode covers playoff locks, crucial matchups, and hot takes. Discover who's locked in, who's on the brink, and who still has work to do. From top-tie…

1
Go Get 'Em, Tiger! 3:07

2y ago3:07

3:07

"Go Get 'Em, Tiger" by Sabrina Moyle and illustrated by Eunice Moyle, celebrates everything that makes you a rising star! From kindness and curiosity to playfulness and positivity, this book is a paw-some salute to anyone reaching a life milestone. Send us a text Support the showBy Andrew Banta

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A Porcupine Named Fluffy 5:14

2y ago5:14

5:14

"A Porcupine Named Fluffy" by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, is a modern, funny fable about a misnamed porcupine who learns to accept himself, and his name, just as he is. Send us a text Support the showBy Andrew Banta

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The Most Magnificent Thing 5:40

2y ago5:40

5:40

In "The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires, a girl has a wonderful idea. She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take…

1
Tiger Wild 4:54

2y ago4:54

4:54

"Tiger Wild" by Gwen Millward gently illustrates how sometimes we all need a little help when certain feelings are hard to express. For there is a time to be wild and a time to be mild. Lily is a little girl with big emotions. And sometimes she can't keep herself from acting out and being naughty. Or rather, her imaginary friend, Tiger, is the naug…

1
A Book of Love 3:05

2y ago3:05

3:05

Love and the many ways one can show it are at the heart of this sweet, charming picture book by Emma Randall. Whether it's giving someone a big hug, offering a helping hand, or sharing words of encouragement, it's these gestures that make the world a better place to live. Send us a text Support the show…

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Storm is Coming! 5:34

2y ago5:34

5:34

In "Storm is Coming!" written by Heather Tekavec and illustrated by Margaret Spengler, Dog spreads the word that a storm is coming for the old farmer, and leads all of the animals to shelter. Huddled together, they wait anxiously for Storm to come. But who is this frightening creature named Storm, and what will happen when he arrives? Send us a tex…

1
The Octonauts & the Frown Fish 6:13

2y ago6:13

6:13

In “The Octonauts & the Great Ghost Reef,” the Octonauts meet a fish with a giant frown on its face. It looks so glum that it's causing everyone around to feel down too. Our heroes need to find a way to cheer it up. So the Octonauts share their favorite pastimes! Readers will enjoy making music, building robots, baking desserts, and carousing at th…

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Llama Llama Red Pajama 3:15

2y ago3:15

3:15

In "Llama Llama Red Pajama" by Anna Dewdney, baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama in this rhyming read-aloud favorite! Children will relate to Baby Llama's need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama's reassuring message. Send us a text Support the showBy Andrew Banta

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Spat the Cat: The Big Helper 3:24

2y ago3:24

3:24

Join Splat the Cat in New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton’s "Splat the Cat: The Big Helper." When Splat’s parents give him a list of chores to do, Splat worries that they will take forever! But when Splat puts his mind to it, helping out becomes more fun than a pirate adventure. Send us a text Support the show…

1
Where the Wild Things Are 3:44

2y ago3:44

3:44

"Where the Wild Things Are" written and illustrated by Maurice Senda, has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations. When Max dresses in his wolf suit and causes havoc in the house, his mother sends him to bed. From there, Max sets sail to an island inhabited by the Wild Things, who name him king and share a wild rumpus with hi…

1
Tad and Dad 4:25

2y ago4:25

4:25

"Tad and Dad" written and illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein, is a funny--and tender--tale of a growing tadpole who loves his frog dad so much that he never gives him a moment's peace. Send us a text Support the showBy Andrew Banta

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Ten Ways to Hear Snow 5:48

2y ago5:48

5:48

"Ten Ways to Hear Snow" is written by Cathy Camper and illustrated by Kenard Pak. A snowy day, a trip to Grandma's, time spent cooking with one another, and space to pause and discover the world around you come together in this perfect book for reading and sharing on a cozy winter day. Send us a text Support the show…

1
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type 4:10

2y ago4:10

4:10

"Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type" is written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin. In this story, Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. But Farmer Brown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes.... Send us a text Support the showBy Andrew Banta

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Max and the Tag-Along Moon 3:42

2y ago3:42

3:42

In "Max and the Tag-Along Moon," written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper, experience the wonder of the moon following you home with a Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator! Max loves his grandpa. When they must say good-bye after a visit, Grandpa promises Max that the moon at Grandpa’s house is the same moon that will follow him all the way …

1
Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? 3:08

2y ago3:08

3:08

In "Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?" by Brianna Caplan Sayres and illustrated by Christian Slade, discover what bedtime looks like for the snowplows, dump trucks, giant cranes, and more that dot the pages of this irresistible construction story. Just like you and me, the vehicles in this story get tuckered out after a long day of hard work and nee…

1
Grace and Box 3:05

2y ago3:05

3:05

In "Grace and Box" by Kim Howard and Megan Lotter, Grace and Box have become fast friends. Box delivered a refrigerator earlier in the week and by the end of it, Grace and Box had already been to space, gone camping, and explored the depths of the sea together. A universal friendship (child and box) has come alive in this imaginative and humorous p…

1
Hello Ninja 2:24

2y ago2:24

2:24

Are you longing for adventure? Mischief? What about sandwiches? In "Hello Ninja" written by N.D. Wilson and illustrated by Forrest Dickison, tag along with one sneaky ninja who is happy to share his busy day (but not his lunch) with curious kids everywhere in this rhyming picture book perfect for fans of The Three Ninja Pigs and 10 Little Ninjas. S…

1
The Octonauts & the Great Ghost Reef 7:51

2y ago7:51

7:51

In “The Octonauts & the Great Ghost Reef,” the Octonauts travel to a large reef city where they discover this bustling destination has turned into a ghost town! The once colorful coral has turned an eerie white and homes lay empty. So the crew visit different reef 'neighborhoods' from mangrove forests to seagrass meadows, searching for clues. Can t…

1
Peppa Pig: Class Trip 2:53

2y ago2:53

2:53

In "Class Trip" from the Peppa Pig series by Scholastic, you can join Peppa and her friends on their class trip to the top of the mountain. What fun things will they find? This title is perfect for back to school! Send us a text Support the showBy Andrew Banta

1
The Great Indoors 4:17

2y ago4:17

4:17

"The Great Indoors," written by Julie Falatko and illustrated by Ruth Chan, delves into the secret lives of woodland creaturs. When the humans head out to go camping, the animals settle in for a relaxing holiday of their own! Teen bear takes over the bathroom with her curling iron, the beavers prepare their fanciest recipes, and the deer kick up th…

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Birds of a Feather 5:47

2y ago5:47

5:47

"Birds of a Feather" is written by Sita Singh and illustrated by Staphanie Fizer Coleman. Mo has always felt a little different. While all the other peacocks grew bright, bold, beautiful feathers in rich greens and vibrant blues, Mo's feathers grew in a snowy white. And even though Mo's friends try to include him in their playtime, Mo doesn't like …

1
When the Storm Comes 3:10

2y ago3:10

3:10

"When the Storm Comes" is a children's book written by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo. The story follows a town that is preparing for an impending storm, as the people and animals secure their belongings and hunker down. After the storm subsides, everyone emerges to assess the damage and begin the process of cleaning up. The book emphas…

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The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors 8:06

2y ago8:06

8:06

"The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors" is a children's book by Drew Daywalt that tells the origin story of the classic game, Rock Paper Scissors. The book features the three titular characters - Rock, Paper, and Scissors - who live in different kingdoms and are bored with the lack of challenging competition in their daily lives. Each character travels…

1
Bats at the Library 4:34

2y ago4:34

4:34

"Bats at the Library" is a children's book written and illustrated by Brian Lies. The story follows a group of bats who fly into a public library after hours and begin to explore the building, discovering all the wonders of books and reading. The book encourages a love of reading and the magic of imagination, as well as appreciation for libraries a…

1
Harvey the Heart Had Too Many Farts 3:34

2y ago3:34

3:34

Poor Harvey, he's just a little heart with too many farts and it's driving away his friends! Will he ever find someone who can love him the way he is? Get ready to giggle your way through this rhyming tale of silly toot situations and friendship. Send us a text Support the showBy Andrew Banta

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The Antlered Ship 6:28

2y ago6:28

6:28

"The Antlered Ship" by Dashka Slater, illustrated by The Fan Brothers, is a children's book that follows the adventures of a curious fox named Marco. Marco wonders about the world beyond his island and sets out on a journey to find out more about it. He joins a group of animals, including deer and pigeons to journey across the sea. The story emphas…

1
Spend It! 3:24

2y ago3:24

3:24

"Spend It!" is written and illustrated by Cinders McLeod. It is a charming introduction to simple money concepts in which a bunny learns he can’t buy everything he wants with his allowance! Send us a text Support the showBy Andrew Banta

1
A Story for Small Bear 5:34

2y ago5:34

5:34

In this sweet, lyrical picture book, perfect for bedtime, a playful cub prepares for hibernation, saving just enough time for Mama to share a story before they must settle down. Send us a text Support the showBy Andrew Banta

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The Wonkey Donkey 3:05

2y ago3:05

3:05

"The Wonky Donkey" is a children's book written by Craig Smith and illustrated by Katz Cowley. The story tells the tale of a donkey with a unique appearance, characterized by a limp and one eye. As the story progresses, the donkey acquires additional humorous attributes, such as a love for country music and a tendency to be for "hanky-panky" The bo…

1
The Cat in the Hat 9:35

2y ago9:35

9:35

Today I read The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. From Amazon A dreary day turns into a wild romp when this beloved story introduces readers to the Cat in the Hat and his troublemaking friends, Thing 1 and Thing 2. A favorite among kids, parents and teachers, this story uses simple words and basic ryhme to encourage and delight beginning readers. Send …

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The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Friends 9:15

2y ago9:15

9:15

Today I read The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Friends by Stan and Jan Berenstain. From Amazon Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. A new cub, Lizzie, has moved to town and Sister can’t wait to become her friend. But when bossiness enters the mix, Sister and Lizzie’s new friendshi…

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Don't Eat Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) 3:06

2y ago3:06

3:06

Today I read Don't Eat Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog). Written by Dev Petty and Illustrated by Mike Boldt. From Amazon Are you a dog in need of advice? Fear not: Chip the dog is ON IT in this super-silly guide to living your best canine life. Chip is seven; he knows things. Like what to eat (important papers, the fancy bird the humans cooked…

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The Hiccupotamus 2:32

2+ y ago2:32

2:32

Today I read The Hiccupotamus by Aaron Zenz. From Amazon “There was a hippopotamus who hiccupped quite-a-lotamus. And every time he got’emus…he’d fall upon his bottomus!” Calamity ensues when an elephant, a centipede, and a rhinoceros try finding a cure for Hippo’s colossal case of hiccups. Author-illustrator Aaron Zenz’s creativity shines through …

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Love Monster 2:36

2+ y ago2:36

2:36

Today I read Love Monster by Rachel Bright. From Amazon Love Monster is a slightly hairy monster trying to fit in with the cuddly residents of Cutesville. But as it turns out, it's hard to fit in with the cute and the fluffy when you're a googly-eyed monster. And so, Love Monster sets out to find someone who will love him just the way he is. His jo…

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The Gruffalo 6:05

2+ y ago6:05

6:05

Today I read The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. Illustrated by Axel Scheffler. From Amazon A mouse is taking a stroll through the deep, dark wood when along comes a hungry fox, then an owl, and then a snake. The mouse is good enough to eat but smart enough to know this, so he invents . . . the gruffalo! As Mouse explains, the gruffalo is a creature w…

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The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition 3:41

2+ y ago3:41

3:41

In The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, one of Santa's very own Scout Elves tells the tradition of how he comes to visit children and delivers nightly reports to Santa throughout the Christmas season. It’s how Santa crafts his Nice List! Each morning the Scout Elf lands in a new spot in your home, creating a delightful game of Christmas hid…

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There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly 1:28

2+ y ago1:28

1:28

InThere Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, the animals are hungry too, and they start eating the old lady's clothes! This is a hilarious rhyming twist on the well-loved tale. Artist Kali Stileman's fun illustrations bring the rhyme to life in this unique book, which has die-cut holes and felt teeth on every page, so children can put their hands t…

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The Wump World 9:48

2+ y ago9:48

9:48

InThe Wump World by Bill Peet, the Pollutians invade the Wump World and turn the green meadows into a concrete jungle. In both his career as an author and illustrator of children’s books and in his work as sketch artist and continuity illustrator, Bill Peet created a menagerie of memorable characters. At Walt Disney, where Bill Peet worked for 27 y…

1
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 2:42

2+ y ago2:42

2:42

Today I read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. Amazon.com Review Who would ever suspect that a tiny little mouse could wear out an energetic young boy? Well, if you're going to go around giving an exuberantly bossy rodent a cookie, you'd best be prepared to do one or two more favors for it before your day is through. For example, he'l…

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Dangerous Dan 5:26

2+ y ago5:26

5:26

Today I read Dangerous Dan by Jef Mallett. From Amazon Dangerous Dan is an inventive daydreamer who finds adventure and fun wherever he goes. His notebook is like a flying carpet, and his backyard turns into a jungle. Dan's imagination allows him to do anything--except, perhaps, behave! Exceptional illustrations enhance this delightful fantasy. Abo…

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar 2:18

2+ y ago2:18

2:18

Today I read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Amazon.com Review "In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf." So begins Eric Carle's modern classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. More than 12 million copies of this book have been sold in its original, full-sized edition, and the beloved tale of science and gluttony has been transl…

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I am a Rainbow 2:10

2+ y ago2:10

2:10

Today I read I am a Rainbow by Dolly Parton. From Thriftbooks.com Beloved music legend Dolly Parton provides children with a fun way to talk about their feelings in this colourful, upbeat picture book. And by understanding their own feelings, they can learn to respect the feelings of others. I Am A Rainbow will encourage children of all ages to ack…

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If the Dinosaurs Came Back 3:11

2+ y ago3:11

3:11

Today I read If the Dinosaurs Came Back by Bernard Most. Review In this delightful book, a small boy imagines a world where dinosaurs perform public services. “Bold lines accentuate imaginative, humorous ideas. A natural for student response: students formulate their own outcomes about what would happen if the dinosaurs returned. An overwhelming fa…

1
Big Al 4:24

2+ y ago4:24

4:24

Today I read Big Al by Andrew Clements. From Amazon Poor Big Al! He just wants to make friends. And in the whole wide blue sea you can't find a nicer fish. But because Big Al is large and scary-looking, the little fish are afraid to get to know him. What can he do? He tries everything he can think of -- from disguising himself with seaweed to burro…

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Grumpy Monkey 4:27

2+ y ago4:27

4:27

Today I read Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang. Review "Bright watercolors of animals doing their thing are winning accompaniments to the narrative’s welcome message that it’s OK to be down sometimes." —School Library Journal "Great bibliotherapy for the crabby, cranky, and cross. Oscar-nominated animator Max Lang's cartoony illustrations lighten the m…

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Mickey Meets the Giant 9:52

2+ y ago9:52

9:52

Today I read Mickey Meets the Giant by the Walt Disney Company. From Amazon.com Mickey Meets the Giant is an adaptation of the story of "The Valiant Little Tailor" starring Mickey Mouse. Although it is not a book adaptation of the Mickey cartoon "Brave Little Tailor", Gustav, the giant from that short, is the antagonist of the story. Learn how Mick…

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Gwendolyn’s Pet Garden 5:48

2+ y ago5:48

5:48

Today I read Gwendolyn’s Pet Garden by Anne Renaud. From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 3—Although it is Gwendolyn's dearest wish, her parents refuse to let her have a pet. Not a cockatoo, not a gerbil, not even a shrimp. However, since Gwendolyn is so eager to have something to care for, her parents do give her a wooden box—full of dirt. Gwendolyn…

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Green Eggs and Ham 4:46

2+ y ago4:46

4:46

Today I read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Amazon.com Review This timeless Dr. Seuss classic was first published in 1960, and has been delighting readers ever since. Sam-I-am is as persistent as a telemarketer, changing as many variables as possible in the hopes of convincing the nameless skeptic that green eggs and ham are a delicacy to be savo…

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Go, Dog. Go! 1:07

2+ y ago1:07

1:07

Today I read Go, Dog, Go! from P.D. Eastman's Book of Things That Go. Review "The canine cartoons make an elementary text funny and coherent and still one of the best around."--School Library Journal. From the Inside Flap Whether by foot, boat, car, or unicycle, P. D. Eastman's lovable dogs demonstrate the many ways one can travel. The new text emp…

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