Bravery, Compassion, and the Choices That Shape Us

In this episode of Our Book Bench, Lisa and David dive into the opening chapters of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (pages 1–52), where we meet Mal and Christopher and begin to understand who they are through the choices they make.Together, we talk about character development, bravery, compassion, and how great stories show us who characters are instead of telling us. We explore Mal’s daring spirit and cleverness, Christopher’s instinct to protect and care for others, and the adults in their lives who show love through quiet, meaningful actions. We also acknowledge some of the more unsettling moments in the story — and why they might feel different for different readers.Along the way, we celebrate Rundell’s lyrical writing, her humor, the wonder of impossible creatures, and the small details that make this world feel alive. David also shares thoughts from his own experience as a young writer, encouraging kids and grown-ups to read — and even write — together.Whether you’re reading along or just listening in, this episode invites you to slow down, notice character choices, and enjoy the magic of discovering a story side by side.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench