Our Book Bench | Kids and Adults, Reading Together

Season 2 is complete, and before we head into what's next, Lisa and David take a moment to look back at the season and what it meant to them.In this final episode, they reflect on the moments that stayed with them, the theme of loyalty that ran through Impossible Creatures from beginning to end, and what their first-ever in-person library event revealed about what Our Book Bench is becoming. They also share some exciting news about the next book in Katherine Rundell's series.This one is a little shorter and a little quieter than a typical episode — and it ends with the same question that opened the season: would you say yes?📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

We made it.In this episode of Our Book Bench, Lisa and David reach the final chapters of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell — pages 297 through 334, from The Gray Mist through What She Said.Christopher is alone in the maze. The darkness is physical and emotional — jealousy, misery, dread, the cold gray mist pressing in. He doesn't know if it will work. He goes anyway.And then, when all seems lost, Mal arrives.We talk about Christopher's journey through the darkness and what kept him going, the villain Francesco Sforza and his chilling belief that freedom only belongs to those willing to take it by force, the breathtaking moment Mal unfurls her flying jacket and carries him into the Somnulum, and the beautiful, creature-filled procession that follows. We also come back to a prediction David made last week — was he right?And we close with the final words of the book, and the question they leave us with.This week's listener question: When the previous Immortal faced this moment, he said no. Mal said yes. Is there something in your life you've said yes to — or want to say yes to — even though it felt hard or scary? We'd love to hear about it.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

What does it look like when someone chooses to be brave — not because they have to, but because they love someone enough to?In this episode of Our Book Bench, Lisa and David discuss pages 244–296 of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Chapters: The Island of Murderers through The Maze).This is the section we've been building toward all season. Mal faces the banished centaur, makes an impossible choice, and takes the antidote — giving up her identity as Mal to fully become the Immortal. And Christopher? He's there for every single moment of it. He faces down a manticore. He carries Mal when she can't walk. He memorizes the maze alongside her. And then — even knowing that no one who has ever entered the maze has come back — he walks in anyway.Together, we explore:What it costs Mal to say yes — and what she loses when she doesWhy Christopher's loyalty is one of the most quietly powerful things in this bookThe humor Katherine Rundell weaves into even the darkest moments (the manticore's thoughts on adrenaline are not to be missed)What true friendship looks like when it stops being easyThis episode asks a big question: Is there someone or something in your life you'd walk into a maze for?📖 Reading this week: Pages 244–296 (The Island of Murderers – The Maze) 📚 Next week: Pages 297–334 (The Gray Mist – What She Said) — the final stretch.💬 Join the conversation: Is there someone — or something — in your life you'd do something that brave for? Tell us who, and why.Email us at [email protected] or share your thoughts on Instagram.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

In this episode of Our Book Bench, Lisa and David discuss pages 196–243 of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell, where the journey to save the Archipelago takes a few dangerous turns.The crew faces heartbreaking loss, unexpected allies, and new dangers that make their mission feel almost impossible. From the attack that costs them Gelifen the griffin to the shocking poisoning of Nighthand, the stakes are higher than ever.But even in the darkest moments, we see powerful examples of loyalty, courage, and the choices that define who we are.Together, Lisa and David explore a big question that continues throughout the story:What makes something worth fighting for — even when the cost is high?📚 Reading this week: Pages 196–243 (Leaving – The Heat of Living Gold) 📖 Next week: Pages 244–296 (The Island of Murderers – The Maze)💬 Join the conversation: If you were on this quest, what would make you want to keep going? Email us at [email protected] or share your thoughts on Instagram.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

This week on Our Book Bench, the adventure shifts.We sail away from the City of Scholars full of wonder — new boat, wide skies, and the promise that “We’ll see it together.” But that joy quickly collides with danger as Christopher falls from a crumbling mountainside, riddles must be answered before sphinxes decide whether to eat anyone, and a truth is revealed that changes everything.For the first time, this quest no longer feels like a shared adventure. It feels personal.When Mal learns she may be the Immortal — the only one who can make things right — the story turns from “us” to “me.” We talk about the weight of responsibility, the loneliness that can come with knowing more than others, and what it means to step forward when something stops being fun and starts being serious.We also explore one of the biggest questions of the book so far:If you discovered you were the only one who could fix something important — would you step forward, or would you want to step back?Whether you’re reading along with us or just joining the conversation, pull up a bench and join us for a thoughtful, honest discussion about courage, wisdom, and what we do when responsibility finds us.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

What happens when the danger doesn’t fade — it deepens?In this episode of Our Book Bench, Lisa and David discuss pages 102–148 of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Chapters: “Fidens Nighthand’s Preferred Drinking Establishment” through “The City of Scholars”).The Flying Senate has turned against them. Mal is still being chased — and we don’t yet know why. Dragons scorch islands. A kraken rises from the sea. Nighthand reveals more of who he truly is.The adventure isn’t calming down — it’s growing wilder. And alongside the danger, the mystery around Mal deepens. Again and again, creatures notice her. Protect her. React to her.Together, we explore:• What makes something an adventure — especially when it’s dangerous• Why this unlikely group keeps choosing to stay together• The surprising tenderness beneath Nighthand’s rough exterior• What might be special about Mal… and what it could mean for the ArchipelagoIn the middle of shipwrecks and uncertainty, we also talk about courage, loyalty, and the question that keeps rising: What makes a world worth saving?📖 Reading next: Pages 149–195 (“The Sphinx Peninsula” through “Malum, Apple”)Whether you’re reading along or just listening in, you’re invited to pull up a seat at the bench and join the adventure.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

What happens when someone says, “I need your help” — and you say yes?In this episode of Our Book Bench, Lisa and David discuss pages 53–101 of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Chapters: The Dog in the Water through The Flying Senate).This week, Mal asks Christopher to leave everything behind and return to the Archipelago — and that one sentence sets off a breathtaking chain of events: a chase through the forest, a herd of unicorns offering rescue, a daring cliff jump, and a first meeting with the gruff (and surprisingly layered) Captain Nighthand.Together, we explore:Why Christopher says yes — and what that reveals about the “hope-waiting” part of his heartWhether it’s harder to ask for help or to give itWhy the unicorn moment feels so magicalWhat might be special about Mal… and what it could mean for the ArchipelagoThis episode is all about courage, curiosity, and the moments that change everything.📖 Reading next: Pages 102–148 (Fidens Nighthand’s Preferred Drinking Establishment through The City of Scholars)🎧 Download our Impossible Creatures Reading Adventure Guide at ourbookbench.com and read along with us!If you’re enjoying Our Book Bench, share this episode with another family — stories are better when shared.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

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

Season 2 is here — and we’re returning to a story we love.In this short opening episode, Lisa and David welcome listeners back to Our Book Bench and share why they’re rereading Impossible Creatures for the third time. They talk about what it’s like to return to a book as you grow, what they’re curious to notice this time around, and the big question they’ll be holding as they revisit the Archipelago together.Whether you’re reading Impossible Creatures for the first time or coming back to it again, you’re invited to read along with us this season — at your own pace, wherever you are.If you’re local to Laramie County, we’re partnering with the Pine Bluffs Branch of Laramie County Library for a special reading adventure. And if you’re not local, you can still join in online. The first 25 families to sign up will receive a free copy of the book.Grab a book, find a reading buddy, and pull up a seat at the bench — we’re so glad you’re here.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

We’re getting ready to begin Season 2 of Our Book Bench, and we’re excited to share what’s coming next.This season, we’re reading Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell — the first book in the series. After starting with The Poisoned King in Season 1, many of you asked to go back and begin at the beginning together, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.Season 2 is especially meaningful because we’re partnering with the Pine Bluffs Branch of the Laramie County Library System to host a winter reading adventure alongside the podcast. Local families will have opportunities to gather in person, while listeners everywhere can read and listen along at their own pace.New episodes will begin in early February, with weekly conversations designed for kids and adults to enjoy together. There’s no pressure to keep up perfectly — this is about enjoying a great story and the conversations that come with it.If you’re new here, welcome. And if you’ve read with us before, we’re so glad you’re back. Grab a copy of Impossible Creatures from your library or local bookstore, and pull up a spot at the bench.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

In this final episode of our Christmas mini-series, we finish The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, covering chapters 4–7, where the pageant finally comes together and the story takes an unexpected turn.As rehearsals unravel and expectations fall apart, something surprising happens. Hearing a familiar story in a new way changes not just the pageant, but everyone watching it. We talk about humor, perspective, and why this short, simple book has become one many families return to year after year.We recorded this episode while on vacation in Florida and kept it short and sweet — just right for a busy holiday season. Whether you’re reading along or simply listening in, we’re glad you’re here.📖 Book: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 📚 Chapters Covered: 4–7 🎄 Christmas Mini-Series FinaleYou can find our reading schedule and more at ourbookbench.com.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

In this episode of Our Book Bench, we dive into The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, covering chapters 1–3.We meet the Herdmans — the kids everyone loves to hate — and watch as they bring chaos, curiosity, and a whole lot of disruption into the town’s Christmas pageant. If you’ve seen the movie, much of this will feel familiar; but reading the story together invites us to slow down and ask deeper questions.Why do the Herdmans want all the lead roles? Are they just trying to cause trouble? Or is something else going on beneath the surface? As we read, we explore first impressions, belonging, control, and what happens when the people we least expect show up right in the middle of a cherished tradition.This episode is part of our Christmas mini-series and is designed for kids ages 9-14 and the grownups reading alongside them. Whether you’re reading along or just listening in, we’re glad you’re here.📖 Book: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 📚 Chapters Covered: 1-3 🎄 Next Episode: We’ll finish the book and see how the pageant — and the Herdmans — surprise everyone.You can find our reading schedule and more at ourbookbench.com.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

We’re celebrating the season with a cozy Christmas mini-series! Join Lisa and David as we kick off our special holiday read-along of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever—a funny, heartfelt classic that’s perfect for families to enjoy together. In this short introduction, we share why we chose this book, what to expect in the coming weeks, and how you can read along with us at home.Be sure to let us know—What is your favorite holiday tradition?📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

We’re kicking off a special Christmas mini-series on December 7th! While we’re on pause between Season 1 and our next full book season in the new year, we’re reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever—a quick, funny, and heartfelt classic the whole family can enjoy.This short teaser gives you a peek at what’s coming and why this story is the perfect cozy December read. Grab your copy from your local library or favorite bookstore and join us for a joyful, easy holiday mini-season on the bench!📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

We’ve come full circle! In this season-finale episode, we look back on The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell—the dragons, the courage, the laughter, and the unforgettable moments that kept us turning pages week after week.Together, we share what surprised us most, what we learned about justice and friendship, and why Anya’s bravery and Christopher’s loyalty made this such a powerful story to finish our first season. We also talk about Rundell’s trademark humor—how even in the darkest scenes, her wit and warmth remind us to hold on to hope.👉 This week’s question: What book should we read next season? Should we return to Impossible Creatures or venture somewhere new?📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

🎃 This special Halloween crossover brings together Our Book Bench and Unsolved Wyoming for a spooky, laughter-filled adventure through R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House!In this bonus episode, David is joined by his Aunt Renee — host of the Unsolved Wyoming podcast — to talk zombies, ghosts, haunted houses, and all things creepy. Together they explore what makes scary stories so irresistible (and sometimes nightmare-worthy), what they’d do if they moved into a haunted neighborhood, and why even a kids’ book can give you chills long after you turn off the lights.👻 Listener Note: This episode dives into Halloween-themed fun — including ghosts, zombies, and a few spooky story details. For sensitive listeners (including adults!), you might want to skip this one if you’d prefer to sleep soundly tonight.🕯 Crossover Alert: If you loved this episode, check out Renee’s podcast, Unsolved Wyoming, where she explores both the unsolved mysteries and haunted legends of the West. And if you’re new here from Unsolved Wyoming, welcome to Our Book Bench — where kids and grown-ups read and imagine together. 🎧 Listen to Unsolved Wyoming wherever you get your podcasts📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

In this week’s reading of The Poisoned King (pages 217–273, chapters Ever Onward → The Justice of Dragons), Anya and Christopher’s story reaches its breathtaking conclusion—a finale filled with dragons, justice, and one unbelievable twist.As we dive into Part 3: Revenge, we explore how courage and compassion collide. Together, we talk about Arach’s loyalty, Anya’s final choice, and the lessons this story offers about friendship, bravery, and doing what’s right—even when it’s hard.Plus, a listener from Nebraska shares her favorite line: “The future is not given, it is made.”👉 This week’s question: When the third book is released, what do you hope will be in it?📚 Read along: This episode covers pages 217–273 of The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

In this week’s reading of The Poisoned King (pages 163–214, chapters The Secret Door → The Star Tower), Christopher and Anya discover a hidden library, meet a harpy librarian and her mouse assistant, and encounter two truly dangerous creatures—a manticore and a chimaera. There’s humor, heartbreak, and a big moment of disagreement between our heroes as they search for the antidote for the dragons and attempt to solve the clue to the Loquillan.Along the way, we talk about courage, curiosity, and what friendship looks like when things get hard.👉 This week’s question: If you found a hidden library, what would you hope to discover there?Next Reading: Pages 217–273 (Ever Onward → The Justice of Dragons) — our final section of The Poisoned King!📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

In this week’s reading of The Poisoned King (pages 111–162, chapters The Islet of Glimt → The Loquillan), Christopher and Anya arrive at the Island of Glimt with their friends Niravala, Gallia, and Jacques—only to uncover a heartbreaking discovery that will change everything.As they meet Irian and Nighthand and learn how Glimt became a sanctuary for magical creatures, new questions arise about courage, justice, and what it truly means to do the right thing.This episode blends humor (yes, there’s a clown-fart soufflé) with some of the most emotional and thought-provoking moments in the story so far. Together, we talk about bravery, revenge, and loss—and explore how these themes show up in the real world, from caring for endangered creatures to protecting what we love most.Next Reading: Pages 163–214 (The Secret Door → The Star Tower)👉 Listener Question: Should Anya use the Loquillan? Why or why not? Send us your thoughts at [email protected] or on Instagram @ourbookbench — we might share your answer in a future episode!📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

In this week’s reading of The Poisoned King (pages 53–108, chapters Rage → Freshwater Spring), Anya faces impossible choices after her father is taken away for allegedly poisoning the King. With the castle doctor raising questions, her uncle tightening his grip, and the gagana birds whispering warnings, Anya’s courage is tested as she dares to enter her grandfather’s room, uncovers startling secrets, and flees for her life.We talk about the difference between courage and desperation, justice and revenge, and how power can twist people into doing terrible things. Plus, we laugh at Niravala’s perfectly timed riddle—even in the middle of danger!—and consider what this means for the children’s relationship with the mythical creatures of the Archipelago.We also celebrate a big milestone: 100 downloads! Thank you for reading and listening along with us.👉 Listener Question: What do you think gave Anya the courage to go into her grandfather’s room, and to run from the guards in the forest? Send us your thoughts at [email protected] or on Instagram @ourbookbench — we might share your answer in a future episode!📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

This episode marks the official start of our chapter-by-chapter journey through The Poisoned King—our first full reading episode of Season 1!We’re back on the bench for pages 1–52, where Christopher returns to the Archipelago, we meet a new character Anya (and her very special birds), and the story leaves us on a cliffhanger at the royal ball.We talk about how Christopher has changed since Impossible Creatures, what life might feel like for Anya as she moves from the forest to the castle, and who might really be behind the poisoning of her grandfather.We also share a listener’s favorite reading spot (keep sending yours in!), and celebrate a milestone—75 downloads! Help us reach 100 next week by sharing this podcast with a friend.Next Reading: Pages 53–108 (Rage through Freshwater Spring). You can download the full reading schedule at ourbookbench.com.Wherever you are, pull up a seat—let’s read together.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

This episode serves as our Season 1 preview—your guide to what we’re expecting before we dive into The Poisoned King together.We’re kicking off with The Poisoned King! Don’t worry if you don’t have your copy yet; this episode is all about anticipation, predictions, and wild guesses.Lisa and David talk about what the title might mean, whether favorite characters (like Mal) could return, and what new dangers might be waiting. Plus, David admits he couldn’t resist sneaking the book off the shelf early—but promises no spoilers!We also share three listener responses from last week and invite you to join the bench by sending in your thoughts, questions, or predictions.Pull up a seat on the bench—whether you have your copy of the book in hand, are waiting for your book to arrive, or just curious what this series is all about.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

This episode kicks off Season 1 of Our Book Bench and gets us ready to dive into The Poisoned King.Whether you've read Impossible Creatures or not, this episode is for you! If you have, this refresher will get you ready for the sequel, The Poisoned King. And if you haven't read the first book, that's okay. Today's episode will give you enough background to dive in next week when we kick off with the new release. (But we do think you should go back and read it; it's fantastic!)In this recap, we share what surprised us, our favorite characters and creatures, and what this story sparked for our family conversations about courage and friendship. This episode is certainly not perfect; but we are learning a lot and are definitely having fun! We hope you have fun listening, too.Join the book club: Tell us your favorite creature or moment! Next up: We'll introduce the newly released sequel, The Poisoned King, and get ready to dive into reading this new book together on the bench! 📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

Pull up a seat at Our Book Bench! In our very first episode, we introduce why we started this podcast and what you can expect each week. You’ll hear how reading together as a parent and child has shaped our family life; from silly moments to big conversations.This week we talk about the books we’ve enjoyed reading, why we believe reading together matters, and how you can join the conversation.We’re recording right from our home, so you may hear a bouncing ball or everyday life in the background; that’s just part of the adventure!Thanks for being here for the start of something new. We’re so glad you’ve found your spot on the bench with us.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench

Welcome to Our Book Bench! A cozy book club for youth + adults. Our kickoff book is The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell, and we're launching September 7.📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com💌 Email us at [email protected]📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench