Tea, Tales, and Tomes

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. “Boy or girl?” sounds like a helpful question in a bookshop, but it can be the start of a much bigger problem. After watching Inside the Manosphere, I couldn’t stop thinking about where boys first learn the idea that empathy is weakness and softness is shameful. Long before algorithms and influencers, those messages show up in less obvious places: toy aisles, classrooms, and the way we sort children’s books into pink shelves and “poop and fart jokes” shelves.In today's episode, I dig into the gender divide in children’s books and why it isn’t just a quirky marketing trend. We talk about how publishing and retail use gendered marketing to maximise profit, why “books for boys” lists can narrow a child’s identity, and how self-censorship keeps kids from trying stories they’d genuinely love. I also unpack what research actually suggests about average differences, neuroplasticity, and socialisation, plus why the phrase “that’s so girly” carries such a heavy insult.And the best part, I get practical with book recommendations that cut straight through the stereotypes, from classics to middle grade series and graphic novels, and I share simple ways to talk about themes instead of gender. If you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, or caregiver who wants inclusive children’s literature, healthier masculinity, and stronger reading habits for boys and girls alike, this one is for you.Subscribe for more bookish conversations, share this with a fellow parent or educator, and leave a review if it sparks a rethink of your own bookshelf. What “wrong gender” book did you secretly love as a kid?Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Today's episode is truly special. We welcome New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry for a rich, warm conversation about how wonder, research, and a love for a good story turn words into worlds that invite wonder.  We also tackle today’s thornier topics. Beth draws a line between personal digital styles and generative AI that flattens voice, arguing that heart can’t be prompted. On book bans, she makes a clear case for access: stories are mirrors and windows, and removing them narrows who gets to be seen. Along the way we talk about the writing process, ideas sparked by lyrics and catalogues, fifty or so revisions, treating each book like a child who deserves equal care, and look ahead to her new middle grade novel in verse about the hard art of being happy for a friend.If you love children’s literature, illustration craft, or the power of a perfect read‑aloud, this conversation will light you up and send you hunting for more Beth Ferry on your shelf. Subscribe, share with a bookish friend, and leave a review telling us which children’s book you’ll never outgrow. Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. In today's episode, I am asking parents to take a backseat and let the kids control the speakers. I am talking directly to kids about why books are not competing with screens but powering the worlds they love. We unpack the brain science of reading, the courage in choosing your own stories, and the reason books get banned when ideas scare people in positions of power. We dig deep into: • how books seed games, films and shows we love• how reading lights up the brain and builds focus• how stories help us to feel seen and heard, and • the truth about bans and why ideas frighten powerI end with a gentle challenge to try one story this week and invite children to  ask their parents to drop me a message, tell me what type of story they hope to find, tell me what they like, what they don’t like, and I will find it them. Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Do you think you can find 10 minutes in your day to do the one thing that is proven to not only boost academic performance, but also bring you closer as a family? Reading together. Just ten minutes. In today's episode, we are talking about small rituals that will create big readers. It's a New Year and a great time for a reading reset. We share a practical plan to build a joyful reading culture at home in a screen‑heavy world, anchored by a ten‑minute read‑aloud that fits any day. From confidence gains to a school book swap, we show low‑pressure ways to make stories social, affordable, and fun.• why reading for pleasure drives cognition, mental health and empathy• designing low‑pressure rituals that make books the default• the 10‑minute read‑aloud challenge and rewards• early wins with pronunciation, confidence and classics• flexible timing that survives busy schedules• kids using apps to log, review and discover• launching a budget‑friendly school book swap• and lastly, cutting to our classic guide on home book club culture where we revisit Episode 11 (Season 1): Creating a Home Book Club Culture: No Homework Required to give you awesome tips for how you can incorporate reading in your home life this year. A few links from this episode: - Learn more about the RAR Read Aloud ChallengeSome websites I mention in the episode revisit: Art for Kids HubLittle School of Smiths Tea, Tales, and Tomes blog Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. The mic failed, the tea was hot, and the books were unforgettable. Come sit down with us as we reflect on a noisy 2025 and the stories that stayed: a Kyoto restaurant that recreates lost flavours to unlock memory, a graphic novel that treats young readers with uncommon respect, a middle grade marvel that made our whole family laugh and cry, a picture book that blooms like a botanical secret, and a nonfiction gem that turns lake lore into living curiosity.Not every pick landed. We unpack why a widely recommended fantasy for children failed our suitability test and talk frankly about choosing books with care: age-appropriate, safe, respectful. Then we look ahead to 2026: kids discovering the Warriors series on their own terms, family drives with The Mysterious Benedict Society, and a small, thoughtful adult book club starting with Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. Expect new segments, author conversations, and episodes that ask brave, necessary questions about how stories are made and how they shape us.If these conversations light you up, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a good read, and leave a review to help more bookish people find us. What was your standout read of 2025?Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. The shops are shouting buy more, but we’re making a different case: skip the shiny book junk and choose stories that actually get read. Come with me and walk through the holiday aisles together and call out the biggest traps - gimmicky bundles, flimsy movie tie-ins, lazy age-badged anthologies and swap them for books with staying power and more meaningful bookish gifts.If you’re craving ease over excess, you’re in good company here.A few things we touch on today: • skipping gimmicky bundles that add plastic, not story• steering clear of movie tie-ins and lazy anthologies• smarter alternatives for middle grade and seasonal reads• age-appropriate comics and graphic novels that land• choosing engaging, well-designed nonfiction over coffee-table tomes• why annuals and activity books are risky gifts unless you know the child• ditching weak booklights for practical, lasting accessories• tech picks that stretch budgets: subscriptions, audiobooks, headphones• how to gift adults without awkward self-help misfires• choosing a slower, calmer Christmas that puts people before purchasesFeel free to DM me on Instagram for recommendations because recommending books to you will be like giving me a gift this Christmas. Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. The season can sparkle and still feel heavy. Between perfect social media feeds, school concerts, late shopping and burnt biscuits, it’s easy to forget why we gather at all. We offer a simple reset: a bookish Advent calendar that replaces pressure with presence and turns December into a series of small, meaningful pauses.We start with the heart of the tradition and why letting go of perfection creates space for real joy. Then we walk through five clear steps to build your own countdown and also share practical tips to keep it effortless. By the end, you’ll have a flexible plan that meets your pace and deepens your family rhythm.If you’re ready to count down with stories instead of stress, press play, build your stack, and make the season yours. Subscribe for more bookish rituals, share this with a friend who needs a calmer December, and leave a review to help others find the show.Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. What if I told you that you don't need text to raise a reader? What if the most powerful reading practice for growing language, empathy, and imagination uses no words at all? In today's epsisode, we welcome a wave of new listeners, tip our mugs to the Halloween specials that sparked it, and then head straight into the quiet magic of wordless picture books... books in which your child’s voice becomes the narrator and every page turn invites a new possibility.I will speak about the science of wordless books, share a personal story, get into the nitty-gritty of actually "reading" wordless books, and lastly share a list of the best tried and tested wordless books for all ages. Ready to read the pictures and hear what your child has to say? Press play, save the book list from the blog or Instagram, and share this episode with a friend who loves stories. If this resonated, follow the show, leave a quick review, and tell us which wordless book you’ll start with. Your recommendations help our community grow.Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. I've been getting some flack about my obsession with all things spooky this season and I totally get why some of us steer clear of the scary, the unusual, or anything that might feel like we are going against our faiths and beliefs.So today, I am diving into the science and soul of spooky season - how safe fear lights up the brain, teaches emotional regulation, and gives kids (and grown-ups) a surprising edge in real-life resilience. From South African springtime reflections to the glow of American Halloween lore, we share a personal journey that begins with a battered copy of Dracula and the sting of shame that followed, then turn that experience into a playbook for parents who want to keep curiosity intact without sacrificing sleep.If you’re wondering how to navigate scary stories at home, we offer a clear, compassionate toolkit: pair fear with comfort (lights on, cocoa ready), guide rather than forbid, calibrate the “spice level,” and debrief after tough themes to turn shivers into skills. Match content to temperament, not nostalgia, and keep shame out of the room so curiosity can do its good work. By the end, you’ll see Halloween and haunted pages as cosy laboratories for courage and imagination and not moral tests... humane tools for making sense of the unknown.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves a cozy fright, and leave a quick review to help more bookish friends find us. Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Are you ready to join us for this Halloween literary special? This is your ultimate spooky season reading guide... but as with all things Tea, Tales, and Tomes, this is no ordinary episode. Come sit with us around our glowing campfire as we guide you through spooky books for readers of all ages, from gentle picture books to nightmare-inducing horror classics. We journey from campfire to haunted forest, exploring tales that flicker like lanterns in the darkness.• Little Blue Truck's Halloween and There's a Monster in Your Book offer gentle frights for the tiniest trick-or-treaters• Room on a Broom and The Quacken blend adventure with reassuring messages about friendship and overcoming fears• There's a Ghost in This House and Gustav the Shy Ghost provide slightly spookier tales for young independent readers• Middle-grade adventures like Jumanji, The Skull, and The House with a Clock in Its Walls deliver genuine chills while maintaining age-appropriate boundaries• The Graveyard Book follows Nobody Owens, a boy raised by ghosts, in a tale both chilling and tender• Teen and adult readers can explore Lockwood & Co., Dracula, Thornhill, and Maxwell Dark for genuine literary frightsMay your nights be spooky, your books hauntingly good, and your heart always full of wonder. Happy Halloween!The music and sound effects for this episode is ALL from Pixabay. Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. What if we could teach our children to face life's challenges with resilience, courage, and self-belief? That's exactly what Durban author Shareez Bagaria is doing through her captivating children's book "Luna's Journey" - and she's living these principles herself in the most extraordinary way.Nestled in her warm, inviting home on Women's Day in South Africa, Shareez shares the fascinating journey that led her from being a mother with a background in industrial psychology to becoming both a children's author and a mountain climber with her sights set on conquering the Seven Summits - the highest mountains on each continent.Throughout our conversation, Shareez shares practical wisdom for parents about helping children develop emotional intelligence, handle bullying, and build internal strength through affirmations. She emphasizes the importance of modeling the behaviors we hope to see in our children: "We have to demonstrate that to them."Join us for this inspiring discussion about motherhood, creativity, representation in children's literature, and the extraordinary heights we can reach when we believe in ourselves and take that next step forward – whether on a mountain or in everyday life.Get in touch with Shareez by: Following her on Instagram (@metamorphosis_life_coaching; @lunalearns_2309; and @shareezb). Luna Learns is available wherever good books are sold. Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. What began as a simple recording on the floor with an inexpensive microphone has blossomed into a literary journey spanning 19 countries and 50 cities worldwide. In this emotional season finale, we pull back the curtain on Tea Tales and Tomes to reveal how a passion for making children's literature accessible transformed into a global conversation about raising readers.The podcast's origin story unfolds as we learn how frustration with North-centric book recommendations and a desire to share hard-earned knowledge became the catalyst for creating this gentle corner of the podcasting world. Despite generating no revenue, this labor of love continues because of a profound belief in the power of stories to shape young minds and create lasting bonds between children and their caregivers.The heart of this episode lies in the voices of our listeners. From podcast editor Timmy suggesting parent-focused reading segments to non-parent listeners who find unexpected resonance in discussions about children's literature, each story affirms the universal appeal of our bookish conversations. Most touching is a listener who shares how her illiterate mother fostered her reading journey through weekly library visits—what she calls "the most beautiful love story" she's experienced.Young readers steal the spotlight as they enthusiastically recommend favorites like "Dinosaur Club," "Lottie Brooks," and "Nevermoor." Their unfiltered excitement reminds us why this podcast exists: to nurture the next generation of book dragons who will grow up understanding that stories are portals to unlimited possibilities.Looking ahead to Season Two, we're preparing author interviews, controversial topics, new segments, and seasonal specials including Halloween-themed episodes. Until then, keep reading, keep sharing stories, and remember that every book opens a door to something magical. What reading journey will you embark on next?Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Remember the dreaded book report? That school assignment that magically transforms the wonder of reading into a tedious chore? As parents and caregivers, we desperately want our children to fall in love with books, but sometimes our well-intentioned efforts to discuss their reading can feel suspiciously like homework.During our recent winter holidays, I discovered a different path—creating a "book club culture" at home that makes reading communal, exciting, and deeply personal. This episode unveils how simple rituals like blanket picnics with stories, one-on-one coffee dates, and creative documentation methods can transform how your family experiences books.Contrary to what you might think, I don't have perfect little book dragons who spend their days begging for more reading assignments! My children are typical kids who'd rather play video games than analyze symbolism. But when I shifted away from school-style interrogations toward natural conversations over hot chocolate and treats, something magical happened—the books became part of our shared language, our family stories, and our way of processing the world together.The science backs this up too. When children discuss books in relaxed, natural settings, they experience enhanced language development, improved emotional regulation, strengthened neural connections, and increased empathy—all while strengthening family bonds through the release of oxytocin, the attachment hormone.From creating "Book Report Envelope Accordions" that balance light questioning with creative expression to designing reading challenges with prompts like "read a book with a red cover," I'll share practical, tested approaches that have worked wonders in our home. These methods build critical thinking skills and emotional literacy without ever feeling like work.Ready to create a home where books aren't just read but lived in? Subscribe now, and let's build reading families together—one cup of tea and one story at a time. Some websites I mention in this episode: Art for Kids HubLittle School of Smiths Tea, Tales, and Tomes blog Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. In today's episode, I delve into the world of children's nonfiction where science meets art, sharing remarkable books that transform factual information into awe-inspiring adventures for young readers.• Books by Jason Chin like "Your Place in the Universe" and "The Universe in You" offering breathtaking illustrations that compare cosmic scale to a child's perspective• Immersive adventure books like "How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?" that engage all five senses to explore extreme environments• Interactive learning with "The Treasure Hunt" featuring puzzles, codes and maps that make history come alive• Car science books that make mechanical concepts accessible through engaging illustrations and storytelling• Humorous books about animal anatomy that capture children's attention while teaching evolutionary science• "Spooky Lakes" exploring mysterious bodies of water around the world with jaw-dropping scientific facts• "Size Wise" presenting animals and natural elements in their actual size for a tangible learning experienceAnd the best part, my tried and tested tips for choosing high-quality nonfiction that engages rather than bores young readers (and their bookwormy adults). Visit the blog post for this episode for the full list of titles mentioned here and drop us a rec of your favourite non-fiction.Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Have you ever dismissed an entire genre of books only to have your child prove you spectacularly wrong? That's exactly what happened when my son Jaz revealed his preference for nonfiction - a category I'd spent my entire reading life avoiding "like the plague."What began as concern over my youngest son's waning interest in our beloved family read-aloud sessions turned into an eye-opening journey. While I was busy pulling out all the stops with silly voices and wacky characters in fiction books, Jaz was quietly gravitating toward factual texts about Australian wildlife and other scientific topics. The moment of realization was humbling: "Just because a book isn't fun in the way I define it doesn't mean it's not deeply enjoyable to someone else."This episode explores the surprising world of high-quality nonfiction for young readers across all age ranges. From the "Baby Loves" board books that introduce complex scientific concepts to toddlers, to Usborne's brilliant "Lift the Flap" series, to National Geographic's visually stunning collections. For older children, we dive into the wonderfully bizarre "Animal Battles" series (think WWE meets Animal Kingdom with scientific explanations), graphic novel-style science books, and even adapted Bill Bryson works that maintain his signature wit while making complex topics accessible to young minds.Whether your child is already a nonfiction enthusiast or you're looking to expand their literary horizons, these recommendations offer the perfect balance of educational content and genuine reading pleasure. And stay tuned for part two, where we'll explore even more extraordinary nonfiction titles and provide a framework for distinguishing exceptional informational books from forgettable ones.Have you discovered any surprising reading preferences in your children? What nonfiction titles have captured their imagination? I'd love to hear about your experiences with factual books that have made a difference in your family's reading life.Visit the webpage for this episode to get all the booklists, the transcript, or to leave a message and chat. Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Navigating parenthood can feel overwhelming, but certain evidence-based resources offer invaluable guidance without claiming to have all the answers. Six exceptional books stand out as practical references for parents seeking to build respectful relationships with their children.• No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury - Explains respectful parenting founded on the premise that children aren't "bad" but simply lack emotional regulation• How to Talk So Kids Will Listen by Faber and Mazlish - Provides practical scripts and techniques for communicating effectively with children• Raising Boys by Stephen Biddulph - Details the psychological development of boys through different life stages and the changing roles of parents and other adults• The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease - Makes a compelling case for reading aloud to children of all ages with research-backed benefits• Untigering by Iris Chen - Examines breaking free from authoritarian "tiger" parenting, particularly for immigrant families dealing with generational patterns• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt - Investigates the impact of smartphones and social media on youth mental health with practical solutionsJoin me again next time for more bookish wonder at Tea Tales and Tomes, where we're living our favorite lives talking books and drinking hot beverages.Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Ever wondered how children can learn complex facts without feeling like they're in a classroom? Roslynne Toerien has mastered this delicate balance through her captivating children's books that blend imagination with education.In this heartwarming conversation, award-winning Durban-based author Roslynne opens up about her remarkable journey from struggling reader to celebrated writer. As a mother of three and founder of the Learn Project NGO (which has distributed over 90,000 books to 29 South African schools), Roslynne's passion for literacy runs deep. Her children's books, featuring South African wildlife and rhyming text, stem from a desire to create stories where local children can see their world reflected on the page.Follow Roslynne on social media @roslynnewrites and @learnproject and discover how her rhyming wildlife adventures might be just what your young reader needs to fall in love with both stories and science. You can also check our Ros's author page at Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/author/roslynne-toerien . For all the information on the LEARN project go check out: https://thelearnproject.co.za/The transcript of this episode, a list of all the books discussed here, and for any comments, visit:  https://teatalesandtomes.wordpress.com/2025/06/03/episode-7-from-teacher-to-acclaimed-author-roslynne-toeriens-literary-journey/Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Have you ever felt self-conscious reading aloud to your child? That strange feeling of performing for an audience, struggling with character voices, or wondering if you're "doing it right" when your child interrupts or wanders off mid-story? You're not alone.Reading aloud transforms both reader and listener, but rarely in the picture-perfect way we imagine. Drawing from my own journey—from awkwardly reading Roald Dahl to my newborn to now sharing magical reading moments with my children—I unpack the essential elements that make read-aloud time meaningful rather than merely performative.The foundation begins with selecting books that spark joy for both of you. Children intuitively sense when adults are genuinely engaged versus going through the motions. Reading slowly allows young minds to absorb language and create mental images, while simple voice variations—changing volume, pitch, or pace—create character distinction without requiring theatrical training. Those dreaded interruptions? They're actually signs of deep engagement, often leading to meaningful conversations about school, friendships, or worries that wouldn't emerge through direct questioning.Perhaps most reassuring is understanding that movement during storytime is normal and beneficial. Research shows many children absorb stories better when their bodies are active. That child doing cartwheels during Charlotte's Web might remember more details than the one sitting perfectly still! The goal isn't perfect execution but connection—creating a foundation for lifelong reading and relationship building.Whether you're reading to a newborn, a fidgety toddler, or a questioning school-aged child, remember that your unique reading journey, with all its beautiful imperfections, is exactly what your child needs. Follow me on Instagram @TeaTalesandTomes for more bookish inspiration!Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Reading comic books and graphic novels with children creates joyful literacy experiences that build lifelong connections through stories while developing critical visual literacy skills.• Slow down when reading comics aloud to allow children time to explore illustrations and decode visual information• Place your finger under characters who are speaking to help kids follow dialogue• Make sound effects dramatic and fun – children often learn words like "bonk" and "crash" before traditional sight words• Give silent panels enough time and attention, asking questions about what might be happening• Invite children to look at facial expressions, scene details, and panel sequences to build comprehension skills• Toon Books offers excellent leveled readers from simple single-panel stories to chapter-style graphic novels• Elephant & Piggy books provide simple, funny stories perfect for all ages with clean illustrations• Series like Zita the Space Girl, The Investigators, and Marvel Superheroes Adventure work well for ages 7+• South African graphic novels like Kwezi and Shaka Rising offer culturally relevant stories with local flavor• Consider emotional maturity rather than just reading level when selecting graphic novels for childrenIf you know of any great South African graphic novelists or comic book artists, please drop me a note in the comments.Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Ever found yourself wondering if your child's comic book obsession actually "counts" as reading? You're not alone. Parents everywhere are questioning whether Dog Man and Captain Underpants are legitimate literature or just a phase to endure.Comics and graphic novels deserve recognition as legitimate reading material that offers unique cognitive benefits through multimodal storytelling, serving as perfect gateway books for reluctant and proficient readers.In today's episode, we are delving into the science of reading graphic novels and looking at why comic books and graphic novels have been termed "story-teller quicksand." What gateway books sparked your love of reading? Share your story and join our passionate community of readers raising the next generation of book lovers.Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Ever felt completely overwhelmed in the library or bookshop when trying to select a good book for your kids? One that they and you will love and that won't sit on a shelf collecting dust after just one read? If you answered yes, this episode is for you. I am talking about prolific authors who write greats stories and whose books are easily available (especially in our part of the world). We are on the third and final part of our chat about books to read to our kids in that first year and more importantly, curating shelves in this year that will last a lifetime. In Part 1 we looked at what reading aloud might look like when our children are little more than pooping, feeding, sleeping machines and in Part 2 we went into the “why should we read” to these littlest of humans and I gave some recommendations for books that I believe should be on all shelves because they are truly lifelong reads. In this episode, we are going to explore author collections and boxsets that are great for the first year of reading but that will be a staple in your home for decades to come because these are stories that do not go out of fashion.  Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. We're continuing our chat today about books to read to our kids in that first year of their lives and curating shelves for a lifetime. This is Part 2 of a 3 part series that is looking at books for your baby's first year. In Part 1 we looked at what we called the extreme baby months and we touched on the touchy feeling books that your child would want to explore, starting at around that 6 week mark. Today I delve deeply into some books that will inspire wonder and magic in you and your child. As always, this episode is proudly brought to you by overwhelmed adults the world over who have no time for judgement but could do with some help in choosing books for the kids in their lives. https://teatalesandtomes.wordpress.com/2025/04/01/episode-2-curating-my-babys-bookshelf-in-that-first-year/ Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. We’re kicking off our show with an excellent question, “What books should I read to my baby during their first year of life?” Now, I’m not saying that I got overly excited by the question or anything but I did create a multi-part episode out of it so you be the judge.Today we are going to talk all about reading to our kids in that first year and curating books that will last a lifetime. We don't only look at the what to read but also how to read and what we should probably not waste our time on. Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill. 

We'd love your feedback. Send us a message. Are you ready? Exciting things are coming! Are you a little bumfuzzled (read: perplexed) in the sea of great books and need some help in choosing books as a reader, raising readers? I got you! Find us on Instagram @teatalesandtomes and don't forget to join us next time for more bookish wonder. Podcast music by Lundstroem (Episode 1 onwards) and Audionautix (TTAT Trailer). Podcast edited by Timothy Wiggill.