The Reading Bug Podcast - Original Adventures, Bedtime Stories and Music for Kids

Author of the epic Last Kids on Earth series, Max Brallier, joins Lauren and the Reading Bug to talk books, zombies, adventure and more! Max is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and games, and The Last Kids on Earth is heading to Netflix as an animated series this fall. Max writes stuff, reads stuff, plays too many videogames, watches too many movies, and eats too many nachos.

Science expert and author of more than 40 titles for kids and grown-ups, Jack Challoner, joins Lauren and the Reading Bug to discuss his newest science project book, STEM Lab. Other science project titles by Jack include Maker Lab: Outdoors: 25 Super Cool Projects, and Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects, and are a huge hit with staff and customers at The Reading Bug Bookstore. Learn about how Jack became an author and hear about some of his very favorite projects! Find a list of all Jack Challoner's books at thereadingbug.com/authors.

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. When The Great Bug-ini's magic tricks go awry, Lauren and the Reading Bug are visited by two new friends... from the magical land of New Alchemy! Join to help them get back home and save their school from an evil witch. But getting back may not be as easy as hopping into the book bag this time! We may need the help of a great and powerful magician. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/magic

Part 2 of 2. Lauren and the Reading Bug, and their new magical friends, Easton and the Spelling Bee, are seeking help from the world's greatest magician, Harry Houdini! But can he help them return to New Alchemy in time to save the day? Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/magic

Part 1 of 2. When The Great Bug-ini's magic tricks go awry, Lauren and the Reading Bug are visited by two new friends... from the magical land of New Alchemy! Join to help them get back home and save their school from an evil witch. But getting back may not be as easy as hopping into the book bag this time! We may need the help of a great and powerful magician. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/magic

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. We're on an epic trip to Antarctica with Lauren and the Reading Bug, to work alongside Dr. Miller - a marine biologist living at the McMurdo station. Join us as we search for lost penguins, and travel through the desolate, snow-covered land! But don't stay outside too long. It's really, really c-c-cold at the South Pole. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/antarctic

Part 2 of 2. Continue the epic trip to Antarctica with Lauren and the Reading Bug, and work alongside Dr. Miller to rescue the young penguins from an Antarctic storm! But don't stay outside too long. It's really, really c-c-cold at the South Pole. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/antarctic

Part 1 of 2. The Reading Bug's magic book bag is full of books about penguins and the South Pole, but when an unexpected visitor arrives, will she get to take the adventure she was planning? A spectacular journey awaits - and a trip to the remote McMurdo station may be our next stop! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/antarctic

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. Lauren and the Reading Bug are off on another exciting adventure - this time, in search of the mysterious and elusive Loch Ness Monster, Nessie! But finding a sea creature that has been hidden in the Scottish highlands for hundreds of years is no easy task. But does she want to be found? Join Lauren and the Reading Bug as they meet new friends and show Nessie the true meaning of friendship. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/lochness

Part 2 of 2. Could that really be Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster?! We've been searching through the Scottish Highlands for the mysterious and elusive beast, and we may have found her. But does she want to be found? Join Lauren and the Reading Bug as they show Nessie the true meaning of friendship. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/lochness

Part 1 of 2. Lauren and the Reading Bug are off on another exciting adventure - this time, in search of the mysterious and elusive Loch Ness Monster, Nessie! But finding a sea creature that has been hidden in the Scottish highlands for hundreds of years is no easy task. Join the adventure as we meet some rowdy highland cattle, learn a Scottish dance and make new friends. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/lochness

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug for a turbulent trip back in time, trying to get a glimpse of the Wright brothers (and sister!) on their first manned airplane flight! Experience triumphs and failures - and the hard work of getting things right (or... Wright!). Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/airplane

Part 2 of 2. The trip back in time to see the Wright's first flight continues to be a turbulent one! Inventing a manned airplane isn't an easy task and neither, it seems is finding the Wright brother's (and sister) on the fateful day of their first flight into the history books. Experience triumphs and failures - and the hard work of getting things right (or... Wright!). Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/airplane

Part 1 of 2. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug as they journey back in time to a special date - to experience the Wright brothers' very first flight! Experience their bumpy ride to success through a series of triumphs and failures - and meet the Wright sister, Katherine, too! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/airplane

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. Look what the Reading Bug caught in her leprechaun trap! It's a tricky little leprechaun who is looking for a way back to the Emerald Isle! Follow the rainbow in the Reading Bug's magic bookbag all the way to Ireland where a magical journey to an enchanted kingdom of fairies awaits... but be careful of tricky leprechaun magic - and of ballybogs and pookas, too! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/Irish.

Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright visit with Lauren and the Reading Bug to discuss their beautiful and creative Lola Dutch books - the latest is Lola Dutch, When I Grow Up. Sarah Jane Wright opened an online shop in 2008 that has since grown into a worldwide business with art prints, fabrics, wallpaper, puppets, and illustrated children’s books. Kenneth is a full-time educator and history teacher. They have 4 children and write and illustrate beautiful picture books together. Find a list of all their books at thereadingbug.com/authors.

Part 2 of 2. The trip to the enchanted fairy kingdom of Tír na nÓg is even more treacherous than we expected - and our ne leprechaun friend's tricky magic isn't helping matters! Follow the rainbow in the Reading Bug's magic bookbag all the way to Ireland where a magical journey to an enchanted kingdom of fairies awaits. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/Irish.

Part 1 of 2. Look what the Reading Bug caught in her leprechaun trap! It's a tricky little leprechaun who is looking for a way back to the Emerald Isle! Follow the rainbow in the Reading Bug's magic bookbag all the way to Ireland where a magical journey to an enchanted kingdom of fairies awaits... but be careful of tricky leprechaun magic - and of ballybogs and pookas, too! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/Irish.

Author & illustrator, Jennifer L. Holm, stops by The Reading Bug bookstore for a chat with Lauren and the Reading Bug. Jennifer is the bestselling author & illustrator of the graphic novel series Babymouse and Squish, which she collaborates on with her brother Matthew Holm. She is also a New York Times bestselling children's author and the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels Our Only May Amelia, Penny from Heaven, and Turtle in Paradise. Oh! And did we mention, she's one of the first authors to ever visit our bookstore?! Find a list of all Jenni's books at thereadingbug.com/authors.

Author, Daniel José Older, joins Lauren and the Reading Bug at The Reading Bug bookstore to discuss his epic new series Dactyl Hill Squad! Daniel José Older is also the New York Times bestselling author of Salsa Nocturna, the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series from Penguin’s Roc Books and the Young Adult novel Shadowshaper (Scholastic, 2015), which won the International Latino Book Award. Learn about Daniel's writing process with us - and, importantly, find out which is his favorite dinosaur! Find a list of all Daniel's books at thereadingbug.com/authors.

Author, Mac Barnett, snuck into The Reading Bug bookstore for a visit with Lauren and the Reading Bug to chat about his hilarious new series, Mac B, Kid Spy! Mac is a New York Times-bestselling author whose books have sold more than one million copies! His award-winning picture books include two Caldecott-Honor-winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn, and Leo: A Ghost Story, illustrated by Christian Robinson, and The Skunk, illustrated by Patrick McDonnell, which were named two of the Ten Best Illustrated Books of 2015 by The New York Times. Mac's novels include the Brixton Brothers mysteries and The Terrible Two series. Hear from Mac in this hilarious interview and learn about his childhood adventures - as a SPY! Author Visits are suitable for all ages, but may appeal most to children with an interest in art or writing, or to families or anyone interested in hearing from great children's authors and discovering new titles to read together. Find a list of Mac's great books at thereadingbug.com/authors.

Parts 1, 2 & 3 combined into a full story. Our last story of season 2 begins with a legendary trip to the magical kingdom of Camelot! Hop into the Reading Bug's book bag for a trip back in time to become part of the Camelot legend, with King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, the Knights of the Round Table and much, much more. But beware, dangerous trolls and serpents lurk around every corner. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/royal.

Part 3 of 3. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are searching the kingdom for a prince and they need help from their newly-knighted Round Table Knights, us! Who will win the contest and help the King and Queen break Camelot's curse? Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/royal.

Part 2 of 3. With the Trowbridge Troll defeated, it's time to continue on to the kingdom of Camelot to find King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and the Knights of the Round Table. But, hark, there's a strange magic here. Could the kingdom be... cursed? Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/royal.

Part 1 of 3. Our last story of season 2 begins with a legendary trip to the magical kingdom of Camelot! Hop into the Reading Bug's book bag for a trip back in time to become part of the Camelot legend, with King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, the Knights of the Round Table and much, much more. But beware, dangerous trolls and serpents lurk around every corner. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/royal.

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. The Reading Bug has been working on a special talent and we're off to visit P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth to see other talented performers - acrobats, elephants, daredevils and more! But things get exciting when someone develops a case of stage fright. The show must go on, but how can it when the star performer won't perform? Join Lauren and the Reading Bug on this high flying adventure and maybe you'll find yourself performing in the circus, too! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/circus.

Part 2 of 2. The Reading Bug has been working on a special talent and we're off to visit P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth to see other talented performers - acrobats, elephants, daredevils and more! But things get exciting when someone develops a case of stage fright. The show must go on, but how can it when the star performer won't perform? Join Lauren and the Reading Bug on this high flying adventure and maybe you'll find yourself performing in the circus, too! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/circus.

Part 1 of 2. The Reading Bug has been working on a special talent and we're off to visit P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth to see other talented performers - acrobats, elephants, daredevils and more! But things get exciting when someone develops a case of stage fright. The show must go on, but how can it when the star performer won't perform? Join Lauren and the Reading Bug on this high flying adventure and maybe you'll find yourself performing in the circus, too! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/circus.

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug as the magic bookbag zips us back to feudal Japan for an incredible adventure! Practice the ways of the ninja warrior and use your new skills to evade a scary Samurai army and rescue a new friend. Learn about - and create - your own haiku, and be sure to bring your crayons and paper to draw beautiful illustrations. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/ninja.

Part 2 of 2. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug as the magic bookbag zips us back to feudal Japan for an incredible, action-packed adventure! Use your new ninja skills to evade a scary Samurai army and rescue a new friend. And be sure to bring your crayons and paper to draw beautiful illustrations. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/ninja.

Part 1 of 2. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug as the magic bookbag zips us back to feudal Japan for an incredible adventure! Practice the ways of the ninja warrior and use your new skills to evade a scary Samurai army and rescue a new friend. Learn about - and create - your own haiku, and be sure to bring your crayons and paper to draw beautiful illustrations. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/ninja.

Join Lauren and the Reading Bug and many of our season 1 characters for a special live episode, performed from The Reading Bug children's bookstore in San Carlos, CA. In this all-new adventure, there's been a mix-up and we've got to hop inside the magic book bag to help set things right. Who knows what we might see on this wacky adventure Pirates? Aliens? Cowboys? Yes! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/live2018.

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. We're headed back to Africa to visit the Gombe National Park and walk in the footsteps of famed paleontologist, Jane Goodall. And this time we're on a very special mission. A baby chimp has disappeared and Lauren, the Reading Bug and you need to help find her! Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag for another magical adventure! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/chimpanzee.

Part 2 of 2. We're back in Africa's Gombe National Park, walking in the footsteps of famed paleontologist, Jane Goodall. We're on a very special mission. A baby chimp has disappeared and Lauren, the Reading Bug and you need to help find her! Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag for another magical adventure! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/chimpanzee.

Part 1 of 2. We're headed back to Africa to visit the Gombe National Park and walk in the footsteps of famed paleontologist, Jane Goodall. And this time we're on a very special mission. A baby chimp has disappeared and Lauren, the Reading Bug and you need to help find her! Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag for another magical adventure! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/chimpanzee.

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug - and new friends - as we travel back in time, millions of years, to a time when dinosaurs roared and pteranodons soared! Who knows what we'll see on the adventure - maybe a triceratops, or parasaurolophus? Or maybe a mighty T-Rex (yikes!)? Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag with us and find out! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/dinosaur.

Part 2 of 2. We're back in the Mesozoic Era, where there's beauty - and danger - around every corner! Join Lauren and the Reading Bug and help rescue our new dino friend, Albert. Who knows what else we'll see on the adventure - maybe a triceratops, or parasaurolophus? Or maybe a mighty T-Rex (yikes!)? Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag with us and find out! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/dinosaur.

Part 1 of 2. Season 2 Premier! Join Lauren and the Reading Bug on an all-new adventure to a time when dinosaurs roared and pteranodons soared! Will you see a triceratops, or parasaurolophus? Or maybe a mighty T-Rex? Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag with us and find out! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/dinosaur.

This author visit with Tim Myers has it all - storytime, music, singing, an interview - and that's because Tim does it all. He's a writer, songwriter, storyteller, and university senior lecturer in English, and in this episode, Lauren and the Reading Bug get to hear Tim tell a story, sing an original song, and answer all sorts of questions about his work!

Science Expert, Jack Challoner joins Lauren and the Reading Bug to talk about his books, Maker Lab Outdoors and Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects. As an extra bonus, you can join in the science fun and help the Reading Bug with two great projects, straight from the pages of Jack's books! Don't miss out on this super cool author visit.

Dude! Author, Aaron Reynolds, and Author/Illustrator, Dan Santat, stopped by for a visit with Lauren and the Reading Bug to chat about their new book... Dude! Dan Santat is a Caldecott Medal–winning author and illustrator for The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend and other great works including After the Fall, Drawn Together, and many many more. Aaron Reynolds is an NY Times bestselling author of more than 30 highly acclaimed books for kids, including Here Comes Destructosaurus!, Carnivores, and the Caldecott Honor–winning book Creepy Carrots! Hear from Dan and Aaron about their careers, their books and their partnership in this wildly funny interview - and learn about great books, available at thereadingbug.com/authors. Author Visits are suitable for all ages, but may appeal most to children with an interest in art or writing, or to families or anyone interested in hearing from great children's authors and discovering new titles to read together.

Judy Schachner, author and illustrator of the Skippyjon Jones books, joins Lauren and The Reading Bug at our bookstore to talk about her newest book, Sarabella's Thinking Cap. Hear from Judy about her career, her inspirations and her writing process in this fun, funny and informational interview - and learn about some great books, available at thereadingbug.com/authors. Author Visits are suitable for all ages, but may appeal most to children with an interest in art or writing, or to families or anyone interested in hearing from great children's authors and discovering new titles to read together.

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug on a new adventure with some of the nastiest, rowdiest, smelliest, song-and-dance-iest pirates to sail the seven seas! Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag to help save a young girl captured by Captain Blackbeard and his motley crew. You'll need to be brave, cunning, and ready for action to trick Blackbeard and get everyone to safety. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/pirate.

Part 2 of 2. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug on a new adventure with some of the nastiest, rowdiest, smelliest, song-and-dance-iest pirates to sail the seven seas! Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag to help save a young girl captured by Captain Blackbeard and his motley crew. You'll need to be brave, cunning, and ready for action to trick Blackbeard and get everyone to safety. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/pirate.

Part 1 of 2. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug on a new adventure with some of the nastiest, rowdiest, smelliest, song-and-dance-iest pirates to sail the seven seas! Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag to help save a young girl captured by Captain Blackbeard and his motley crew. You'll need to be brave, cunning, and ready for action to trick Blackbeard and get everyone to safety. Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/pirate.

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. This adventure is going to be wild! Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag and join our incredible picture safari. We're headed to the continent of Africa to observe - and illustrate - the incredible wildlife there. The weather's great and there are so many animals for us to color, but watch out, danger lurks in the high grass and our good luck could change in a flash! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/safari.

Part 2 of 2. This adventure is going to be wild! Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag and re-join our incredible picture safari. We're headed to the continent of Africa to observe - and illustrate - the incredible wildlife there. The weather's great and there are so many animals for us to color, but watch out - our good luck could change in a flash! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/safari.

Part 1 of 2. This adventure is going to be wild! Hop into the Reading Bug's magic book bag and join our incredible picture safari. With the help of your imaginations, we're headed to the continent of Africa to observe - and illustrate - the incredible wildlife there. But watch out! We don't want to run into any lions...or worse! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/safari.

Parts 1 & 2 combined into a full story. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug for an Adventure that's out of this world! The Reading Bug has a new - green - friend who needs to get back home, and you can help! Just jump in the magic book bag, use your imaginations and BLAST OFF! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/space.

Part 2 of 2. Join Lauren and the Reading Bug for an Adventure that's out of this world! The Reading Bug has a new - green - friend who needs to get back home, and you can help! Just jump in the magic book bag, use your imaginations and BLAST OFF! Explore the books in the Reading Bug's magic book bag at www.thereadingbug.com/adventures/space.