Stories That Teach Kindness, Courage and Wonder

Join host Jed Doherty for an episode featuring two authors whose books invite readers to lead with kindness and imagination. First, Janet Zappala introduces Guapo in the Mystery of Goodness Grove, a picture book inspired by Guapo, a steer weighing more than 3,000 pounds. Guapo is famous for his gentle nature, heart-shaped forehead marking, and friendship with Mabel, a pot-bellied pig. Janet explains how their bond sparked a story about celebrating differences and treating others with kindness. She believes children learn values by watching caring actions, not just hearing advice. She discusses moving from journalism to children’s books, collaborating with writer Wendy Perkins and illustrator Laura Kaleja, and the joy she finds in reading with children. Profits from her books support animal rescues. Then Christopher Mannino shares Starkeeper, a standalone middle-grade fantasy in his shared Builder’s World, where natural wonders are someone’s job. Jack is expected to hang stars, but longs to become a poet. Menino traces the novel’s whimsical inspiration to theater, imagery, and a desire to create wonder and cozy fantasy. He describes starting with a striking image and building a story around it. Living in Malta, Mannino introduces a virtual pen-pal program for students in grades three through six. Zoom sessions will explore Malta’s history, culture, geography, and daily life, including island realities such as importing essential resources. He hopes the program will connect students to his books and spark curiosity about the world. Together, the conversations celebrate stories that foster empathy, learning, and joy.