Auntie Jo Jo's Library

In this episode, Mary continues to explore the mysteries of Misselthwaite Manor—and finally stumbles upon something magical. Join us for Chapters 9 and 10 of The Secret Garden, featuring a special guest reading of Chapter 10 by Amelia!

🌿 Secrets are beginning to bloom…

In today’s episode, we continue our journey into The Secret Garden with Chapters 7 and 8. Mary begins to explore more of Misselthwaite Manor and its mysterious grounds—meeting new characters, hearing whispers of secrets, and uncovering more about the locked garden. The story is just beginning to bloom!

This reading is a cozy continuation of the classic tale by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Perfect for winding down your day or sharing storytime with the family.

Plus, there is a sweet little bonus at the end! Auntie Jo Jo shares her podcast trailer for her new podcast: Legacy Lore!

Bubble gum is more than just a chewy treat — it’s a pop culture icon with roots that stretch back thousands of years. In this guest-hosted history-sode, Amelia unwraps the surprisingly sweet story of how ancient tree sap turned into the pink, stretchy, bubble-blowing favorite we know today. From ancient Greece to a Philadelphia accountant’s happy accident in 1928, you’ll learn how bubble gum went from practical chew to global sensation.

This episode is read by Amelia - an AI generated voice through ElevenLabs. She is helping out Auntie Jo Jo while she takes some sick leave from the library.

Sources:

• Smithsonian Magazine: The Invention of Bubble Gum

• National Geographic Kids: The History of Chewing Gum

• American Chemical Society: The Chemistry of Chewing Gum

• Walter Diemer Obituary, New York Times Archives (1998)

• “Gum” entry, Encyclopedia Britannica

In this longer episode of Auntie Jo Jo’s Library, we continue our journey through The Secret Garden with chapters 4, 5, and 6.

📖 Chapter 4 begins at 0:53 and ends around the 30-minute mark.
📖 Chapter 5 starts at 31:00 and ends just before the 45-minute mark.
📖 Chapter 6 follows right after.

Chapters 5 and 6 are beautifully read by Amelia, an AI-generated voice created through ElevenLabs.

Curl up with your headphones and escape into the world of Mary Lennox as the mystery of the locked garden slowly begins to unfold.

This episode starts our journey into the world of mystery, friendship, and blooming wonders with The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett!

Originally published in 1911, this beloved classic follows Mary Lennox—a lonely, stubborn girl who uncovers a hidden garden and discovers that sometimes, the best kind of magic is the kind that helps us grow.

Join Auntie Jo Jo each week as we read a few chapters and watch the garden—and Mary—come to life.

📖 Chapter Reading Schedule:
🌱 May 6: Chapters 1–3
🌿 May 13: Chapters 4–6
🌸 May 20: Chapters 7–9
🌼 May 27: Chapters 10–12
🌻 June 3: Chapters 13–16
🌷 June 10: Chapters 17–19
🌺 June 17: Chapters 20–23
🌾 June 24: Chapters 24–27

Auntie Jo Jo had so much fun last week putting a modern twist on an old class that she did it again!

This episode Auntie Jo Jo brings you a modern twist on last weeks story!

Hans Christian Andersen delights us with a story about an emperor who has an obsession with his fancy new clothes and spends lavishly on them.

This episode we dive into a delightful read from the Brother's Grimm.

Join Auntie Jo Jo as she reads a classic story by Beatrix Potter.

The evil King locks a Queen and her child up in the tallest tower. His hope his her child will be worthy enough to wed his son one day. However, a sweet little mouse has something else in mind.

What happens when a wild hare hops into a Beekeeper's yard? Find out in this episode!

Auntie Jo Jo is back with another classic tale. This comes from Hans Christian Anderson. A Queen's son must embark on a journey and his mother provides him with some very solid advice.

This episode Auntie Jo Jo tells a classic tale of the Little Blue engine that gave her all!

This story was written by Watty Piper.

Are you O.K.? Of course you are! You're listening to another History-Sode.

Here are sources used while researching this episode:

Let's take a break from Emmy and Ava and step into the mind of Scout, Auntie Jo Jo's dog!

This story was written by Jo Saraceni for this podcast.

Did you know the Kiwi is the official bird of New Zealand?

Sources used for this episode:

• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/rise-of-kiwi-bird-new-zealand
• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/Everything-You-Thought-You-Knew-About-Kiwis-Has-Changed-180951556/

It's important to stand up for yourself. It can also be important to stop others from being a bully. We are all different and no one has the right to pick on us just because our shoes aren't brand new!

Emmy struggles with standing up for Ava as a school bully picks on her. She is worried she will be the next target but then she learns that standing up for Ava is the right thing to do!

This story was written by Jo Saraceni for this podcast.

It's raining cats & dogs......but not actual cats and dogs, right?

Sources used during this research:

• https://www.historyextra.com/period/early-modern/why-do-we-say-raining-cats-and-dogs/

• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jonathan-Swift

Sleepovers can be scary! Going over to a new friend's house and spending the night outside of your own bed. But Emmy and Ava have a blast!

This story was written by Jo Saraceni for this podcast.

Yummy! Let's take a big ole' bite out of a tasty little thing called the sandwich. How invented the sandwich and why?

Sources for this episode:

Emmy and Ava get paired up for their first tennis tournament. How much fun do you think they will have?

This story was written by Jo Saraceni for use on this podcast.

Emmy has been working hard on a new and old hobby. She has branched out and met some new friends. Will she invite her new friends to help her celebrate her birthday?

This Part 3 and Part 4 of a 4 Part story written by Jo Saraceni. Parts 1 and 2 were read on our previous episode.

Emmy's planned a great birthday celebration. Only problem is, no one has RSVP'd. Find out how Emmy chooses to celebrate her special day in this 4 Part story!

This episode we are reading Part 1 and Part 2 of this 4 Part story written by Jo Saraceni.

Jack has the best view of the neighborhood from his bedroom window! He can see and hear all the kids playing....all the kids expect for Jack.

He longs to join the kids but is afraid to ask. Will he join them? Find out in this episode.

This story is written and read by Jo Saraceni.

Let's join Poppy on her Great Adventure with her human parents!

This story was written and read by Jo Saraceni.

Find out how Mason resets himself after the busy holiday season. Auntie Jo Jo is happy to share this original story with you!

The holidays can be busy. We always have somewhere to be and someone to spend time with. It's important to take time for yourself. Self-care if very important no matter what age!

Find out how Mason resets himself after the busy holiday season.

Auntie Jo Jo wants to wish everyone a very happy holiday season. She celebrates Christmas and finds it fitting to read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas BUT she has added in her own twist to the timeless classic.

It's been a lovely journey sharing this story with you! Matilda is a lovely child that finally finds her happiness.

If you've enjoyed this story, leave a comment below!

With only 6 chapters left, what will we discover about Matilda, Miss Honey, and the Trunchbull?

These chapters, we gain insight into Miss Honey and her connection to the Headmistress. Matilda wants to explore her powers further but she wants to learn more about her lovely teacher as well.

Hello there! Auntie Jo Jo wants to send a quick message to all her library listeners. The library has grown by 84% this year! That is truly amazing and Auntie Jo Jo is thankful for all her followers. There are 187 of you out who have Auntie Jo Jo's Library as their TOP PODCAST! That is heart warming!

Auntie Jo Jo is asking that if she appears in your top podcasts, you tag her on Instagram @xoxo_sammyjo. She would love to see her top fans. Or comment where you are listening from and where her podcast falls in your wrap!

Let's dive deeper into Matilda's mind!

Let's take a closer look into Lavender's mind and see what kind of influence Matilda has on her! And let's get to Auntie Jo Jo's most fav part of this book....Brucie eating his cake.

Please take a look at the poll on the previous episode. Auntie Jo Jo is looking at offering special recordings and giving you a chance to see her library. I'd love your feed back via the poll.

Miss Honey has the pleasure (not so much) of meeting Matilda's parents. She now understands that they are not nourishing Matilda's full potential and wonders if they ever will.

Matilda spend a little more time with her new friend, Lavender, and we have a close encounter with Miss Trunchbull.

Disclaimer: Sound quality is poor during this episode. I am sorry for that!

We continue with Chapter 8 of the lovely story of Matilda. This chapter we take a closer look into the Headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.

Matilda plays one more trick on her father and finally attends school! She even impresses her teacher on her very first day.

Auntie Jo Jo has a special release for this very S P O O K Y holiday! She's opened up the library to share a little bit of history BUT it has a twist. She's sharing some history from the UK!

Disclaimer: This episode does contain sound effects that not all children, or parents, might like. The sounds include: children laughing, fireworks, spooky laughing, and a squeaking door. This episode is NOT scary but the sounds help make it feel that way.

Remember the Super Glue? Well, the Father and the Mother might need another lesson. Listen in on these chapters to find out what lesson Matlida might teach them!