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Crunchy Lit

Crunchy Lit

By Renee Carter

A weekly podcast that shares book reviews of children's literature and offers a kid friendly recipe.
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Currently playing episode

End of Year Middle Grade Novels

Crunchy LitDec 12, 2023

00:00
09:31
End of Year Middle Grade Novels

End of Year Middle Grade Novels

Add Hide and Seeker and The Nightmare King by Daka Hermon to your family's library. Fun and creepy. And of course this episode includes a recipe.

Dec 12, 202309:31
A Dragon and A Goldfish

A Dragon and A Goldfish

Picture Book Review: We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins and a preschool friendly recipe.




Oct 26, 202305:17
YA Romance

YA Romance

Hee Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoon. #BODYIMAGE #DIVERSITY #GREATREAD #RECIPE


Oct 15, 202304:50
Picture Book & Snack

Picture Book & Snack

In this edition of Crunchy Lit, I reviewed The Color Collector by Nicholas Solis, Illustrated by Renia Metallinou and have included a kid friendly, yummy snack.



Oct 06, 202305:42
Middle Grade Novel Centered on Social Justice

Middle Grade Novel Centered on Social Justice

This episode reviews Clean Getaway by Nic Stone. The novel is an excellent read for 9-13. The characters are realistic, and the plot centers around social justice. By the way, check out the recipe at the end.

Aug 07, 202308:14
An Ideal Picture Book For 6-8 Year Olds

An Ideal Picture Book For 6-8 Year Olds

A Walk In The Words by Hudson Talbot is a great book to share with your 6-8 year olds. Of course,
this episode concludes with a yummy, kid friendly recipe.

Jul 25, 202304:22
A YA Book You Won't Put Down

A YA Book You Won't Put Down

This episode reviews the young adult novel Jumped In by Patrick Flores Scott. And of course concludes with a teen friendly recipe.
Jul 23, 202309:06
Giant Island & Little Snack

Giant Island & Little Snack

This episode reviews the picture book Giant Island. It is a beautifully illustrated story ideal for 3-7 year olds. And, of course, there is a recipe for a yummy snack.


Jul 11, 202304:48
Big, A Picture Book With A Big Heart

Big, A Picture Book With A Big Heart

Big by Vashti Harrison is a body positive picture book. Well written, beautifully illustrated. Check out this review and the recipe included.
Jun 16, 202312:24
A Picture Book of Love, Comfort & Hope

A Picture Book of Love, Comfort & Hope

Night On The Sand by Monica Mayper, illustrations by Jamie Kim, is an excellent way to share what it means to be a refuge with your child.

This story follows brothers forced to leave home, the community they join, and hope for a new home.

Of course, this episode includes food.

Be sure to listen to the recipe at the end.

It will lead you and your little one to use up leftovers.


Be sure to join us again for more episodes of Crunchy Lit.

Apr 20, 202305:39
Inspirational Picture Book

Inspirational Picture Book

Check out I Am Courage By Susan Verde and Illustratiored By Peter H. Reynolds.
And of course there is a yummy and kid friendly recipe at the end.


Mar 16, 202304:13
A Tale of 2 Lions

A Tale of 2 Lions

This episode reviews the picture book: Where Is Our Library by Josh Funk Illustrations by Stevie Lewis. The recipe is for a kid version of a Charcuterie Board.
Mar 03, 202303:57
A Picture Book About Parental Love

A Picture Book About Parental Love

Blink by Minh Le, Illustrated by Dan Santat celebrates the love parents have for their children. Charming and has outstanding illustrations.
Dec 13, 202202:53
Blended Family Picture Book

Blended Family Picture Book

Adding another person into a family can be challenging. Me and Ms. Too by Laura Ruby & illustrated by Dung Ho shows the challenges and joys found in blending a family.
Dec 04, 202206:48
Review a a Picture Book that crafts historical fiction with tall tales.

Review a a Picture Book that crafts historical fiction with tall tales.

Check-out The Castle on Hester Street and the yummy recipe in this episode.
Oct 04, 202205:12
Middle Grade Historical Fiction With Sliders On The Side

Middle Grade Historical Fiction With Sliders On The Side

This episode reviews Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee. The recipe is for sliders.
Sep 20, 202209:59
A Picture Book Not To Be Missed.

A Picture Book Not To Be Missed.

Review of an outstanding book and a recipe a preschoolers can make with minimum assistance.
Apr 03, 202205:21
The Power of A Child's Voice

The Power of A Child's Voice

This episode features a review of a picture book with an excellent message.
Mar 11, 202205:45
Great YA Novels Your Family May Have Missed In 2021

Great YA Novels Your Family May Have Missed In 2021

Here are several excellent YA Novels your teen may enjoy.
Feb 21, 202207:43
Middle Grade Novels Your Family May Have Missed In 2021

Middle Grade Novels Your Family May Have Missed In 2021

Mermaids, History, Slime and Lost Memories are covered in middle grade books your family may have missed in 2021. Check out A Mermaid In Middle Grade by A.M. Luzzader, Being Clem by Lesa Cline Ransom , Slimed by Liam Gray and Restart by Gordon Korman.
Feb 04, 202208:42
Picture Books For Older Children

Picture Books For Older Children

Some 6-9 year olds prefer picture books to chapter books. Here are some great titles for them.
Jan 14, 202208:04
Picture Books You May Have Missed In 2021

Picture Books You May Have Missed In 2021

This episode reviews 3 amazing picture books that were released in 2021. These are titles you may want to add to your family's bookshelves.
Jan 02, 202205:38
Christmas Picture Books

Christmas Picture Books

This episode reviews 3 amazing Christmas Picture Books and offers a yummy kid friendly recipe.
Dec 10, 202108:08
Library Joy

Library Joy

Review of Picture Book:The Midnight Library. Plus Biscuit Dumpling Recipe.
Nov 29, 202107:35
The Giver

The Giver

This episode reviews The Giver by Lois Lowry. It also includes a recipe for a sweet and delicious treat.
Nov 15, 202108:12
A Lovely Picture Book

A Lovely Picture Book

Great book and yummy recipe.
Nov 08, 202109:10
Picture Books That Celebrate Diversity Part 1

Picture Books That Celebrate Diversity Part 1

This episode reviews an outstanding picture book that shows the challenges children face when they look different.
Nov 01, 202106:33
Another Wonderful Picture Book

Another Wonderful Picture Book

Looking for an inspirational picture book with beautiful illustrations? This episode we review the book that is the answer to your search.
Oct 25, 202108:40
Spooky & Non-Spooky Picture Books

Spooky & Non-Spooky Picture Books

Halloween can be fun but for some little ones it's terrifying. This episode of Crunchy Lit offers picture book recommendations for those who like monsters and those who don't.
Oct 18, 202111:35
Teens ages 14 1/2 to 18 like a bit of mature subject matter in their books. Try these PG titles.

Teens ages 14 1/2 to 18 like a bit of mature subject matter in their books. Try these PG titles.

This episode offers 2 YA NOVELS that are PG level: Everything Everything and The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon. Well written books with diverse characters and a dash of mature subject matter but no more mature than what they would see on standard television.
Oct 11, 202113:44
Books For Reluctant Readers

Books For Reluctant Readers

Finding books reluctant readers will enjoy can be challenging. Crunchy Lit to the rescue! Check out this episode for recommendations that they will want to read.
Oct 04, 202110:27
Great Book: Tough Topic

Great Book: Tough Topic

Review of #OnTheComeUp , Young Adult novel. Examines the qualities that make #AngieThomas second book an excellent read for teens and #parents .
Sep 27, 202107:24
YA Lit With Strong Female Characters

YA Lit With Strong Female Characters

This episode reviews primarily Young Adult Fantasy novels with strong female characters.
Sep 20, 202113:50
YA NOVELS AND BODY POSITIVITY

YA NOVELS AND BODY POSITIVITY

This episode of Crunchy Lit shares young adult novel recommendations that focus on body positively. Of course the episode will conclude with a yummy kid-friendly recipe.
Sep 13, 202109:34
Middle Grade Novel

Middle Grade Novel

This episode reviews and recommends middle grade novels for children ages 8-12 years old.
Sep 06, 202118:02
Welcome To Crunchy Lit

Welcome To Crunchy Lit

This weekly podcast will offer a review of an outstanding children's book and a kid friendly,  delicious recipe. 

Aug 29, 202105:57