Joyful read-alouds, author interviews, and positive lessons.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
very little
The books featured in most episodes have adventure and awe, but rarely danger. Some episodes mention war, fire-breathing dragons, or the mystery of the woods at night.
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Discussion about the positive messages in the books featured, like the power of listening and the value of patience. Each book has a message to share with young listeners. The podcast overall celebrates the curiosity and connection we can share through books.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Co-hosts Julie and Emma are curious about books, authors, and listeners. They model supportive and loving relationships between grandmother, mother, and child. Emma and Julie show kindness toward guests and a fascination with books. When discussing being brave and trying new things, they give examples from their own lives as well as how a character in each story demonstrates that same quality. Kid listeners have a voice as they describe new things they've tried. Characters in featured books model positive qualities like curiosity, perseverance, and integrity.
Educational Value
a lot
Encourages reading and critical thinking. Every episode's "wonderful words" segment teaches vocabulary. Some episodes help listeners become writers by teaching about story elements or inspiring creativity. Most episodes highlight a positive quality, like courage, perseverance, or integrity. The website offers activities and recommended reading for each episode.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Featured authors, podcast guests, and main characters of books come from and celebrate a variety of cultures. An episode about Temple Grandin teaches about the differences and brilliance of people with autism. Jacqueline Woodson speaks about being true to oneself and reads her empowering book The Day You Begin. Author Cathy Camper reads her book Ten Ways To Hear Snow, in which a modern Arab American family slows down to appreciate seasonal beauty.
Parents need to know that Julie's Library is a kids podcast hosted by Julie Andrews and her daughter (and sometimes her granddaughter) as they share their passionate curiosity about books. The podcast features children's voices sharing their ideas, author interviews, and read-alouds of one or two children's books per 25-minute episode. In addition to inspiring a joy of reading, the stories featured within this podcast lead to conversations about being courageous, expressing feelings, and celebrating differences.
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What’s It About?
JULIE'S LIBRARY is a free podcast hosted by Julie Andrews, of The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins fame. In each episode, she discusses one or two great books with her daughter and granddaughter, and interviews related authors and famous figures to deepen their discussions of the stories and the life lessons they teach. Many of the featured books have positive moral lessons about bravery, integrity, and perseverance.
As you might expect from Dame Julie Andrews, this podcast is nothing short of enchanting. Julie's Library is an undeniably excellent celebration of how reading and storytelling can build a sense of unity and camaraderie. The interviews with impressive figures like Jacqueline Woodson, Tan France, and Temple Grandin deepen the discussions of life lessons. The only downside is that there's only a handful of episodes to listen to. Even so, the quality production, positive content, fantastic books, lovely vocals, and timeless life lessons make each episode worthy of repetition.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their favorite part of the books shared on an episode of Julie's Library. Was there a character or moment in the story that you connected with or especially enjoyed?
What did Julie and Emma learn from the book(s) in this episode? Did you pick up on any life lessons about curiosity, perseverance, or courage?
If you could interview the author of one of your favorite books, what would you ask them? What made you most curious when you read their book?
This podcast centers around the curiosity of books and storytelling. Why is curiosity an important character strength?
Talking about books is a great way to connect with others and learn about life. Invite a friend or family member to read and talk about a story with you.
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Lauri C. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
