Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Podcasts for Kids

When I got my new car, I was finally able to sync my smartphone to my car's speakers. This opened up a new world of being able to listen to podcasts while driving around in the car. Since I have been enjoying podcasts, I got curious as to what was out there for children. 

Here are 3 of the ones recommended in NPR's Best Podcasts for Kids & Families...

BUT WHY: A Podcast for Curious Kids - But Why is a show led by you, kids! You ask the questions and we find the answers. It's a big interesting world out there.On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world.Have a question? Send it to us! Adults, use your smartphone's memo function or an audio app to record your kid's question (get up nice and close so we can hear). Be sure to include: your child's first name, age and town. And then email the audio file to questions@butwhykids.org

Quick thoughts on BUT WHY: The concept of BUT WHY is great. Have a child ask a question and then provide the answer. Each episode is broken up with recorded questions from children followed by the response. The questions are typically from young children (ages 4 to 7); however, the format of the information is presented in a more formal manner that seems like it would be better for 9 to 11 year olds. Could be an interesting discussion starter if listened to with an adult.

Episodes are approximately 25 minutes in length and new episodes are currently being produced. 

Brains On! Brains On! is an award-winning audio show for kids and families. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world.  Our mission is to encourage kids’ natural curiosity and wonder using science and history…but there’s no age limit on curiosity, and episodes of Brains On can be enjoyed by anyone.

Quick thoughts on Brains On!: Each podcast is approximately 30 minutes and is broken up into several smaller segments on the same topic. There is a balance between humor and reporting of facts. Pacing varies to keep things moving. Will probably appeal the most to children ages 8 to 12. 

Episodes are approximately 30 minutes in length and new episodes are currently being produced. 

The Radio Adventures of Eleanor AmplifiedBuckle up! Your car is headed for... adventure! Eleanor Amplified is a radio adventure series for the whole family. Listen together as world-famous radio reporter Eleanor foils devious plots, outwits crafty villains, and goes after The Big Story. Eleanor's pursuit of truth takes her into orbit, out to sea, through a scary jungle and even to the halls of Congress!Like all the public media shows you love, Eleanor Amplified is entertaining and informative. Eleanor defends the very values you expect from high-quality journalism. The importance of access to information. Being inclusive of different points of view. Telling the truth, and more. Eleanor will spark laughter and conversation the whole family will enjoy, while preparing kids to appreciate journalism and make smart media choices in the future.

Quick thoughts on Eleanor Amplified - Out of the three podcasts being shared today, Eleanor is the most dramatic in production style with music and sound effects and character voices. Episodes are short and entertaining. Facts are mixed in naturally with the focus of the episode. Each episode references the previous episodes and though you can listen to an episode as a stand alone, you might want to start at the beginning. Eleanor Amplified will appeal to a broad age range (6 to 11 year olds). 

Episodes are approximately 12 to 15 minutes in length and new episodes are still being produced. 

I would love to hear about any podcasts that you have listened to with kids and what they liked or didn't like. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews....