Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, but it's also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. Sit back and let us re-read your childhood favorites, and some new additions to the world of children's lit, and make fun of them all the while! Enjoy!

Derek Anderson brings us a lively, fun, and above all goofy tale of what might happen if Santa got...inconvenienced, and the Easter Bunny had to fill in. The Easter Bunny tries so hard. This was a fun story that both Rachel and I enjoyed more-so than the books that would have actually been targetted towards us as kids. Really tells ya sumthin'.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Follow Sam (@SamGasch) or follow Rachel (@Sknowite). Either way, please subscribe!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel46.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Going back to Hannukah movie, Rachel and I read Eight Crazy Nights by Brian P Cleary and illustrated by David Udovic. See, the book's title is related to the fact that Hannukah is a holiday that spans eight nights. It's clever, which is why the Adam Sandler movie has almost the same name. (I think that one is Eight Crazy Nights)

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Follow Sam (@SamGasch) or follow Rachel (@Sknowite). Either way, please subscribe!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel45.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This is a BONUS episode of Rachel & Sam Read a Story! In honor of the last episode of The Colbert Report, we read the "kid's" book published by the show and Stephen Colbert. I Am a Pole tells the story of a plucky young pole searching for his place in the world. We'll miss the Colbert Report and hope the Tonight Show can handle the awesomeness!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Follow Sam (@SamGasch) or follow Rachel (@Sknowite). Either way, please subscribe!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel_BONUS.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Special guest Jessica Verdi (@jessicaverdi ) helps us read "I'm not Santa!" Why is that book title in quotes? You'll just have to listen and find out!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Follow Sam (@SamGasch) or follow Rachel (@Sknowite). Either way, please subscribe!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel44.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

It's a legitimate question. Given the wide range of religious affiliations commonly associated with the dinosaurs, how do those that identify as Jewish, or perhaps those that simply wish to be inclusive, say "Happy Chanukah?" I've often wondered. Now, I have my answer. Turns out it's "GRAAAAAR!" (Spoiler warning)

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Follow Sam (@SamGasch) or follow Rachel (@Sknowite). Either way, please subscribe!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel43.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Balloon Farm

Guess what? It's another one of Sam's favorite books from his childhood! Balloon Farm by Jerdine Nolan and Mark Buehner is a beautiful story about a guy that grows balloons. Out of the ground. On a farm.......so it's a little weird! I still like it.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Follow Sam (@SamGasch) or follow Rachel (@Sknowite). Either way, please subscribe!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel42.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Phoebe Gilman is a wonderful children's book author. She wrote and illustrated one of my (Sam) favorite books from growing up. Now, you all know that I love balloons. And I love books ABOUT balloons! This is a book about a tree that can GROW balloons! I KNOW! It's awesome. Well...maybe not awesome so much as pretty and fun. We enjoyed it! You will too.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Follow Sam (@SamGasch) or follow Rachel (@Sknowite). Either way, please subscribe!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel41.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

David Slonim wrote an adorable story about a Daddy Monster and child monster called I Loathe You. Rachel and I read it and make fun of it! But mostly we go "awwwwww"!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Follow Sam (@SamGasch) or follow Rachel (@Sknowite). Either way, please subscribe!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel40.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

One of those classic books that everyone thinks of when talking about kids' literature is Clifford the Big Red Dog, by Norman Bridwell. An absolute classic! (It is from 1963 afterall) Rachel and I CERTAINLY couldn't have handled this on our own. Luckily, we were joined by Bridget Renshaw (@BridgetRenshaw). It was a tough job, but we got through it together!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Follow Sam (@SamGasch) or follow Rachel (@Sknowite). Either way, please subscribe!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel39.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

We are joined this week by the lovely Jessica Kochu! You can keep track of her here: @JessicaKochu. That's the twitter one! She probably has other things too. Listen and find out! Our book this week is 13 Days of Halloween by Carol Greene and Illustrated by Tim Raglin. Excited to find out more? Just listen till the end!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel38.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

The Experiments of Doctor Vermin discusses the sad truth. Tim Egan tells it like it is: there are sceitists out there turning pigs into giant pigs. It's a problem. Thus, our Halloween series continues.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel37.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Space Case was an extremely fun book to read! Plus, Rachel and Sam got some help this week in the form of Zach Luna (@ZacharyJLuna). It's the silly story of an alien that happens to find Earth, right when all the kids are Trick-or-Treating! And oh what fun they have! Aliens! Halloween! What delight!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel36.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

In this week's book of silliness is a tiny little vampire trying to go around and bite people. Seems like fun! This is the first of our October HALLOWEEN podcasts! Last week we had giant robots, this week vampires, and next? WHo knows! But we can bet it'll be scaaaaary (for kids maybe... probably not!)

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel35.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Sitting right next to Margaret Wise Brown on the library shelf is Sam Brown who wrote a book with an AWESOME title. It's Sometimes I Forget You're a Robot. A little boy plays with a robot toy and is gifted with a new GIGANTIC ROBOT FRIEND. And he dreams of what he can do with his giant robot friend. Give it a listen and a read!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel34.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Goodnight Moon is one of those books that everyone has read. Often it's the very first book someone's read. It's Sam's first book anyway. It's a beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written story about a little bunny going to bed. Written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd, Goodnight Moon is an absolute classic. Now let's tell jokes.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel33.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This book consists of paper pages and plastic pages so that color can be laid over color. It presents a cool story about combining colors and hidden shapes. Kids'll love it! We thought it was okay. Well, Sam thought it was okay. It's one of Rachel's favorites. It's by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor. Colors!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel32.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Rachel and I had so much fun reading Neil Gaiman's Chu's Day last week that we decided to read another of his books this week! We bring you Blueberry Girl, a beautiful prayer for Neil's own daughter. Illustrated by Charles Vess, this wonderful story is just very nice and very pretty. Read it!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel31.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

You know who writes good stories? Neil Gaiman writes good stories. Both Sam and Rachel love his books and the Sandman comics, but did you know he ALSO has written some children's books? Well... we've GOT to read that! Chu's Day is a fun story about a panda bear. HA! Panda BEAR! I got the last word Rachel!

Also it's illustrated by Adam Rex. A Tucson guy! Man, I like this book.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel30.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

We get a little multi-cultural this week as we read a book that seems to be inspired by old morality tales. Oh No! is a fun story about falling in a hole, by Candace Fleming  (Author), Eric Rohmann (Illustrator)

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel29.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Last week we read The Cat in the Hat. That was so much fun that we had to do another Dr. Suess. Allow us to present: Fox in Socks! As easy as last week's was to read, this book is absolute disaster of a tongue twister. WHEEE!!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel28.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Suess is on the greatest juggernauts of the children's literature world. It redefined what makes a "Learn to Read" book and has been consistently read by basically everyone everywhere forever. We read it, you've read it. It's a fun book that helped us each figure out basic rhyme scheme. Also reading. BUT that doesn't mean it isn't without it's flaws...

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel27.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

FIRST THINGS FIRST! Rachel made a mistake! Their Eyes Were Watching God is NOT by Toni Morrison. It was written by Zora Neale Hurston. She is sorry and you all deserve to know the TRUTH!

Anyway, we read this book. It was cute. Sure, I'd appreciate it if Louise thought of the outside world as a pleasant thing, but I can't blame her for enjoying reading.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel26.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

I Want My Hat Back and This Is Not My Hat, both by Jon Klassen, are an amazing pair of books. Completely different characters, both dealing with the harrowing issue of a stolen hat. These books are silly and amazing. We read them BOTH!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel25.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Sam comes to grips with the fact that he has always liked balloons and balloon themed books. In this one, a young girl is asked to bring balloon. Then balloons. Sam's only complaint? NOT ENOUGH BALLOONS!!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel24.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Mo Willems tends to bring us some goofy characters. In Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed we get the CRAZY story of some clothes that want to be worn by some rat! .... uh huh..... uh huh..... uh HUH. Ok, scratch that, it's the story of a CRAZY naked mole rat that wants to wear clothes. That scoundrel!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel23.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Monkey & Elephant's Worst Fight Ever

Time for a silly story written by Mr. Michael Townsend. We've read another of his books, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs. Now it's time for Monkey & Elephant's Worst Fight Ever! What a silly book that could have easily been resolved by using your words. But then we wouldn't have this fun book. I'M CONFLICTED!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel22.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

How Roland Rolls by Jim Carrey

Did you know that Jim Carrey wrote a children's book? AND that it was illustrated by Rob Nason? Well then introducing How Roland Rolls! The story of a wave named Roland who learns his place int he world. Let's dig in!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel21.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

The Completed Hickory Dickory Dock

We all remember Hickory Dickory Dock, but did you know that Jim Aylesworth  (Author), Eileen Christelow (Illustrator) wrote the rest of the story? Well they sure did! Now let's all join and enjoy the sweet, sweet pleasure of telling time!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel20.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Farm Flu by Teresa Bateman and Nadine Bernard Westcott

I picked up Farm Flu at the library. It's a silly little story about when an infestation breaks out at our food source. What fun!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel19.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire

Put Me in the Zoo is one of those books that I think we all read as a kid. It's silly, magical, and wonderful. Sure, it doesn't make any sense and there are demon children, but at least it's fun! Plus, counting! And colors! Hooray! (We love this book.)

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel18.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

The Silly Knight by David Pascal

Joined again by Samantha Chott, we read The Silly Knight by David Pascal. This is an old book. It came out in 1967 with only one printing. It's got a good message, that it's okay to be different, but for whatever reason it never took off. Samantha found it and brought it to share with us. Let's judge it!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel17.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Henry's Awful Mistake by Robert Quakenbush

We are joined by Samantha Chott as we read this classic duck tale! (See what I did there?) It's a fun story about over-reaction and extrememly faulty plumbing. Isn't that what we all want in a story? (yes)

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel16.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

Joining us this week is the delightful Liz Lytle! She brought the book Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina. It's an oldy, but goody. Sam remembers reading this book as a kid. In fact, it created the defintion of Haberdasher (possibly incorrectly) for years! What a fun old book. For kids!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel15.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Extra Yarn

Rachel and Sam read Extra Yarn, by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen. It's a fun little book that asks the question: What happens when the Cult of Infinite Yarn gets a new leader in the form of Little Girl? We can't wait to find out!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel14.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Beware of Boys by Tony Blundell

Courtney Kraft joins us for a reading of Beware of Boys by Tony Blundell. A fun book with an important lesson: The Y-Chorosome is not to be trusted. If you want to keep up with everything Courtney is doing, follow her on twitter: @TheAnimeGoddess

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel13.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Terrific by Jon Agee

Thanks to Tony Tallarico for visiting us for this podcast. Our first guest brings us the goofiness of Jon Agee's Terrific! Man, what a goofy story. (Secret note: Jon Agee also wrote the book that we read if our secret lost podcast.)

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel12.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Oh man, you guys. Never have we read a crazier fever dream of a book. Lemony Snicket brings the strange!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel11.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

It is a silly book. One of us is a gentleman of the nomenclature of Crankee Doodle, whilst the tother dons the guise of a horse. Truly hilarity must follow. And does.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel10.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This is a book Rachel owns because it is GORGEOUS. It's a classic story/poem. That doesn't mean that it isn't perfect for mockery! (And it is)

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel8.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Sometimes we read one of our favorite books from growing up. This was not one of those weeks, but for Sam, it absoLUTELY was. I mean, when you're a kid, how could a book that has your name in the title NOT be one of your favorites? Answer: It is impossible. That will be your favorite book. So we present Syd Hoff's Sammy the Seal!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel7.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Children are gross and sticky. That's why we mock their literature. This particular child (not Bobo, the other one) has the desire to save his companion. From what? How perilous are the odds? Find out in this week's episode!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel6.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

A classic with a twist! Mo Willams tries to write the classic story, but somehow the story seems different. But what is it....? Hrmmmm...

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel5.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 5:41pm EDT

Are you My Mother and Go, Dog! Go! were two of the staples of our childhood literature experience. Sam has spent his whole life thinking they were written by Dr. Suess. Only Rachel knew the truth. Now then.....do you like my hat?

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel4.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 10:23pm EDT

It's Curious George, the ape who- yes, an ape. No, he's not a monkey.....I don't care what it SAYS, he doesn't have a tail...well, what do you-...ok fine!

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel3.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 1:37pm EDT

Click, Clack, Moo is one of Rachel's favorite books to read at story time. Rock n Roll Mole just looked funny on the shelf. They both get the treatment. Why? Because we don't judge until we're reading.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel2.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 1:05pm EDT

In our inaugural episode, we read the book Barnum Brown: Dinosaur Hunter. It's about a man who discovers dinosaurs, while wearing a fly fur coat.

Rachel & Sam Read a Story is about the fun of reading children's books, and also about how little sense these books make when you read them 20 years later. We read the books aloud and make fun of them while we do. Enjoy!

Direct download: Sam__Rachel1.mp3
Category:comedy -- posted at: 7:38pm EDT

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