As a child, James Ponti was not a reader. Instead, he discovered an interest in storytelling through film. James’ mother’s own love for movies, coupled with her artistic career piqued his curiosity about the life of a creative. Throughout his 25 years of experience in visual media, James continued to master his understanding of storytelling techniques, characters, and worldbuilding. Additionally, location scouting for the screen would go on to inspire some of the backdrops for his most famous works.

James’ unique perspective from his start in visual storytelling allowed him to become the immersive, illustrative author that he is today. In this episode, James shares about movies that influenced him, how locations inspire his work, and his transition from movies and television to kidlit. 

As with all episodes, our author guest creates a unique reading challenge that is available on Beanstack and also at thereadingculturepod.com/james-ponti. Listen to the episode to learn more about James’ challenge, Mystery Author. 

Chapter 1 - The Great Escape (1:46)

Chapter 2 - All The President’s Men (4:43)

Chapter 3 - Santa’s Slay ‘79 (6:21)

Chapter 4 - On The Hospital Floor (8:38)

Chapter 5 - From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (12:25)

Chapter 6 - In Good Company (24:37)

Chapter 7 - Co-Conspirators (28:04)

Chapter 8 - Mystery Author (31:33)

Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (33:01)

This episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Kathleen Durant, the Librarian at Camden Middle School in Kershaw County, South Carolina. Listen to the end to hear her creative approach to make reading new books a fun experience for kids.

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