books

Bob Weis is helping readers bring the Disney parks home with his new book "Ghost Dog." After riding Disneyland's newest attraction, the Haunted Mansion, young Herbert discovers a four-legged spirit has followed him home. On this episode of the Beyond the Mouse podcast, Weis talks to Craig and Vanessa about his inspiration for the book, his experience narrating the audio book and his recent trip on the Disney Treasure.

“How Women Made Music,” a new book from NPR Music, was inspired by NPR’s “Turning The Tables” series and collects more than 50 years of essays and interviews. NPR Music’s Ann Powers and editor of the book Alison Fensterstock spoke to Community Voices about how the book was put together and the impact women have made in the evolution of music.

Richard Kyte is a professor, author, and national expert on third places. Third places refer to places outside of home and work where people socialize. Kyte spoke to Community Voices about the importance of third places, how they've shifted over time, and about his new book Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way). Rick also talks about how to find and create third places in our society today.

Dr. Deborah Brothers of Lincolnland Community College talks banned books, and a special event at LLCC Sept. 25.

This week on Beyond the Mouse we sit down with Bambi Moé, the former VP of Music for Walt Disney Television animation. In her book "Part of the Magic: A Collection of Disney-Inspired Brushes with Greatness," Bambi shares the behind-the-scenes stories of working at the Walt Disney Company. In this week's episode Craig, Vanessa and Zoey ask Bambi about her time working on "A Goofy Movie" and her "brushes with greatness" including Steven Spielberg, Drew Barrymore and Susan Egan.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a measure that will withhold state funds from libraries that ban books. The move sparked a lot of questions.

Citing a “vitriolic strain of white nationalism,” Gov. JB Pritzker signed the measure withholding state grant money from libraries if they ban books.

First-in-the-nation law ties state funding to open access policies

Mark Schiff is a comedian and author of the book “Why Not?: Lessons on Comedy, Courage, and Chutzpah.” The book includes several life lessons, stories about Schiff’s famous friends and a healthy dose of humor. Schiff spoke to Community Voices on NPR Illinois about the book and the behind-the-scenes stories of life as a standup comedian.Schiff will open for Jerry Seinfeld at his Feb. 17 performance in Springfield, Ill. For more information about Schiff’s book visit www.markschiff.com.

Child psychologist Dr. Melissa Fisher Paoni and artist Christy Freeman Stark are a sister duo from Central Illinois who have collaborated on children's books. Their latest book "Dylan's Hero: A Story of Overcoming Negative Thinking" was just released. They spoke to Community Voices about their other books, strategies for overcoming negative thinking in adults and their upcoming projects.