EPISODE 54
The Magic of Storytime with Carrie Ammerman
Episode 54: The Magic of Storytime
In this episode of the Higher Hope Podcast, Adriane sits down with Carrie Ammerman – a wife, mom of five, teacher, and beloved Wisconsin “Storytime Queen” – for a beautiful conversation about the power of reading aloud, literacy, and the magic of story time. Carrie shares how her own experience as a struggling reader shaped her passion for helping children discover the joy of books. She opens up about the journey from teaching to building community-centered story times at coffee shops and other local spaces, and how those moments have become about so much more than literacy. They’ve become places of encouragement, belonging, and connection for children and caregivers alike.
Together, they explore:
● Why reading aloud matters for brain development, language, imagination, and empathy
● How story time can build confidence and emotional connection in children
● The importance of repetition, memorization, and interactive reading
● How books can support children through difficult experiences and big emotions
● The community impact of story time trails and family-focused literacy events
● Practical encouragement for parents who feel unsure about reading aloud
Carrie also shares several of her favorite children’s books and the ones that spark laughter, participation, or bedtime comfort in her home and at story time.
Notable mentions include:
- Nibbles the Book Monster – Emma Yarlett
- The Sound of My Heart – Emily Bannister
- I’ll Love You Forever – Robert Munsch
- The Read-Aloud Family – Sarah Mackenzie
- The Enchanted Hour – Meghan Cox Gurdon
Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Listen to Higher Hope Episode 54 – The Magic of Storytime
Who’s in this Episode?
Carrie Ammerman -Local Storytime Reader and Former Teacher
Join Carrie’s Garden of Readers on Instagram @carries.garden.of.readers
Click here to follow Carrie Ammerman on Facebook
Adriane Stuebs – Higher Hope Podcast Host, Owner and Broker of Shine Realty
Podcast Notes by Chloe Pfeiffer
Let’s Connect on Social Media!
- Follow Higher Hope podcast on Instagram: @higherhope.podcast
- Like and Follow Higher Hope on Facebook: Higherhope.podcast
- Check out Shine Realty on Instagram: @shinerealty_
- Like & Follow Shine Realty on Facebook: Shine Realty
About the Higher Hope Podcast
Higher Hope shares heartfelt conversations with everyday people–moms, professionals, creatives–who live out their faith in every season of life. Whether you’re walking through a season of uncertainty or simply seeking inspiration, this show is here to uplift and remind you that hope is never out of reach.
Tune in and join a growing community grounded in faith, strengthened by stories, and united by the unwavering power of hope.
More Episodes from the Higher Hope Podcast:
SEASON 1
Episode 1 – Meet the Host & Heart behind Higher Hope Podcast
Episode 2 – The Courage to be Different with Farah Stuebs
Episode 3 – Purposeful Grieving: Finding Hope Through Loss with Dr. Stacy Jensen
Episode 4 – Fixing Engines, Mending Hearts with Cindy Stillman
Episode 5 – When God Redirects Our Plans with Chloe Peiffer
Episode 6 – Healthy Living & Hormones with Amanda Haar
Episode 7 – Faith that Doesn’t Fade: My Dad’s Legacy through Disability with Adriane Stuebs
Episode 8 – Unfulfilled, Yet Fully Known with Alana Enger
Episode 9 – Faith in a Foreign Land with Elise Meier
Episode 10 – Faith, Lipstick, & Loving People with Nicki Hill
Episode 11 – Faith, Family, & Big Leaps with Stacy Schweighardt
Episode 12 – Marriage, Creativity, & Motherhood with Renee Peiffer
Episode 13 – Making it Work: Motherhood, Career, & Homeschooling with Val Breit
Episode 14 – Words that Strengthen the Soul with Linda Buxa
Episode 15 – Light in the Midst of Loss with Jill Nelson
Episode 16 – When Faith Becomes Your Lifeline with Jessica Mlsna
Episode 17 – Growing Dreams with Maureen Lawrenz
Episode 18 – Morning Routines, Faith, & Motivation with Farah & Adriane Stuebs
Episode 19 – Decluttered and Defined by Grace with Maria Ewings
Episode 20 – God Knows Your Name with Adriane Stuebs
Episode 21 – When God Writes the Story: Finding Joy After Pain with Stephanie Jaramillo
Episode 22 – When Hustle Becomes an Idol with Adriane Stuebs
Episode 23 – The Addiction No One Talks About with Kristy Wegner
Episode 24 – Winter is Coming…Is Your Home Ready? with Adriane Stuebs
Episode 25 – Level Up Your Wealth: Stacy Schweighardt on Real Estate Investing
Episode 26 – 6 Things Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs to Know
Episode 27 – Season 1 Finale: The Mic-Drop Moments of the Year with Chloe Peiffer
Episode 28 – The Heart of Christmas – A Biblical Reflection with Adriane Stuebs
SEASON 2
Episode 29 – When New Year’s Resolutions Fail, Grace Remains with Adriane Stuebs
Episode 30 – Fertility, Faith, & Hormones with Amanda Haar
Episode 31 – Confidently Navigating Perimenopause with Amanda Haar
Episode 32 – Fitness, Faith, and Finding Your People with Katie Ryan
Episode 33 – Downsizing and Making Room for What Matters Most with Adriane Stuebs
Episode 34 – Falling (back) in Love with Reading with Missy McKenna
Episode 35 – Styling Jefferson with Christina Pickett
Episode 36 – Planting Purpose with Kim Kornstedt
Episode 37 – Behind the Bling with Heidi Black
Episode 38 – Trusting What’s Next as a Global Missionary with Sarah Shoenfeld
Episode 39 – Healing in Marriage After Betrayal with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith
Episode 40 – The Family Hustle with Farah Stuebs and Katie Ryan
Episode 41 – Faithful in the Kitchen with Adriane Stuebs
Episode 42 – A Mom’s Journey of Faith & Business with Alex Heideman
Episode 43 – Faith through Chronic Pain and Pregnancy with Whitney Beilke
Episode 44 – Confessions of a Realtor with Ginger Ramsey
Episode 45 – Home is Who You’re With featuring Olivia Heckman
Episode 46 – Your Financial Game Plan with Tia Tidd
Episode 47 – Bringing People Together with MahJong featuring Farah Stuebs
Episode 48 – The Art of Gathering: Connection Over Perfection with Adriane Stuebs
Episode 49 – Never Too Young to be Used by God with Ruby Quandt
Episode 50 – Celebrating Our 50th Episode (and 1 Year) with the Team Behind the Scenes of Higher Hope
Episode 51 – Is Your Body Stuck in Survival Mode with Amanda Haar
Episode 52 – She Bought Her First Home at 19 with Farah Stuebs
Episode 53 – The Heart Behind the Badge with Jessica Johnson
Share With a Friend
We hope you were encouraged by this podcast episode. If so, would you share it with a friend who might need some encouragement?
Please consider sharing a quick positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help others find truth and encouragement.
Thanks so much for listening and supporting!