The Children's Book Podcast

The Children's Book Podcast

Matthew C. Winner

Exploring big ideas and the way that stories can help us feel seen, understood, and valued. The Children's Book Podcast features insightful and sincere interviews with authors, illustrators, and everyone involved in taking a book from drawing board to bookshelf. Hosted by a teacher and school librarian, each episode seeks to connect kids and listeners of all ages to powerful, impactful, and lasting stories, and the people who tell them.

20 Years of the Book of Life Podcast with Heidi Rabinowitz

20 Years of the Book of Life Podcast with Heidi Rabinowitz

Heidi Rabinowitz, host of The Book of Life, looks back on two decades of creating a podcast about Jewish kidlit (mostly). Subscribe to the Book of Life podcast wherever podcasts are found, or go to jewishbooks.blogspot.com, Sign up for Heidi’s substack by visiting bookoflifepodcast.substack.com.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbi

Feb 18, • 35:33

The 2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners, Honors, and Notable Books

The 2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners, Honors, and Notable Books

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2025), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - https://jewishlibraries.org/sydney_taylor_book_award/  2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - https://jewishlibraries.org/2025-blog-tour-sydney-taylor-book-awards/  You can pick up your own copy of any of the titles featured today whe

Feb 14, • 43:14

How Do You Spell Unfair with Carole Boston Weatherford

How Do You Spell Unfair with Carole Boston Weatherford

Carole Boston Weatherford, author of How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee (Candlewick), talks about writing poetry, speaking history, and telling stories. Visit Carole online at cbweatherford.com You can pick up your own copy of How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee (Candlewick) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my a

Feb 11, • 23:56

No Telling What’s Gonna Happen with Bob Shea

No Telling What’s Gonna Happen with Bob Shea

Bob Shea, author illustrator Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend (Abrams Books for Young Readers) and author of Who Wet My Pants? (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), talks about everyone bringing something to the party. Visit Bob online at www.bobshea.com You can pick up your own copy of Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend (Abrams Books for Young Readers) and Who Wet My Pants? (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping thro

Feb 4, • 27:33

More Than the Parts That You Can See with Cori Doerrfeld

More Than the Parts That You Can See with Cori Doerrfeld

Cori Doerrfeld, author illustrator The Rabbit Listened (Dial Books) and Beneath (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), talks about being more than the parts that you can see. Visit Cori online at www.coridoerrfeld.com You can pick up your own copy of The Rabbit Listened (Dial Books) and Beneath (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affili

Jan 28, • 23:40

Kids With Disabilities Growing Up with Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, and Kayla Harren

Kids With Disabilities Growing Up with Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, and Kayla Harren

Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, and Kayla Harren, the authors and illustrator of This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation (Dial Books), talk about protecting a sense of validation and joy. Visit Jessica online at https://www.jessicaslice.com Visit Caroline online at https://carolinecupp.com Visit Kayla online at https://www.kaylaharren.com You can pick up your own copy of This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation (Dial Books) wherever books are found. C

Jan 21, • 27:42

Just Like I Am with Lisa Yee

Just Like I Am with Lisa Yee

Lisa Yee, 2024 Kerlan Award winner and author of A Copycat Conundrum (Random House Books for Young Readers), the latest entry in The Misfits series, and Maizy Chen’s Last Chance (Random House Books for Young Readers), talks about taking away some sense of the mystery, but protecting and preserving the magic. Visit Lisa online at http://www.lisayee.com Visit The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature online at https://kerlan.umn.edu View Lisa yee’s 20204 Kerlan Award speech at https://www.you

Jan 14, • 31:14

A Willingness to Let Things Take Time with Joshua S. Levy

A Willingness to Let Things Take Time with Joshua S. Levy

Joshua S. Levy, author of Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop (Katherine Tegen Books) and co-editor of On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories (Harry N. Abrams), talks about where the characters start and where they have to go. Visit Josh online at www.joshuasimonlevy.com You can pick up your own copy of I Like Your Chutzpah: And Other Yiddish Words You'll Like (Rise X Penguin Workshop) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through B

Jan 7, • 28:31

Really Special Words with Suzy Ultman

Really Special Words with Suzy Ultman

Suzy Ultman, author and artist of I Like Your Chutzpah: And Other Yiddish Words You'll Like (Rise X Penguin Workshop), talks about helping small people feel good about themselves and connect to their trueness. Visit Suzy online at https://www.suzyultman.com/ You can pick up your own copy of I Like Your Chutzpah: And Other Yiddish Words You'll Like (Rise X Penguin Workshop) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my a

Dec 31, 2024 • 26:59

A Suitcase Like a Portal with Natalia Sylvester

A Suitcase Like a Portal with Natalia Sylvester

Natalia Sylvester, author of A Maleta Full of Treasures (Dial Books), illustrated by Juana Medina, talks about how we are, deep down, all of the ages we’ve ever been. Visit Natalia online at www.nataliasylvester.com You can pick up your own copy of A Maleta Full of Treasures (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript,

Dec 24, 2024 • 33:33

Love as Presence with Nelly Buchet

Love as Presence with Nelly Buchet

Nelly Buchet, author of Big Sister, Long Coat (Northsouth Books), illustrated by Rachel Katstaller, talks about small moments as the practice for bigger events in life. Visit Nelly online at www.nellybuchet.com You can pick up your own copy of Big Sister, Long Coat (Northsouth Books)wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, epis

Dec 17, 2024 • 31:12

Time is Distance with Karol Hernández

Time is Distance with Karol Hernández

Karol Hernández, author of I Am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of the Andes (Dial Books), illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez, talks about our responsibility to find and to make community. Visit Karoli online at https://karolita.com You can pick up your own copy of I Am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of the Andes (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our sh

Dec 10, 2024 • 29:26

Stubborn Optimism with Brad Montague and Kristi Montague

Stubborn Optimism with Brad Montague and Kristi Montague

Brad Montague and Kristi Montague, authors and illustrators of Fail-A-Bration (Dial Books), talk about how the stories we tell help to create the world we live in. Visit Brad and Kristi online at https://montagueworkshop.com/hello You can pick up your own copy of Fail-A-Bration (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcri

Dec 3, 2024 • 31:34

You Can’t Win at Everything with J.E. Thomas

You Can’t Win at Everything with J.E. Thomas

J.E. Thomas, author of Control Freaks (Levine Querido), talks about loving your characters exactly as they show up in your story. Visit Jan online at https://jethomasauthor.com You can pick up your own copy of Control Freaks (Levine Querido) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit Dee

Nov 26, 2024 • 28:30

Fun, Fabulousness, and Truth with Lil Miss Hot Mess (R)

Fun, Fabulousness, and Truth with Lil Miss Hot Mess (R)

Lil Miss Hot Mess (@LilMissHotMess) shares about her debut picture book, THE HIPS ON THE DRAG QUEEN GO SWISH, SWISH, SWISH. Lil Miss Hot Mess has been performing in drag for many years now, more than the age of her readers at Drag Queen Story Hour, but it’s because of those readers and those story hours that led to the creation of this picture book. Set to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus”, Lil Miss Hot Mess’s invitation to swish, stomp, shimmy, snap, and bling pairs with the vibrant and energ

Nov 19, 2024 • 34:58

Feeling As Important As Anybody Else with Traci Sorell and Joseph Erb

Feeling As Important As Anybody Else with Traci Sorell and Joseph Erb

Traci Sorell and Joseph Erb, author and illustrator of Clack, Clack! Smack! A Cherokee Stickball Story (Charlesbridge Publishing), talk about creating community and feeling as important as anybody else. Visit Traci online at https://www.tracisorell.com Visit Joseph online at https://www.josepherb.com You can pick up your own copy of Clack, Clack! Smack! A Cherokee Stickball Story (Charlesbridge Publishing) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through B

Nov 12, 2024 • 33:30

10 Years of The Princess in Black with Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and LeYuen Pham

10 Years of The Princess in Black with Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and LeYuen Pham

Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and LeYuen Pham, creators of the The Princess in Black series (Candlewick Press), talk about tapping into a world they created a decade ago. Visit Princess in Black online at https://www.princessinblack.com/ You can pick up your own copy of The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe (Candlewick Press) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s nam

Nov 5, 2024 • 30:42

Sitting in Uncertainty with Booki Vivat

Sitting in Uncertainty with Booki Vivat

Booki Vivat, author and illustrator of Meet Me on Mercer Street (Scholastic Press), talks about the overwhelming sense of unfairness of a childhood friend moving away as well as the eventual understanding that things are a lot more complicated than you know. Visit Booki online at https://bookivivat.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Meet Me on Mercer Street (Scholastic Press) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also us

Oct 29, 2024 • 31:31

Whose Story is Being Told (and Whose Isn’t) with Supriya Kelkar

Whose Story is Being Told (and Whose Isn’t) with Supriya Kelkar

Supriya Kelkar, author and illustrator of And Yet You Shine: The Kohinoor Diamond, Colonization, and Resistance (Candlewick Press), talks about her middle grade picture book about colonization and the people of the southeastern diaspora. Visit Supriya online at https://supriyakelkar.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can als

Oct 22, 2024 • 34:16

Building Social Capital with María Dolores Águila

Building Social Capital with María Dolores Águila

María Dolores Águila, author Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park (Dial Books), illustrated by Magdalena Mora, talks about the building social capital through a story only we can tell. Visit María online at https://mariadoloresaguila.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking

Oct 15, 2024 • 30:02

Writing it Takes You Back with Wade Hudson and Don Tate

Writing it Takes You Back with Wade Hudson and Don Tate

Wade Hudson and Don Tate, author and illustrator of The Day Madear Voted (Nancy Paulsen Books), talk about fighting for rights and books that save lives. Visit Wade online at https://justusbooks.com/founders/ Visit Don online at https://www.zettaelliott.com/ You can pick up your own copy of The Day Madear Voted (Nancy Paulsen Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s n

Oct 8, 2024 • 33:42

It’s All About Belonging with Zetta Elliott

It’s All About Belonging with Zetta Elliott

Zetta Elliott, author of The Oracle’s Door (Rosetta Press), talks about historical fantasy and explains that if people don’t understand Black history, it might be difficult to understand things going on in our country today. Visit Zetta online at https://www.zettaelliott.com/ You can pick up your own copy of The Oracle’s Door (Rosetta Press) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the

Oct 1, 2024 • 32:04

Drawing You In with Brian Selznick

Drawing You In with Brian Selznick

Brian Selznick, illustrator of The Frindle Files (Random House Books for Young Readers), reminds us that sometimes we need others to push us further than we alone think we can go. Visit Brian online at https://brianselznick.com/ You can pick up your own copy of The Frindle Files (Random House Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show

Sep 24, 2024 • 35:08

The First Gift You’re Given with Lesléa Newman and Susan Gal

The First Gift You’re Given with Lesléa Newman and Susan Gal

Lesléa Newman and Susan Gal, author and illustrator of Joyful Song: A Naming Story (Levine Querido), talk about the the first gift that you’re given in this world. Visit Lesléa online at https://lesleanewman.com/ Visit Susan online at https://www.galgirlstudio.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Joyful Song: A Naming Story (Levine Querido) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through https://bookshop.org/shop/ChildrensBkPod. I highly recommend checki

Sep 17, 2024 • 28:35

Reaching Out In Grief and In Community with Amanda Davis

Reaching Out In Grief and In Community with Amanda Davis

Amanda Davis, author of 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag (Worthy Kids), talks about the importance of community and of sharing with other people when navigating grief. Visit Amanda online at https://www.amandadavisart.com/ You can pick up your own copy of 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag (Worthy Kids) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through https://bookshop.org/shop/ChildrensBkPod.  Our p

Sep 10, 2024 • 21:33

The Dynamic of Constant Change with James Ponti

The Dynamic of Constant Change with James Ponti

James Ponti, author of The Sherlock Society (Aladdin Paperbacks), talks about the dynamic of constant change in series fiction. Visit James online at https://www.jamesponti.com/ You can pick up your own copy of The Sherlock Society (Aladdin Paperbacks) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through https://bookshop.org/shop/ChildrensBkPod. I highly recommend checking out the audiobook of The Sherlock Society or, really, any of James’ books! They are avai

Sep 3, 2024 • 30:42

Queerness Represented in Fullness with Dr. Seema Yasmin

Queerness Represented in Fullness with Dr. Seema Yasmin

Dr. Seema Yasmin, author of The ABCs of Queer History (Workman Publishing), diversity upon diversity and queerness represented in fullness. Visit Seema online at https://seemayasmin.com You can pick up your own copy of The ABCs of Queer History (Workman Publishing) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through https://bookshop.org/shop/ChildrensBkPod. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.

Aug 27, 2024 • 36:54

It’s Happening In Real Time with Maddie Frost

It’s Happening In Real Time with Maddie Frost

Maddie Frost, illustrator and author of Wombats!: Go Camping (Viking Books for Young Readers), talks about the graphic novel space and new female creators of comics coming out of the woodwork. Visit Maddie online at https://www.maddie-frost.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie War (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through https://bookshop.org/shop/ChildrensBkPod. Our podcast logo

Aug 20, 2024 • 27:43

How We See Each Other with Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr

How We See Each Other with Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr

Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, author and illustrator of Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie War (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers), talk about creating a nexus of goodwill and curiosity that draws into conversation people from all over the place. Visit Robbi and Matthew online at https://robbiandmatthew.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie War (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping t

Aug 13, 2024 • 56:51

Snapping Candids of Summer with Renée Watson and Bea Jackson

Snapping Candids of Summer with Renée Watson and Bea Jackson

Renée Watson and Bea Jackson, author and illustrator of Summer is Here (Bloomsbury Publishing), talk about capturing in book form all that summer brings back to you. Visit Renée Watson online at https://www.Renéewatson.net/ Visit Bea Jackson online at https://www.beagifted.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Summer is Here (Bloomsbury Publishing) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins

Aug 6, 2024 • 25:13

Summer Episode Swap with Tree House Together

Summer Episode Swap with Tree House Together

In this Summer Episode Swap, Tree House Together hosts Kara and “T” ask, “Have you ever thought about how all the things you eat start with dirt?” Whether growing food to eat or flowers for beauty, gardening can be a rewarding and fun activity to do as a family. From earthworms to tools to the right amount of water, Kara and “T” talk about all the ingredients needed to help a garden to grow. Visit the Tree House Together podcast online at Tree House Together. Our podcast logo was created by Duke

Aug 2, 2024 • 16:56

Curiosity Comes From Everywhere with Loren Long

Curiosity Comes From Everywhere with Loren Long

Loren Long, author illustrator of The Yellow Bus (Roaring Brook Press), talks about his contemplative exploration of the life of a bus. Visit Loren online at https://lorenlong.com/ You can pick up your own copy of The Yellow Bus (Roaring Brook Press) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can suppo

Jul 30, 2024 • 36:53

Summer Episode Swap with The Lil Leaders Podcast

Summer Episode Swap with The Lil Leaders Podcast

In this Summer Episode Swap, The Lil Leaders Podcast host Tina Shepardson talks about ways to make recess more inclusive. Essie shares her experiences of helping kids during recess who feel lonely and/or look sad.  How? By listening to them and at the same time trying to figure out the best way to help. Inspired by the wonderful picture book, The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld, Essie shows compassion, advocacy, empathy, patience, connection, and true friendship through her actions.  Visit The

Jul 27, 2024 • 14:06

The Research Before the Research with Kari Lavelle

The Research Before the Research with Kari Lavelle

Kari Lavelle, the author of the Butt or Face? series (Sourcebooks) and Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Bryan Collier, talks about the research before the research in crafting her unique nonfiction series that uses play to engage readers of all ages. Visit Kari online at https://www.karilavelle.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Butt or Face? series (Sourcebooks) and Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found

Jul 23, 2024 • 29:38

Breaking the Rules with Justin Colón

Breaking the Rules with Justin Colón

Justin Colón, the author of The Quacken (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Pablo Pino, talks about breaking the rules in the kidlit space and contributing to the horror/comedy picture book canon. Visit Justin online at https://justincolonbooks.com/ You can pick up your own copy of The Quacken (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook throu

Jul 16, 2024 • 30:20

Acts of Creative Defiance with Carter Higgins

Acts of Creative Defiance with Carter Higgins

Carter Higgins, the author and illustrator of Circle Under Berry (Chronicle Books), Some of These are Snails (Chronicle Books), and her latest, Round and Round the Year We Go, talks about acts of creative defiance in bookmaking. Visit Carter online at https://www.carterhiggins.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Circle Under Berry (Chronicle Books), Some of These are Snails (Chronicle Books), and Round and Round the Year We Go wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstore

Jul 10, 2024 • 34:07

Wrapping the Coast in Art with Elisa Boxer and Susanna Chapman

Wrapping the Coast in Art with Elisa Boxer and Susanna Chapman

Elisa Boxer and Susanna Chapman, the author and illustrator of Covered in Color: Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Fabrics of Freedom, talk about memorializing the lives of two artists who did what everyone was telling them could not be done. Visit Elisa online at https://elisaboxer.com/ Visit Susanna online at https://susannachapman.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Covered in Color: Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Fabrics of Freedom (Abrams Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider

Jul 2, 2024 • 27:57

Picture Book Podcast presents Teachers That Inspire Us

Picture Book Podcast presents Teachers That Inspire Us

In this Summer Episode Swap, Picture Book Podcast host Chris Marland shares his “Teachers That Inspire Us” episode featuring Why Teaching?, written by Dr. Jen Mott and illustrated by Sara Relojo.   Visit Picture Book Podcast online at Picture Book Podcast   You can pick up your own copy of Why Teaching? wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link by click

Jun 25, 2024 • 35:14

Books Help You to Know Yourself with Jon Klassen

Books Help You to Know Yourself with Jon Klassen

Jon Klassen, author illustrator of The Skull (Candlewick Press), proposes there's something about books that make you braver. Visit Jon online at https://www.instagram.com/jonklassen You can pick up your own copy of The Skull (Candlewick Press) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes. Our podcast logo w

Jun 18, 2024 • 23:52

Going All-In on Interests with Lynne Kelly

Going All-In on Interests with Lynne Kelly

Lynne Kelly, author of The Secret Language of Birds (Delacorte Press), explores the ripples you make when you create a character who is all-in on her interests. Visit Lynne online at https://lynnekellybooks.com You can pick up your own copy of The Secret Language of Birds (Delacorte Press) and Song for a Whale (Yearling Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my

Jun 11, 2024 • 29:53

Perfectly Lovable Exactly the Way You Are with Kaz Windness

Perfectly Lovable Exactly the Way You Are with Kaz Windness

Kaz Windness, Bitsy Bat, School Star (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books) and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends (Simon Spotlight), creates stories with themes of navigating relationships, building resilient friendships, and being accepted for the spicy little weirdo you are.  Visit Kaz online at https://www.windnessbooks.com You can pick up your own copy of Bitsy Bat, School Star (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books) or Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends (Simon Spotlight) wherever books are foun

Jun 5, 2024 • 31:28

Whale Fall by Melissa Stewart

Whale Fall by Melissa Stewart

Melissa Stewart shares Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem (Random House Studio), a fascinating nonfiction picture book filled with stunning illustrations by Robert Dunlavey detailing the end of life for a whale, also known as a whale fall, when its body sinks to the ocean floor and becomes an energy-rich food source for organisms living in the deep sea. Visit Melissa online at www.melissa-stewart.com You can pick up your own copy of Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem wher

May 28, 2024 • 18:13

The Wild Ones by Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera

The Wild Ones by Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera

Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera share The Wild Ones (Children’s Book Press), a heartwarming and epic tale of four best friends who turn to the mythical monsters from their respective cultures to help them save the only home they've ever known. Visit Megan and Jorge online at www.studiolacera.com You can pick up your own copy of The Wild Ones wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You ca

May 21, 2024 • 13:08

No World Too Big edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley

No World Too Big edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley

Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley share No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change (Charlesbridge Publishing), celebrating twelve young activists and three activist groups on front lines of the climate crisis who have planted trees in Uganda, protected water in Canada, reduced school-bus climate footprint in Indonesia, invented alternate power sources in Ohio, and more. Visit Lindsay online at https://lindsayhmetcalf.com Visit Keila online at https://ww

May 14, 2024 • 27:12

The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker

The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker shares The Last Zookeeper (Candlewick Press), a wordless picture book imaging a futuristic Noah's Ark in a luminous sci-fi parable for our changing world. Visit Aaron online at https://www.storybreathing.com You can pick up your own copy of The Last Zookeper wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our sho

May 8, 2024 • 27:21

Look Up!: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution by Britt Gondolfi and Amanda Romanick

Look Up!: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution by Britt Gondolfi and Amanda Romanick

Britt Gondolfi and Amanda Romanick share Look Up!: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution (Paw Prints Publishing), the story of Fontaine, a small pigeon who is fed up with the world's addiction to technology.  Visit Jarrett online at https://www.fontainethepigeon.com You can pick up your own copy of Look Up!: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.

Apr 30, 2024 • 29:47

A Work In Progress by Jarrett Lerner

A Work In Progress by Jarrett Lerner

Jarrett Lerner shares A Work in Progress (Aladdin Paperbacks), a poignant and "perceptive" journey to self-acceptance told through prose, verse, and illustration about a young boy who struggles with body image. Visit Jarrett online at https://jarrettlerner.com You can pick up your own copy of A Work in Progress wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link

Apr 28, 2024 • 29:54

Unicorn Boy by Dave Roman

Unicorn Boy by Dave Roman

Dave Roman shares Unicorn Boy (First Second), a magical journey about a boy who sprouts a unicorn horn and uses his newfound powers to help those in need! Visit Dave online at http://yaytime.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Unicorn Boy wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes. Our podcast logo was c

Apr 19, 2024 • 31:34

Martina Has Too Many Tías by Emma Otheguy

Martina Has Too Many Tías by Emma Otheguy

Emma Otheguy shares Martina Has Too Many Tías (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), a lively and magical bilingual picture book that reimagines the beloved Caribbean folktale "La Cucaracha Martina." Visit Emma online at https://emmaotheguy.com You can pick up your own copy of Martina Has Too Many Tías wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking

Apr 12, 2024 • 20:13

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo shares Ferris (Candlewick), a hilarious and achingly real love story about a girl, a ghost, a grandmother, and growing up. Visit Kate online at https://www.katedicamillo.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Ferris wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes. Our podcast logo was created by D

Apr 5, 2024 • 31:08

I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots by Lid’ya Rivera

I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots by Lid’ya Rivera

Lid’ya Rivera shares I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots (HarperCollins), a lyrical celebration of self-esteem, perseverance, and loving the skin you're in that will inspire all children to appreciate their spots or what makes them different. Illustrated by Niña Mata. Visit Lid’ya online at https://www.lidyacrivera.com/ You can pick up your own copy of I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org.

Mar 29, 2024 • 19:48

Dim Sum, Here We Come! by Maple Lam

Dim Sum, Here We Come! by Maple Lam

Maple Lam shares Dim Sum, Here We Come! (Harper), a celebration of the traditional Chinese customs passed on from generation to generation: togetherness, love, family--and FOOD! Visit Maple online at https://www.maplelam.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Dim Sum, Here We Come! wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes. Our podcast logo was created b

Mar 22, 2024 • 20:55

Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

John Schu shares Louder Than Hunger (Candlewick Press), a wrenching and transformative novel-in-verse that explores anorexia--and self-expression as an act of survival. Visit John online at https://www.johnschu.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Louder Than Hunger wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show no

Mar 15, 2024 • 29:14

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca

Rajani LaRocca shares Mirror to Mirror (Quill Tree Books), an evocative novel in verse  about identical twin sisters who do everything together--until external pressures threaten to break them apart. Visit Rajani online at https://www.rajanilarocca.com You can pick up your own copy of Mirror to Mirror wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes. Our podca

Mar 6, 2024 • 22:57

Make Way for Fenway by Victoria J Coe

Make Way for Fenway by Victoria J Coe

Victoria J. Coe shares the Make Way for Fenway books. The little dog with a GIANT personality from Fenway and Hattie is starring in his own chapter book series! AND Fenway and the Loudmouth Bird (Make Way for Fenway #3) is a 2024 Sid Fleischman Honor Award for Humor! Visit Victoria online at https://www.victoriajcoe.com/ You can pick up your own copy of the Fenway and Hattie or Make Way for Fenway books wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Book

Feb 28, 2024 • 22:24

Rainbow Shopping by Qing Zhuang

Rainbow Shopping by Qing Zhuang

Qing Zhuang shares Rainbow Shopping (Holiday House), a heartfelt tribute to Chinatown and spending days-off together in which sharing a delicious meal helps a child feel loved. Visit Qing online at qingthings.com You can pick up your own copy of Rainbow Shopping wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (ht

Feb 21, 2024 • 18:50

Raising a Hero by Laura Numeroff

Raising a Hero by Laura Numeroff

Laura Numeroff shares If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (HarperCollins) and Raising a Hero, a story of about a puppy with a lot to learn on his adventure of becoming someone’s life-changing friend and helper.  Visit Laura online at https://lauranumeroff.com/ Canine Companions website You can pick up your own copy of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the b

Feb 16, 2024 • 19:23

The Sydney Taylor Book Award 2024 Winners, Honors, and Notable Books

The Sydney Taylor Book Award 2024 Winners, Honors, and Notable Books

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2024), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - link 2024 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - link Purchase any of the Books - link This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode,

Feb 9, 2024 • 31:24

Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck

Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck

Hanna Mousabeck shares Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine (Chronicle Books), a story of a father and his daughters, who may not be able to return home . . . but they can celebrate stories of their homeland! Visit Hannah online at https://hannahmoushabeck.com/ You can pick up your own copy of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’

Jan 31, 2024 • 28:12

The Fire of Stars by Kirsten W. Larson

The Fire of Stars by Kirsten W. Larson

Kirsten W. Larson shares The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made of (Chronicle Books), a poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne. Visit Kirsten online at https://kirsten-w-larson.com/ You can pick up your own copy of The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made of wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent books

Jan 24, 2024 • 29:26

This is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang

This is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang

Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang share This Is Not My Home (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), a humorous and heartfelt reverse immigration story that will resonate across cultures and show us how a place can become home. Visit Eugenia and Vivienne online at https://www.vivienneandeugenia.com/ You can pick up your own copy of This Is Not My Home wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking

Jan 17, 2024 • 30:36

You Are a Universe with Jason Chin

You Are a Universe with Jason Chin

Jason Chin shares The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey, a dive into the microscopic building blocks of life. BOOK DESCRIPTION: The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey by Jason Chin   Jason Chin, winner of the Caldecott Medal for Watercress, dives into the microscopic building blocks of life in this companion to the award-winning Your Place in the Universe.   In Your Place in the Universe, Jason Chin zoomed outward, from our planet, solar system, and galaxy to the outer reaches of the

Sep 7, 2023 • 18:29

One Hundred Percent Loving Who We Are As Humans with NoNieqa Ramos (R)

One Hundred Percent Loving Who We Are As Humans with NoNieqa Ramos (R)

Nonieqa Ramos shares Beauty Woke, a powerful story of pride and community, told with bold lyricism and the heart of a fairy tale, and readers looking for a next-generation Sleeping Beauty will fall in love with the vivid art and lyrical text. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on March 7, 2023.

Aug 31, 2023 • 28:37

This is a Story with John Schu and Lauren Castillo (R)

This is a Story with John Schu and Lauren Castillo (R)

John Schu and Lauren Castillo share This Is a Story, inviting us to imagine the myriad ways that books can foster connection and understanding--and how they can empower children, through their own passions, to transform the world. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on March 14, 2023.

Aug 17, 2023 • 28:32

The Power in Our Hands with Torrey Maldonado (R)

The Power in Our Hands with Torrey Maldonado (R)

Torrey Maldonado shares HANDS, a story about Trevor, a twelve-year-old who is a gifted comic-book artist, a good student, and would do anything to protect his mom and sisters. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on February 14, 2023.

Aug 10, 2023 • 29:07

Your Story Matters with Alphabet Rockers (R)

Your Story Matters with Alphabet Rockers (R)

Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd share You Are Not Alone, a story reminding us that when we step up to support one another, we can make a world where everyone knows they belong. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on February 14, 2023.

Aug 3, 2023 • 26:44

The Common Language of Tea with Andrea Wang

The Common Language of Tea with Andrea Wang

Andrea Wang shares Luli and the Language of Tea, a story that reminds us that when you're looking to communicate with people, you look for a common bond.  BOOK DESCRIPTION: Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang; illustrated by Hyewon Yum   Though they may speak different languages, kids from all over the world come together to enjoy the shared pastime of tea in this delicious book for young readers.   When five-year-old Luli joins her new English as a Second Language class, the playroom

Jul 27, 2023 • 20:37

Our Differences Are a Good Thing with Tiffany Jewell

Our Differences Are a Good Thing with Tiffany Jewell

Tiffany Jewell shares The Antiracist Kid, a book that teaches young children the words, language, and methods to recognize racism and injustice--and what to do when they encounter it at home, at school, and in the media they watch, play, and read. BOOK DESCRIPTION: The Antiracist Kid: A Book about Identity, Justice, and Activism by Tiffany Jewell; illustrations by Nicole Miles   From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of This Book Is Anti-Racist, Tiffany Jewell, with art by Eisner-nomina

Jul 20, 2023 • 21:25

When That Flag Flies with Tameka Fryer Brown

When That Flag Flies with Tameka Fryer Brown

Tameka Fryer Brown shares That Flag, an affecting picture book that challenges the meaning behind the still-waving Confederate flag through the friendship of two young girls who live across the street from each other. BOOK DESCRIPTION: That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith   An affecting picture book from Tameka Fryer Brown and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith (The 1619 Project: Born on the Water) that challenges the meaning behind the still-wav

Jul 13, 2023 • 21:42

Strawberry Teachings with Jenny Kay Dupuis

Strawberry Teachings with Jenny Kay Dupuis

Jenny Kay Dupuis shares Heart Berry Bling, a story incorporating the tradition of Anishinaabe beadwork, strawberry teachings, and gender discrimination in the Indian Act into an intimate conversation between grandparent and child. BOOK DESCRIPTION: Heart Berry Bling by Jenny Kay Dupuis; illustrated by Eva Campbell.   On a visit to her granny, Maggie is excited to begin her first-ever beading project: a pair of strawberry earrings. However, beading is much harder than she expected! As they work

Jul 4, 2023 • 23:38

The Power to Believe with Jackie Azúa Kramer, Jonah Kramer, and Zach Manbeck

The Power to Believe with Jackie Azúa Kramer, Jonah Kramer, and Zach Manbeck

Jackie Azúa Kramer, Jonah Kramer, and Zach Manbeck share Manolo & the Unicorn, a story about seeing and believing wholeheartedly in the extraordinary--unicorns and oneself. BOOK DESCRIPTION: Manolo & the Unicorn by Jackie Azúa Kramer and Jonah Kramer, illustrated by Zach Manbeck   To Manolo the world is a magical place--a place where he searches for the most magical creature of all: a unicorn. Manolo loves unicorns. When the Wild Animal Parade is announced at school, and Manolo declares that h

Jun 27, 2023 • 26:01

Strong and True with Eric Rosswood

Strong and True with Eric Rosswood

Eric Rosswood shares Strong, a picture book biography co-authored with Rob Kearney and illustrated by Nidhi Chanani. Strong is a fresh, charming picture book that shows there are lots of ways to be STRONG.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: Strong by Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood; illustrated by Nidhi Chanani   A Stonewall Honor Book!   Strong is a fresh, charming picture book that shows there are lots of ways to be STRONG.   Rob dreams of becoming a champion strongman. He wants to flip huge tires, lug boulder

Jun 20, 2023 • 19:38

You Can Be You with Lesléa Newman and Maya Gonzalez

You Can Be You with Lesléa Newman and Maya Gonzalez

Lesléa Newman and Maya Christina Gonzalez share I Can Be... Me!, a joyful picture book celebration of individuality, uniqueness, and children's freedom to express themselves while engaging in whatever kinds of play they choose.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: I Can Be... Me! by Lesléa Newman and Maya Christina Gonzalez   From bestselling author Lesléa Newman -- a joyful picture book celebration of individuality, uniqueness, and children's freedom to express themselves while engaging in whatever kinds of pla

Jun 13, 2023 • 28:24

The Importance of Juneteenth with Kim Taylor

The Importance of Juneteenth with Kim Taylor

Kim Taylor shares A Flag for Juneteenth, a unique and powerful story of the celebration of the first Juneteenth, from the perspective of a young girl. BOOK DESCRIPTION: A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor   Expert quilter Kim Taylor shares a unique and powerful story of the celebration of the first Juneteenth, from the perspective of a young girl.   On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, General Gordon Granger of the Union Army delivered the message that African Americans in Texas were free. Since th

Jun 6, 2023 • 28:00

Rest Stop

Rest Stop

Welcome to the Children’s Book Podcast. I’m Matthew.   And, in lieu of a new episode today, I am pulling off to a rest stop.   When I was a kid, my parents took us on lots and lots of road trips. My younger brother, baby sister, and I would pile into the family station wagon, hitch the pop-up camper, and away we went.    Disney World. Niagara Falls. Kittyhawk. Williamsburg. Dearborn. Sandusky. Rehoboth.    We would drive and drive and drive from our home in central Pennsylvania, and, without fai

May 22, 2023 • 3:14

Aloha Everything with Kaylin Melia George

Aloha Everything with Kaylin Melia George

Kaylin Melia George shares Aloha Everything, a story celebrating a courageous young girl named Ano who learns, grows, and comes to love her island home with all her heart. BOOK DESCRIPTION: Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George and Mae Waite    In this exciting adventure, you'll encounter mighty canoes crashing over ocean waves, royal hawks soaring high above the clouds, and brilliant lizard creatures jumping nimbly through forest trees! Most importantly, you'll meet a courageous young girl

May 16, 2023 • 20:07

All of Life Makes More with Katherine Roy

All of Life Makes More with Katherine Roy

Katherine Roy shares Making More: How Life Begins, distilling the science of reproduction into its simplest components and highlighting the astonishing variety of this process with examples from across the natural world, from ferns and butterflies to trout, hawks, rabbits, and more.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: Making More: How Life Begins by Katherine Roy Page Length: 72 pages Ages 9 to 12, Grades 4 to 7   From fish to mammals and plants to insects, every organism on Earth must reproduce, and the surviv

May 9, 2023 • 23:40

What It Feels Like To Be American with Darshana Khiani

What It Feels Like To Be American with Darshana Khiani

Darshana Khiani shares I'm an American, a beautifully depicted, thought-provoking look at the many ways we define what it means to be an American. BOOK DESCRIPTION: I'm an American by Darshana Khiani; illustrated by Laura Freeman Page Length: 48 pages Ages 4to 8, Grades P to 3   I'm an American by Darshana Khiani; illustrated by Laura Freeman   What does it mean to be American?   A classroom of children across many races, cultures, and origins explores the concept of Americanness as they each

May 2, 2023 • 25:54

Padma Venkatraman shares a Poem About Catnaps

Padma Venkatraman shares a Poem About Catnaps

Padma Venkatraman, contributor to Things We Do, edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong, shares a poem for Poetry Month. ADDITIONAL LINKS: Padma Venkatraman website - padmavenkatraman.com Purchase the book - Things We Do CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo w

Apr 30, 2023 • 4:33

Sally J. Pla Shares a Poem About Speaking Up

Sally J. Pla Shares a Poem About Speaking Up

Sally J. Pla, contributor to No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, shares a poem for Poetry Month. ADDITIONAL LINKS: Sally J. Pla website - sallyjpla.com Purchase the book - No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewma

Apr 29, 2023 • 3:56

Rajani LaRocca Shares a Poem About Insecurities and About Protection

Rajani LaRocca Shares a Poem About Insecurities and About Protection

Rajani LaRocca, author of Mirror to Mirror, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Rajani LaRocca website - www.rajanilarocca.com Purchase the book - Mirror to Mirror CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs

Apr 28, 2023 • 4:18

JaNay Brown-Wood Shares a Poem About the Power to Make a Change

JaNay Brown-Wood Shares a Poem About the Power to Make a Change

JaNay Brown-Wood, contributor to No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, shares a poem for Poetry Month. ADDITIONAL LINKS: JaNay Brown-Wood website - www.janaybrownwood.com Purchase the book - No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a mes

Apr 27, 2023 • 3:56

Thushanthi Ponweera Shares a Poem About Feeling Beautiful

Thushanthi Ponweera Shares a Poem About Feeling Beautiful

Thushanthi Ponweera, author of I Am Kavi, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Thushanthi Ponweera website - www.thushanthiponweera.com Purchase the book - I Am Kavi CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://steb

Apr 26, 2023 • 3:38

A Kids Book About (Friends of the Children’s Book Podcast)

A Kids Book About (Friends of the Children’s Book Podcast)

Welcome to the Children’s Book Podcast. I’m Matthew.   I am a teacher, a librarian, and a fan of kids. And, honestly? I’m angry.    I’m angry about guns and about gun violence and I’m angry most of all that so many of these incidents involve young people, kids. And specifically, young Black kids and other kids of color.   These incidents can be prevented. They can be stopped. And yet we see them on the rise in America, happening more and more, year after year.     Today, and for the past several

Apr 25, 2023 • 20:25

Heidi Stemple Shares a Poem About Solar Power

Heidi Stemple Shares a Poem About Solar Power

Heidi Stemple, contributor to No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Heidi E. Y. Stemple website - www.heidieystemple.com Purchase the book - No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a me

Apr 24, 2023 • 3:51

Laura Shovan Shares a Poem About How Overwhelming Feelings Can Be

Laura Shovan Shares a Poem About How Overwhelming Feelings Can Be

Laura Shovan, author of Welcome to Monsterville, illustrated by Michael Rothenberg, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Laura Shovan website - laurashovan.com Purchase the book - Welcome to Monsterville CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo was

Apr 23, 2023 • 3:55

Charles Waters Shares a Poem About Forgiving Ourselves

Charles Waters Shares a Poem About Forgiving Ourselves

Charles Waters, co-author of Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Charles Waters website - www.charleswaterspoetry.com Purchase the book - Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to

Apr 22, 2023 • 4:12

Meg Eden Kuyatt Shares a Poem About Being Overwhelmed with Emotion

Meg Eden Kuyatt Shares a Poem About Being Overwhelmed with Emotion

Meg Eden Kuyatt, author of Good Different, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Meg Eden Kuyatt website - www.megedenbooks.com Purchase the book - Good Different CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.de

Apr 21, 2023 • 3:41

Lyn Miller-Lachmann Shares a Poem About the Pain of Leaving Someone Behind

Lyn Miller-Lachmann Shares a Poem About the Pain of Leaving Someone Behind

Lyn Miller-Lachmann, co-author of Moonwalking, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Lyn Miller-Lachmann website - lynmillerlachmann.com Purchase the book - Moonwalking CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://st

Apr 20, 2023 • 4:06

Teresa Robeson Shares a Poem About a Bio Bus

Teresa Robeson Shares a Poem About a Bio Bus

Teresa Robeson, author and contributor on No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Teresa Robeson website - www.teresarobeson.com Purchase the book - No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send m

Apr 19, 2023 • 3:51

Kids Ask Authors (Friends of the Children’s Book Podcast)

Kids Ask Authors (Friends of the Children’s Book Podcast)

Welcome to the Children’s Book Podcast. I’m Matthew.   I am a teacher, a librarian, and a fan of kids. And today I want to introduce you to a podcast where kids ask authors their burning questions about books and how they’re made. The show is hosted by my friend Grace. She’s an author, an illustrator, a podcaster, a reader, and, of course, a fan of kids, too!   Kids Ask Authors (subscribe here!) is  a weekly 5-10 minute podcast where children’s book author/illustrator Grace Lin and a guest autho

Apr 18, 2023 • 12:21

Suzy Levinson Shares a Poem About Animals in Pants

Suzy Levinson Shares a Poem About Animals in Pants

Suzy Levinson, author of Animals in Pants, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Suzy Levinson website - suzylevinson.com Purchase the book - Animals in Pants CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design

Apr 17, 2023 • 2:37

Reem Faruqi Shares a Poem About Taking Something That Doesn’t Belong to You

Reem Faruqi Shares a Poem About Taking Something That Doesn’t Belong to You

Reem Faruqi, author of Golden Girl, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Reem Faruqi website - reemfaruqi.com Purchase the book - Golden Girl CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music

Apr 15, 2023 • 3:34

Chris Baron Shares a Poem About Shyness

Chris Baron Shares a Poem About Shyness

Chris Baron, author of The Magical Imperfect, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Chris Baron website - www.chris-baron.com Purchase the book - The Magical Imperfect CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://ste

Apr 14, 2023 • 3:02

Irene Latham Shares a Poem About a Cat Inspired by a Work of Art

Irene Latham Shares a Poem About a Cat Inspired by a Work of Art

Irene Latham, author of A Poem is a Nest, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Irene Latham website - www.irenelatham.com ArtSpeak project - www.irenelatham.com/artspeak.html  Purchase the book - A Poem is a Nest CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podc

Apr 13, 2023 • 3:26

Andrea J. Loney Shares a Poem About Activism in Response to Gun Violence

Andrea J. Loney Shares a Poem About Activism in Response to Gun Violence

Andrea J. Loney, contributor on No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Andrea J. Loney website - andreajloney.com Purchase the book - No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at mat

Apr 12, 2023 • 4:33

The Book Club for Kids (Friends of the Children’s Book Podcast)

The Book Club for Kids (Friends of the Children’s Book Podcast)

Today I want to introduce you to a podcast where middle grade readers talk about books. And to a friend of mine named Kitty. She’s a journalist, podcaster, reader, and, of course, a fan of kids, too!   The Book Club for Kids is the place where young readers meet to talk about books. The show includes a celebrity reader and an interview with the author. The host is award winning public radio journalist Kitty Felde. Book Club won the California Library Association Technology Award and the DC Mayor

Apr 11, 2023 • 24:57

Lisa Fipps Shares a Poem About Food and Body Acceptance

Lisa Fipps Shares a Poem About Food and Body Acceptance

Lisa Fipps, author of Starfish, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Lisa Fipps website - authorlisafipps.com/about Purchase the book - Starfish CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our mu

Apr 10, 2023 • 4:07

Robert Schechter Shares a Silly Poem About a Horse

Robert Schechter Shares a Silly Poem About a Horse

Robert Schechter, author of The Red Ear Blows Its Nose: Poems for Children and Others, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Robert Schechter website - https://www.bobschechter.com/ Purchase the book - The Red Ear Blows Its Nose: Poems for Children and Others CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message

Apr 8, 2023 • 3:12

Vanessa Brantley Newton Shares a Poem About Self-Love

Vanessa Brantley Newton Shares a Poem About Self-Love

Vanessa Brantley Newton, author and illustrator of Just Like Me, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Vanessa Brantley Newton website - https://www.vanessabrantleynewton.com/ Purchase the book - Just Like Me CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com.    Our podcast logo

Apr 7, 2023 • 2:25

Lindsay Metcalf Shares a Poem About Composting

Lindsay Metcalf Shares a Poem About Composting

Lindsay Metcalf, co-editor of No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, shares a poem for Poetry Month.  ADDITIONAL LINKS: Lindsay Metcalf website - https://lindsayhmetcalf.com/ Purchase the book - No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change CREDITS:   This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.    Write to me or send me a

Apr 6, 2023 • 3:58

Keila Dawson Shares a Poem About Earth

Keila Dawson Shares a Poem About Earth

Keila Dawson, co-editor of No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, shares a poem for Poetry Month.    ADDITIONAL LINKS: Keila Dawson website - https://www.keiladawson.com/ Purchase the book - No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change   CREDITS: This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.  Write to me or send me a message at

Apr 5, 2023 • 3:23

Filling in What is Missing with Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki

Filling in What is Missing with Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki

Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki share Seen and Unseen, an important work of nonfiction featuring powerful images of the Japanese American incarceration captured by three photographers--Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams--along with firsthand accounts of this grave moment in history.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams's Photographs Reveal about the Japanese American Incarceration by Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki Page

Apr 4, 2023 • 31:06

A Golden Shovel Poem for the Authors Take Action #ClimatePoemProject

A Golden Shovel Poem for the Authors Take Action #ClimatePoemProject

Students, teachers, and librarians, you’re invited to participate in the Authors Take Action #ClimatePoemProject! I’m joining other children’s poets and authors to share poetry prompts on the theme of “climate” for National Poetry Month and Earth Day, April 2023. Authors Take Action website - #ClimatePoemProject

Apr 1, 2023 • 5:19

Happy, Healthy, Me, and You with Divinity Roxx and NaShantá Fletcher

Happy, Healthy, Me, and You with Divinity Roxx and NaShantá Fletcher

Divinity Roxx and NaShantá Fletcher share Me + You and Happy & Healthy, two stories celebrating diverse families and moving and grooving to your own beautiful beat.    BOOK DESCRIPTION: Me + You by Divinity Roxx; illustrated by NaShantá Fletcher Page Length: 32 pages Ages 3 to 8 Diverse families and children celebrate one another in this catchy, hip-hop look at what family really means.   Happy & Healthy by Divinity Roxx; illustrated by NaShantá Fletcher Page Length: 32 pages Ages 3 to 8 Joy

Mar 28, 2023 • 30:29

We Can All Be Grumps with Katrina Moore

We Can All Be Grumps with Katrina Moore

Katrina Moore shares Grumpy New Year, a story about spending time with the special people in our lives, but also making plans to sleep, too, because nobody wants to be grumpy.    BOOK DESCRIPTION: Grumpy New Year by Katrina Moore; illustrated by Xindi Yan Page Length: 40 pages Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3 "You should sleep on the long flight," said Mama. Daisy should have slept- but she didn't. She was too excited to see Yeh-Yeh! Daisy is traveling to China, and she's excited to see her Yeh-Yeh ag

Mar 21, 2023 • 25:02

This is a Story with John Schu and Lauren Castillo

This is a Story with John Schu and Lauren Castillo

John Schu and Lauren Castillo share This Is a Story, inviting us to imagine the myriad ways that books can foster connection and understanding--and how they can empower children, through their own passions, to transform the world.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: This Is a Story by John Schu; illustrated by Lauren Castillo Page Length: 40 pages Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3 Children's literacy advocate John Schu and Caldecott Honor recipient Lauren Castillo celebrate the power of finding the perfect book--in a

Mar 14, 2023 • 27:26

One Hundred Percent Loving Who We Are As Humans with NoNieqa Ramos

One Hundred Percent Loving Who We Are As Humans with NoNieqa Ramos

Nonieqa Ramos shares Beauty Woke, a powerful story of pride and community, told with bold lyricism and the heart of a fairy tale, and readers looking for a next-generation Sleeping Beauty will fall in love with the vivid art and lyrical text. BOOK DESCRIPTION: Beauty Woke by Nonieqa Ramos; illustrated by Paola Escobar Page Length: 32 pages Ages 4 to 7, Grades P to 3 Beauty Woke is a powerful story of pride and community, told with bold lyricism and the heart of a fairy tale, and readers lookin

Mar 7, 2023 • 28:22

In the Purple Veil of Twilight with Natasha Khan Kazi

In the Purple Veil of Twilight with Natasha Khan Kazi

Natasha Khan Kazi shares Moon's Ramadan, a debut picture book and modern holiday classic capturing the magic and meaning of one of the world's most joyful and important celebrations.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: Moon's Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi Page Length: 40 pages Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3 With radiant and welcoming art, this debut picture book and modern holiday classic captures the magic and meaning of one of the world's most joyful and important celebrations. It's Ramadan, the month of peace, an

Feb 28, 2023 • 26:26

Our Child Sunrise and Elder Sunset with Kim Rogers

Our Child Sunrise and Elder Sunset with Kim Rogers

Kim Rogers shares Just Like Grandma, a story about wanting, more than anything, to be just like the special elder in your life.    BOOK DESCRIPTION: Just Like Grandma by Kim Rogers; illustrated by Julie Flett. Page Length: 32 pages Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3 In this lyrical picture book by Kim Rogers (Wichita), with illustrations by Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree Julie Flett (Cree-Métis), Becca watches her grandma create, play, and dance--and she knows that she wants to be just like Grandma. Bec

Feb 21, 2023 • 19:15

Your Story Matters with Alphabet Rockers

Your Story Matters with Alphabet Rockers

Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd of Alphabet Rockers share YOU ARE NOT ALONE, a story reminding us that when we step up to support one another, we can make a world where everyone knows they belong.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: You Are Not Alone by Alphabet Rockers; illustrated by Ashley Evans. Page Length: 56 pages Ages 4 to 8 It can be scary to feel like you're all on your own, especially in the face of prejudice and injustice. But always remember: you are not alone! With uplifting text and colorful art

Feb 14, 2023 • 25:27

The Sydney Taylor Book Award 2023 Winners and Honors

The Sydney Taylor Book Award 2023 Winners and Honors

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2023), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.   ADDITIONAL LINKS: Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - link 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - link Purchase any of the Books - link   TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE: What types of stories are honored by the Sydney Taylor Book Award? What other book awards have

Feb 10, 2023 • 37:16

A Powwow Celebration with Traci Sorell and Madelyn Goodnight

A Powwow Celebration with Traci Sorell and Madelyn Goodnight

Traci Sorell and Madelyn Goodnight share POWWOW DAY, an uplifting, contemporary Native American story about a girl named River, who is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year.    BOOK DESCRIPTION: Powwow Day by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight Page Length: 32 pages Ages 8 to 8, Grades P to 3 In this uplifting, contemporary Native American story, River is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again? River wants s

Feb 7, 2023 • 23:44

Love Without Bounds with Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi

Love Without Bounds with Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi

Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi of CLC Collective share LOVE WITHOUT BOUNDS, a story honoring the diversity of family life and what family can mean based on our intersecting identities and experiences.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: Love Without Bounds: An Intersectionallies Book about Families by Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi Page Length: 48 pages Ages 6 to 12 This follow-up to the critically acclaimed IntersectionAllies: We Make Room For All honors the d

Feb 1, 2023 • 26:44

Being a Great Listener with Benson Shum

Being a Great Listener with Benson Shum

Benson Shum shares ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU, a story about a kaiju with an unconventional gift, and it’s sequel, ANZU THE GREAT LISTENER, which asks us to consider how not all acts of kindness are perceived as intended.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: Anzu the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum Page Length: 40 pages Ages 4 to 8 All great Kaiju are born with a super power to strike fear in the heart of the city. But Anzu is different. Instead of mayhem, he likes May flowers. Instead of striking fear, he prefers to be

Jan 24, 2023 • 20:18

Craft Webinar: Becoming a Better Storyteller Through Podcasting

Craft Webinar: Becoming a Better Storyteller Through Podcasting

Visit thewritingbarn.com and click on “Classes” to sign up for “Becoming A Better Storyteller Through Podcasting” with me, Matthew Winner. Registration for the webinar is $25 and you can join live from 11-12:30 CT or view the archived recording via REPLAY within 48 hours of the event.  Or both! PLUS, you’re one step closer to bringing your podcast idea AND your voice into the world. Which means we’re one step closer to being colleagues! I love it!

Jan 18, 2023 • 2:10

Namaste and Music as Activism with Suma Subramaniam

Namaste and Music as Activism with Suma Subramaniam

Suma Subramaniam shares NAMASTE IS A GREETING, a sweet, universal text shining a light on a word with significance far beyond yoga class, and SHE SANG FOR INDIA, a picture book biography about M.S. Subbulakshmi, a powerful Indian singer who advocated for justice and peace through song.    BOOK DESCRIPTION: Namaste Is a Greeting by Suma Subramaniam; illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat Page Length: 32 pages Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3 What is namaste? It's found in a smile, a friendship, a celebration.

Jan 17, 2023 • 22:42

Sharing Folktales with Rebecca Sheir

Sharing Folktales with Rebecca Sheir

Rebecca Sheir shares THE GREAT BALL GAME, a classic folktale originating from the Cherokee, Creek, Ojibway and Menominee people of North America, adapted for a contemporary audience by the host of the Circle Round podcast.  NOTABLE QUOTES: (3:28) “So I do try to think of a bunch of different children. So I'm not just writing for one person because our listeners physically, literally span the globe.” (5:25)  “Why is the ocean salty? Why don't cats and dogs get along? Why do skunks have a weird sm

Jan 10, 2023 • 13:54

The Power in Our Hands with Torrey Maldonado

The Power in Our Hands with Torrey Maldonado

Torrey Maldonado shares HANDS, a story about Trevor, a twelve-year-old who is a gifted comic-book artist, a good student, and would do anything to protect his mom and sisters. NOTABLE QUOTES: (6:19) “I wrote this book for lots of kids who feel alone and feel that they have to solve their problems by themselves, because the book Hands helps show that using hands doesn't mean you're strong. And external strength and being muscley, that doesn't mean you're strong. There are lots of ways to show str

Jan 3, 2023 • 26:33

Welcome to The Children's Book Podcast

Welcome to The Children's Book Podcast

The authors and illustrators you love, and some who may be new to you. The stories you can’t stop thinking about, and some that have been waiting for you to discover. The messages on the hearts of those who write stories just for you. This is the Children’s Book Podcast. I’m Matthew. I’m a teacher, a librarian, a reader, and a big fan of yours. I’m glad you’re here. Tune in each week to meet the authors and illustrators making books just for kids like you. From award winners, to up-and-comers, t

Dec 15, 2022 • 1:39

TBCP Origins: Why Make Podcasts for Kids?

TBCP Origins: Why Make Podcasts for Kids?

Kids are full of wonder. They effortlessly ask questions about why things are as they are.They delight in seeing something new. They make new connections with what they’re learning, or connections with their classmates, or connections with their thoughts and ideas that help push the world around them to be bigger and bigger. Kids deserve better than we can give them. But that should not stop any one of us from trying. On today’s retrospective episode, we’re looking at why making things for kids

Dec 6, 2022 • 8:33

TCBP Origins: How Are Your Values Represented?

TCBP Origins: How Are Your Values Represented?

The things we make say a lot about the people who make them. In every detail, from the language used on the show to the guests who join for interviews, from the publishers whose works are celebrated and amplified to the underrepresented stories and voices who are given the spotlight, these choices communicate a lot about the values of the person making the show. And that’s not something I take lightly. On today’s retrospective episode, we’re looking at what you do when you find yourself uncomfor

Dec 2, 2022 • 10:53

TCBP Origins: Can A Podcast Really Change?

TCBP Origins: Can A Podcast Really Change?

The Children’s Book Podcast does not look or sound the same today as it did when it debuted its first episode in July of 2013. But is podcast growth just part of the natural life cycle of a show? Can a podcast really stay the same? On today’s retrospective episode, we’re examining how the blueprint on the show has changed as its host (and the world around us) changed. We look at how the format and focus have shifted as the impact of the show expanded, and look toward what impact the show will ma

Nov 29, 2022 • 10:54

TCBP Origins: What’s In A Name?

TCBP Origins: What’s In A Name?

The Children’s Book Podcast released its first episode in July of 2013. Only it wasn’t called “The Children’s Book Podcast”. And it didn’t sound like the show with which most listeners are familiar. On today’s retrospective episode, we’re taking a look back at the different names the show has used and why finding the right name matters. We’ll also play some of the different theme music the show has incorporated over the past nearly 10 years. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: Let’s Get Busy podcast blog - http

Nov 22, 2022 • 12:15

(Worth Noting) Worth Noting on Pause

(Worth Noting) Worth Noting on Pause

Worth Noting is going to go on break. In the meantime, check out past episodes and watch the feed for something new and exciting in the future. We're cooking up a whole bunch of goodness and cannot wait to share it with you soon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 12, 2022 • 1:40

(Worth Noting) A Kids Co. Presents: Newsy Pooloozi

(Worth Noting) A Kids Co. Presents: Newsy Pooloozi

From the Hungry Ghost Festival, Halloween, the Day of the Dead to Diwali, Guru Nanak, Bonfire Night and Thanksgiving! This episode is brought to you by Newsy Pooloozi. Show Contributors Jackson Hosking Saadhana Nagaraj Nirbhay Singh Chauhan Yuching Liu Adhyant Singh Chauhan Reyaansh Zaveri Yuvraj Singh Sahni --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 5, 2022 • 27:07

(Worth Noting) Fascism and National Elections in Italy and Brazil

(Worth Noting) Fascism and National Elections in Italy and Brazil

Over the past few months, two far-right candidates, Georgia Meloni and Jair Balsanaro, have received a lot of global news coverage in the lead-up to national elections in Italy and Brazil. The outcomes of these elections are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 29, 2022 • 13:00

(Worth Noting) A Kids Co. Presents: Everyday Feels

(Worth Noting) A Kids Co. Presents: Everyday Feels

Let’s talk about feeling social anxiety. Grace shares a memory of feeling nervous before an event, and Dr. Lockhart and Nakita discuss how we can check in with our anxiety. This is a rebroadcast episode of Everyday Feels. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 22, 2022 • 18:21

(Worth Noting) A Kids Co. Presents: Is That True?

(Worth Noting) A Kids Co. Presents: Is That True?

Is it true that Antarctic rivers run red? Follow the fact-finding journey with today’s guest Karen Romano Young, kid’s author, illustrator, and traveling science communicator. This is a rebroadcast episode of Is That True?. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 15, 2022 • 18:06

(Worth Noting) Lizzo and the 200-Year-Old Crystal Flute

(Worth Noting) Lizzo and the 200-Year-Old Crystal Flute

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Lizzo visited the Library of Congress as their guest and was treated to the largest flute collection in the world. The instrument she played and, indeed, the very act of playing it, are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 8, 2022 • 10:41

(Worth Noting) Water Protectors Amid the Water Crisis

(Worth Noting) Water Protectors Amid the Water Crisis

At this moment, across the United States, in places like Baltimore, Maryland and Jackson, Mississippi, access to clean and safe water is becoming almost impossible. This water crisis in the United States is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 1, 2022 • 13:14

(Worth Noting) Water Crisis in the United States

(Worth Noting) Water Crisis in the United States

Right now around the United States, in places like Baltimore, Maryland, and Jackson, Mississippi, getting access to clean and safe water is becoming almost impossible. The water crisis in the United States is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 24, 2022 • 12:16

(Worth Noting) Update: Rethinking Mascots

(Worth Noting) Update: Rethinking Mascots

The Cleveland baseball team, known for over a century as the Indians, is getting a name change for the 2022 season. The reason behind the decision is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 17, 2022 • 11:16

(Worth Noting) A Kids Co. Presents: Sarah Jones Breaks It Down

(Worth Noting) A Kids Co. Presents: Sarah Jones Breaks It Down

What did the FBI find during the search of former president Trump’s property? Sarah talks about the investigation at Mar-a-Lago. And what is monkeypox? Susan Michaels-Strasser, the assistant professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Medical Center, shares about this zoonotic disease. This is a rebroadcast episode of Sarah Jones Breaks It Down. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 10, 2022 • 17:22

(Worth Noting) Historic Flooding in Pakistan

(Worth Noting) Historic Flooding in Pakistan

Historic flooding is impacting nearly 1 in 7 people living in Pakistan as the country enters its second month in the monsoon season. The reasons behind the floods and the catastrophic impact on the Pakistani people are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 3, 2022 • 6:13

(Worth Noting) Megaflood to Impact California

(Worth Noting) Megaflood to Impact California

In 1862, a catastrophic flood in California claimed the lives of over 4,000 people, destroying one-third of all property in the state. What new research is uncovering for the future of California is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 27, 2022 • 7:13

(Worth Noting) Harmful Ableist Words

(Worth Noting) Harmful Ableist Words

Recently, Lizzo and Beyonce removed harmful words from songs on their new albums after being pushed and encouraged by their fans. These changes in ableist language are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 20, 2022 • 11:41

(Worth Noting) It’s a Heat Wave

(Worth Noting) It’s a Heat Wave

Over the past few weeks, you may have noticed how very hot it is! Across the northern hemisphere, countries like the United States, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and many others are experiencing hotter temperatures than ever before. This global heat wave is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 6, 2022 • 13:06

(Worth Noting) On the Topic of Mass Shootings

(Worth Noting) On the Topic of Mass Shootings

In the first 6 months of 2022 alone, there have been over 250 mass shootings in America—in schools, at grocery stores, in churches, and as people were going about their everyday lives. No matter how sad and scary they are to talk about, these mass shootings are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 16, 2022 • 11:10

(Worth Noting) Roe v. Wade Overturned

(Worth Noting) Roe v. Wade Overturned

On Friday, June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a ruling on women’s reproductive rights that has stood for nearly 50 years. The implications of this decision are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 2, 2022 • 11:14

(Worth Noting) Casting Expectations on Adaptations

(Worth Noting) Casting Expectations on Adaptations

In early May, 2022, Disney announced the cast of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Percy Jackson & the Olympians. The overwhelming reaction to one particular casting choice, as well as the author’s response, are Worth Noting --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 21, 2022 • 11:13

(Worth Noting) The Kids Are (Not) Alright

(Worth Noting) The Kids Are (Not) Alright

On March 31, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of its first nationally representative survey of high school students during the pandemic. The findings of this survey are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 23, 2022 • 10:56

(Worth Noting) The “Don’t Say Gay” Bill Passes in Florida

(Worth Noting) The “Don’t Say Gay” Bill Passes in Florida

The Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights in Education Bill on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in a 22-17 vote. The implications of this bill are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 12, 2022 • 9:47

(Worth Noting) Florida, Texas, and Ukraine

(Worth Noting) Florida, Texas, and Ukraine

Anti-LGBTQ legislation is on the rise and political leaders behind landmark bills in Florida and Texas claim these actions are to protect children. Meanwhile, Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Behind each of these actions lie reasons that are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 26, 2022 • 15:05

(Worth Noting) The Tonga Undersea Volcano Eruption

(Worth Noting) The Tonga Undersea Volcano Eruption

The Kingdom of Tonga in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and Fiji, is made up of around 170 islands. On January 15, 2022, several islands were impacted by the massive eruption of an undersea volcano. The effects this volcano had on the islands as well as on the people of Tonga are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 5, 2022 • 9:38

(Worth Noting) Love for Others (A Kids Mindful Moment)

(Worth Noting) Love for Others (A Kids Mindful Moment)

Introducing A Kids Mindful Moment, supporting healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. In this preview, we share “Love for Others”, a big picture meditation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 29, 2022 • 16:07

(Worth Noting) Unplugging from Tech (A Kids Mindful Moment)

(Worth Noting) Unplugging from Tech (A Kids Mindful Moment)

Introducing A Kids Mindful Moment, supporting healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. In this preview, we share “Unplugging from Tech”, a situational meditation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 22, 2022 • 12:48

(Worth Noting) I Am Love (A Kids Mindful Moment)

(Worth Noting) I Am Love (A Kids Mindful Moment)

Introducing A Kids Mindful Moment, supporting healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. In this preview, we share “I Am Love”, an affirmations meditation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 15, 2022 • 9:51

(Worth Noting) Voter Access and the January 6th Insurrection

(Worth Noting) Voter Access and the January 6th Insurrection

On January 6, 2021, and for the first time in our nation’s history, the US Capitol was invaded. The results of this insurrection and the impact on voter access to millions across our nation is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 8, 2022 • 13:16

(Worth Noting) The Harm in Historical Reenactments

(Worth Noting) The Harm in Historical Reenactments

Historical reenactments can be a way to bring history to life for students as well as for sightseers visiting historical landmarks. But the harm and the trauma that can be reintroduced in doing so is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 8, 2021 • 10:06

(Worth Noting) Are Banned Books the Problem?

(Worth Noting) Are Banned Books the Problem?

Last October, the all-white school board of the Central York School District in York, Pennsylvania, unanimously banned a list of educational resources. The books included on this list are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 1, 2021 • 7:08

(Worth Noting) S.B. 8 and Losing the Right to Choose

(Worth Noting) S.B. 8 and Losing the Right to Choose

Earlier this month, Texas legislators passed Senate Bill 8, making abortions illegal after the sixth week of pregnancy. How this bill was written and the implications it can have on abortion rights throughout the country is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 24, 2021 • 8:44

(Worth Noting) Can Schools Require Masks?

(Worth Noting) Can Schools Require Masks?

The Delta variant is spreading quickly across the United States, and COVID cases are on the rise. So why are some schools requiring all students wear masks while others are banning such mandates? The answer is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 17, 2021 • 8:07

(Worth Noting) The 20th Anniversary of the September 11 Attacks

(Worth Noting) The 20th Anniversary of the September 11 Attacks

Twenty years ago, on September 11, 2001, a major event happened in the United States in New York City, the effects of which we are still confronting today. That event is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 10, 2021 • 10:40

(Worth Noting) At the 2020 Paralympics

(Worth Noting) At the 2020 Paralympics

The 2020 Paralympics are currently underway in Tokyo, following the 2020 Olympic Games. What sets the Paralympic Games and their athletes apart from the Olympic games? The answer is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 3, 2021 • 8:56

(Worth Noting) Rethinking Mascots

(Worth Noting) Rethinking Mascots

The Cleveland baseball team, known for over a century as the Indians, is getting a name change for the 2022 season. The reason behind the decision is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 27, 2021 • 9:42

(Worth Noting) Climate Change Forcing Tribal Relocation

(Worth Noting) Climate Change Forcing Tribal Relocation

Rising sea levels are affecting tens of thousands of lives along the coasts across the globe. How is climate change impacting the people of the Quinault Indian Nation, located on land now called the state of Washington, and other tribes along the coast? The answer is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 20, 2021 • 9:34

(Worth Noting) Not In My Class

(Worth Noting) Not In My Class

It’s back-to-school season for many of the nation’s 73 million children, but in Texas—and in other parts of the country—what’s being taught in the classroom about our nation’s history is under question. What’s being left out and why? The answer is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 13, 2021 • 11:37

(Worth Noting) Simone Biles, GOAT

(Worth Noting) Simone Biles, GOAT

The rhinestone-emblazoned leotard worn by Simone Biles boasts GOAT, greatest of all time, and if you have any doubt about the 24-year-old gymnast or the path that led her to where she stands today, well, stick around because it’s Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 6, 2021 • 10:54

(Worth Noting) Introducing Worth Noting

(Worth Noting) Introducing Worth Noting

Introducing Worth Noting, a kids podcast about current events. Join me, Matthew Winner, each week for a look at what’s going on in the world and how it impacts you and others. From scientific breakthroughs to historic achievements. From political upheaval to social justice. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 25, 2021 • 0:49

BONUS: Swimming Caps for All

BONUS: Swimming Caps for All

This bonus episode is presented by A Kids Podcast About. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 22, 2021 • 13:04

BONUS: Swimming Caps for All

BONUS: Swimming Caps for All

Hi. It’s been a while since I popped into this feed.  Let me get you updated, and then let me share what’s coming. Because I can’t wait to share with you what’s coming.  Most of you on this feed know me from hosting The Children’s Book Podcast or from my work as a school librarian. Those two amazing experiences helped to lead me to where I am today: Head of Podcasts at A Kids Book About. I lead the development of a network of outstanding podcasts created for kids ages 6-12+ and their grownups an

Jul 16, 2021 • 11:11

BONUS: Evelyn Talks About Sexual Abuse

BONUS: Evelyn Talks About Sexual Abuse

Evelyn Yang, author of A Kids Book About Sexual Abuse, talks in the newest episode of A Kids Book About: The Podcast about speaking up in any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. In it, I also tell my abuse story for the first time with my voice on a public and recorded forum. I know that many, too many of you were also affected by sexual abuse. I want to give you some of my strength. I also want others to know how you can help to give strength to all of us victims and survivors. Because

Apr 19, 2021 • 23:08

We'll Be Back

We'll Be Back

This is the Children’s Book Podcast. I’m Matthew Winner. Your host, guide, and companion. I started this podcast in July of 2013 and have since published over 700 episodes on this RSS feed. I’ve spoken with authors, illustrators, editors, agents, publishers, librarians, booksellers, kids, and fans. But the one thing I’ve never done in these past 8 years is take a break. And so that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’ve learned over so many years that I find it quite natural to put others needs an

Apr 8, 2021 • 4:14

Carole Boston Weatherford - Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Carole Boston Weatherford - Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Today, with a full and grateful heart, I am welcoming back to the podcast Carole Boston Weatherford, author of Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. May 31st, 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the Tulsa Race Massacre, a horrific event that devastated the wealthiest African American community in the entire nation. What provoked the event, beyond that elevator ride where Dick Rowland, and African American teen, either stumbled or stepped on the foot of S

Apr 5, 2021 • 41:47

Ilyasah Shabazz - The Awakening of Malcolm X

Ilyasah Shabazz - The Awakening of Malcolm X

Today I am joined by Ilyasah Shabazz, author of The Awakening of Malcolm X, written with Tiffany D. Jackson. Bryan Stevenson said “We are all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” And yet our criminal justice system might have us thinking otherwise. Ilyasah illuminates the humanity of inmates while also discovering the truth about who Malcolm is in this exceptional young adult novel. I myself listened to the audiobook adaptation and highly recommended it as well. There is so much in this b

Apr 1, 2021 • 34:14

Jason June and Lori Richmond - Porcupine Cupid

Jason June and Lori Richmond - Porcupine Cupid

Jason June and Lori Richmond share Porcupine Cupid. Jason June talks of the magic we create when we’re connected and this story laces that magic throughout. Much like Porcupine Cupid, Jason June is in love with love and works throughout this story to ensure not to define what it means to be in love. Lori’s illustrations are laced with love and hearts and connection throughout and it was just so wonderful to be in conversation with them both, I never wanted it to end. Get a copy of this book and

Mar 29, 2021 • 42:13

Archaa Shrivastav - We Are Little Feminists: Families

Archaa Shrivastav - We Are Little Feminists: Families

Archaa Shrivastav is the author of Families, Hair, and On-The-Go, three delightful board books in the We Are Little Feminists series. And We Are Little Feminists: Families is the 2021 recipient of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award. This is an award given annually to English-language works of exceptional merit for children or teens relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience and the committee made history by

Mar 25, 2021 • 44:58

Soyeon Kim - Once Upon an Hour

Soyeon Kim - Once Upon an Hour

Today I’m welcoming to the podcast by Soyeon Kim, illustrator of Once Upon an Hour, Sukaq and the Raven, You are Never Alone, and A Last Goodbye. Soyeon’s diorama illustrations are unlike anything I’ve seen before in picture books, each built within a wooden frame with individual components illustrated, cut out, and then suspended with fishing line. It’s breathtaking and whimsical, and when we’re all able to travel again I am making it a priority to see her art in person. I think you’ll want to

Mar 22, 2021 • 40:27

Melissa Stewart - Ick! Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings, and Defenses

Melissa Stewart - Ick! Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings, and Defenses

Melissa Stewart, the author of Ick!: Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings, and Defenses and the editor of Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep. Melissa is an unwavering advocate for nonfiction in all places, whether that is at storytimes, in classroom instruction, on book lists, or wherever will make space for it. And whenever she talks nonfiction advocacy, I am here for it. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support

Mar 18, 2021 • 46:00

Eric Gansworth - Apple (Skin to the Core)

Eric Gansworth - Apple (Skin to the Core)

Eric Gansworth shares Apple (Skin to the Core). Eric’s memoir in pictures and verse is also an exceptional audiobook which Eric reads himself. It’s a privilege for me to bring you this conversation today. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 15, 2021 • 38:03

Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith - I Talk Like a River

Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith - I Talk Like a River

Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith share I Talk Like a River, a most exceptional picture book by two most exceptional individuals. If you have not yet come to know I Talk Like a River, I can think of no better place to start. So I will leave you with three thoughts shared with me in this conversation by Jordan and Sydney that I think deserve being heard over and over. #1: Stuttering makes language visible. #2: The production of speech is a physical act. And #3: The idea of fluency is kind of fictiona

Mar 11, 2021 • 53:44

Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak - Ohana Means Family

Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak - Ohana Means Family

Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak share Ohana Means Family. Poi is an important and traditional food to native Hawaiian islanders, made from taro, and in this building rhyme story a family prepares the poi for their ohana's luau. Many stories have employed the structure of “The House That Jack Built” in order to tell a cumulative story, but the format serves this book especially well alongside Pak’s illustrations to celebrate a food, an island nation, a family, and a tradition. I hope you’re able to h

Mar 8, 2021 • 30:46

Duncan Tonatiuh - Feather Serpent and the Five Suns

Duncan Tonatiuh - Feather Serpent and the Five Suns

Duncan Tonatiuh shares Feather Serpent and the Five Suns, a creation story using Duncan’s iconic pre-Columbian Meso-American-influenced art style that takes readers into the depths of Mictlān, the underworld of Axtec mythology. It’s an epic story, and hearing Duncan tell it is testament to how strongly these influences move Duncan’s hands to create such wonderful stories. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on P

Mar 3, 2021 • 32:37

Raúl The Third - ¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat

Raúl The Third - ¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat

Raúl The Third is no stranger to the podcast, but the books he brings to share today are easily some of my favorite work he’s done yet. ¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market and ¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat are the first in a multi-book and multi-format series which includes picture books, easy readers, and board books. Raúl’s world-building is truly mind-blowing. Every character feels important. Every character matters, regardless of their role in the main story. It’s a universe I think many, many readers wil

Mar 1, 2021 • 36:27

Monique Gray Smith and Nicole Neidhardt - When We Are Kind

Monique Gray Smith and Nicole Neidhardt - When We Are Kind

Monique Gray Smith and Nicole Neidhardt share WHEN WE ARE KIND. This book is a beautiful rumination on what it feels like when we are kind and when someone or something is kind to us. Monique talks about kindness as a salve and the relationality and connection we have to one another and to the earth comes across powerfully and, in moments, disarmingly as Nicole brings representation of all types of families and family structures throughout the art. It’s a centering of diversity and the vibrancy

Feb 26, 2021 • 43:34

Shane W. Evans - My Friend!

Shane W. Evans - My Friend!

Shane W. Evans shares shares MY FRIEND!, his latest picture book with his best pal Taye Diggs. This book has such terrific rhythmic language, made only greater by Shane’s beautiful and evocative color blocking throughout the art. One of my most favorite things Shane shared in our conversation was how he is constantly working to stay aware of the child in him. It’s so clear as I read Shane’s art. Truly, one only needs to spend a moment with one of Shane’s books to hear that voice and that value c

Feb 23, 2021 • 47:34

Lulu Delacre - Luci Soars

Lulu Delacre - Luci Soars

Lulu Delacre shares LUCI SOARS. Lulu and I have been talking about recording a podcast for a long while now, but I’ve got to say that LUCI SOARS was the very perfect book to bring us together. This beautiful picture book about a girl without a shadow speaks to discovering yourself and your voice. Lulu’s talks about how easy it is to be overcome by your difference, but that you find power by changing the way you look at things. We also get the chance to talk about her RAFI AND ROSI easy reader se

Feb 19, 2021 • 36:19

David Levithan - The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as Told to His Brother)

David Levithan - The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as Told to His Brother)

David Levithan shares THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF AIDAN S. (AS TOLD TO HIS BROTHER). It’s David’s middle grade debut and the premise rests on what it means to tell your truth and what it means for someone to believe you. Aiden disappears and is missing for six days before suddenly being discovered in the attic of his house by his younger brother. The attic was searched multiple times, and yet here he is. Stranger still, Aiden mumbles something about visiting another world and Lucas, his brot

Feb 16, 2021 • 37:01

The 2021 Sydney Taylor Book Awards

The 2021 Sydney Taylor Book Awards

Today’s episode is produced in partnership with the Association of Jewish Libraries as we celebrate the winners of the 2021 Sydney Taylor Book Award, recognizing outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Let’s first hear more about the award. Please welcome back Rebecca Levitan, the Chair of the 2021 Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee.  The Sydney Taylor Book Award recognizes outstanding books in three categories: picture books, middle grade, and

Feb 12, 2021 • 29:45

Nikki Grimes - Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance

Nikki Grimes - Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance

Nikki Grimes, poet author and longtime friend of the podcast, shares LEGACY: WOMEN POETS OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE. Nikki’s new book showcases poems from the Harlem Renaissance written by Black women. Each poem is then followed by a Golden Shovel poem written by Nikki in response to the original. The Golden Shovel poetic form, created by Terrance Hayes and described to readers by Nikki, “calls poets to take a short poem in its entirety, or a line from the poem, called a striking line, and to cre

Feb 9, 2021 • 37:40

Vincent X. Kirsch - From Archie to Zack

Vincent X. Kirsch - From Archie to Zack

Vincent X. Kirsch shares FROM ARCHIE TO ZACK. I feel the need to be completely frank with you here. There are so many wonderful picture books out there and so many great stories of boys crushing on girls and girls crushing on boys. Some flirt with using the word “love”. Many embrace the innocent, complicated, and wholly earnest feelings we feel at a young age toward those who, often for reasons inexplicable, become the objects of our affections. But very rarely do we ever see books where a girl

Feb 2, 2021 • 45:15

Peter Sís - Nicky & Vera

Peter Sís - Nicky & Vera

Peter Sís shares NICKY & VERA: The Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued. Peter has had a storied career in children’s literature with many, many beloved books on many, many library shelves throughout the world. But today Peter brings to us a book that’s been with him his whole life. And it’s all centered around a single question: How does one do good things in life? You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get

Jan 29, 2021 • 49:08

Anastasia Higginbotham - What You Don't Know

Anastasia Higginbotham - What You Don't Know

Anastasia Higginbotham shares WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW: A Story of Liberated Childhood. It wasn’t that long ago that Anastasia joined me on the podcast to talk about NOT MY IDEA: A Book About Whiteness. Anastasia gets right to the heart of conversations, always working to secure the dignity, humanity, and power of her readers, our children. She talks about kids being raised by people who know what the world is and, in the process, how it feels to sweat every detail in crafting a story of liberated ch

Jan 26, 2021 • 54:50

Natasha Yim - Luna's Yum Yum Dim Sum

Natasha Yim - Luna's Yum Yum Dim Sum

Natasha Yim shares LUNA’s YUM YUM DIM SUM, a new picture book written by Natasha and illustrated by Violet Kim. Natasha talks about being invited to submit a story for the Storytelling Math series for Charlesbridge, which includes titles by Grace Lin, Sara Levine, and Ana Crespo. She started with an idea to set the story in a Chinese restaurant and asked herself the question, “Is being equitable the same as being fair?” The result was a fun and engaging sibling story over how to fairly divide po

Jan 19, 2021 • 46:07

Jackie Azúa Kramer and Cindy Derby -  The Boy and the Gorilla

Jackie Azúa Kramer and Cindy Derby - The Boy and the Gorilla

Jackie Azua Kramer and Cindy Derby share THE BOY AND THE GORILLA, a book about a difficult topic, and one handled with great grace and care. It’s a story that addresses the “800 pound gorilla in the room” while walking the reader down a path to healing. You have no doubt faced grief in your life, listener. This story invites us to start with answers and find the questions. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of t

Jan 15, 2021 • 58:35

Susan Kusel and Sean Rubin - The Passover Guest

Susan Kusel and Sean Rubin - The Passover Guest

Susan Kusel and Sean Rubin share THE PASSOVER GUEST, a new picture book that takes place in Depression-era DC and follows a young girl named Muriel home from the Tidal Basin to her parent’s empty table side on the evening of Passover. On her way home Muriel meets a strange magician who encourages her to hurry home. What miracle awaits for her and her family causes Muriel to run out and seek the rabbi in order to ask if they could proceed with the astonishing meal. The book is beautifully illustr

Jan 12, 2021 • 1:07:09

Yesenia Moises - Stella's Stellar Hair

Yesenia Moises - Stella's Stellar Hair

Yesenia Moises shares STELLA’s STELLAR HAIR, her debut picture book as both author and illustrator. There has been a surge of wonderful picture books featuring Black girls and boys and centering on hair thanks, in part, to the natural hair movement. Yesenia takes the topic interplanetary with, in her words, “big hair and bright colors”. The story is inspired by Yesenia’s own hair journey and centers on Stella, a young girl preparing for the Big Star Little Gala who visits her aunts on each of th

Jan 5, 2021 • 40:43

Lamar Giles - The Legendary Alston Boys Adventures

Lamar Giles - The Legendary Alston Boys Adventures

Lamar Giles shares the LEGENDARY ALSTON BOYS ADVENTURES and THE LAST MIRROR ON THE LEFT, the most recent book in the series. I connected hard with the Alston Boys and am all-in for every page turn with Otto and Sheed and the memorable cast of characters that seem to threaten the very existence of time itself at every turn. Each book passes at breakneck speed and the stories, akin to what would happen if The Hardy Boys series crashed into The Phantom Tollbooth, remind readers that the small thing

Jan 1, 2021 • 42:20

Michelle Meadows and Ebony Glenn - Flying High

Michelle Meadows and Ebony Glenn - Flying High

Michelle Meadows and Ebony Glenn share FLYING HIGH: THE STORY OF GYMNASTICS CHAMPION SIMONE BILES. Michelle’s skill at crafting detailed and engaging biographies for the very young in rhythmic, rhyming text is perfectly paired with Ebony’s caring touch in bringing important individuals and their lives to life on the page. Michelle talks in our conversation about the music of language and how Simone Biles was, as Michelle puts it, an individual whom you could not help but look at as she took to t

Dec 29, 2020 • 34:18

Cathy Camper - Ten Ways to Hear Snow

Cathy Camper - Ten Ways to Hear Snow

Cathy Camper shares TEN WAYS TO HEAR SNOW, her debut picture book illustrated by Kenard Pak. A child named Lina heads out across a newly snow-laden neighborhood to visit her grandmother at an assisted living home and notes the sounds of snow along the way. Lina prepares grape leaves with her grandmother, as is a tradition and bond in their relationship, but her grandmother is also losing her eyesight, and so the child wants to make sure she collects as much of the snow through memory or experien

Dec 22, 2020 • 40:22

Victoria Bond - Zora & Me: The Summoner

Victoria Bond - Zora & Me: The Summoner

Victoria Bond shares ZORA & ME: THE SUMMONER, the 3rd and final book in the ZORA & ME trilogy, co-authored by T.R. Simon and winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. Victoria shares about starting with children at their beginnings because, as she puts it, there’s “no better time to meet a reader than at the very beginning.” The books in the ZORA & ME series center on the imagined childhood of Harlem Renaissance luminary Zora Neal Hurston, author of THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD. Each of the novels

Dec 18, 2020 • 48:20

Meg Medina - Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away

Meg Medina - Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away

Meg Medina shares EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez. Meg has written many, many beautiful books, but this latest picture book is one that really moved me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. In EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY we meet two friends making the very most of their last playdate together. It’s every bit as wonderful as you could imagine, beautifully rendered in illustrations by Sonia Sanchez. The pang of falling in best friend love only to have to say goodbye is a fe

Dec 15, 2020 • 37:59

KA Holt - BenBee and the Teacher Griefer

KA Holt - BenBee and the Teacher Griefer

KA Holt shares BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER. KA’s first book in the KIDS UNDER THE STAIRS series introduces readers to Ben B., Ben Y., Javier, and Jordan, four children forced to take a summer school class in order to improve their scores on the state assessment. It’s a story about learning how to exist together and also one about learning how not to censor yourself. KA pours a lot of heart into this story in order to bring us close to a group of kids who, in my opinion, don’t get seen often e

Dec 8, 2020 • 50:42

Marilyn Singer - Ways To Say I Love You

Marilyn Singer - Ways To Say I Love You

Marilyn Singer shares WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU, illustrated by Alette Straathof. WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU is a beautiful, inclusive story about animals courting and finding their mate. And it's about humans doing the same. Do you know that experience of picking up a book unsure of what to expect, only to end up talking and talking and talking to your friend about it? And all the while your friend says “I know, right? I KNOW, right?!” Well, WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU happens to be one of those books to m

Dec 4, 2020 • 43:20

Wendell Minor - Southwest Sunrise

Wendell Minor - Southwest Sunrise

Wendell Minor shares SOUTHWEST SUNRISE, a new picture book written by Nikki Grimes. Wendell has worked on many widely recognized books and is a longtime collaborator with several prolific authors, including Jean Craighead George, author of JULIE AND THE WOLVES, Robert Burleigh, author of TINY BIRD: A HUMMINGBIRD’S AMAZING JOURNEY, and Brenda Peterson, author of WILD ORCA. What Wendell brings to SOUTHWEST SUNRISE is a lifetime of experience as an artist and as a resident of the world and of natur

Dec 1, 2020 • 36:14

Christopher Paul Curtis - The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963

Christopher Paul Curtis - The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963

Christopher Paul Curtis shares THE WATSON GO TO BIRMINGHAM - 1963, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Christopher Paul Curtis is the author of many widely-loved and critically-acclaimed books including BUD, NOT BUDDY (Newbery winner and the Coretta Scott King winner), THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM - 1963 (Newbery honor and Coretta Scott King honor), and ELIJAH OF BUXTON (Newbery honor and Coretta Scott King winner). THE WATSON GO TO BIRMINGHAM - 1963 was Christopher’s debut middle grade novel. Chr

Nov 24, 2020 • 39:38

Arthur A. Levine - The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol

Arthur A. Levine - The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol

Arthur A. Levine shares THE HANUKKAH MAGIC OF NATE GADOL, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. When Arthur and I last spoke at ALA midwinter 2020 in Philadelphia, it was to launch Levine Querido, the independent publisher bearing his surname. THE HANUKKAH MAGIC OF NATE GADOL is a new picture book that introduces readers to Nate Gadol, a Hanukkah spirit who can make anything last as long as it is needed. It’s an exquisite story told best by Arthur himself, so I won’t waste another moment. A quick note ju

Nov 20, 2020 • 36:29

Jelani Memory and Company - A Kids Book About

Jelani Memory and Company - A Kids Book About

Jelani Memory and company share titles from A KIDS BOOK ABOUT. Jelani is the founder of A KIDS BOOK ABOUT, an innovative company bringing difficult conversations to readers through lived experiences and #ownvoices. Taking on such topics as racism, divorce, failure, and belonging, A KIDS BOOK ABOUT is doing something different in the children’s book market and the impact these books are making on readers and reading communities, as I’ve experienced firsthand, is powerful. Today you’ll hear ten di

Nov 17, 2020 • 46:24

Oliver Jeffers - What We'll Build

Oliver Jeffers - What We'll Build

Oliver Jeffers shares WHAT WE'LL BUILD. In many ways it is a love letter to his daughter about our future together, in relationship with one another, and all that our collective knowledge and collective experience will do to help move us forward. Oliver notes in our conversation that “all art is reactionary”, and we spend time in this conversation noticing details that appeared and reappeared in his art, what some of those details or characters mean, and what it means to take note of who or what

Nov 10, 2020 • 24:36

Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison - I Got the School Spirit

Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison - I Got the School Spirit

Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison share I GOT THE SCHOOL SPIRIT. This book and others in the series star a spirited girl named Miraculous and her luminous ability to bring joy, space, and light into wherever she is. It won’t surprise you to know that Connie and Frank are much the same as their lead character. Truly, I feel blessed just to have spent time in conversation with them. And now that I get to share this conversation with you I am absolutely all smiles. Enjoy in a very big wa

Nov 6, 2020 • 44:06

Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright - Twins

Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright - Twins

Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright share TWINS, an all new middle grade graphic novel. It’s fair to say that both Varian and Shannon put a lot of themselves into making this comic, but what surprised me most was how much of all of us are in these panels. Twins Maureen and Francine are off to middle school and Fran has had just about enough of always being mistaken for her sister. So she sets out to carve her own path. Unfortunately there’s collateral damage to making such big attempts and it sets

Nov 3, 2020 • 54:31

Thrity Umrigar - Sugar in Milk

Thrity Umrigar - Sugar in Milk

Thrity Umrigar shares SUGAR IN MILK and BINNY’S DIWALI. These books represent two different strands of Thrity's life this year, as she puts it. Artist Khoa Le lends exquisite illustrations to SUGAR IN MILK to tell a story within a story of a girl who has recently immigrated to America and struggles to feel she belongs. The girl’s auntie comforts her with the timeless tale of an Indian king, a group of Persian refugees, and a full glass of milk. BINNY’S DIWALI is a celebration in lights and commu

Oct 27, 2020 • 30:23

Zetta Elliott - A Place Inside of Me

Zetta Elliott - A Place Inside of Me

Zetta Elliott shares A PLACE INSIDE OF ME. Zetta is a force on this earth and I had the good great fortune to connect with her to discuss A PLACE INSIDE OF ME, her new picture book illustrated by Noa Denmon. Zetta’s passion for writing as both a space for growth and for taking risks has led to her having more than a few really great stories to tell, and more than a few friends readily volunteering her name as a truthsayer and a beacon of light. In A PLACE INSIDE OF ME, Zetta helps readers honor

Oct 26, 2020 • 50:21

Eva Chen - Roxy the Last Unisaurus Rex

Eva Chen - Roxy the Last Unisaurus Rex

Eva Chen shares 3 2 1 AWESOME! and ROXY THE LAST UNISAURUS REX. Eva’s JUNO VALENTINE series brings forth the world of fashion in an inviting and inclusive way that Eva herself describes as something of a fashion feminist fairy tale. The latest in the Junoverse is 3 2 1 AWESOME!: 20 Fearless Women Who Dared to be Different. Illustrated by Juno Valentine artist Derek Desierto, this book counts down amazing accomplishments by women across the globe in a format that adds up to a whole lot of awe. Ev

Oct 23, 2020 • 38:08

Fred Bowen and James Ransome - Gridiron

Fred Bowen and James Ransome - Gridiron

Fred Bowen and James Ransome share GRIDIRON: STORIES FROM 100 YEARS OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE. GRIDIRON is a work of love and devotion and history and fandom. It tells in a collection of brief chapters a history of a sport made up in moments, from memorable plays to memorable leaders and memorable events that allowed more people into the game. And it does it with gorgeous, energetic, and often emblematic illustrations. Through it all, the sport, the figures, and the history, is an opportun

Oct 19, 2020 • 43:39

Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton - Julie's Library

Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton - Julie's Library

Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton share JULIE'S LIBRARY. Julie Andrews is a woman who needs no introduction, so perhaps you’ll humor me as we do this a little differently. You, I’m guessing, have grown up with Julie Andrews. So have I. Her film works alone were staples of my childhood and, in turn, we have shared them with our kids over and over again. Julie has appeared in movies we’ve streamed and she is a face our son readily recognizes when she appears on screen. Her life and career are

Oct 13, 2020 • 27:18

Tami Charles - All Because You Matter

Tami Charles - All Because You Matter

Tami Charles (@TamiWritesStuff) shares ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER, a new picture book illustrated by Bryan Collier. Tami wrote this book for her son while thinking how to protect him from the cruelties of the world while also exposing him to the beauties. Is it not a parent’s job to protect their child and help to prepare them for the world they are entering? And if you don’t tell them how much they matter, who will? Much like children growing up, this is a conversation that went by much too fast. I

Oct 9, 2020 • 52:08

Linda Sue Park - Prairie Lotus

Linda Sue Park - Prairie Lotus

Linda Sue Park (@LindaSuePark) shares PRAIRIE LOTUS and GURPLE AND PREEN. Linda Sue’s newest middle grade novel, PRAIRIE LOTUS, takes place in Dakota Territory in the 1880s. Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder will note that this is the same time and location of LITTLE TOWN ON THE PRAIRIE. That isn’t by coincidence. Linda Sue was also an emphatic fan of Wilder’s LITTLE HOUSE books and would often imagine herself in the world of those stories. This was a world, though, that would have harshly rejected L

Oct 6, 2020 • 1:00:21

Deborah Wiles - Kent State

Deborah Wiles - Kent State

Deborah Wiles (@DeborahWiles101) shares KENT STATE. Deborah is known for a great number of outstanding middle grade novels, but her YA debut is one that I believe will fully stop you in your tracks. KENT STATE is a novel in verse or perhaps more accurately a novel in voices about the events on May 4th, 1970 which led to members of the Ohio National Guard opening fire into a crowd of Kent State University demonstrators, killing four and wounding nine Kent State students. It is a book about events

Sep 29, 2020 • 45:40

Meera Sriram - A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India

Meera Sriram - A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India

Meera Sriram (@Meeratsriram) shares A GIFT FROM AMMA: MARKET DAY IN INDIA, illustrated by Marionna Cabassa. I am always keeping an eye out for books that take the familiar and reshape and reshare in a new way. In this book, we take a color walk alongside our main character, noticing pinks and blacks and reds and all of the other colors of the market. But this isn’t just a walk for the eyes. It’s a walk for all the senses. Readers watch the charcoal black roast sweetcorn and kebabs while hearing

Sep 25, 2020 • 39:47

Frank Murphy and Kayla Harren - A Girl Like You

Frank Murphy and Kayla Harren - A Girl Like You

Frank Murphy (@frankmurphy2009) and Kayla Harren share A GIRL LIKE YOU, co-authored with his wife Carla Murphy. Frank affirms with this sequel to A BOY LIKE YOU why the world needs every kind of kid. Sensitive, outgoing, smart, brave, caring, energetic, creative, and whatever other words that might come to mind as you think of the kids in your life. The first book was written in response to Frank’s observation of all the problems going on in the world, and to how the media continued to blame tho

Sep 22, 2020 • 56:50

Adam Gidwitz and Emma Otheguy - The Madre de Aguas of Cuba

Adam Gidwitz and Emma Otheguy - The Madre de Aguas of Cuba

Adam Gidwitz (@AdamGidwitz) and Emma Otheguy (@EmmaOtheguy) share THE MADRE de AGUAS OF CUBA, book #5 in the UNICORN RESCUE SOCIETY series, illustrated by Hatem Aly. If you have been following along with this chapter book series, you have no doubt noticed that it’s doing something a little different than the other books out there. Series frontrunner Adam Gidwitz has paired up with a different #ownvoices author for each of the books since the first sequel. The resulting titles have taken readers

Sep 19, 2020 • 44:14

Samara Cole Doyon and Kaylani Juanita - Magnificent Homespun Brown

Samara Cole Doyon and Kaylani Juanita - Magnificent Homespun Brown

Samara Cole Doyon (@HeartRoot_Fire) and Kaylani Juanita (@kaylanijuanita) share MAGNIFICENT HOMESPUN BROWN. This picture book is so many things and, whether you are reading it the first time or the twenty-first time, there is something new to discover with each new read. This is due in large part to the terrific balance between rich, poetic text and lushly detailed, beautiful illustrations. Samara’s and Kaylani’s combined gifts resulted in a stunning and resonant story that is, itself, a gift to

Sep 15, 2020 • 43:09

Rashmi Bismark - Finding Om

Rashmi Bismark - Finding Om

Rashmi Bismark (@rashmibismark) shares FINDING OM, her debut picture book illustrated by Morgan Huff and published by Mango & Marigold Press. In the story, Anu explores the mantra Om with her much-loved grandfather Appuppa. Rashmi was drawn to writing about the southeast asian experience and reflects on the #ownvoices responsibility in communication through art in a picture book. I found it fascinating to learn about the balance between leaving space for the illustrator in a picture book as an a

Sep 8, 2020 • 56:16

Farhana Zia - Lali's Feather

Farhana Zia - Lali's Feather

Farhana Zia shares LALI’S FEATHER, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman and published by Peachtree Publishing Company. It’s a story about a girl who finds a feather and sets about trying to find the owner. What she finds instead is a good number of other birds who think their feathers are superior in beauty or sturdiness or usefulness. Of course, none of these opinions are useful for Lali. But what’s more is that Lali is unperturbed by their comments. She seems to be consumed with an irrepress

Sep 6, 2020 • 47:21

Kelly Starling Lyons - Going Down Home with Daddy

Kelly Starling Lyons - Going Down Home with Daddy

Kelly Starling Lyons (@kelstarly) shares GOING DOWN HOME WITH DADDY. Kelly is a wonder to me. Her books live in nearly every collection of our school library. Her JADA JONES series is so well-loved, that just mentioning her name in our library had students literally giddy to read her next book. She had not one but two picture books included in our mock Coretta Scott King award last year including GOING DOWN HOME WITH DADDY, a book illustrated by Daniel Minter for which he was awarded a Caldecott

Sep 1, 2020 • 47:52

Mike Curato - Flamer

Mike Curato - Flamer

Mike Curato (@MikeCurato) shares FLAMER, his YA graphic novel about a boy at scout camp the summer of 1995. This book is a lot of things. It’s a coming-of-age story. It confronts ideas of racism and homophobia. It looks at body image and coming to terms with identity in every sense of the word. It deals with issues of religion and of suicidal ideation. It is a powerful and moving story with a climax that rises like a phoenix from the flames. But we’ll get to all of that in our conversation. You

Aug 25, 2020 • 57:58

Lynnette Mawhinney - Lulu the One and Only

Lynnette Mawhinney - Lulu the One and Only

Lynnette Mawhinney (@lkmawhinney) shares LULU THE ONE AND ONLY, her debut picture book. There is a lot to be said for the question, “What are you?” It’s a question that dehumanizes the person at which it’s directed, but it also reveals a lot of it’s asker. Lynnette wrote the story as a means of showing real realities for biracial kids. To quote Lynnette,“We constantly want to put people in categories.” This conversation, dear listener, is an attempt to get to the bottom of why that is, to acknow

Aug 21, 2020 • 48:24

Chad Sell - Doodleville

Chad Sell - Doodleville

Chad Sell (@chadsell01) is the co-creator of the CARDBOARD KINGDOM series and author-illustrator of DOODLEVILLE. In the world of DOODLEVILLE, doodles take on a literal life of their own. What you create might say a lot about you or your personality, but how you manage with your doodles when they start playing by their own rules is a completely different story. Drew is a doodler and she creates an entire world for her and her classmates' doodles to inhabit. She also creates a giant doodle which s

Aug 18, 2020 • 52:31

Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan - A Place at the Table

Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan - A Place at the Table

Saadia Faruqi (@SaadiaFaruqi) and Laura Shovan (@LauraShovan) share A PLACE AT THE TABLE. This new middle grade novel in two voices examines the growing awareness of who you are outside of your family, an experience many of us go through as we enter middle school. It’s also available as an audiobook, and one so good, if I can just say, that I finished it in nearly a day. What brings Sara and Elizabeth together may start at an after school cooking club, but their friendship has all of the complex

Aug 10, 2020 • 46:53

Tameka Fryer Brown - Brown Baby Lullaby

Tameka Fryer Brown - Brown Baby Lullaby

Tameka Fryer Brown (@teebrownkidlit) shares BROWN BABY LULLABY, illustrated by AG Ford. It’s a story about the intimacy of new parenthood, that time when everything else disappears and the whole world becomes baby. I find that the selection of baby books centering families of color created by authors and illustrators of color is lacking. Moreover, I find the beauty of this book in particular to be really outstanding. Find a baby or an audience of a new parent or two, and enjoy reading aloud this

Aug 6, 2020 • 39:50

Christina Soontornvat - A Wish in the Dark

Christina Soontornvat - A Wish in the Dark

Christina Soontornvat (@soontornvat) shares A WISH IN THE DARK. Christina’s newest middle grade novel brings readers to a city on the brink of revolution. For Pong, Nok, and Soomkit, there is much to be learned about life. Who can you trust? Who is worthy of love and light? Where do you turn when the ones you looked to are gone? It is a sweeping and exceptional story, a retelling of Les Miserables set in Thailand, and a reminder that every person has the potential to change the world and share a

Aug 4, 2020 • 50:30

Alice Faye Duncan and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow - Just Like a Mama

Alice Faye Duncan and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow - Just Like a Mama

Alice Faye Duncan (@AliceFa41743636) and debut children’s book illustrator Charnelle Pinkney Barlow share JUST LIKE A MAMA. JUST LIKE A MAMA shines a light on caregivers and children not connected by blood, but by love. There are many different reasons why kids might not live with their biological parents and this is a truth that Alice has had on her heart a long time as this book idea germinated. What resulted, I think you’ll agree, was well-worth the wait. Listeners, please make sure you find

Jul 31, 2020 • 45:25

Juana Medina - Juana and Lucas

Juana Medina - Juana and Lucas

Juana Medina (@juanamedina) shares JUANA AND LUCAS: BIG PROBLEMAS. The JUANA AND LUCAS series are among my favorite chapter books ever. Juana, as it turns out, is also one of my favorite people. We first connected two or three years ago at the Baltimore Book Fest. Since then we’ve been trying to plan a time to chat, but we’ve also had the privilege of watching one another’s kids grow up in the process. Juana writes a lot of herself into her JUANA AND LUCAS series. And she talks in this recording

Jul 28, 2020 • 45:30

Lil Miss Hot Mess - The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish

Lil Miss Hot Mess - The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish

Lil Miss Hot Mess (@LilMissHotMess) shares about her debut picture book, THE HIPS ON THE DRAG QUEEN GO SWISH, SWISH, SWISH. Lil Miss Hot Mess has been performing in drag for many years now, more than the age of her readers at Drag Queen Story Hour, but it’s because of those readers and those story hours that led to the creation of this picture book. Set to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus”, Lil Miss Hot Mess’s invitation to swish, stomp, shimmy, snap, and bling pairs with the vibrant and energ

Jul 25, 2020 • 36:42

Rahele Jomepour Bell - Our Favorite Day of the Year

Rahele Jomepour Bell - Our Favorite Day of the Year

Rahele Jomepour Bell (@RaheleJomepour) shares OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR, a new picture book written by author A. E. Ali that takes place in a classroom where every child’s favorite holiday is celebrated throughout the school year. Do you have a favorite day of the year? I share mine in this conversation, as does Rahele. The favorite days shared by the children in this story make me smile not only for the reasons that make those days favorites, but also for the glimpse into the lives and famil

Jul 21, 2020 • 44:47

Flavia Z. Drago - Gustavo the Shy Ghost

Flavia Z. Drago - Gustavo the Shy Ghost

Flavia Z. Drago (@Diafla) shares GUSTAVO THE SHY GHOST. In her debut picture book, Flavia tells the story of Gustavo, a ghost who really wants company and to be around friends, but when he’s around others just can’t seem to be noticed. It’s also about sharing with others that thing that you really love. Shyness can be a complicated thing, can’t it? It’s not always that you’re afraid of others or of other situations. Sometimes it boils down to just wanting others to invite you into their play or

Jul 14, 2020 • 45:28

Valerie Bolling - Let's Dance!

Valerie Bolling - Let's Dance!

Valerie Bolling (@valerie_bolling) shares LET'S DANCE! with a team of 5th grade student co-hosts. Valerie’s debut picture book is called LET’S DANCE  and it’s illustrated by Maine Diaz. All told, there are less than 75 words in the main text, but with those selectively chosen verbs and adjectives Valerie leave a lot of space for the illustrator to bring the movement of dance to the page, and that’s exactly what happens. Valerie talks with us about growing up the only child in a house of seven ad

Jul 10, 2020 • 48:16

Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw - Papa Brings Me the World

Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw - Papa Brings Me the World

Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw (@KosteckiShaw) shares PAPA BRINGS ME THE WORLD with a team of 5th grade student co-hosts. There’s a part in all of us that longs for opportunities granted with age, but for now held just-out-of-reach. In this story, Lulu’s dad is a photojournalist. His work takes him all over the world, but he always sends bits of his experiences home to his daughter in the form of these gifts. Lulu longs to travel with her papa, but for now these treasures must suffice. But what Lulu ho

Jul 8, 2020 • 43:10

Derrick Barnes - I Am Every Good Thing

Derrick Barnes - I Am Every Good Thing

Derrick Barnes (@Author_DDB) shares I AM EVERY GOOD THING and We're joined by my 4th and 5th grade podcast cohosts. CROWN: AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT was received widely with praise and fanfare and awards and state book lists and my students, as well, were fully enamored with the story of the confidence carried along with a fresh haircut. So when there was an opportunity to speak with Derrick about I AM EVERY GOOD THING, his next book with longtime friend and illustrator Gordon C. James, I thought

Jul 4, 2020 • 39:24

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow - Your Name is a Song

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow - Your Name is a Song

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (@jtbigelow) shares YOUR NAME IS A SONG and my 4th and 5th grade podcast students join as cohosts! Jamilah’s newest picture book is illustrated by Luisa Uribe, and Luisa’s art absolutely dances all across the pages to help bring this story to life. The girl who leads our story is upset after her teacher and classmates struggle to pronounce her name. As they walk home, the girl’s mom shares that her name is a song, and that names can stretch out like love songs, they can

Jun 29, 2020 • 40:27

Sonja K. Solter

Sonja K. Solter

Sonja K. Solter (@SolterK) shares WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT I KNOW. Tori, our young protagonist, tells us her story, beginning with why she does not want anything to do with uncle Andy. But it’s those around Tori whose job it is to believe her, and that does not come easily at first. Sonja’s book is as much about being a survivor as it is about believing the victim. It is about sexual assault, but it’s also about the ripples traveling outward from trauma. It is a story I read, was challenged by, and re

Jun 26, 2020 • 40:55

Seamus Kirst

Seamus Kirst

Seamus Kirst (@SeamusKirst) shares PAPA, DADDY, & RILEY, which is illustrated by Devon Holzwarth. This book, I think, speaks to a question many of our kids ask themselves: “Is my family right? Is this how families are supposed to look?” That question is one no child should ever have to ask, but it can come up as kids form their understanding of the world. We compare. We learn. We try to figure out what’s right, what’s wrong, and what is just different from our own experience. In the case of this

Jun 23, 2020 • 38:35

Danielle Dufayet

Danielle Dufayet

Danielle Dufayet (@DanielleDufayet) shares YOU ARE YOUR STRONG and FANTASTIC YOU!. I first connected with YOU ARE YOUR STRONG, Danielle’s debut picture book, when I was moved by the way her text gave space for readers to acknowledge their feelings. Using language that affirms difficult or confusing feelings and exploring where we find our strength or what pulls strength out was, to be frank, an approach I found quite disarming as I read. It was as if I hadn’t realized what feelings I was holding

Jun 20, 2020 • 38:40

Anastasia Higginbotham

Anastasia Higginbotham

Anastasia Higginbotham (@AHigginBooks) shares NOT MY IDEA: A BOOK ABOUT WHITENESS. Anastasia’s Ordinary Terrible Things book series has taken on the topics of divorce, death, and sex using straightforward language and respecting the reader with each page. Her most recent entry in the series is called NOT MY IDEA: A BOOK ABOUT WHITENESS and it has been one of my most-talked about books ever since a colleague shared it with me at the beginning of this school year. Anastasia talks at length about t

Jun 16, 2020 • 54:36

Michael Genhart

Michael Genhart

Michael Genhart (@MGenhart) shares ACCORDIONLY, a picture book about two grandfathers with, at first glance, not a whole lot in common. What they do share is not only a love of the accordion but, more importantly, a family. Michael’s work tends to live in a space of welcoming and family. I know him previously from RAINBOW: A FIRST BOOK OF PRIDE, a soft introduction to rainbow families, as well as LOVE IS LOVE, a picture book that reminds us, as Lin Manuel Miranda once said, that love is love is

Jun 12, 2020 • 46:25

Jewell Parker Rhodes (2020)

Jewell Parker Rhodes (2020)

Jewell Parker Rhodes (@jewell_p_rhodes) shares BLACK BROTHER, BLACK BROTHER. In her new middle grade novel, Jewell explores colorism, the school-to-prison pipeline, the history of Alexandre Dumas, and the sport of fencing. Donte and Trey are brothers, but Donte’s skin is dark, like his mom’s, and most new people have a hard time believing that they’re brothers, especially because Trey’s skin is light. Donte’s school, it’s fair to say, labels him as a problem because of the color of his skin. The

Jun 9, 2020 • 56:49

Commitment to Black Lives Matter

Commitment to Black Lives Matter

I want to take a moment to speak directly to all of you about recent events. Eric Garner. Michael Brown. Trayvon Martin. Freddie Gray. Janet Wilson. Pamela Turner. Christopher Whitfield. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. George Floyd. Their deaths alongside the deaths of countless others at the hands of the police and the hands of fearful White people are tragic, intolerable, and remembered.  These black lives matter. ALL black lives matter. These black experiences matter. ALL black experiences mat

Jun 6, 2020 • 5:55

Aram Kim

Aram Kim

Aram Kim (@StudioAram) shares LET’S GO TO TAEKWONDO!, a picture book that follows the same characters we met in NO KIMCHI FOR ME! into a setting not just about learning the martial arts, but also about bringing awareness to your mental health. I asked Aram if taekwondo was an interest shared from childhood. It wasn’t and, in fact it was something she spent time and experience learning. And from that comes this quote that I think introduces our conversation perfectly: “If I resist learning someth

Jun 1, 2020 • 41:26

Charles Waters

Charles Waters

Charles Waters (@waterscharles) shares DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD: POEMS, QUOTES, AND ANECDOTES FROM A TO Z. Charles and Irene Latham were last on this podcast two years ago to share CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR?: POEMS OF RACE, MISTAKES, AND FRIENDSHIP. Their new book together, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD, is beautifully illustrated cover to cover by Mehrdokht Amini. The layout of the book is stunning, beginning with a poem addressing a culturally responsive topic, explaining the poetic form, exp

May 31, 2020 • 52:14

Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Victoria Jamieson (@JamiesonV) and Omar Mohamed (@dantey114) share WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED, a graphic novel based on Omar's experience as a Somalian refugee Kenya. Omar's story is one that you won’t soon forget. It is a story about family and about surviving. It’s a story about education and advocating for yourself. In Omar’s experience, he says “the worst part about being in a refugee camp is that it’s monotonous and boring.” This is where Victoria’s skills as a storyteller and cartoonist shin

May 26, 2020 • 38:47

Hallee Adelman

Hallee Adelman

Hallee Adelman (@HalleeAdelman) shares WAY PAST MAD and THE QUIET SHIP. Hallee’s books reflect big emotions and normalizing these big emotions we feel. WAY PAST MAD involves the quickly escalating feelings of anger and frustration when one thing after another feels like it’s working against us. Those feelings can be hard to get over, but the frustration can also be compounded when we pass those feelings on to others. Emotional intelligence is a strength afforded to some. And what a gift it is wh

May 22, 2020 • 35:57

Bethan Woollvin (2020)

Bethan Woollvin (2020)

Bethan Woollvin (@bethanwoollvin) shares BO THE BRAVE, a new picture book about a young princess on the hunt for monsters. All of Bethan’s picture books up to this point have been retellings of well-known fairy tales, but with a twist. LITTLE RED featured an empowered child unwilling to be bested by the wolf. RAPUNZEL refused to be confined by fear in the witch’s tower. HANSEL & GRETEL has wicked children who tease a witch unrelentingly, and they get what’s coming to them. Bethan’s newest pictur

May 19, 2020 • 35:39

Irene Latham, Karim Shamsi-Basha, and Yuko Shimizu

Irene Latham, Karim Shamsi-Basha, and Yuko Shimizu

Irene Latham (@Irene_Latham), Karim Shamsi-Basha (@arabinalabama), and Yuko Shimizu (@yukoart) share THE CAT MAN OF ALEPPO. This true story is set in Syria in the town of Aleppo during recent wartime. While most of the city sought refuge and fled the city, many could not leave or chose to stay behind to help. This is a story about one of those helpers. Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, known to all as Alaa, is an ambulance driver who stayed behind to serve his city. I’m going to let the conversation do th

May 15, 2020 • 36:04

Introducing... Bookclub!

Introducing... Bookclub!

Hello my beautiful booknerds.  I am hard at work on another batch of episodes to share with all of you and I am really, really excited about what’s coming up. There is no shortage of truly stunning books being published. Books that I know will be on my shelves and on my mind for a long while. Books that I want to talk about and I want you to hear about. Books made even better by listening to the creators share how these stories came to be what we are holding in our hands or listening to in our e

May 12, 2020 • 5:24

Matthew Cordell (2020)

Matthew Cordell (2020)

Matthew Cordell (@cordellmatthew) shares HELLO, NEIGHBOR!: THE KIND AND CARING WORLD OF MR. ROGERS. Matt was first on the show back in 2015 for a book called WISH. At the time I used to close each episode with this question: I’m assembling an all-star kidlit kickball team? Who would you want to be on your team? Fred Rogers, he answered without hesitation. Like many, I’ve watched Matt’s career over the past decade and I’ve been moved by the stories he’s chosen to work on. The works are often quie

May 8, 2020 • 49:49

Dylan Glynn

Dylan Glynn

Dylan Glynn (@DylanGlynn) shares RAIN BOY, his picture book debut, and BE AMAZING, written by Desmond is Amazing. In RAIN BOY, the title character is ridiculed at a party for bringing everything down. But rain is going to rain, right? When being who you are is what you do, it can be awfully difficult to feel welcome in any space where who you are is rejected. Similarly, the cultural climate of homophobia is changing, but that doesn’t keep queer-centered stories from now taking up most of the spo

May 6, 2020 • 40:46

Connecting with the Soaring '20s

Connecting with the Soaring '20s

I gave the Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts group the keys to the podcast for the week. Today a group of kidlit bookmakers is answering the question, “What ways do you hope readers and teachers will connect with the book?” I’m joined by a very special group of bookmakers, including Rajani LaRocca, Elisa Boxer, Christina Soontornvat, Kirsten Larson, Abi Cushman, NoNieqa Ramos, and Kelly Carey. Check the link in the show notes or visit the Children’s Book Podcast on BookShop to browse

Apr 30, 2020 • 22:12

Moments from Childhood with the Soaring '20s

Moments from Childhood with the Soaring '20s

It’s our 4th day with the members of the  Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts and we are going all the way back to childhood! Today a group of kidlit bookmakers is answering the question, “What aspects of childhood do you see expressed through your art and/or your writing?” Joining me to share their responses are Kelly J. Baptist, Rob Justus, Candy Wellins, Sam Wedelich, and Kjersten Hayes. Check the link in the show notes or visit the Children’s Book Podcast on BookShop to browse many

Apr 30, 2020 • 17:36

Getting Down to Details with the Soaring '20s

Getting Down to Details with the Soaring '20s

The Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts return for day 3 of 5, taking over this here humble podcast space! And today it’s all about the details! Writers and illustrators take in their surroundings and experiences and sometimes put it into their craft. Today a group of kidlit bookmakers is answering the question, “Are there any details in your book that have come from your life?” Illuminating us with their responses, today I’m joined by Julie Rowan-Zoch, Vicky Fang, Joana Pastro, Isabell

Apr 29, 2020 • 22:45

Learning from Writing and Illustrating with the Soaring '20s

Learning from Writing and Illustrating with the Soaring '20s

It’s Day 2 of the Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts! Today a group of kidlit bookmakers is answering the question, “What did writing or illustrating your book teach you about your craft or about yourself?” Answer that question today is none other than Carrie Finison, Shelley Johannes, Anna Crowley Redding, Gregory Barrington, Qing Zhuang, and Colleen Paeff. Check the link in the show notes or visit the Children’s Book Podcast on BookShop to browse any of the books featured throughout

Apr 27, 2020 • 21:13

Experiencing the World with the Soaring '20s

Experiencing the World with the Soaring '20s

It’s my first ever podcast takeover! Let’s get into it! The Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts feature some really outstanding books by kidlit authors and illustrators debuting in 2020. Today, we’re going to hear a handful of new and debut picture book folks take on the question “What experiences or observations of the world compelled you to write your story?” Long time friend of the show Darshana Khiani and I were first talking about the idea of a podcast takeover back in July of 2019

Apr 27, 2020 • 22:56

Torrey Maldonado

Torrey Maldonado

Torrey Maldonado (@TorreyMaldonado) shares WHAT LANE?!. This is a story about Stephen, a young black boy trying to find his way, one circumstance at a time. It’s a story about a neighborhood and a bunch of kids. It’s a story about confronting racism, confirmation bias, white privilege… all of it. And what it looks like to be an ally. It’s a story, as Torrey puts it, for anyone who has to navigate a duality. It is an outstanding story, and a really exceptional audiobook, to boot. You can access e

Apr 24, 2020 • 49:28

Mahogany L. Browne

Mahogany L. Browne

Mahogany L. Browne (@mobrowne) shares WOKE: A YOUNG POET’S CALL TO JUSTICE, written with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III. This evocative picture book companion to WOKE BABY is an emotional powerhouse, laying groundwork for conversations about advocacy, anti-bias practices, intersectionality, disability acceptance, youth empowerment, and more. This book was constructed to hold a volume of voices, meaning that these poems can and should be read by more t

Apr 21, 2020 • 38:58

Jillian Tamaki

Jillian Tamaki

Jillian Tamaki (@dirtbagg) shares MY BEST FRIEND, written by Julie Fogliano. Jillian won a Caldecott honor for her art in THIS ONE SUMMER, a graphic novel written by Mariko Tamaki, her cousin. She later turned a lot of heads in a picture book she wrote and illustrated called THEY SAY BLUE. But in choosing to make the art for MY BEST FRIEND, Jillian shares that there was one line in the manuscript that definitely sealed the deal. In this story of best friends at first sight, one child narrates an

Apr 17, 2020 • 34:26

Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade

Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade

Carole Lindstrom (@CaroleLindstrom) and Michaela Goade (@MichaelaGoade) share WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS.  The story was inspired by Standing Rock, by indigenous people fighting pipelines and fracking, fighting for the earth. It’s a story for everyone, because we all have a part in this. But it’s also a story about acknowledging those who care deeply for our earth and our waters. We all can be water protectors, even from our homes. This April 22, 2020 we are celebrating the 50 anniversary of Earth

Apr 14, 2020 • 42:56

Tami Charles and Jacqueline Alcántara

Tami Charles and Jacqueline Alcántara

Tami Charles (@TamiWritesStuff) and Jacqueline Alcántara (@_jacqueline_ill) share FREEDOM SOUP. What food traditions do you have in your family? And how do these traditions speak to your family’s history? This is a story about making soup, but it’s also a story about making traditions while looking back on the past. The origin of freedom soup dates back to the Haitian Revolution and it’s that revolution that lives inside the characters in the story as well the many, many ancestors of those invol

Apr 11, 2020 • 50:16

Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann

Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann

Lily Williams (@lwbean) and Karen Schneeman (@themeanmagenta) share GO WITH THE FLOW, a comic about menstruation. Period. It's a story about getting your first period and how not all periods are the same from one woman to the next, but it’s also about destigmatizing menstruation in our society. It’s about public embarrassment, but it’s also about barriers to access of feminine hygiene products to the general public. It’s about friendship, and it’s also about demonstration, protest, and advocacy.

Apr 7, 2020 • 44:34

Marcie Colleen (2020)

Marcie Colleen (2020)

Marcie Colleen (@MarcieColleen1) shares THE BEAR’S GARDEN, illustrated by Alison Oliver. The story, inspired by a community garden in Brooklyn, centers on a girl caring for a seedling until she can’t any longer. It’s a story about those hidden spaces that become worlds for the person or people who find them. And it’s also a story about the worlds that can be created when we give trust over to others. THE BEAR’S GARDEN is a bit of a fantastical prequel to a garden you can imagine passing in Brook

Apr 3, 2020 • 34:38

Minh Lê (2020)

Minh Lê (2020)

Minh Lê (@bottomshelfbks) shares GREEN LANTERN: LEGACY, a brand new graphic novel from DC Kids. Stepping into the DC universe was an experience for Minh and how he made his mark was something truly unique and authentic. What results is a fast-moving, page-turning comic with depth and heart. One of the qualities I especially loved in the story was Minh’s exploration of coming-of-age through Tai Pham, his main character, and what Tai assumes about where strength is derived as well as what he ultim

Mar 31, 2020 • 39:54

Katrina Moore (2020)

Katrina Moore (2020)

Katrina Moore (@kmoorebooks) shares ONE HUG and GRANDPA GRUMPS. ONE HUG is Katrina’s picture book debut. It’s about what a hug can mean to someone else and speaks to the nature of hugs as a means of comfort, communication, and companionship. GRANDPA GRUMPS is about communication between generations despite a language barrier. The earnestness of the main character in this story as she tries to interact with her grandpa is something I found to be so sweet and so genuinely childlike. Each of these

Mar 27, 2020 • 53:09

Ryan Andrews

Ryan Andrews

Ryan Andrews (@HeyRyanA) shares THIS WAS OUR PACT, a graphic novel about a band of friends determined to see where the lanterns end up after being sent down the river by the folks in their town as part of the Equinox Festival. There’s a legend that they turn into stars, but no one has actually ever followed them to see. Where the river and these lanterns lead Ben and Nathaniel is beyond anything you could ever dream. I found Ryan’s story to be moving and wondrous and beautiful. It’s by far one o

Mar 24, 2020 • 38:36

Kidlit These Days Combats the Coronavirus

Kidlit These Days Combats the Coronavirus

I cohost a podcast on Book Riot called Kidlit These Days, where we examine the intersection between current events and children’s literature. It’s a lot of fun and feels like the most NPR thing I’ve ever done, which is pretty awesome in my mind. We’re about to record an episode celebrating our first anniversary of the show, but I thought I’d invite you to listen to an episode we just recorded in response to what’s on all of our minds right now. On this episode Nicole Young, that’s my cohost, and

Mar 22, 2020 • 47:28

Deborah Marcero (2020)

Deborah Marcero (2020)

Deborah Marcero (@deborahmarcero) shares IN A JAR, a picture book about storing memories, shared or gathered on your own. It’s about making what’s distant near. There’s something very special about experiencing something with someone else and Deborah’s book speaks to being present, to stopping and noticing. I know we’re distant now, but I hope you can call on those memories and feelings you’ve stored in jars and I hope they can make you feel comforted. You can access even more information about

Mar 19, 2020 • 40:13

Scott Simon

Scott Simon

Recorded live at ALA Midwinter 2020, Scott Simon shares SUNNYSIDE PLAZA, his middle grade debut about a group home for developmentally disabled adults. The story is loosely based on Scott’s own childhood experiences and I think it says a lot about who we see and who we make invisible in our society. We recorded this conversation in front of a packed audience in a very, very noisy exhibit hall, but I think our voices come through clearly above the din of the giant room. And it’s a good conversati

Mar 17, 2020 • 38:59

We Are Little Feminists

We Are Little Feminists

Little Feminist Book Club (@Little_Feminist) team founder Britt Murlas and educational director Archaa Shrivastav join me to share the WE ARE LITTLE FEMINISTS board book series, including HAIR, FAMILIES, and ON-THE-GO. Each board book is full of beautiful photos depicting all kinds of kids and families from all different backgrounds, traditions, ages, shapes, and skin tones. The accompanying text in each book is pragmatic and joyful, creating a board book that transcends age. Seriously. I read t

Mar 10, 2020 • 57:02

Traci Sorell (2020)

Traci Sorell (2020)

This is a dedication to the life and light of Charlene Willing McManis, and the story she told the world. Traci Sorell (@tracisorell) joins me to share INDIAN NO MORE, a debut middle grade novel by the late Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell. Charlene poured a lot of life and a lot of history we don’t get taught in schools into the writing of her debut novel. The result is an unforgettable protagonist named Regina Petit who has always been Umpqua and has always lived with her family on t

Mar 6, 2020 • 43:41

Margarita Engle (2020)

Margarita Engle (2020)

Margarita Engle (@margaritapoet) shares DREAMS FROM MANY RIVERS: A HISPANIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TOLD IN POEMS. Margarita blends voices of real people with fictionalized accounts in order to create a book of many voices and many experiences in order to represent hispanic history in the U.S. Choosing poetry as her vessel helped to make the history personal, bringing us closer to the characters and speaking to our present through moments of the past. It’s quite an exceptional work and I ho

Mar 3, 2020 • 43:16

Helena Ku Rhee

Helena Ku Rhee

Helena Ku Rhee (@HelenaRhee) shares THE PAPER KINGDOM, a new picture book illustrated by Pascal Campion. In our conversation Helena talks about the invisible people of our society or, rather, those that we have a tendency to make invisible. Helena’s parents were night janitors, much like the parents in THE PAPER KINGDOM, and Helena recounts stories of going into work late at night with her parents and the fantastical stories they would make up about the people who worked in the offices during th

Feb 28, 2020 • 37:30

Weshoyot Alvitre

Weshoyot Alvitre

Weshoyot Alvitre (@weshoyot) shares AT THE MOUNTAIN’S BASE, a poetic story written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Weshoyot about a family nervously awaiting the return of a family member serving in WWII. This is a story where you notice the silence. The large illustrations and colorful thread framing and connecting the art draw eyes to the hands and faces we meet in a cabin at the base of a mountain, but the waiting and the working in silence builds such terrific tension that I personally fo

Feb 25, 2020 • 40:44

Nikki Grimes (2020)

Nikki Grimes (2020)

Nikki Grimes (@nikkigrimes9) shares ORDINARY HAZARDS, a memoir in verse that has not only garnered six starred reviews on top of being named a Michael L. Printz Honor Book, and a Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book, but it is also without question one of the most beautiful, heart-breaking and heart-mending audiobooks I have ever heard. For those familiar with Grimes’ body of work, you will find through lines throughout pointing back to childhood trauma, family separation, and yearning to b

Feb 21, 2020 • 35:23

Kat Leyh

Kat Leyh

Kat Leyh (@kaymlay) shares SNAPDRAGON, solo debut graphic novel about a girl named Snap, an old lady named Jacks (who might actually be a witch), and a favor that turns into something of an apprenticeship. Snapdragon is a kid who’s not afraid to question or explore an ominous setting or situation, being a bit of an outcast herself. Her curiosity leads to a kind of compassion and affinity toward those lucky few in her life and, I think, after reading SNAPDRAGON you’ll know just how lucky it would

Feb 18, 2020 • 48:23

Introducing Levine Querido

Introducing Levine Querido

Today I’m welcoming Arthur A. Levine (@ArthurALevine1), head of Levine Querido and a publisher and advocate responsible for bringing many widely loved books in our world and in front of our readers. Arthur previews his Fall 2020 titles as well as what else is to come from Levine Querido. Our conversation looks broadly at publishing and at the world, but it also focuses on that one reader that needs the book you’re publishing. The one that needs to know they’re not alone in their experiences or i

Feb 14, 2020 • 55:49

The 2020 Sydney Taylor Book Awards

The 2020 Sydney Taylor Book Awards

There are countless individuals working throughout publishing to center historically marginalized voices. Perhaps none do it more publicly or with greater lasting impact than those serving on award committees through the Association for Library Service to Children, or ALSC. That’s the branch of the American Library Association responsible for awarding medals such as the Newbery, the Caldecott, the Coretta Scott King, the Pura Belpré, the Stonewall, and many others. These medals often have direct

Feb 11, 2020 • 32:48

Elizabeth Lilly

Elizabeth Lilly

Elizabeth Lilly (@elizabethmlilly) shares GERALDINE, a picture book about a giraffe whose family moves to a new town where they are the only giraffe family. Geraldine tries to fit in as much as she can, but an encounter with a schoolmate and a conversation centered on labels gives new light to what it looks like to see and make space for another. Elizabeth Lilly is local to our school and so my 3rd graders had the chance to interview her in person. We also went totally off script, asking Elizabe

Feb 4, 2020 • 30:52

Redefining the Boy Hero (NCTE panel)

Redefining the Boy Hero (NCTE panel)

Last November I had the esteemed privilege of moderating a panel at NCTE, the annual conference of the National Council of Teachers of English. The panel was titled “Redefining the Boy Hero: Empowering Sensitive Boys and Bucking Gender Stereotypes Through Middle Grade Fiction”. Sitting on the panel among a standing room only crowd were four exceptional children’s book authors: Elana K. Arnold, Erin Entrada Kelly, Kekla Magoon, and Katherine Marsh. We only had one mic and it was affixed to the po

Jan 31, 2020 • 1:05:34

Readers' Thoughts on Reading

Readers' Thoughts on Reading

Today I am joined by a team of 3rd graders at my school. Specifically, these are 3rd graders who signed up to take a podcasting class with me. You may have heard them on previous episodes interviewing Ricardo Cortes about his illustrations in PARTY: A MYSTERY or asking Adam Rex about ARE YOU SCARED, DARTH VADER? or writing PLUTO GETS THE CALL, which is illustrated by Laurie Keller. I’ve got one more episode with them after this where they interview debut picture book author Elizabeth Lilly. GERA

Jan 28, 2020 • 28:32

Frané Lessac

Frané Lessac

Frané Lessac (@franelessac) shares UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS and UNDER THE MILKY WAY. Frané has made many beautiful books, but it was Traci Sorell’s debut picture book, WE ARE GRATEFUL: OTSALIHELIGA, in 2018 that really made me sit up and pay attention. Today Frané brings two picture books about the stars, both sharing a U.S. publication date. Frané tours the northern skies over our United States in UNDER THE MILKY WAY, highlighting different activities and occurrences that happen beneath the sta

Jan 21, 2020 • 37:54

Elizabeth Zunon

Elizabeth Zunon

Elizabeth Zunon (@ElizabethZunon) shares BEDTIME FOR SWEET CREATURES, which is written by Nikki Grimes. It is a bedtime story of a parent telling the story of putting her child to bed. Elizabeth’s illustrations play alongside the text in enticing the child to bed by likening the child to different animals throughout this bedtime process. It’s just the right amount of silly with a sincere through line that’s caught in the parent’s eyes at the hand of Elizabeth’s brush. And it’s become our bedtime

Jan 17, 2020 • 38:55

Angela Joy

Angela Joy

Angela Joy shares BLACK IS A RAINBOW COLOR. This beautiful book, illustrated by one-to-watch and the one-to-wow Ekua Holmes, is Angela’s debut to the children’s book world. The book answers a question from her daughter, and it also bears witness to history, to legacy, and to community. Angela included robust back matter, incorporating an author’s note, an explanation of phrases referenced, a selection of poems from poets mentioned, a timeline entitled “And What Shall We Call You?”, and a playlis

Jan 14, 2020 • 54:47

Ann Braden

Ann Braden

Ann Braden (@annbradenbooks) shares THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS. This is a story about the strength of a 12-year-old girl named Zoey, even from before the moment when she realized she possessed such strength. It is a story about the things people tell us about ourselves and others, and how those things can become truths if we believe them, for good or for harm. It is a story about depending on someone to provide for you, and being taken advantage of and degraded because of your dependence.

Jan 7, 2020 • 32:47

Rajani LaRocca

Rajani LaRocca

Rajani LaRocca (@rajanilarocca) shares MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM. Mimi, the main character in Rajani’s middle grade debut, enters a baking competition at her town’s newest sweet spot, but things aren’t quite as they appear. The baked goods they sell are awful and overpriced, the employees seem to be speaking exclusively in rhyme, and crowds of locals are inexplicably showing up in droves for the bakery’s latest confections. Mimi’s dad is a food writer and has just returned from a trip abroad, but he wo

Jan 4, 2020 • 39:47

Introducing Matthew in the Stacks

Introducing Matthew in the Stacks

Let's get up-to-date on plans for the podcast in 2020, including the introduction of Matthew In The Stacks, a brand new podcast available to Patrons. This show follows an ask-me-anything style format in which authors and illustrators submit questions they have about the libraries, librarians, and all things bookish. It’s a chance to turn the tables and for me to offer insight into how libraries work from the perspective of one school librarian. The episodes are about 10-minutes in length and the

Dec 30, 2019 • 16:46

Jin Xiaojing

Jin Xiaojing

Jin Xiaojing shares I MISS MY GRANDPA. This stunning picture book examines remembering a lost loved one through the memories and characteristics of other family members. It is without doubt a book that will stop you in your tracks, without question one of the most stunning and memorable picture books I read this year. This is our last interview episode of the year, and it’s one I hope that will carry you into the new year with the promise and hope and wonder of all that children’s publishing has

Dec 27, 2019 • 33:47

Julie Fogliano

Julie Fogliano

Julie Fogliano (@oneredhen) shares JUST IN CASE YOU WANT TO FLY, illustrated by Christian Robinson. Julie’s stories express themselves in poetic verse and they are some of my most beloved on our bookshelves. JUST IN CASE YOU WANT TO FLY grew from a playful game she used to engage her daughter. It’s lines and page turns are filled with sincerity and humor. IF I WAS THE SUNSHINE, illustrated by Loren Long, praises the way our love and presence in one another’s lives has the power to complete and c

Dec 24, 2019 • 48:59

Thanku Contributors

Thanku Contributors

Today I invited contributors of THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE to share their work with you today. This picture book, beautifully illustrated by Marlena Myles and edited by Miranda Paul, is something really special and I credit that to the exceptional list of contributors that made it possible. Each poet used a different poetic style and each gives thanks in a uniquely personal way, but I’ll let them tell you about that. Contributors on today’s episode (as they appear): Joseph Bruchac Kimberly Blaes

Dec 18, 2019 • 44:54

Adam Rex (2019)

Adam Rex (2019)

Adam Rex (@MrAdamRex) shares ARE YOU SCARED, DARTH VADER?, which is nominated for our state book award. Adam also shares PLUTO GETS THE CALL, which is illustrated by Laurie Keller. Exploring fear, identity, and value through the context of humor (and Star Wars) takes just the right touch, and these books do so in wonderful ways. I’ve been working with a group of 3rd graders in a special podcasting seminar. Students nominate books for us to consider. Once we select the book and reach out to the a

Dec 13, 2019 • 29:09

Gilly Segal (Live at the Baltimore Book Festival)

Gilly Segal (Live at the Baltimore Book Festival)

Gilly Segal (@really_gilly) shares I’M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT. This episode was recorded live at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland as part of the Baltimore Book Festival. Kimberly Jones, Gilly’s co-author, had to cancel at the last minute and was sorely missed in this conversation. I’M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT is a YA novel told in two voices about two high school students, Lena and Campbell, who are forced to flee their school football game when a fight breaks out and a student is s

Dec 10, 2019 • 45:00

Tiffany Jewell

Tiffany Jewell

Tiffany Jewell (@tiffanymjewell) shares THIS BOOK IS ANTI-RACIST, her debut book. Listeners, I cannot even do this interview justice in this intro. Tiffany Jewell is an anti-bias, anti-racist educator and leader. This book dropped like a bomb into my professional learning and having the opportunity to interview Tiffany was both an inspiration and an education. Tiffany speaks on allowing her students to show her where to go. That’s something I’ve been working hard on as well. I’m going to keep on

Dec 6, 2019 • 50:34

Paula Chase

Paula Chase

Paula Chase shares DOUGH BOYS, her latest novel and a companion to SO DONE. There are not an abundance of stories reflecting the diversity of black identity. Many stories being published today center on black pain. They take place in similar settings. They portray characters in similar ways. But there are many, many talked authors who are black and who are portraying black lives in ways communicate the complexity and diversity of blackness. Wait. Let me back that up. These diverse stories are be

Nov 30, 2019 • 42:02

Mina Javaherbin

Mina Javaherbin

Mina Javaherbin (@minajuna) shares MY GRANDMA AND ME, her latest picture book. The story weaves memories from Mina’s own childhood with the observation of what your heritage brings to a place. Mina’s grandmother was a devout Muslim and this story speaks to the revelation that everyone, no matter what religion you observe, what part of the world you live in, or what time in history you observe… everyone wants to teach love. Not a bad thought to carry you through your week. You can access even mor

Nov 26, 2019 • 37:22

Ricardo Cortés

Ricardo Cortés

Ricardo Cortés (@Rmcortes) shares PARTY: A MYSTERY. When my students first read PARTY: A MYSTERY they were stunned, they had lots and lots of questions, and they were each confident that he or she knew the solution to the mystery. But the more we discussed the book, the more their predictions changed. It was the perfect candidate for a group interview. Ricardo discovered Jamaica Kincaid’s “PARTY” in  a book of her essays, a collection of New Yorker “Talk of the Town” pieces she wrote in the begi

Nov 19, 2019 • 27:11

Joanna Rudnick

Joanna Rudnick

Joanna Rudnick shares STORY AND PICTURES BY, a feature-length documentary exploring the power and reach of children's picture books through the lens of three of today's most original authors/illustrators: Mac Barnett, Christian Robinson, and Yuyi Morales. Joanna is the film's director and producer and she's also a mom of two really adorable readers. The project launched on Kickstarter at the end of October and as of posting this they are in their final week of raising funds for the project. With

Nov 15, 2019 • 34:27

Karina Yan Glaser

Karina Yan Glaser

Karina Yan Glaser (@KarinaYanGlaser) shares THE VANDERBEEKERS TO THE RESCUE. In her third and latest installment in the VANDERBEEKERS series the five Vanderbeeker children find themselves in dire circumstances when new pets begin mysteriously arriving at their door. This might not seem like trouble alone, but the timing is less than ideal when the inspector shows up at their door in order to assess if the premises is up to regulation standards for mom to open her at-home bakery. And it really is

Nov 12, 2019 • 51:20

Meenal Patel

Meenal Patel

Meenal Patel shares PRIYA DREAMS OF MARIGOLDS AND MASALA. In this picture book, a life is India is recounted through an intergenerational connection between Priya and her Babi Ba, her grandmother. There is an intimacy evident in their relationship and a fondness for where you come from and where you call home. The answer is not always straightforward, of course, but helping make a house a home for those around you is a love that goes beyond words. Meenal has filled this story with those moments,

Nov 9, 2019 • 36:24

Joyce Wan (2019)

Joyce Wan (2019)

Joyce Wan (@joycewanbooks) shares DREAM BIG. This new board book engages our youngest readers with affirming language to take on the world, and it does so through micro-biographies of women who have done exactly that. As we discuss in our conversation, Joyce used DREAM BIG as a means to help give parents the tools for discussing the lives of these women throughout the world and throughout history. This isn’t just for the benefit of our youngest readers, of course, but also for the adults reading

Nov 5, 2019 • 41:03

Hena Khan (2019)

Hena Khan (2019)

Hena Khan (@henakhanbooks) shares MORE TO THE STORY, a novel is inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and centering on a Pakistani-American family with four daughters: Jameela, Aleeza, Bisma, and Maryam. We experience the story through Jameela, a writer and budding journalist who passionately wants to make her mark on the school’s newspaper. The story is a lens through which readers experience that how we are in the world and how we react and respond to things going on in the world has ev

Oct 31, 2019 • 58:03

Laurel Snyder and Chuck Groenink

Laurel Snyder and Chuck Groenink

Laurel Snyder (@LaurelSnyder) and Chuck Groenink (@ChuckGroenink) share HUNGRY JIM. In this new picture book, a boy awakens to realize that he is a lion... and that he is hungry. Moreover, his appetite seems insatiable and his urges irresistible. If you detect a hint of Sendak, you won’t be wrong. But this is the kind of story where Sendak and childhood and relationships and all of the little bits that make up you were all swallowed up. And the story that’s been churning inside feels a bit subve

Oct 29, 2019 • 48:20

Celia C. Pérez

Celia C. Pérez

Celia C. Pérez (@CeliaCPerez) shares STRANGE BIRDS: A FIELD GUIDE TO RUFFLING FEATHERS. Celia’s sophomore release is about four girls and one hat that bonded them in sororal friendship. It’s about the Floras and how traditions are made to be challenged. It’s about activism and how others will stand in your way. And as Celia says, it’s about how small actions can lead to big changes. Celia’s characters unite around a common cause, but their success depends on something more than friendship; it de

Oct 22, 2019 • 57:15

Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic

Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic

Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic (@grubreport) shares THE END OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL. Stephanie’s debut takes on a challenging topic through a compassionate voice. The death of a pet can be practice for children for when a family member passes, but it can also be an opportunity for a child to care deeply for another living thing. This is a big, awful thing, regardless of the fortitude or strength it may lend itself to later in life. Stephanie’s approach to the loss of your something wonderful is, in my

Oct 20, 2019 • 42:30

Tonya Engel

Tonya Engel

Tonya Engel (@tonyaengel) shares RISE! FROM CAGED BIRD TO POET OF THE PEOPLE, MAYA ANGELOU, written by Bethany Hegedus. Tonya talks about allowing her stream of consciousness to guide her when creating the art for RISE!. The result is a series of paintings rich in imagery and an inner strength that undeniably links that artist to her subject. Tonya speaks on how illustrating Maya Angelou’s life was like telling the story of one of her ancestors and how this book project shed light on how she and

Oct 15, 2019 • 41:51

Daria Peoples-Riley

Daria Peoples-Riley

Daria Peoples-Riley (@dariaspeoples) shares I GOT NEXT. In her sequel to THIS IS IT, Daria explores allyship through a coming-of-age story on a community basketball court where decisions are made in a moment, and where how you play and what space you make for others is on display for all to see. Daria’s beautiful, layered work says volumes on how she sees children, development, activism, and resilience among failure. I hope this conversation resonates with you as it did me. You can access even m

Oct 8, 2019 • 46:45

Raakhee Mirchandani

Raakhee Mirchandani

Raakhee Mirchandani (@Raakstar) joins the podcast to share SUPER SATYA SAVES THE DAY. When readers meet Satya, the story’s namesake, we have only to take Satya at her word that her beloved cape makes her super. Unfortunately, her cape is still at the dry cleaners and Satya will need to face a day of school without it. Lots of things go wrong for Satya, leading the reader to acknowledge alongside Satya that maybe this cape really does contain some super special powers. Or maybe what we all need i

Oct 1, 2019 • 38:31

Ishta Mercurio and Jen Corace

Ishta Mercurio and Jen Corace

Ishta Mercurio (@IshtaWrites) and Jen Corace (@corachacha) share SMALL WORLD, their new picture book. The story circles around Nanda, a girl who dreams of space. As Nanda grows, her experience of the world and also her view of the world grows. In that way it’s a story of expanding circle, like tossing a stone into a pond and observing the ripples outward. Ishta talks of searching for those right words that feel good in your mouth. The result is a poetic text that mimics in feeling the patterned

Sep 27, 2019 • 47:49

Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal

Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal

Kevin Noble Maillard (@noblemaillard) and Juana Martinez-Neal (@juanamartinez) share FRY BREAD, their upcoming picture book. We talk about culture and tradition and family and history. We also talk a lot about Kevin’s Aunt Fannie. There is a story behind the entire nature of fry bread and the way Kevin’s text approaches that story is through affirmation statements of what fry bread is and what it means. The book’s narrator walks the readers from the concrete and tangible into the abstract and in

Sep 20, 2019 • 59:44

Keith Henry Brown

Keith Henry Brown

Illustrator Keith Henry Brown shares BIRTH OF THE COOL, which is written by Kathleen Cornell Berman. This picture book biography of the great jazz legend Miles Davis and his journey to find a sound that was beautifully and uniquely his own. That sound took him places. That sound was the birth of the cool. Keith’s depiction of Miles Davis is art that shouts music, and art that lives and breathes its subject matter. We follow Miles through childhood and into his formative years, through success to

Sep 17, 2019 • 53:01

Miranda Paul

Miranda Paul

Miranda Paul (@Miranda_Paul) joins to share LITTLE LIBRARIES, BIG HEROES. With more than 75,000 registered Little Free Libraries (LFLs) in eighty-eight countries around the world, there is great chance you’ve passed an LFL in your neighborhood at some point. This simple idea designed to build and support community around reading provides no-cost access to books any time of day and they’ve been popping up in some really unexpected locations, including restaurants, grocery stores, and barbershops

Sep 10, 2019 • 41:15

Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and LeUyen Pham

Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and LeUyen Pham

Shannon Hale (@haleshannon), Dean Hale (@Halespawn), and LeUyen Pham join to share their bestselling PRINCESS IN BLACK series. There’s a bit of a conference din hovering throughout the background of this recording, but there is also a whole lot of humor and a whole lot of heart. As Shannon shares about making books with Dean, “we coauthor a lot of things, and some are alive”! We were in the middle of a very huge exhibit hall at the American Library Association’s annual conference in Washington D

Sep 3, 2019 • 22:53

Theresa Thorn and Noah Grigni

Theresa Thorn and Noah Grigni

Theresa Thorn (@theresathorn) and Noah Grigni join to share IT FEELS GOOD TO BE YOURSELF: A BOOK ABOUT GENDER IDENTITY. There are more conversations about gender going on than perhaps ever before, but there are also lots and lots of adults and kids alike who are not quite sure exactly how to talk about gender. In Theresa and Noah’s debut picture book, readers meet four different children who each identify differently from one another in terms of gender. The narrator introduces each child by shar

Aug 31, 2019 • 46:35

Dallas Hunt

Dallas Hunt

Dallas Hunt (@Dallas_Hunt) shares AWASIS AND THE WORLD-FAMOUS BANNOCK. Awâsis is bringing some of her Kôhkum’s bannock to a relative but she accidentally drops the world-famous bannock off a bridge. She meets several forest relatives on her way back to Kôhkum including a duck,  a rabbit, a frog, an owl, and a bear. And while each is not able to provide bannock, one-by-one the forest relatives offer comfort and generosity in the form of ingredients. Dallas speaks to me about the importance of put

Aug 27, 2019 • 41:09

Adib Khorram

Adib Khorram

Adib Khorram (@adibkhorram) shares DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY. In Adib’s debut novel we meet Darius, a nerdy, overweight, Iranian-American boy who you will love deeply from the outset. I was rooting for Darius hour by hour as I listened to this audiobook, and what I was left with each time I paused to step away from the story was the picture of a complex if not broken kid who is seeking the realest connection to those around him, but feels perhaps like he’ll be denied it because he’s not what

Aug 25, 2019 • 41:35

Mariana Llanos and Anna López Real

Mariana Llanos and Anna López Real

Author Mariana Llanos (@marianallanos) and illustrator Anna López Real join Matthew in conversation to share LUCA'S BRIDGE/El puente de Luca. LUCA’S BRIDGE is a border story. It is a family story. It is a story that centers on the universal language of emotion. Luca is an American citizen, but his parents are not. And when his parents are deported, the whole family must leave, which means Luca is forced to leave his own country in order to go to a country he has never known where people speak a

Aug 21, 2019 • 35:41

Susie Ghahremani

Susie Ghahremani

Susie Ghahremani (@boygirlparty) is the author-illustrator of BALANCE THE BIRDS and STACK THE CATS. Susie’s books attempt to engage our youngest readers through simple shapes and eye-catching colors, exploring foundational skills such as balancing, counting, comparing, and predicting. In making these books Susie shared that she was trying to create a way for kids to go out and have meaning in the world. And in BALANCE THE BIRDS, Susie's readers will find that wobbliness is quite relatable. Thank

Aug 19, 2019 • 56:47

Andrea Beaty

Andrea Beaty

Andrea Beaty (@andreabeaty) is the author of ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER and its sequels as well as author of the QUESTIONEERS (@questioneerkids) chapter book series, all illustrated by David Roberts. Andrea shared much insight to how she crafts stories in rhyme and how, when searching for words, the right one is the right one. She also shares the idea of holding onto a dream for somebody else and how books help make room. Andrea’s newest picture book in the series will be SOFIA VALDEZ, FUTURE PREZ,

Aug 13, 2019 • 17:11

Rashin Kheiriyeh

Rashin Kheiriyeh

Rashin Kheiriyeh (@rashinkheiriyeh) is the illustrator most recently of THE BOOK TREE, authored by Paul Czajak, and STORY BOAT, authored by Kyo Maclear. Rashin is the illustrator or author-illustrator of over 70 books published around the world. Her voice as an illustrator is distinct and playful and her work has been celebrated the world over. Rashin and I have been planning to record a conversation some time, but I don't think that either of us anticipated that it would end up being recorded l

Aug 9, 2019 • 16:46

Angie Manfredi

Angie Manfredi

Angie Manfredi (@misskubelik) is the editor of THE (OTHER) F WORD: A CELEBRATION OF THE FAT & FIERCE. The book releases in late September from Amulet Books an imprint of Abrams. Angie and I met only briefly before heading into the “Live at 25” Podcast Booth at the American Library Association’s annual conference in June, but we fell into this conversation quickly. Angie has assembled an impressive team of contributors to THE (OTHER) F WORD, using this opportunity to center numerous authors of co

Aug 6, 2019 • 17:09

Kyle Lukoff

Kyle Lukoff

Kyle Lukoff (@Shekels_Library) is author of A STORYTELLING OF RAVENS and WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER, the latter of which was our focus in this conversation. WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER is about a trans boy who wants to make sure everything is just right for the arrival of his new sibling. Aidan considers throughout the story what growing up was like for him, the experience of trying different clothes, different pronouns, of identifying differently now then when he was younger. It’s a beautiful

Jul 30, 2019 • 34:24

Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña

Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña

Isabel Quintero (@isabelinpieces) and Zeke Peña (@zpvisual) share MY PAPI HAS A MOTORCYCLE. The story is based on memories from Isabel’s childhood, but it’s also more than that. The story centers on Daisy, her father, and their nightly tradition of riding on Papi’s motorcycle through the neighborhood and town. We take in a lot as we ride along with Daisy and Papi. We see the construction site where Papi and his coworkers have labored all day. We take in the citrus iconography throughout town, no

Jul 30, 2019 • 37:28

Mia Wenjen and Nat Iwata

Mia Wenjen and Nat Iwata

Mia Wenjen (@pragmaticmom) and Nat Iwata (@NatIwata) share SUMO JOE. SUMO JOE is a story told in rhyme about a boy and his friends upholding a centuries-old tradition considered through a modern lens. It’s the first picture book I’ve read that addresses the practice of sumo and it does so against challenges to gender restrictions while providing a historical context. I’m especially impressed with the economy of words at work here. With the help of Nat’s illustrations, Mia accomplishes breadth an

Jul 26, 2019 • 46:47

Torben Kuhlmann

Torben Kuhlmann

Torben Kuhlmann shares ARMSTRONG, his best-selling picture book about a mouse who dreams of setting foot on the moon gets a special anniversary edition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Torben and I found a private conference room on the exhibit hall that offered us space from the crowded show floor, but not a total escape from the noise. I hope you’ll enjoy leaning in as Torben and I talk about film, performing, and the dreams of mice. You can access even more

Jul 23, 2019 • 18:41

Ashley Franklin

Ashley Franklin

Ashley Franklin (@DifferentAshley) shares NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE. In this debut picture book readers meet Tameika, a theater-loving, stage-starring girl. She’s so excited for her school’s production of Snow White that she signs up for both audition dates. But after Tameika overhears classmates criticising that she’s too tall and too chubby and to black for the part, Tameika is crushed. There’s more to the story, of course, but you’ll need to listen for that. Ashley brings up our responsibility, no

Jul 17, 2019 • 40:25

Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera

Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera

Megan Lacera (@MeganLacera) and Jorge Lacera (@jlacera)  share ZOMBIES DON’T EAT VEGGIES! In their debut picture book readers meet Mo, a zombie and chef with a taste for cuisine his parents, quite frankly, find revolting. But this isn’t exactly a story about picky eaters or about food aversions. Instead, Lacera and Lacera share a story of feeling outside of one’s culture and how to reconcile that. I think you’re really going to connect with Mo (and I just know you’ll connect with Megan and Jorge

Jul 12, 2019 • 40:16

Lorena Alvarez

Lorena Alvarez

Lorena Alvarez shares HICOTEA, a companion graphic novel to her 2017 debut, NIGHTLIGHTS. Guest host Mel Schuit interviews Lorena at the American Library Association's annual conference and they discuss the art and inspiration behind the graphic novels. For those not yet familiar, NIGHLIGHTS is a beautiful story about fear, insecurity, and creativity. In HICOTEA, Sandy, the protagonist from NIGHTLIGHTS, returns to explore a magical new dimension. You can access even more information about this bo

Jul 9, 2019 • 22:37

Live at ALA's PopTop Stage with Cece Bell, Kate DiCamillo, and Shannon Hale

Live at ALA's PopTop Stage with Cece Bell, Kate DiCamillo, and Shannon Hale

Recorded live on the PopTop Stage at the American Library Association's annual conference, three Newbery Honorees and powerful female voices in the children's literature share the stories behind their successful and upcoming middle grade novels. Cece Bell introduces readers to SMELL MY FOOT!, the first book in her CHICK AND BRAIN series featuring a small cast of characters whose ensuing and hilarious mishaps are the result of miscommunication and misunderstanding. Kate DiCamillo shares BEVERLY,

Jun 30, 2019 • 46:04

Padma Venkatraman

Padma Venkatraman

Padma Venkatraman (@padmatv) shares THE BRIDGE HOME, a 2019 Global Read Aloud choice. The story centers on two sisters, Viji and Rukku, who are orphaned at the hands of an abusive father and a mother who is too afraid to leave him. Viji is the caretaker of her sister, and in no small way these girls are survivors. Padma writes from a place of experience, strength, and survival herself and she shares a sentiment on recording that I want you to listen for because I think it’s such an important and

Jun 30, 2019 • 40:31

Kyo Maclear and Byron Eggenschwiler

Kyo Maclear and Byron Eggenschwiler

Kyo Maclear and Byron Eggenschwiler (@byronegg) share OPERATIC, a graphic novel they made together. Actually, it’s more accurate to say that, as with making picture books, Kyo wrote OPERATIC’s story in words and dialogue and left space for Byron to tell the story through paneled illustrations. The story in OPERATIC centers on a girl named Charlie and her teacher’s assignment to identify a song to include in the “soundtrack of our lives”. Emile, Charlie’s classmate and, consequently, Charlie’s cr

Jun 28, 2019 • 40:14

Rowboat Watkins (2019)

Rowboat Watkins (2019)

Rowboat Watkins shares MOST MARSHMALLOWS, a story about things that most marshmallows do, like celebrating birthdays and going to school. Things that most marshmallows do not do, like dreaming. And the rarely discussed things that some few marshmallows secretly know. I love how Rowboat created the art for this story and I cannot wait to try it with my students. But I also love how he makes room for his readers to dream of all the things they might accomplish, no matter who might tell them otherw

Jun 18, 2019 • 40:10

Meera Sriram

Meera Sriram

Meera Sriram (@Meeratsriram) shares her debut picture book, THE YELLOW SUITCASE. In Meera’s debut we meet Asha, who is traveling to India as she does with her family each year to visit her grandmother. But this year, they travel to mourn. Asha always brings a yellow suitcase which her grandmother fills with treats and trinkets to bring home. The suitcase in this way becomes a character in the story as well, waiting to be filled, expectant, but empty. This story is about processing loss, and I th

Jun 11, 2019 • 35:46

Vincent X. Kirsch

Vincent X. Kirsch

Vincent X. Kirsch (@VincenzoXKirsch) shares HOW I LEARNED TO FALL OUT OF TREES. In Vincent’s story we meet Roger and Adelia, two best friends since forever. Adelia is helping Roger learn to climb and to fall from trees. But she’s also helping Roger learn how to let go and how to trust that you’ll be able to pick yourself up after the fall. Adelia is moving away. It’s going to be a pretty big fall in Roger’s life Vincent’s care for his characters and his approach to telling this story from two se

Jun 9, 2019 • 38:01

Sarah and Ian Hoffman

Sarah and Ian Hoffman

Sarah Hoffman (@sarahhoffman101) and Ian Hoffman share JACOB'S ROOM TO CHOOSE, the follow-up to the 2014 release JACOB'S NEW DRESS. In this newest story Jacob and his friend Sophie encounter a confrontation from classmates when Jacob enters the boys restroom wearing a dress. Sophie experiences a similar issue in the girl's room and the later their teacher leads the class in a discussion over gendered spaces. Which leads me to ask... Have you met Jacob yet? Have you been invited into Ms. Reeves’

Jun 4, 2019 • 44:07

Kathy Macmillan, Manuela Bernardi, and Kathrin Honesta

Kathy Macmillan, Manuela Bernardi, and Kathrin Honesta

Kathy MacMillan (@kathys_quill), Manuela Bernardi (@the_mahnoo), and Kathrin Honesta share SHE SPOKE: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World. SHE SPOKE incorporates historical recordings from women throughout history, making history through their words, ideas, and actions. And the collaboration all started 15 years ago over some Harry Potter fan fiction. A critical point my guests return to over and over is that their subjects each had someone who believed in them. When designing

May 28, 2019 • 45:51

Colleen AF Venable and Ellen T. Crenshaw

Colleen AF Venable and Ellen T. Crenshaw

Colleen AF Venable (@colleenaf) and Ellen T. Crenshaw (@etcillustration) are the author and cartoonist, respectively, of KISS NUMBER 8, a "layered, funny, sharp-edged story of teen sexuality and family secrets". Identity, self-discovery, and safe places. This conversation and today’s book take these three themes and weave them together to create something important, something timely, something needed. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visiting

May 21, 2019 • 41:35

LeUyen Pham

LeUyen Pham

LeUyen Pham is the illustrator of over one hundred books for children. You have no doubt encountered Uyen’s work, whether through the bestselling PRINCESS IN BLACK series written by Shannon and Dean Hale, Anne Marie Pace’s VAMPIRINA BALLERINA series (which was adapted into a hit show on Disney), THE ITCHY BOOK (an Elephant & PIggie Presents title), STOP THAT YAWN! by Caron Levis, GRACE FOR PRESIDENT by Kelly DiPucchio, or any number of countless others. Uyen is constantly challenging and explori

May 14, 2019 • 48:01

Nic Stone

Nic Stone

Nic Stone (@getnicced) shares ODD ONE OUT, a young adult novel whose story centers on the dynamic between three friends: Courtney “Coop” Cooper, Jupiter “Jupe” Charity Sanchez, and Rae Chin. Their friendships to one another are complex, at times fragile, at times exciting, and always growing and expanding outward. ODD ONE OUT breaks the love triangle archetype to offer something more real, more vulnerable. And I latched so closely onto one of the character’s experiences in the story that I ended

May 11, 2019 • 44:49

Donalyn Miller

Donalyn Miller

Happy Teacher Appreciation week! I hope you’re sharing a whole lot of love for those individuals who work with our young minds each and every day. Schools are magical places and for many they are the source of countless formative memories in our journey of growing up and into the world. So… I recently started a new podcast with Karina Yan Glaser, New York Times bestselling author of the VANDERBEEKERS series. It’s called KIDLIT THESE DAYS, it’s produced by Book Riot, and on the show Karina and I

May 7, 2019 • 21:07

Andrea Tsurumi

Andrea Tsurumi

Andrea Tsurumi (@AndreaTsurumi) shares CRAB CAKE, a picture book about a cake-baking crab who does its thing among the ocean fauna, baking confections for all of the neighborhood animals. But crab's world is turned upside down when a garbage barge spills some of its load into the ocean. There’s something Andrea said in our conversation that I’m still thinking about today, weeks after we spoke and that is, “In moments of extreme calamity it is a human thing to help.” Andrea’s blend of animal fact

Apr 30, 2019 • 46:21

Victoria Jamieson, Kelly Gilday, and Julianna Wilson

Victoria Jamieson, Kelly Gilday, and Julianna Wilson

Victoria Jamieson (@JamiesonV), Newbery honor-winning cartoonist of ROLLER GIRL is joined by audio producers Kelly Gildea (@gildeak) and Julianna Wilson (@JuliannaNWilson) to share the process of adapting a graphic novel for the audiobook format. ROLLER GIRL tells the story of Astrid, who decides that this summer she’s going to forego the camp she’s attended year after year with her best friend in order to try out roller derby camp. The book has a ton of heart and a fair share of bangs and bruis

Apr 27, 2019 • 39:39

Linda Sue Park

Linda Sue Park

Linda Sue Park (@LindaSuePark), Newbery Medal-winning author of A SINGLE SHARD shares her new picture book, GONDRA’S TREASURE. The story centers on a dragon whose mom’s family comes from the West and while dad’s family comes from the East. Gondra, like many children, is curious and open to her world and everything in it. She finds strength in all facets of her mixed race family and what I found reading the story was a strength in the definition of family, itself. Which is to say that this story

Apr 23, 2019 • 46:21

Breanna J. McDaniel

Breanna J. McDaniel

Breanna J. McDaniel (@readwellbewell) shares HANDS UP!, new picture book reframes the emotionally charged phrase by following a child throughout her morning, her family time, and her time in the community. There is intergenerational support illustrated throughout HANDS UP! and as I’ve been reading it aloud to children I am so in awe of how their eyes light up with each page turn, basking in the beautiful illustrations created by Shane W. Evans. Today I am feeling so, so grateful not only because

Apr 19, 2019 • 42:09

Melanie Gillman

Melanie Gillman

Melanie Gillman shares AS THE CROW FLIES, a graphic novel following a group of queer teens who meet while stuck on a week-long Christian youth camp backpacking trip. AS THE CROW FLIES is a full-color, hand drawn webcomic that was published as a print volume in 2017 from generous Kickstarter backing. Melanie is an American queer non-binary cartoonist, illustrator, and lecturer, specializing in LGBTQ comics for Young Adult readers. Their award-winning comic has been recognized widely, receiving an

Apr 16, 2019 • 28:18

Nidhi Chanani (2019)

Nidhi Chanani (2019)

Nidhi Chanani (@nidhiart) shares SHUBH RAATRI DOST/GOOD NIGHT FRIEND, a new board book in which two children say goodnight in both Hindi and Engilsh to all of the animals in their Indian farm home. There’s an intimacy to sharing this moment with the characters in the book, as the sun goes down and as each goodnight offered is accompanied by thankfulness to what gift the object has given the children. Nidhi shares at one moment in our conversation the sentiment that caring for one another can loo

Apr 9, 2019 • 40:43

Hayley Barrett and Juana Martinez-Neal

Hayley Barrett and Juana Martinez-Neal

Hayley Barrett (@hayleybwrites) and Juana Martinez-Neal (@juanamartinez) are the author and the illustrator of BABYMOON, a new picture book about that period just after a baby is born, when time is intentionally set aside for a new family to rest and to fall in love together. The experience of motherhood is complex and our guests talk about their memories of wanting to do it all just right or perfect for their children. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illu

Mar 31, 2019 • 41:04

The Children's Book Podcast at 500

The Children's Book Podcast at 500

A number of you have asked about plans to celebrate the 500th episode and, the truth is, you’re all part of the plan. I end every episode of the show by asking guests, “I’ll see a library full of children tomorrow morning. Is there a message I can bring to them from you?” And as most of you know, I really do see a library full of children each day. Actually, it’s a school of about 600. Located just west of Baltimore. These students are on my mind with every single interview I record, and so I th

Mar 31, 2019 • 5:01

Susan Verde

Susan Verde

Susan Verde (@susanverde) shares I AM HUMAN: A BOOK OF EMPATHY, which is illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. I AM HUMAN carries with it an important yet all-too-overlooked truth: that you are flawed, but that does not make you bad. Susan reminds us all in this conversation that being seen is so important. I AM HUMAN is the third book in a series that includes I AM YOGA and I AM PEACE. If you have not yet discovered this series, I think they’ll make you see your classroom, your children, or your re

Mar 29, 2019 • 39:17

Pat Zietlow Miller

Pat Zietlow Miller

Pat Zietlow Miller (@PatZMiller) shares REMARKABLY YOU and WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE, two recent picture book releases that see kids from all sides and complexities. REMARKABLY YOU was inspired by the Seven Ways of Being Smart, also known as the Seven Intelligences, and celebrates everything that makes every kid different. WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE calls the reader to look deep inside themselves for the strength to be brave, despite all your circumstances or subconscious might be feeding you. Two books speaki

Mar 27, 2019 • 36:25

Christian Robinson (2019)

Christian Robinson (2019)

Christian Robinson makes his author-illustrator debut with ANOTHER, a wordless picture book exploring the literal experience of seeing yourself in a book and of others seeing themselves in the same book. Christian talks about relying on his strengths and owning that we all have blind spots. He also shares how his art is driven by his thoughts on helping as many kids as possible see themselves in his work. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visi

Mar 19, 2019 • 35:30

Anika Aldamuy Denise

Anika Aldamuy Denise

Anika Aldamuy Denise (@AnikaDenise) is the author of PLANTING STORIES: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Bepré, an exceptional picture book biography about one of perhaps the best know librarians of our time or any. Anika also shares her CARMEN series, including STARRING CARMEN and LIGHTS, CAMERA, CARMEN!, featuring a tenacious, vibrant, creative force of a kid and the dynamics she brings to her loving family. One of the things we come back to over and over in our conversation is that t

Mar 17, 2019 • 55:57

Amanda Moeckel and Kristen Nobles (Page Street Kids)

Amanda Moeckel and Kristen Nobles (Page Street Kids)

Amanda Moeckel (@AmandaMoeckel) is the author and illustrator of KHALIDA AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG, a picture book published last September that centers on a child who is visited in the night by a song and is compelled thereafter to find the song’s melody and play it herself. The book plays with the ephemeral quality of inspiration and pursuing creative or inspired ideas. Joining also is Kristen Nobles, the publisher of Page Street Kids (@PageStreetKids), an imprint of Page Street Publishing f

Mar 12, 2019 • 49:22

Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

Mac Barnett (@macbarnett) and Jon Klassen (@burstofbeaden) are the award-winning team of many beloved books including EXTRA YARN and SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE. Today we’re focusing our attention of three books that are part-trilogy and part perspective. TRIANGLE, SQUARE, and now CIRCLE are each stories following story structures informed by their titular shapes. But there is no room here for unearned epiphanies. Answers, after all, are cheap morals and my guests remind that the goal is the pit, th

Feb 28, 2019 • 51:49

Sebastian Kadlecik, Kit Steinkellner, and Emma Steinkellner

Sebastian Kadlecik, Kit Steinkellner, and Emma Steinkellner

QUINCE is a 15-issue comic book series created by Sebastian Kadlecik (@smkaddy), authored by Kit Steinkellner (@BooksAreMyBFs) and illustrated by  Emma Steinkellner (@emsteinkellner) that was collected into a print trade paperback in 2017. The story follows Lupe, just your average, insecure, well-meaning, occasionally cranky teenage girl whose life is completely turned upside down when she discovers she has superpowers at her quinceañera. Her quince powers only last as long as she's fifteen, so

Feb 26, 2019 • 32:49

Cathy Camper and Raul the Third (2019)

Cathy Camper and Raul the Third (2019)

Cathy Camper (@cfastwolf) and Raul the Third (@raulthe3rd) are the creative team behind the LOWRIDERS graphic novel series, including LOWRIDERS IN SPACE, LOWRIDERS TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, and the newest title, LOWRIDERS BLAST FROM THE PAST. The latest book in the series introduces the pivotal characters in the prime of their youth. Lupe Impala, El Chavo Flapjack, and Elirio Malaria discover their unique strengths over the course of the story amidst helping the ensure that lowrider Lupe's mom

Feb 22, 2019 • 54:32

Jacob Kramer, K-Fai Steele, and Claudia Zoe Bedrick

Jacob Kramer, K-Fai Steele, and Claudia Zoe Bedrick

Noodlephant is an elephant who loves pasta. The kangaroos do not like pasta. In fact, they make a law so that no one can enjoy pasta. But Noodlephant will not stand for this and sets out to protest the unfairness of the law and gathers others to demand change. NOODLEPHANT author Jacob Kramer (@jknotjk), illustrator K-Fai Steele (@kfaisteele), and publisher Claudia Zoe Bedrick of Enchanted Lion Books (@EnchantedLion) share the journey of this "pasta to protest" book, and how the trio is using the

Feb 19, 2019 • 53:47

Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen (2019)

Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen (2019)

Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen (@SudiptaBQ) is the author of CHICKS RULE!, a book about confronting "no", having enough, and taking action. Nerdy Chick wants to join the rocket club, but when confronted with a sign reading "No Chicks Allowed" she decides to gather friends and neighborhood chicks to lend each of their unique interests and talents for the greater good of creating together. Sudipta talks about labels feel like death sentences, and how sometimes standing up for yourself requires a team. Yo

Feb 15, 2019 • 39:19

The 2019 Sydney Taylor Book Award

The 2019 Sydney Taylor Book Award

Susan Kusel and Rebecca Levitan join today on behalf of the SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD, presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. The two joined me to talk about the award, what’s it’s like to serve on a Youth Media Awards committee, and trying to change conversations around Jewish literature through the work done during committee tenure. We’re also joined by the authors and illustrators whose works represent the winners, honor

Feb 12, 2019 • 58:37

Francie Latour

Francie Latour

Francie Latour (@francielatour) is the author of AUNTIE LUCE'S TALKING PAINTINGS, a vibrant and beautiful picture book about a young girl's visit to Haiti to see her Autie Luce and to sit for one of her paintings. The story not only unites family, but it instills a sense of belonging or origin that speaks to the strength of the Haitian people throughout history. Francie reminds us that Haiti is the location of the most successful slave revolt ever, that it's the place where the first Black repub

Jan 31, 2019 • 45:59

Congratulations to the 2019 Youth Media Awards Winners!

Congratulations to the 2019 Youth Media Awards Winners!

The 2019 Youth Media Awards were announced and a number of this year's award-winners were guests on the Children's Book Podcast this year! I've gathered them all together in one convenient place so you can hear the stories behind the books, including Veera Hiranandani for THE NIGHT DIARY, Juana Martinez-Neal for ALMA AND HOW SHE GOT HER NAME, Brian Lies for THE ROUGH PATCH, Oge Mora for THANK YOU, OMU! , Mark Oshiro for ANGER IS A GIFT, Yuyi Morales for DREAMERS, Traci Sorell for WE ARE GRATEFUL

Jan 31, 2019 • 7:37

Hilary Leung

Hilary Leung

Hilary Leung (@hilary_leung) is the author/illustrator of WILL GIRAFFE LAUGH?, the fourth in a series about a friend group of animals and their interactions with one another, including WILL BEAR SHARE?, WILL LADYBUG HUG?, and WILL SHEEP SLEEP?. The series explores kindness, consent, respect, and friendship. Hilary is also the co-creator of THE LEGEND OF NINJA, COWBOY, BEAR, a cornerstone picture book of every school library I’ve worked in. The journey of this story from self-publishing to fast f

Jan 29, 2019 • 44:20

Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson

Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson

Cheryl Willis Hudson (@diversitymom_ch) and Wade Hudson (@hudsonwade) are the founders of Just Us Books and the editors of WE RISE, WE RESIST, WE RAISE OUR VOICES. In this anthology of stories, poems, art, and photographs, fifty of the foremost diverse children's authors and illustrators--including Jason Reynolds, Jacqueline Woodson, and Kwame Alexander-- share answers to the question, "In this divisive world, what shall we tell our children?" Wade and Cheryl found themselves asking the same que

Jan 22, 2019 • 57:32

Casey W. Robinson and Rob Broder (Ripple Grove Press)

Casey W. Robinson and Rob Broder (Ripple Grove Press)

Rob Broder (@RGrovePress) is the co-founder of Ripple Grove Press, an independent, family-run children's book publisher. Ripple Grove's passion for well-told and beautifully illustrated stories for children comes out in its titles and their mission is to bring together great writers and talented illustrators to make the most wonderful books possible is something I think you'l see evidenced in our conversation. Joining us also is Casey W. Robinson (@CaseyWRobinson), author of IVER & ELLSWORTH, wh

Jan 18, 2019 • 50:57

Brian Lies

Brian Lies

Brian Lies (@BrianLiesbooks) is the author/illustrator of the best-selling BATS IN THE LIBRARY series. He shares in our conversation that he's always had an interest in drawing animals and that, for him, casting animals as main characters in his books helps to make the story more universal to the readers. Brian joins me today to share his latest picture books. In GOT TO GET TO BEAR’S!, chipmunk receives an urgent notice from her friend and sets out in a blizzard against all odds in order to get

Jan 15, 2019 • 51:51

Keith Negley (2019)

Keith Negley (2019)

Keith Negley (@keithnegley) is the author/illustrator of MARY WEARS WHAT SHE WANTS. The story follows a young Mary Edwards Walker, determined to swap the confining, uncomfortable dress expected of her and other girls and women for a more sensible pair of pants. Keith shares that the idea grew from media coverage of transgender individuals being restricted access to bathrooms, as well as a podcast episode of The Memory Palace regarding the norm-defying life of Mary Walker. All in all it is a stor

Jan 8, 2019 • 40:58

Sharee Miller (2019)

Sharee Miller (2019)

Sharee Miller (@coilyandcute) is the author/illustrator of DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR! The story follows Aria, a young African American girl who loves her hair but cannot stand when people touch her hair without permission. Sharee talks in our conversation about consent, and how most people would never touch a complete stranger's hand, and yet don't hesitate to touch a stranger's hair, even though your hair is just as much a part of your body. DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR was included in our school's mock Coret

Jan 2, 2019 • 42:05

Our "Don't Miss" Books of 2018 PART 4 with Grace Lin (Kidlit Women* Podcast and Other Notable Kidlit Podcasts)

Our "Don't Miss" Books of 2018 PART 4 with Grace Lin (Kidlit Women* Podcast and Other Notable Kidlit Podcasts)

Grace Lin (@pacylin), award-winning author and podcast host, joins to share the origin of Kidlitwomen* and the Kidlit Women* podcast. There are a small handful of kidlit podcasts I listen to regularly and that continue to contribute to my professional growth and, quite frankly, I think help make me a better human being. LIFELINES: BOOKS THAT BRIDGE THE DIVIDE is one of those podcasts. Hosts Saadia Faruqi and Ann Braden share book recommendations from marginalized voices and experiences. They off

Dec 30, 2018 • 47:03

Our "Don't Miss" Books of 2018 PART 3 with Alex Gino and Dr. Laura Jimenez (Books Centering on LGBTQ experiences, issues, and identities)

Our "Don't Miss" Books of 2018 PART 3 with Alex Gino and Dr. Laura Jimenez (Books Centering on LGBTQ experiences, issues, and identities)

Alex Gino (@lxgino) and Dr. Laura Jimenez (@booktoss) join to share books centering on LGBTQ experiences, issues, and identities. Alex Gino is the author of GEORGE and, most recently, YOU DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING, JILLY P! They are joined by Dr. Laura Jimenez, author of the BookToss blog, a site “where the serious business of reading in schools meets the absurd notion that research-based literacy practices don’t have to suck the life out of literature.” I asked Alex and Laura if they’d like to join

Dec 26, 2018 • 58:28

Our "Don't Miss" Books of 2018 PART 2 with Dr. Debbie Reese and Traci Sorell (American Indians in Children's Literature & Cynsations)

Our "Don't Miss" Books of 2018 PART 2 with Dr. Debbie Reese and Traci Sorell (American Indians in Children's Literature & Cynsations)

Dr. Debbie Reese (@debreese) and Traci Sorell (@tracisorell) join on behalf of AMERICAN INDIANS IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE and CYNSATIONS. Dr. Reese writes regularly at AMERICAN INDIANS IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE (AICL), which provides critical perspectives and analysis of indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books, the school curriculum, popular culture, and society. Traci Sorell is the author of WE ARE GRATEFUL: OTSALIHELIGA and is a regular contributor to CYNSATIONS, a blog founded by

Dec 21, 2018 • 59:41

Our "Don't Miss" Books of 2018 PART 1 with Paula Chase Hyman and Kelly Starling Lyons (The Brown Bookshelf)

Our "Don't Miss" Books of 2018 PART 1 with Paula Chase Hyman and Kelly Starling Lyons (The Brown Bookshelf)

Paula Chase Hyman (@PaulaChase) and Kelly Starling Lyons (@kelstarly) join on behalf of THE BROWN BOOKSHELF to share a collection of "don't miss" books from 2018. THE BROWN BOOKSHELF is a website and collective designed to push awareness of the myriad Black voices writing for young readers. Their flagship initiative is 28 Days Later, a month-long showcase of the best in Picture Books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult novels written and illustrated by Black creators. Paula Chase Hyman is an inclusio

Dec 18, 2018 • 54:45

Heidi Stemple

Heidi Stemple

Heidi Stemple (@heidieys) is the author of COUNTING BIRDS: THE IDEA THAT HELPED SAVE OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS. This true story of Frank Chapman, the man who founded the first annual bird count, pays homage to a simple act of shaking up habits and traditions that resulted in a lasting conservation initiative that continues today thanks to the help of hundreds of citizen scientists. Heidi is also the co-author, alongside Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple, and Jason Stemple, of FLY WITH ME: A CELEBRATION OF BI

Dec 11, 2018 • 44:55

Martha Brockenbrough

Martha Brockenbrough

Martha Brockenbrough (@mbrockenbrough) is the author of UNPRESIDENTED: A BIOGRAPHY OF DONALD TRUMP, the first biography of our 45th president written for teens. Martha approached her research with a mindset of presenting information fairly and with a lens of looking for patterns in actions and what those patterns tell us about the subject matter. It won’t surprise you that what the patterns pointed to was winning. At all costs. Sometimes by redefining the game in or to resubstant the win. And al

Dec 7, 2018 • 49:45

Alice Faye Duncan

Alice Faye Duncan

Alice Faye Duncan (@AliceFayeDuncan) is an author and poet, and she's also a school librarian. Alice brings two new picture books to the show. The first is called MEMPHIS, MARTIN, AND THE MOUNTAINTOP: THE SANITATION STRIKE OF 1968 and through the voice of a young girl the story recounts the sanitation strike that brought Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Memphis and that would reach all corners of Memphis in its breadth and scope. R. Gregory Christie illustrated the story and his art beckons reader

Dec 4, 2018 • 1:01:28

Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola is the author and illustrator of over 260 books for children, including STREGA NONA, 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE, and OLIVER BUTTON IS A SISSY. His newest picture book is called QUIET, and it’s as much about noticing the noise around us and in us as it is about finding the quiet around us and, ultimately, in us. Tomie wrote the book, in part, after noticing that children are so busy today and it’s not their fault. He wants children to be able to sit and be quiet and just be, and so we find

Nov 27, 2018 • 51:42

Oge Mora

Oge Mora

Oge Mora (@ogemora) is the author and illustrator of THANK YOU, OMU! In the story, the scent of the stew Omu has been laboring over draws a number of neighbors to her door and Omu is all too eager to share with her visitors. But when it comes time for her to eat, Omu finds she has nothing left. Oge’s debut is not only an homage to her own grandmother, but also one grown out of inspiration for all of the amazing women who carried her and us all to where we each are today. You can access even more

Nov 20, 2018 • 47:51

Lauren Castillo (2018)

Lauren Castillo (2018)

Lauren Castillo (@studiocastillo) is the illustrator of IMAGINE, a picture book adaptation of Juan Felipe Herrera inaugural's speech as the 21st Poet Laureate of the United States of America. Lauren’s work on this picture book is beautiful and it adds a rhythm to the poetic story that moves readers along with each sentiment, each memory. She speaks of being okay with any sort of accidents that happen with the art when specifically referring to the foam printing used in the illustrations, but it

Nov 17, 2018 • 50:49

Brigid Kemmerer and Nisha Sharma (Live at the Baltimore Book Festival)

Brigid Kemmerer and Nisha Sharma (Live at the Baltimore Book Festival)

Brigid Kemmerer (@BrigidKemmerer) is the author of MORE THAN WE CAN TELL, a book centering on the separate but soon-intertwining lives of two teens, one growing up in a foster home and the other the creator of an MMO first person shooter. The story calls into question what it means to be family, how well we think we know one another online, and how we perceive what we mean to those who raise us. Nisha Sharma (@Nishawrites) is the author of MY SO-CALLED BOLLYWOOD LIFE, a story in which the protag

Nov 14, 2018 • 40:40

Podcast Survey + GIVEAWAY!

Podcast Survey + GIVEAWAY!

I'm collecting survey data for the podcast and need your help to collect 250 responses. Complete the brief survey using this link (https://survey.libsyn.com/lgbpodcast) and the go here to enter in our 5-book Giveaway and to score yourself some Children's Book Podcast stickers! Here's a shareable link: http://www.matthewcwinner.com/single-post/Podcast-Survey-GIVEAWAY Thanks in advance for your support and help. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 10, 2018 • 4:13

Tony Medina (Live at the Baltimore Book Festival)

Tony Medina (Live at the Baltimore Book Festival)

Tony Medina (@PoetTonyMedina) is the author of I AM ALFONSO JONES, a graphic novel inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement about a teen who is shot and killed by police while shopping for a suit in a clothing store. The novel retraces the events leading to that day while also following the timeline forward as both life itself a the ghost of Alfonso Jones struggle against a nation's history of violence toward people of color. It is a powerful and timely story and one that will remain with rea

Nov 6, 2018 • 54:21

Jarrett J. Krosoczka (2018)

Jarrett J. Krosoczka (2018)

Jarrett J. Krosoczka (@StudioJJK) is the cartoonist of HEY, KIDDO: HOW I LOST MY MOTHER, FOUND MY FATHER, AND DEALT WITH  FAMILY ADDICTION. You may already know Jarrett from his best-selling LUNCH LADY graphic novel series, THE PLATYPUS POLICE SQUAD books, or from the JEDI ACADEMY series titles that bear his name, not to mention his many wonderful picture books. But today we’re focusing on something a little different. HEY, KIDDO is Jarrett’s graphic memoir and it’s intended for an older audienc

Oct 30, 2018 • 53:42

Lily Williams and Emily Feinberg

Lily Williams and Emily Feinberg

Lily Williams (@lwbean) is the author illustrator of IF POLAR BEARS DISAPPEARED and IF SHARKS DISAPPEARED and Emily Feinberg (@EmilyFeinberg) is the children’s book editor at Roaring Brook Press. Lily's powerful and engaging approach to big ecological topics invites readers to investigate the food chain, our changing climate, and other ways we are affecting our planet and, in turn, our planet is affecting all of us. Emily’s relation to Lily’s work, her hand in forming these books, is something I

Oct 23, 2018 • 48:38

Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr

Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr

Matthew Swanson (@writingmatthew) and Robbi Behr (@drawingrobbi) are the author and illustrator, respectively, of THE REAL McCOYS, a middle grade series centering on the McCoy siblings. Moxie McCoy believes everything she thinks so profoundly that it doesn’t really matter what anyone else thinks. That, along with her fandom and appreciation for Annabelle Adams, Girl Detective, makes her an interesting piece in a puzzling mystery Moxie is determined to solve. Matthew and Robbi discuss how working

Oct 16, 2018 • 54:30

Raúl Colón

Raúl Colón

Raúl Colón is the author illustrator of IMAGINE!, a wordless picture book about a boy who finds himself called, perhaps beckoned even, to the art he finds in the Museum of Modern Art. He is drawn into the art and then he draws the art out into his world. It’s a book with a certain kind of magic, and I think you’ll find that the magic lies in Raúl’s own story of finding his way to art and to the great works. Raúl talks about worrying at points in his life that the sense of wonder toward the world

Oct 12, 2018 • 48:04

Mark Oshiro

Mark Oshiro

Mark Oshiro (@MarkDoesStuff) is the author of ANGER IS A GIFT, a young adult novel a boy named Moss, the tragic loss of a friend and more than that, and a school responding to student protest and security in a way all too real for many of our pre-adult students throughout the country. The novel also contains the line, "I will counter your doubts every single time", which is probably one of the most beautiful string of words a parent can say to a child ever. Mark narrates the audiobook for ANGER

Oct 9, 2018 • 51:33

Yuyi Morales

Yuyi Morales

Yuyi Morales (@yuyimorales) is the author illustrator of DREAMERS, a story recounting Yuyi’s immigration to the United States with her son. It is a book that will awaken your senses. It is a book that calls you to pay attention because everything you see, the words, the collage, the materials, everything is telling a story. Everything counts. Yuyi shares her story and talks of being just one of many voices. She tells us of her path, and that her path was to tell stories. And she talks of bringin

Oct 2, 2018 • 51:29

Airlie Anderson

Airlie Anderson

Airlie Anderson (@airliebird) is the author illustrator of NEITHER, a new picture book about a creature who is not this or that, but neither. It's a story of finding a place to belong, a place to feel welcome. It's also a story about making room for others who may be different from you. But one of the book's most powerful qualities is the space left for the reader to make his or her own connections, to see his or her own this, that, and neither. And for adults to do the same. You can access even

Sep 25, 2018 • 44:25

Calista Brill and Kenard Pak

Calista Brill and Kenard Pak

Calista Brill (@CalistaBrill) and Kenard Pak (@kenardpak) are the author and illustrator, respectively, of CAT WISHES, a new picture book about a cat who catches a snake but spares its life when the snake says it will grant the cat three wishes. In our conversation we discuss clinging to skepticism and characters who imagine themselves as cynical when really they're revealed to be quite caring. When reading CAT WISHES be sure to pay close attention to the syncopation of art and words. It's beaut

Sep 19, 2018 • 55:21

Francesca Sanna

Francesca Sanna

Francesca Sanna (@Frenci_San) is the author and illustrator of ME AND MY FEAR, a new picture book about how fear manifests in us, takes root, and, if we’re not careful, can form us in its likeness. I'm first became aware of Francesca's work from THE JOURNEY, her debut picture book universalizing the refugee experience and inviting readers to look, to ask questions, to feel, to understand that there are people in this world (and perhaps even in their lives) who have lived similar experiences. How

Sep 11, 2018 • 50:44

Traci Sorell

Traci Sorell

Traci Sorell (@tracisorell) is the author of WE ARE GRATEFUL: OTSALIHELIGA, a new picture book featuring Cherokee men and women, children and grandparents, family and friends throughout the year, in all seasons, grateful. It’s a book that speaks loudly by asking readers to listen closely. Traci shares in our conversation the universal value of gratitude, emphasizing that life is not just about being grateful for the good things that happen to you. I think it's a message we all need to hear and I

Sep 7, 2018 • 48:16

Suzanne Kaufman and Martha Rago

Suzanne Kaufman and Martha Rago

Suzanne Kaufman (@lilmonkeydraws) and Martha Rago (@martharago) are the illustrator and art director, respectively, of ALL ARE WELCOME, a new picture book welcoming to school students of all races, ethnicities, beliefs, and backgrounds. The book was inspired by a piece of art made by Suzanne for her daughter's school and, once shared over social media, went viral throughout the kidlit community. It's a book spoken through the rhythm of kids' lives and it's the book I'll be reading to each of my

Sep 4, 2018 • 48:46

Alexandra Penfold and Erin Clarke

Alexandra Penfold and Erin Clarke

Alexandra Penfold (@AgentPenfold) and Erin Clarke (@erinmclarke) are the author and editor, respectively, of ALL ARE WELCOME, a new picture book welcoming to school students of all races, ethnicities, beliefs, and backgrounds. The book was inspired by a piece of art made by Suzanne Kaufman for her daughter's school and, once shared over social media, went viral throughout the kidlit community. It's a book spoken through the rhythm of kids' lives and it's the book I'll be reading to each of my K-

Aug 29, 2018 • 46:45

Christian Trimmer and Jessie Sima

Christian Trimmer and Jessie Sima

Christian Trimmer (@MisterTrimmer) and Jessie Sima (@JessieSima) are the author and illustrator, respectively, of SNOW PONY AND THE SEVEN MINIATURE PONIES, a new picture book inspired by the Snow White story, but with twists and humor and scrapbooking and magnificent hair braids. We also talk about Jessie's HARRIET GETS CARRIED AWAY and Christian's TEDDY'S FAVORITE TOY, two additional picture book releases that push back on gendering and celebrate books for all readers. These are narratives that

Aug 21, 2018 • 1:03:39

Camille Andros and Julie Morstad

Camille Andros and Julie Morstad

Camille Andros (@camdros) and Julie Morstad are the author and illustrator, respectively, of THE DRESS AND THE GIRL, a new picture book about a girl, a hand sewn dress, and a very long journey. It's also a book about memory and, specifically, the memories we associate with specific items in our life, be they unique or commonplace, unusual or beloved. Or, perhaps, a little bit of each. It's also a book that was inspired by some very significant memories, which you'll hear from our guests. You can

Aug 17, 2018 • 47:07

Saadia Faruqi and Hatem Ally

Saadia Faruqi and Hatem Ally

Saadia Faruqi (@SaadiaFaruqi) and Hatem Aly (@metahatem) are the author and illustrator, respectively, of MEET YASMIN, a new series of chapter books featuring spirited second-grader Yasmin Ahmad and her multigenerational family. Yasmin's curiosity about the world and the discoveries she makes regularly through observation of life and the world around her are great for young readers with eyes wide to the world. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by vis

Aug 14, 2018 • 45:38

Mrs. P's 10th Annual Be a Famous Writer Contest

Mrs. P's 10th Annual Be a Famous Writer Contest

Mrs. P (@MrsPstorytime) returns to share details around the 10th annual Be a Famous Writer Contest. The new school year is about to begin. It’s time for possibility and wonder and excitement and discovery. It’s time for students to find identity as scientists and coders and makers… and writers. Mrs. P has loved and inspired young authors for many, many years and the submissions she receives for the annual Be a Famous Writer Contest showcase some incredible works of creativity by students and cla

Aug 7, 2018 • 28:21

Gayle Forman

Gayle Forman

Gayle Forman (@gayleforman) is the author of I HAVE LOST MY WAY and the New York Times bestselling IF I STAY. In her newest YA novel Gayle explores the idea that the most important story is the backstory, that all of us come from a place and that one thing informs the next to take us to where we are today. But none of that has to define who we are. It’s a story of losing your way and trying to find it again. It’s a story of coming to realize that we all walk around really, really scared. You can

Jul 31, 2018 • 45:46

Debbi Michiko Florence

Debbi Michiko Florence

Debbi Michiko Florence (@DebbiMichiko) is the author of JASMINE TOGUCHI series, which recently saw the publication of it's fourth book, JASMINE TOGUCHI, FLAMINGO KEEPER. Jasmine's imagination, stick-to-itiveness, and occasional stubborn insistence makes her a compelling and endearing character, and one who's hard to forget. Debbi shares how she previously considered herself a middle grade writer and that she tried for a time not to write this chapter book series. It's a good thing for all of us

Jul 24, 2018 • 43:04

Francesca Cavallo and Julianna Wilson

Francesca Cavallo and Julianna Wilson

Francesca Cavallo (@francescavallo), co-author of GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS (@rebelgirlsbook) with Elena Favilli, made history when REBEL GIRLS became the most successful crowdfunding book campaign in history. The REBEL GIRLS books have recently gotten treatment as audiobooks at the hands of audio producer Julie Wilson (@JuliannaNWilson) and Julie assembled a striking cast to add to the orchestra of women's voices present throughout the book series. You can access even more information

Jul 17, 2018 • 44:23

Dr. Debbie Reese

Dr. Debbie Reese

Dr. Debbie Reese (@debreese) is the author of the popular blog, American Indians in Children’s Literature. A Nambe Pueblo Indian woman, Debbie is a founding member of the Native American House and American Indian Studies program at the University of Illinois. Debbie joins me to talk about ALSC’s recent decision to change the name of their lifetime achievement award from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award to the Children's Literature Legacy Award. The change has not come without criticism by certain

Jul 14, 2018 • 41:14

Selina Alko and Sean Qualls

Selina Alko and Sean Qualls

Selina Alko (@SelinaAlko) and Sean Qualls (@sean_qualls) are the illustrators of CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR?: POEMS OF RACE, MISTAKES, AND FRIENDSHIP, an powerful and unmistakable work of poetry for children and readers of all ages. This is part two of a two part interview focused on the book. The previous episode featured CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/p

Jul 10, 2018 • 1:03:21

Irene Latham and Charles Waters

Irene Latham and Charles Waters

Irene Latham (@Irene_Latham) and Charles Waters (@waterscharles) are the authors of CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR?: POEMS OF RACE, MISTAKES, AND FRIENDSHIP, an powerful and unmistakable work of poetry for children and readers of all ages. This is part one of a two part interview focused on the book. The following episode features CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? illustrators Selina Alko and Sean Qualls. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.

Jul 3, 2018 • 44:44

5 Years of The Children's Book Podcast

5 Years of The Children's Book Podcast

5 years. 450 episodes. What started as "What it...?" has grown in time to be an unmistakable presence in the children's literature community. How we got there, in large part, is because of listeners like you! And where we're going on the road ahead is just as exciting as where we've been. Thanks for being on this journey together with us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 30, 2018 • 11:29

Live from the Gaithersburg Book Festival

Live from the Gaithersburg Book Festival

The Gaithersburg Book Festival happens each May in beautiful, downtown Gaithersburg, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. This year I was invited to interview bestselling YA author Gayle Forman during one of the festival sessions and I'll be sharing that conversation with you in an upcoming episode, but I also recorded a handful of quick pop-up conversations with authors and illustrators as we crossed paths throughout the day. Please enjoy these brief opportunities to catch up with today's

Jun 29, 2018 • 23:03

Danielle Anderson-Craig

Danielle Anderson-Craig

Danielle Anderson-Craig (@Dandersoncraig) is the author of THE MAGIC OF WE, a beautiful debut picture book about what it means and how it feels to savor togetherness with someone special. It celebrates the instant connection we experience when we encounter a soul partner at any age or stage of life, and the story that inspired the book is something very special in and of itself. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/pod

Jun 26, 2018 • 39:39

Sheetal Sheth

Sheetal Sheth

Sheetal Sheth (@sheetalsheth) is the author of ALWAYS ANJALI, an affirming picture book about deciding for ourselves how we want the world to see us. Sheetals shares that she lavishes in books about the mundane, those stories that could take place on any day and in any place, but that show us something about ourselves. Sheetal has a storied background and it's fascinating to see all of those parts of her experiences and passions and memories come together into this beautiful story. You can acces

Jun 21, 2018 • 50:41

Mitali Perkins

Mitali Perkins

Mitali Perkins (@MitaliPerkins) is the author most recently of YOU BRING THE DISTANT NEAR, but the paperback release and audiobook release of TIGER BOY, Mitali's 2015 novel, is what first drew me closer to her writing. This story of a boy living in Kolkata, attending school, and becoming involved in the rescue of a tiger pup was as beautiful as it was awakening to me, as life in the Sunderbans is unlike anything you or more readers have experienced before. Mitali's focus on social justice is eve

Jun 15, 2018 • 39:43

Arree Chung (2018)

Arree Chung (2018)

Arree Chung's newest picture book is called MIXED and it's due out at the beginning of July. It's a story of simple color theory, but it's also a story of what makes us the same and what makes us different. It's a story of mixing colors together, but it's also a story about new life and making the world more colorful. Arree (@arreechung) says that to make this story as relatable as possible, he had to make it as abstract as possible. I think the end result is nothing short of exceptional. You ca

Jun 12, 2018 • 49:35

Let's Build This Thing. Together. (aka Have Podcast, Will Patreon)

Let's Build This Thing. Together. (aka Have Podcast, Will Patreon)

We can do more good together. Today I'm asking for your help. Consider becoming a patron of The Children's Book Podcast by visiting www.patreon.com/matthewcwinner. Your support will help fund more interviews here and on location. It will help raise greater awareness for diverse books and the people that make them. And it will help expand the listenership to new, like-minded folks who care deeply about raising and supporting readers. So what do you say? Want to join me? Let's make this happen. To

Jun 8, 2018 • 6:30

Rob Sanders

Rob Sanders

Rob Sanders (@RobSandersWrite) recently published his first nonfiction picture book, entitled PRIDE: THE STORY OF HARVEY MILK AND THE RAINBOW FLAG. Rob shares that this book is "just like any other book about equality", and he's not wrong, but I think the strongest quality of this book, thanks both to Rob's words and Steven Salerno's art, is that PRIDE saves space for the reader to ask questions, to study the book and the people depicted in it to see the familiar faces in all of our lives, and f

Jun 6, 2018 • 54:57

Eric Bell

Eric Bell

Eric Bell (@IAmEricBell) made his middle grade debut with ALAN COLE IS NOT A COWARD, a funny and poignant story about the trials of middle school when you’re coming of age—and coming out. Eric and I talk about writing boys that are the emotional core of the story and how their relationships to one another are, in so many ways, exactly what every child is seeking as they grow up. I know I did. The relationships in Alan's life to his parents, his brother, and even to his crush are complex and frag

May 29, 2018 • 51:28

Dave Eggers

Dave Eggers

Dave Eggers recently published a middle grade novel called THE LIFTERS, which centers around a boy named Gran who's looking for a chance to be a hero and a small town named Carousel with a big mystery. A young woman catches Gran's eye, if for no other reason than her strong sense of purpose, and following her leads Gran into a world beyond anything he's ever seen. It's the kind of story with a magic that will make you hope and wish you yourself could just open a door in the hillside. You can acc

May 22, 2018 • 48:51

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn are celebrating their picture book debut with MOMMY'S KHIMAR, a story about young Black American Muslim girl who loves to play with her mother's khimars. Jamilah uses her debut to emphasize the importance that children find joy and happiness in their identity. I love Jamiliah's reminder that there are a lot of muslim girls who are just happy, so why not make space in picture books to show those girls. Ebony's art celebrates that and more, capturing "blac

May 15, 2018 • 46:30

Jessica Love

Jessica Love

Jessica Love makes her picture book debut as both author and illustrator in JULIAN IS A MERMAID, a story about a young boy who imagines himself turning into a mermaid after encountering three women dressed as mermaids on the subway. The story is spacious, and here is what I mean by that. There is room in this story for readers to make their own connections, to build their own understandings. As Jessica so beautifully puts it in our interview, it's as if the artist is throwing a ball into the unk

May 8, 2018 • 51:02

REMOVED: Junot Diaz

REMOVED: Junot Diaz

Hey there, podcast listeners. Today, May 5th, some news was brought to my attention that relates to a recent episode of The Children’s Book Podcast. Author Junot Diaz faces sexual conduct allegations and an overwhelming number of women shared their own testimonies through the #metoo hashtag over the past 24 hours. Junot Diaz was featured on a recent episode of the podcast along with illustrator Leo Espinosa for ISLANDBORN, a picture book the did together. I have since removed that episode from t

May 6, 2018 • 4:10

Highlights Foundation

Highlights Foundation

Alison Green Myers and George Brown are the Program Director and Executive Director, respectively, of the Highlights Foundation, a retreat center in the beautiful Pocono Mountains in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Each year, the Highlights Foundation offers more than 40 workshops covering a wide range of topics and offering encouragement for both beginning and published authors and illustrators. Workshops are led by children's publishing professionals, including editors, authors, art directors, publis

May 1, 2018 • 48:28

Veera Hiranandani

Veera Hiranandani

Veera Hiranandani is the author of THE NIGHT DIARY, a middle grade novel that takes place during the Partition of India in 1947. The story centers around Nisha, a 12-year-old girl who journals daily to her late mother. Nisha uses this channel to process the events going on around her, and to find her place among a country newly divided. Nisha is half-Muslim, half-Hindu, an as her family is forced to flee to the recently established Pakistan she encounters a world turned upside-down as she, her t

Apr 28, 2018 • 48:13

Jewell Parker Rhodes

Jewell Parker Rhodes

Jewell Parker Rhodes is the best-selling author of NINTH WARD and TOWERS FALLING. In GHOST BOYS, her newest middle grade novel, Jewell shares a beautiful and devastating story about a young black boy killed by a police officer. About writing the story, Jewell says "I wasn't sure I was going to make it through." Jewell writes with great strength, conviction, and love, leaving an undeniable story through which readers of all ages, colors, and backgrounds can connect. You can access even more infor

Apr 17, 2018 • 47:45

Juana Martinez-Neal

Juana Martinez-Neal

Juana Martinez-Neal makes her picture book debut as both author and illustrator in ALMA AND HOW SHE GOT HER NAME, a story that carries with it a simple and sincere message: everybody has a name, and every name has a story behind it. Juana talks about not have the distance from her own story to maintain a more autobiographical focus, and yet in turning her gaze to the fictional Alma she opens up the story to be that much more universal. You can access even more information about this book and its

Apr 10, 2018 • 42:22

Megan McDonald

Megan McDonald

Megan McDonald is the best-selling author of the JUDY MOODY series which see's the release of it's 14th book this month in JUDY MOODY AND THE RIGHT ROYAL TEA PARTY. Megan talks about how she came to know Judy and how, through exploring stories from her own childhood as the youngest of five daughters, Judy came to be in the format we know her from today. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice

Apr 3, 2018 • 44:00

Samantha Berger and Mike Curato

Samantha Berger and Mike Curato

Samantha Berger is the best-selling picture book author of CRANKENSTEIN, SNOOZEFEST, and MARTHA DOESN'T SAY SORRY. Mike Curato is the author illustrator of the LITTLE ELLIOT series, and the illustrator of WORM LOVES WORM by JJ Austrian and ALL THE WAY TO HAVANA by Margarita Engle. They first picture book together is called WHAT IF... and it publishes on April 10, 2018. Sam and Mike are no strangers to this podcast, and I learn something new each time I talk to them. Today our conversation illumi

Mar 30, 2018 • 44:15

Ben Clanton (2018)

Ben Clanton (2018)

Ben Clanton is the author illustrator of PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY, the newest book in his NARWHAL AND JELLY graphic novel series. In this newest installment Narwhal breaks his meal routine of all waffles all the time in order to try a new treat at Jelly's suggestion with hilarious results. This series is hilarious and one of the things I love most about these books has been the opportunity to read them aloud with my 7-year-old son. They never fail to crack us up. There's a scene in this new book

Mar 27, 2018 • 45:43

Vesper Stamper

Vesper Stamper

Vesper Stamper is the author illustrator of WHAT THE NIGHT SINGS, a lushly illustrated novel about a teen Holocaust survivor, who must come to terms with who she is and how to rebuild her life. The question driving Vesper's writing was this: How do people subjected to unfathomable tragedy not just survive, but go on to thrive? The human spirit is a curious and, at times, unbreakable thing. Stories of strength and survival are always garnering our attention, but amid all of that I found this stor

Mar 20, 2018 • 48:07

Maria Dismondy

Maria Dismondy

Maria Dismondy is the author of THE FRUIT SALAD FRIEND and founder of Cardinal Rule Press, an independent publishing company. Maria's newest picture book addresses the notion that people are not always kind, but surrounding yourself with friends who are kind and trustworthy can go a long way. It's a story I'd guess Maria has lived a number of times throughout her life. I admire Maria for the work she's done to bring such positive and empowering stories to our young readers, and to do so over yea

Mar 13, 2018 • 1:00:34

Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara

Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara

Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara are the author and illustrator of THE FIELD, a picture book about pick-up game of soccer in a village in St. Lucia that could be any pick-up game in any town with any kids. It's Baptiste's debut as a picture book author and Jackie's debut as a picture book illustrator. What stories and storied backgrounds each bring to THE FIELD will enrich your experience with this beautiful book even more so, and so it's my pleasure to bring this conversation to you. You

Mar 6, 2018 • 42:18

Jane Yolen (2018)

Jane Yolen (2018)

Jane Yolen is the beloved and prolific author of over 365 books for children and teens, including this year's releases of A BEAR SAT ON MY PORCH TODAY, MAPPING THE BONES, and MEET ME AT THE WELL. To celebrate such a milestone publication year, Jane and daughter Heidi have kicked off #Yolen365, a daily celebration and book pairing of each title in Jane's catalog to a calendar holiday, festivity, or fun fact. Our conversation includes stories that span of Jane's experiences in publishing that span

Feb 27, 2018 • 1:18:18

Kate Hoefler and Noah Klocek

Kate Hoefler and Noah Klocek

Kate Hoefler and Noah Klocek are the author and illustrator of Great Big Things, a picture book about a mouse who journeys beyond great obstacles and ever greater distance to deliver something to the one love. Kate talks about how picture books are all about the space between and how it's up to the reader to fill in the gaps. They both share how every book, in some way, is about perspective. This is a quiet picture book with a whole lot to say. You can access more information about this book and

Feb 20, 2018 • 45:53

Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James

Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James

Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James are the award-winning author and illustrator of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, recently the recipient of the Newbery Honor, the Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King Author Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. And no wonder! The heart and voice both Derrick and Gordon poured into every page of this story gives it presence.  In our conversation Derrick talks about writing a story of self-affirmation for black boys to see themselves and feel go

Feb 14, 2018 • 39:53

Lee Wind

Lee Wind

Lee Wind is the author of Queer as a Five Dollar Bill, a novel for teens about a boy named Wyatt, some little known research about our 16th president, and a social media post that goes viral. In this conversation Lee talks about his Kickstarter campaign for the book, a decision he made after the publisher that previously acquired his manuscript dropped the book just a few months prior to production. You're going to love hearing Lee tell that story. It was a total surprise to me. Lee also talks o

Feb 12, 2018 • 53:40

Kobi Yamada

Kobi Yamada

Kobi Yamada is the author of What Do You Do with a Chance?, the final picture book in a best-selling series including What Do You Do with an Idea? and What Do You Do with a Problem?. In this conversation Kobi talks about the varied languages of creativity and how we're all finding our way through life. One of the most important concepts Kobi emphasizes in this conversation, to me, is that a book is incomplete without the reader. The implicit responsibility a reader has to trust the story and to

Feb 6, 2018 • 43:38

Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal

Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal

Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Seghal are the authors of Festival of Colors, a new picture book celebrating Holi, the traditional Hindu spring festival. In this conversation Kabir and Sue talk about the celebration as a representation of true Indian culture. The share the harmony and respect for others that's at the heart of Holi and Kabir and Sue lift up the colors as the star character of the story. You can access more information about this book and its authors by going to www.matthewcwinner.com/

Jan 30, 2018 • 38:29

All The Wonders says 'Farewell'

All The Wonders says 'Farewell'

Dear readers, listeners, and friends, For over two years, our team has celebrated great children’s books and their creators by building what we hope has been a trusted resource for parents, teachers, and librarians. The website has been a labor of love, but in light of shifting demands on our time and energy, we've made the difficult decision to end the project. Therefore, on February 1, 2018, All The Wonders will publish its final post.  Please note, this does not affect our podcasts: All The W

Jan 26, 2018 • 6:42

Susan Hood

Susan Hood

Susan Hood (@sHood125), author of Shaking Thing Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World, stops by the podcast to talk about standing up, speaking out, and opening up the conversation to other women by commemorating in poetry the lives and accomplishments of a selection of historically impactful girls and young women. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 23, 2018 • 35:54

5-Minute Survey

5-Minute Survey

Hey there, podcast listeners! Can you spare 5 minutes? I’ve made a survey in an effort to better know who listens to the show, how you’re reacting to the episodes, and what you’d like to see more of. In just 5 questions and 5 minutes or less you can help me in a big, big way. And to to thank you, I’m going to give away a set of some recent favorite books including picture books, middle grade, and graphic novels. In fact, the greater number of people who take the survey, the more books I’ll give

Jan 21, 2018 • 3:20

Dashka Slater and The Fan Brothers

Dashka Slater and The Fan Brothers

Dashka Slater (@DashkaSlater) and The Fan Brothers (@opifan64 and @igo2cairo), author and illustrators respectively of The Antlered Ship, stop by the podcast to talk about the spirit of asking questions, a thread of melancholy, and how sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 16, 2018 • 41:27

Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Vanessa Brantley-Newton, author and illustrator of Grandma's Purse, stops by the podcast to talk about connecting with her readers, kids giving their parents a do-over, and the universal quest to give others what you never got. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 9, 2018 • 43:17

David Barclay Moore

David Barclay Moore

David Barclay Moore (@dbarclaymoore), author of The Stars Beneath Our Feet, stops by the podcast to talk about art's healing ability, Harlem as a symbol for blackness, and being different as an act of resilience. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 3, 2018 • 41:51

Bryan Collier

Bryan Collier

Bryan Collier, author and illustrator of It's Shoe Time (Elephant and Piggie Like Reading series) and illustrator of Hey Black Child, stops by the podcast to talk about being different, beautifully perfect flaws, and creating the world you want to be in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 29, 2017 • 35:59

Ben Hatke (2017)

Ben Hatke (2017)

Ben Hatke (@BenHatke), cartoonist of Mighty Jack and the Goblin King, stops by the podcast to talk about his modern retelling of a classic fairy tale, an overgrown, scrappy garden, and a tale that grew in the telling. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 27, 2017 • 34:55

Susanna Reich

Susanna Reich

Susanna Reich (@ReichWriter), author of Stand Up and Sing! and Fab Four Friends, stops by the podcast to talk about really enjoying the hunt of research, singing for a purpose, and the experience of how people become who they are. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 23, 2017 • 41:20

Drew Daywalt (2017)

Drew Daywalt (2017)

Drew Daywalt (@DrewDaywalt), author of The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors and BB-8 On The Run, stops by the podcast to talk about writing things that all kids have access to, kids loving to be the villain, and trying to lose with all your might. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 20, 2017 • 53:17

Penny Thomas

Penny Thomas

Penny M. Thomas, author of Nimoshom and His Bus, stops by the podcast to talk about Cree becoming a lost language, the respect shown toward elders among First Nation people, and her grandfather, a very resilient man who was always her favorite person. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 15, 2017 • 37:58

Katherine Roy (2017)

Katherine Roy (2017)

Katherine Roy (@KRoyStudio), author and illustrator of How To Be an Elephant, stops by the podcast to talk about learning by copying, finding the balance and letting the watercolor do the talking. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 12, 2017 • 1:07:44

Matt Tavares

Matt Tavares

Matt Tavares (@tavaresbooks), author and illustrator of Red and Lulu, stops by the podcast to talk about dealing with change, words (where they feel necessary), and filling the bird feeder. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 8, 2017 • 35:57

Vashti Harrison

Vashti Harrison

Vashti Harrison (@VashtiHarrison), author and illustrator of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, stops by the podcast to talk about finding the truth in her subjects' stories, seeking a language for serenity and happiness, and how being true means something. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 5, 2017 • 1:00:12

Shawn Harris

Shawn Harris

Shawn Harris, illustrator of Her Right Foot, stops by the podcast to talk about the importance of balancing text and art, helping to create a casual text book, and reminding us what She means now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 1, 2017 • 52:24

Melissa Stewart

Melissa Stewart

Melissa Stewart (@mstewartscience), author of Can an Aardvark Bark?, stops by the podcast to talk about good solid science, layered text, and the pacing of nonfiction picture books. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 28, 2017 • 46:36

Jannie Ho

Jannie Ho

Jannie Ho (@JannieHo), author and illustrator of Bear and Chicken, stops by the podcast to talk about having the sensibility of a kid, getting over fears, and loving colors. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 24, 2017 • 39:52

Bao Phi

Bao Phi

Bao Phi, author of A Different Pond, stops by the podcast to talk about expressing gratitude, a generation working hard invisibly, and being thankful for having distance from childhood attitudes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 20, 2017 • 39:15

Ronald L. Smith, Renee Watson, and Carole Boston Weatherford

Ronald L. Smith, Renee Watson, and Carole Boston Weatherford

Live onstage at the Baltimore Book Festival with Ronald L. Smith (@RonSmithbooks), Renee Watson (@reneewauthor), and Carole Boston Weatherford. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 17, 2017 • 41:24

Toni Yuly

Toni Yuly

Toni Yuly (@toniyuly), author and illustrator of Thank You Bees, stops by the podcast to talk about her simple and spontaneous message of gratitude. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 14, 2017 • 37:00

Jared Reck

Jared Reck

Jared Reck (@reckj), debut author of A Short History of the Girl Next Door, stops by the podcast to talk about writing in front of students, books that can make you a sniveling mess, and the sting of unrequited love. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 10, 2017 • 43:25

Julie Segal Walters and Brian Biggs

Julie Segal Walters and Brian Biggs

Julie Segal Walters (@J_S_Dub) and Brian Biggs (@mrbiggsdotcom), author and illustrator of This is Not a Normal Animal Book, stop by the podcast to talk about creating a metafiction book over animal classifications, incorporating the voices of a parent and a precocious child, and asking "what the heck is going on here?" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 7, 2017 • 56:11

Tillie Walden

Tillie Walden

Tillie Walden (@TillieWalden), cartoonist of Spinning, stops by the podcast to talk about creating love and empathy with other people, the strong feeling of not wanting to be in fear of your own story, and the difficulty of defining coming out in any universal way. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 3, 2017 • 46:42

Melissa Iwai

Melissa Iwai

Melissa Iwai (@meliwai), author and illustrator of Pizza Day, stops by the podcast to talk about a past life full of syllable structure, learning from Marla Frazee, and having a different world to explore. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 31, 2017 • 42:03

Sharee Miller

Sharee Miller

Sharee Miller (@coilyandcute), author and illustrator of Princess Hair, stops by the podcast to talk about creating a self-affirming book, incorporating the twelve styles of natural hair, and promoting a positive representation of self image. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 27, 2017 • 36:02

Duncan Tonatiuh

Duncan Tonatiuh

Duncan Tonatiuh (@duncantonatiuh), author illustrator of Danza!: Amalia Hernandez and Mexico's Folkloric Ballet, stops by the podcast to talk about folkloric dances, an expression of nationalism, and important things shown in a way that feels new and interesting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 24, 2017 • 37:35

Julie Kim

Julie Kim

Julie Kim, author illustrator of Where's Halmoni?, stops by the podcast to talk about being a bridge to bank of experience, the revealing nature of folk tales, and the experience of the 2nd generation immigrant. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 20, 2017 • 42:34

Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Debbie Ridpath Ohi (@inkyelbows), author illustrator most recently of Sam & Eva, stops by the podcast to talk about figuring out how to collaborate, proving your own lightning rod, and being able to interact with people of the same interests. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 17, 2017 • 51:04

Monica Brown and John Parra

Monica Brown and John Parra

Monica Brown (@monicabrownbks) and John Parra (@johnparraart), author and illustrator of Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, stop by the podcast to talk about a mother's muse, paralleling an artist's life with her pets, and the extraordinary life of the great artist before she was famous. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 13, 2017 • 39:43

Nidhi Chanani

Nidhi Chanani

Nidhi Chanani (@nidhiart), debut cartoonist of Pashmina, stops by the podcast to talk about working within an economy of words, the burden of the art, and never wanting to use an asterisk. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 10, 2017 • 46:24

Dan Santat (2017)

Dan Santat (2017)

Dan Santat (@dsantat), author illustrator most recently of After The Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again), stops by the podcast to talk about overcoming obstacles, an obsession with negative space, and a story synonymous with falling. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 6, 2017 • 55:16

Todd Parr

Todd Parr

Todd Parr (@toddparr), author illustrator of Love The World, stops by the podcast to talk about confidence, denial, and never forgetting what it means to need someone. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 4, 2017 • 35:48

Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner (@LaurieBerkner), children's singer songwriter and author of Pillowland, stops by the podcast to talk about giving as much freedom as possible to concert attendees, exponential expansion, and one of the most wonderful things about preschool. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 28, 2017 • 49:38

Monique Gray Smith

Monique Gray Smith

Monique Gray Smith (@ltldrum), author of Speaking Our Truth and You Hold Me Up, stops by the podcast to talk about moral courage, living with what you learn, and the gift of the wind. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 27, 2017 • 49:48

Michael Mahin and Evan Turk

Michael Mahin and Evan Turk

Michael Mahin (@MahinWriter) and Evan Turk (@evanturkart), author and illustrator respectively of Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters, stop by the podcast to talk about stumbling through life, hearing the blues in the place it was born, and the structure and motifs overlayed by improvisation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 22, 2017 • 45:09

Susan Middleton Elya and Juana Martinez-Neal

Susan Middleton Elya and Juana Martinez-Neal

Susan Middleton Elya (@susanpolkadot) and Juana Martinez-Neal (@juanamartinez), author and illustrator respectively of La Princesa and the Pea, stop by the podcast to talk about wanting the character in their story to be everybody/anybody. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 19, 2017 • 38:48

Victoria Jamieson

Victoria Jamieson

Victoria Jamieson (@JamiesonV), cartoonist of All's Faire in Middle School, stops by the podcast to talk about childhood nuances, bringing things to a low point, and just wanting to fit in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 15, 2017 • 49:06

John Rocco

John Rocco

John Rocco (@johnroccoart), illustrator of Big Machines: The Story of Virginia Lee Burton, stops by the podcast to talk about the responsibility to create a promise, projecting yourself onto the cover, and how a good book for you is good for a reason. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 12, 2017 • 49:02

Ruth Spiro and Irene Chan

Ruth Spiro and Irene Chan

Ruth Spiro (@RuthSpiro) and Irene Chan, author and illustrator respectively of the Baby Loves... board book series, stop by the podcast to talk about science topics relating to baby's world, inspiration at Jane Yolen's picture book boot camp, and making science accessible for small children. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 9, 2017 • 43:07

Rebecca Green

Rebecca Green

Rebecca Green, debut author illustrator of How To Make Friends with a Ghost, stops by the podcast to talk about world building, finding greys you really love, and tying the book together. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 5, 2017 • 40:50

Katey Howes

Katey Howes

Katey Howes (@Kateywrites), author of Grandmother Thorn, stops by the podcast to talk about letting go of things you fear, feeling lucky as a picture book author, and the balance between order and chaos. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 2, 2017 • 38:10

Roxie Munro

Roxie Munro

Roxie Munro, author illustrator most recently of Masterpiece Mix, stops by the podcast to talk about designing a book from the title alone, letting intuition take over, and never having a job in all her life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 29, 2017 • 37:15

Pam Smy

Pam Smy

Pam Smy (@pam_smy), author illustrator of Thornhill, stops by the podcast to talk about reading pictures and symbols, decoding the world through visuals, and the critical point of learning that life is not ideal. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 25, 2017 • 35:01

Mike Curato (2017)

Mike Curato (2017)

Mike Curato (@MikeCurato), author illustrator of Little Elliot Fall Friends and illustrator of All The Way to Havana, stops by the podcast to talk about asking yourself the big questions, the vehicle through which we explore Cuban culture, and those days when the big city is just a little too much. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 22, 2017 • 49:51

Sylvia and Arthur Call

Sylvia and Arthur Call

Arthur Call, author of Into the Deep, Deep Brave, and mother Sylvia Call stop by the podcast to talk about the profound thoughts of children, hyperlexia versus dyslexia, and a collection of poems Arthur composed at age 3. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 18, 2017 • 36:43

Greg Pizzoli (2017)

Greg Pizzoli (2017)

Greg Pizzoli (@gregpizzoli), author illustrator most recently of The Quest for Z: The True Story of Explorer Percy Fawcett and a Lost City in the Amazon, returns to the podcast to talk about a time and a place and a culture that wasn't kind to people around the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 15, 2017 • 44:08

Samantha Berger, Martha Brockenbrough, and Dave Pressler

Samantha Berger, Martha Brockenbrough, and Dave Pressler

Samantha Berger (@BergerBooks), Martha Brockenbrough (@mbrockenbrough), and Dave Pressler (@davepressler), authors and illustrator of Back To School With Bigfoot, stop by the podcast to talk about co-writing picture books, using an unapologetically rude narrator, and feeling like nothing fits. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 8, 2017 • 38:04

Hannah Barnaby

Hannah Barnaby

Hannah Barnaby (@HannahRBarnaby), author of Bad Guy and Garcia and Colette Go Exploring, stops by the podcast to talk about linking words with emotion, exploring being bad in a safe place, and the weight of responsibility. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 1, 2017 • 55:13

Mike Wu

Mike Wu

Mike Wu (@tinyteru), author and illustrator of Ellie in Concert, stops by the podcast to talk about championing the arts, trying to fit in, and experiencing the music. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 28, 2017 • 40:02

Emma Otheguy

Emma Otheguy

Emma Otheguy (@EmmaOtheguy), author of Marti's Song For Freedom/Marti y Sus Versos Por la Libertad, stops by the podcast to talk about political parallels, the message a book can carry, and encouraging kids to raise their own voices. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 25, 2017 • 42:22

Hena Khan

Hena Khan

Hena Khan (@henakhanbooks), author of Amina's Voice, stops by the podcast to talk about a sense of betrayal over names, helping a character feel comfortable in her own skin, and a deeper ideas of assimilation and acceptance. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 21, 2017 • 49:09

Tom Booth

Tom Booth

Tom Booth (@TallTomsTales), author illustrator of Don't Blink!, stops by the podcast to talk about character drawings staring out from his sketchbook, pressure and anticipation kicking in, and an elephant named Harvey. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 18, 2017 • 38:10

Jennifer Adams

Jennifer Adams

Jennifer Adams (@BabyLitJen), author of the My Little Cities board book series with Greg Pizzoli and the BabyLit board book series with Alison Oliver, stops by the podcast to talk about integral design, paring down to what's essential, and people's strong feelings toward class literature. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 14, 2017 • 39:10

Daniel Miyares

Daniel Miyares

Daniel Miyares (@danielmiyares), author illustrator most recently of That Neighbor Kid, stops by the podcast to talk about making childhood friends, how good stories come from good problems, and the great joy found in not knowing your story fully until it's in the hands of readers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 11, 2017 • 38:19

Hope Larson and Rebecca Mock

Hope Larson and Rebecca Mock

Hope Larson (@hopelarson) and Rebecca Mock (@rebeccamock), author and illustrator of the Four Points series, including Compass South and Knife's Edge, stop by the podcast to talk about intimate story moments, the benefits of too much detail, and the fun of making tiny drawings. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 7, 2017 • 38:57

Jessixa Bagley

Jessixa Bagley

Jessixa Bagley (@JessixaBagley), author illustrator of Laundry Day, Before I Leave, and Boats for Papa, stops by the podcast to talk about art as a mirror of her life, creating a world through illustration, and the city that took her best friend away. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 4, 2017 • 40:46

Andrea J. Loney

Andrea J. Loney

Andrea J. Loney (@AndreaJLoney), author of BunnyBear and Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!, stops by the podcast to talk about understanding and appreciating yourself, the extra layer of beauty, and how it's all about the dance. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 29, 2017 • 54:51

Jane Yolen

Jane Yolen

Jane Yolen (@JaneYolen), author of On Duck Pond and over 350 books for children, stops by the podcast to talk about the rhythm in the words, being engaged with the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 27, 2017 • 45:17

David A. Robertson

David A. Robertson

David A. Robertson (@DaveAlexRoberts), author of When We Were Alone, stops by the podcast to talk about the inquisitiveness of a grandchild, channelling the stories of others while writing, and making intergenerational connections. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 23, 2017 • 32:38

Laurel Snyder and Emily Hughes

Laurel Snyder and Emily Hughes

Laurel Snyder (@LaurelSnyder) and Emily Hughes (@plaidemily), author and illustrator of Charlie & Mouse, stop by the podcast to talk about focusing on the quiet, working from muscle memory, and how truth and facts are different. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 20, 2017 • 54:23

Teagan White

Teagan White

Teagan White (@teaganwhite), author illustrator of the Barefoot Critters series, stops by the podcast to talk about thinking of the text as an image, working in limitations, and adding practical elements to the story and illustrations. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 17, 2017 • 54:15

Isabel Minhós Martins and Bernardo P. Carvalho

Isabel Minhós Martins and Bernardo P. Carvalho

Isabel Minhós Martins and Bernardo P. Carvalho, author and illustrator of Don't Cross The Line!, stop by the podcast to talk about exploring the frontier of a book, asking if we should always obey, and inviting the reader to participate in the storytelling. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 12, 2017 • 40:37

Margarita Engle and Rafael Lopez

Margarita Engle and Rafael Lopez

Margarita Engle and Rafael Lopez, poet and illustrator of Bravo!: Poems About Amazing Hispanics, stop by the podcast to talk about capturing the spirit of a person through poem and portrait, creating a first person-voiced time travel experience for children, and seeking to show the emotional essence of the individual. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 6, 2017 • 44:06

Corinna Luyken

Corinna Luyken

Corinna Luyken (@CorinnaLuyken), debut picture book author illustrator of The Book of Mistakes, stops by the podcast to talk about loving the strangeness, paying attention, and laying bare some real mistakes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 30, 2017 • 39:00

Shana Corey and R. Gregory Christie

Shana Corey and R. Gregory Christie

Shana Corey (@shanacorey) and R. Gregory Christie, author and illustrator of A Time To Act: John F. Kennedy's Big Speech, stop by the podcast to talk about an obsession over primary documents, making the choice to listen to wisdom, and the difference between painting from the outside in or the inside out. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 23, 2017 • 34:49

Basak Agaoglu

Basak Agaoglu

Basak Agaoglu (@BasakAgaoglu), author illustrator of The Almost Impossible Thing, stops by the podcast to talk about collaborating with the reader, putting yourself out there, and thinking like a bronze medal winner. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 16, 2017 • 37:41

Chris Van Dusen

Chris Van Dusen

Chris Van Dusen, author illustrator most recently of Hattie & Hudson, stops by the podcast to talk about a lake in Maine, accidents happening their way to beauty, and seeing the struggle in the art. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 9, 2017 • 41:32

Katrina Goldsaito and Julia Kuo

Katrina Goldsaito and Julia Kuo

Katrina Goldsaito (@inlovethere) and Julia Kuo (@juliaskuo), author and illustrator of The Sound of Silence, stop by the podcast to talk about time stretching out, a complex, layered idea, and the color of vintage toys. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 5, 2017 • 44:24

Jason Bays

Jason Bays

Jason Bays (@MrJBays), author and cartoonist of The Adventures of Kung Fu Robot: How to Make a Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Kung Fu Sandwich, stops by the podcast to talk about intensifying the story, designing an organic app, and writing without a safety net. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 2, 2017 • 36:43

Jabari Asim

Jabari Asim

Jabari Asim (@jabariasim), author of Preaching to the Chickens, stops by the podcast to talk about envisioning a life in letters, the moment when you know what you are going to become, life's presences of a gentle, guiding hand. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 30, 2017 • 32:50

Jason Chin

Jason Chin

Jason Chin (@authorjasonchin), author and illustrator of Grand Canyon, stops by the podcast to talk about windows to the past, following the signs, and designing a book to be a reflect of the way you learn when you research. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 28, 2017 • 50:30

Tim Miller, Donna Bray, and Dana Fritts

Tim Miller, Donna Bray, and Dana Fritts

Tim Miller (@TM_Illustration), Donna Bray (@DJBray), and Dana Fritts stop by the podcast to talk about Moo Moo in a Tutu from idea to finished book. Moo Moo in a Tutu is Tim Miller's debut picture book as both author and illustrator. Donna Bray edited the book and is co-publisher at Balzer + Bray. Dana Fritts, associate art director at HarperCollins, was the art director on the book. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 25, 2017 • 45:37

Laura Shovan

Laura Shovan

Laura Shovan (@LauraShovan), author and poet of The Last 5th Grade of Emerson Elementary, stops by the podcast to talk about classrooms as small communities, tuning an ear to what's working well, and her mission to get poems taught in every school. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 21, 2017 • 42:10

Joseph Kuefler

Joseph Kuefler

Joseph Kuefler (@josephkuefler), author illustrator of Rulers of the Playground, stops by the podcast to talk about enjoying the wonder, playground politics, and a complete willingness to grow. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 18, 2017 • 44:02

Silvia Borando

Silvia Borando

Silvia Borando, graphic designer on the MiniBombo (@minibombo) team, stops by the podcast to talk about a book as an open experience, witnessing different interpretations of a single book, and storytelling through graphic communication. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 16, 2017 • 34:49

Nikki Grimes

Nikki Grimes

Nikki Grimes (@nikkigrimes9), author and poet of Garvey's Choice and One Last Word: Wisdom From the Harlem Renaissance, stops by the podcast to talk about putting story first, giving herself a challenge, and the universal experience of not being seen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 12, 2017 • 42:07

Ryan T. Higgins

Ryan T. Higgins

Ryan T. Higgins (@RyanT_Higgins), author illustrator most recently of Be Quiet!, stops by the podcast to talk about a grumpy bear,  some gosling offspring, and a mouse who just wants some peace and quiet in order to share his wordless picture book. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 6, 2017 • 46:10

Debbie Levy and Gilbert Ford

Debbie Levy and Gilbert Ford

Debbie Levy (@debbielevybooks) and Gilbert Ford (@gilbertford), respective author and illustrator of Soldier Song: A True Story of the Civil War, talk about bringing to life a story a different views, warring sides, and a song that brought the soldiers together. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 3, 2017 • 40:34

PJ Lynch

PJ Lynch

PJ Lynch (@PJLynchArt), illustrator most recently of Patrick and the President, stops by the podcast to talk about getting the work right, painting the town for an important visit, and the 50th anniversary since JFK's landmark trip to Wexford, Ireland. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 2, 2017 • 39:03

Elana K. Arnold and Charles Santoso

Elana K. Arnold and Charles Santoso

Elana K. Arnold (@ElanaKArnold) and Charles Santoso (@minitreehouse), author and illustrator, respectively, of A Boy Called Bat, stop by the podcast to talk about respecting the people whose lives you borrow from, feeling like autism is always in the foreground when talking about neurodiversity, and creating a book with a whole lot of heart. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 31, 2017 • 45:07

Laura Amy Schlitz

Laura Amy Schlitz

Laura Amy Schlitz, author of Newbery medal-winning Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!, shares Princess Cora and the Crocodile, her new early chapter book illustrated by Brian Floca. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 27, 2017 • 38:38

Christopher Browne

Christopher Browne

Christopher Browne (@loyaldogmarlo), author illustrator of Marlo, stops by the podcast to talk about his tribute to the imagination, creating worlds beyond the page, and how creating a webcomic helped to hold himself to deadlines. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 24, 2017 • 38:19

Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant

Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant

Anna Kang (@annakang27) and Christopher Weyant (@chrisweyant05), author and illustrator of I Am (Not) Scared, stop by the podcast to talk about creating safe places to talk to children about their emotions, letting thoughts and feelings out, and how not all fears are scary for the same people. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 21, 2017 • 37:01

Giuseppe Castelano

Giuseppe Castelano

Giuseppe Castellano (@pinocastellano), executive art director at Penguin Random House and founder of the Illustration Department (@illusdept), stops by the podcast to answer publishing and illustration questions submitted by our listeners. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 21, 2017 • 1:31:42

Peter H. Reynolds

Peter H. Reynolds

Peter H. Reynolds (@peterhreynolds), author illustrator of The Dot, Ish, and, most recently, of Happy Dreamer, stops by the podcast to talk about being a very distracted kid, the power we all possess to make things better, and the idea that technology isn't as cool as innovative thinking. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 17, 2017 • 43:08

Jon Chad

Jon Chad

Jon Chad (@jon_chad), cartoonist behind Volcanoes, the newest in First Second's Science Comics series, stops by the podcast to talk about his underlying love of science, looking for narrative beats, and the emotion you get from Darth Vader just from his slight tip of the helmet. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 15, 2017 • 47:06

David Jacobson and Toshikado Hajiri

David Jacobson and Toshikado Hajiri

David Jacobson and Toshikado Hajiri, author and illustrator of Are You An Echo?: The Lost Poetry of Misuzu Kaneko, stop by the podcast to talk about the life and works of Misuzu, her sense of vulnerability in her poems, and the universal nature of her words, written 100 years ago. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 10, 2017 • 44:20

David Wiesner and Donna Jo Napoli

David Wiesner and Donna Jo Napoli

David Wiesner and Donna Jo Napoli, illustrator and author of Fish Girl, stop by the podcast to talk about understanding things in your own way, trusting that the words will elicit the art, and an idea of a story about a house full of water. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 7, 2017 • 42:03

Alessandra Balzer

Alessandra Balzer

Alessandra Balzer (@ABBalzer), co-publisher of Balzer + Bray, stops by the podcast to talk about work as an editor, a publisher, and a person who passionately loves children's books. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 6, 2017 • 58:40

Liz, Audrey, and Matthew

Liz, Audrey, and Matthew

Audrey Vernick (@yourbuffalo), Liz Garton Scanlon (@LGartonScanlon), and Matthew Cordell (@cordellmatthew), authors and illustrator of Bob, Not Bob!, all stop by the podcast to talk about one disgusting cold. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 3, 2017 • 42:18

Carter Higgins

Carter Higgins

Carter Higgins (@CarterHiggins), author of A Rambler Steals Home, stops by the podcast to talk about growing up a resolute kid, repopulating ghost towns, and how, quite frankly, it's hard to write a novel. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 28, 2017 • 45:01

Michael Sampson and Brian Won

Michael Sampson and Brian Won

Michael Sampson (@michaelsampson) and Brian Won (@bwon1), co-author and illustrator respectively of Spunky Little Monkey, stop by the podcast to talk about reading the pictures, referencing jazz album covers, and a reflection of what it means to be a kid. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 24, 2017 • 29:01

Matthew Loux

Matthew Loux

Matthew Loux (@mattloux), cartoonist of The Time Museum, stops by the podcast to talk about being a little quiet, a little self-conscious, and aware of the potent and important qualities of friendship. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 21, 2017 • 43:32

Bethan Woollvin

Bethan Woollvin

Bethan Woollvin (@bethanwoollvin), author illustrator of Little Red, stops by the podcast to talk about taking issue with the classic Little Red Riding Hood, enjoying a challenge, and thinking first in terms of colors when approaching a story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 20, 2017 • 34:28

Matthew Cordell

Matthew Cordell

Matthew Cordell (@cordellmatthew), author illustrator of Wolf in the Snow, stops by the podcast to talk about words becoming unnecessary, preconceived notions, and the decision to save yourself or the wolf pup. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 17, 2017 • 38:20

Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld

Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld

Sherri Duskey Rinker (@SherriRinker) and Tom Lichtenheld (@tlichtenheld), the award winning team behind Steam Train, Dream Train and Good Night, Good Night Construction Site, stop by the podcast to share their newest collaboration, Mighty, Mighty Construction Site, in addition to talking about their complete and utter adoration for big machines. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 14, 2017 • 40:35

Jessie Sima

Jessie Sima

Jessie Sima (@JessieSima), debut author illustrator of Not Quite Narwhal, stops by the podcast to talk about her anthropology background, #kidlitart, and creating a character who is "stylistically adorable". --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 10, 2017 • 39:28

Elaine Magliaro

Elaine Magliaro

Elaine Magliaro, author of Things to Do, stops by the podcast to talk about the best way to teach kids how to write, the wonderful feeling of getting something out of your head and onto the page that looks like you, and the importance of going outside. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 7, 2017 • 39:27

Raina Telgemeier

Raina Telgemeier

Raina Telgemeier (@goraina), cartoonist most recently of Ghosts, stops by the podcast to talk about growing up in noisy houses, always ending a page on a punchline, and using speculation as a tool. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 3, 2017 • 41:00

Jackie Azúa Kramer and Maral Sassouni

Jackie Azúa Kramer and Maral Sassouni

Jackie Azúa Kramer (@JackieKramer422) and Maral Sassouni (@MaralSassouni), author and illustrator of The Green Umbrella, stop by the podcast to talk about their story about journeys, the walk we're each on, and a call for our "little ambassadors" to stay openminded, curious, and approach life and others with understanding. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 31, 2017 • 38:59

Patricia Hruby Powell and Shadra Strickland

Patricia Hruby Powell and Shadra Strickland

Patricia Hruby Powell (@PatriciaHPowell) and Shadra Strickland (@ShadrasArt), creators of Loving Vs. Virginia, stop by the podcast to talk about the landmark civil rights case, visual journalism, and the balance between the stiff and sacred, the relaxed and calm. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 27, 2017 • 41:55

Steven Malk

Steven Malk

Steven Malk (@stevenmalk), literary agent at Writers House, stops by the podcast to answer your questions and to talk communication, giving back to things that inspire you, and how to identify the mark of a good book. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 24, 2017 • 52:15

Marcie Colleen

Marcie Colleen

Marcie Colleen (@MarcieColleen1), author of the Super Happy Party Bears series, stops by the podcast to talk about being a huge fan of kids television, planting easter eggs for parent readers, and the general adage that it's easy to be kind. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 20, 2017 • 1:04:46

Claire Legrand

Claire Legrand

Claire Legrand (@clairelegrand), author most recently of Some Kind of Happiness, stops by the podcast to talk about her homage to the feeling of possibility experienced when you find something in nature that is that magical place for you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 17, 2017 • 49:15

Ed Young

Ed Young

Ed Young, author illustrator most recently of The Cat From Hunger Mountain, stops by the podcast to talk about being disciplined as an architect, walking the book, and celebrating that stories are for everybody. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 13, 2017 • 50:34

Erica Perl

Erica Perl

Erica Perl (@ericaperl), author of The Capybara Conspiracy, stops by the podcast to talk about inspiration from an episode of This American Life, naming the most ridiculous mascot, and avoiding a straight narrative by keeping things dramatic. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 10, 2017 • 36:32

Andrea Davis Pinkney (R)

Andrea Davis Pinkney (R)

This rebroadcast of my interview wth Andrea Davis Pinkney is part of our feature celebrating All The Wonders of A Poem for Peter. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 9, 2017 • 26:48

Steve Light (2017)

Steve Light (2017)

Steve Light (@SteveLight), author illustrator most recently of Lucky Lazlo, stops by the podcast to talk about theater superstitions, the most unlucky theater in the world, and a fountain pen nib custom designed by Richard Binder. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 6, 2017 • 37:32

Megan Maynor

Megan Maynor

Megan Maynor (@megan_maynor), author of Ella and Penguin: A Perfect Match, stops by the podcast to talk about three visceral things to try, concerns feeling mixed up but not silly, and how it's sometimes easy to brush aside the criticism even though you know you should be listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 3, 2017 • 40:07

Booki Vivat

Booki Vivat

Booki Vivat (@thebookiv), debut author illustrator of Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom, stops by the podcast to talk about doodles taking over the pages of her planner, being the kind of kid who is always freaking out, and trying to figure out who you are and where you belong. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 28, 2016 • 45:59

Jack and Holman Wang

Jack and Holman Wang

Jack and Holman Wang (@JackandHolman), creators of the Cozy Classics series (@CozyClassics), stop by the podcast to talk about eliminating sub plots, thinking about sound in storytelling, and the "illustrate-ability" of a word. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 21, 2016 • 43:05

Philip C. Stead

Philip C. Stead

Philip C. Stead, author illustrator of Samson in the Snow, stops by the podcast to talk about being a natural worrier, using various materials to express the whole rainbow of what snow can be, and what time means to a creative person. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 12, 2016 • 44:21

Molly Bang

Molly Bang

Molly Bang, author and illustrator of Picture This: How Pictures Work, celebrating it's 25th anniversary with a revised and expanded version from Chronicle Books, stops by the podcast to talk about the darkest and brightest and warmest and softest of our feelings. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 7, 2016 • 40:22

Denis Markell

Denis Markell

Denis Markell (@DenisMarkell), author of Click Here to Start, stops by the podcast to talk about setting a mystical adventure in a mundane space, making the kid characters feel real, and the notion that just because you haven't found the solution doesn't mean that there isn't one (you just have to keep trying). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 2, 2016 • 1:04:02

Box Brown

Box Brown

Box Brown (@boxbrown), cartoonist of Tetris: The Games People Play, stops by the podcast to talk about the first game his dad would play, moments of accessing a meditative state when creating comics, and the noble act of making a game just for the sake of making it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 29, 2016 • 39:21

Robert Sabuda

Robert Sabuda

Robert Sabuda, author and paper engineer most recently of The Christmas Story, stops by the podcast to talk about the magic of storytelling and drama in 3D, working with the 4th dimension of time, and his great appreciation for the other hands that make his books. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 26, 2016 • 42:58

Matthew Holm

Matthew Holm

Matthew Holm (@mattholm), Babymouse co-creator and now co-author of Marvin and the Moths, stops by the podcast to talk about drawing on the horrors of the middle school experience, humor as a social function, and the idea that you don't tell a story, you find it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 22, 2016 • 45:34

Vera Brosgol

Vera Brosgol

Vera Brosgol (@verabee), author illustrator of Leave Me Alone!, stops by the podcast to talk about story solutions achieved through scheduled massages, needing to be along before others can see her work, and the idea that you can't be in love with your art if it's not working for the story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 18, 2016 • 38:11

Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann

Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann

Candace Fleming (@candacemfleming) and Eric Rohmann, author and illustrator team behind Giant Squid, stop by the podcast to talk about fascinating readers, a guy who could tell a story, but just couldn't tell a true one, and phrases that feel great when they land on the ear. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 15, 2016 • 51:02

Marla Frazee

Marla Frazee

Marla Frazee (@MarlaFrazee), author illustrator most recently of The Bossier Baby and illustrator of Is Mommy?, written by Victoria Chang, stops by the podcast to talk about channeling her inner 5-year-old, words taking over, and giving kids a place where there's comfort. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 11, 2016 • 42:33

Grace Lin

Grace Lin

Grace Lin (@pacylin), author of When The Sea Turned to Silver, the companion novel to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky, stops by the podcast to talk about thinking in English, being a writer worth her salt, and the very special people behind pushing her newest story forward. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 8, 2016 • 50:28

Cathy Camper and Raul the Third

Cathy Camper and Raul the Third

Cathy Camper (@cfastwolf) and Raul the Third (@raulthe3rd), author and illustrator respectively of Lowriders to the Center of the Earth, the sequel to Lowriders in Space, their graphic novel debut, return to the podcast to talk about the mythic journey that is every road trip, loving when things don't make sense, and writing a book for the future. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 4, 2016 • 48:26

Liz and Jimmy Reed

Liz and Jimmy Reed

Liz and Jimmy Reed (@cuddlesandrage), debut author-illustrators of Sweet Competition, stop by the podcast to talk about sibling rivalry, positive trickery, and endless time spent with desserts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 1, 2016 • 46:23

Andrea Davis Pinkney

Andrea Davis Pinkney

Andrea Davis Pinkney (@AndreaDavisPink), author most recently of A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy Day, stops by the podcast to talk about her love letter to Peter, the great equalizer, and the power art can take on even when not trying to make a statement. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 28, 2016 • 27:51

Elly Swartz

Elly Swartz

Elly Swartz (@ellyswartz), author of Finding Perfect, stops by the podcast to talk about listening to her characters, listening to her heart, and becoming a better writer through writing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 25, 2016 • 36:27

Andy Runton

Andy Runton

Andy Runton (@Owly), cartoonist and creator of the Owly graphic novel series, stops by the podcast to talk about growing up in the picture book section of the library, drawing people as long as he didn't have to draw faces, and earning the nickname of "night owl" from his mom. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 21, 2016 • 45:46

Drew Weing

Drew Weing

Drew Weing (@drewweing), cartoonist and creator of The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo, stops by the podcast to talk about needing the Watson character in a story, creating believable backgrounds, and drawing monsters on his terms. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 18, 2016 • 47:02

Jon Klassen

Jon Klassen

Jon Klassen (@burstofbeaden), author-illustrator most recently of We Found A Hat, the final book in his Hat trilogy, stops by the podcast to talk about raising the stakes, nostalgia earned from looking at illustrated novels, and solving a problem no one wants him to solve. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 14, 2016 • 48:07

Abby Hanlon

Abby Hanlon

Abby Hanlon, author Dory Dory Black Sheep, the newest title in her Dory Fantasmagory series, stops by the podcast to talk about learning how to draw stick figures, how real experiences are to kids, and having stubborn and blind determination. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 10, 2016 • 49:44

Neal Porter

Neal Porter

Neal Porter (@nporterbooks), renowned publisher and beloved children’s book advocate, stops by the podcast to talk about being selfish, playing hunches, and only wanting to work with people that he likes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 7, 2016 • 52:33

Kate Beasley

Kate Beasley

Kate Beasley (@_katebeasley), author of Gertie's Leap to Greatness, stops by the podcast to talk about bringing half of ourselves to the story, the kind of books she read as a kid, and the guardian angel tense. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 4, 2016 • 43:10

Adam Gidwitz

Adam Gidwitz

Adam Gidwitz (@AdamGidwitz), author of The Inquisitor's Tale, stops by the podcast to talk about his natural mode of storytelling, writing by reading aloud, and preserving space in the story for breathing room. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 30, 2016 • 38:15

Deborah Freedman

Deborah Freedman

Deborah Freedman (@DeborahFreedman), author-illustrator of Shy, stops by the podcast to talk about bring situationally shy,conveying the departure of a character the reader cannot see,, and how talking about one's own book is always a little awkward. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 27, 2016 • 37:10

Mike Lowery

Mike Lowery

Mike Lowery, author-illustrator of The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate!, the newest in his Doodle Adventures series, stops by the podcast to talk about reaching the reluctant artist, writing a book that a kid can co-author, and food jokes... lots and lots of food jokes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 23, 2016 • 55:06

Jake Parker

Jake Parker

Jake Parker (@mrjakeparker), author-illustrator of Little Bot and Sparrow, stops by the podcast to talk about the transition to when you're not needed anymore, developing positive drawing habits, and being dragged into writing for children. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 20, 2016 • 39:19

Elise Parsley

Elise Parsley

Elise Parsley (@eliseparsley), illustrator of The Magic Word, a new picture book written by Mac Barnett, stops by the podcast to talk about what you can learn about a person from the stuff they keep around them, making illustrations for kids to go back and study, and the basic desire of wanting a cookie. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 16, 2016 • 50:04

Mac Barnett and Adam Rex

Mac Barnett and Adam Rex

Mac Barnett (@macbarnett) and Adam Rex (@MrAdamRex), author and illustrator of How This Book Was Made, stop by the podcast to talk about Mac's interest in form and the picture book as a live performance, as well as the value Adam sees in taking time to make distance from your work in progress in order to reach a final illustration that feels, to the reader, inevitable. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 13, 2016 • 36:37

Danielle Smith

Danielle Smith

Danielle Smith (@the1stdaughter), literary agent at Red Fox Literary, stops by the podcast to talk about asking "what's important to you?", knowing not everybody works well with everybody, and wearing her heart on her sleeve. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 9, 2016 • 59:19

Brendan Wenzel

Brendan Wenzel

Brendan Wenzel (@BRENDAN_WENZEL), author-illustrator of They All Saw A Cat, stops by the podcast to talk about expressing perception, building in a lot of questions, and aspiring to create a book that children could use as a diving off point. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 6, 2016 • 41:39

Jenni Holm

Jenni Holm

Jenni Holm (@jenniholm), author most recently of Full of Beans and perhaps most widely known for the Babymouse graphic novel series, stops by the podcast to talk about learning about things slowly, listening to radio archives, and that point when she became enthusiastic over reading. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 2, 2016 • 36:08

Rich Wallace and Sandra Neil Wallace

Rich Wallace and Sandra Neil Wallace

Rich Wallace (@RWallaceBooks) and Sandra Neil Wallace (@SandraNWallace), authors of Blood Brother: Jonathan Daniels and His Sacrifice for Civil Rights, stop by the podcast to talk about breaking through to the humanity in all of us, the hope that there will always be people who help, and how one person can change history. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 30, 2016 • 40:40

Mrs. P

Mrs. P

Mrs. P (@MrsPstorytime), founder of Mrs. P's Magic Storytime, stops by the podcast to talk about her annual "Be A Famous Writer' contest, the first rule of comedy, and how the need to be perfect stops us from writing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 26, 2016 • 34:28

Kelly DiPucchio and Greg Pizzoli

Kelly DiPucchio and Greg Pizzoli

Kelly DiPucchio (@kellydipucchio) and Greg Pizzoli (@gregpizzoli), author and illustrator of Dragon Was Terrible, stop by the podcast to talk about making kids livid while reading aloud, a story beginning to tell itself, and being surprised by the voice that comes out while writing a first draft. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 23, 2016 • 53:56

Aaron Zenz

Aaron Zenz

Aaron Zenz (@AaronZenz), author-illustrator of Monsters Go Night-Night, stops by the podcast to talk about a guessing game, the idea that the world is too open, and getting kids to pick the wrong choice. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 19, 2016 • 41:59

Ellen Potter

Ellen Potter

Ellen Potter (@Ellenpotter), author of The Sea Pony, the third book in her Piper Green and the Fairy Tree chapter book series, stops by the podcast to talk about free-range kids, the gnome tree, and approaching the book's plot as a puzzle. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 15, 2016 • 35:23

Laura Murray

Laura Murray

Laura Murray (@LauraMurrayBook), author of The Gingerbread Man Loose at the Zoo, stops by the podcast to talk about needing a creative outlet, going on the hunt for literary devices, and not getting anywhere if we're not persistent. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 12, 2016 • 49:33

Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker (@storybreathing), author-illustrator of Return, his final book in the Journey trilogy, stops by the podcast to talk about the power and limits of the imagination, his parable for growing up, and how a parent can be saved by their own kid. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 8, 2016 • 43:10

Lin Oliver

Lin Oliver

Lin Oliver (@linoliver), SCWBI cofounder and author most recently of the Fantastic Frame series, stops by the podcast to talk about loving a painting from the inside out, measuring success by how you feel, and having kids that are not at all interested in trips to the art museum. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 5, 2016 • 57:18

Michael Slack

Michael Slack

Michael Slack (@michaelslackart), illustrator of Pirasaurs, written by Josh Funk, stops by the podcast to talk about being inspired by the "Convoy" trucker song, find the characters of your story and realizing them, and that point in his drawing career when he erased the tail of his monkey drawing and instinctually drew a pick-up truck instead. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 2, 2016 • 48:02

Randy Cecil

Randy Cecil

Randy Cecil, author-illustrator of Lucy, stops by the podcast to talk about a little lost dog named Lucy, breaking a story into acts and scenes, and requiring so much to tell so little. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 26, 2016 • 35:32

Debora Marcero

Debora Marcero

Deborah Marcero (@deborahmarcero), author-illustrator of Ursa's Light, stops by the podcast to talk about attending nErDcamp, failure and how having a big dream is always good, and assuring that every detail points to the story moving forward. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 22, 2016 • 35:28

Beth Kephart

Beth Kephart

Beth Kephart (@BethKephart), author of This is the Story of You, stops by the podcast to talk about the choreography of sentences, the willingness to wait within the complex, and the unconquerable urge to write. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 19, 2016 • 51:19

Evan Turk

Evan Turk

Evan Turk (@evanturkart), author-illustrator of The Storyteller, stops by the podcast to talk about the thousand-year-old tradition, what happens in the moment when you aren't drawing, and capturing life as it happens. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 12, 2016 • 39:49

Lucy Ruth Cummins

Lucy Ruth Cummins

Lucy Ruth Cummins (@lucyruth), author-illustrator of A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals, stops by the podcast to talk about knowing when to stop, playing it close to your chest, and the essential role of predators when make-believe playing as animals. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 8, 2016 • 51:08

Esme Shapiro

Esme Shapiro

Esme Shapiro (@EsmeShapiro), author-illustrator of Ooko, stops by the podcast to talk about creating art intuitively, the many rebirths of her protagonist fox, and feeling connected to what she's doing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 5, 2016 • 35:44

Minh Le and Isabel Roxas

Minh Le and Isabel Roxas

Minh Le (@bottomshelfbks) and Isabel Roxas (@studioroxas), author and illustrator respectively of Let Me Finish!, stop by the podcast to talk about writing yourself into a corner, putting an idea out into the world to fail, and how much the interplay between text and illustration makes or breaks the book. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 28, 2016 • 41:09

John David Anderson

John David Anderson

John David Anderson (@anderson_author), author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day, stops by the podcast to talk about trying to find the hero of the story, the shared narrative that exists among any group of friends, and the presence of Obi Wan Kenobi teachers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 21, 2016 • 39:42

Kelly Light

Kelly Light

Kelly Light (@KellyLight), author/illustrator of Louise and Andie: The Art of Friendship, the sequel to 2014's Louise Loves Art, stops by the podcast to talk about drawing from her imagination, what happens when a teacher really notices and supports, and having similar interests, but seeing things differently. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 14, 2016 • 37:13

Lisa Brown

Lisa Brown

Lisa Brown (@lisabrowndraws), author/illustrator of The Airport Book, stops by the podcast to talk about text thievery, gender parity, and matching people to their luggage. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 10, 2016 • 37:32

Jerzy Drozd

Jerzy Drozd

Jerzy Drozd (@Jerzy), creator of Boulder and Fleet, stops by the podcast to talk about practical ways to be a good person, why kids need to be reading comics now more than ever, and a cartoonist's greatest allies. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 7, 2016 • 51:57

Kate DiCamillo and the Collaborative Summer Library Program

Kate DiCamillo and the Collaborative Summer Library Program

Kate DiCamillo, author Raymie Nightingale and the 2016 National Summer Reading Champion, stops by the podcast to talk about reasons to read this summer, some titles from her recommended reading list, and her habit of always making other people read books. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 3, 2016 • 33:12

Scott McCormick and R.H. Lazzell

Scott McCormick and R.H. Lazzell

Scott McCormick (@I_am_Mr_Pants) and R.H. Lazzell, author and illustrator team behind Mr. Pants: Camping Catastrophe and other books in the Mr. Pants series, stop by the podcast to talk about breaking convention, kids who never read, and how to remain funny. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 31, 2016 • 32:22

Christopher Silas Neal

Christopher Silas Neal

Christopher Silas Neal (@csneal), debut author/illustrator of Everyone..., stops by the podcast to talk about a big philosophy captured in a few words, the universality of feelings, and making space for the sadness along with the happiness. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 27, 2016 • 42:43

Brianne Farley

Brianne Farley

Brianne Farley (@briannefarley), author/illustrator of Secret Tree Fort, stops by the podcast to talk about reading in trees, finding the story's voice, and the universality of tree forts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 24, 2016 • 36:28

David Lubar

David Lubar

David Lubar (@davidlubar), author most recently of Character, Driven, stops by the podcast to talk about his metafictional experiment, pulling from many of the most demeaning times of his life, and turning to his main character whenever he ran into a problem with writing his story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 20, 2016 • 35:04

Suzanne Kaufman

Suzanne Kaufman

Suzanne Kaufman (@lilmonkeydraws), illustrator of Samanthasaurus Rex, written by B. B. Mandell, stops by the podcast to talk about brain over brawn, the sadness that comes from finishing a book, and visiting the morgue of poses. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 17, 2016 • 39:39

John Patrick Green

John Patrick Green

John Patrick Green (@johngreenart), author/illustrator of Hippopotamister, stops by the podcast to talk about making comics, figuring out the beats, and the fact that being good or bad at something is not what defines you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 13, 2016 • 36:11

Julia Denos

Julia Denos

Julia Denos (@JuliaDraw), author/illustrator of Swatch: The Girl Who Loved Color, stops by the podcast to talk about trusting the materials, listening to the story, and asking herself, "What is a color tamer?" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 9, 2016 • 33:12

Cale Atkinson

Cale Atkinson

Cale Atkinson (@2dCale), author/illustrator of Explorers of the Wild, stops by the podcast to talk about the scarier parts of the woods, breaking his habits, and two different characters with the same voice. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 6, 2016 • 40:44

Andy Griffiths

Andy Griffiths

Andy Griffiths (@AndyGbooks), author of the 52-Story Treehouse, the newest book in the 13-Story Treehouse series illustrated by Terry Denton, stops by the podcast to talk about the world's most dangerous treehouse, confidently trying to fix a problem, and understanding that every word for an emergent reader costs effort. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 3, 2016 • 35:41

Molly Idle

Molly Idle

Molly Idle (@MollyIdle), author illustrator most recently of Flora and the Peacocks, and Caldecott honor winner for Flora and the Flamingo, returns to the podcast to talk about wanting to be liked best, exploring the dynamic that happens when you have more than one friend, and struggles to maintain balance. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 29, 2016 • 39:26

Sergio Ruzzier

Sergio Ruzzier

Sergio Ruzzier (@SergioRuzzier), author/illustrator of This Is Not a Picture Book, stops by the podcast to talk about things that cannot be named, words that shake you, and making something that has the potential to stay forever. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 26, 2016 • 41:44

Pseudonymous Bosch

Pseudonymous Bosch

Pseudonymous Bosch (@isthisPBosch), author most recently of Bad Luck, the newest book in the Bad Magic series, stops by the podcast to talk about constantly writing for a new audience, the weight of responsibility, and how he started writing for one particular girl. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 22, 2016 • 29:55

Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo, two-time Newbery-winning author most recently of Raymie Nightingale, stops by the podcast to talk about her time as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, how you can't write anything without revealing yourself, and likening writing a story to trying to get a wild animal to eat out of your hand. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 19, 2016 • 40:05

Dan Santat

Dan Santat

Dan Santat (@dsantat), author illustrator of Are We There Yet? and Beekle, which won the Caldecott medal in 2015, returns to the podcast to talk about enduring every minute of a road trip, parents doing the best they can, and his son's complete lack of patience. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 12, 2016 • 1:02:48

Blake Hamilton

Blake Hamilton

Blake Hamilton (@BlakeHamilton), filmmaker, writer, and, most important to this episode, co-founder of All The Wonders, stops by the podcast to talk about making barriers, conceptualizing a home for readers and books, the moment when he "finally found his way home". --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 9, 2016 • 44:46

Peter Brown

Peter Brown

Peter Brown (@itspeterbrown), author/illustrator of The Curious Garden, Children Make Terrible Pets, and Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, and now debut middle grade author of The Wild Robot, stops by the podcast to talk about paying attention to wording and phrasing, telling the story as efficiently as possible, and certain subjects you can't avoid. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 5, 2016 • 39:12

Faith Erin Hicks

Faith Erin Hicks

Faith Erin Hicks (@FaithErinHicks), author/cartoonist of The Nameless City, stops by the podcast to talk about drawing like a kid, unstable ground, and putting the readers in the shoes of the characters. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 29, 2016 • 35:56

Steve Light

Steve Light

Steve Light (@SteveLight), author illustrator of Swap!, stops by the podcast to talk about the greatest joy, using items in unconventional ways, and feeding clues to the reader by way of a monkey. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 20, 2016 • 41:49

Karen Rivers

Karen Rivers

Karen Rivers (@karenrivers), author of The Girl in the Well is Me, stops by the podcast to talk about casual cruelty, feeling anxiety start at an early age, and her metaphor for popularity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 15, 2016 • 37:34

Philip C. Stead

Philip C. Stead

Philip C. Stead, author illustrator most recently of Ideas Are All Around, stops by the podcast to talk about how he views inspiration, accidental bungling grace, and the beauty in the way polaroids look just a little bit off. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 11, 2016 • 50:03

Tony Cliff

Tony Cliff

Tony Cliff (@TangoCharlie), cartoonist behind Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling, the newest book in the Delilah Dirk graphic novel series, stops by the podcast to talk about controlling the flow of the story, starting small, and comics being a good solution to a problem that film couldn't accomplish. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 8, 2016 • 57:42

Aaron Reynolds and Sara Varon

Aaron Reynolds and Sara Varon

Aaron Reynolds (@areynoldsbooks) and Sara Varon (@saravaron1), author and illustrator respectively of President Squid, stop by the podcast to talk about taking inspiration from a 5-year-old, the importance of having confidence in your brand when you're a squid, and main characters committed to putting in 110%. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mar 1, 2016 • 32:01

Fred Koehler

Fred Koehler

Fred Koehler (@superfredd), author illustrator of Super Jumbo, stops by the podcast to talk about striving to create a character that embodies every child everywhere, a perdiod of time where he was redrawing his entire portfolio from one writing conference to the next, and the important understanding that kids have to make mistakes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 26, 2016 • 40:20

JJ Austrian and Mike Curato

JJ Austrian and Mike Curato

JJ Austrian (@JJAustrian) and Mike Curato (@MikeCurato), the author and illustrator respectively of Worm Loves Worm, stop by the podcast to talk about Pants-of-the-Month, having conversations with children through children's books, and the impact of two worms falling in love. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 22, 2016 • 52:05

Keith Negley

Keith Negley

Keith Negley (@keithnegley), author illustrator of Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too), stops by the podcast to talk about mixed-up emotions, picking five colors and sticking to them, and the memory of not wanting his son to see him cry. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 19, 2016 • 39:53

Hannah Barnaby

Hannah Barnaby

Hannah Barnaby (@HannahRBarnaby), author of Some of the Parts and Wonder Show, stops by the podcast to talk about having a good sense of humor, trusting the author, and the realization that sometimes what you think you needed is what you needed at all. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 16, 2016 • 46:30

Sara Varon

Sara Varon

Sara Varon (@saravaron1), cartoonist of Sweaterweather: & Other Short Stories, stops by the podcast to talk about signs of being on the right track, her love for stationary, and her trip to the Fumetto Comic Festival. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 12, 2016 • 34:33

Charise Harper and Anna Raff

Charise Harper and Anna Raff

Charise Harper (@ChariseHarper) and Anna Raff (@annaraffNYC), author and illustrator respectively of A Big Surprise for Little Card, stop by the podcast to talk about a rainbow of books, thinking with pictures, and the fact that when you come to a song in a book, you have to sing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 9, 2016 • 40:59

James Kennedy

James Kennedy

James Kennedy (@iamjameskennedy), author of The Order of Odd Fish and founder of the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival (@90secondnewbery), stops by the podcast to talk about the stink of worthiness, blood-thirsty monsters, and the most frequently adapted Newbery winner. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 5, 2016 • 52:52

Julie Falatko and Tim Miller

Julie Falatko and Tim Miller

Julie Falatko (@JulieFalatko) and Tim Miller (@TimMiller), author and illustrator respectively of Snappsy The Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book), stop by the podcast to talk about belligerent main characters, the biggest riddle in creating their debut picture book, and answers arrived through countless mistakes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Feb 2, 2016 • 49:21

Daniel Miyares

Daniel Miyares

Daniel Miyares (@danielmiyares), author illustrator of Float and illustrator most recently of Surf's Up, stops by the podcast to talk about the third dimension of picture book making, a willingness to let kids discover, and scanning art before you ruin it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 31, 2016 • 59:12

Jess Keating

Jess Keating

Jess Keating (@Jess_Keating), author of Pink is for Blobfish and How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Untied, stops by the podcast to talk about toning down the voiceyness, using all 88 keys to show everything you love about life, and to share a concept reveal of her upcoming Monsters of the Natural World. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 29, 2016 • 42:37

Sara O'Leary

Sara O'Leary

Sara O'Leary (@saraoleary), author of This is Sadie, which is illustrated by Julie Morstad, stops by the podcast to talk about creating a fondness to the voice of the narrator, one certain Max, and leaving room within a character to see yourself --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 25, 2016 • 40:31

Madelyn Rosenberg

Madelyn Rosenberg

Madelyn Rosenburg (@madrosenberg), author of How to Behave at a Dog Show and Nanny X Returns, stops by the podcast to talk about the sweet spot of talking to kids, pushing the reset button a lot, and how her stories are helping her fiure out what kind of person she wants to be. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 22, 2016 • 41:23

Leslea Newman and Marcus Ewert

Leslea Newman and Marcus Ewert

Leslea Newman (@lesleanewman), author of Heather Has Two Mommies and, most recently, of Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed, along with Marcus Ewert (@MarcusEwert), author of 10,000 Dresses and, most recently, Mummy Cat, stops by the podcast to talk about books with LGBT themes, the lineage of the poetic, prophetic voice, respecting the power of the words, and the only cat to ever have an obituary in the New York Times. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 19, 2016 • 1:10:15

Fred Bowen

Fred Bowen

Fred Bowen (@FredBowenBooks), author most recently of Out of Bounds, stops by the podcast to talk about dealing with disappointment, the best place for kids to learn to lose, and how sometimes you try your best and it still doesn't work out for you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 15, 2016 • 38:11

Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander (@kwamealexander), author most recently of Surf's Up, illustrated by Daniel Miyares (@danielmiyares), and winner of the 2015 Newbery Award for The Crossover, stops by the podcast to talk about the economy of words, the spiritual journey through the white space left on the page, and the joy and power of reading. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 12, 2016 • 40:32

Andy Rash

Andy Rash

Andy Rash (@iotacons), author illustrator of Archie The Daredevil Penguin stops by the podcast to talk about the truth hidden within a joke, how we're always hardest on ourselves, and that sometimes you can trust your friends. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 8, 2016 • 36:40

Salina Yoon

Salina Yoon

Salina Yoon (@SalinaYoon), author illustrator of Be A Friend, stops by the podcast to talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve, her childhood struggle with reading and writing in English when Korean was the only language spoken at home, and a focus on the universality of art. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 5, 2016 • 46:29

Michelle Schusterman

Michelle Schusterman

Michelle Schusterman, author of Dead Air: The Kat Sinclair Files (Book #1), stops by the podcast to talk about writing a gritty, urban Nancy Drew story, being a skeptic, and how's there's a logical explanation to most things that spook people. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jan 1, 2016 • 42:46

Kristen Kittscher

Kristen Kittscher

Kristen Kittscher (@KKittscher), author of The Tiara on the Terrace, stops by the podcast to talk about creating a surreal world perfectionism gone awry, and how nothing that anyone writes is void of self. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 30, 2015 • 39:06

Penny Parker Klostermann

Penny Parker Klostermann

Penny Parker Klostermann (@pklostermann), author of There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight, illustrated by Ben Mantle (@BenMMantle) stops by the podcast to talk about writing books about things being eaten, finding online writing challenges, and not letting the rhyme rule the book. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 26, 2015 • 37:50

Carson Ellis

Carson Ellis

Carson Ellis (@cfellis), author illustrator of Home, stops by the podcast to talk about making something more than an art book, starting with what she likes to draw, and creating a story she's been thinking her whole life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 21, 2015 • 38:50

Lori Degman

Lori Degman

Lori Degman (@LoriDegman), author of Cock-a-Doodle Oops!, stops by the podcast to talk about a rooster who needs a vacation, the way books should read like music, and liking to make people laugh. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 18, 2015 • 37:41

Ben Clanton

Ben Clanton

Ben Claton (@Clantoons), author illustrator of Something Extraordinary, stops by the podcast to talk about the feel of traditional medium, crafting good re-read alouds, and a question about the color orange. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 15, 2015 • 39:39

Brightly

Brightly

Brightly co-founder Christine McNamara (@ReadBrightly) stops by the podcast to talk about making books part of what people are doing rather than taking away from anything else. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 13, 2015 • 39:49

Zack Giallongo RETURNS!

Zack Giallongo RETURNS!

Zack Giallongo (@Zackules), cartoonist of Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents: Romeo & Juliet, stops by the podcast to talk about snowmen versus talking rocks, contributing to the Ewoks mythology, and the Galaxy of Super Adventure! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 11, 2015 • 47:00

Michael Arndt

Michael Arndt

Michael Arndt (@animalopoeia), author of Cat Says Meow, stops by the podcast to talk about starting with a circle and some nondescript blobs, letting the letters create an animal, and the fact that letters are just shapes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 8, 2015 • 34:50

Gus Gordon

Gus Gordon

Gus Gordon (@IllustratorGus), author of Herman and Rosie, stops by the podcast to talk about ideas starting at the sketch stage, drawings that ask lots of questions, and two characters that need to find one another. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 7, 2015 • 45:23

Ellen Fischer

Ellen Fischer

Ellen Fischer, author of If an Elephant Went to School, stops by the podcast to talk about getting into a good writing group, editing to make a story stronger, and asking "what if?" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 5, 2015 • 41:02

Kris Remenar and Matt Faulkner

Kris Remenar and Matt Faulkner

Kris Remenar (@RemenarReads) and Matt Faulkner (@MattFaulkner1), author and illustrator of Groundhog's Dilemma, stop by the podcast to talk about treating the process like a business partnership, a writer who can write to the child in us all, and how the best revenge is living well. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dec 1, 2015 • 57:54

Steven Malk RETURNS!

Steven Malk RETURNS!

Steve Malk (@stevenmalk), literary agent at Writers House, returns to the podcast to talk about connections on a deeper level, the surreal feeling of seeing books on a bookstore shelf that you helped get published, and 20 years of representing talented folks working in children's literature. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 27, 2015 • 41:49

Grace Lin

Grace Lin

Grace Lin (@pacylin), author of Ling & Ting: Together in All Weather, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, and Dim Sum for Everyone, stops by the podcast to talk about seeing herself in books, sharing stories from her childhood, and the final book in her outstanding easy reader series. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 24, 2015 • 41:24

David Fulk

David Fulk

David Fulk (@DavidFulkWrites), author of Raising Rufus, stops by the podcast to talk about discovering your inner hero, exploring in the woods, and planners and pantsers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 23, 2015 • 32:50

Adam Lehrhaupt and Matthew Forsythe

Adam Lehrhaupt and Matthew Forsythe

Adam Lehrhaupt (@Lehrhaupt) and Matthew Forsythe (@mattforsythe), author and illustrator respectively behind Please, Open This Book!, stop by the podcast to talk about keeping everything in tact and in the service of the story, leaving white space in the writing, and thinking of books sonically. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 20, 2015 • 40:40

Alexis Frederick-Frost

Alexis Frederick-Frost

Alexis Frederick-Frost (@afrederickfrost), contributing cartoonist to Gryphons Aren't So Great, the newest story in the Adventures in Cartooning series, stops by the podcast to talk about bonding over ping pong, how it takes a stronger writer to write a shorter story, and empowering kids to tell their stories through simple pictures. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 17, 2015 • 46:11

Sophy Henn

Sophy Henn

Sophy Henn (@sophyhenn), author illustrator of Pom Pom Panda Gets the Grumps, and Where Bear?, stops by the podcast to talk about instinctive writing, letting the characters tell you the story, and those days you get up and it's just wrong. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 14, 2015 • 42:37

Adam Rubin

Adam Rubin

Adam Rubin (@Rubingo), New York Times bestselling author of Dragons Love Tacos, Those Darn Squirrels, and most recently of Robo-Sauce, all illustrated by Daniel Salmieri (@DanielSalmieri), stops by the podcast to talk about writing what you like, feelings of being a person in a position of authority doomed to screw stuff up. and how this is definitely not a presentation about monkeys. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 10, 2015 • 33:55

Sigmund Brouwer

Sigmund Brouwer

Sigmund Brouwer (@BrouwerSigmund), author most recently of Unleashed, published by Orca Book publishers (@orcabook) and one of three books in the Retribution trilogy, stops by the podcast to talk about great stories connecting like great songs, lettering the story dictate the characters, and how a book is just a delivery system for stories. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 6, 2015 • 44:12

Ginee Seo

Ginee Seo

Ginee Seo, children's publishing director at Chronicle Books (@ChronicleBooks, @ChronicleKids), stops by the podcast to talk about constant magic around every corner, missing train stops on account of reading, and making books that matter. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nov 3, 2015 • 44:17

Matt Phelan RETURNS!

Matt Phelan RETURNS!

Matt Phelan (@MattPhelanDraws), illustrator of Marilyn's Monster, which is written by Michelle Knudsen (@michelleknudsen) and published by Candlewick Press (@Candlewick), stops by the podcast to talk about studying theater, the parallels between drawing and playing an instrument, and the one scene in any book that's the real reason for doing it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 30, 2015 • 52:07

Philip and Erin Stead

Philip and Erin Stead

Philip Stead and Erin Stead, author and illustrator respectively of Lenny & Lucy, which is published by Roaring Brook Press (@MacKidsBooks), stop by the podcast to talk about infusing work with sincerity, living by the "don't say mean things" motto, and trying to create content just as relevant now as the day it was published. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 27, 2015 • 1:21:57

Jon Scieszka

Jon Scieszka

Jon Scieszka (@Jon_Scieszka), editor of Guys Reads: Terrifying Tales, which is published by Walden Pond Press (@WaldenPondPress), and other of a ton of bestselling books including The Stinky Cheese Man, Knucklehead, and the Frank Einstein series, stops by the podcast to talk about storytelling with a purpose, appreciating the ways that kids are intelligent, and how giving readers choice in what they read is a huge thing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/messa

Oct 23, 2015 • 37:50

Lou Anders

Lou Anders

Lou Anders (@LouAnders), author of Nightborn; Thrones and Bones (Book 2), which is published by Crown Books for Young Readers (@randomhousekids), stops by the podcast to talk about creating an accessible, appropriate, and modern secondary world fantasy, the epic task of world-planning, and creating games to play with readers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 20, 2015 • 50:55

Julie Sternberg

Julie Sternberg

Julie Sternberg (@SternbergJulie), author of Secrets Out!; The Top Secret Diary of Celie Valentine (Book 2), which is published by Boyds Mills Press (@boydsmillspress), stops by the podcast to talk about incorporating podcasts into the general school curriculum, what results when you book's structure is fighting with the format, and the happiest time in her childhood. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 16, 2015 • 56:37

KA Holt RETURNS!

KA Holt RETURNS!

K.A. Holt (@karianneholt), author of House Arrest, which is published by Chronicle Books (@ChronicleKids, @ChronicleBooks), returns to the podcast to talk about writing out of order, pulling all the story threads apart, and accepting help doesn't mean you're accepting weakness. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 13, 2015 • 48:40

Lizi Boyd RETURNS!

Lizi Boyd RETURNS!

Lizi Boyd, author illustrator of Big Bear, Little Chair, which is published by Chronicle Books (@ChronicleKids, @ChronicleBooks), returns to the podcast to talk about unexpected opposites, the way a good editor knows how to mine the good stuff out of you and your work, and the value of acknowledging you just need to "go and draw sheep." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 9, 2015 • 39:54

Mike Curato RETURNS!

Mike Curato RETURNS!

Mike Curato (@MikeCurato), author illustrator of Little Elliot, Big Family, which is published by Henry Holt and Company (@HenryHolt, @MacKidsBooks),  returns to the podcast to talk about setting a story in a time predating modern technology, seeing your character come to life with the help of Merrymakers (@merrymakersinc), and celebrating the family that you have and the families that you make. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 5, 2015 • 38:57

Alison Oliver

Alison Oliver

Alison Oliver, illustrator of the Babylit (@babylitbooks) board book series written by Jennifer Adams (@BabyLitJen) and published by Gibbs Smith Books (@GibbsSmithBooks),  stops by to talk about the way a parent can bring even more to the story, the highest compliment a book illustrator can receive, and the greatest character ever (Take a guess! You know you want to!). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Oct 2, 2015 • 39:55

Josh Funk

Josh Funk

Josh Funk (@joshfunkbooks), debut picture book author of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast, published by Serling Children's Books (@SterlingKids), stops by to talk about culinary chaos, emoting food, and creating story ideas by asking "what do I want to see illustrated?" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 29, 2015 • 35:23

Joel Grayson

Joel Grayson

Joel Grayson (@BOWJoel), beloved bookseller at NYC's renowned Books of Wonder (@BooksofWonder), stops by to talk about who determines if it's a "boy book" or a "girl book", the two kinds of people who work in children's bookstores, and doing whatever it takes to get you to the story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 27, 2015 • 57:38

Rubin Pingk

Rubin Pingk

Rubin Pingk (@RubinPingk), debut picture book author illustrator of Samurai Santa, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (@SimonKIDS), stops by to talk about creating a book trailer, the hinderance of having everything at your fingertips, and how storytelling can be like a magic trick. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 25, 2015 • 46:50

Katherine Applegate

Katherine Applegate

Katherine Applegate (@kaaauthor), author most recently of Crenshaw, published by Feiwell and Friends (@FeiwelFriends), and recipient of the Newbery Award in 2013 for The One and Only Ivan, stops by to talk about considering sound more than plot, a sophisticated and charming way to deal with things, and finding just the right word. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 22, 2015 • 46:17

Ed Vere

Ed Vere

Ed Vere (@ed_vere), author illustrator most recently of Max the Brave, which is published by Sourcebooks (@SBKSLibrary), stops by to talk about storytelling with a jazz trio, a stubborn and tenacious cat, and how it's all in the eyes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 18, 2015 • 36:08

Jarrett J. Krosoczka RETURNS!

Jarrett J. Krosoczka RETURNS!

Jarrett J. Krosoczka (@StudioJJK), author illustrator most recently of It's Tough To Lose Your Balloon, which is published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers (@AAKnopf @MacKidsBooks), stops by to talk about writing a self-help book for young readers, giving a positive twist to awful things, and how a beloved Peanuts character made his way into the new Comics Squad collection. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 15, 2015 • 44:27

Emily Arrow

Emily Arrow

Emily Arrow (@HelloEmilyArrow), the talented singer songerwriter behind The Dot Song and many other amazing song adaptations of picture books, stops by to talk about finding the melody in her favorite picture books, feeling happiest when people are singing along, and how her life experiences led her to performing storytimes for young children. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 13, 2015 • 45:27

John Hendrix

John Hendrix

John Hendrix, illustrator most recently of McToad Mows Tiny Island, written by Tom Angleberger (@OrigamiYoda) and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers (@abramskids), stops by to talk about thinking of himself as a design-a-strator, creater a charactor that's way bigger than explained, and the third thing that comes from working together. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 11, 2015 • 44:55

Loren Long

Loren Long

Loren Long (@lorenlong), author illustrator most recently of Little Tree, published by Philomel Books (@PhilomelBooks), stops by to talk about a simple story about a simple tree, finding a safe harbor in picture books, and letting go. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 7, 2015 • 57:21

Don Tate

Don Tate

Don Tate (@Devas_T), author illustrator of Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton, published by Peachtree Publishers (@peachtreepub), stops by to talk about the first African American to be published in the South, seeing the world with big-headed people, and the history of the SuperSoaker. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 4, 2015 • 38:17

Eric Wight

Eric Wight

Eric Wight (@Eric_Wight), illustrator most recently of Everyone Loves Bacon, written by Kelly DiPucchio (@kellydipucchio) and published by Farrar Straus & Giroux (@fsgbooks), stops by to talk about candied pickles, the six hours until agent Steven Malk said "yes", and how being able to draw is like learning another language. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sep 1, 2015 • 37:20

Best Books Ever (Summer 2015, part II)

Best Books Ever (Summer 2015, part II)

More books. More reviews. More friends. It’s the Best Books Ever, with special guests Julie Falatko (@JulieFalatko) and Carter Higgins (@CarterHiggins), here on the Let’s Get Busy podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 30, 2015 • 43:02

Christian Robinson RETURNS!

Christian Robinson RETURNS!

Christian Robinson, illustrator most recently of Leo: a Ghost Story, written by Mac Barnett (@macbarnett) and published by Chronicle Books (@ChronicleBooks), stops by to talk about stories meant to be told visually, challenging himself and his art by limiting resources, and his influence from illustrators from a different time in picture books. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 28, 2015 • 40:03

Mac Barnett RETURNS!

Mac Barnett RETURNS!

Mac Barnett (@macbarnett), author most recently of Leo: a Ghost Story, illustrated by Christian Robinson and published by Chronicle Books (@ChronicleBooks), stops by to talk about ghosts versus imaginary friends, intense connections, and how the lived experience of being a kid is different from just being a kid. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 25, 2015 • 37:36

KidLitCon

KidLitCon

Paula Willey of Unadulterated, the popular kidlit blog of children's book reviews for grown ups, stops by to talk about KidLitCon (@KidLitCon), a bloggers conference for people who write and talk about kidlit. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 21, 2015 • 38:04

Laurel Snyder and Julie Morstad

Laurel Snyder and Julie Morstad

Laurel Snyder (@LaurelSnyder) and Julie Morstad, the author and illustrator of Swan: the Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova, published by Chronicle Books (@ChronicleBooks, @ChronicleKids), stop by to talk about revising out as much as you can, an obsession with Anna Pavlova, and helping your childhood self to finish writing the story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 18, 2015 • 44:21

Colby Sharp and Travis Jonker present...

Colby Sharp and Travis Jonker present...

Colby Sharp (@ColbySharp) and Travis Jonker (@100scopenotes), stop by to reveal The Yarn, an all new podcast they've created to illuminate the process and the people behind getting a book to publication. The inaugural season features Sunny Side Up, a new graphic novel from Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm published by Scholastic Graphix (@GraphixBooks). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 16, 2015 • 40:33

Jay Hosler

Jay Hosler

Jay Hosler (@Jay_Hosler), author and illustrator of Last of the Sandwalkers, published by First Second (@01FirstSecond), stops by to talk about finding the tedium we can endure, a tale of prolonged stupidity (or obliviousness), and trying to capture the joy of Snoopy dancing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 13, 2015 • 41:18

Kate Messner RETURNS

Kate Messner RETURNS

Kate Messner (@KateMessner), author Tree of Wonder: The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Tree, published by Chronicle Books (@ChronicleKids, @ChronicleBooks) and illustrated by Simona Mulazzani, stops by to talk about assigning herself a research project as a kid, messing around as part of the writing process, and the details you would never find if you didn't go there. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 11, 2015 • 35:59

The Best Book Ever [this week] - August 9, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - August 9, 2015

Five excellent picture books reviewed, including a monster who runs for president and a monster who turns out to be not such a monster after all. - Monster Needs Your Vote by Paul Czajak, Illustrations by Wendy Grieb (Mighty Media Kids) - One Day on Our Blue Planet ...in the Savannah by Ella Bailey (Flying Eye Books) - How to Behave at a Dog Show by Madelyn Rosenberg; Illustrated by Heather Ross (Katherine Tegen Books, HarperCollins Publishers) - If an Elephant Went to School by Ellen Fischer; I

Aug 9, 2015 • 10:53

Phil Bildner and John Parra

Phil Bildner and John Parra

Phil Bildner (@PhilBildner) and John Parra, author and illustrator of Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans, published by Chronicle Books (@ChronicleKids, @ChronicleBooks), stop by to talk about the 10th anniversary of the worst man-made disaster in New Orleans' history, conducting visual research, and toxic gumbo. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 6, 2015 • 38:44

Lynne Jonell

Lynne Jonell

Lynne Jonell, author most recently of The Sign of the Cat, published by Henry Holt and Company (@HenryHolt, @MacKidsBooks), stops by to talk about a special 3rd grade teacher, a green piece of paper with a curved line, and learning to serve your story and cut your ego. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Aug 3, 2015 • 57:15

The Best Book Ever [this week] - August 2, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - August 2, 2015

Five outstanding picture books reviewed. - Pool by Jihyeon Lee (Chronicle Books) - The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton (Arthur A. Levine Books) - Melissa's Octopus and Other Unsuitable Pets by Charlotte Voake  (Candlewick Press) - Peanut Butter and Brains: A Zombie Culinary Tale by Joe McGee; pictures by Charles Santoso (Abrams Books for Young Readers) - One Day, The End: Short, Very Short, Shorter-Than-Ever Stories by Rebecca Kai Dotlich; illustrated by Fred Koehler (Boyds Mills Press) ---

Aug 2, 2015 • 8:49

Jennifer Gray Olson

Jennifer Gray Olson

Jennifer Gray Olson (@jgrayolson), author and illustrator of Ninja Bunny, published by Alfred A. Knopf (@AAKnopf), stops by to talk about abounding confidence, her mental commute to work, and how one day ninja bunny just sort of showed up in her sketchbook. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 31, 2015 • 39:28

Adam Rex

Adam Rex

Adam Rex (@MrAdamRex), author and illustrator of Smek for President, published by Disney Hyperion (@DisneyHyperion) and sequel to the best-selling The True Meaning of Smek Day, stops by to talk about writing as he goes, his massive project for which no one was paying him and no one knew about, and the standard of bad kickball playing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 28, 2015 • 54:07

The Best Book Ever [this week] - July 26, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - July 26, 2015

Five exceptional graphic novels reviewed. - Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #5: The Underground Abductor by Nathan Hale (Amulet Books) - Fable Comics edited by Chris Duffy (First Second) - Dragons Beware! written by Jorge Aguirre, art by Rafael Rosado  (First Second) - Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (Scholastic Graphix) - The Last of the Sandwalkers by Jay Hosler (First Second) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 26, 2015 • 11:05

Russ Cox

Russ Cox

Russ Cox (@smilingotis), author and illustrator of Faraway Friends, published by Sky Pony Press (@skyhorsepub), stops by to talk about playing outside, always learning, and knowing when "it's just not the right person for me." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 24, 2015 • 48:54

Marcus Ewert and Lisa Brown

Marcus Ewert and Lisa Brown

Marcus Ewert (@MarcusEwert) and Lisa Brown (@lisabrowndraws), author and illustrator of Mummy Cat, published by Clarion Books (@HMHKids), stop by to talk about writing with ideograms, how Yale is a good word for capricorns, and doing something you aren't supposed to do. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 21, 2015 • 40:27

The Best Book Ever [this week] - July 19, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - July 19, 2015

Five books reviewed in five minutes. - Welcome to the Neighborwood by Shawn Sheehy (Candlewick Press) - The Cow Tripped Over the Moon: a nursery rhyme emergency by Jeane Willis, illustrated by joel Stewart (Candlewick Press) - Nuts in Space by Elys Dolan (Nosy Crow) - Hungry Roscoe by David J. Plant (Flying Eye Books) - Marilyn's Monster by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Matt Phelan (Candlewick Press) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 19, 2015 • 9:44

Jory John

Jory John

Jory John (@joryjohn), author most recently of I Will Chomp You!, illustrated by Bob Shea (@bobshea) and published by Random House (@randomhousekids), stops by to talk about solving problems in a really nice way, complimentary characters, and stop sign food. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 16, 2015 • 57:21

Louise Borden

Louise Borden

Louise Borden (@LouiseBorden), author most recently of Kindergarten Luck, illustrated by Genevieve Godbout and published by Chronicle Books (@ChronicleBooks), stops by to talk about the sounds of words, writers as witnesses to a historical event, and the great things going on at Nerd Camp. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 14, 2015 • 41:42

The Best Book Ever [this week] - July 12, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - July 12, 2015

Five books reviewed in five minutes. - The Fly by Petr Horacek - Sophie's Animal Parade by Amy Dixon, illustrated by Katia Wish - Sock Monkey Takes a Bath by Cece Bell - The Big Princess by Taro Miura - Migloo's Day by William Bee --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 12, 2015 • 10:13

Kody Keplinger

Kody Keplinger

Kody Keplinger (@Kody_Keplinger), author most recently of Lying Out Loud, published by Scholastic Press (@Scholastic), stops by to talk about being a cautious pessimest, the difference between writing responsibly and writing honestly, and the universal feeling of insecurity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 10, 2015 • 52:12

Matt Tavares

Matt Tavares

Matt Tavares (@tavaresbooks), author illustrator most recently of Growing Up Pedro, published by Candlewick Press (@Candlewick), stops by to talk about pacing by pages, being a Redsox fan, and his crash course in making picture books. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 7, 2015 • 48:35

David Biedrzycki

David Biedrzycki

David Biedrzycki (@artofdavid), author illustrator most recently of Breaking News: Bear Alert, published by Charlesbridge (@charlesbridge), stops by to talk about selling homemade comics for a quarter, getting kids on your side at the very beginning of any author visit, and a couple of pairs-turned-media darlings. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jul 2, 2015 • 41:15

Best Books Ever (Summer 2015)

Best Books Ever (Summer 2015)

Cynthia Alaniz (@utalaniz) joins me to talk about our favorite books of 2015 so far in this all new segment of the Let's Get Busy podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 30, 2015 • 41:27

Gwendal Le Bec

Gwendal Le Bec

Gewndal Le Bec, illustrator and author most recently of Danny, published by Flying Eye Books (@FlyingEyeBooks), stops by to talk about the collaborative process of writing a book with his brother, writing in French with a lisp, and how the crocodile in Danny didn't mean to eat the dentist. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 29, 2015 • 35:50

Kidlit.TV with Julie Gribble and Rocco Staino

Kidlit.TV with Julie Gribble and Rocco Staino

Julie Gribble (@JulieGribbleNYC) and Rocco Staino (@RoccoA), founders of Kidlit.TV (@nymediaworks), stop by to talk about the journey so far of their online resource to children's literatures, developing a show in the vein of Inside the Actor's Studio meets The Tonight Show, and picking up dance moves from Tim Federle. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 26, 2015 • 36:23

Rafael Rosado and Jorge Aguirre

Rafael Rosado and Jorge Aguirre

Rafael Rosado (@rafael_rosado1) and Jorge Aguirre (@jorgeagu), creators of Dragons Beware!, published by First Second (@01FirstSecond), stop by to talk about building a graphic novel with the start of a paragraph, the miusplaced confidence of their lead character, and how during the creative process it's sometimes best to admit, "we're not thinking about the audience". --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 23, 2015 • 44:57

The Best Book Ever [this week] - June 21, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - June 21, 2015

Five books reviewed in five minutes. - Monty's Magnificent Mane by Gemma O'Neill - So Cozy by Lerryn Korda - Hippos are Huge! by Jonathan London; illustrated by Matthew Trueman - Danny by Yann & Gwendal Le Bec - Yard Sale by Eve Bunting; illustrated by Lauren Castillo --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 22, 2015 • 8:41

Paul Volponi

Paul Volponi

Paul Volponi, author most recently of Game Seven, published by Viking (@VikingChildrens), stops by to talk about teaching incarcerated youth on Rikers Island, faking it by listening, and El Fuego, the greatest Cuban baseball player of all time. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 18, 2015 • 35:35

Cale Atkinson

Cale Atkinson

Cale Atkinson (@2dCale), author illustrator of To The Sea, published by Disney Hyperion (DisneyHyperion), stops by to talk about big and chunky and strange and overcomplicated manuscripts, what it means to be seen by another, and a subtle detail in his debut picture book reflected in the eyes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 17, 2015 • 40:40

The Best Book Ever [this week] - June 14, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - June 14, 2015

Five (plus) books reviewed in five (plus) minutes. - Ruffer's Birthday Party by Soon-jae Shin; illustrated by Min-jung Kim - A Day at Grandma's by Mi-ae Lee; illustrated by Yang-sook Choi - "Could You Lift Up Your Bottom?" by Hee-jung Chang; illustrated by Sung-hwa Chung - The Flying Birds by Eun-sun Han; illustrated by Ju-kyoung Kim - Math at the Art Museum by Group Majoongmul; illustrated by Yun-ju Kim - Who Eats First? by Ae-hae Yoon; illustrated by Hae-won Yang --- Send in a voice message: h

Jun 14, 2015 • 12:06

Julie Paschkis

Julie Paschkis

Julie Paschkis (@jpaschkis), author illustrator of P. Zonka Lays an Egg, published by Peachtree Publishers (@PeachtreePub), stops by to talk about her sister's egg decorating party, the imprint a special library bag made on her as a young reader, and feeding the creativity in every way possible. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 12, 2015 • 39:34

Ovi Nedelcu

Ovi Nedelcu

Ovi Nedelcu (@OviOvined), author illustrator of Just Like Daddy, published by POW! Kids Books (@POWkidsbooks), stops by to talk about being a visual storyteller, giving yourself permission to not be in love with the dialogue, and losing arts supplies to the dog and kids. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 9, 2015 • 48:22

Steven Malk

Steven Malk

Steven Malk (@StevenMalk), literary agent at Writers House, stops by to talk about the way every single decision an author makes has a large or small impact on a career, how his clients all believe making a picture book is *the best* thing in the world, and the reverential feeling he experienced meeting authors at his parent's bookstore when he was young. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 7, 2015 • 37:34

Maripat Perkins

Maripat Perkins

Maripat Perkins (@MaripatPerkins), author of Rodeo Red (@PeachtreePub), illustrated by Molly Idle (@MollyIdle), stops by to talk about writing "sturdy" girls, respecting the boundaries of your siblings, and reading Chinese folktales in a Western accent. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 5, 2015 • 37:07

Leslie Bulion

Leslie Bulion

Leslie Bulion (@LeslieBulion), author of Random Body Parts: Gross Anatomy Riddles in Verse (@PeachtreePub), illustrated by Mike Lowery, stops by to talk about the rhythmic language of science, double dactyls, and determining what is the most obvious for of poetry for each part of the body. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jun 1, 2015 • 39:15

The Best Book Ever [this week] - May 31, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - May 31, 2015

Five books reviewed in five minutes. - Bird & Diz by Gary Golio; art by Ed Young - Spots In a Box by Helen Ward - The Death of the Hat: a Brief History of Poetry in 50 Objects selected by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Chris Raschka - Orion and the Dark by Emma Yarlett - Sweep Up the Sun by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 31, 2015 • 8:43

Rowboat Watkins (Ep. 154)

Rowboat Watkins (Ep. 154)

Rowboat Watkins, debut picture book author illustrator of Rude Cakes (@ChronicleBooks), stops by to talk about trust, avoiding ego as much as possible, and learning how to be a better listener. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 29, 2015 • 40:37

Jake Marcionette

Jake Marcionette

Jake Marcionette (@jakemarcionette), author of the Just Jake series (@GrossetPSS), stops by to talk about the newest installment in the Just Jake series, his work as a motivational speaker, and how "a book by a kid, for a kid, and from a kid's perspective" allows him to connect with his readers in a way few can. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 26, 2015 • 39:58

Play, Memory with Julie Sternberg

Play, Memory with Julie Sternberg

Play, Memory is a new podcast started by Julie Sternberg (@SternbergJulie), author of Like Pickle Juice on a Cupcake and The Top-Secret Diary of Celie Valentine series. Julie graciously allowed me to share her debut episode "Secrets within Secrets" with all of you. In her first episode, Julie explores the power of secrets to change us and to inform our actions. Everyone has a secret they're keeping from the world and, most pertinent to the Play, Memory podcast, so does every author. These secret

May 24, 2015 • 35:31

Miriam B. Schiffer

Miriam B. Schiffer

Miriam B. Schiffer, author of Stella Brings the Family (@ChronicleKids), illustrated by Holly Clifton Brown (@HollyRCB), stops by to talk about knowing your family is enough, the dilemma that occurs when a child doesn't see him or herself in the commonplace, and feeling liberated knowing the illustrations would share in carrying the story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 22, 2015 • 34:44

Karen Rostoker-Gruber

Karen Rostoker-Gruber

Karen Rostoker-Gruber (@KarenRostokerGr), author most recently of Ferret Fun in the Sun (Two Lions), stops by to talk about author visits, her past life writing adult humor, and her goal to make a pun everyday. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 19, 2015 • 37:31

Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw (@KosteckiShaw), author illustrator most recently of Luna & Me:  The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest (@HenryHolt), stops by to talk about how art can be magic, the life and discovery waiting in a goosepen, and how "you just get it" when you're there among the old growth redwoods. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 15, 2015 • 37:23

Erin Hagar

Erin Hagar

Erin Hagar (@HagarErin), author of Julia Child: An Extraordinary Life in Words and Pictures (@duopress), stops by to talk about investigating CIA records, breaking the norm of "leaving room for the illustrator", and the impact of Julia Child had on the world by writing for the beginning cook. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 12, 2015 • 40:20

The Best Book Ever [this week] - May 12, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - May 12, 2015

Five books reviewed in five minutes. - Faraway Friends by Russ Cox - Toby and the Ice Giants by Joe Lillington - Vincent and the Night by Adele Enersen - The Elephantom by Ross Collins - Where's the Pair? by Britta Teckentrup --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 11, 2015 • 8:53

Deborah Underwood

Deborah Underwood

Deborah Underwood (@UnderwoodWriter), author most recently of Interstellar Cinderella (@ChronicleKids), illustrated by Meg Hunt (@MegHunt), stops by to talk about being six when she writes, creating sketches to accompany her Here Comes Cat books, and how the thing with writing rhyme is that you kind of get it or you don't. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 8, 2015 • 47:16

Michael Buckley

Michael Buckley

Michael Buckley (@MichaelWBuckley), author of Undertow (@HMHKids) as well as the best-selling Sisters Grimm series (@AbramsKids) and NERDS series, stops by to talk about how dreaming of sand castles, facing moralistic decisions alongside your characters, and the notion that some of the best science fiction is about people. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 5, 2015 • 42:09

The Best Book Ever [this week] - May 3, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - May 3, 2015

Five books reviewed in five minutes. - Sea Bones by Bob Barner - Her Idea by Rilla - Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins - Red Yellow Blue and a Dash of White, Too! by C. G. Esperanza - A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 3, 2015 • 10:21

Jennifer Ann Mann

Jennifer Ann Mann

Jennifer Ann Mann (@JenAnnMann), author of Sunny Sweet Can So Get Lost (@Bloomsbury), the third book in her Sunny Sweet series, stops by to talk about being born sandwiched between geniuses, being siblings for life, and the history and stories one can discover on a walk in the woods. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

May 1, 2015 • 42:39

Royden Lepp

Royden Lepp

Royden Lepp (@Royden Lepp), author of Death of the Rocket Boy (@Archaia), the third and penultimate volume in his Rust graphic novel series, stops by to talk about humanity, writing an open letter to his father, and leaving questions open for good. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 29, 2015 • 36:10

The Best Book Ever [this week] - April 25, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - April 25, 2015

Five books reviewed in five minutes. - How to Read a Story by Kate Messner, illustrated by Mark Siegel - This is My Rock by David Lucas - The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes - Beach House by Deanna Caswell, illustrated by Amy June Bates - Just Like Daddy by Ovi Nedelcu --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 25, 2015 • 9:33

David Ezra Stein

David Ezra Stein

David Ezra Stein, author illustrator most recently of Tad and Dad (@NancyRoseEp @PenguinKids), stops by to talk about being a dad advocate, illustrating with a Crayola marker, and the idea that exploration is dangerous, but the pay off can be high. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 23, 2015 • 38:45

Alison Formento

Alison Formento

Alison Formento (@AFormento), author of These Rocks Count (@AlbertWhitman), the newest offering in the These Count nature series illustrated by Sarah Snow, stops by to talk about book hangovers, searching for the pith in every story, and the tension of words moving forward and pictures keeping you hooked. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 20, 2015 • 41:51

The Best Book Ever [this week] - April 19, 2015

The Best Book Ever [this week] - April 19, 2015

Five books reviewed in five minutes. - On My Beach by Sara Gillingham, illustrated by Lorena Siminovich - Hop, Hop Bunny by Betty Ann Schwartz and Lynn Seresin, illustrated by Neiko Ng - Polar Bear's Underwear by Tupera Tupera - Hypnotize a Tiger: Poems about just about everything by Calef Brown - A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi (Star Wars Epic Yarns) by Jack and Holman Wang --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 19, 2015 • 8:40

Timothy Young

Timothy Young

Timothy Young (@TimSYoung), author illustrator most recently of The Angry Little Puffin (@SchifferBooks), stops by to talk about creating animations for Pee Wee's playhouse, hiding hundreds of his favorite pictures books into one of his stories, and the amazing way he's connecting with his school visits this year. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 16, 2015 • 41:00

Steve Light RETURNS

Steve Light RETURNS

Steve Light (@SteveLight), author illustrator most recently of Have You Seen My Monster? (@Candlewick), stops by to talk about incorporating the 20 Motessori shapes into his newest book, turning new mistakes into better drawings, and why every illustrator needs a good fountain pen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 13, 2015 • 45:53

Best Books Ever (Spring 2015)

Best Books Ever (Spring 2015)

Carter Higgins (@CarterHiggins) and Julie Falatko (@JulieFalatko) join me to talk about our favorite books of 2015 so far in this all new segment of the Let's Get Busy podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 12, 2015 • 43:27

Kimberly Willis Holt

Kimberly Willis Holt

Kimberly Willis Holt, author most recently of Dear Hank Williams (@henryholt, @mackidsbooks), stops by to talk about writing letters to her great grandmother, adding little things in the story to say big things, and how sometimes the pieces all come together when you finally sit down to write. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Apr 10, 2015 • 34:43

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