The Children's Book Podcast
The Children's Book Podcast celebrates storytelling and its power to reflect our world, expand perspectives, and connect readers of all ages. Host Matthew C. Winner, a teacher and librarian, interviews authors, illustrators, and others involved in bringing children's books from drawing board to bookshelf. Episodes explore the people and process behind kids' literature. The show is produced in partnership with Boyds Mills.
Episodes
A Reminder of Why You're Doing This with Rachel Orr
Rachel Orr, editorial agent with Prospect Agency, joins Matthew to talk about growing together and following that gut feeling. Visit Rachel Orr online at https://portfolio.prospectagency.com/2017/03/21/536/ You can learn more about Prospect Agency and their clients by visiting www.prospectagency.com. Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org.
Remembering Tomie DePaola
This is a rebroadcast of a conversation with the late Tomie DePaola that originally aired on this podcast on November 27, 2018. Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support the show and buy me a c
Remembering Jane Yolen
This is a rebroadcast of a conversation with the late Jane Yolen that originally aired on this podcast on June 26, 2017. Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support the show and buy me a coffee a
Trust What We're Making Together with Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle
Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle, authors and illustrators of Off the Wall: Making Stuff Together (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again. Visit Juana Martinez-Neal online at juanamartinezneal.com Visit Molly Idle online at www.idleillustration.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming progr
There's Nothing Like a Book with Nancy Paulsen
Nancy Paulsen, president and publisher at Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers/Penguin Random House, joins Matthew to talk about devote most of your time to the work of bringing books into the world. Browse all of Nancy Paulsen Books' titles and see what's coming next by visiting www.penguin.com/nancy-paulsen-books-overview. Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming p
A Muppets Sensibility with John Patrick Green
John Patrick Green, cartoonist of Weather or Not (First Second), joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again. Visit John Patrick Green online at www.johnpatrickgreen.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).
The Best We Can Possibly Be with Sophie Blackall
Sophie Blackall, author of Story Rug (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Phoebe Wahl, joins Matthew to talk about being bound together in community through listening and making things with our hands. Visit Sophie Blackall online at www.sophieblackall.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created
Do It Together with Julie Fiveash
Julie Fiveash, cartoonist of The Froggy Library: Welcome to Soggy Stump (Levine Querido), with colors by Jess Lome, joins Matthew to talk about getting over the challenge of a new project pretending that you know enough about what you're doing. Visit Julie Fiveash online at www.instagram.com/jooliefiveash Visit the Barnard Zine Library at https://zines.barnard.edu Learn more about Boyds Mil
A Gut Feeling with Jennifer Rofé
Jennifer Rofé, senior agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, joins Matthew to talk about growing together and following that gut feeling. Visit Jennifer Rofé online at https://www.andreabrownlit.com/Team/jennifer-rof%C3%A9 You can learn more about the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and their clients by visiting www.andreabrownlit.com. Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming pro
Discovering Myself and Uncovering Our History with Andrew W. Shaffer
Andrew Shaffer, author of What Kind of Queen?: A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria (Harry N. Abrams), co-authored with Kyle Casey Chu and illustrated by Cindy Lozito, joins Matthew to talk about focusing the script when there's so much content to cover. Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created b
The Journey of a New School Year with Andrew Hacket
Andrew Hacket, author of In This Classroom (Red Comet Press), illustrated by Arthur Lin, joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again. Visit Andrew Hacket online at www.andrewhacket.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://
Still Out Here with Lil Miss Hot Mess
Lil Miss Hot Mess, author of Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen's Guide to Color (Running Press Kids), illustrated by Olga De Dios, joins Matthew to talk about bickering about the things we fundamentally agree on. Visit Lil Miss Hot Mess online at www.lilmisshotmess.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by
The Writing Journey is So Chaotic with Ellen Oh
Ellen Oh, author of Jin Young, In Between (Crown Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about exploring the many ways that lead to an endpoint in the story. Visit Ellen Oh online at www.ellenoh.com Other helpful links: Ellen Oh at Boyds Mills The Writing Shorter Retreat: Why (and How) Less Can Be More - In the shifting publishing landscape, it seems that many people are discussi
The Kids are Alright with Namrata Tripathi
Namrata Tripathi, publisher and president of Kokila (kokilabooks.com), an imprint of Penguin Random House, joins Matthew to talk about finding pathways to the reader. Browse all of Kokila's titles and see what's coming next by visiting kokilabooks.com Selected titles featured on the podcast: The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani (listen to episode published April 28, 2018) My Papi Has a M
Always Regarding the Reader with Andy Griffiths
Andy Griffiths, author of You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast (Feiwel & Friends), joins Matthew to talk about puncturing the vanity and making us believe. Visit Andy Griffiths online at andygriffiths.com.au Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Pod
What Gives Israel Moya Hope
Israel Moya, author of Monarchs in the Wild (Tu Books), shares what is giving him hope today: young, creative, hopeful, courageous people. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Israel Moya online at israelmoya.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by vi
The Voice That We Hear Inside with Katherine Applegate
Katherine Applegate, author of Wombat Waiting (Storytide), joins Matthew to talk about books providing the opportunity to practice being a better human. Visit Katherine Applegate online at katherineapplegate.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by P
What Gives Olivia Abtahi Hope
Olivia Abtahi, author of Twin Flames (Tu Books), shares what is giving her hope today: seeing the bulbs start to bloom. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Olivia Abtahi online at www.oliviaabtahi.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boyds
Wanting to Write a Child's Next Obsession with Dan Santat
Dan Santat, author of A Fishboy Named . . . Sashimi (Roaring Brook Press), joins Matthew to talk about creating worlds that readers will want to believe. Visit Dan Santat online at www.instagram.com/dsantat Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Poding
What Gives Katherine Applegate Hope
Katherine Applegate, author of Wombat Waiting (Storytide), shares what is giving her hope today: librarians. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Mandy Settembre online at www.mandywarhol.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org.
Collecting Voices with Ernesto Cisneros
Collecting Voices with Ernesto Cisneros Episode Description (limit 4,000 characters): Ernesto Cisneros, author of Queso, Just in Time (Quill Tree Books), joins Matthew to talk about valuing our own stories and meeting our parents as who they were. Visit Ernesto Cisneros online at www.ernestocisneros.com Other helpful links: Ernesto Cisneros at Boyds Mills Community Retreat with Meg Me
What Gives Dan Santat Hope
Dan Santat, author of A Fishboy Named... Sashimi (Roaring Brook Press), shares what is giving him hope today: shimmers of light and unconditional love. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Dan Santat online at www.instagram.com/dsantat Learn more about Boyds Mills and their u
Proof That We Can Go On with Carole Lindstrom
Carole Lindstrom, author of Red River Rose (Bloomsbury Children's Books) and The Gift of the Great Buffalo (Bloomsbury Children's Books), illustrated by Aly McKnight, joins Matthew to talk about the truth that all things don't end the way we wish. Visit Carole Lindstrom online at carolelindstrom.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. O
What Gives Mandy Settembre Hope
Mandy Settembre, author of Ours: A Story of Loss and Healing (Lee & Low Books), illustrated by Fran Matsumoto, shares what is giving her hope today: having a list. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Mandy Settembre online at www.mandywarhol.com Learn more about Boyds Mills
Things are Not So Linear with Matthew Cordell
Matthew Cordell, author and illustrator of 102 (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the power of curiosity and always wanting to see new things. Visit Matthew Cordell online at www.matthewcordell.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).
What Gives Dr. Haleh Massey Hope
Dr. Haleh Massey, author of My Name Is Harriet Mansoor (Not Hairy Man Suit!) (Tu Books), illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh, shares what is giving her hope today: the ever increasing diversity in books. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Dr. Haleh Massey online at drhalehmassey.
Constantly Surprising with Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr
Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, author and illustrator of Life on the Moon (Knopf Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about things so awful they can only be encountered through humor. Visit Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr online at robbiandmatthew.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Steb
What Gives Angela Quezada Padron Hope
Angela Quezada Padron, author of Lucía's Goals / Los Goles de Lucía (Children's Book Press), illustrated by Christina Barragan Forshay, shares what is giving her hope today: looking for hope in the little things in life, the things that make her smile. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today
Protecting Our Joy with Alicia D. Williams
Alicia D. Williams, author of Nani and the Lion (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books), illustrated by Anna Cunha, joins Matthew to talk about protecting our joy through what we cultivate and what we believe. Visit Alicia D. Williams online at www.aliciadwilliams.com Other helpful links: Alicia D. Williams at Boyds Mills Alicia D. Williams Scholarship - The Alicia D. Williams Scholarship provide
What Gives Matthew Cordell Hope
Matthew Cordell, author illustrator of 102 (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), shares what is giving him hope today: being around a younger generation. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Matthew Cordell online at www.matthewcordell.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and
Getting Back Home with Debbi Michiko Florence
Debbi Michiko Florence, author of The Mastermind's Trap (Aladdin), joins Matthew to talk about finding a way to get back home. Visit Debbi Michiko Florence online at debbimichikoflorence.com Other helpful links: Debbi Michiko Florence at Boyds Mills Community Retreat with Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence: Celebrating Asian and Asian American Stories (May) - Work alongside community m
What Gives Cátia Chien Hope
Cátia Chien, illustrator of Fireworks (Clarion Books), written by Matthew Burgess, shares what is giving her hope today: the small acts of kindness and love that we give to the world. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Cátia Chien online at catiachien.com Learn more about
Overcoming Doubt with Steph Littlebird
Steph Littlebird, author illustrator of You Are The Land (Nancy Paulsen Books), joins Matthew to talk about overcoming doubt and remaining hopeful. Visit Steph Littlebird online at www.stephlittlebird.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podingto
What Gives Debbi Michiko Florence Hope
Debbi Michiko Florence, author of The Mastermind's Trap (Aladdin), shares what is giving her hope today: young people and the connectors of readers to books. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Debbi Michiko Florence online at debbimichikoflorence.com Learn more about Boyds
Bringing Joy with Steve Light
Steve Light, author illustrator of Gus & Sully All Week Long (Candlewick), joins Matthew to talk about distilling ideas to their most accessible and truest forms for our youngest readers. Visit Steve Light online at stevelightart.com Other helpful links: Steve Light at Boyds Mills Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session Two! - Get away for five days at our Summer Camp for ficti
(R) What Gives Lil Miss Hot Mess Hope
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired April 26, 2025 . Lil Miss Hot Mess (Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen's Guide to Color) shares what is giving her hope today: drag. Drag is all about changing how we look and how we show up in the world as a way of making the world more fabulous and more just and joyful for everyone in it. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length
Expanding the Heart's Capacity with Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien
Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien, author and illustrator of Fireworks (Clarion Books), join Matthew to talk about becoming a mirror for feelings and experiences in their ode to a summer day. Visit Matthew Burgess online at matthewjohnburgess.com Visit Cátia Chien online at catiachien.com Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast
What Gives Jordyn Taylor Hope
Jordyn Taylor, author of The Rebel Girls of Rome (HarperCollins), shares what is giving her hope today: remembering that even small acts of bravery can make a big difference. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Jordyn Taylor online at jordynhtaylor.com Learn more about Boy
Finding Collaboration Along the Way with Chris Tebbetts
Chris Tebbetts, co-author of Dr. Zeus (Jimmy Patterson), with James Patterson, joins Matthew to talk about free-form school visits and moving stuff off the desk. Visit Chris Tebbetts online at christebbetts.com Other helpful links: Chris Tebbetts at Boyds Mills Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring) - Reach your writing goals! This workshop provide
What Gives Selina Alko Hope
Selina Alko, illustrator of The Keeper of Stories (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), written by Caroline Kusin Pritchard, shares what is giving her hope today: the power of communities to come together.. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Visit Selina Alko online at www.s
Overcoming Prejudices with Kaz Windness
Kaz Windness, author illustrator of Worm and Butterfly are Friends Always (Simon Spotlight), joins Matthew to talk about constantly dealing with loss and change. Visit Kaz Windness online at www.windnessbooks.com/ Other helpful links: Kaz Windness at Boyds Mills Early Readers and Chapter Books: A Creative Retreat - Kids who are starting to read on their own need to find the books that me
What Gives Laurel Snyder Hope
Laurel Snyder, author of The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (Clarion Books), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, shares what is giving her hope today: watching neighbors come together and support each other in the city of Minneapolis. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn mo
The 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners and Honor Books
Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2026), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Links: Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - https://jewishlibraries.org/sydney_taylor_book_award/ 2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - https://jewishlibraries.org
We Want To Hear From You!
I have a favor to ask you. Could you please write us a review wherever you listen to the show? Tell us what you like about the podcast and who you'd love to hear next! Maybe you love when we feature young adult authors. Maybe your favorite episodes are when we dig deep on craft. Maybe you find yourself looking forward to the Hope mini-episodes each week. Whatever it is, we want to know! Are
What Gives Abby White Hope
Abby White, author of D.J. Rosenblum becomes the G.O.A.T. (Levine Querido), shares what is giving her hope today: pockets of people are taking wonderful care of each other, despite the world being bad in a thousand ways right now. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about
(R) In Total Admiration with Sara Andrea Fajardo
Sara Andrea Fajardo, author of Crack Goes the Cascarón: An Eggcellent Not-Just-for-Easter Shellebration! (Knopf Books for Young Readers) and Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru's Famed Scientist and Potato Expert (Roaring Brook Press), joins Matthew to talk about bringing out a little bit of mischief. *This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on A
What Gives George Brown Hope
George Brown, executive director of the Boyds Mills, shares what is giving him hope today: the storytellers, and the stories they are dreaming of and creating to bring a little optimism and joy to children. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about Boyds Mills and their up
Wanting to Communicate with Aron Nels Steinke
Aron Nels Steinke, cartoonist of Speechless (Graphix) and the Mr. Wolf's Class series (Graphix), joins Matthew to talk about verbal expression, anxiety, and wanting to communicate Visit Aron Nels Steinke online at www.mrwolfsclass.com. Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/
(R) What Gives Kaz Windness Hope
Kaz Windness (Bitsy Bat, Team Star) shares what is giving her hope today: a commitment to being joyful and doing things that bring happiness as an act of rebellion. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and sea
Leaving It Messy with Torrey Maldonado
Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, joins Matthew to talk about finding and sticking to your places. Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com Other helpful links: Torrey Maldonado at Boyds Mills Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by
What Gives Aron Nels Steinke Hope
Aron Nels Steinke, cartoonist of Speechless (Graphix) and the Mr. Wolf's Class series (Graphix), shares what is giving him hope today: every morning is a chance for something new. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming progra
The Highlights Foundation is now Boyds Mills
George Brown, executive director of the Highlights Foundation, joins Matthew to talk about the rebranding of the Highlights Foundation as Boyds Mills. Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support
What Gives Nikki Grimes Hope
Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), shares what is giving her hope today: the bravery, resilience, and determination of young people. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting ww
Speech is Power with Alexandra Villasante
Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), joins Matthew to talk about paying for our words. Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com Other helpful links: Alexandra Villasante at the Highlights Foundation LGBTQIA2S+ Voices at the Highlights Foundation - Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for LGBTQIA2S+ creatives
What Gives Yuyi Morales Hope
Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), shares what is giving her hope today: taking care of something important to her. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoun
Emotional Rollercoasters with Alison Green Myers
Alison Green Myers, author of This Way to Happy (Dutton Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the inconsistent upbringings and emotional rollercoasters. Visit Alison Green Myers online at alisongreenmyers.com Other helpful links: Alison Green Myers at the Highlights Foundation Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session One! - Our Summer Camp is a not-to-be-missed e
What Gives Alexandra Villasante Hope
Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), shares what is giving her hope today: stopping and looking in community. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.
Strength and History with Stacy Wells
Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), co-authored by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, joins Matthew to talk about never giving up because those that came before us never gave up. Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Our podcast logo was crea
What Gives Torrey Maldonado Hope
Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, shares what is giving him hope today: teaching kids how to find a just right book for them. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming progr
Writers are Listeners with Nikki Grimes
Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), joins Matthew to talk about creating an entryway to discussion. Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com Other helpful links: Nikki Grimes at the Highlights Foundation Nikki Grimes Scholarship - Honoring the contributions of Nikki Grimes to the field of children's literature through her advocacy and writing. This sc
What Gives Stacy Wells Hope
Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), with co-author Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, shares what is giving her hope today: people out in the world who are doing good things. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their
A Collective Healing with Yuyi Morales
Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the voices of people fighting to protect our world, our rights, and our people. Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://
A Constant Journey to Become Ourselves with Jessie Sima
Jessie Sima, author illustrator of Snow Kid (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the constant journey each of us takes to become ourselves. Visit Jessie Sima online at www.jessiesima.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://ste
(R) What Gives Padma Venkatraman Hope
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 22, 2025. Padma Venkatraman (Safe Harbor) shares what is giving her hope today: the nature of hope itself. Even when we're in dire circumstances, it's something that keeps us going. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. F
Jewish Joy with Laurel Snyder
Laurel Snyder, author of The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (Clarion Books), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, joins Matthew to talk about lowering all the barriers and modeling yourself on something you love. Visit Laurel Snyder online at laurelsnyder.com Other helpful links: Laurel Snyder at the Highlights Foundation Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming p
(R) What Gives Lesléa Newman Hope
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 15, 2025. Lesléa Newman (Joyful Song: A Naming Story) shares what is giving her hope today: being in community with like-minded people who want to make the world a better place. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn mo
A Way of Being with Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker
Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker, author and illustrator of We Go Slow (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about the wise ones who know to take time. Visit Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie online at ekeretallie.com Visit Aaron Becker online at storybreathing.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation
(R) What Gives Rachel Michelle Wilson Hope
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired May 3 2025. Rachel Michelle Wilson (To Catch a Ghost) shares what is giving her hope today: the small moments in our every day. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming pr
A Champion for Children with Valerie Bolling
Valerie Bolling, author of A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change (Charlesbridge), illustrated by TeMika Grooms, joins Matthew to talk about a person worth writing about. Visit Valerie Bolling online at valeriebolling.com Other helpful links: Valerie Bolling at the Highlights Foundation Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers: A Two-Night Mini - The story is at th
(R) What Gives Zetta Elliott Hope
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 29, 2025. Zetta Elliott (The Oracle's Door) shares what is giving her hope today: art. Art has always been not just an expression of hope, but an act of resistance. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Hi
In the Thick of It with Corinna Luyken
Corinna Luyken, author illustrator of The Arguers (Rocky Pond Books), joins Matthew to talk about the silly, the absurd, and seeing yourself in every single character. Visit Corinna Luyken online at corinnaluyken.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.de
The Hopeline is Open
Matthew pops into the feed to share a couple of important updates: accepting messages of hope from all listeners, seeking an intern or friend to help with social media, and I love you. If you have a message of hope that you'd like to share, I have good news: the Hopeline is now open. Go to www.speakpipe.com/childrensbkpod on your computer or phone to record a 90 second message of hope. Include y
Becoming Curious with Heidi EY Stemple
Heidi EY Stemple, author of The Poetry of Car Mechanics (Wordsong), joins Matthew to talk about becoming curious and making every bit of your writing intentional. Visit Heidi EY Stemple online at heidieystemple.com Other helpful links: Heidi EY Stemple at the Highlights Foundation Jane Yolen & Heidi EY Stemple Scholarship - Authors Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi EY Stemple have establi
As Meaningful As Possible with Erin Entrada Kelly
Erin Entrada Kelly, author of At Last She Stood (Greenwillow Books) and The Last Resort (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about crafting stories as meaningful as possible to the reader. Visit Erin Entrada Kelly online at erinentradakelly.com Other helpful links: Erin Entrada Kelly at the Highlights Foundation Erin Entrada Kelly Scholarship - Established by Erin Entrada Kelly, this
What Gives Mary Reaves Uhles Hope
Mary Reaves Uhle, author illustrator of The Flock We Found (Magination Press), shares what is giving her hope today: all the parents and kids posting pictures of bright faces and shiny new outfits to start the year. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. For a full transcript, episode ta
Mining Our Memories with Natasha Khan Kazi
Natasha Khan Kazi, author illustrator of Bela and Lily (Kokila), joins Matthew to talk about bravery through being a multi-language learner. Visit Natasha Khan Kazi online at natashakhankazi.com Other helpful links: Natasha Khan Kazi at the Highlights Foundation Muslim Storytellers Fellows - The Highlights Foundation is proud to announce the cohort of storytellers selected for a two-year f
What Else Gives Tami Charles Hope
Tami Charles, author of Remember Her Name!: Debbie Allen's Rise to Fame (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Meredith Lucius, shares what is giving her hope today: the resilience of children's dreams. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and
Knowing How to Love Yourself with Hannah V. Sawyerr
Hannah V. Sawyerr, author of Truth Is: A Novel in Verse (Amulet Books), joins Matthew to talk about making a decision that belongs to you. Visit Hannah V. Sawyerr online at hannahsawyerr.com Other helpful links: Hannah V. Sawyerr at the Highlights Foundation For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on
What Gives Heidi E.Y. Stemple Hope
Heidi E.Y. Stemple, author of The Avian Adventurers #1: Snowy Owl Rescue; Raptor Recovery (Charlesbridge Moves), illustrated by Natasha Donovan, shares what is giving her hope today: the curious, hope-filled readers with wide open minds who are building a foundation of compassion and service. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to
Relentless Expression with Katie Yamasaki
Katie Yamasaki, author illustrator of Mural Island (Norton Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about building upon the tradition of making public art through relentless expression. Visit Katie Yamasaki online at www.katieyamasaki.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.
