Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson

Join me as I sat down with Kendall Concini-Moore, debut children’s book author of Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure and creator of @CloudyDayChronicles. Kendall opens up about her journey with depression, the inspiration behind her “cloudy day” analogy, and how her story helps families talk about mental health, empathy, and love, even on life’s stormy days. Blog: https://cloudydaychronicles.word...

Debut children’s book author Vicky Cepeda, creator of JJ & Frijolito. In this inspiring episode, Vicky shares her journey from the Dominican Republic to New Jersey, how her love for reading sparked her writing, and why she’s passionate about creating inclusive stories for children with disabilities. A powerful conversation about storytelling, empathy, and representation in today’s children’s l...

I sat down with children's book author and screenwriter Lisa Marsico to explore how she transformed her screenwriting talent into the charming children’s book Penny the Pittie Pup. With humor, heart, and creative insight, Lisa shares her inspiration, her process with KWE Publishing, and how she brought Penny’s courageous story to life. Book: https://www.amazon.com/Penny-Pittie-Pup-Tail-Courage/dp/...

Meet Alexandra Adlawan, a children's book author, illustrator, and animator whose creative vision is redefining what’s possible in children’s storytelling. In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book, Alex shares how her early sketches became full-fledged book series, why she blends art and animation, and how she empowers young creatives to dream boldly and draw fearlessly. website: https://a...

Learn from Marketing Manager Jean Sime, an award-winning children's book author, publishing professional, and marketing expert, as she shares insider strategies to build visibility, connect with readers, and boost your children's book sales through grassroots and local event marketing. Discover how indie authors can sell children's books at farmers' markets, book fairs, and communi...

Marissa Bader and JoAnn, we explore how creativity and connection fuel an author’s journey. Discover how children's book authors lift one another, share their wisdom, and build meaningful communities that spark storytelling success. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your writing path, this conversation will remind you that we grow stronger and more creative together. website: https...

Discover how teacher-turned-author Elizabeth Retter transformed her rescue dog Easton’s real-life adventures into a beloved children’s book series, and how this loyal pup became a local celebrity inspiring kindness, creativity, and compassion. Website: https://elizabthretter.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethretterauthor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/Elizabeth-Retter-Author-100094419022...

Children's Book Author Kimberly Patton Kerner shares how she transformed her favorite Christmas traditions into A Jingle and Belle Christmas, a heartwarming children’s book filled with kindness, friendship, the magic of giving, and the true meaning of Christmas. Perfect for aspiring authors and holiday children's book lovers alike! Website: https://www.ajingleandbellechristmas.com/ Email:k...

Children’s Book author Kelsey Clark returns to Beyond the Book to share her newest interactive adventure, Searching for Apollo in Athens! Follow Athena on a fun, fast-paced journey through famous landmarks in Greece as she searches for her brother Apollo. Hidden cats, clever clues, and stunning illustrations make this a must-read for curious young explorers! For ages 1-5Book: https://www.amazon.co...

Cozy mystery fans and indie authors — this one’s for you! Dennis Shock joins JoAnn Beyond the Book to share how he turned his love of food and storytelling into two hit cozy mystery series. Learn his secrets to self-publishing success, from using Amazon ACX for audiobooks to designing covers with GetCovers.com and mastering read-through marketing. Watch now for inspiration, writing tips, and real-...

In this inspiring episode, children’s author Carol Lomasney shares how her newest book, The Best Friend Crew, continues her mission of teaching kindness, empathy, and faith-based values to the next generation. Carol's stories reflect her deep faith, family roots, and passion for shaping the next generation with kindness and empathy. https://www.carolklamasney.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/...

Join host JoAnn Dickinson as she interviews Dr. Deana Plaskon, therapist, educator, and children's book author of the Bella and Bird Explore Emotions series. Learn how her real-life therapy horse, Bella, a Gypsy Vanner breed, and her barn swallow friend, Bird, help children navigate emotions through equine therapy, resilience, and compassion. Website: https://www.bellabirdbooks.com IG: https:/...

In this emotional and inspiring episode of Beyond the Book, host JoAnn Dickinson sits down with children’s author Jennifer Randazzo, creator of The Empathetic Elephant, F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God), and Grandpa & Lewy. Jennifer shares how her father’s battle with Lewy body dementia inspired her to write Grandpa & Lewy, a story that bridges generations and opens hearts. Discover how her hea...

Join host JoAnn Dickinson as she talks with scientist and children’s book author Vicky Cerdeira, creator of Monster Science: Create Your Own Genetic Masterpiece. Discover how Vicky inspires children of all abilities to love STEM through creativity, hands-on learning, and inclusive science fun! You will love her creativity, passion for science, and her students! https://www.funscibooks.com IG: @fun...

Inspired by the love and resilience of rescue dogs, this children’s book author shares how their journey sparked a story full of compassion and second chances. Writing from a dog’s perspective opened the door to themes of hope, kindness, and belonging. Learn how the bond between humans and rescue dogs became the heart of a children’s book that inspires young readers everywhere. Website: https://ww...

Children’s book author Tina Singh joins me to discuss her rhyming children's book, The Adventures of Double-Woo, an inspiring story about kindness, teamwork, and friendship, as well as her brand-new Halloween adventure, filled with bravery, helpfulness, and a fun scavenger hunt! Learn how a touching moment with her son inspired her stories, why rhyme connects so deeply with kids, and how her c...

On this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson , meet the incredible Bryant Family, a Christian homeschooling family turned award-winning authors! Together, Bobby Bryant II and his children B.J., Ava, and Joseph co-wrote their debut children’s book, Trusting Timothy: A Story About Cheating . Rooted in faith, built on family values, and powered by creativity, their story is a testament to...

I sat down with Alyssa Cornwell, children’s book author, to talk about how family roots, family legacy, and storytelling have shaped her journey as a writer. Her book is rooted in family legacy, genealogy, connecting past generations to the present through imagination and discovery. We explore the powerful themes behind her debut book, including: * The role of family legacy in inspiring creativity...

Discover how children’s book author Lori Skala turned real-life animal rescues into inspiring children’s books that teach kindness, compassion, and hope. From her journey as an educator to becoming a self-published children's book author, Lori shares valuable insights on writing, publishing, and marketing meaningful children’s books. The Road to Rosie The Hair Tie: When something so simple bec...

Children’s book author Melissa Burch shares how she launched a fully funded Kickstarter campaign in just two weeks. (Her Kickstarter ends Oct. 8th.) In this interview, she explains the systems, tools, and strategies that helped bring her books "Whatever You Do, Don’t Brush Your Teeth" and "Stick With Me" to life. If you’re a children’s book author looking for creative ways to p...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson , meet Nicole D. Atkinson, author, self-publisher, and founder of Nicole D. Atkinson Books. Nicole's journey began in a humble notebook at age 12 and evolved into a meaningful mission: to help children develop emotionalresilience and strong values through storytelling. From writing during her twin boys' naptime to dreaming of her ow...

Get ready to travel the world, one story at a time, with children’s book author Kelsey Clark , creator of the Animal Tour Guide series. In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson , Kelsey shares how her lifelong love of travel, culture, and language became the foundation for her heartwarming children’s books, including Giuseppe Takes Us to Capri and Zala the Slovenian Dragon...

Get ready to move, imagine, and be inspired! In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson , we’re joined by professional dancer,choreographer, and debut children’s author Alison Thompson . Alison shares her beautiful journey from training at the London Contemporary Dance School and California Institute of the Arts to performing with leading UK dance companies, and how raising her three...

Struggling to market your children’s book? Bestselling children's book author Ron Keres (Finn the Frog Collection) breaks down what actually converts: hot titles, conversion-ready covers, A+ content, smart Amazon ads, profitable school visits, series branding (spine numbers!), and simple merch that fuels word-of-mouth. We also talk spooky bestsellers (The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard, The...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson , I’m joined by Lindsey Pope , children's book author of Sheldon’s Time , Stella’s Dream , and Sully’s Strength, three heartfelt children’s books that explore themes of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and healing. Lindsey opens up about her journey through anxiety and depression, and how writing became her lifeline. We exp...