Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson , I chat with self-published author Liliana Tommasini , creator of the empowering Octavia Can Do It series. Liliana shares her journey into writing children’s books that celebrate courage, curiosity, and confidence in young readers. We also discuss her upcoming release, Oslo's Surprise Adventure, which is launching on August 26, 202...

In this episode of Beyond the Book , I sit down with self-published author Douglas Berry , whose life has been anything but ordinary. From growing up on a chicken farm to serving 20 years in the U.S. Air Force—and even trying out for the Cincinnati Reds—Doug shares how his journey shaped the stories he now writes for children. We talk about his books A Day at the Beach with Jasper and Friends , Fa...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson sits down with children’s book author Melissa Ahonen to explore how her stories help kids celebrate who they are and manage big feelings with confidence and heart. Melissa shares the personal inspiration behind her books, including Aspen’s Magical Mermaid Necklace and It’s Great to Be Me —uplifting stories that support emotional gro...

In this Episode of Beyond the Book , I had the absolute honor of interviewing Heidi Brooks, a passionate author and grandmother whose stories are rooted in love, family, and inclusivity. Heidi opens up about how her journey into self-publishing was inspired by her grandson and other family members with Down syndrome. We talked about how representation matters in children’s books and how she brings...

In this episode of Beyond the Book, I sit down with Harleigh Manske, the talented author and illustrator of Doppy Saves the Bees and Doppy Saves the Turtles. Harleigh opens up about her journey as an author, illustrator, and entrepreneur, and how creativity became a form of healing. We also discuss the world of self-publishing, sharing the behind-the-scenes challenges, the launch process, and what...

Have you ever picked up a book and wondered, “How did the author come up with this story—or these characters?” If you love learning how books are crafted with young readers in mind—or you're a curious reader, writer, or educator—this episode is for you! 🎙️ Beyond the Book is my new podcast where I sit down with authors, editors, illustrators, and educators to talk about the real work behind ch...

Welcome to Beyond the Book, a podcast that explores the heart of children’s literature and the learning it inspires. Hosted by self-published author and educator JoAnn M. Dickinson , this show invites parents, educators, and children’s book creators into meaningful conversations about storytelling, education, and the creative minds behind the pages. Each week, JoAnn sits down with authors, illustr...

How Robin Katz Helps Authors Shape Stories That Flow and Shine! In this episode of " Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson," I sit down with her longtime friend, editor, and rhyme expert, Robin Katz , to talk all things children’s book editing, from structure and metering to fun facts and emotional beats. Robin is the founder of Word Wiz Editing and specializes in helping authors craft en...