Books, Kids & Creations with Tracy Blom

Did you know there is hidden treasure right in your home town? There is! And everyday people like you and me are using geocaching to find them. Geocaching is like using a digital treasure map to locate items that have been hidden. There are websites dedicated to these hometown treasure hunts, which is also the topic of this week's podcast. In this interview, Tracy sits down with author Abbi Le...

On this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, I sit down with Dr. Emma Chapman—astrophysicist, author, and science communicator—to talk about her fascinating journey from studying Egyptology to exploring the universe through radio astronomy. Emma shares how discovering a physics book completely changed the direction of her life. What drew her from archaeology to astrophysics was the realization...

In this heartfelt episode of Books, Kids & Creations, I sit down with author–illustrator Katerina Spaeth to talk about her beautiful new picture book, Dedushka: Memories of My Grandpa and Ukraine—a tender tribute to her childhood in Kharkiv and the grandfather who helped shape her life. Katerina shares precious memories of growing up in Ukraine in the 1990s, and how the everyday magic of her r...

Gobble Gobble! In this interview Tracy sits down with author-illustrator duo Wendi Silvano and Lee Harper, the inspiring creators of the Turkey Trouble Series. We talk about creating lovable characters, the artistic process, and what it is like working together on such a fun series. This book is a fun read, no matter what time of year it is! https://www.amazon.com/Turkey-Trouble-Wendi-Silvano/dp/0...

🎬 In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations , Tracy Blom chats with rising star Owen Himfar about his debut acting role in the feature film The Short Game . Owen shares what it was like stepping onto set for the first time, how he prepared for the role, and what he’s learned from the experience. ⭐ Tune in for an inspiring look at chasing your dreams, staying humble, and finding joy in story...

In this inspiring episode of Books, Kids & Creations, award-winning author and host Tracy Blom sits down with Colonel Chris Hadfield — astronaut, fighter pilot, author, and the first Canadian to walk in space. You may know him as “the most social media savvy astronaut ever to leave Earth” (Forbes), from his viral zero-gravity performance of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, or from his best-selling...

How did Louis Henry Mitchell get to Sesame Street? The spark that started his creative journey began when he was just six years old, and saw Jim Henson on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was in that moment he realized that a person was behind creating his favorite characters, and if they could do it, why couldn't he? Today, Louis directs and oversees all aspects of character art for Sesame Workshop,...

Catharina Steel on The Vanishings : beta readers, editing, and building braver fantasy characters. We dig into the world of fantasy writing with Australian author Catharina Steel —from beta readers and writing coaches to our beloved “Deleted Scenes” folders. We also explore how nature fuels ideas and practical ways to strengthen character arcs for kidlit and fantasy. What you’ll learn Getting usef...

Imagine taking the leap from practicing attorney to wanting to start a literacy non-profit. Seems pretty scary right? Well, that' exactly what Kyle Zimmer did in 1992 just before co-founding First Book. Fast forward to 2025, First book serves 6.5 million children each year through its network of more than 600,000 members – teachers, practitioners, and other dedicated adults who are working and...

In this episode, I chat with gardener and author Christy Wilhelmi about her new book, High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening . Whether you're planting on an acre or a porch, her book is a goldmine of organized planting plans, tasty recipes, and helpful resources to help you grow more food in less space. A must-listen for anyone interested in gardening smarter! To learn more about Christy, r...

Former Google product designer Vicky Fang talks about turning a passion for tech and robotics into stories for kids! In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant author and illustrator Vicky Fang, whose creative books spark curiosity and laughter while introducing kids to the world of STEM, robotics, and innovation. With a background in engineering and a passion for storytelling, Vicky shares h...

Calling all JAWS fans!! In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations , I sit down with Christopher Shaw Myers to talk about the incredible new book he’s written about his uncle, Robert Shaw, and the impact of legacy and storytelling across generations. 🎬 With the 50th anniversary of JAWS upon us, Christopher reflects on growing up in the shadow of a legend—and how he’s using his voice to honor...

In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, host Tracy Blom interviews wildlife photographer and author Ursula Clare Franklin about her captivating new book, Mission Penguin. Ursula shares how her passion for wildlife photography led her on an unforgettable mission to photograph all 18 species of penguins in the wild. From the Galápagos Islands to the icy shores of Antarctica, her journey is a...

New Episode! Author Stephanie Booth joins Books, Kids & Creations to talk about her powerful new novel Libby Lost and Found — the story of a bestselling fantasy writer facing early-onset Alzheimer’s and the 11-year-old superfan who helps her finish her final book. With a rich background in publishing, digital media, and even MTV’s True Life, Stephanie brings her storytelling expertise to the p...

Diana Renn is a fantastic author, creating environmental mysteries that both kids and adults can enjoy. Her latest book, the Owl Prowl Mystery is like Sherlock Holmes for environmentalists and is a real HOOT. The first book in the series, Trouble at Turtle Pond was named a 2023 Green Earth Book Award Honor Book and has been longlisted for the Massachusetts Book Award. Her three YA mysteries, Tokyo...

🌟 Author Spotlight: Wendy Perkins! 🌟 We’re thrilled to share an exciting interview with Wendy Perkins, a talented author and creative powerhouse who has enchanted readers and animal lovers alike! 🐾✨ 📚 Beyond her captivating books (which you can explore here 👉 Wendy Perkins on Amazon), Wendy has an incredible story to share about her time working with the San Diego Zoo! From crafting award-wi...

Do you love cookies so much that you'd build a time machine to bypass waiting for them to cook in the oven? Author / illustrator Jessie Sima sits down with Tracy to talk about their new book Cookie Time. About Jessie: Jessie Sima is an author and illustrator of picture books. They grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey and now write and draw in a creaky house in New York State. When not ma...

On this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, host Tracy Blom sits down with Australian hip-hop journalist Simone Jordan to discuss her journey as an author and her love for hip-hop, which started at a very young age. Simone's new memoir, Tell Her She's Dreamin', is packed with passion and shows the ups and downs that led to her becoming Australia's most successful hip-hop journalist, with a car...

It's All Guapo All the Time! Guapo's Great Rescue and Guapo's Giant Heart are two charming books inspired by a REAL rescue steer named Guapo. These books teach important lessons about rescuing animals, caring for others, and forming friendships in unexpected ways. Listen to this incredible interview with author Janet Zappala, who is changing lives and inspiring others everywhere she go...

A mermaid in the bathtub a unicorn in the barn—these are just some of the magical problems young Chloe must solve in Bryan Chick's newest book, The Wayfinders. Bryan Chick is the author of The Secret Zoo Series which has sold almost a million copies and been translated into numerous foreign languages. His two newest series, The Super Sports Society (Andrews McMeel Publishing) and Wayfinders (B...

Ever want to listen to how a NYT best-selling children's author writes and comes up with story ideas? Well, this is the interview for you! Patrick Carman is a bestselling children’s author with over four million books in print, including perennial favorites Skeleton Creek, Atherton, 39 Clues, Floors, Fizzopolis, and The Land of Elyon. Mr. Carman’s books have been translated into 26 languages....

Tracy Blom goes to Hocking Hills to interview the legendary glass a, Jack Pine at his one-of-a-kind studio! Jack grew up in Southern Ohio and studied art at the Columbus College of Art and Design. He refined his skills at the famous glass houses of Seattle. Drawn to nature and inspired by its organic forms, he returned to his Southern Ohio roots to perfect his art in the woods of Hocking Hills. Ja...

WHAT IS THE JOIDES RESOLUTION? The JOIDES Resolution (JR) is a research vessel that drills into the ocean floor to collect and study core samples. Scientists use data from the JR to better understand climate change, geology, and Earth’s history. It is a part of the International Ocean Discovery Program and is funded by the National Science Foundation. For the past month and a half, science communi...

Do you like nature, lore, and magical creatures? If so, then you will want to read Olly & the Spores of Oak Hill!! About the Book Olly and his new friend, Ember, fight off school bullies, greedy mall developers, and nosey townspeople to protect their secret – that there’s a community of nature-loving creatures that have peacefully lived under Oak Hill for hundreds of years. When Oliver (Olly)...

n this interview Tracy sits down with tattoo artist Josh Woods and NYT best-selling Author Meghan March to discuss their wonderful collaboration--- a delightful children's book called Beatrice. Beatrice the cat is perfectly happy being who she is -- a hairless Sphinx cat who looks different than the rest. This story reminds readers young and old to love the skin they're in and celebrate in...