Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Ellen Cochrane about her newest release: FOLLOW THE WATER. This book tells the true story of a girl who fell out of a plane over the Amazon and walked out of the jungle eleven days later. It’s a powerful, true story about survival against all odds and is sure to be an inspiration to all readers. Come listen as we talk about how a journal...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Ainissa Ramirez about her new picture book: SPARK: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone. This picture book is the first release in the new Black Innovators Series and showcases the incredible contributions of Jim West, the man who invented the microphone. Come listen as we talk about how Ainissa found her way to...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Michelle Lee about her newest middle grade novel: THE MAGIC OF SOMEDAY SOON. This is a hopeful middle grade novel overflowing with light, love and adventure as two girls find the extraordinary joys of every day. Can the two of them team up to find the family and friendship they’ve always wanted? Zoe and Teddie will live in my reading hea...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Stacey Lee about her newest young adult novel: HEIRESS OF NOWHERE. In this gripping historical gothic mystery, an orphan races to uncover a killer - who may have come from the sea - when she and her beloved orcas fall under suspicion. It’s a page-turning story of intrigue and mystery with just a dash of heart-warming romantic drama.  Com...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jamie Sumner about her newest middle grade novel-in-verse: GLORY BE. In this book, a girl searches for her lost dog and truths about her family and finds out a great deal about herself in the process. It’s heartfelt and heartwarming and the perfect middle novel for all of us.  Come listen as we talk about the reasons why this story was d...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Dr. Lynette Fraga, the CEO of Reach Out & Read, a nonprofit organization that promotes reading by working directly with pediatric care providers to share the lifelong benefits that result from families reading aloud to their children every day. Come listen as we talk about the important mission behind Reach Out and Read’s work, the i...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares about their newest picture book: HONOR FLIGHT. This stunning picture book honors military veterans and the program that keeps their contributions alive. It’s immersive and emotional and will likely spark you to get involved in the worthy cause. Come listen as we talk about the inspiration behind HONOR FLI...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Huda Al-Marashi about her newest release: HAIL MARIAM. This middle grade novel is a heartfelt and humorous interfaith and coming of age story that follows Mariam as he navigates the challenges of being the only Muslim student at her Catholic school. It balances faith, family and friendship and is everything you hope for in a middle grade...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Steph Littlebird about her newest picture book: YOU ARE THE LAND. This stunning picture book is a moving love letter to indigenous community and culture and is Steph’s debut as an author-illustrator. The format of the book is exquisite and conveys such beauty, emotion and connection.  Come listen as we talk about the role that art has pl...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sandra Magsamen about her newest board book: 100 WORDS TO SAY I LOVE YOU. This delightful board book celebrates 100 words of love in all kinds of locations and situations and reminds us that love is around us, especially perfect for this Valentine’s Day episode release! Come listen as we talk about the poetic structure of this beautiful...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Megan McDonald about TWO of her newest releases: FAIRY DOOR DIARIES: ALIZA & THE HOBGLOBINS and BUNNY & CLYDE ON THE LAM. FAIRY DOOR DIARIES: ALIZA & THE HOBGLOBINS is the second book in an enchanting series that will happily be devoured by readers who believe in fairies and all other magical folk….like me. BUNNY & CLYDE...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Pooja Makhijani about her newest picture book: BREAD IS LOVE. This beautiful picture book explores family rituals, baking and eating good food and it is sure to bring you all the feels while reading, Plus, there’s a bread recipe in the back of the book and a gluten free option, too! Come listen as we talk about the connection between bak...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Tracy Wolff about her newest middle grade novel: THE AFTERMYTH. This dark academia fantasy middle grade novel is a bold and magical tale about forging your own path and is gripping from the very first page to the last. Come listen as we talk about how Tracy is hoping to redefine history into ‘herstory’, the beautiful themes that will env...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kao Kalia Yang & Jen Shin about their newest picture book together: THE BLUE HOUSE I LOVED. In this stunning picture book, a Hmong girl tells the story of her beloved aunt and uncle's first home in America, long gone but still alive in the family’s memories. It’s both lyrical and ethereal and captures themes around family, what m...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Nadine Presley about her newest picture book: A RAMADAN NIGHT. This beautiful picture book celebrates the beginning of Ramadan with a young boy and his father exploring the wonder, excitement and peace of the holiday. It's a book you can feel in your heart and truly experience.  Come listen as we talk about Nadine’s journey into the...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with V.T. Bidania about her newest middle grade novel: A YEAR WITHOUT A HOME. This middle grade historical fiction novel-in-verse illuminates the long, difficult journey that many Hmong refugees faced after the Vietnam war. It’s full of gorgeous prose, lyrical descriptions and a level of emotion that seeps into your heart. Come listen as we t...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Emily Winfield Martin about her newest picture book: THE WILDEST THING. This stunning picture book invites readers to listen to our own inner voices that long for us to be brave and bold. Combining words with lush, full-color illustrations, this book is a feast for both the eyes and the heart. Come listen as we talk about Emily’s acciden...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Bianca Schulze about her newest book: 101 BOOKS TO READ BEFORE YOU GROW UP. The amazing book is part book, part journal and is FULL of reading inspiration. From old favorites to newly released titles across a wide range of genres and age groups, readers are sure to find their next reading inside the pages…and then keep reading, too.  Com...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Scott Magoon about his newest picture book: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE GNOME’S. This whimsical and heartfelt picture book celebrates community, resilience and making space for others, even when the world is changing. This is a book that the world truly needs right now.  Come listen as we talk about Scott’s journey through around 40 picture bo...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Simon Stephenson about his new book for young readers: THE SNOWMAN CODE. In this cozy winter story, a six hundred year old snowman and a ten and a half year old girl strike up an unlikely friendship as they try to bring an end to the longest winter ever.  Come listen as we talk about Simon’s journey through medicine and screenwriting on...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Claudia Ruesda about her newest picture book: MEET THE SMUSHKINS. This adorable book explores what it means to make a house a home. With its bright and inviting illustrations, you won’t want to close the final page. It’s truly a feel-good book.  Come listen as we talk about the importance of play and wonder in childhood, the delightful p...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Dan Gutman about his newest middle grade novel: THE PICASSO CURSE. This middle grade novel follows Edwin as he weighs what to do about a million dollar Picasso doodle he found tucked behind his thrift store poster frame. It’s full of art history and action and I devoured it in a single sitting.  Come listen as we talk about the ideas Dan...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kam Redlawsk about her debut picture book: YUMI & MONSTER. This truly stunning picture book will inspire anyone (everyone!) who has faced illness, loss or any life situation that seems insurmountable. It’s a journey into the emotions we feel when faced with unexpected challenges and incites readers to discover the beauty, magic and a...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Alison Green Myers about her newest middle grade novel: THIS WAY TO HAPPY. This is a heartwarming novel about loss, friendship and the many paths we take to create happiness set at a family amusement park. I hugged the book when I was finished and I did not want to let it go.  Come listen as we talk about the inspiration for the book (th...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Holly Goldberg Sloan about her newest middle grade novel: FINDING LOST. In this book, readers meet Cordy, a girl who is grieving the loss of her father when a scrappy dog wanders into her life, a dog she names Lost.  Come listen as we talk about Holly’s background in film and television, the character-driven way she starts her stories, h...