Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kristen Remenar about her newest picture book release: OWL’S FALL FEAST FIASCO. This is a delightful book about planning a Fall Feast and learning about our friends in the process. It’s for both young readers and old and is perfect to read at this seasonal time of the year. Come listen as we talk about how Kristen’s birthday sparked the...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sarah Scheerger about her newest picture book: DUDE, BE NICE. This book was inspired by the real-life Dude. Be Nice. project and follows an adorable bear named Dude who thinks he is the nicest bear in town, but quickly learns that sometimes, the nicest thing a person can do is ask if and how a person wants to be helped. Come listen as we...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Rachel Rene Russell and Nikki Russell, the mother-daughter, author-illustrator team behind the newest full-color release in their DORK DIARIES series: TALES FROM A NOT SO FABULOUS LIFE. This series follows Nikki Maxwell  as she chronicles her life through text and art: her move to a new school, her battles with Queen Bee Makenzie and her...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Megan Litwin about her newest picture book: GATHER GRATEFUL. This is a stunning picture book that welcomes the arrival of Fall in a season of community and Thanksgiving. The rhymes will captivate you and the incredible illustrations will have you feeling grateful, warm and cozy. Come listen as we talk about the pivotal moments in Megan’s...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt about her newest picture book: KAT & BRANDY. This is a delightfully inspiring, empowering and heartwarming tale about the powerful connection between animals and humans and the enduring friendships that can change a child’s life.  Come listen as we talk about the personal connections from Katherine’s ch...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Tara J. Hannon about her newest illustrated chapter book releases: THE ONLY GHOST IN SCHOOL & THE ONLY GHOST AT SUMMER CAMP. These titles are the first two books in Tara’s new illustrated chapter book series that highlight themes of friendship, belonging, communication and overcoming differences. They are full of delightful illustrat...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Aaron Reynolds about the first book in his new middle grade series: JASPER RABBIT’S CREEPY TALES: TROUBLING TONSILS. In this illustrated chapter book series, readers are reunited with Jasper Rabbit as he narrates a new set of creepy tales. In TROUBLING TONSILS, Charlie Marmot needs to have his infected tonsils removed, but creepiness set...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Rebecca Danzenbaker about her debut young adult novel: SOULMATCH. In this book, readers enter a world where past lives determine their future and meet Sivon, a sharp-witted girl who confronts a major twist of destiny. This young adult speculative romance will have you enthralled on every single page, I promise.  Come listen as we talk ab...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Laura Murray about her newest early reader graphic novel: THE GINGERBREAD MAN: NEW FRIEND ON THE LOOSE. In this delightful early graphic novel, the Gingerbread Man bakes a new cookie friend who takes a class on a bit of an adventure. This book, along with all of the other books in the series, are inviting, packed with action and learning...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Ana Siqueira about her newest picture book: STICKY HERMANA. This picture book is a fun read aloud that features the ups and downs of sibling love that’s full of humor, heart and Spanish, too.  Come listen as we talk about Ana’s journey through children’s literature, the real-life inspiration behind her new picture book and the inspiring...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Cristina Oxtra about her debut picture book: WHAT LOLO WANTS. In this heartwarming story, a girl and her grandfather share a love beyond words. It’s sweet, it’s moving and it’s a wonderful conversation starter about how to navigate through family changes by continuing to care and connect.  Come listen as we talk about how Cristina found...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Shannon Hale and Marcela Cespedes about their middle grade collaboration: DREAM ON. This middle grade graphic novel explores family dynamics and financial pressures along with high sensitivity and big emotions.  Come listen as we talk about how this collaboration came to be, the pieces of both of them that are on the page (and me…and lik...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jeanne Birdsall about her newest middle grade rom-com: THE LIBRARY OF UNRULY TREASURES. This book is a love letter to libraries, magic, family, friendship and adventure wrapped around the love of a particular library. It’s simply delightful. Come listen as we talk about Jeanne’s journey into children’s literature, her love of research in...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Emma Otheguy about her middle grade fantasy novel: COUSINS IN THE TIME OF MAGIC. In this book, three cousins get transported back to 1862 to play an important role in The Battle of Puebla, the reason we celebrate Cinco de Mayo today. This enchanting middle grade fantasy adventure will teach you a thing or two and give you a new family to...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with show designer Kat Maconie about her debut picture book: WHAT KIND OF SHOES DOES A HIPPOPOTAMUS CHOOSE? This whimsical picture book celebrates different kinds of animals and the different kinds of shoes they wear. It’s fun, a delight to read and will likely spark creativity and conversation around our own shoe choices. Come listen as we t...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Brian Selznick about his newest young adult novel: RUN AWAY WITH ME. This is a profoundly romantic novel set in Rome that blends words with pictures for an immersive and emotional experience. It has a strong sense of place and you’ll be whisked off to Rome without ever leaving your living room.  Come listen as we talk about his unique st...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Gaia Cornwall about her newest picture book: FAIRY WALK. In this beautiful picture book, readers meet a trio of kids and their loyal doggy compassion as they head off into the wild woods in search of fairies.  Come listen as we talk about the meandering path Gaia took to writing, the game-changing marshmallow analogy that could change th...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Bill Wood about his debut young adult novel: LET’S SPLIT UP. This electrifying tale of four friends determined to hunt the killer ravaging their idyllic small town will have you on the edge of your seat. And if that is not your cup of team, don’t worry, there’s something for everyone here including a deep story of friendship and even a b...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Julie Berry about her newest young adult novel: IF LOOKS COULD KILL. This is a true-crime-nailbiter turned mythic odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. It’s a defiant love song to sisterhood, a survivor’s battle cry and a romantic literary tour de force laced with humor. Come listen as we talk about Julie’s inspiration behind a...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Peter Reynolds to celebrate International Dot Day! If you are listening on the day this episode is released, then you're listening on International Dot Day inspired by the book titled The Dot by Peter Reynolds. What began with one teacher in Iowa sharing the book with his class has grown into a worldwide movement inspiring over 29 mi...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Diana Harmon Asher about her newest middle grade novel: TROUBLE FINDS EVIE LEFTKOWITZ. This book is a big-hearted novel about surviving the uncertainties of middle school, sticking up for what you believe and becoming the person you were meant to be. Come listen as we talk about Diana’s persistence in becoming a published author, the lov...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Abigail Hing Wen about her debut middle grade novel: THE VALE. This futuristic adventure features a boy who creates a fully immersive, AI generated VR world to escape from reality and explores the ethics of artificial intelligence through a wildly imaginative lens.  Come listen as we talk about the perfectly winding road Abigail took thr...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with J.A Dauber about his debut middle grade novel: PRESS 1 FOR INVASION.  In this immersive book, Matt, who just wanted a cell phone, ends up being responsible for saving the world from an alien invasion. It’s action-packed, full of fun and might make you look at the staff at your school in a different light. =) Come listen as we talk about...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jamie Sumner about her newest middle grade novel: SCHOOLED. This uplifting middle grade novel explores new schools, unexpected friendships and overcoming loss. From the loveable characters to the innovative ways they learn and connect, this novel is sure to spark your own ideas and go straight to your reading heart. Come listen as we tal...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with James Ponti about his newest middle grade series release: THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY: HURRICANE HEIST. In this middle grade mystery, a team of kids, along with their retired journalist grandfather, tackle their second case around a decades-old million dollar jewel heist. Yes, it’s a mystery, but at its heart, it’s a book about friendship that...