Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Teri Roche Drobnick about her debut picture book: Moving Day.  The book was inspired by the real-life story of moving a 139-year-old, 133-ton Victorian house six blocks and is delightfully told from the house’s perspective. Come listen as Teri shares the unique dolls that sparked her writing in the children’s literature space, the real-l...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Brett Bean about the first book in his new chapter book series: Muk ‘N’ Honey: Treehouse Troubles. This chapter book series combines simple text, lively illustrations and laugh-out-loud humor together for a delightful reading experience.  Come listen as we talk about his incredible backstory to children’s literature, the personal inspira...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Nathan Fairbairn and Michele Assarasakornabout the fourth book in their middle grade graphic novels series PAWS: Hazel Has Her Hands Full. The PAWS series is about a group of friends from diverse backgrounds and with different interests and family structures that come together in a dog walking club.  In this book, Hazel secretly takes on...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Maria Scriven about the 6th book in her Nat Enough series: Nat a Chance. The Nat Enough series tackles the growing pains of girlhood and adolescence with humor and heart, encouraging readers to be their authentic selves. In Nat a Chance, Nat doesn't think she is an athlete… but could that just be a story she's telling herself? Th...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Barbara Dee about her newest middle grade novel: Tear This Down. This middle grade novel Is about a young girl who makes the choice to speak out against a problematic historical hometown figure, no matter the cost.  Come listen as we talk about her philosophy around writing children’s literature, the importance of o-questions in the book...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer about their newest picture book together: The ABCs of Women’s History. This book is a beautiful, powerful celebration of women…their history and their future… and centers on the diversity of the disruptors who blazed a path forward for everyone. Come listen as we talk about their recent journeys into children...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Liana Finck about her newest picture book: Mixed Feelings.  This picture book explores the nuance of feelings young readers experience in a uniquely validating and heartfelt way. I'd add that many adult readers will find their feelings validated in this book, too. Come listen as we talk about Liana’s love of drawing and the importance be...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Padma Venkatraman about her newest middle grade novel: Safe Harbor. This gorgeous novel-in-verse tells the story of two kids who help rescue a wounded seal and in doing so, learn it's okay to show their emotions and find their own safe harbors. It has so many effortless layers inside that readers will find love and hope in. Come list...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Azadeh Westergaard about her newest picture book: The One and Only Googoosh. This beautiful picture book is the author’s love letter to Iran and a celebration of an iconic Iranian woman. The prose is lyrical and emotional and the illustrations are immersive and unique. Come listen as we talk about the inspiration behind the book, explore...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Brian Weisfeld about his books for entrepreneurial kids: You’re the Boss. This book is just what every budding entrepreneur needs, child or adult. It’s filled with easy-to-digest information, inspirational stories and immediate actions to bring your dreams to life.  Come listen as we talk about Brian’s journey, his books and his powerful...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Tracy Badua about her newest middle grade novel: Thea and the Mischief Makers. This book has a cast of characters to love, including two Filipino goblins threatening to wreak havoc on the characters’ lives and town. It has such beautiful themes to explore inside and you won't want to miss this episode.  Come listen as we talk about T...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Britnee Meiser about her middle grade debut: All My Bests. This upper middle grade novel is told in a delightful format of letters and playlists and follows Immie and Jack as their long-time friendship starts changing. Come listen as we talk about the unique way Britnee’s writing career got started, how she weaves in such important theme...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Nashae Jones about her newest middle grade novel: As You Wish. In this middle grade novel, a girl learns the hard way to be careful what she wishes for and features a chaos-loving West African Trickster God. It has all the things we look for in a middle grade novel with a bit of magic, too.   Come listen as we talk about Shanae’s love of...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Thomas Wheeler about the first book in his new middle grade series: Everwhen School of Time Travel and Other Odd Sciences: The Doomsday Vault.  This book is an action-packed, truly unique time-and-place experience that is sure to hook middle grade readers with its fun action and the deeper themes threaded throughout.  Come listen as we t...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with David A. Kelly about his newest early chapter books: Satchel’s Stolen Strike and The Two-Minute Warning.  These books are from his beloved series: Ballpark Mysteries and Football Mysteries. David’s books have been connecting with sports and mystery-minded readers for years and his collection keeps on growing.  Come listen as we talk abou...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Audrey Perrott about her newest picture book: A Hat for House. This delightful picture book tells the story of what happens when a storm blows House’s roof away. It’s a reassuring tale of community, of coming together during any storm and of being yourself, too.  Come listen as we talk about the dual inspiration behind the book, the impo...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Heather Bouwman about her newest middle grade novel: Scattergood. This heart-piercing historical fiction novel brings young readers to rural Iowa in 1941 where twelve-year-old Peggy’s quiet life is turned upside down by refugee arrivals, first love and a heart-breaking diagnosis. Come listen as we talk about the backstory behind the long...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with author Maria Marianayagam about her newest middle grade novel: No Purchase Necessary. This book is about a Sri Lanka boy’s life that spirals out of control when he wins a prize in a stolen candy bar, pushing him to navigate his identity amid his ever watchful family.  Come listen as we talk about the threads that are evident across Maria...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Elly Swartz about her newest middle grade novel: Same Page.  This book is a book for every book-lover. It follows Bess Stein, her friends and a group of rockstar librarians called The Book Warriors as they fight against book-banning. Plus, it’s a book about families and how they work, anxiety and the toolkits we can build for ourselves a...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Amy Makechnie about her newest middle grade novel: The McNifficents. This middle grade novel tells the story of six rambunctious children and their nanny, who happens to be a very dignified Miniature Schnauzer. Come listen as we talk about Amy’s journey to children’s literature, how her first middle grade novel was originally written for...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jyoti Rajan Gopal about her newest picture book: Love is Here With You.  This beautiful book is wrapped in comfort and love as readers listen to a beautiful lullaby perfect for bedtime reading or anytime we want to feel warmly embraced. Come listen as we talk about how Jyoti went from a Kindergarten teacher to prolific author, how her ne...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Yamile Saied Mendez about her newest middle grade novel: The Beautiful Game. The Beautiful Game is an uplifting, heartfelt novel about family, self-confidence, the power of second chances and soccer, too.  Come listen as we talk about the power of the page, how Yamile’s character-driven books come to her, the importance of strong, confid...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sara Holly Ackerman and Alona Millgram about their newest picture book: Challah for Shabbat Tonight. This beautiful picture book celebrates Jewish joy and intergenerational love as it follows a girl and her grandmother preparing for Shabbat dinner by baking traditional challah from scratch.  We talk about the book and Sara’s inspiration...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with James Preller about his newest middle grade novel: Shaken.  This book is about a girl who has dedicated her whole life to soccer and finds herself with a serious concussion after a play went wrong in the game. The aftermath is difficult and threatens to undo everything Kristy has worked for.  Come listen as we talk about James’ wide care...

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Alex London & Paul O. Zelinsky about their picture book: Still Life. This delightful book invites readers into the world of art…but that world isn’t always what it seems. Come listen as we talk about the middle-of-the-night moment that inspired the book, the process of creating such immersive illustrations and how it all comes togeth...