The Children's Book Podcast

Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), co-authored by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, joins Matthew to talk about never giving up because those that came before us never gave up.   Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com     Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org .    Our podcast logo was cr...

Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, shares what is giving him hope today: teaching kids how to find a just right book for them.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming progr...

Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), joins Matthew to talk about creating an entryway to discussion.   Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com     Other helpful links: Nikki Grimes at the Highlights Foundation Nikki Grimes Scholarship - Honoring the contributions of Nikki Grimes to the field of children's literature through her advocacy and writing. This schol...

Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), with co-author Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, shares what is giving her hope today: people out in the world who are doing good things.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their...

Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the voices of people fighting to protect our world, our rights, and our people.   Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com     Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org .    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins ( https...

Jessie Sima, author illustrator of Snow Kid (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the constant journey each of us takes to become ourselves.   Visit Jessie Sima online at www.jessiesima.com   Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org .    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins ( https://s...

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 22, 2025.   Padma Venkatraman ( Safe Harbor ) shares what is giving her hope today: the nature of hope itself. Even when we're in dire circumstances, it's something that keeps us going.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.      ...

Laurel Snyder, author of The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (Clarion Books), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, joins Matthew to talk about lowering all the barriers and modeling yourself on something you love.   Visit Laurel Snyder online at laurelsnyder.com   Other helpful links: Laurel Snyder at the Highlights Foundation   Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming progr...

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 15, 2025.   Lesléa Newman ( Joyful Song: A Naming Story ) shares what is giving her hope today: being in community with like-minded people who want to make the world a better place.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn...

Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker, author and illustrator of We Go Slow (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about the wise ones who know to take time.   Visit Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie online at ekeretallie.com   Visit Aaron Becker online at storybreathing.com   Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation...

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired May 3 2025.   Rachel Michelle Wilson ( To Catch a Ghost ) shares what is giving her hope today: the small moments in our every day.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming...

Valerie Bolling, author of A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change (Charlesbridge), illustrated by TeMika Grooms, joins Matthew to talk about a person worth writing about.   Visit Valerie Bolling online at valeriebolling.com   Other helpful links: Valerie Bolling at the Highlights Foundation Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers: A Two-Night Mini - The story is at the hea...

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 29, 2025. Zetta Elliott ( The Oracle's Door ) shares what is giving her hope today: art. Art has always been not just an expression of hope, but an act of resistance.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the...

Corinna Luyken, author illustrator of The Arguers (Rocky Pond Books), joins Matthew to talk about the silly, the absurd, and seeing yourself in every single character.   Visit Corinna Luyken online at corinnaluyken.com   Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org .    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins ( https://stebs....

Matthew pops into the feed to share a couple of important updates: accepting messages of hope from all listeners, seeking an intern or friend to help with social media, and I love you.   If you have a message of hope that you'd like to share, I have good news: the Hopeline is now open. Go to www.speakpipe.com/childrensbkpod on your computer or phone to record a 90 second message of hope. Include y...

Heidi EY Stemple, author of The Poetry of Car Mechanics (Wordsong), joins Matthew to talk about becoming curious and making every bit of your writing intentional.   Visit Heidi EY Stemple online at heidieystemple.com   Other helpful links: Heidi EY Stemple at the Highlights Foundation Jane Yolen & Heidi EY Stemple Scholarship - Authors Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi EY Stemple have established...

Erin Entrada Kelly, author of At Last She Stood (Greenwillow Books) and The Last Resort (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about crafting stories as meaningful as possible to the reader.   Visit Erin Entrada Kelly online at erinentradakelly.com   Other helpful links: Erin Entrada Kelly at the Highlights Foundation Erin Entrada Kelly Scholarship - Established by Erin Entrada Kelly, this scho...

Mary Reaves Uhle, author illustrator of The Flock We Found (Magination Press), shares what is giving her hope today:  all the parents and kids posting pictures of bright faces and shiny new outfits to start the year.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.       For a full transcript, episode ta...

Natasha Khan Kazi, author illustrator of Bela and Lily (Kokila), joins Matthew to talk about bravery through being a multi-language learner.   Visit Natasha Khan Kazi online at natashakhankazi.com   Other helpful links: Natasha Khan Kazi at the Highlights Foundation Muslim Storytellers Fellows - The Highlights Foundation is proud to announce the cohort of storytellers selected for a two-year fello...

Tami Charles, author of Remember Her Name!: Debbie Allen's Rise to Fame (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Meredith Lucius, shares what is giving her hope today: the resilience of children's dreams.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.       For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and...

Hannah V. Sawyerr, author of Truth Is: A Novel in Verse (Amulet Books), joins Matthew to talk about making a decision that belongs to you.   Visit Hannah V. Sawyerr online at hannahsawyerr.com   Other helpful links: Hannah V. Sawyerr at the Highlights Foundation     For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on th...

Heidi E.Y. Stemple, author of The Avian Adventurers #1: Snowy Owl Rescue; Raptor Recovery (Charlesbridge Moves), illustrated by Natasha Donovan, shares what is giving her hope today:  the curious, hope-filled readers with wide open minds who are building a foundation of compassion and service.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to...

Katie Yamasaki, author illustrator of Mural Island (Norton Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about building upon the tradition of making public art through relentless expression.   Visit Katie Yamasaki online at www.katieyamasaki.com   For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on the link in the show notes.  ...

Jane Yolen and Peter Tacy, co-authors of Gracie Feeds the Birds (Magination Press), illustrated by Frances Ives, share what is giving them hope today: the readiness to hope and to be grateful.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.       For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and mor...

Crystal Allen, author of Between Two Brothers (Storytide), joins Matthew to talk about figuring out your truth while not knowing how to feel.   Visit Crystal Allen online at crystalallenbooks.com   Other helpful links: Crystal Allen at the Highlights Foundation   Crystal Allen: Do Something With It - When Crystal Allen received a scholarship and attended her first workshop with the Highlights Foun...