The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

In this episode, Todd Parr shares his journey to becoming an author and illustrator, inspired by his struggles in school and desire to help kids feel better about themselves. His books have clear messages of inclusivity and kindness, and the new book, The Monster Mac and Cheese Party , featuring monsters and macaroni and cheese, adds humor while reinforcing the joys that come from sharing a meal t...

In this episode, Kaz Windness is the author of multiple books for kids, but most recently Bitsy Bat, School Star —a picture book that she hopes will help readers gain a better understanding and compassion for what it's like to be autistic and build more self-acceptance. Kaz Windness is an author-illustrator who loves to make her readers laugh. When she’s not writing or illustrating books, Kaz...

In this episode, Chris Grabenstein talks about writing, reading, and his new hilariously profound picture book No Is All I Know and the latest book on the Smartest Kid in the Universe series: Evil Genius . Chris Grabenstein is the multiple award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the MR. LEMONCELLO, HAUNTED MYSTERY, WELCOME TO WONDERLAND, SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE, and DOG SQUAD s...

In this episode, Vicki Willden-Lebrecht, founder and CEO of Bright Agency—an agency set up to do more than represent artists and authors. Beginning with children's publishing, Vicki founded Bright in 2003 and nurtured it into a thriving international creative management agency around the globe. The artists and clients of Bright work across Publishing, Illustration, Greetings & Gifts, Film...

This episode is presented in partnership with María Castelluci Moore, the author of Vivienne in Paris —winner of the Moms Choice Award. It's a delightful picture book that inspires young readers to delve deeper into their senses and observe how it ignites their emotions to find what makes them feel joy unique to them. Owner Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four ch...

In this episode, we have self-proclaimed science geek, award-winning author, speaker, and teacher, Jennifer Swanson. She talks about her newest picture book, Footprints Across the Planet— a masterful introduction to the concepts of sustainability and inclusivity that even the youngest readers can understand and enjoy. Jennifer Swanson's love of science began when she started a science club in...

In this episode, we have two guests: Newbery, Geisel, and Caldecott honoree Grace Lin and NYT bestselling author Kate Messner, who partnered on the picture book Once Upon a Book . This incredibly stunning book celebrates the joys of reading, the importance of imagination, and the transportive power of books. Grace Lin is the recipient of the Children's Literature Legacy Award and is the bestse...

In this episode, we have global sensation and fan-favorite author Andy Griffiths. He's here to talk about the Treehouse series and the special full-color collector's edition of The 13-Story Treehouse . Andy Griffiths is the New York Times bestselling author of The Day My Butt Went Psycho! , Zombie Butts from Uranus! , and Butt Wars! The Final Conflict , as well as the Treehouse Series and...

In this episode, we have the master of wordless picture books, Caldecott Honor–winning Aaron Becker. He talks about his stunner of a book, The Tree and the River . Aaron Becker is the best-selling author of the award-winning Journey trilogy, along with several other books for children young and old. His love of travel led him to the city of Granada, Spain, where a rich history of layered civilizat...

In this episode, we have a seat at the cool kids' table as award-winning picture book creators Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson talk about their fun and enjoyably profound collaboration, Twenty Questions. Mac Barnett is the author of many beloved picture books for children, including Just Because, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault; A Polar Bear in the Snow, illustrated by Shawn Harris; John’...

In this episode, New York Times best-selling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt talks about her absolutely adorable bedtime book, Good Night, Sister. Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt (she/her) is a New York Times best-selling author, mother, and host of BDA Baby. As a passionate animal advocate,  Katherine works as an Ambassador for Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA. She is also a Gl...

In this episode, bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat talks about his graphic novel memoir A First Time for Everything This funny and moving memoir encourages readers not to be afraid to engage with the world and to try new things, and that when you do, maybe you'll be surprised to discover that the big wide world out there is friendlier than you might first assume. Dan Santat is t...

In this episode, Kathleen Burkinshaw talks about her novel for kids and teens, The Last Cherry Blossom . It's a devastatingly beautiful story that reminds us that the people we think don't belong, the people who seem different from ourselves, or the ones we deem 'the enemy,' are not so different from us after all. Kathleen Burkinshaw is a Japanese American author and the daughter of a Hiroshi...

In this episode, Ona Gritz talks about her latest novel for kids, August or Forever. It's an incredibly thoughtful, heartwarming, and well-written story that explores the complexities and joys of sisterhood. Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so.  Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a w...

In this episode, it's a trifecta of guests! Two are Caldecott Honor Book winners Molly Idol and Juana Martinez-Neal, and the third is Newyork Times bestselling author Julie Fogliano. They're here to talk about their picture book collaboration I Don't Care , a beautiful, lyrical story of friendship that has received multiple-starred reviews. Julie Fogliano is the New York Times bestselling author o...

In this episode, cast and crew members talk about Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, an adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results. The guests include Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus and screenwriter Denni...

In this episode, we celebrate this year's selection made by Jumpstart for Read for the Record Day, Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady. Antwan Eady is an author and a  dreamer. Originally from Garnett, South Carolina, he spent many nights whispering his dreams; now, he proudly shares them with the world. A  graduate of Clemson University, Antwan now lives in Savannah, Georgia. Order c...

In this episode, I talk with an all-time favorite author, Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate. She talks about her latest stunning novel, Odder , the story of an intrepid sea otter. #1 New  York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate has written many books for young readers, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal. Katherine's novels have been transl...

In this episode, I talk with super talented and award-winning picture book creator Molly Idle about her new and poignant story Witch Hazel . Molly Idle is the award-winning creator of many books, including the mermaid tales Pearl and Coral. Molly’s work as an author-illustrator also includes the Tea Rex series and the Caldecott Honor Book Flora and the Flamingo. Molly lives in Arizona with her fam...

In this episode, I talk with two incredible award-winning guests, author Trudy Ludwig and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi, about their picture book Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope. TRUDY LUDWIG is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author of numerous children’s books, including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and a recommended...

In this episode, I talk with sisters Cara Mentzel and Tony-award-winner Idina Menzel about their debut picture book Loud Mouse: How a Little Mouse Found Her Big Voice . Cara Mentzel 's debut memoir, Voice Lessons: A Sisters Story ,  about her relationship with her superstar sister, Idina Menzel (yes,  they spell their last names differently), was a Good Reads Choice Award nominee in 2017...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi about his nonfiction book for caregivers, How to Raise an Antiracist . Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University and the founding director of the BU Center for  Antiracist Research. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a  CBS News racial justice contributor. Dr. Kendi is the autho...

In this episode, I talk with the super fun and fan-favorite children's book author, Josh Funk, about his picture book My Pet Feet . It's quite possible that Josh is a superhero with the delightful power of making readers laugh with his writing. During the day, he's a software engineer. And on weekends, he's the author of books like the Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series, It’s Not a...

In this episode, I talk with Dan Gemeinhart, author of the acclaimed novel The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise . We discuss his newest middle grade novel, The Midnight Children. Dan Gemeinhart is a former elementary school teacher-librarian and lifelong book nerd.  He lives with his wife and three daughters in a small town in Washington  State. He's the author of some other books, t...

In this episode, I talk with Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken about their picture book, Patchwork, a deeply moving ode to the complexity and uniqueness of every child. Matt de la Peña is the author of the Newbery Medal-winning Last Stop on Market Street , Milo Imagines the World , Carmela Full of Wishes , Love , and A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis , as well as a number...