Withywindle

In episode 10.5 of Withywindle, we sit down with author Carrie Brownell to talk about writing for young readers, the enduring appeal of adventure, and the power of imagination. From her love of British history to the worlds she creates in Island of Stars , A Light at the End of the Woods , and The Golden Hour , Carrie shares some of the inspirations behind her work and endures some truly nonsensic...

In this special episode of Withywindle , author and publisher Carolyn Givens joins us to share her story, The King’s Messenger ! Carrie lives in Charlotte with her literary cat, Lord Peter Wimsey. She has previously bumped around the world, both as a missionary kid and adult. Carrie was part of the publishing process on more than 30 books before launching Bandersnatch. She’s the author of Rosefire...

In this episode of Withywindle , we’re wandering into the wonderfully imaginative world of illustrator Jaime Zollars! We chat about favorite snacks, the path that led her to drawing, and the joys of making pictures (and maybe monsters) come to life. Jaime shares what sparks her imagination, how she found her way as an artist, and which of the books she’s illustrated is especially close to her hear...

In this special episode of Withywindle , author Matthew Mellema joins us to share an original story, Back from Mars !” It started when Earth lost communication with every single Martian outpost at the same time. Even worse was the final transmission from Mars. . . ” Learn more about Matthew Mellema HERE Shop Red Rex by Matthew Mellema This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with ot...

What do baseball, Boston, and picture books have in common? Matt Tavares! In this delightful episode of Withywindle , we chat with the award-winning author and illustrator about the winding path that led him to creating beloved books for children. We also talk baseball, history, and discover how real-life passions can become beautiful stories. Garglehauser Song Lyrics by Andy! Garglehauser, the bo...

In this special episode of Withywindle , author Carolyn Leiloglou joins us to share one of the beloved tales from the Brothers Grimm: The Six Swans . The Six Swans is a timeless fairy tale about the quiet strength of sacrificial love, the endurance of hope, and the restorative power of faithful devotion. Learn more about Carolyn Leiloglou HERE . Shop books by Caolyn Leiloglou . This is a public ep...

What happens when two lovers of stories, poetry, and imagination join us around the Withywindle fire? In episode two of Withywindle Season 10, we’re delighted to welcome poet, priest, and storyteller Malcolm Guite, along with master illustrator Stephen Crotts. Together, we wander through the worlds of myth, wonder, and faith, exploring the stories that shape our hearts and spark our imaginations....

In this episode we present “How Slimebottom the Troll Got His Name,” a wonderfully strange and delightfully mischievous tale written and brought to us by Glenn McCarty. Join us for a journey filled with trolls, trouble, and the kind of muddy mayhem that makes sense on Withywindle. This story is sure to leave a little slime on your boots and a smile on your face. Glenn McCarty Tumbleweed Books: htt...

Season 10 starts… NOW! After a long, long break (did you miss us? we missed you!), Withywindle is back with a brand-new episode packed with books, belly laughs, and some truly questionable jokes. Our first guest of the season is author Kate Milford, who joins us to talk about the magic of stories, mysterious adventures, and, of course, snacks. We swap favorites, ask big questions, get a little goo...

Surprise! We’re back for a special between-seasons episode. Deck the halls and duck the dad jokes . . . it’s the Withywindle Christmas Special! David and Graeme bring you a snow-covered story, yuletide games, a Very Official Holiday Snack Review™, and enough cheerful chaos to power Santa’s sleigh. Tune in for the merriest Withywindle of the year! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss...

We’re ending season 9 of Withywindle the same way we always do, with a questionpalooza! So hit that play button and tune in as we answer such questions as . . . • How do we prepare the guests for Withywindle shenanigans? • What would the Withywindle Soda Shop be called, and what flavors would we serve? • What are our favorite reads of the year? • How many Cheetos does it take to get out of a glen?...

HelloOooooOOoO! We are back and thrilled to be joined by author and illustrator Stephen Barany! Stephen’s forthcoming book, Alphabet Parade, is an absolute joy, and you can join the Kickstarter for it RIGHT NOW ! By the way, this episode is an absolutely crazy way to spend two hours. Gulches. Grapes. Gastronomics. Woodchucks. Waistcoats. Tornados. You’ve been warned. Also, come to Concord to meet...

On this episode of Withywindle we are joined by the delightful Victoria Murgante, who’s debut novel, The Traveling Piano Man of Fort Whettershire, has been a hit ‘round these parts. “In her enchanting debut novel, Victoria Murgante offers a story of beauty and substance about knowing and being known, exploring the value of true intimacy and the costly grace that makes it possible.” This episode al...

That’s right! Karen Cushman has arrived on Withywindle! 🎉 Karen Cushman is the author of The Midwife’s Apprentice (winner of the 1996 Newbery Medal), Catherine, Called Birdy (a Newbery Honor book), The Ballad of Lucy Whipple (winner of the John and Patricia Beatty Award), and several other prize-winning novels published by Clarion Books. Her newest book is When Sally O’Malley Discovered the Sea....

The guys are back from England and boy are they jet lagged! Lots of sleep-deprived silliness, British chocolate taste testing, and more! Luckily we recorded this episode’s interview BEFORE we went to England so our amazing guest didn’t have to put up with our zonked-out nonsense. Our guest this week is a two-time winner of the North Carolina Young Adult Book Award, Bank Street College’s prestigiou...

If you haven’t figured it out by now, we’re big Adam Gidtwiz fans ‘round these parts. We’re thrilled that he’s agreed to come back to the show for the third time! Adam Gidwitz is the bestselling author of A Tale Dark and Grimm, The Inquisitor’s Tale, The Unicorn Rescue Society, Max in the House of Spies, and Max in the Land of Lies, among many others! He is also the creator of the #1 podcast for k...

In this episode we are joined by the incomparable Kate DiCamillo! Kate is the author of, including Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, The Mercy Watson series , The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Flora & Ulysses, Raymie Nightingale, The Beatryce Prophecy, The Puppets of Spelhorst, Orris & Timble, Ferris, and The Hotel Balzaar , and many more. This episode also is chock-full of the...

Helloooooo world. We are back! Like Frankenstein’s monster, or a bookstore troll after a long winter, we emerge from the darkness. Squinting, drooling, and very disoriented, we are once again:1) Sitting in front of microphones interviewing authors and illustrators who have no idea what they’re getting into. 2) Eating a cornucopia of delicious (and sometimes not) snacks.3) Telling the best/worst jo...

Withywindle season 9 is coming soon, with plenty of guest interviews and all the jokes, riddles, and snacks you’ve come to expect. See you soon! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit withywindle.substack.com/subscribe

The final episode of season 8 is here and, as is our custom, we’re answering your questions! So hit that play button and tune in as we discuss such queries as . . .• What rides would be at a Withywindle Theme Park? • When is Garglehouser and Prints HumperdINK’s podcast finally going to premiere? • What are the greatest snacks of all time? • Is a hotdog a taco? • And many, many more! Thank you for...

And we’re back! On this episode we connect with some past guests to ask them to give us some of their favorite books of the past year. Plus a special international snack time, a brand new (well, pretty old) fable from Japan, and lots of talk about obsolete card games. Enjoy! A special thank you to Read Aloud Revival and Waxwing Books for sponsoring today’s episode. Preorder Beyond Mulberry Glen HE...

In this Christmas-themed episode, David and Graeme sit down with author Anna James to discuss Christmas traditions, Christmas snacks, Christmas books, and more! From her favorite holiday reads to the magic of Christmas in literature, Anna is a joy to listen to. So grab a cup of cocoa (or eggnog), cozy up by the fire, and join us for this tree-mendous conversation. Merry Bookish Christmas to all! A...

Today’s guest is none other than author and dinosaur enthusiast extraordinaire, Matthew Mellema ! Matthew is the author of Red Rex , a wonderful adventure book taking place in a fictional past where dinosaurs and humans live together. Sometimes peacefully. Sometimes . . . not. So click that play button and tune in to our conversation with Matthew about snacks, books, writing, and dinosaurs. Plus,...

In this episode we are please to welcome back S.D Smith to the show, as well as his son J.C! S.D. Smith is the author of the Green Ember book series, Mooses with Bazookas , The Found Boys , and together with his son, the Jack Zulu Series. We chatted with the Smiths about what it’s like to write together, what they’re working on next, their favorite snacks, and much more. Plus, listen as they go he...

We are so excited to welcome Laura Martin onto the show! Laura is the author of many beloved books , including The Edge of Extinction series, Glitch, Float, and her newest novel, Wander Lost. It was such a delight to get to spend some time with her asking your questions about her life and work. This episode also contains a Thanksgiving-themed snack time, a brand-new story, and of course . . . groa...