The Children's Book Podcast (Matthew C. Winner)

Russ Cox (@smilingotis), author and illustrator of Faraway Friends, published by Sky Pony Press (@skyhorsepub), stops by to talk about playing outside, always learning, and knowing when "it's just not the right person for me." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Eric Gansworth shares Apple (Skin to the Core). Eric’s memoir in pictures and verse is also an exceptional audiobook which Eric reads himself. It’s a privilege for me to bring you this conversation today. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Loren Long, author illustrator of The Yellow Bus (Roaring Brook Press), talks about his contemplative exploration of the life of a bus.

Visit Loren online at https://lorenlong.com/

You can pick up your own copy of The Yellow Bus (Roaring Brook Press) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

 

Deborah Wiles (@DeborahWiles101) shares KENT STATE. Deborah is known for a great number of outstanding middle grade novels, but her YA debut is one that I believe will fully stop you in your tracks. KENT STATE is a novel in verse or perhaps more accurately a novel in voices about the events on May 4th, 1970 which led to members of the Ohio National Guard opening fire into a crowd of Kent State University demonstrators, killing four and wounding nine Kent State students. It is a book about events that took place over 50 years ago, but it is also inseparably a story about what is going on right now. It’s a novel that examines the importance of social justice and what it means to be an American. It is a retelling that will move you. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Picture Book Summit Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Anastasia Higginbotham (@AHigginBooks) shares NOT MY IDEA: A BOOK ABOUT WHITENESS. Anastasia’s Ordinary Terrible Things book series has taken on the topics of divorce, death, and sex using straightforward language and respecting the reader with each page. Her most recent entry in the series is called NOT MY IDEA: A BOOK ABOUT WHITENESS and it has been one of my most-talked about books ever since a colleague shared it with me at the beginning of this school year. Anastasia talks at length about the work that went into creating this book, laying the art from found materials, handwriting the text, and crafting the story around her own experience of processing racial injustice and White supremacy. It’s an absolutely exceptional book and one that provides the necessary space and language for confronting Whiteness and working against the historic and ongoing oppression of Black men, women, and children. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Steve Light (@SteveLight), author illustrator of Swap!, stops by the podcast to talk about the greatest joy, using items in unconventional ways, and feeding clues to the reader by way of a monkey. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

JaNay Brown-Wood, contributor to No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, shares a poem for Poetry Month.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• JaNay Brown-Wood website - www.janaybrownwood.com

• Purchase the book - No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change

CREDITS:

 

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

 

Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com. 

 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

 

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

 

Fellow teachers and librarians, want a way to explore building a stronger culture of reading in our communities? In The Reading Culture podcast, Beanstack co-founder Jordan Bookey hosts conversations that dive into beloved authors' personal journeys and insights into motivating young people to read. And I am a big fan! Check out the Reading Culture Podcast with Jordan Bookey, from Beanstack. Available wherever podcasts are found.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

 

Jay Hosler (@Jay_Hosler), author and illustrator of Last of the Sandwalkers, published by First Second (@01FirstSecond), stops by to talk about finding the tedium we can endure, a tale of prolonged stupidity (or obliviousness), and trying to capture the joy of Snoopy dancing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Brendan Wenzel (@BRENDAN_WENZEL), author-illustrator of They All Saw A Cat, stops by the podcast to talk about expressing perception, building in a lot of questions, and aspiring to create a book that children could use as a diving off point. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Vera Brosgol (@verabee), author illustrator of Leave Me Alone!, stops by the podcast to talk about story solutions achieved through scheduled massages, needing to be along before others can see her work, and the idea that you can't be in love with your art if it's not working for the story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Charles Waters (@waterscharles) shares DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD: POEMS, QUOTES, AND ANECDOTES FROM A TO Z. Charles and Irene Latham were last on this podcast two years ago to share CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR?: POEMS OF RACE, MISTAKES, AND FRIENDSHIP. Their new book together, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD, is beautifully illustrated cover to cover by Mehrdokht Amini. The layout of the book is stunning, beginning with a poem addressing a culturally responsive topic, explaining the poetic form, expanding on the poem with an anecdote, and then inviting readers to take one small action or do one small activity relating to the topic. It’s a powerhouse of a book and I think this interview will speak for itself in that regard. Plus, hearing Charles recite poems is one of my favorite things ever! You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Marcus Ewert (@MarcusEwert) and Lisa Brown (@lisabrowndraws), author and illustrator of Mummy Cat, published by Clarion Books (@HMHKids), stop by to talk about writing with ideograms, how Yale is a good word for capricorns, and doing something you aren't supposed to do. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Juana Martinez-Neal makes her picture book debut as both author and illustrator in ALMA AND HOW SHE GOT HER NAME, a story that carries with it a simple and sincere message: everybody has a name, and every name has a story behind it. Juana talks about not have the distance from her own story to maintain a more autobiographical focus, and yet in turning her gaze to the fictional Alma she opens up the story to be that much more universal. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Zetta Elliott shares A PLACE INSIDE OF ME. Zetta is a force on this earth and I had the good great fortune to connect with her to discuss A PLACE INSIDE OF ME, her new picture book illustrated by Noa Denmon. Zetta’s passion for writing as both a space for growth and for taking risks has led to her having more than a few really great stories to tell, and more than a few friends readily volunteering her name as a truthsayer and a beacon of light. In A PLACE INSIDE OF ME, Zetta helps readers honor all of their emotions as a community responds to an act of racial violence and the story’s protagonist processes the trauma. I can scarcely put into words how A PLACE INSIDE OF ME moved me except to say that it’s a book I think about and return to even now, a long while after that first read.   You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara are the author and illustrator of THE FIELD, a picture book about pick-up game of soccer in a village in St. Lucia that could be any pick-up game in any town with any kids. It's Baptiste's debut as a picture book author and Jackie's debut as a picture book illustrator. What stories and storied backgrounds each bring to THE FIELD will enrich your experience with this beautiful book even more so, and so it's my pleasure to bring this conversation to you. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sophy Henn (@sophyhenn), author illustrator of Pom Pom Panda Gets the Grumps, and Where Bear?, stops by the podcast to talk about instinctive writing, letting the characters tell you the story, and those days you get up and it's just wrong. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Carole Lindstrom (@CaroleLindstrom) and Michaela Goade (@MichaelaGoade) share WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS.  The story was inspired by Standing Rock, by indigenous people fighting pipelines and fracking, fighting for the earth. It’s a story for everyone, because we all have a part in this. But it’s also a story about acknowledging those who care deeply for our earth and our waters. We all can be water protectors, even from our homes. This April 22, 2020 we are celebrating the 50 anniversary of Earth Day. One action you might take is to sign the water protectors pledge created in connection to this beautiful book. There’s also a virtual kit that can be shared with students. Both are available below in the show notes so that you can help share these resources widely. As Carole reminds us, “everything revolves around us being together as one.” You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Meera Sriram (@Meeratsriram) shares A GIFT FROM AMMA: MARKET DAY IN INDIA, illustrated by Marionna Cabassa. I am always keeping an eye out for books that take the familiar and reshape and reshare in a new way. In this book, we take a color walk alongside our main character, noticing pinks and blacks and reds and all of the other colors of the market. But this isn’t just a walk for the eyes. It’s a walk for all the senses. Readers watch the charcoal black roast sweetcorn and kebabs while hearing the black drums beat and boom. They smell the powdery spice scent of turmeric, yellow like sunshine dust, while hearing a yellow rickshaw pass. Meera has captured the sensory experience of the markets she grew up visiting and she shares them with all of our readers. It is a place you’ll want to visit over and over again. And centering all of this is a child’s love for her mother. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Picture Book Summit Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Airlie Anderson (@airliebird) is the author illustrator of NEITHER, a new picture book about a creature who is not this or that, but neither. It's a story of finding a place to belong, a place to feel welcome. It's also a story about making room for others who may be different from you. But one of the book's most powerful qualities is the space left for the reader to make his or her own connections, to see his or her own this, that, and neither. And for adults to do the same. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

David Fulk (@DavidFulkWrites), author of Raising Rufus, stops by the podcast to talk about discovering your inner hero, exploring in the woods, and planners and pantsers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Divinity Roxx and NaShantá Fletcher share Me + You and Happy & Healthy, two stories celebrating diverse families and moving and grooving to your own beautiful beat. 

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Me + You by Divinity Roxx; illustrated by NaShantá Fletcher

Page Length: 32 pages

Ages 3 to 8

Diverse families and children celebrate one another in this catchy, hip-hop look at what family really means.

 

Happy & Healthy by Divinity Roxx; illustrated by NaShantá Fletcher

Page Length: 32 pages

Ages 3 to 8

Joyful children move and groove to their own beautiful beat in this vibrant hip-hop celebration of life and health. Every book purchase includes exclusive access to the catchy song...to sing along!

 

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(9:35) “Growing up, my mom made sure that we always had nutritious dinners and lunches, and so I am still very much… I still very much do that for myself.”

(10:44) “I recently started (very recently started) working from home, and I didn't realize how much being at a workplace and being surrounded by people makes me happy until I started working by myself and in this home.”

(13:16) “Generally, when I think about writing for kids, I think about what I wanted to hear when I was a kid and what I may not have heard, what was missing.”

(15:44) “I come up with song ideas based off of the children around me and my experience as a child. I still feel like that child inside of me. I really connect to her in so many ways.” 

(18:56) “I wanted to make it, like, this authentic world, like the world I see around me, cuz I grew up in urban neighborhoods. I'm from Chicago. I live just outside the city now, but I wanted to illustrate the people that I see every day, like the people I see at the grocery store, at the park, or at the laundromat, because there are so many different types of people around us.” 

(25:48) “Whatever you can imagine for yourself in your life, you can make it happen. Your imagination is so powerful that something that exists in your mind only can be output into the world as a very real and tangible thing. So go and dream big.”

(26:17) “Don't feel like you have to be like everyone else. It's okay to be different. And we have to be kind to each other and respect what makes us all unique.”

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Divinity Roxx Website - www.diviroxxkids.com

• NaShantá Fletcher Website - nashanta.com

• Purchase the Book - Me + You

• Purchase the Book - Happy & Healthy

• Me + You Video (password required)

• Happy & Healthy Video (password required)

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. Who is in your family? Who do you live with that is in your family? Who lives somewhere else, but is in your family? What makes someone (or something) family to you? Share your answers with a grownup. How are they similar? How are they different?

2. What are ways you and your family stay healthy? What ways do you take care of your body? Your heart? Your mind? What is a new healthy habit that you would like to try?

3. How does it feel to be noticed or celebrated by somebody? Have you read a book with a character that looks or acts or celebrates or believes similar to you? How does that feel to find a character similar to you and your family? How does it feel to read about characters different from you and your family? 

4. We heard parts of three songs from Divinity Roxx today: “Me Plus You”, “Happy and Healthy”, and “Feeling Good”. Which song caught your attention? What was it about this song that made you sit up and notice? How did the song make you feel?

 

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

Fellow teachers and librarians, want a way to explore building a stronger culture of reading in our communities? In The Reading Culture podcast, Beanstack co-founder Jordan Bookey hosts conversations that dive into beloved authors' personal journeys and insights into motivating young people to read. And I am a big fan! Check out the Reading Culture Podcast with Jordan Bookey, from Beanstack. Available wherever podcasts are found.

 

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

 

Torben Kuhlmann shares ARMSTRONG, his best-selling picture book about a mouse who dreams of setting foot on the moon gets a special anniversary edition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Torben and I found a private conference room on the exhibit hall that offered us space from the crowded show floor, but not a total escape from the noise. I hope you’ll enjoy leaning in as Torben and I talk about film, performing, and the dreams of mice. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: North South And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Andrea Davis Pinkney (@AndreaDavisPink), author most recently of A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy Day, stops by the podcast to talk about her love letter to Peter, the great equalizer, and the power art can take on even when not trying to make a statement. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mike Curato (@MikeCurato) shares FLAMER, his YA graphic novel about a boy at scout camp the summer of 1995. This book is a lot of things. It’s a coming-of-age story. It confronts ideas of racism and homophobia. It looks at body image and coming to terms with identity in every sense of the word. It deals with issues of religion and of suicidal ideation. It is a powerful and moving story with a climax that rises like a phoenix from the flames. But we’ll get to all of that in our conversation. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Picture Book Summit Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dan Santat (@dsantat), author illustrator most recently of After The Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again), stops by the podcast to talk about overcoming obstacles, an obsession with negative space, and a story synonymous with falling. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Minh Le (@bottomshelfbks) and Isabel Roxas (@studioroxas), author and illustrator respectively of Let Me Finish!, stop by the podcast to talk about writing yourself into a corner, putting an idea out into the world to fail, and how much the interplay between text and illustration makes or breaks the book. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Kelly Starling Lyons (@kelstarly) shares GOING DOWN HOME WITH DADDY. Kelly is a wonder to me. Her books live in nearly every collection of our school library. Her JADA JONES series is so well-loved, that just mentioning her name in our library had students literally giddy to read her next book. She had not one but two picture books included in our mock Coretta Scott King award last year including GOING DOWN HOME WITH DADDY, a book illustrated by Daniel Minter for which he was awarded a Caldecott honor. Kelly’s newest book is called TIARA’S HAT PARADE, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell, and it centers on a daughter’s love for her mother and the heartfelt way she responds when momma’s millinery business is forced to close. We squeeze a whole lot into this one conversation, so be sure to put in a list of holds requests at your library to check out all of Kelly’s books for yourself. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Picture Book Summit Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Shane W. Evans shares shares MY FRIEND!, his latest picture book with his best pal Taye Diggs. This book has such terrific rhythmic language, made only greater by Shane’s beautiful and evocative color blocking throughout the art. One of my most favorite things Shane shared in our conversation was how he is constantly working to stay aware of the child in him. It’s so clear as I read Shane’s art. Truly, one only needs to spend a moment with one of Shane’s books to hear that voice and that value come calling out. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Kaylin Melia George shares Aloha Everything, a story celebrating a courageous young girl named Ano who learns, grows, and comes to love her island home with all her heart.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George and Mae Waite 

 

In this exciting adventure, you'll encounter mighty canoes crashing over ocean waves, royal hawks soaring high above the clouds, and brilliant lizard creatures jumping nimbly through forest trees! Most importantly, you'll meet a courageous young girl named Ano who learns, grows, and comes to love her island home with all her heart.

 

Since the day that Ano was born, her heart has been connected to her home. But, this adventurous child has a lot to learn! When Ano begins to dance hula — a storytelling dance from which carries the knowledge, history, and folklore of the Hawaiian people — Ano comes to understand the true meaning of aloha.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

(4:46) “The word aloha has a lot of different meanings and it primarily, for me, the way that I kind of root myself in it, the way that I think about it, means love. But aloha can also mean hello. It can mean goodbye. It can mean affection. It can mean a kind of caring or respect. And I like to think of it as when you say hello or goodbye to someone, you're greeting them with love and you're saying goodbye to them with love. That's the way that I like to think of it.” 

 

(6:08) “‘Aloha everything’ is really a reminder to ourselves to give love, care, respect, and appreciation to everything and everyone around us.”

 

(7:32) “It is first and foremost a form of storytelling. And through the hula, through the dance form, through the stories that are told, it is a way that the Hawaiian people pass on from generation to generation, information. Information, wisdom, knowledge, stories, folklore, genealogies. 

 

(14:22) “It's remarkable to me the things that I learned, not only about the islands, not only about the history of the Hawaiian people, but also about my own family and about myself throughout the creation of this book.”

 

(16:00) “All should remember from time to time the importance of aloha everything, the importance of giving love and care and respect to everything and everyone around us. And that also includes ourselves giving love to yourself and self-love and self-care and self-respect. 

And I think that that's something that I've learned a lot through the course of this process and something that I would love for every child to feel.  I hope that we can all remember to aloha everything. Aloha our friends, our family, our earth, our plants and animals, and also ourselves.” 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Aloha Everything Website - www.mythify.com/aloha-everything

• Purchase the Book - Aloha Everything

• Hula Preservation Society - website

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. Kaylin shared that ‘aloha’ and, specifically, to ‘aloha everything’ is to give love, care, respect, and appreciation to everything and everyone around us. What are some of the things that come to mind for which you give love and thanks?

2. Hula is a form of storytelling through dance. In fact, hulu is a way that the Hawaiian people pass on from generation to generation, information. Information, wisdom, knowledge, stories, folklore, genealogies. What are ways that your family has passed down information from one generation to the next?

3. What are some ways that you can show love, care, respect, and appreciation for the people and the living things in your life?What might that look like if you were to share with someone who is near you right now?

CREDITS:

 

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

 

Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com. 

 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

 

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

 

Fellow teachers and librarians, want a way to explore building a stronger culture of reading in our communities? In The Reading Culture podcast, Beanstack co-founder Jordan Bookey hosts conversations that dive into beloved authors' personal journeys and insights into motivating young people to read. And I am a big fan! Check out the Reading Culture Podcast with Jordan Bookey, from Beanstack. Available wherever podcasts are found.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

Theresa Thorn (@theresathorn) and Noah Grigni join to share IT FEELS GOOD TO BE YOURSELF: A BOOK ABOUT GENDER IDENTITY. There are more conversations about gender going on than perhaps ever before, but there are also lots and lots of adults and kids alike who are not quite sure exactly how to talk about gender. In Theresa and Noah’s debut picture book, readers meet four different children who each identify differently from one another in terms of gender. The narrator introduces each child by sharing how that child identifies now and how that may have changed, then the narrator provides language to help describe each of these varying gender identities. As we discuss in the conversation, the narrator is that of a guide and onlooker with us, the readers, but the narrator also uses lots of non-definitive language in order to help communicate the fluidity and varied nature of gender identity.  Theresa puts it best when she says, “We all have a sense of gender that belongs to us”. I hope that you, dear listener, find that there is space for you in this conversation as well. And for your students, your friends, and your family members. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Libro.fm Storyteller Academy And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Steve Malk (@stevenmalk), literary agent at Writers House, returns to the podcast to talk about connections on a deeper level, the surreal feeling of seeing books on a bookstore shelf that you helped get published, and 20 years of representing talented folks working in children's literature. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Benson Shum shares ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU, a story about a kaiju with an unconventional gift, and it’s sequel, ANZU THE GREAT LISTENER, which asks us to consider how not all acts of kindness are perceived as intended.

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Anzu the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum

Page Length: 40 pages

Ages 4 to 8

All great Kaiju are born with a super power to strike fear in the heart of the city. But Anzu is different.

Instead of mayhem, he likes May flowers. Instead of striking fear, he prefers to be sincere.

Can Anzu find a way to make his family proud and stay true to his kind self?

From Disney animator and illustrator Bensom Shum comes an adorable and heartwarming picture book about making your own way and the unexpected power of gentleness.

 

Anzu the Great Listener by Benson Shum

Page Length: 40 pages

Ages 4 to 8

Anzu the kaiju loves to tend to his bonsai.

Whenever he feels overwhelmed or unsettled, it helps him pause and reminds him to just . . . breathe.

One day, when Anzu hears crying in the distance, he's eager to help! The flower-power that makes his bonsai bloom has a way of making others smile.

But when Anzu's flowers seem to lose their power, hurting more than they help, he's not sure where to turn--until he remembers some valuable lessons he learned from his bonsai tree.

In Anzu the Great Listener, creator and Walt Disney Studios animator Benson Shum illustrates the importance of patience, empathy, and above all, taking the time to listen.

 

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(5:53) “What if not all of kaijus want to destroy? What if they wanna bring joy or kindness? What would that look like in their world?” 

(7:13)  “Sometimes I  think it's a nice reminder to just listen, you know? And that silence between the two can make all the difference.”

(10:45)  “I think even kids, when they find something that's individual to them, making them happy, would actually make people around them just as happy, ”

(14:53) “We all listen in different ways. Just letting the person finish what they're saying is an act of listening, you know? …And maybe not trying to solve a problem if they have a problem and just kind of let them speak what they're saying. And then,  if they ask for help, then maybe you can jump in and have a suggestion.  I think that's an act of listening as well.“

(18:06) “Be kind. Listen to one another. Ask your teacher, a librarian like yourself, a friend, a family member, “How are you doing today?” And listen to what they have to say. To be heard and listened to can make a person's day from just those few words.” 

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Website - Benson Shum
• Purchase the Book - Anzu the Great Kaiju
• Purchase the Book - Anzu the Great Listener
• Teachers guide and activities - https://bensonshum.com/activities/
• Anzu the Great Listener (Teacher’s Guide) - http://bensonshum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Anzu-the-Great-Listener-Guide-w-Activity-Kit.pdf
• Anzu the Great Kaiju (Teacher’s Guide) - http://bensonshum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Anzu-the-Great-Kaiju-Guide.pdf

 

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. What are some examples of kaiju that you can think of? What kind of kaiju would you be okay with discovering was coming for a visit? What kind of kaiju would you definitely want to avoid?
2. What are some ways in which Benson is similar to Anzu? In what ways are they different? What are ways that you are similar (or different) to Benson? 
3. What does being a good listener look like to you? How does it sound? How does it feel? How does it make others feel?
4. Why do you think the book jacket is called a “book jacket”? What purpose does the book jacket serve? Can you think of any other books you’ve encountered where the cover art differs from the jacket art? Why do you think an artist might do this?

 

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent book stores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

The rhinestone-emblazoned leotard worn by Simone Biles boasts GOAT, greatest of all time, and if you have any doubt about the 24-year-old gymnast or the path that led her to where she stands today, well, stick around because it’s Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Five books reviewed in five minutes. - Sea Bones by Bob Barner - Her Idea by Rilla - Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins - Red Yellow Blue and a Dash of White, Too! by C. G. Esperanza - A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Natasha Khan Kazi (Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding Story) shares what is giving her hope today: the bravery of everyday people.

 

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 more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

 

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.design/). 

 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

 

Be well. Read on. And don’t lose hope.

Tonya Engel (@tonyaengel) shares RISE! FROM CAGED BIRD TO POET OF THE PEOPLE, MAYA ANGELOU, written by Bethany Hegedus. Tonya talks about allowing her stream of consciousness to guide her when creating the art for RISE!. The result is a series of paintings rich in imagery and an inner strength that undeniably links that artist to her subject. Tonya speaks on how illustrating Maya Angelou’s life was like telling the story of one of her ancestors and how this book project shed light on how she and Angelou’s life somewhat mirrored one another. Like a beautifully crafted poem, there’s a lot to take in here in this conversation. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Andrea Wang shares Luli and the Language of Tea, a story that reminds us that when you're looking to communicate with people, you look for a common bond. 

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang; illustrated by Hyewon Yum

 

Though they may speak different languages, kids from all over the world come together to enjoy the shared pastime of tea in this delicious book for young readers.

 

When five-year-old Luli joins her new English as a Second Language class, the playroom is quiet. Luli can't speak English, neither can anyone else. That's when she has a brilliant idea to host a tea party and bring them all together.

 

Luli removes her teapot, thermos, and teacups from her bag and calls out "Chá!" in her native Chinese. One by one, her classmates pipe up in recognition: in Russian, Hindi, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, and Spanish, Portuguese, and Swahili. Tea is a tasty language they all know well, and it gives them a chance to share and enjoy each other's company. When all the tea is gone and it's time for dessert, Luli gets to use her favorite English word, cookie! After that, the playroom isn't so quiet.

 

Informed by her own experience as the child of Chinese immigrant parents, Andrea Wang makes the point that when you're looking to communicate with people, you look for a common bond. The word for "tea" is similar in many languages, and tea becomes the unifying metaphor that brings a diverse group of children together. Additional material at the back of the book explores the rich and ancient history of tea drinking across cultures all around the world and contains maps, statistics, and fascinating details that will delight young readers.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

(7:33) “I write the kind of stories I do to keep a connection to [my parents]. And it's sort of my way of keeping a conversation with them because they're no longer with us. I feel like I didn't really understand my parents until I was a grownup and what they had gone through in their childhoods in China. And so this is just my way of honoring them and writing about some of the things that we shared as I was growing up with them.”

 

(8:31) “It's really hard to give up everything you've ever known and move somewhere completely different, where you don't speak the language that well or at all.”

 

(13:45) “Just being respectful of people from different cultures is huge. Just instead of reacting with fear, but reacting with curiosity perhaps.”

 

(14:19) “We all have our own story that's going on from day to day. And then, when someone comes in or we're put into a new situation, we're suddenly thrust into the middle of someone else's story. I. We have to observe and react and figure out what's going on.”

 

(18:22) “Reach out and make a new friend. You might not think that they look like you or that you have anything in common, but if you just try a little bit, share some of yourself, like Luli shared some of herself and her culture, you might find that you actually have a lot in common.” 

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Andrea Wang website - andreaywang.com

• Purchase the Book - Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang; illustrated by Hyewon Yum

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. Have you ever had tea? What kind of tea did you have last? Were you drinking tea with someone else? Where were you? Try to bring back memories of why, what, when, where, and why in order to bring even more details to mind.

2. Have you ever welcomed a new student into your classroom? What words or actions did you share to help make that person feel more comfortable and welcomed? What things did you and your class do to get to know the new person better? 

3. What does it mean to belong? How does it feel to belong? What types of words or actions could you share with someone new in order to make them feel like they belong?

CREDITS:

 

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

 

Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com. 

 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

 

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

 

Fellow teachers and librarians, want a way to explore building a stronger culture of reading in our communities? In The Reading Culture podcast, Beanstack co-founder Jordan Bookey hosts conversations that dive into beloved authors' personal journeys and insights into motivating young people to read. And I am a big fan! Check out the Reading Culture Podcast with Jordan Bookey, from Beanstack. Available wherever podcasts are found.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

 

Aaron Becker shares The Last Zookeeper (Candlewick Press), a wordless picture book imaging a futuristic Noah's Ark in a luminous sci-fi parable for our changing world.

Visit Aaron online at https://www.storybreathing.com

You can pick up your own copy of The Last Zookeper wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

Be well. And read on.

 

Shawn Harris, illustrator of Her Right Foot, stops by the podcast to talk about the importance of balancing text and art, helping to create a casual text book, and reminding us what She means now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Michael Genhart (@MGenhart) shares ACCORDIONLY, a picture book about two grandfathers with, at first glance, not a whole lot in common. What they do share is not only a love of the accordion but, more importantly, a family. Michael’s work tends to live in a space of welcoming and family. I know him previously from RAINBOW: A FIRST BOOK OF PRIDE, a soft introduction to rainbow families, as well as LOVE IS LOVE, a picture book that reminds us, as Lin Manuel Miranda once said, that love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love, and that love is for everyone and between anyone. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Natalia Sylvester, author of A Maleta Full of Treasures (Dial Books), illustrated by Juana Medina, talks about how we are, deep down, all of the ages we’ve ever been.

Visit Natalia online at www.nataliasylvester.com

You can pick up your own copy of A Maleta Full of Treasures (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes. 

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.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

 

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Lizzo visited the Library of Congress as their guest and was treated to the largest flute collection in the world. The instrument she played and, indeed, the very act of playing it, are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Rahele Jomepour Bell (@RaheleJomepour) shares OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR, a new picture book written by author A. E. Ali that takes place in a classroom where every child’s favorite holiday is celebrated throughout the school year. Do you have a favorite day of the year? I share mine in this conversation, as does Rahele. The favorite days shared by the children in this story make me smile not only for the reasons that make those days favorites, but also for the glimpse into the lives and families we see centered and honored throughout this book. It’s clear Rahele and A. E. Ali took great care to bring this story to readers. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Picture Book Summit Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jennifer Gray Olson (@jgrayolson), author and illustrator of Ninja Bunny, published by Alfred A. Knopf (@AAKnopf), stops by to talk about abounding confidence, her mental commute to work, and how one day ninja bunny just sort of showed up in her sketchbook. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Lorena Alvarez shares HICOTEA, a companion graphic novel to her 2017 debut, NIGHTLIGHTS. Guest host Mel Schuit interviews Lorena at the American Library Association's annual conference and they discuss the art and inspiration behind the graphic novels. For those not yet familiar, NIGHLIGHTS is a beautiful story about fear, insecurity, and creativity. In HICOTEA, Sandy, the protagonist from NIGHTLIGHTS, returns to explore a magical new dimension. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Kidlit These Days Storyteller Academy  Bharat Babies And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Tillie Walden (@TillieWalden), cartoonist of Spinning, stops by the podcast to talk about creating love and empathy with other people, the strong feeling of not wanting to be in fear of your own story, and the difficulty of defining coming out in any universal way. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Ellen Potter (@Ellenpotter), author of The Sea Pony, the third book in her Piper Green and the Fairy Tree chapter book series, stops by the podcast to talk about free-range kids, the gnome tree, and approaching the book's plot as a puzzle. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2023), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - link

• 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - link

• Purchase any of the Books - link

 

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. What types of stories are honored by the Sydney Taylor Book Award? What other book awards have you encountered? And what kinds of special stories or characteristics do they celebrate?

2. What was one of the books that stood out to you from the 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award winners and honors? What made this book sound especially appealing to you?
   

 

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

Andrea Beaty (@andreabeaty) is the author of ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER and its sequels as well as author of the QUESTIONEERS (@questioneerkids) chapter book series, all illustrated by David Roberts. Andrea shared much insight to how she crafts stories in rhyme and how, when searching for words, the right one is the right one. She also shares the idea of holding onto a dream for somebody else and how books help make room. Andrea’s newest picture book in the series will be SOFIA VALDEZ, FUTURE PREZ, which will release this November. As we take you into the “Live at 25” Podcast Booth at the Sound Garden Pavillion in the exhibit hall at the American Library Association’s annual conference in June, remember: even the smallest things have back stories.   Thank you to this week's sponsors: Highlights Foundation Abrams And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mrs. P (@MrsPstorytime) returns to share details around the 10th annual Be a Famous Writer Contest. The new school year is about to begin. It’s time for possibility and wonder and excitement and discovery. It’s time for students to find identity as scientists and coders and makers… and writers. Mrs. P has loved and inspired young authors for many, many years and the submissions she receives for the annual Be a Famous Writer Contest showcase some incredible works of creativity by students and classrooms. This year’s theme is HEROES and I’ve invited Mrs. P back to the podcast to tell you and your students all about it. You can access all of the information you and your students will need to get started by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

At this moment, across the United States, in places like Baltimore, Maryland and Jackson, Mississippi, access to clean and safe water is becoming almost impossible. This water crisis in the United States is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Kari Lavelle, the author of the Butt or Face? series (Sourcebooks) and Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Bryan Collier, talks about the research before the research in crafting her unique nonfiction series that uses play to engage readers of all ages.

Visit Kari online at https://www.karilavelle.com/

You can pick up your own copy of Butt or Face? series (Sourcebooks) and Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

 

Tony Cliff (@TangoCharlie), cartoonist behind Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling, the newest book in the Delilah Dirk graphic novel series, stops by the podcast to talk about controlling the flow of the story, starting small, and comics being a good solution to a problem that film couldn't accomplish. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Rajani LaRocca (@rajanilarocca) shares MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM. Mimi, the main character in Rajani’s middle grade debut, enters a baking competition at her town’s newest sweet spot, but things aren’t quite as they appear. The baked goods they sell are awful and overpriced, the employees seem to be speaking exclusively in rhyme, and crowds of locals are inexplicably showing up in droves for the bakery’s latest confections. Mimi’s dad is a food writer and has just returned from a trip abroad, but he won’t be any help to her because he’s not acting himself, though Mimi seems to be the only one to notice. Has he completely lost his sense of taste? It’s not long before everyone around her is just acting… off, but Mimi is determined to let nothing distract her from creating the most inventive and memorable treats this bakery has ever known. I’ve been waiting a long while to read this book and it’s just so good, there’s no way I could resist kicking off the new year with a read so sweet! You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsor: Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Visit thewritingbarn.com and click on “Classes” to sign up for “Becoming A Better Storyteller Through Podcasting” with me, Matthew Winner.

Registration for the webinar is $25 and you can join live from 11-12:30 CT or view the archived recording via REPLAY within 48 hours of the event.  Or both!

PLUS, you’re one step closer to bringing your podcast idea AND your voice into the world. Which means we’re one step closer to being colleagues! I love it!

Natasha Khan Kazi shares Moon's Ramadan, a debut picture book and modern holiday classic capturing the magic and meaning of one of the world's most joyful and important celebrations.

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Moon's Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi

Page Length: 40 pages

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

With radiant and welcoming art, this debut picture book and modern holiday classic captures the magic and meaning of one of the world's most joyful and important celebrations.

It's Ramadan, the month of peace, and Moon watches over Ramadan traditions with excitement and longing in this sweetly illustrated debut.

In Egypt, India, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, in Somalia, New Zealand and Indonesia, in Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, children and their families do good deeds in honor of those who have less.

Cleverly blending glimpses of different countries' celebrations with the corresponding phases of the moon, Moon's Ramadan makes Ramadan, one of the world's most widely celebrated traditions, accessible and exciting for all readers. 

 

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(6:54) “[Ramadan] feels light because everyone's on their best behavior, hopefully, and trying to be kind and trying to be patient.”

(8:07) “[Ramadan is] all about feeding the other person first” 

(10:06) “It was one of the top three best experiences in my life because small children are so…  They're so open-minded. They're so honest. And they felt the joy that our family felt. And they like, they just met us there in that place of joy.”

(10:38) “When I wrote and illustrated this book, I really hoped that other Muslim kids would feel proud, but I also wanted their friends, um, to support them and be even better friends.”

(17:46) “Veil means a cloth that covers the head. And I am surrounded by smart, strong Muslim women who wear something called the hijab, which is a veil that covers the head, including my mom.” 

(18:31) “Since I knew the story was gonna be from the point of view of Moon, I wonder what she was thinking in that moment when twilight was happening and she was slowly appearing to the world. She might feel like she's a little veiled and that no one has yet noticed her, but she is noticing everyone.”

(20:55) “I feel in our heart that we are all, no matter what you believe, we are all different types of bread. And the bread itself is the same. I think we all believe in compassion and kindness, but it takes different forms and we practice that form in different ways.”

(21:52) “They say sometimes when you illustrate, you have to draw the world as you want to see it. And this was really one of those moments.”

(22:47) “Go and read other Ramadan books because every perspective is different. And I love that you would read my perspective, but there's a lot of perspectives out there.”

(23:18) “Always stay curious, open-minded and honest. When we learn from each other, we learn something about ourselves. I want you all to look around the room and see that we are all unique and that's a beautiful thing. Same is boring. So please be proud of your identity.”

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Natasha Khan Kazi Website - www.natashakhankazi.com

• Purchase the Book - Moon's Ramadan

• IslamiMommy - IslamiMommy

 

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. What phase is the moon in as you look up in the sky tonight? How would you describe it? When will the new lunar cycle begin?

2. If this was your first time hearing about Ramadan, what details can you remember that Natasha shared? What are some of the things you might see, smell, or taste during the holy month of Ramadan?

3. If you observe Ramadan in your family, what are some of the traditions that you and your loved ones practice? What are some of the things you most look forward to throughout the month? Who are some of the people with whom you celebrate?

4. Natasha reminded us that a main focus during Ramadan is practicing acts of kindness. What are some ways you could show kindness in your classroom? In your home? When you’re out in your community?

 

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

Fellow teachers and librarians, want a way to explore building a stronger culture of reading in our communities? In The Reading Culture podcast, Beanstack co-founder Jordan Bookey hosts conversations that dive into beloved authors' personal journeys and insights into motivating young people to read. And I am a big fan! Check out the Reading Culture Podcast with Jordan Bookey, from Beanstack. Available wherever podcasts are found.

 

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

 

Katherine Applegate (@kaaauthor), author most recently of Crenshaw, published by Feiwell and Friends (@FeiwelFriends), and recipient of the Newbery Award in 2013 for The One and Only Ivan, stops by to talk about considering sound more than plot, a sophisticated and charming way to deal with things, and finding just the right word. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Kate Beasley (@_katebeasley), author of Gertie's Leap to Greatness, stops by the podcast to talk about bringing half of ourselves to the story, the kind of books she read as a kid, and the guardian angel tense. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Hello my beautiful booknerds.  I am hard at work on another batch of episodes to share with all of you and I am really, really excited about what’s coming up. There is no shortage of truly stunning books being published. Books that I know will be on my shelves and on my mind for a long while. Books that I want to talk about and I want you to hear about. Books made even better by listening to the creators share how these stories came to be what we are holding in our hands or listening to in our earbuds. Today, I’m bringing back the monthly bookclub, new and improved. For $25 you can receive one book per month from a title featured on the podcast. Books are hand-selected in partnership with Brain Lair Bookstore, ship anywhere in the U.S. (shipping included), and are also accompanied by a special Bookclub mini podcast episode available to all patrons at this tier, breaking down just what makes this book so special and set apart. You love children’s books. You love independent bookstores. You love this podcast. Let’s combine all of that into one awesome piece of mail each month that can be enjoyed over and over for many months to come. The feature book we picked for May is HELLO, NEIGHBOR!: The Kind and Caring world of Mr. Rogers by Matthew Cordell. It’s outstanding. And if you haven’t picked it up yet, this is the perfect chance. Visit https://www.patreon.com/matthewcwinner if you feel like it’s a good fit for you and where you’re at right now. And if it’s not, sharing the podcast with friends over social media, word of mouth, or any other means still goes a long way.  Thanks. For listening. For sharing. For allowing me into your ears and your laundry folding and your dog walking and your dish washing each week. I love every minute of it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Britt Gondolfi and Amanda Romanick share Look Up!: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution (Paw Prints Publishing), the story of Fontaine, a small pigeon who is fed up with the world's addiction to technology. 

Visit Jarrett online at https://www.fontainethepigeon.com

You can pick up your own copy of Look Up!: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org or by downloading the audiobook through Libro.fm. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

Be well. And read on.

Patricia Hruby Powell (@PatriciaHPowell) and Shadra Strickland (@ShadrasArt), creators of Loving Vs. Virginia, stop by the podcast to talk about the landmark civil rights case, visual journalism, and the balance between the stiff and sacred, the relaxed and calm. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Liz and Jimmy Reed (@cuddlesandrage), debut author-illustrators of Sweet Competition, stop by the podcast to talk about sibling rivalry, positive trickery, and endless time spent with desserts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Torrey Maldonado shares HANDS, a story about Trevor, a twelve-year-old who is a gifted comic-book artist, a good student, and would do anything to protect his mom and sisters.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(6:19) “I wrote this book for lots of kids who feel alone and feel that they have to solve their problems by themselves, because the book Hands helps show that using hands doesn't mean you're strong. And external strength and being muscley, that doesn't mean you're strong. There are lots of ways to show strength.”

(14:32)  "It was fuel that has driven me through the years and drives me today to write books, to show young people that in these moments where you are angry or you are confused, there is a way that you could use your hands and you can use your mind to reroute and to make things right."

(17:04) "So this book really is about revealing that each of us hold a tremendous amount of power in our hands and that we have a firmer grasp on things than we think. And how can we identify those areas where we have a little grasp so that we can make it a stronger grip in a positive way."

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Website - torreymaldonado.com
• Social Media - @torreymaldonado
• Purchase Book - Hands by Torrey Maldonado

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. Who did Mr. Maldonado say he had in mind as he wrote Hands? I’ll give you a hint: remember the lyrics of that Michael Jackson song?
2. Torrey Maldonado wanted to be like a certain heavyweight champion when he was a kid, but he remembers having a different reaction when he looked through the magazine that his mom brought home with a cover photo of this boxer. What were some of the things that connected with Mr. Maldonado when he looked at this magazine? And how did they make him feel?
3. It what ways shared by Mr. Maldonado are his mom and Star Wars’ Yoda similar? Do you have any Yodas in your life?

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Anchor.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dallas Hunt (@Dallas_Hunt) shares AWASIS AND THE WORLD-FAMOUS BANNOCK. Awâsis is bringing some of her Kôhkum’s bannock to a relative but she accidentally drops the world-famous bannock off a bridge. She meets several forest relatives on her way back to Kôhkum including a duck,  a rabbit, a frog, an owl, and a bear. And while each is not able to provide bannock, one-by-one the forest relatives offer comfort and generosity in the form of ingredients. Dallas speaks to me about the importance of putting Cree first when writing this story. He also shares a brief and complex history of bannock, an important food to Indigenous people, both now and during historic times of massive and purposeful starvation. There is so much to talk about in this beautiful, beautiful picture book. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Libro.fm Storyteller Academy And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Lesléa Newman and Maya Christina Gonzalez share I Can Be... Me!, a joyful picture book celebration of individuality, uniqueness, and children's freedom to express themselves while engaging in whatever kinds of play they choose.

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION: I Can Be... Me! by Lesléa Newman and Maya Christina Gonzalez

 

From bestselling author Lesléa Newman -- a joyful picture book celebration of individuality, uniqueness, and children's freedom to express themselves while engaging in whatever kinds of play they choose.

 

I can be everything I want to be,
I can be all of magnificent me!

 

In this lighthearted story, a group of six, colorfully clad children exuberantly explore -- through play -- the many ways they can be themselves. They are free to embrace all kinds of activities, reveling in the fun of trying new things and discovering new ways of being. They can shoot baskets, dance around a room, weave ribbons through their hair, swim like a mermaid, and more. There is no right way or wrong way. There are no binary expectations. Children explore their individuality through whatever kinds of play appeal to them.

 

With lively, gender-neutral rhyming verses and fun, gender-bending images, author Lesléa Newman and illustrator Maya Christina Gonzalez invite young readers into a space where creativity and acceptance are enjoyed by all, and where each child will be inspired to say, "I can be... me!"

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

(10:42) “I there's something you love, like Maya was talking about how much she loves art, if you love sports, if you love dance, if you love cooking, whatever it is, you can do that your whole life. And it can be a really good friend to you, whether it becomes your profession or not. But if you love something, it's great to just explore that forever.” 

 

(12:28) “If you had nothing to conform to and nothing to rebel against, who would you be?” Right? So if you take all those expectations away and just let your true north, I'll say again, or your authentic self emerge, who would that person be?”

 

(13:08) “The kids that don't fit in, the kids that are, you know, they're kind of non-conforming in multiple ways. Those are the ones that are always drawn to me and I'm always drawn to as well. And so those are the ones that stay caught in my memory.”

 

(14:04) “The space of the book, too, is a place where you can also release those and you can just like grow into whatever feels right to you from that deeper, authentic, more nature-based place.”

 

(15:23) “I always want my books to almost feel like an ongoing mural. And a lot of times my art is compared to murals because I think of that vibe.”

 

(20:24) “When I started seeing myself as an adult, as a part of that diversity, as a part of that power of nature, I started feeling really good. I started feeling like I belong, like this is my world. Like the woods are mine. Like the sky is mine. And that's what I want my kid to have.”

 

(23:15) “I just learned to assert myself and to become myself, even if it meant dis pleasing people who I really loved and who, whose approval I sought. But it was just not worth the price of not being myself.” 

 

(25:14) “Each of them is special and important and has a place in this world and the entire world would be incomplete without any one of them in it.”

 

(25:27) “If there's something that they think they're not supposed to do in the world, like a way that they're not supposed to behave, something, they're not supposed to wear something, they're not supposed to like to kind of press into that and be like, “Oh, you know what? I'm not gonna buy this, this lie this time. I'm gonna actually press into this and I'm going to play with whatever this toy is that I'm not allowed this outfit, this idea, this color.” 

 

And, and then tie that big back into what Lesléa was saying, is that that thing, doing that thing and listening to that part of theirself is actually nature flowing through them and reminding all of us, right, that they're part of infinity and they belong. And that, like Lesléa said, we cannot be whole without them. So, do that thing. Press in. See where you go. Cuz that's just gonna bring all of us into this greater flow of nature.” 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Lesléa Newman website - lesleakids.com

• Maya Christina Gonzalez website - mayagonzalez.com 

• Reflection Press website - reflectionpress.com

• Purchase the Book - I Can Be... Me!

• I Can Be…Me! Teacher Guide

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. Describe yourself using “I am…” statements. What do you notice about the things you shared? Have your grownup share a few of their own “I am…” statements. Where there any connections? 

2. Have you ever thought about what you might do (or continue to do) as you grow up? What role or occupation might be a good fit for you, based on what you are thinking about today?

3. What are ways that you can help others be the person they want to be, today and in the future? How can you offer support? Or, how might you yourself ask for support from others?

CREDITS:

 

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

 

Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com. 

 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

 

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

 

Fellow teachers and librarians, want a way to explore building a stronger culture of reading in our communities? In The Reading Culture podcast, Beanstack co-founder Jordan Bookey hosts conversations that dive into beloved authors' personal journeys and insights into motivating young people to read. And I am a big fan! Check out the Reading Culture Podcast with Jordan Bookey, from Beanstack. Available wherever podcasts are found.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

Louise Borden (@LouiseBorden), author most recently of Kindergarten Luck, illustrated by Genevieve Godbout and published by Chronicle Books (@ChronicleBooks), stops by to talk about the sounds of words, writers as witnesses to a historical event, and the great things going on at Nerd Camp. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Gewndal Le Bec, illustrator and author most recently of Danny, published by Flying Eye Books (@FlyingEyeBooks), stops by to talk about the collaborative process of writing a book with his brother, writing in French with a lisp, and how the crocodile in Danny didn't mean to eat the dentist. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Lucy Ruth Cummins (@lucyruth), author-illustrator of A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals, stops by the podcast to talk about knowing when to stop, playing it close to your chest, and the essential role of predators when make-believe playing as animals. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

David Wiesner and Donna Jo Napoli, illustrator and author of Fish Girl, stop by the podcast to talk about understanding things in your own way, trusting that the words will elicit the art, and an idea of a story about a house full of water. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

From the Hungry Ghost Festival, Halloween, the Day of the Dead to Diwali, Guru Nanak, Bonfire Night and Thanksgiving!

This episode is brought to you by Newsy Pooloozi.

Show Contributors

• Jackson Hosking
• Saadhana Nagaraj
• Nirbhay Singh Chauhan
• Yuching Liu
• Adhyant Singh Chauhan
• Reyaansh Zaveri
• Yuvraj Singh Sahni

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

This rebroadcast of my interview wth Andrea Davis Pinkney is part of our feature celebrating All The Wonders of A Poem for Peter. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Paula Chase Hyman (@PaulaChase) and Kelly Starling Lyons (@kelstarly) join on behalf of THE BROWN BOOKSHELF to share a collection of "don't miss" books from 2018. THE BROWN BOOKSHELF is a website and collective designed to push awareness of the myriad Black voices writing for young readers. Their flagship initiative is 28 Days Later, a month-long showcase of the best in Picture Books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult novels written and illustrated by Black creators. Paula Chase Hyman is an inclusion jedi and author of the novel SO DONE. Kelly Starling Lyons is a teaching artist and author of the JADA JONES series.  They each have an innate interest in uplifting Black kidlit creators and so I was so excited to ask Paula and Kelly if they’d like to join me to share those “don’t miss” titles they’ve been recommending to friends, colleagues, and readers of all ages. And, lucky for us, they even brought a couple books just for you! You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Laura Shovan (@LauraShovan), author and poet of The Last 5th Grade of Emerson Elementary, stops by the podcast to talk about classrooms as small communities, tuning an ear to what's working well, and her mission to get poems taught in every school. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Hope Larson (@hopelarson) and Rebecca Mock (@rebeccamock), author and illustrator of the Four Points series, including Compass South and Knife's Edge, stop by the podcast to talk about intimate story moments, the benefits of too much detail, and the fun of making tiny drawings. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sheetal Sheth (@sheetalsheth) is the author of ALWAYS ANJALI, an affirming picture book about deciding for ourselves how we want the world to see us. Sheetals shares that she lavishes in books about the mundane, those stories that could take place on any day and in any place, but that show us something about ourselves. Sheetal has a storied background and it's fascinating to see all of those parts of her experiences and passions and memories come together into this beautiful story. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dr. Debbie Reese (@debreese) is the author of the popular blog, American Indians in Children’s Literature. A Nambe Pueblo Indian woman, Debbie is a founding member of the Native American House and American Indian Studies program at the University of Illinois. Debbie joins me to talk about ALSC’s recent decision to change the name of their lifetime achievement award from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award to the Children's Literature Legacy Award. The change has not come without criticism by certain members of the public and we discuss that and more in our conversation. You can access even more information about the books and articles referenced by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Ricardo Cortés (@Rmcortes) shares PARTY: A MYSTERY. When my students first read PARTY: A MYSTERY they were stunned, they had lots and lots of questions, and they were each confident that he or she knew the solution to the mystery. But the more we discussed the book, the more their predictions changed. It was the perfect candidate for a group interview. Ricardo discovered Jamaica Kincaid’s “PARTY” in  a book of her essays, a collection of New Yorker “Talk of the Town” pieces she wrote in the beginning of her career. In the story three girls are hanging out at an extravagant book party celebrating the Nancy Drew novels. Two of the girls see something that shocks and shakes them and the third is left as in the dark as the readers. The mystery is over as abruptly as it starts and the youngest girl, as well as the reader, is left not seeming to learn the explanation of what was just experienced. Definitely a context that’s enough to drive a reader wild with guesses, perhaps by design or perhaps as the clues are laid out in front of us. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Highlights Foundation Storyteller Academy Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Susan Hood (@sHood125), author of Shaking Thing Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World, stops by the podcast to talk about standing up, speaking out, and opening up the conversation to other women by commemorating in poetry the lives and accomplishments of a selection of historically impactful girls and young women. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Zack Giallongo (@Zackules), cartoonist of Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents: Romeo & Juliet, stops by the podcast to talk about snowmen versus talking rocks, contributing to the Ewoks mythology, and the Galaxy of Super Adventure! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Carson Ellis (@cfellis), author illustrator of Home, stops by the podcast to talk about making something more than an art book, starting with what she likes to draw, and creating a story she's been thinking her whole life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Ashley Franklin (@DifferentAshley) shares NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE. In this debut picture book readers meet Tameika, a theater-loving, stage-starring girl. She’s so excited for her school’s production of Snow White that she signs up for both audition dates. But after Tameika overhears classmates criticising that she’s too tall and too chubby and to black for the part, Tameika is crushed. There’s more to the story, of course, but you’ll need to listen for that. Ashley brings up our responsibility, no matter the age, to not make people feel hurt. And in our conversation she talks about the need to dismantle the idea of complete perfection as we engage young people. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Kidlit These Days Storyteller Academy  Bharat Babies And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

The Delta variant is spreading quickly across the United States, and COVID cases are on the rise. So why are some schools requiring all students wear masks while others are banning such mandates? The answer is Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Marcie Colleen (@MarcieColleen1), author of the Super Happy Party Bears series, stops by the podcast to talk about being a huge fan of kids television, planting easter eggs for parent readers, and the general adage that it's easy to be kind. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

David Levithan shares THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF AIDAN S. (AS TOLD TO HIS BROTHER). It’s David’s middle grade debut and the premise rests on what it means to tell your truth and what it means for someone to believe you. Aiden disappears and is missing for six days before suddenly being discovered in the attic of his house by his younger brother. The attic was searched multiple times, and yet here he is. Stranger still, Aiden mumbles something about visiting another world and Lucas, his brother, cannot shake the importance of believing his brother, no matter how unbelievable the story. Truly, this one is awesome. And every comparison you might draw to other portal travel novels is so beautifully met with David Levithan’s world-building in the small town that now needs to reconcile with Aiden’s mysterious return. Cannot wait for you to read it so we can talk about it. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Ann Braden (@annbradenbooks) shares THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS. This is a story about the strength of a 12-year-old girl named Zoey, even from before the moment when she realized she possessed such strength. It is a story about the things people tell us about ourselves and others, and how those things can become truths if we believe them, for good or for harm. It is a story about depending on someone to provide for you, and being taken advantage of and degraded because of your dependence. But most of all, it is a story that is true for many, many children and families. And it’s on us to see these children. It’s on us to see these families. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsor: Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

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. 

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.

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.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don’t lose hope.

Evan Turk (@evanturkart), author-illustrator of The Storyteller, stops by the podcast to talk about the thousand-year-old tradition, what happens in the moment when you aren't drawing, and capturing life as it happens. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Loren Long (@lorenlong), author illustrator most recently of Little Tree, published by Philomel Books (@PhilomelBooks), stops by to talk about a simple story about a simple tree, finding a safe harbor in picture books, and letting go. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic (@grubreport) shares THE END OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL. Stephanie’s debut takes on a challenging topic through a compassionate voice. The death of a pet can be practice for children for when a family member passes, but it can also be an opportunity for a child to care deeply for another living thing. This is a big, awful thing, regardless of the fortitude or strength it may lend itself to later in life. Stephanie’s approach to the loss of your something wonderful is, in my opinion, the way we should always be seeking to respond: by seeing the child and by meeting them in their grief. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Little Feminist Storyteller Academy Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Julie Falatko (@JulieFalatko) and Tim Miller (@TimMiller), author and illustrator respectively of Snappsy The Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book), stop by the podcast to talk about belligerent main characters, the biggest riddle in creating their debut picture book, and answers arrived through countless mistakes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton share JULIE'S LIBRARY. Julie Andrews is a woman who needs no introduction, so perhaps you’ll humor me as we do this a little differently. You, I’m guessing, have grown up with Julie Andrews. So have I. Her film works alone were staples of my childhood and, in turn, we have shared them with our kids over and over again. Julie has appeared in movies we’ve streamed and she is a face our son readily recognizes when she appears on screen. Her life and career are an inspiration to many, but she is also someone whom my wife has looked to for strength and inspiration throughout her career as a vocalist and music teacher. We quickly binged all of the episodes of Julie’s Greenroom on Netflix as soon as it launched. And now the universe has given me something amazing in common with Julie because Julie Andrews is now a podcast host. Launched in May of 2020, JULIE’S LIBRARY is a brand new podcast from American Public Media with Julie and her daughter, children’s author and educator Emma Walton Hamilton. Julie and Emma invite you into their library to read their favorite children's books. Every story comes to life with sound, music and activities. Authors, kids and other special guests chime in, too! It’s a show that will inspire lively conversations and a lifelong love of reading. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Nonieqa Ramos shares Beauty Woke, a powerful story of pride and community, told with bold lyricism and the heart of a fairy tale, and readers looking for a next-generation Sleeping Beauty will fall in love with the vivid art and lyrical text.

This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on March 7, 2023.

Dave Eggers recently published a middle grade novel called THE LIFTERS, which centers around a boy named Gran who's looking for a chance to be a hero and a small town named Carousel with a big mystery. A young woman catches Gran's eye, if for no other reason than her strong sense of purpose, and following her leads Gran into a world beyond anything he's ever seen. It's the kind of story with a magic that will make you hope and wish you yourself could just open a door in the hillside. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

The Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights in Education Bill on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in a 22-17 vote. The implications of this bill are Worth Noting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Cathy Camper (@cfastwolf) and Raul the Third (@raulthe3rd), author and illustrator respectively of Lowriders to the Center of the Earth, the sequel to Lowriders in Space, their graphic novel debut, return to the podcast to talk about the mythic journey that is every road trip, loving when things don't make sense, and writing a book for the future. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Today, with a full and grateful heart, I am welcoming back to the podcast Carole Boston Weatherford, author of Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. May 31st, 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the Tulsa Race Massacre, a horrific event that devastated the wealthiest African American community in the entire nation. What provoked the event, beyond that elevator ride where Dick Rowland, and African American teen, either stumbled or stepped on the foot of Sarah Page, a young white elevator operator in a downtown office building, resulting in Rowland being jailed on assault charges… what provoked the event was Black advancement. As Carole reminds us in this interview, Black advancement is the single greatest threat to White Supremacy. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

A number of you have asked about plans to celebrate the 500th episode and, the truth is, you’re all part of the plan. I end every episode of the show by asking guests, “I’ll see a library full of children tomorrow morning. Is there a message I can bring to them from you?” And as most of you know, I really do see a library full of children each day. Actually, it’s a school of about 600. Located just west of Baltimore. These students are on my mind with every single interview I record, and so I thought I’d use this milestone to center them a little more. I would love to give each of our students a book and a message. Maybe you’re an author or illustrator and you have a book of your own you want to share. Maybe you’re a teacher or a librarian or a parent and you have a favorite book you think a child would love. In celebration of 500 episodes of The Children’s Book Podcast, I’m asking you to consider sending a message in a book to my students. My hope is that over the course of a month we’ll gather 500 books or maybe even enough so that each child can have a book. It’s a tall order, but it’s also the very best way I can think to celebrate this milestone. Books can be mailed throughout the month of April to: Matthew C. Winner c/o Swansfield Elementary School 5610 Cedar Lane Columbia, MD 21044 Thank you for listening to the podcast, for caring about the guests I have on, and for helping spread the love for their books. I’m glad to have you on this journey with me. I’m including a mailing address in the show notes which you on right now on the device you’re using to listen to this. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Tiffany Jewell (@tiffanymjewell) shares THIS BOOK IS ANTI-RACIST, her debut book. Listeners, I cannot even do this interview justice in this intro. Tiffany Jewell is an anti-bias, anti-racist educator and leader. This book dropped like a bomb into my professional learning and having the opportunity to interview Tiffany was both an inspiration and an education. Tiffany speaks on allowing her students to show her where to go. That’s something I’ve been working hard on as well. I’m going to keep on learning, and it’s in no small way because of the work that Tiffany and others are doing to help show the way. By the way, I highly recommend participating in the Anti-Racist Book Club Tiffany co-hosts with Britt Hawthorne on Instagram. As Tiffany puts it regarding doing the work of anti-racism, we can’t not talk about it. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Highlights Foundation Storyteller Academy Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Darshana Khiani shares I'm an American, a beautifully depicted, thought-provoking look at the many ways we define what it means to be an American.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: I'm an American by Darshana Khiani; illustrated by Laura Freeman

Page Length: 48 pages

Ages 4to 8, Grades P to 3

 

I'm an American by Darshana Khiani; illustrated by Laura Freeman

 

What does it mean to be American?

 

A classroom of children across many races, cultures, and origins explores the concept of Americanness as they each share bits of their family history and how their past has shaped their own personal American experience. Whether as new immigrants, or those whose family came to this country generations ago, or other scenarios, these children's stories show some of the broad range of cultures and values that form the history and identity of our nation.

 

A beautifully depicted, thought-provoking look at the vast expanse of cultures that exists in America, the values that bring us together as one people despite our differences, and the many ways we define what it means to be an American.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

 

(7:01) “This book, honestly, I think it's for ages eight to a hundred. I think it's a conversation starter. What does it mean to be an American?”

 

(8:32) “There's a term that I learned and I hope we hear it more in the media. It's called “representational belonging”. And it's about when you see yourself in history, it makes you feel that, “Oh my God, I'm an American, too. I belong here.” Right? “I'm not just that immigrant or part of that immigrant family that came post 1965.”

 

(8:59) “I'm hoping it can open up discussion about what are the challenges we have of living up to our American values, cause we certainly have plenty. And where have we succeeded as a nation and where do we still have work to do?” 

(11:23) “And I also wonder if it's the fear of the unknown, right? Because we understand ourselves and so if we see people talking and we don't understand what they're saying, then, you know, we might worry, “Oh, are they talking about us? What do they think about?” You know, it's just that fear of the unknown.”

(12:29) “Being in the writing world has allowed me to diversify and to learn. I've learned about so much about other cultures by being a writer because I just have the ability to come into contact with more people. So, I personally am grateful of how it has changed my life by being a writer.

(13:27) “I'm hoping now we're at a time where we can really broaden our definition of American. Obviously, we can't get away from the colonial history and our foundings, but I think as we talk about the other groups  and their achievements during those times, which were, you know, in the 1800s or in the early 1900s where there's just so much focus on white history. And if we talk about the accomplishments and the contributions of these other people, I think that will then help ingrain into kids from an early time that America was diverse from the beginning.”

(22:01) “No group of people, you know, ethnicity or religion or class, is a monolith. And to truly learn about anyone, you have to dig deeper. So like, if you see something that's interesting, don't assume that that represents the kid next to you that might be from that culture, because it may, but most likely it may not. 

So it's always best to go into a conversation about something with an open mind and rather than assumption.” 

(21:08) “No matter your skin color, religion, ethnicity, or even your citizenship, if you feel America is your home, then you are American. And for those of you who have a stronger connection to another country and don't consider yourself American, that's okay too. You still belong and are welcome here.”

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Darshana Khiani Website - darshanakhiani.com
• South Asian Kidlit Newsletter - darshanakhiani.com/southasiankidlit
• Purchase the Book - I'm an American
• Educator’s Guide (discussion questions and extension activities)
• Fold n’ Share Craft Activity – make an origami fortune teller
  
  

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. Who do you consider an American? What qualities, characteristics, or qualifications do you think one must possess in order to be considered an American?

2. What is a part of your identity for which you feel pride? This could be literally anything from the place where you live to a skill you have or an identifying feature. Anything at all. What makes you proud about this part of yourself? Is it something you’ve shared with others?

3. What does it feel like to share something about your identity with someone who is different from you? Have you ever felt like a part of your identity has kept you out of being included? If so, in what way? Have you ever felt like a part of your identity was the very reason for being included? If so, what was that experience like for you?

4. Name three ways that our differences can actually make us stronger together. 

CREDITS:

 

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

 

Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com. 

 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

 

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

 

Fellow teachers and librarians, want a way to explore building a stronger culture of reading in our communities? In The Reading Culture podcast, Beanstack co-founder Jordan Bookey hosts conversations that dive into beloved authors' personal journeys and insights into motivating young people to read. And I am a big fan! Check out the Reading Culture Podcast with Jordan Bookey, from Beanstack. Available wherever podcasts are found.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

 

Heidi Stemple, contributor to No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, shares a poem for Poetry Month. 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Heidi E. Y. Stemple website - www.heidieystemple.com

• Purchase the book - No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change

CREDITS:

 

This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. 

 

Write to me or send me a message at matthewmakespods@gmail.com. 

 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at www.matthewcwinner.com.

 

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

 

Fellow teachers and librarians, want a way to explore building a stronger culture of reading in our communities? In The Reading Culture podcast, Beanstack co-founder Jordan Bookey hosts conversations that dive into beloved authors' personal journeys and insights into motivating young people to read. And I am a big fan! Check out the Reading Culture Podcast with Jordan Bookey, from Beanstack. Available wherever podcasts are found.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.