Confetti Moments

This week I enjoyed getting to know Nick Solis. He is the author of My Town/Mi Pueblo which is a bilingual picture book about cousins from opposite sides of the border who visit each other’s towns and delight in their similarities and differences. I hope you enjoy our conversation. 

Welcome, Confetti Moments listeners! I am so excited to chat with debut picture book author–and my close friend–Andrea Burns.

How do you approach your failures?

After failing her driving test, not making dance teams, and failed socially while in high school, Andrea didn’t think much of her own failure.

We live in a world where everything is about perfectionism. Andrea is bringing the honesty about failure to light.

While working in the classroom, Andrea saw her students be super hard on themselves, in both the classroom, in the gym, and amongst friends, whenever they failed or missed the mark.

Her kids freaked out if they failed or lose. Some would hold on to their failures for hours, days, weeks, or even longer.

How can we teach kids to learn from their mistakes and failures and move beyond them?

In her debut picture book, Failure Friday, Andrea says we should embrace failure head on instead of letting it control our lives.

Our chat today focuses all about failure, mindsets, and how we decide to react to them. I can’t wait for you hear my chat with Andrea Burns!

I am so excited to share this very special episode all about National Open the Magic Day (NOTMD) which is today, September 25! You will learn all about how I am going to celebrate National Open the Magic Day and what you could do to celebrate as well. I am so excited about the three books that I chose as part of my celebration of all things reading and picture books. I have linked some really great resources below that will help you celebrate NOTMD and create Confetti Moments! Please share with me all the ways you celebrate and tag me on any Instagram posts you have for NOTMD. (#NOTMD #OpenTheMagicDay)

NOTMD Handout:

On this week’s episode, you will meet Saranya Raghavan who is the creator behind the wonderful Instagram account Shelves of Color. You will be interested to learn Saranya’s day job and how she came to create her inspirational Instagram account. She shares about her love of reading as a child and how she has been able to nurture that same love of reading in her home with her children. I appreciated her explanation of how she uses picture books to discuss social and emotional issues with her child. You will want to listen carefully for her recommendation for the book that everyone needs in their home/classroom, and her advice for the two books that we all need to find in our lives. I really enjoyed getting to know Saranya, and I know you will as well.

On this week’s episode, you will meet the ever-charming Sally Lloyd Jones who is the author of many picture books and The Jesus Storybook Bible. She shares her inspiration and her process for creating stories that invite readers to have fun in a book. She talks about the honor and responsibility of writing for children. She has advice to share for parents and teachers to ignite the love of reading in your home and classroom. You will get all the details of how her new book Tiny Cedric came to be. She also shares the magic of the author and illustrator collaboration. Sally was a huge encouragement to me, and I know that you will gain the same encouragement from this episode.

On this week’s episode, you will meet my new friend and debut author Stephen Briseño. He is a life-long reader influenced and an awesome middle school English teacher. You will enjoy hearing about who and what encouraged him with regards to reading in his early years. Stephen also shares about the inspiration and story behind his debut picture book, The Notebook Keeper. It is really an amazing story. We also talk about his daily reading and writing habits that support his work as an author. Our conversation will be insightful to anyone who has dreamed of possibly becoming a writer someday. I know that you will enjoy getting to know Stephen as much as I did.

On this week’s episode you will meet Austin-based children’s author Chris Barton. He is the author of some of my favorite nonfiction biography picture books. You will be interested to learn about Chris’ journey to becoming a picture book author. We share the same belief that picture books are the first stories that teach children to love reading and create a much-needed tactile reading experience. He loves to tell stories about how things in the world came to be. You will learn about the research that goes into writing a nonfiction picture book. His two newest books: How To Make a Book (About My Dog) and Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates are perfect examples of his immense skills. We had a great time discussing our shared understanding that picture books are for people of all ages. You will learn so much from this episode, and I can’t wait for you to get to know Chris.

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books mentioned in this episode. Just click to purchase.

I have been looking forward to this interview for awhile. You are going to love meeting Trudy Ludwig who is the author of many children's books including The Invisible Boy and Quiet Please, Owen McPhee and her newest book Brave Every Day. She says that her focus when she writes is to help kids connect with each other in kinder and more caring ways. She is definitely good at that. You will learn what profession she had before she was compelled to start writing children's books. You will learn about her concept of bibliotherapy. Trudy is a treasure trove of social and emotional wisdom. I learned so much from her and I can't wait for you to learn, too. She also shares insights about how her newest book Brave Every Day came to be. I know you will enjoy this episode as much as I did. 

This week you will love meeting the dynamic author/illustrator duo of Ella Schwartz and Dow Phumiruk. They both share about their careers before working on picture books and how their love of reading grew more slowly because of their family's immigrant background. You will learn the background story about Her Name was Mary Katherine: The Only Woman Whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence. You will enjoy learning about the special relationship that an author and illustrator have when working on a book together. They also were able to share about their upcoming books and projects. I know you will enjoy getting to know these two special people. 

You are going to love getting to know Kirsten Larson who used to work for NASA and came to be a picture book author when she realized how much she and her children loved the nonfiction section of the library. She shares how she likes to focus her writing on strong women in history. She shares her research process of using both primary and secondary sources. She discusses the idea that reading a picture book involves both the reading of words and the reading of pictures and how that brings meaning and Confetti Moments to readers. She shares the story of her latest book A True Wonder: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything which chronicles the creation and evolution of Wonder Woman and inspires readers to see themselves as heroes of their own story. Kirsten is such a gift to the nonfiction picture book community.

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books mentioned in this episode. Just click to purchase.

I am so excited about this week's episode. I am happy to introduce you to Lisa Robinson the author of The Sweetest Scoop which is the biography of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. She shares about her amazing upbringing with parents who were in the Peace Corp. You will be fascinated to learn all the places she has lived. She is currently a practicing child psychiatrist, mom and author. She has a beautiful take on the importance of picture books and their impact on social-emotional learning. Lisa shares the story behind The Sweetest Scoop: Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Revolution in addition to all of her family's favorite ice cream flavors. You will learn about the other books she has written as well as what books she has coming in the near future. You will see that she loves to learn about strong women in history. Lastly, you have to find out the very unique hobby that Lisa and her daughter's share. I did not expect it! Enjoy this yummy episode!

This week it is my pleasure to introduce you to Margaret Greanias—a busy mom of three and a picture book author. She shares how someone with an MBA found themselves as a picture book author. We talked about our favorite genres of books and how books that show different cultures are so important.  We also shared our love of reading and book conferences. You get to hear about her newest book Amah Faraway and the memories that inspired it. Margaret shares about where her ideas come from for her stories and how they develop. She has such a kind and easygoing manor and was a joy to interview. 

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books mentioned in this episode. Just click to purchase.

This week you will have the pleasure of meeting Scott Rothman. He is a former screenplay writer turned picture book author. He talks about his early love of reading and the picture book he wrote when he was only 12 years old. He discusses the camaraderie of the picture book community and some of his proudest moments as an author. There may be a few rabbit trails where we discuss our favorite sports teams, how we like our hamburgers, and left-handed people. Scott has a natural humor and easy-going personality that makes him a joy to get to know. This is such an entertaining and informative episode! 

This week I got to speak with Benson Shum who works for Disney Animation on some movies you have definitely heard of. That is his day job and spends time writing and illustrating picture books at night. We talk about his journey to becoming a picture book author and how he gets the ideas for his books. Benson has a unique outlook on how stories should be told. He also talks about living up to others’ expectations and being okay with the choices that you make and how your family influences who you are. Benson gives us a sneak peak of what he is currently working on. It was a gift to chat with such a naturally creative person. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books mentioned in this episode. Just click to purchase.

I cannot tell you what an honor it was to do this week’s episode. I am proud to introduce you to Andrea Wang, who is the 2022 Newbery Honor Book Award recipient and the Asian-Pacific American Award for Literature recipient for the book Watercress (this book also won the Caldecott medal). She shares the story behind this semi-autobiographical book that has received such acclaim. You will learn more details about the story and its impact on the literary world and those who have read it. A special moment is when she recounts the day that she learned about winning the Newbery Honor. Andrea also shares such wisdom about her life as an author which was a second career for her. Her wish is that listeners or readers who might have felt “othered” will find hope and connection to her story. Her love of reading and picture books is contagious— this is a special episode. I hope you enjoy getting to know Andrea better.

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books mentioned in this episode. Just click to purchase.

I am so excited about this month's podcasts. I have invited some of my bookful friends to chat with me about the picture books that we love. Get your pens and wish lists ready because we are going to be talk about all our favorites and you are going to want to add some of them to your shelves. 

In today's episode, I am happy to introduce you to Aimee Smith— a former second grade teacher turned stay-at-home mom. She loves discovering “secret covers” which is what is sometimes hiding behind the book jacket of a picture book. Aimee runs the Instagram account “Keepabookout” where she shares book recommendations and her special “bookies.” (sugar cookies with illustrations from books) You might be surprised to learn about her favorite holiday for picture books. And we even digress to discuss our favorite Ted Lasso characters. We had so much fun chatting about our mutual love of picture books. Enjoy!

Below you will find books mentioned in this week's episode. You can click on my Amazon affiliate link to purchase the books. 

This week I am excited to share 22 tips for how to create a reader in your home or class in 2022! The tips are both practical and creative. I know, firsthand, the impact that picture books can have in a person’s life. I want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to gain a love of learning through the Confetti Moments that happen when you read a picture book!. You will also get a sprinkling of new books coming out in 2022 that I am really looking forward to reading! This is a jam-packed episode.

The following are the list of books from this episode. Click the links to shop my Amazon lists using my affiliate links.

February and Valentine's Day mean all things love and hearts and friendship and pink! On this week's episode, I share my favorite picture books and ideas for Valentine's Day. There are so many great books—old and new—that make this month and holiday special. I hope you enjoy, and please reach out to me on Instagram or at ramonarecommends.com to share your favorites. 

The following are the list of books from this episode. Click the titles to shop my Amazon affiliate links.

Today I am going to share my heart with you. My personal story is a hard one for me to tell but also a very important story for me to share. My story explains why I started Ramona Recommends, and why I believe that picture books are for everyone! They changed my life and made me who I am today. I hope that this story will inspire you if your journey has been anything like mine, or it might give you insight into a student or family member's struggles. After listening, please reach out if you need anything— I am just an email or DM away. I am here for you! 

Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

This episode is dear to my heart. I simply love sharing about how to use Social and Emotional Learning picture books to help people. This topic of books has been so helpful to me on my mental health journey. In today's episode, I am very honest about my social and emotional growth and what books you might use to help a child or friend or yourself, as well. Please share this episode with others who might benefit from its message.  Below are the books that I discussed during this episode. Like I mentioned, they are my Amazon affiliate links that help me be able to buy and review more books. Thanks for your support.  

Hi! I just wanted to let you know Confetti Moments will be taking a winter vacation, but will be back on Monday, January 3rd, 2022. I am so thankful to all of you for listening and sharing in the confetti. Hey, can you do me a favor? Will you share about Confetti Moments? I know the authors and illustrators would be so pumped. You guess it, I will be elated too! Oh! AND! leave a review where you listen to podcasts? #merrychristmastome

I did leave you with 3 of my favorite winter titles. Please note these are amazon affiliate links which is no extra cost to you. This allows me to buy more books because I do get a very small commission on each book when purchased. 

I am happy to introduce you to literacy tutor and consultant Hanna Stroud who lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In this informative episode, Hanna shares so many creative ways that picture books benefit everyone- some things that I had never even considered. You will enjoy learning about her literacy journey and how she came to be an avid reader. Hanna’s favorite format of picture books is wordless picture books. She really is a wordless picture book expert! Hanna shares how she came to love wordless books and the gift they are to all readers. She shares an amazing number of ways to use wordless picture books with children and some wonderful cross-curricular ideas, too. Get ready to be inspired and learn so much in this episode.

You are in for a very special and important episode this week. I had the pleasure of speaking with Caldecott-winning author-illustrator Dan Santat. One of the highlights of this week's episode is a very honest and vulnerable conversation about the personal story that inspired After the Fall. We discuss the societal stigma around mental health and specifically anxiety and depression. Dan shares great advice for aspiring authors and illustrators about finding your own voice and style when you are inspired by so many great others around. You will be interested to learn what job Dan would have had if he hadn’t found a love of art and storytelling. We also discuss the beauty that comes from boredom. Finally, Dan shares some of his upcoming projects and books. I know you will be moved by this episode.

Books discussed in this episode with affiliate links for purchase:

This week I had the honor of interviewing Kobi Yamada who is the author of the What Do You Do With an Idea? . . .Problem? . . .Chance? series. He has such wise words to share about the power of picture books and their intergenerational significance. You will learn the story behind how What Do You Do With an Idea? became a book. He shares about the importance of failure in our lives and how he brought that theme to life in one of his newer books, Trying. Kobi is someone who really understands that picture books are for everyone! I know that you will enjoy all the nuggets of hope and wisdom packed into this episode. 

Books mentioned in this episode (Amazon affiliate links used):

This week I am very excited to share with you my meaningful conversation with Susan Verde who is the author of the "I Am" series and her newest addition, "I Am Courage" came out on September 7. In this episode, Susan shares about how she came to love reading and writing so much. We discuss how picture books are able to break down "big messages" into more manageable parts. You will love Susan's story about meeting and becoming friends with Peter Reynolds, her illustration partner in the "I Am" series. We also considered the importance of picture books that focus on Social/Emotional learning. Finally, Susan offered some sound advice to aspiring writers and authors. I hope you enjoy this special time that Susan and I shared. Please be sure to share this episode with others who you know would enjoy it. 

Books mentioned in this episode (Amazon affiliate links used)