
The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast
By The Children's Book Review

The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers PodcastSep 26, 2023

Bianca with Ellen Potter on Squirlish: The Girl in the Tree
Award-winning author Ellen Potter chats about her wonderful chapter book, Squirlish: The Girl in the Tree.
Get ready to laugh out loud as the story unfolds on how a girl raised by squirrels in Central Park attempts to make new human friends. Inspired by a friend raising a baby squirrel and her own life experiences, Ellen hopes readers will appreciate the value of finding one's own strengths no matter the community they find themselves in. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this fun-filled episode.
Ellen Potter is the author of more than twenty award-winning novels for children and young adults, including Olivia Kidney, Slob, the Big Foot and Little Foot series, the Piper Green and The Fairy Tree series, The Humming Room, Pish Posh, and The Kneebone Boy. Several of her books have been chosen by the New York Public Library for their Best 100 Books for Children list and have appeared on numerous state reading lists. Her nonfiction writing book, Spilling Ink, A Young Writer’s Handbook, coauthored with Anne Mazer, was also chosen by the New York Public Library as a Best 100 Books for Children. Ellen lives in upstate New York with her family.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review (coming soon).
Order a Copy:
Squirlish: The Girl in the Tree on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Hither and Nigh on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
The Golden Imaginarium on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
For more information about Ellen and her books, visit EllenPotter.com.
Discussion Topics:
Ellen Potter talks about:
- How she writes to delight kids and wants to transport them to another world through her stories.
- That writing for kids is more fun than writing for adults.
- Doing school visits to ignite a love of writing in children.
- How writing is challenging, but she has developed strategies to get past those rough spots and move through the writing process.
- The importance of revision and how her best writing has always come out in revision.
- Methods for overcoming writer's block.
- The inspiration behind Squirlish and how it came from a friend raising a baby squirrel.
- How her own life experiences, such as her son going off to college, influenced the story.
- Themes of fitting in and finding one's strengths in the first book and how they continue in the second book, which also touches on New York City history
- Appreciating the value of finding one's own strengths.

Bianca with Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko on Dogtown
Award-winning authors Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko's co-authored book Dogtown showcases how fiction can help instill empathy and compassion, especially in fun stories that involve animals. They discuss the immeasurable and inspiring power of literature. Their work is a testament to the fact that stories can have a meaningful impact on the human experience. Dogtown encourages us to take the time to stop and consider the world around us and to become more aware and empathetic members of our community.
Katherine Applegate is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of beloved and award-winning books for young readers, including Odder, Home of the Brave, Crenshaw, Wishtree, Willodeen, and The One and Only Ivan, for which she won the Newbery Medal. She is also the author of the Animorphs series, and a beginning reader series, Doggo and Pupper, illustrated by Charlie Alder. Katherine Applegate lives in Southern California with her family.
Gennifer Choldenko’s best known Tales from Alcatraz series has been called “A cornerstone series in contemporary children’s literature.” Al Capone Does My Shirts―the first book in the series―was a Newbery Honor Book and the recipient of twenty other awards. All four books in the series were Junior Library Guild selections and garnered many starred reviews. Gennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her loyal husband and naughty dog.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review (coming soon).
Order a Copy:
Dogtown on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
You can find out more about Katherine Applegate at https://katherineapplegate.com/.
You can find out more about Gennifer Choldenko at https://www.choldenko.com/.
Discussion Topics:
Katherine and Gennifer talk about:
- Their love of dogs, writing, and, of course, Dogtown
- Katherine's struggles with sitting down to write and how she uses the Pomodoro method to help her get started
- How they connected over their love for middle grade readers and collaborated on writing Dogtown
- Research for Dogtown, including volunteering at a pet shelter and training dogs for therapy work
- How the idea of robot dogs versus real dogs came about for the story
- The main characters Metalhead and Chance and what they represent
- Wallace West's illustrations in the book and how he brought it to life with his quirky and original style
- The importance of fiction in developing empathy and compassion, and how stories about animals (like Dogtown) can inspire kids to cherish and appreciate their furry companions

Bianca with Josh Funk on Dear Unicorn
Join the conversation with author Josh Funk as he discusses the unique nuances between Dear Dragon and Dear Unicorn. In this lively discussion, Funk taps into the concept of duality in relationships—how a balance between positivity and negativity can facilitate growth. Discover the intricate details in the book's illustrations, and learn how asking questions and staying curious can bring color and excitement to life. This conversation encourages readers to appreciate art, celebrate their differences, and learn to connect more deeply with others. Listen up and be inspired to channel your inner creativity and keep an open mind in your day-to-day interactions.
By day, Josh Funk writes C++, Java Code, and Python scripts as a software engineer, which he's been doing for the last twenty years. In his spare time he uses ABC's, drinks Java coffee, and writes picture book manuscripts, such as How to Code a Sandcastle, Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, The Case of the Stinky Stench, Dear Dragon, and more. Josh graduated from the UMass Amherst Commonwealth College with a degree in computer science. He is a board member of the Writers' Loft in Sherborn, Massachusetts, and the co-coordinator of the 2017 New England Regional SCBWI Conference.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order a Copy:
Dear Unicorn on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
You can find out more about Josh Funk at https://www.joshfunkbooks.com/.
Discussion Topics:
Josh Funk talks about:
- The inspiration behind his previous book, Dear Dragon, and how it unintentionally became a hit with teachers for its themes of friendship and challenging assumptions.
- How he came up with the idea for Dear Unicorn while waiting in line for a roller coaster at Disney World and wrote the entire first draft on his phone with his child's help.
- The difference between Dear Dragon and Dear Unicorn
- Using art to communicate and express emotions.
- Takeaways for kids reading Dear Unicorn.
- Balance between positivity and negativity in relationships and how it can lead to growth.
- How getting to know someone allows for more authenticity
- The characters of Connie and Nic, the unicorn, express themselves differently.
- Josh and Bianca read a page from Dear Unicorn.
- Using his platform to share the work of other authors and push for inclusivity and representation

Bianca with Julie Hedlund on Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews
Get ready to be inspired by Julie Hedlund and her outstanding involvement in writing communities! In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, she shares her research process behind her masterpiece Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews. Hedlund hopes to inspire readers to learn from Andrews' hard work and celebrate their unique paths.
Julie Hedlund is the award-winning children's picture book author of Over, Bear! Under, Where? She spends much of her time inside her imagination, and when not writing or reading, she enjoys playing in the mountains near her home in Boulder, Colorado. She lives with her two teenage children and their high-maintenance hound dog.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order a Copy:
Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Hedlund on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
You can find out more about Julie at https://juliehedlund.com/.
Follow her on Twitter @juliefhedlund.
12x12 Challenge: https://www.12x12challenge.com/.
Picture Book Summit: https://picturebooksummit.com/.
Home: A Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews: https://amzn.to/3PrNAkx.
Discussion Topics:
Julie Hedlund talks about:
- Her writing process and the importance of being a reader before becoming a writer.
- Her involvement in writing communities like 12 x 12 and Picture Book Summit, where Julie Andrews is a keynote speaker this year.
- How a comment from Julie Andrews' daughter led to writing a picture book biography about Julie Andrews
- Extensive research for the book, including reading Julie's memoir, doing onsite research in London, and listening to interviews.
- The book's emotional climax and how readers can take away the message that they can use their gifts to improve the world.
- The benefits of reading from biographies of people who work hard and achieve great things, just like Julie Andrews.
- Embracing individual paths and not comparing oneself to others.

Bianca with Nyasha Williams on Ally Baby Can Be Antiracist and Keep Dreaming Black Child
Nyasha Williams discusses her mission to decolonize literature by creating books that share important information accessible for all ages. Her books, including Ally Baby: Can Be Antiracist and Keep Dreaming Black Child, emphasize the importance of taking action and being an ally while acknowledging the need for humility—the conversations her books spark can help create a more equitable world.
Nyasha Williams is an author, creator, and activist who works to decolonize literature, minds, and spiritual practices one day at a time. She is also the author of the picture books What’s the Commotion in the Ocean? and I Affirm Me ABCs.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order a Copy:
Ally Baby Can Be Antiracist on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Keep Dreaming Black Child on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Black Tarot on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
For more information, visit https://www.nyashawilliams.online/.
Discussion Topics:
Nyasha talks about:
- Her mission to decolonize literature and how she got into writing children's books driven by her love for water and eco-activism.
- The writing process through ancestral connection.
- Challenges of funding and editing in the publishing world, especially regarding getting sample illustrations and pushing into higher realms.
- Creating the "Ally Baby Can" series and incorporating rhyming in the books.
- How the illustrations in the books are designed to convey messages even if the child cannot access the words.
- The inclusion of a glossary for formal terminology.
- How she hopes the books will resonate with readers.
- Taking action and being an ally and needing humility, hard conversations, and acknowledging diversity to create a more equitable world.

Bianca with Remy Lai on Ghost Book
Get ready to be inspired as you learn about Remy Lai's creative process and the inspiration behind her latest graphic novel, Ghost Book, which beautifully deals with the difficult themes of death and grief in a moving and hopeful way.
Remy Lai studied fine arts with a major in painting and drawing. She was born in Indonesia, grew up in Singapore, and currently lives in Brisbane, Australia, where she writes and draws stories for kids with her two dogs by her side. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed Pie in the Sky, Fly on the Wall, and Pawcasso.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order a Copy:
Ghost Book on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
For more information, visit https://remylai.com.
Discussion Topics:
- What drives Remy Lai to create books for children
- From the images in her head to finishing revisions on a manuscript
- Ghost Book, and how the idea came to her
- Origin of the characters in Ghost Book
- The concept of hungry ghosts and their significance in Chinese culture and how they fit into the story
- Themes of death and grief and the importance of exploring these themes in a hopeful way
- The importance of quality friendships over quantity
- Finding the right ending to the story
—
Sponsor:
This episode was made possible in part by author Virginia Shaw Genthner, the author of Jellybean Finds a Family. Listen to the book spotlight about this true story that follows Jellybean the horse as he leaves Europe to come to the United States looking for a family.
Order a Copy:
Jellybean Finds a Family on Amazon and Bookshop.org.

Bianca with Jessica Speer on The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand
Jessica Speer wrote The Phone Book to provide knowledge and empowerment for kids and families regarding smartphone use. The book includes quizzes, real stories, techie tidbits, and secret codes to engage readers. In this informative chat, she suggests modeling healthy tech habits, creating a tech agreement, having regular conversations about the dark side of tech, and teaching digital literacy and citizenship to help kids form healthy digital habits.
Speer is the award-winning author of BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships and Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised. Her interactive books for preteens and teens entertain readers while exploring important topics. Blending humor, a dash of science, stories, and insights, her writing unpacks challenges that surface during adolescence. She has a master’s degree in social sciences and explores topics in ways that connect with kids. Jessica is regularly featured in and contributes to media outlets on topics related to kids, teens, parenting, and social-emotional development.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order a Copy:
The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand: Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
For more information, visit www.JessicaSpeer.com.
Discussion Topics:
- The Phone Book balances knowledge and empowerment for kids and families regarding smartphone use
- Working with kids to gather information and stories
- How watching "The Social Dilemma" highlighted the need for guardrails around technology use for kids and inspired The Phone Book
- Helping kids understand technology and its impact
- The design elements and interactive features of The Phone Book
- Modeling healthy tech habits, creating a tech agreement, having regular conversations about the dark side of tech, and teaching digital literacy and citizenship for parents to help their kids form healthy digital habits
- Creating more informed young users of tech through her book
- Encouraging families to have guidebooks on hand for when kids hit a bump in the road

Bianca with Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant on Stuff Kids Should Know
Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark are the duo behind the award-winning tri-weekly podcast Stuff You Should Know. They talk about how they adapted their content for their kids' book Stuff Kids Should Know, using kid-friendly topics. They have a background in researching and writing and find a story in whatever they're talking about.
The pair have been working together on the show since it began in 2008, and it has gone on to become one of the most downloaded podcasts in history. They are currently based in Atlanta.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order a Copy:
Stuff Kids Should Know: Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
You can listen to the Stuff You Should Know podcast on iHeart Radio.
Discussion Topics:
Chuck and Josh discuss:
- How they adapted their podcast content for their kids' book
- Their love of nonfiction and how they became interested in learning
- Choosing topics for their podcast and how they selected topics for their book
- Researching and writing and relying on a body of research to have a conversation
- Tricks for fact-checking over the years, such as investigating red flags and finding multiple sources to back up claims
- Infusing humor into the show and finding humor in most things
- That everything is interconnected in some way
- Finding a story in whatever they're talking about
- Their approach to researching and writing nonfiction emphasizes the importance of following questions and not taking things for granted
- A glimpse at each of the chapters of the book

Bianca with Sally Pla on The Water, The Fire, and Maudie McGinn
Sally J. Pla discusses her novel The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn and describes the character of Maudie as a girl who learns resiliency in the face of life's challenges. Sally also talks about the importance of reading about characters different from oneself to broaden empathy and understanding. The themes of the book include divorce, neurodivergence, and abuse. Sally's website, Novelmind.com, is a resource for mental health and neurodiversity representation in children's literature.
Sally J. Pla is the author of the acclaimed novels The Someday Birds and Stanley Will Probably Be Fine. She has English degrees from Colgate and Penn State and has worked as a business journalist and in public education. She has three sons, a husband, and an enormous fluffy dog and lives near lots of lemon trees in Southern California.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review .
Order a Copy:
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn: Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
You can visit Sally J. Pla online at www.sallyjpla.com.
Visit anovelmind.com, a site about mental health and neurodiversity in children’s literature.
Discussion Topics:
- The premise of The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn and how it fits with Sally's mission
- Sally discusses the struggle of sustaining focus and shares her secret weapon, a particular software, to block distractions.
- She explains how her mission to populate children's literature with neurodivergent characters came about through her own experiences with her neurodivergent children and a health emergency that refocused her priorities.
- The importance of reading about characters who are different from oneself to broaden empathy and understanding.
- Sally describes the character of Maudie as a girl who cares about others and wants to be accepted and loved and learns to surf as a metaphor for learning resiliency in the face of life's challenges.
- Inherited traumas that parents bring into their parenting and the resources included in the book.
- How the combination of prose and verse in the book was a natural evolution based on Maudie's thought processes
- The message of empowerment and resilience in The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn.

Bianca with Carin Berger on In the Night Garden
Carin Berger shares her love for books, childhood memories, and inspiration for her latest book, In The Night Garden. She discusses her creative process for creating collages and the impact she hopes her book will have on readers.
Carin Berger is the award-winning author and illustrator of almost a dozen picture books for children, including The Little Yellow Leaf, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, All of Us, and Finding Spring. She is also the illustrator of Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant by Jack Prelutsky and Are We Pears Yet? by Miranda Paul. She and her family divide their time between NYC and Cupcake, their home, in the Hudson Valley. Carin spends all of her spare time tending her garden.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order a Copy:
In the Night Garden: Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
You can visit Carin Berger at http://www.carinberger.com/.
Discussion Topics:
- Carin's motivations for creating books for children
- Exploring the natural world at night and overcoming fears
- The process of creating collages, which involves drawing intricate dummies, making vellums, cutting stencils, and using found ephemera
- The hidden messages or secrets in the artwork—Carin sometimes incorporates words or numbers with personal significance
- Getting the physical artwork to editors and art designers and the back-and-forth process of scanning and color correction
- Challenges of printing on uncoated paper
- The impact Carin hopes her book In the Night Garden will have on readers
- Encouragement to look deeply at books and the world around you

Bianca with Todd Parr On The Monster Mac and Cheese Party
In this episode, Todd Parr shares his journey to becoming an author and illustrator, inspired by his struggles in school and desire to help kids feel better about themselves. His books have clear messages of inclusivity and kindness, and the new book, The Monster Mac and Cheese Party, featuring monsters and macaroni and cheese, adds humor while reinforcing the joys that come from sharing a meal together. The conversation emphasizes the importance of kindness, self-confidence, and creating memories for families through children's books.
Todd Parr has inspired and empowered millions of children around the world with his bold images and positive messages. He is the bestselling author of more than sixty books, including The Goodbye Book, The Family Book, The I Love You Book, and It's Okay to be Different. He lives in California.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
The Monster Mac and Cheese Party: Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
You can visit Todd Parr at https://www.toddparr.com/.
Discussion Topics:
- Becoming an author and illustrator
- Being discovered by an editor at a licensing show in New York City
- Creating children's books based on inclusivity and kindness
- How struggling in school with dyslexia and family issues has led to writing books that help kids feel better about themselves
- Creating self-help books for kids with clear messages rather than character-driven stories
- Addressing social-emotional issues with kids is more important now than ever
- Staying true to the idea of empowering kids leads to endless possibilities for future books
- The inspiration behind the picture book, The Monster Mac and Cheese Party, and how it fits into the overall approach of creating inclusive books
- The importance of kindness, self-confidence, and being who you are

Bianca with Kaz Windness on Bitsy Bat, School Star and Autism
In this episode, Kaz Windness is the author of multiple books for kids, but most recently Bitsy Bat, School Star—a picture book that she hopes will help readers gain a better understanding and compassion for what it's like to be autistic and build more self-acceptance.
Kaz Windness is an author-illustrator who loves to make her readers laugh. When she’s not writing or illustrating books, Kaz teaches illustration at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and enjoys making deep-dish pizza. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two children, and a Boston terrier. She’s the author of picture books Swim, Jim! and Bitsy Bat, School Star. She also created the Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends and the Level 1 Ready-to-Read Cat vs. Vac.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
Bitsy Bat, School Star: Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Resources:
You can visit Kaz Windness at www.windnessbooks.com.
Discussion Topics:
- The things that guide and drive Kaz Windness in creating books for kids.
- Struggling with learning while being a lover of books and reading.
- Being a neurodivergent author writing a book about a neurodivergent character.
- A look into the creative process of the picture book.
- Playing with the artistic perspective or an autistic bat.
- Inclusivity in the classroom.

Bianca with Chris Grabenstein on Writing Books for Kids
In this episode, Chris Grabenstein talks about writing, reading, and his new hilariously profound picture book No Is All I Know and the latest book on the Smartest Kid in the Universe series: Evil Genius.
Chris Grabenstein is the multiple award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the MR. LEMONCELLO, HAUNTED MYSTERY, WELCOME TO WONDERLAND, SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE, and DOG SQUAD series. He also wrote THE ISLAND OF DR. LIBRIS, SHINE (with his wife J.J.), the picture book NO MORE NAPS, and many, many other books, plays, and audiobook originals. Chris and J.J. Grabenstein live in New York City with two cats and lots of ideas.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
No Is All I Know: Amazon and Bookshop.org
Smartest Kid in the Universe: Evil Genius: Amazon and Bookshop.org
Resources:
You can visit Chris Grabenstein at ChrisGrabenstein.com.
No More Naps, by Chris Grabenstein and Leo Espinosa.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library: The Graphic Novel, by Chris Grabenstein and Douglas Holgate.
The Jackie Ha-Ha series by Chris Grabenstein and James Patterson.
Welcome to Wonderland series, by Chris Grabenstein.
Discussion Topics:
- Chris Grabenstein's time in a top New York City improvisational comedy troupe performing with Bruce Willis and Robin Williams.
- Writing for Jim Henson's Muppets, co-writing the movie The Christmas Gift (starring John Denver), and working in advertising with James Patterson.
- The art of never being boring when writing for kids.
- Chris's tip for creativity and finding ideas.
- The picture book No Is All I Know.
- The latest book on the Smartest Kid in the Universe series: Evil Genius.
- The graphic novel edition of Mr. Lemoncello's Library.

Bianca with Vicki Willden-Lebrecht On the Bright Agency
In this episode, Vicki Willden-Lebrecht, founder and CEO of Bright Agency—an agency set up to do more than represent artists and authors. Beginning with children's publishing, Vicki founded Bright in 2003 and nurtured it into a thriving international creative management agency around the globe. The artists and clients of Bright work across Publishing, Illustration, Greetings & Gifts, Film and TV, and Licensing—giving the work they create more commercial potential and providing artists more opportunities.
Vicki is a born entrepreneur with an exceptional talent for generating new business and riding the cutting edge of opportunity. Her original thinking, dynamic leadership, and life-long dedication to artist care are the bedrock of Bright's exceptional commercial and creative success.
Resources:
Discussion Topics:
- Nurturing a publishing agency into a thriving creative management agency.
- Insight into what agents and publishers seek in new author and illustrator talent.
- Do's and don'ts for new talent seeking an agent.
- Vicki talks about her new non-profit organization Rocket Ahead.

Bianca with Maria Castelluci Moore On Vivienne in Paris
This episode is presented in partnership with María Castelluci Moore, the author of Vivienne in Paris—winner of the Moms Choice Award. It's a delightful picture book that inspires young readers to delve deeper into their senses and observe how it ignites their emotions to find what makes them feel joy unique to them.
Owner Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children. Maria Castellucci Moore strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, María has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given María a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled María to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures.
María Castellucci Moore earned her bachelor of arts degree in finance from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship. She later pursued studies at New York University and the London School of Economics with a focus on global affairs. In 2016, with her siblings, Maria founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand. María runs her wine label and a family real estate development company in the greater Bay Area. She is a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild and is enthusiastic about building opportunity and community through the arts.
María resides in Saint Helena, California, with her husband and four young children. She enjoys writing; traveling; attending the opera, ballet, and symphony; flower arranging; winemaking; ballroom dancing; and playing tennis and the piano.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
Vivienne in Paris on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
For more information, visit https://mariacastelluccimooreauthor.com/.
Discussion Topics:
- Running a luxury wine label and real estate brand while being a mom of four children.
- Becoming an author and adding this title to her repertoire.
- The joys of reading and getting lost in a good book.
- Vivienne in Paris and its message of mindfulness and the impact it has on readers.

Bianca with Jennifer Swanson on Footprints Across the Planet
In this episode, we have self-proclaimed science geek, award-winning author, speaker, and teacher, Jennifer Swanson. She talks about her newest picture book, Footprints Across the Planet—a masterful introduction to the concepts of sustainability and inclusivity that even the youngest readers can understand and enjoy.
Jennifer Swanson's love of science began when she started a science club in her garage at the age of 7. While no longer working from the garage, Jennifer’s passion for science resonates in the fascinating 45+ nonfiction and fiction books she has written for children but especially, BRAIN GAMES (NGKids) and SUPER GEAR: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up (Charlesbridge), which was named an NSTA Best STEM book of 2017. Jennifer’s book, Save the Crash-test Dummies, received a Parent's Choice GOLD award. Her Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact received a Florida Book Award, a Eureka California Reading Association Gold Award, and an NSTA BEST STEM book award. Her BEASTLY BIONICS book received a GOLD Florida Book Award and an NSTA BEST STEM book award. An accomplished and exciting speaker, Jennifer has presented at National NSTA conferences, the Highlights Foundation, the Atlanta Science Festival, the World Science Festival in NYC, and the Library of Congress' National Book Festival.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
Footprints Across the Planet on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Lego: Amazing Earth on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Spacecare: The Kids Guide to Surviving Space on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
For more information, visit https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/.
The Solve It For Kids Podcast: https://solveitforkids.com/
KidLiteracy is Jennifer Swanson's nonprofit organization: https://kidliteracy.org/.
NASA Social Events: https://www.nasa.gov/connect/social/index.html.
Discussion Topics:
- Visiting NASA and meeting The Artemis II lunar flyby mission crew members.
- Jennifer Swanson's childhood love of STEM.
- Becoming an author of over 45 published nonfiction books for kids.
- The Solve it For Kids podcast and school visits.
- The idea, writing, and what to expect from Footprints Across the Planet.
- Taking steps in the right direction to make a difference on our planet.

Bianca with Grace Lin and Kate Messner on Once Upon a Book
In this episode, we have two guests: Newbery, Geisel, and Caldecott honoree Grace Lin and NYT bestselling author Kate Messner, who partnered on the picture book Once Upon a Book. This incredibly stunning book celebrates the joys of reading, the importance of imagination, and the transportive power of books.
Grace Lin is the recipient of the Children's Literature Legacy Award and is the bestselling author and illustrator of over thirty books, including A Big Mooncake for Little Star (a Caldecott Honor), A Big Bed for Little Snow, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (a Newbery Honor), The Year of the Dog, and the Ling & Ting series. Grace is a Rhode Island School of Design graduate and lives in Massachusetts.
Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty books for young readers. Kate's award-winning titles include picture books like Over and Under the Snow and The Brilliant Deep; novels like Breakout and Chirp; engaging nonfiction like The Next President and the History Smashers series; the Ranger in Time Adventures; and the Fergus and Zeke easy readers. Kate lives on Lake Champlain.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
Once Upon a Book on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
Grace Lin invites you to visit her at www.gracelin.com.
Kate Messner invites you to visit her at www.katemessner.com.
Discussion Topics:
- The things that motivate Grace Lin and Kate Messner to write books for children.
- School visits and fitting in time to write.
- Thoughts on growing up readers and the importance of story in our lives.
- Beverly Cleary and the Ramona books.
- How a poster led to the creation of Once Upon a Book.
- When to ask for help and the artistic process of collaboration.
- Creating and dissecting the stunning artwork of Once Upon a Book.
- Highlights from Once Upon a Book and the impact they hope it has on readers.

Bianca with Andy Griffiths on The 13-Story Treehouse
In this episode, we have global sensation and fan-favorite author Andy Griffiths. He's here to talk about the Treehouse series and the special full-color collector's edition of The 13-Story Treehouse.
Andy Griffiths is the New York Times bestselling author of The Day My Butt Went Psycho!, Zombie Butts from Uranus!, and Butt Wars! The Final Conflict, as well as the Treehouse Series and Killer Koalas from Outer Space. In 2007, he became the first Australian author to win six children’s choice awards in one year for Just Shocking! He is passionate about inspiring a love of books in his young readers and works as an ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Project, which provides books and literacy resources to remote indigenous communities around Australia. Andy is a big fan of Dr. Seuss and cauliflower. He lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is Australia’s most popular children’s writer.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
The 13-Story Treehouse (Special Collector's Edition): Monkey Mayhem! on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
Learn more about Andy Griffiths here: https://www.andygriffiths.com.au/.
Discussion Topics:
- Getting to know Andy Griffiths and the things he likes to collect.
- How being a high school teacher, lead singer in a rock band, and a stand-up comedian have helped Andy with his writing.
- Pushing the boundaries of good taste when writing for kids.
- How to write about farts without saying the word fart.
- Working with the Indigenous Literacy Project.
- The 13-Story Treehouse, what it's all about, and the inspiration behind it.
- Themes that get kids excited about reading the Treehouse series.
- When kids love to read the same book again and again.
- Tips for raising readers and regulating screen time.

Bianca with Aaron Becker on The Tree and the River
In this episode, we have the master of wordless picture books, Caldecott Honor–winning Aaron Becker. He talks about his stunner of a book, The Tree and the River.
Aaron Becker is the best-selling author of the award-winning Journey trilogy, along with several other books for children young and old. His love of travel led him to the city of Granada, Spain, where a rich history of layered civilizations inspired him to write The Tree and the River. To prepare for the story's illustrations, he first constructed a scale model of the book's rolling landscape, which he then slowly transformed with clay and wood over many months. When he’s not home with his wife and two daughters, Aaron Becker can be found creating something new in his studio in western Massachusetts.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
The Tree and the River on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
Learn more about Aaron Becker here: https://www.storybreathing.com.
Discussion Topics:
- What guides and drives Aaron Becker in creating books for children.
- Thoughts on staying true to his vision.
- Aaron's seed of inspiration for The Tree and the River.
- Finding a thread of storyline in this wordless picture book.
- Creating the picture book illustrations.
- Something surprising that readers may notice.
- The underlying theme of climate change angst.
- Hope

Bianca with Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson
In this episode, we have a seat at the cool kids' table as award-winning picture book creators Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson talk about their fun and enjoyably profound collaboration, Twenty Questions.
Mac Barnett is the author of many beloved picture books for children, including Just Because, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault; A Polar Bear in the Snow, illustrated by Shawn Harris; John’s Turn, illustrated by Kate Berube; and President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. He is also the author of several books illustrated by Jon Klassen, including Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, a Caldecott Honor Book and E. B. White Read-Aloud Awardwinner; the shape trilogy; and The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, an E. B. White Read-Aloud Awardwinner. Mac Barnett lives in California.
Christian Robinson is the best-selling illustrator of several books for children, including Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, which was named a Caldecott Honor Book and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book; Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett; Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book; The Bench by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex; and Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book. Christian Robinson lives in California.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
Twenty Questions on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
Learn more about Mac Barnett here: https://www.macbarnett.com/.
Learn more about Christian Robinson here: https://www.theartoffun.com/.
Discussion Topics:
- Things that guide and drive Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson to write books for kids.
- Childhood books that inspire[d] them and influences their work.
- Their day-to-day practices that may surprise you.
- The seed of inspiration for Twenty Questions.
- The illustrations of Christian Robinson and creating the artwork.
- Taking straightforward concepts and turning them into something profound—the secret sauce of creating picture books.
- Collaborating between author and illustrator.
- Mac and Christian share their favorite parts of the book.
- The impact they hope Twenty Questions will have on readers.

Bianca with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt on Good Night, Sister
In this episode, New York Times best-selling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt talks about her absolutely adorable bedtime book, Good Night, Sister.
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt (she/her) is a New York Times best-selling author, mother, and host of BDA Baby. As a passionate animal advocate, Katherine works as an Ambassador for Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA. She is also a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics. Katherine lives with her family in Los Angeles.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
Good Night, Sister on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
Learn more about Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt here: https://www.katherineschwarzenegger.com.
Discussion Topics:
- About Good Night, Sister.
- Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt's favorite things.
- Why Katherine enjoys writing for kids.
- Sisterhood.
- Bedtime stories and routines.
- The artwork of Lucy Flemming.

Bianca with Dan Santat on A First Time for Everything
In this episode, bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat talks about his graphic novel memoir A First Time for Everything
This funny and moving memoir encourages readers not to be afraid to engage with the world and to try new things, and that when you do, maybe you'll be surprised to discover that the big wide world out there is friendlier than you might first assume.
Dan Santat is the Caldecott Medal–winning and New York Times–bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend and the road trip/time travel adventure Are We There Yet? His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels, including Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta series. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
A First Time for Everything on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
Learn more about Dan Santat's work at https://dansantat.tumblr.com/.
Discussion Topics:
- Creating 120+ children's books and finding time to create more while also being Mr. Mom.
- The job Dan Santat would 'probably' have if he weren't a children's book author-illustrator.
- A love of reading, writing, and storytelling and becoming a children's book creator.
- The books that have made an impact on Dan.
- A discussion on becoming and sticking with creating books for kids.
- The seed of the idea for the graphic novel memoir A First Time for Everything.
- A.A. Milne and making memories.
- The mischievous and fantastic events from a European school trip.
- The impact Dan hopes that A First Time for Everything will have on readers.

Bianca with Kathleen Burkinshaw on The Last Cherry Blossom
In this episode, Kathleen Burkinshaw talks about her novel for kids and teens, The Last Cherry Blossom. It's a devastatingly beautiful story that reminds us that the people we think don't belong, the people who seem different from ourselves, or the ones we deem 'the enemy,' are not so different from us after all.
Kathleen Burkinshaw is a Japanese American author and the daughter of a Hiroshima survivor. She wrote The Last Cherry Blossom based on her own mother's story of growing up in Hiroshima during World War II. It is through her mother's twelve-year-old eyes that readers witness the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Kathleen lives with her husband and daughter in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Order copies:
The Last Cherry Blossom on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
Learn more about Kathleen Burkinshaw's work at https://kathleenburkinshaw.com/.
Discussion Topics:
- The driving force behind sharing this story of the Hiroshima atomic bomb with children and teens.
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and how Kathleen's diagnosis led to hearing about her mother's experience living through the bombing.
- The writing process and an excerpt from The Last Cherry Blossom.
- Using The Last Cherry Blossom as a United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs Resource for Teachers and Students.
- School visits with Kathleen Burkinshaw.
- The promise of a sequel.
- Kathleen Burkinshaw's hopes for the impact The Last Cherry Blossom will have on readers.

Bianca with Ona Gritz on August or Forever
In this episode, Ona Gritz talks about her latest novel for kids, August or Forever. It's an incredibly thoughtful, heartwarming, and well-written story that explores the complexities and joys of sisterhood.
Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so. Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a whole other continent. Their video chats are great, and Molly is thrilled when Alison’s hand-written letters arrive in the mail like surprise gifts. Still, it’s not enough, not compared to what other siblings have. That’s why when Molly finds out that Alison is finally coming to visit over the summer, she devises a plan she’s sure will get her sister to stay. But then Alison arrives with plans of her own, a fragile heart gets broken, and Molly stumbles upon a painful piece of her sister’s past. Molly has always loved having a sister, but this is the August when she’ll learn what it really means to be one.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review .
Order copies:
August or Forever on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
Learn more about Ona Gritz'z work at onagritz.com.
Discussion Topics:
- About Ona Gritz and what motivates her to write for children
- How books and writers like Judy Blume have influenced Ona's work
- The importance of literary friendships and community
- Being a good literary citizen
- The inspirations and writing process for August or Forever
- Exploring characters and sisterhood and non-traditional families

Bianca with Julie Fogliano, Molly Idle, and Juana Martinez-Neal on I Don't Care
In this episode, it's a trifecta of guests! Two are Caldecott Honor Book winners Molly Idol and Juana Martinez-Neal, and the third is Newyork Times bestselling author Julie Fogliano. They're here to talk about their picture book collaboration I Don't Care, a beautiful, lyrical story of friendship that has received multiple-starred reviews.
Julie Fogliano is the New York Times bestselling author of, among other titles, And Then It’s Spring, and If You Want to See a Whale, and Just in Case You Want to Fly, illustrated by Christian Robinson. Recipient of the 2013 Ezra Jack Keats award and two Boston Globe-Horn Book Honors, her books have been translated into more than ten languages. Julie lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband and three children.
Molly Idle's work as an author-illustrator includes the Caldecott Honor Book Flora and the Flamingo, Flora and the Penguin, Flora and the Peacocks, Flora and the Chicks, Flora and the Ostrich, and Tea Rex, Camp Rex, Sea Rex, and Santa Rex, among other books, including Pearl, an original fable about a mermaid who learns the power of one small act. She lives with her family in Arizona.
Juana Martinez-Neal is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor-winning book Alma and How She Got Her Name. She also illustrated La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya, for which she won a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award, Babymoon by Hayley Barrett, Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry, and Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, which won a Robert F. Sibert Medal. Juana Martinez-Neal lives in Connecticut with her family.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review here.
Order copies:
I Don't Care on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Resources:
Visit Jule Fogliano at juliefogliano.com.
Visit Molly Idle at idleillustration.com.
Visit Juana Martinez-Neal at juanamartinezneal.com.
Discussion Topics:
- Things that motivate Julie Fogliano to write for children
- The intersectionality of working and motherhood
- Inspirations and the writing and editing process for I Don't Care
- When two illustrators collaborate on one picture book
- The illustration process behind I Don't Care
- Author and Illustrator highlights from I Don't Care
- Thoughts on friendship, individuality, and togetherness

Bianca with Cast and Crew of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
In this episode, cast and crew members talk about Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, an adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
The guests include Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus and screenwriter Dennis Kelly— who has adapted the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production for the big screen. The movie features music and lyrics from musician and comedian Tim Minchin, who is also here. And to top it off, you’ll hear from Alisha Weir, who plays none other than Matilda herself!
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Watch the trailer for Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical here: https://youtu.be/mEEMbNS6fzY.
Discussion Topics:
- Screenwriter Dennis Kelly on the draw of Roald Dahl's Matilda.
- Turning a book into a musical and then a screenplay.
- The Roald Dahl books that Director Matthew Warchus and Musician-Comedian Tim Minchin grew up on.
- Casting the characters of Matilda.
- The highlights of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical.
- Tim Minchin discusses creating lyrics and music for a musical and screenplay.
- The songs Revolting Children, Naughty, and Quiet.
- How stories are a way of unpacking the universe.
- Alish Weir talks about getting and playing the role of Matilda.
- The book that Alisha Weir is reading in her spare time.
- Working with actress Emma Thompson as Ms. Trunchbull.

Bianca with Antwan Eady on Nigel and the Moon
In this episode, we celebrate this year's selection made by Jumpstart for Read for the Record Day, Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady.
Antwan Eady is an author and a dreamer. Originally from Garnett, South Carolina, he spent many nights whispering his dreams; now, he proudly shares them with the world. A graduate of Clemson University, Antwan now lives in Savannah, Georgia.
Order copies:
Nigel and the Moon on Bookshop.org and Amazon
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Learn more about Jumpstart's Read for the Record Day: https://www.jstart.org/jumpstarts-read-for-the-record/
For more about Antwan Eady, visit: https://www.antwaneady.com/
Discussion Topics:
- Learn about Jumpstart's Read for the Record Day
- Get to know Antwan Eady
- About Nigel and the Moon
- A discussion on the character of Nigel
- Gracey Zhang's picture book illustrations
- Children, their dreams, and future careers
- The importance of essential workers
- Antwan Eady's upcoming books
- Reading and under-resourced communities
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This episode is sponsored by
· Bianca Schulze: Don't Wake the Dragon. https://www.biancaschulze.com/portfolio/dont-wake-the-dragon/

Bianca with Katherine Applegate on Odder
In this episode, I talk with an all-time favorite author, Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate. She talks about her latest stunning novel, Odder, the story of an intrepid sea otter.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate has written many books for young readers, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal. Katherine's novels have been translated into dozens of languages, and her books have won accolades, including the Christopher Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Many of her works have appeared on state master lists, as well as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists, and Best of the Year lists from School Library Journal, Kirkus, Amazon, the New York Public Library, and the Chicago Public Library.
Katherine has two adult children and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and assorted pets.
Order copies:
Odder on Bookshop.org and Amazon
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Learn more about her work at https://katherineapplegate.com/
Go Green with Willodeen kit: https://read.macmillan.com/mcpg/willodeen-landing-page/
Sehldrick Wildlife Trust: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/
Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Cam: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams/sea-otter-cam
Elkhorn Slough Otter Cam: https://www.elkhornslough.org/ottercam/
Discussion Topics:
- Learn about Odder
- A brief moment on The One and Only Ruby
- Channeling anger into stories for kids and finding hope
- The book cover and interior artwork of Charles Santoso
- Monterey Bay Aquarium and the role it plays in Odder
- Environmental and conservation efforts around sea otters
- Writing in free verse
- Katherine Applegate reads an excerpt of Odder
- Being a slow reader, reluctant reader, and thoughts on dyslexia
- The book that made Katherine Applegate a reader
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This episode is sponsored by
· Jennifer Swanson: Footprints Across the Planet. https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/footprints-across-the-planet/

Bianca with Molly Idle on Witch Hazel
In this episode, I talk with super talented and award-winning picture book creator Molly Idle about her new and poignant story Witch Hazel.
Molly Idle is the award-winning creator of many books, including the mermaid tales Pearl and Coral. Molly’s work as an author-illustrator also includes the Tea Rex series and the Caldecott Honor Book Flora and the Flamingo. Molly lives in Arizona with her family.
Order copies:
Witch Hazel on Bookshop.org and Amazon
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Molly Idle invites you to visit her at idleillustration.com.
Discussion Topics:
- About Witch Hazel
- Molly Idle's journey of an animator to picture book creator
- How Molly's relationship with her grandmother led to the creation of Witch Hazel
- The power of sharing stories and intergenerational stories
- The process of creating a picture book
- The celebration of memories while processing grief
- The healing properties and symbols of botanicals
- I Don't Care by Julie Fogliano, Juana Martinez Neal, and Molly Idle
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This episode is sponsored by
· Jennifer Swanson: Footprints Across the Planet. https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/footprints-across-the-planet/

Bianca with Trudy Ludwig and Kathryn Otoshi on Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope
In this episode, I talk with two incredible award-winning guests, author Trudy Ludwig and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi, about their picture book Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope.
TRUDY LUDWIG is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author of numerous children’s books, including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and a recommended back-to-school book by USA Today and Scholastic Teacher. Her books and presentations focus on promoting kids’ social-emotional learning skills and help empower them to be kinder, more compassionate, and more inclusive in their social world. Trudy has collaborated with leading experts and organizations, including Sesame Workshop, the International Bullying Prevention Association, Committee for Children, and ConnectSafely.org.
KATHRYN OTOSHI is an award-winning author/illustrator, best known for her character-building number/color book series: One, Zero, and Two. She is also the co-author of Beautiful Hands, a book about possibilities and reaching your dreams. She travels across the country to encourage children to develop strong character traits and to help readers and teachers find creative methods to engage and connect with their students through the power of reading, art, and literature. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Order copies:
Calling the Wind on Bookshop.org or Amazon
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
This American Life Podcast: One More Thing Before I Go: Really Long Distance
The Coalition to Support Grieving Students
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief
Discussion Topics:
- About Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope.
- Get to know author Trudy Ludgwig and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi.
- How a podcast episode and true story inspired Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope.
- About Itaru Sasaki's Wind Telephone.
- A discussion on grief and emotional resilience.
- The healing of creating a picture book and making art.

Bianca with Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel on Loud Mouse
In this episode, I talk with sisters Cara Mentzel and Tony-award-winner Idina Menzel about their debut picture book Loud Mouse: How a Little Mouse Found Her Big Voice.
Cara Mentzel's debut memoir, Voice Lessons: A Sisters Story, about her relationship with her superstar sister, Idina Menzel (yes, they spell their last names differently), was a Good Reads Choice Award nominee in 2017. Cara lives in Boulder, Colorado, where she and her husband raised their Brady Bunch of boys against the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. She has a master's degree in elementary education with an emphasis on children's literacy, and though she currently spends most of her time writing, she enjoyed teaching elementary school for well over a decade and can occasionally be found back in the classroom talking about books she loves. Loud Mouse is her first picture book.
Idina Menzel is a powerhouse: actor, singer-songwriter, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and now a writer. She was Tony-nominated for her Broadway performances in Rent and If/Then, winning the prize for Wicked's green girl. People around the world know her as Elsa in Disney's Oscar-winning Frozen and Frozen 2. She has performed at the Oscars and the Super Bowl, and is the co-founder of A Broader Way Foundation, whose mission is leadership development to amplify young women's voices through the arts. Loud Mouse is Idina's latest endeavor to build on the message of empowerment and finding our voices. Idina's greatest gift is her son, Walker.
Order copies:
Loud Mouse on https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781368078061 or Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xQrnDh.
You can check out the lyric video created using Jaclyn Sinquett’s gorgeous illustrations at Books.Disney.com/LoudMouse and download the song from your favorite platform today.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Voice Lessons by Cara Mentzel and a foreword by Idina Menzel
Discussion Topics:
- About Loud Mouse
- Idina Menzel's inspiration for Loud Mouse
- Cara Mentzel's drive for co-authoring Loud Mouse
- Finding one's voice and celebrating it
- Sisterhood—in the story and through collaboration
- The illustrations of Jaclyn Sinquett and finding humor in the little details
- The spectacular use of vocabulary—the juicy words
- And then the part when Idina Menzel reads (sings) for us.

Bianca with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi On How to Raise an Antiracist
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi about his nonfiction book for caregivers, How to Raise an Antiracist.
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University and the founding director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a CBS News racial justice contributor. Dr. Kendi is the author of many highly acclaimed books including, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction, making him the youngest-ever winner of that award. He has also produced five straight #1 New York Times bestsellers, including How to Be an Antiracist, Antiracist Baby, and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, co-authored by Jason Reynolds. In 2020, Time magazine named Dr. Kendi one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He was awarded a 2021 MacArthur Fellowship, popularly known as the Genius Grant.
Order copies:
How to Raise an Antiracist on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Goodnight Racism on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Magnolia Flower on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Antiracist Baby on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
You can visit Dr. Ibram X. Kendi at www.ibramxkendi.com.
Discussion Topics:
- About How to Raise an Antiracist
- Establishing an understanding of the term antiracist
- Why we shouldn't shield children from the difficult conversation of racism
- Thoughts on colorblindness
- The importance of reading books about people of color created by people of color
- Banned books and why banning books is a significant problem
- How children motivate and inspire Dr. Kendi to write books

Bianca with Josh Funk on My Pet Feet
In this episode, I talk with the super fun and fan-favorite children's book author, Josh Funk, about his picture book My Pet Feet.
It's quite possible that Josh is a superhero with the delightful power of making readers laugh with his writing. During the day, he's a software engineer. And on weekends, he's the author of books like the Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series, It’s Not a Fairy Tale series, How to Code with Pearl and Pascal series, A Story of Patience and Fortitude series, Dear Dragon, Pirasaurs!, My Pet Feet, and more.
Order copies:
My Pet Feet on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
The Great Caper Caper on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
It's Not the Three Little Pigs on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
You can visit Josh Funk at https://www.joshfunkbooks.com/.
Order the word nerd game Boggle.
Order a copy of To Change a Planet by Christina Soontornvat and Rahele Jomepour Bell.
Order a copy of Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis Bunten, and Gary Meeches Sr.
Order a copy of The Boy Who Loved Maps by Kari Allen and G. Brian Karas.
Order a copy of Kick Push by Frank Morrison.
Discussion Topics:
- About My Pet Feet.
- Writing for the laughs and enjoyment of parents and kids.
- Tips on raising readers.
- On reading as a child.
- The inspiration for My Pet Feet.
- Writing a story with only 25 letters.
- The illustration artwork of Billy Yong.
- A peek into Dear Unicorn, The Great Caper Caper, and It's Not the Three Little Pigs.
- The books Josh is reading now.

Bianca with Dan Gemeinhart on The Midnight Children
In this episode, I talk with Dan Gemeinhart, author of the acclaimed novel The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. We discuss his newest middle grade novel, The Midnight Children.
Dan Gemeinhart is a former elementary school teacher-librarian and lifelong book nerd. He lives with his wife and three daughters in a small town in Washington State. He's the author of some other books, too: The Honest Truth, Some Kind of Courage, Scar Island, and Good Dog. If he ever meets you, he'd love to talk about books with you.
Order copies of The Midnight Children on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
You can visit Dan Gemeinhart at https://dangemeinhart.com.
How to Write Stunning Sentences by Nina Schuyler.
Discussion Topics:
- About The Midnight Children.
- The seed of the idea for the town of Slaughterville.
- The characters of The Midnight Children.
- Planting child-friendly nuggets of wisdom within a story.
- Writing, rewriting, and getting sentences and paragraphs just right.
- From teacher-librarian to an author and possibly back again someday.
- Being a reader and the big books of Dan's childhood.
- Dan Gemeinhart's hopes for readers of The Midnight Children.

Bianca with Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken on Patchwork
In this episode, I talk with Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken about their picture book, Patchwork, a deeply moving ode to the complexity and uniqueness of every child.
Matt de la Peña is the author of the Newbery Medal-winning Last Stop on Market Street, Milo Imagines the World, Carmela Full of Wishes, Love, and A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis, as well as a number of critically acclaimed young adult novels.
Corinna Luyken is the author-illustrator of the New York Times bestseller My Heart, The Tree In Me, and The Book of Mistakes. She is also the illustrator of Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse, Nothing in Common, and Something Good.
Order copies of Patchwork on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
You can visit Matt at mattdelapena.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mattdelapena.
You can visit Corinna at corinnaluyken.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @corinnaluyken.
Discussion Topics:
- About Patchwork
- Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken discuss what motivates them to create books for kids.
- The inspiration for Patchwork.
- Celebrating the uniqueness of ourselves and others.
- Matt de la Peña reads an excerpt from Patchwork.
- The expressive illustration artwork of Corinna Luyken.
- Learning to manage self-doubt and appreciate failures.

Bianca with Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truong on City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm
In this episode, I talk with Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truong, the creators of City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm. So many of you wrote in with questions and I got them answered for you!
Jaimal Yogis is the author of Saltwater Buddha, The Fear Project, All Our Waves Are Water, and the children's book series Mop Rides the Waves of Life and Mop Rides the Waves of Change. His writing has also appeared in The Atlantic, ESPN Magazine, and The Washington Post. He lives in San Francisco.
Vivian Truong is a comic artist who has created artwork for Riot Games, miHoYo, Rebellion, and more. Her work includes the Punches and Plants webcomic series for the popular MOBA game League of Legends. She also works as a storyboard artist for game studios, a digital production studio, and a children’s book publisher. She currently lives in London.
Order copies of City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Follow Jaimal Yogis on https://www.instagram.com/jaimalyogis/.
Visit Vivan Truong on https://www.viviantruong.com/.
Discussion Topics:
- About City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm.
- The seeds of inspiration for the story.
- What do dragons mean to Vivian Truong?
- The diverse characters and how they came to be.
- The female hero, Grace.
- The book's setting, Hong Kong, and future locations in upcoming books.
- An exploration of grief in children's books.
- The graphic novel medium and the artwork.
- Jaimal Yogis' biggest life influence.
- Vivian Truong's art background and the artists who inspire her.
- A discussion on courage and empathy.
- Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truong's hopes for City of Dragons.

Bianca with J.T. Michaels on Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
This episode is brought to you by our guest, author J.T Michaels. He's here to talk about his first book in an epic fantasy series, Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone.
Author J.T. Michaels has always loved storytelling, no matter the medium. Being immersed in a different world, whether it’s through books or video games, has also been an obsession for him. Years after writing for his school magazine, he discovered he wanted to create his own worlds for readers, and his journey to fantasy writing began with Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone.
When he isn’t writing enchanting fantasy novels for teens, J.T. enjoys running and spending time outside in the sunshine and hunkering down in a bookstore or library on rainy days. He lives in British Columbia, Canada, where he likes to indulge in a great cup of coffee.
Order copies of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources: For more information on the series, visit https://www.jtmichaels.ca/.
Discussion Topics:
- About Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
- Get to know the two main characters, Jimmy and Tess
- Developing the relationship of the characters
- Advice from books for young and old
- Understanding bad guys and villains
- The editing process for Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
- Tips for self-published authors
- What teens can learn about friendship from story
- J.T. Michaels hopes for readers of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone

Bianca with Trudy Ludwig on Brave Every Day
In this episode, I talk with the highly sought-after speaker and children's book author Trudy Ludwig! We discuss her new book, Brave Every Day, and how reading books can promote empathy and kindness.
Trudy Ludwig is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author who specializes in writing children's books that help kids cope with and thrive in their social world, including The Invisible Boy, My Secret Bully, and The Power of One. She has received rave reviews from educators, experts, organizations, and parents at schools and conferences around the US for her passion and compassion in addressing peer aggression and friendship issues. An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, Trudy also collaborates with organizations like the Committee for Children and ConnectSafely.org, and has served as a content adviser for Sesame Street Workshop. Trudy's books have won the Mom's Choice Gold Award, the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Award, and the NAPPA Gold Award, and have also been recognized as NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People.
Order copies of Brave Every Day on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Visit Trudy Ludwig at trudyludwig.com
Follow her on Twitter at @TrudyLudwig
International Bullying Prevention Association
https://www.connectsafely.org/
Dawn Huebner’s Ted Talk: Rethinking anxiety: Learning to face fear
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety
Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors by Rudine Sims Bishop
Why American Teens Are So Sad by Derek Thompson, for The Atlantic
Discussion Topics:
- About Brave Every Day
- Find out what motivates Trudy Ludwig to write books for children
- The social-emotional impact that children’s books can have on kids and adults
- Addressing anxiety, fears, and worries in children
- The experience of bravery
- Accommodative parenting
- The picture book illustrations created by Patrice Barton
- The affirmation that can help children cope with anxious feelings
- Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope, Trudy’s upcoming book with illustrator Kathryn Otoshi
- How reading transformed Trudy Ludwig’s life and the story that opened her world
- Raising changemakers and kindness warriors

Bianca with Chris Wieland on The Crabtree Monster: A Kat Dylan Mystery
This episode is brought to you by our guest, award-winning writer and filmmaker Chris Wieland. He's here to talk about his first book in the Kat Dylan Mysteries, The Crabtree Monsters. Chris is the father of two fierce children, including a tough, smart tween who helped him find the voice of his protagonist, Kat Dylan. He lives in Southern California with his family.
Order copies of The Crabtree Monsters on Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
For more information on the series, visit https://www.thesmartaleckpress.com.
Discussion Topics:
- About The Crabtree Monsters
- A look at the character development of siblings Kat and Alec Dylan
- A talk through the funny moments in the book from pre-baby to parent
- The importance of having strong female characters for kids to identify with
- Rewriting a screenplay to become a middle-grade novel
- Inspiration from the family-adventure movies of the 80s
- Kat's resemblance to Ruth Langmore from Ozark
- How reading inspires and influences Chris Wieland's writing
- Great mystery writers
- Why kids love reading mystery books
- What's next for the Kat Dylan Mysteries

Bianca with Bob Shea on I Am a Baby
In this episode, I talk with your favorite author and illustrator, Bob Shea. We talk about many things, including the importance of reading for fun and his latest funny picture book, I Am a Baby.
Bob Shea is the author, illustrator, or author-illustrator of many well-loved picture books and chapter books, including the Ballet Cat and Dinosaur vs. series as well as Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great; Unicorn Is Maybe Not So Great After All; Crash, Splash, Moo!; and Who Wet My Pants?, which was illustrated by Zacharia OHora. Bob Shea’s characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr., Playhouse Disney, and PBS KIDS. He lives in Connecticut.
Order copies of I Am a Baby on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Visit Bob Shea at https://www.bobshea.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/bobsheabooks/.
Adurable: Little Pups in Big Trucks
Article from the Pew Research Center: Among many U.S. children, reading for fun has become less common, federal data shows.
Discussion Topics:
- About I Want a Baby
- Bob Shea's reflections on being the parent of a baby
- A talk through the funny moments in the book from pre-baby to parent
- Can dads really sleep through anything?
- Behind the scenes on making art with Bob Shea
- Using Procreate to create children's book illustrations
- Tapping into the true essence of childhood
- What is Bob Shea working on now?
- Statistics on how many kids read for pleasure
- How to encourage kids to read
- A big secret is accidentally revealed
- Bob Shea's hopes for I Am a Baby.

Bianca with Julio Torres and Julian Glander on I Want to Be a Vase
In this episode, Bianca talks to the awesome duo Julio Torres and Julian Glander, creators of the picture book I Want to Be a Vase. With its themes of confidence and embracing one's true identity, this book makes for a dynamic and important conversation starter.
Julio Torres is a comedian, the creator of the HBO special My Favorite Shapes, and has written for Saturday Night Live. He’s also one of the masterminds behind Los Espookys, HBO’s Spanish-language comedy about a group of horror enthusiasts.
Julian Glander is a 3D animator, designer, and illustrator. Mostly self-taught, he has created work for Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Adult Swim, and The New York Times. He is also the creator of the video game Art Sqool and the squishy comics collection 3D Sweeties.
Order copies of I Want to Be a Vase on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Visit Julio Torres on Instagram @SpacePrinceJulio.
Visit Julian Glander at Glander.co.
HBO special My Favorite Shapes.
Discussion Topics:
- About I Want to Be a Vase and how it came to be a book.
- Julio Torres talks about being who you want to be and bringing kids into this conversation.
- A discussion on Julian Glander's uncanny 3D artwork.
- Celebrating the uniqueness of others.
- Breaking the typical book character mold.
- Julio's path to becoming a comedian.
- Julian's path to becoming an animator.
- Guidance counselor humor.
- The difference between writing a Saturday Night Live sketch versus a children's book.
- Julio Torres and Julian Glander's hopes for I Want to Be a Vase.

Bianca with Glenn Boozan on There Are Moms Way Worse Than You
In this episode, Bianca talks to WGA-winning and Emmy-nominated comedy writer Glenn Boozan about her picture book for adults that sheds some humor on parenting, There Are Moms Way Worse Than You: Irrefutable Proof That You Are Indeed a Fantastic Parent.
Glenn Boozan's credits include Conan, Comedy Central’s Lights Out with David Spade, Sarah Silverman’s I Love You, America on Hulu, and TruTV’s Adam Ruins Everything. She lives in Los Angeles, a 30-minute drive from her mother, which apparently is still too far.
Order copies of There Are Moms Way Worse Than You: Irrefutable Proof That You Are Indeed a Fantastic Parent on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Visit Glenn Boozan here: https://www.instagram.com/glennboozan
Sh*tty Mom by Laurie Kilmartin
Discussion Topics:
- About There Are Moms Way Worse Than You: Irrefutable Proof That You Are Indeed a Fantastic Parent.
- How to become a comedy writer (Does a letter arrive at your door announcing you're a comedian?).
- How Glenn Boozan's sister inspired the original poem.
- The nasty little things that animal moms do to their offspring.
- Some things that some really famous comedians had to say about this book.
- Overcoming negative selftalk.
- Glenn Boozan's hopes for There Are Moms Way Worse Than You: Irrefutable Proof That You Are Indeed a Fantastic Parent.

Bianca with I'm Your Neighbor Books and AudioFile Magazine on Immigration Stories
In this episode, Bianca talks to two amazing guests about The Welcoming Library, an initiative that sparks conversations on immigration through the reading of picture books. It's a program led by the non-profit organization I'm Your Neighbor Books, so Bianca talks with Kirsten Cappy, who co-founded I'm Your Neighbor Books in 2012. She brings 20 years of experience using children's books and the companion tools she creates to increase curiosity, empathy, and cultural competency. Kirsten was named one of the Boston Globe's Everyday Heroes for her work on The Welcoming Library.
Bianca first learned about I'm Your Neighbor Books and their signature project, The Welcoming Library, from our friends at AudioFile Magazine. Each month on The Children's Book Review, we feature a curated list of the best new audiobooks for kids, as selected by the editors at AudioFile. These lists are constantly blowing us away with the inclusion of incredible stories, diverse characters, and fantastic casts of voices and music. So, when the AudioFile team mentioned they are now a proud supporter of The Welcoming Library, Bianca wanted to learn more and share it with you. So also joining the conversation is AudioFile Magazine's editor and founder Robin Whitten. Robin is passionate about audiobooks and the magic of the listening experience.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review (coming soon).
Resources:
Visit The Welcoming Library website: https://imyourneighborbooks.org/welcoming-library/
The Welcoming Library audiobooks list: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/lists/welcoming-audiobooks/
AudioFile Magazine on the audiobooks in the project: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/articles/listen-to-welcome-listen-to-belong/
Visit the In Her Presence website: https://inherpresence.org/
Discussion Topics:
- About The Welcoming Library and the importance of sharing stories of immigration
- AudioFile Magazine's partnership with The Welcoming Library
- The Wonder audiobook format
- Survey statistics on reading stories of immigration
- The items you'll find in The Welcoming Library kit
- A discussion on the picture books featuring the experience of immigrants
- How to obtain a Welcoming Library kit
- How to donate to I'm Your Neighbor Books

Bianca with Aaron Blabey on The Bad Guys Movie and Books
In this episode, Bianca talks to Aaron Blabey, the #1 New York Times Bestselling Australian author with around 30 million books in print. He is also the co-executive producer of The Bad Guys movie by DreamWorks Animation and that’s what we’re here to talk about—the adaptation of the illustrated children's graphic novel series. The book series and the movie center around a gang of anthropomorphic animals known as the Bad Guys who attempt to perform good deeds to change society's perception of them as criminals, despite their efforts usually going wrong.
Order copies of The Bad Guys on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
The Bad Guys official movie website.
Watch The Bad Guys movie trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpDuBXB_glk&t=2s.
Order copies of Pig the Pug and Thelma the Unicorn
Discussion Topics:
- About The Bad Guys movie and books.
- From the idea to the rise of The Bad Guys series.
- Adapting The Bad Guys books into a movie.
- Converting reluctant readers.
- The Bad Guys characters.
- Aaron Blabey's hopes for The Bad Guys movie and books.

Bianca with Shannon Hale on This Book Is Not For You
In this episode, Bianca talks with New York Times bestselling author Shannon Hale about her new picture book, This Is Not For You, and the implications of applying genders to book—that's a girl book or that's a boy book.
Shannon Hale is the author of over thirty children's and young adult novels, including graphic novel memoirs Real Friends and Best Friends, and multiple award winners The Goose Girl, Book of a Thousand Days, and Newbery Honor recipient Princess Academy. She also penned three books for adults, beginning with Austenland, which is now a major motion picture starring Keri Russell. With her husband, Dean Hale, she co-wrote over a dozen books, such as the Eisner-nominated graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and illustrated chapter book series The Princess in Black. They live with their four children near Salt Lake City, Utah.
Order a copy of This Book Is Not For You on Bookshop.org, Amazon, or Audible.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Discussion Topics:
- About Shannon Hale
- About This Book Is Not For You
- The implications of applying genders to books
- How Shannon and Dean Hale foster a love of reading with their kids
- Writing the picture book This Book Is Not For You

Bianca with Gregory Maguire on Cress Watercress
In this episode, Bianca talks talk with bestselling author Gregory Maguire about his latest novel for kids, Cress Watercress.
Gregory is the author of the incredibly popular books in the Wicked Years series, including Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which inspired the musical. He is also the author of several books for children, including What-the-Dickens, a New York Times bestseller, and Egg & Spoon, a New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year. He lives outside Boston.
Order a copy of Cress Watercress on Bookshop.org, Amazon, or Audible.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
What-the-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy
https://www.davidlitchfieldillustration.com/
Discussion Topics:
- About Gregory Maguire
- About Cress Watercress
- The feelings and success of the Wicked Years series
- Writing for children versus adults
- The seed of the idea for Cress Watercress
- Exploring emotions in children's books with forest and woodland animals
- The character development of Cress Watercress: Lady Agatha Cabbage, Mama, and Cress Watercress
- Working with illustrator David Litchfield
- The books Gregory Maguire read as a child and the moment he identified as a reader
- Writing rituals and exercising the writing brain
- The literary parents Gregory Maguire would pick for himself—hint, it's not Virginia Woolf
- Gregory Maguire's hopes for Cress Watercress
- Chapter One: Cress Watercress (Audiobook sample used with permission from Recorded Books)

Bianca with David Litchfield on Cress Watercress
In this episode, Bianca talks with multi-award-winning illustrator and author David Litchfield about his artwork in Cress Watercress, a novel written by Gregory Maguire, the author of the incredibly popular books in the Wicked Years series, including Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which inspired the musical.
David Litchfield started to draw when he was very young, creating comics for his older brother and sister. Since then his work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, and books and on T-shirts. His first picture book, The Bear and the Piano won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. He is also the illustrator of Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and War Is Over by David Almond. David lives with his family in Bedford, England.
Order a copy of Cress Watercress on Bookshop.org, Amazon, or Audible.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
https://www.davidlitchfieldillustration.com/
Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
Easy Riders, Raging Bull by Peter Biskind
Discussion Topics:
- About David Litchfield
- About Cress Watercress
- The influence of classic books, such as Wind in the WIllows
- The significance of using both dark and light artwork
- David Litchfield's creative process and character development
- The characters of Cress Watercress
- Staying motivated creating books for children
- Advice on becoming a children's book illustrator
- The art teacher and life moments that have inspired David Litchfield
- Writing for the middle middle-grade audience
- Identifying as a reader
- David Litchfield's hopes for Cress Watercress

Bianca with John Schu on This Is a School
In this episode, Bianca talks with the one and only John Schu about his debut picture book, This Is a School—a moving celebration of school and all it may signify: work and play, creativity and trust, and a supportive community that extends beyond walls
John Schu is the creator of the popular blog Mr. Schu Reads, was the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs, a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, and a former classroom teacher and school librarian. He has visited schools worldwide and has met with over 130,000 students, teachers, and administrators as he advocates for the people and things he cares about most: kids, books, schools, and the libraries — and librarians — that connect them. This Is a School is his picture book debut. John Schu lives in Naperville, Illinois.
Order a copy of This Is a School on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/
Discussion Topics:
- About John Schu
- About This Is a School
- How school visits inspire John Schu
- Writing This Is a School
- The artwork of Veronica Miller Jamison
- The focus on community in This Is a School
- John Schu discusses his upcoming books and The Gift of Story
- The art of joy walking
- Does John Schu prefer being a teacher, librarian, or author?
- The books that John Schu read as a kid

Bianca with Diana Farid on Wave
In this episode, Bianca talks with Diana Farid about her glorious coming-of-age novel written in verse, Wave, set in 1980s Southern California, about a Persian American girl who rides the waves, falls, and finds her way back to the shore.
Diana Farid is also the author of When You Breathe, published by Cameron Kids. She is a poet and a physician at Stanford University. She lives in the Bay Area.
Order a copy of Wave on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Visit Diana Farid at https://dianafarid.com/.
When You Breathe, by Diana Farid
The Essential Rumi, Translated by Coleman Barks
Surfer Magazine: https://www.surfer.com/
Discussion Topics:
- About Diana Farid
- About Wave
- Diana Farid discusses the characters and writing Wave
- Diana Farid talks about writing poetry
- A brief chat about The Essential Rumi and Coleman Barks
- Diana Farid talks about surfing as a child
- Diana Farid talks about how writing and being a physician go hand-in-hand for her
- Diana Farid's hopes for Wave

Bianca with Kristin Chenoweth on What Will I Do with My Love Today?
In this episode, Bianca talks with Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth about her debut picture book What Will I Do with My Love Today? A wonderful addition to children's books by celebrities and picture books about love and friendship, Kristin Chenoweth's whimsical adventure about adopting a dog reminds young readers they have an abundance of love and kindness to share with all.
Kristin's career spans film, television, voiceover, and stage. She received an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Pushing Daisies, won a Tony Award for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and received a Tony Award nomination for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway smash-hit Wicked. Kristin stars in the Apple TV+ musical comedy series Schmigadoon! She also starred in the Netflix comedy feature Holidate, voiced the character Daisy in the HBO MAX film The Witches, and hosted the Food Network series Candy Land. Kristin remains a passionate supporter of charities, including the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Foundation in her home state of Oklahoma, where she launched an annual Broadway Bootcamp providing young Broadway hopefuls with the opportunity to learn from mentors in the field.
Order a copy of What Will I Do with My Love Today? on Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Transcription:
You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.
Resources:
Visit Kristin Chenoweth at https://officialkristinchenoweth.com
Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Foundation
Kirstin Chenoweth's Broadway Bootcamp
My Moment: 106 Women on Fighting for Themselves
Discussion Topics:
- About Kristin Chenoweth
- About What Will I Do with My Love Today?
- Get to know Kristin Chenoweth
- Kristin Chenoweth talks about writing the book What Will I Do with My Love Today?
- The illustrations of Maine Diaz
- Things we have for which to be grateful
- Thoughts on creating books for kids
- Kristin talks about upcoming books, including My Moment: 106 Women on Fighting for Themselves
- Kristin Chenoweth's hopes for What Will I Do with My Love Today?