The Children's Book Podcast

Bethan Woollvin (@bethanwoollvin) shares BO THE BRAVE, a new picture book about a young princess on the hunt for monsters. All of Bethan’s picture books up to this point have been retellings of well-known fairy tales, but with a twist. LITTLE RED featured an empowered child unwilling to be bested by the wolf. RAPUNZEL refused to be confined by fear in the witch’s tower. HANSEL & GRETEL has wicked children who tease a witch unrelentingly, and they get what’s coming to them. Bethan’s newest picture book is an original fairy tale and it centers on Bo, a young princess who yearns to be invited along on her brothers’ quest for monsters. When Bo sets out on her own, she discovers that monsters are, quite unjustly, what we make them out to be. And from that point forward, Bo seeks to see the individuals she encounters as who they are, not what the stories say they should be.  You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and s

Irene Latham (@Irene_Latham), Karim Shamsi-Basha (@arabinalabama), and Yuko Shimizu (@yukoart) share THE CAT MAN OF ALEPPO. This true story is set in Syria in the town of Aleppo during recent wartime. While most of the city sought refuge and fled the city, many could not leave or chose to stay behind to help. This is a story about one of those helpers. Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, known to all as Alaa, is an ambulance driver who stayed behind to serve his city. I’m going to let the conversation do the talking here because this is a conversation I think will really move you. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Bookclub (Patreon) Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Hello my beautiful booknerds.  I am hard at work on another batch of episodes to share with all of you and I am really, really excited about what’s coming up. There is no shortage of truly stunning books being published. Books that I know will be on my shelves and on my mind for a long while. Books that I want to talk about and I want you to hear about. Books made even better by listening to the creators share how these stories came to be what we are holding in our hands or listening to in our earbuds. Today, I’m bringing back the monthly bookclub, new and improved. For $25 you can receive one book per month from a title featured on the podcast. Books are hand-selected in partnership with Brain Lair Bookstore, ship anywhere in the U.S. (shipping included), and are also accompanied by a special Bookclub mini podcast episode available to all patrons at this tier, breaking down just what makes this book so special and set apart. You love children’s books. You love independent bookstores. You love this podcast. L

Matthew Cordell (@cordellmatthew) shares HELLO, NEIGHBOR!: THE KIND AND CARING WORLD OF MR. ROGERS. Matt was first on the show back in 2015 for a book called WISH. At the time I used to close each episode with this question: I’m assembling an all-star kidlit kickball team? Who would you want to be on your team? Fred Rogers, he answered without hesitation. Like many, I’ve watched Matt’s career over the past decade and I’ve been moved by the stories he’s chosen to work on. The works are often quiet, centering on children and speaking strongly about safety and protection and care. Matt’s newest book is his first work of nonfiction and it centers the life of a man which many, many of us are inseparably familiar. In a journey 10 years in the making, HELLO, NEIGHBOR is the first authorized picture book biography of Fred Rogers, and it resonates with the soul and mission and gentled approach of the man himself. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blo

Dylan Glynn (@DylanGlynn) shares RAIN BOY, his picture book debut, and BE AMAZING, written by Desmond is Amazing. In RAIN BOY, the title character is ridiculed at a party for bringing everything down. But rain is going to rain, right? When being who you are is what you do, it can be awfully difficult to feel welcome in any space where who you are is rejected. Similarly, the cultural climate of homophobia is changing, but that doesn’t keep queer-centered stories from now taking up most of the spots in ALA’s Most Frequently Banned Books lists. We have a long way to go, but in this queer ugly duckling story we can all be reminded that there’s enough room under the sun to make room for everyone. Time to be brave. Time to be fierce. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Libro.fm And to the generous su

I gave the Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts group the keys to the podcast for the week. Today a group of kidlit bookmakers is answering the question, “What ways do you hope readers and teachers will connect with the book?” I’m joined by a very special group of bookmakers, including Rajani LaRocca, Elisa Boxer, Christina Soontornvat, Kirsten Larson, Abi Cushman, NoNieqa Ramos, and Kelly Carey. Check the link in the show notes or visit the Children’s Book Podcast on BookShop to browse many of the books featured throughout this week’s episodes. When you shop there, your books are sourced from independent bookstores across the country. It also supports the Children’s Book Podcast. Double the good with a single click! And now, let’s turn it over to The Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.  

It’s our 4th day with the members of the  Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts and we are going all the way back to childhood! Today a group of kidlit bookmakers is answering the question, “What aspects of childhood do you see expressed through your art and/or your writing?” Joining me to share their responses are Kelly J. Baptist, Rob Justus, Candy Wellins, Sam Wedelich, and Kjersten Hayes. Check the link in the show notes or visit the Children’s Book Podcast on BookShop to browse many of the books featured throughout this week’s episodes. When you shop there, your books are sourced from independent bookstores across the country. It also supports the Children’s Book Podcast. Double the good with a single click! And now, let’s turn it over to The Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank

The Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts return for day 3 of 5, taking over this here humble podcast space! And today it’s all about the details! Writers and illustrators take in their surroundings and experiences and sometimes put it into their craft. Today a group of kidlit bookmakers is answering the question, “Are there any details in your book that have come from your life?” Illuminating us with their responses, today I’m joined by Julie Rowan-Zoch, Vicky Fang, Joana Pastro, Isabella Kung, Melanie Ellsworth, Susan Kusel, and Hope Lim. Check the link in the show notes or visit the Children’s Book Podcast on BookShop to browse any of the books featured throughout this week’s episodes. When you shop there, your books are sourced from independent bookstores across the country. It also supports the Children’s Book Podcast. And now, let’s turn it over to The Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.c

It’s Day 2 of the Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts! Today a group of kidlit bookmakers is answering the question, “What did writing or illustrating your book teach you about your craft or about yourself?” Answer that question today is none other than Carrie Finison, Shelley Johannes, Anna Crowley Redding, Gregory Barrington, Qing Zhuang, and Colleen Paeff. Check the link in the show notes or visit the Children’s Book Podcast on BookShop to browse any of the books featured throughout this week’s episodes. When you shop there, your books are sourced from independent bookstores across the country. It also supports the Children’s Book Podcast. Double the good with a single click! And now, let’s turn it over to The Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Libr

It’s my first ever podcast takeover! Let’s get into it! The Soaring ‘20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts feature some really outstanding books by kidlit authors and illustrators debuting in 2020. Today, we’re going to hear a handful of new and debut picture book folks take on the question “What experiences or observations of the world compelled you to write your story?” Long time friend of the show Darshana Khiani and I were first talking about the idea of a podcast takeover back in July of 2019. Today, as we’re all safe inside and adhering to quarantine guidelines, it seems the landscape has temporarily changed. However, readers are still reading. Writers are still writing. And books are finding their way into read alouds and activities and Instagram posts and bedtime. For answers to the question “What experience or observation of the world compelled you to write this story?“ I'm turning today to Darshana Khiani, Mary Wagley Copp, Lindsay Metcalf, Jen Malia, Angela Burke Kunkel, Keith and Larissa Marantz, an

Torrey Maldonado (@TorreyMaldonado) shares WHAT LANE?!. This is a story about Stephen, a young black boy trying to find his way, one circumstance at a time. It’s a story about a neighborhood and a bunch of kids. It’s a story about confronting racism, confirmation bias, white privilege… all of it. And what it looks like to be an ally. It’s a story, as Torrey puts it, for anyone who has to navigate a duality. It is an outstanding story, and a really exceptional audiobook, to boot. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mahogany L. Browne (@mobrowne) shares WOKE: A YOUNG POET’S CALL TO JUSTICE, written with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III. This evocative picture book companion to WOKE BABY is an emotional powerhouse, laying groundwork for conversations about advocacy, anti-bias practices, intersectionality, disability acceptance, youth empowerment, and more. This book was constructed to hold a volume of voices, meaning that these poems can and should be read by more than one voice at once. That was a new thought for me, choral poetry. And then I realized what might be already obvious to you, which is that when we combine our voices in unity we shine a brighter light on the dark places, we make more room for everyone at the table, we, to borrow a phrase from a friend, bring the distant near. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visi

Jillian Tamaki (@dirtbagg) shares MY BEST FRIEND, written by Julie Fogliano. Jillian won a Caldecott honor for her art in THIS ONE SUMMER, a graphic novel written by Mariko Tamaki, her cousin. She later turned a lot of heads in a picture book she wrote and illustrated called THEY SAY BLUE. But in choosing to make the art for MY BEST FRIEND, Jillian shares that there was one line in the manuscript that definitely sealed the deal. In this story of best friends at first sight, one child narrates an encounter she has with another on the playground. The text is playful and light, but carries a weight of sincerity undeniable in childhood friendships. What Jillian brought to the story through her expressive art brings a sense of whimsy and play, and reiterates the feeling of the whole world slipping away when it’s just you and your best friend. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and t

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

Tami Charles (@TamiWritesStuff) and Jacqueline Alcántara (@_jacqueline_ill) share FREEDOM SOUP. What food traditions do you have in your family? And how do these traditions speak to your family’s history? This is a story about making soup, but it’s also a story about making traditions while looking back on the past. The origin of freedom soup dates back to the Haitian Revolution and it’s that revolution that lives inside the characters in the story as well the many, many ancestors of those involved in the battles. We are made from everything before us. As Tami shares, "we are each so subconsciously affected by the things around us." You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/mes

Lily Williams (@lwbean) and Karen Schneeman (@themeanmagenta) share GO WITH THE FLOW, a comic about menstruation. Period. It's a story about getting your first period and how not all periods are the same from one woman to the next, but it’s also about destigmatizing menstruation in our society. It’s about public embarrassment, but it’s also about barriers to access of feminine hygiene products to the general public. It’s about friendship, and it’s also about demonstration, protest, and advocacy. From a webcomic called THE MEAN MAGENTA to  a full length comic, GO WITH THE FLOW is a welcomed and needed addition to libraries and bookshelves everywhere. I hope it finds its way into your hands very soon. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- S

Marcie Colleen (@MarcieColleen1) shares THE BEAR’S GARDEN, illustrated by Alison Oliver. The story, inspired by a community garden in Brooklyn, centers on a girl caring for a seedling until she can’t any longer. It’s a story about those hidden spaces that become worlds for the person or people who find them. And it’s also a story about the worlds that can be created when we give trust over to others. THE BEAR’S GARDEN is a bit of a fantastical prequel to a garden you can imagine passing in Brooklyn today. Look in past the gates. See what’s growing. The bright pinks and blues and yellows among the leaves of green. Know that everything here started from just a seed and some care and cheering on of a community.  You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patr

Minh Lê (@bottomshelfbks) shares GREEN LANTERN: LEGACY, a brand new graphic novel from DC Kids. Stepping into the DC universe was an experience for Minh and how he made his mark was something truly unique and authentic. What results is a fast-moving, page-turning comic with depth and heart. One of the qualities I especially loved in the story was Minh’s exploration of coming-of-age through Tai Pham, his main character, and what Tai assumes about where strength is derived as well as what he ultimately learns. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: The Complete Picture Book Submissions System Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Katrina Moore (@kmoorebooks) shares ONE HUG and GRANDPA GRUMPS. ONE HUG is Katrina’s picture book debut. It’s about what a hug can mean to someone else and speaks to the nature of hugs as a means of comfort, communication, and companionship. GRANDPA GRUMPS is about communication between generations despite a language barrier. The earnestness of the main character in this story as she tries to interact with her grandpa is something I found to be so sweet and so genuinely childlike. Each of these books is quite special in their own way, but this guest is also really special to me personally. Katrina was my first critique partner. Seeing her books published and finding them to be stories of my own heart makes me feel a special closeness to her. Perhaps you’ve shared similar feelings toward the authors of the books you love: a kinship that transcends words. I hope this conversation does that for you in some small way, too. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthew

Ryan Andrews (@HeyRyanA) shares THIS WAS OUR PACT, a graphic novel about a band of friends determined to see where the lanterns end up after being sent down the river by the folks in their town as part of the Equinox Festival. There’s a legend that they turn into stars, but no one has actually ever followed them to see. Where the river and these lanterns lead Ben and Nathaniel is beyond anything you could ever dream. I found Ryan’s story to be moving and wondrous and beautiful. It’s by far one of the best graphic novels I’ve read, both in it’s fantastical story arc and also in Ryan’s command of color in telling the story. In short, I cannot wait for you and for all readers to experience this story. You can access even more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/blog. Thank you to this week's sponsor: The Complete Picture Book Submissions System Libro.fm And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/mes