The Children's Book Podcast

Kaz Windness (Bitsy Bat, Team Star) shares what is giving her hope today: a commitment to being joyful and doing things that bring happiness as an act of rebellion. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.     For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.  Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. Read on. And don’t lose hope.  

Kyle Lukoff, author of A World Worth Saving (Dial Books), joins Matthew to talk about his classic quest story involving a golem that protects trans kids. Visit Kyle Lukoff online at www.kylelukoff.com  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.  Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.  

Lesléa Newman (Joyful Song: A Naming Story) shares what is giving her hope today: being in community with like-minded people who want to make the world a better place. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.  Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. Read on. And don’t lose hope.  

Veera Hiranandani, author of Many Things at Once (Random House Studio), illustrated by Nadia Alam, joins Matthew to talk about feeling complex things and learning how not to get stuck in those feelings. Visit Veera Hiranandani online at www.veerahiranandani.com For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.

George Brown and Alison Green Myers, of the Highlights Foundation, join Matthew to introduce a partnership between the Highlights Foundation and the Children’s Book Podcast. Visit the Highlights Foundation online at www.highlightsfoundation.org   For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.  

Greg Foley, cartoonist of Dex Dingo: World's Best Greatest Ever Inventor (Disney Hyperion), talks about comics as a proper art form and how, at the heart, we’re all kids who don’t really understand anything. Visit Greg online at www.gregfoley.co You can pick up your own copy of Dex Dingo: World's Best Greatest Ever Inventor (Disney Hyperion) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.  

Heidi Rabinowitz, host of The Book of Life, looks back on two decades of creating a podcast about Jewish kidlit (mostly). Subscribe to the Book of Life podcast wherever podcasts are found, or go to jewishbooks.blogspot.com, Sign up for Heidi’s substack by visiting bookoflifepodcast.substack.com.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.  

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2025), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - https://jewishlibraries.org/sydney_taylor_book_award/  2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - https://jewishlibraries.org/2025-blog-tour-sydney-taylor-book-awards/  You can pick up your own copy of any of the titles featured today wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can suppo

Carole Boston Weatherford, author of How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee (Candlewick), talks about writing poetry, speaking history, and telling stories. Visit Carole online at cbweatherford.com You can pick up your own copy of How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee (Candlewick) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.  

Bob Shea, author illustrator Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend (Abrams Books for Young Readers) and author of Who Wet My Pants? (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), talks about everyone bringing something to the party. Visit Bob online at www.bobshea.com You can pick up your own copy of Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend (Abrams Books for Young Readers) and Who Wet My Pants? (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in t

Cori Doerrfeld, author illustrator The Rabbit Listened (Dial Books) and Beneath (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), talks about being more than the parts that you can see. Visit Cori online at www.coridoerrfeld.com You can pick up your own copy of The Rabbit Listened (Dial Books) and Beneath (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.  

Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, and Kayla Harren, the authors and illustrator of This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation (Dial Books), talk about protecting a sense of validation and joy. Visit Jessica online at https://www.jessicaslice.com Visit Caroline online at https://carolinecupp.com Visit Kayla online at https://www.kaylaharren.com You can pick up your own copy of This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a

Lisa Yee, 2024 Kerlan Award winner and author of A Copycat Conundrum (Random House Books for Young Readers), the latest entry in The Misfits series, and Maizy Chen’s Last Chance (Random House Books for Young Readers), talks about taking away some sense of the mystery, but protecting and preserving the magic. Visit Lisa online at http://www.lisayee.com Visit The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature online at https://kerlan.umn.edu View Lisa yee’s 20204 Kerlan Award speech at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx_Jn6PSroM  You can pick up your own copy of A Royal Conundrum (Random House Books for Young Readers), the latest entry in The Misfits series, and Maizy Chen’s Last Chance (Random House Books for Young Readers), wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  The Misfits series, and Maizy Chen’s Last Chance are also each available

Joshua S. Levy, author of Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop (Katherine Tegen Books) and co-editor of On All Other Nights: A Passover Celebration in 14 Stories (Harry N. Abrams), talks about where the characters start and where they have to go. Visit Josh online at www.joshuasimonlevy.com You can pick up your own copy of I Like Your Chutzpah: And Other Yiddish Words You'll Like (Rise X Penguin Workshop) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop and On All Other Nights are also each available as an audiobook at your local library or through Libro.fm, where your purchase also supports independent bookstores in the process!  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (

Suzy Ultman, author and artist of I Like Your Chutzpah: And Other Yiddish Words You'll Like (Rise X Penguin Workshop), talks about helping small people feel good about themselves and connect to their trueness. Visit Suzy online at https://www.suzyultman.com/ You can pick up your own copy of I Like Your Chutzpah: And Other Yiddish Words You'll Like (Rise X Penguin Workshop) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.  

Natalia Sylvester, author of A Maleta Full of Treasures (Dial Books), illustrated by Juana Medina, talks about how we are, deep down, all of the ages we’ve ever been. Visit Natalia online at www.nataliasylvester.com You can pick up your own copy of A Maleta Full of Treasures (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.  

Nelly Buchet, author of Big Sister, Long Coat (Northsouth Books), illustrated by Rachel Katstaller, talks about small moments as the practice for bigger events in life. Visit Nelly online at www.nellybuchet.com You can pick up your own copy of Big Sister, Long Coat (Northsouth Books)wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.

Karol Hernández, author of I Am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of the Andes (Dial Books), illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez, talks about our responsibility to find and to make community. Visit Karol online at https://karolita.com You can pick up your own copy of I Am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of the Andes (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.

Brad Montague and Kristi Montague, authors and illustrators of Fail-A-Bration (Dial Books), talk about how the stories we tell help to create the world we live in. Visit Brad and Kristi online at https://montagueworkshop.com/hello You can pick up your own copy of Fail-A-Bration (Dial Books) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.

J.E. Thomas, author of Control Freaks (Levine Querido), talks about loving your characters exactly as they show up in your story. Visit Jan online at https://jethomasauthor.com You can pick up your own copy of Control Freaks (Levine Querido) wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can also use my affiliate link by clicking on the book’s name in our show notes.  For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.