The Children's Book Podcast

Evelyn Yang, author of A Kids Book About Sexual Abuse, talks in the newest episode of A Kids Book About: The Podcast about speaking up in any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. In it, I also tell my abuse story for the first time with my voice on a public and recorded forum. I know that many, too many of you were also affected by sexual abuse. I want to give you some of my strength. I also want others to know how you can help to give strength to all of us victims and survivors. Because we cannot break down the taboo and stop this cycle from happening over and over if we’re not willing to discuss this issue aloud.  Find more episodes of A Kids Book About: The Podcast by visiting https://a-kids-book-about-the-podcast.simplecast.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

This is the Children’s Book Podcast. I’m Matthew Winner. Your host, guide, and companion. I started this podcast in July of 2013 and have since published over 700 episodes on this RSS feed. I’ve spoken with authors, illustrators, editors, agents, publishers, librarians, booksellers, kids, and fans. But the one thing I’ve never done in these past 8 years is take a break. And so that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’ve learned over so many years that I find it quite natural to put others needs and voices first, and very unnatural to prioritize my own mental health needs. So I know you’ll excuse me if even this language doesn’t come naturally to me. Enjoy listening through the archives, or to recent episodes you may have missed, and I’ll be back when it’s the right time for me to come back. Take care of yourselves. And I promise to do the same. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

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

Today I am joined by Ilyasah Shabazz, author of The Awakening of Malcolm X, written with Tiffany D. Jackson. Bryan Stevenson said “We are all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” And yet our criminal justice system might have us thinking otherwise. Ilyasah illuminates the humanity of inmates while also discovering the truth about who Malcolm is in this exceptional young adult novel. I myself listened to the audiobook adaptation and highly recommended it as well. There is so much in this book and in this conversation, that the best way I can think to share is, as in many cases, for me to get out of the way and let the stories be heard. If you are not yet acquainted with Ilyasah Shabazz, I hope that this discussion serves that introduction well.  Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-bo

Jason June and Lori Richmond share Porcupine Cupid. Jason June talks of the magic we create when we’re connected and this story laces that magic throughout. Much like Porcupine Cupid, Jason June is in love with love and works throughout this story to ensure not to define what it means to be in love. Lori’s illustrations are laced with love and hearts and connection throughout and it was just so wonderful to be in conversation with them both, I never wanted it to end. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Archaa Shrivastav is the author of Families, Hair, and On-The-Go, three delightful board books in the We Are Little Feminists series. And We Are Little Feminists: Families is the 2021 recipient of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award. This is an award given annually to English-language works of exceptional merit for children or teens relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience and the committee made history by selecting a board book as their winner. But not just any board book. This one… this whole series… is truly like nothing you’ve seen before. Exceptionally crafted, designed, and brought into this world to shine a light on and hold up a mirror for all families. All families. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/

Today I’m welcoming to the podcast by Soyeon Kim, illustrator of Once Upon an Hour, Sukaq and the Raven, You are Never Alone, and A Last Goodbye. Soyeon’s diorama illustrations are unlike anything I’ve seen before in picture books, each built within a wooden frame with individual components illustrated, cut out, and then suspended with fishing line. It’s breathtaking and whimsical, and when we’re all able to travel again I am making it a priority to see her art in person. I think you’ll want to as well once you hear this conversation.  Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Melissa Stewart, the author of Ick!: Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings, and Defenses and the editor of Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep. Melissa is an unwavering advocate for nonfiction in all places, whether that is at storytimes, in classroom instruction, on book lists, or wherever will make space for it. And whenever she talks nonfiction advocacy, I am here for it. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

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

Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith share I Talk Like a River, a most exceptional picture book by two most exceptional individuals. If you have not yet come to know I Talk Like a River, I can think of no better place to start. So I will leave you with three thoughts shared with me in this conversation by Jordan and Sydney that I think deserve being heard over and over. #1: Stuttering makes language visible. #2: The production of speech is a physical act. And #3: The idea of fluency is kind of fictional. I hope you enjoy this episode a whole lot.  Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak share Ohana Means Family. Poi is an important and traditional food to native Hawaiian islanders, made from taro, and in this building rhyme story a family prepares the poi for their ohana's luau. Many stories have employed the structure of “The House That Jack Built” in order to tell a cumulative story, but the format serves this book especially well alongside Pak’s illustrations to celebrate a food, an island nation, a family, and a tradition. I hope you’re able to hold a copy of this book soon so that you, too, can be transported. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Duncan Tonatiuh shares Feather Serpent and the Five Suns, a creation story using Duncan’s iconic pre-Columbian Meso-American-influenced art style that takes readers into the depths of Mictlān, the underworld of Axtec mythology. It’s an epic story, and hearing Duncan tell it is testament to how strongly these influences move Duncan’s hands to create such wonderful stories. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Raúl The Third is no stranger to the podcast, but the books he brings to share today are easily some of my favorite work he’s done yet. ¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market and ¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat are the first in a multi-book and multi-format series which includes picture books, easy readers, and board books. Raúl’s world-building is truly mind-blowing. Every character feels important. Every character matters, regardless of their role in the main story. It’s a universe I think many, many readers will find a welcome home within and it’s one, quite frankly, I escape to every chance I get. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Monique Gray Smith and Nicole Neidhardt share WHEN WE ARE KIND. This book is a beautiful rumination on what it feels like when we are kind and when someone or something is kind to us. Monique talks about kindness as a salve and the relationality and connection we have to one another and to the earth comes across powerfully and, in moments, disarmingly as Nicole brings representation of all types of families and family structures throughout the art. It’s a centering of diversity and the vibrancy of Native communities as they exist in the here and now and it’s a book that I think will deeply, deeply resonate with any reader, no matter the age. Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

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

Lulu Delacre shares LUCI SOARS. Lulu and I have been talking about recording a podcast for a long while now, but I’ve got to say that LUCI SOARS was the very perfect book to bring us together. This beautiful picture book about a girl without a shadow speaks to discovering yourself and your voice. Lulu’s talks about how easy it is to be overcome by your difference, but that you find power by changing the way you look at things. We also get the chance to talk about her RAFI AND ROSI easy reader series, which my daughter and I return to often! Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

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

Today’s episode is produced in partnership with the Association of Jewish Libraries as we celebrate the winners of the 2021 Sydney Taylor Book Award, recognizing outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Let’s first hear more about the award. Please welcome back Rebecca Levitan, the Chair of the 2021 Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee.  The Sydney Taylor Book Award recognizes outstanding books in three categories: picture books, middle grade, and young adult. We’ll hear from a number of the winners and honorees today, but for a full list of those recognized, visit the homepage of the Association of Jewish Libraries. 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. Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/matthewcwinner or on Paypal at paypal.me/childrensbkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://an

Nikki Grimes, poet author and longtime friend of the podcast, shares LEGACY: WOMEN POETS OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE. Nikki’s new book showcases poems from the Harlem Renaissance written by Black women. Each poem is then followed by a Golden Shovel poem written by Nikki in response to the original. The Golden Shovel poetic form, created by Terrance Hayes and described to readers by Nikki, “calls poets to take a short poem in its entirety, or a line from the poem, called a striking line, and to create a new poem using the words from the original.” I found many of these poems to be striking if not transcendent. These are beautiful, modern responses to the work of Harlem Renaissance poets that affirms and resonates our connects and experiences over a century passed. The poems are also accompanied by original art by Black female artists, many of whom have illustrated some of your favorite works for children today. All told, this is Nikki at her best and I say as much to her in our conversation. You can access even

Vincent X. Kirsch shares FROM ARCHIE TO ZACK. I feel the need to be completely frank with you here. There are so many wonderful picture books out there and so many great stories of boys crushing on girls and girls crushing on boys. Some flirt with using the word “love”. Many embrace the innocent, complicated, and wholly earnest feelings we feel at a young age toward those who, often for reasons inexplicable, become the objects of our affections. But very rarely do we ever see books where a girl expresses love for a girl, or a boy expresses love for a boy. No matter what the reason, this strikes me as a great loss at reflecting the pureness of childhood look, which never needs any deeper interpretation beyond recognizing “it is what it is.” Vincent has created a beautiful book of two boys in love. Without a doubt, both boys know their love for the other. Their whole class knows and every classmate would tell you with a great big smile on their face. But also, neither boy will say it to the other. It’s a wonder