

The Children's Book Podcast
Matthew C. Winner
Celebrating the power of storytelling to reflect our world, expand our perspectives, and foster connections between readers of all ages. The Children's Book Podcast features interviews with authors, illustrators, and everyone involved in taking a book from drawing board to bookshelf. Hosted by Matthew C. Winner, a teacher, librarian, writer, and fan of kids. Brought to you in partnership with the Highlights Foundation, positively impacting kids by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 10, 2026 • 3min
What Gives Nikki Grimes Hope
Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), shares what is giving her hope today: the bravery, resilience, and determination of young people. 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. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com 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.

Jan 6, 2026 • 36min
Speech is Power with Alexandra Villasante
Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), joins Matthew to talk about paying for our words. Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com Other helpful links: Alexandra Villasante at the Highlights Foundation LGBTQIA2S+ Voices at the Highlights Foundation - Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for LGBTQIA2S+ creatives and professionals in and around the children's book industry. 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.

Jan 3, 2026 • 6min
What Gives Yuyi Morales Hope
Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), shares what is giving her hope today: taking care of something important to her. 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. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com 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.

Dec 30, 2025 • 38min
Emotional Rollercoasters with Alison Green Myers
Alison Green Myers, author of This Way to Happy (Dutton Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the inconsistent upbringings and emotional rollercoasters. Visit Alison Green Myers online at alisongreenmyers.com Other helpful links: Alison Green Myers at the Highlights Foundation Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session One! - Our Summer Camp is a not-to-be-missed experience with 1:1 mentorship, educational and inspirational keynotes, breakout sessions in your chosen track, a community of fellow creatives, time to create, and lots of fun! 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.

Dec 27, 2025 • 4min
What Gives Alexandra Villasante Hope
Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), shares what is giving her hope today: stopping and looking in community. 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. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com 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.

Dec 23, 2025 • 26min
Strength and History with Stacy Wells
Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), co-authored by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, joins Matthew to talk about never giving up because those that came before us never gave up. Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com 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.

Dec 20, 2025 • 4min
What Gives Torrey Maldonado Hope
Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, shares what is giving him hope today: teaching kids how to find a just right book for them. 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. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com 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.

Dec 16, 2025 • 33min
Writers are Listeners with Nikki Grimes
Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), joins Matthew to talk about creating an entryway to discussion. Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com Other helpful links: Nikki Grimes at the Highlights Foundation Nikki Grimes Scholarship - Honoring the contributions of Nikki Grimes to the field of children's literature through her advocacy and writing. This scholarship celebrates Black and Afro-Indigenous female writers and poets. The Nikki Grimes Cottage at the Highlights Foundation - New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes is a long-time friend of this organization and our community. This cabin honors her, and features some of her awards and copies of most of her published work. The Nikki Grimes Scholarship at the Highlights Foundation supports Black and Afro-Indigenous Women Writers and Poets. 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.

Dec 13, 2025 • 4min
What Gives Stacy Wells Hope
Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), with co-author Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, shares what is giving her hope today: people out in the world who are doing good things. 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. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com 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.

Dec 9, 2025 • 38min
A Collective Healing with Yuyi Morales
Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the voices of people fighting to protect our world, our rights, and our people. Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com 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.


