The Children's Book Podcast

Benson Shum shares ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU, a story about a kaiju with an unconventional gift, and it’s sequel, ANZU THE GREAT LISTENER, which asks us to consider how not all acts of kindness are perceived as intended.   BOOK DESCRIPTION: Anzu the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum Page Length: 40 pages Ages 4 to 8 All great Kaiju are born with a super power to strike fear in the heart of the city. But Anzu is different. Instead of mayhem, he likes May flowers. Instead of striking fear, he prefers to be sincere. Can Anzu find a way to make his family proud and stay true to his kind self? From Disney animator and illustrator Bensom Shum comes an adorable and heartwarming picture book about making your own way and the unexpected power of gentleness.   Anzu the Great Listener by Benson Shum Page Length: 40 pages Ages 4 to 8 Anzu the kaiju loves to tend to his bonsai. Whenever he feels overwhelmed or unsettled, it helps him pause and reminds him to just . . . breathe. One day, when Anzu hears crying in the distance, he's eager to help! The flower-power that makes his bonsai bloom has a way of making others smile. But when Anzu's flowers seem to lose their power, hurting more than they help, he's not sure where to turn--until he remembers some valuable lessons he learned from his bonsai tree. In Anzu the Great Listener, creator and Walt Disney Studios animator Benson Shum illustrates the importance of patience, empathy, and above all, taking the time to listen.   NOTABLE QUOTES: (5:53) “What if not all of kaijus want to destroy? What if they wanna bring joy or kindness? What would that look like in their world?”  (7:13)  “Sometimes I  think it's a nice reminder to just listen, you know? And that silence between the two can make all the difference.” (10:45)  “I think even kids, when they find something that's individual to them, making them happy, would actually make people around them just as happy, ” (14:53) “We all listen in different ways. Just letting the person finish what they're saying is an act of listening, you know? …And maybe not trying to solve a problem if they have a problem and just kind of let them speak what they're saying. And then,  if they ask for help, then maybe you can jump in and have a suggestion.  I think that's an act of listening as well.“ (18:06) “Be kind. Listen to one another. Ask your teacher, a librarian like yourself, a friend, a family member, “How are you doing today?” And listen to what they have to say. To be heard and listened to can make a person's day from just those few words.”    ADDITIONAL LINKS: Website - Benson Shum Purchase the Book - Anzu the Great Kaiju Purchase the Book - Anzu the Great Listener Teachers guide and activities - https://bensonshum.com/activities/ Anzu the Great Listener (Teacher’s Guide) - http://bensonshum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Anzu-the-Great-Listener-Guide-w-Activity-Kit.pdf Anzu the Great Kaiju (Teacher’s Guide) - http://bensonshum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Anzu-the-Great-Kaiju-Guide.pdf   TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE: What are some examples of kaiju that you can think of? What kind of kaiju would you be okay with discovering was coming for a visit? What kind of kaiju would you definitely want to avoid? What are some ways in which Benson is similar to Anzu? In what ways are they different? What are ways that you are similar (or different) to Benson?  What does being a good listener look like to you? How does it sound? How does it feel? How does it make others feel? Why do you think the book jacket is called a “book jacket”? What purpose does the book jacket serve? Can you think of any other books you’ve encountered where the cover art differs from the jacket art? Why do you think an artist might do this?   CREDITS: This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.  Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Libsyn.  We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org. DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent book stores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

Visit thewritingbarn.com and click on “Classes” to sign up for “Becoming A Better Storyteller Through Podcasting” with me, Matthew Winner. Registration for the webinar is $25 and you can join live from 11-12:30 CT or view the archived recording via REPLAY within 48 hours of the event.  Or both! PLUS, you’re one step closer to bringing your podcast idea AND your voice into the world. Which means we’re one step closer to being colleagues! I love it!

Suma Subramaniam shares NAMASTE IS A GREETING, a sweet, universal text shining a light on a word with significance far beyond yoga class, and SHE SANG FOR INDIA, a picture book biography about M.S. Subbulakshmi, a powerful Indian singer who advocated for justice and peace through song.    BOOK DESCRIPTION: Namaste Is a Greeting by Suma Subramaniam; illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat Page Length: 32 pages Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3 What is namaste? It's found in a smile, a friendship, a celebration. It exists in silence; it can be said when you're happy or when you're feeling low.  For one small girl in a bustling city, namaste ("I bow to you") is all around her as she and her mother navigate a busy marketplace--and when she returns with a little plant and chooses to give it to an elderly neighbor, it can be seen in the caring bond between them. In a sweet, universal text, debut author Suma Subramaniam shines a light on a word with significance far beyond yoga class, while artist Sandhya Prabhat makes the concept of mindfulness come alive in delightful illustrations likely to draw children in again and again.   She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change by Suma Subramaniam; illustrated by Shreya Gupta Page Length: 40 pages Ages 4 to 8 Before M.S. Subbulakshmi was a famous Carnatic singer and the first Indian woman to perform at the United Nations, she was a young girl with a prodigious voice. But Subbulakshmi was not free to sing everywhere. In early 1900s India, girls were not allowed to perform for the public. So Subbulakshmi busted barriers to sing at small festivals. Eventually, she broke tradition to record her first album. She did not stop here. At Gandhi's request, Subbulakshmi sang for India's freedom. Her fascinating odyssey stretched across borders, and soon she was no longer just a young prodigy. She was a woman who changed the world.   NOTABLE QUOTES: (5:26) “My family was not made rich by wealth, but we were made rich by people.”  (10:59)  “The power of such diverse friendships is the, you know, is, is the bonding and the hope that it brings in times of adversity.” (12:42)  “There is no Carnatic music without M.S. Subbulakshmi, and there is no M.S. Subbulakshmi without Carnatic music.” (18:11) “Art and music are great tools to channel our energy and bring about a positive change, especially in the minds of young people.”  (18:57) “One doesn't need to know the language to appreciate good music.”  (20:14) “You are loved. And this holiday season I hope you pay attention to species of all kinds who are lonely or who are having a difficult winter, and you give them a little bit of your time.”    ADDITIONAL LINKS: Website - Suma Subramaniam M.S. Subbalakshmi performing "Bhaja Govidam" Purchase the Book - Namaste is a Greeting Purchase the Book - She Sang for India   TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE: Namaste is a sanskrit word. Can you recall what it means? What moments in your day have you practiced namaste? And what opportunities might you have to practice namaste before the day’s end? M.S. Subbulakshmi was a famous carnatic singer. How would you describe the music that she made? What does it make you feel? Does it remind you of any music you’ve heard before? What instruments could you hear in the recording that was shared? What is activism? And what barriers or limitations did M.S. Subbulakshmi work to break down or to make possible for others after her through her music?  BONUS: Suma mentioned her dog in her introduction and said that the dog likes to do something that, I’m guessing, is not a typical thing that dogs like to do. Can you recall what she shared?   CREDITS: This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.  Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).  Our music is by Podington Bear.  Podcast hosting by Anchor.  We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.   DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent book stores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

Rebecca Sheir shares THE GREAT BALL GAME, a classic folktale originating from the Cherokee, Creek, Ojibway and Menominee people of North America, adapted for a contemporary audience by the host of the Circle Round podcast.  NOTABLE QUOTES: (3:28) “So I do try to think of a bunch of different children. So I'm not just writing for one person because our listeners physically, literally span the globe.” (5:25)  “Why is the ocean salty? Why don't cats and dogs get along? Why do skunks have a weird smell when they spray? Where does thunder and lightning come from? There have been folktales written about all of these things.” (7:27)  “Most importantly, many valuable lessons are imparted about the importance of embracing individuals who are different, about embracing diversity, celebrating non-conformity, including others, and realizing that being different can make you stronger.” (10:15) “Don't be afraid to tell your stories. You don't have to rely on a famous author or podcast host or movie maker to tell a story. You have your own stories you can tell. It can be a story about you, how you spent your summer vacation. That could be a fascinating tale. Or you could go ahead and make up characters. Make a talking bat, you know? You've got stories. You just have to use your imagination. It's ready and waiting for you. ” ADDITIONAL LINKS: Website - Circle Round The Great Ball Game podcast episode - Circle Round Episode 56 Purchase the Book - The Great Ball Game by Rebecca Sheir TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE: What is a folktale? What are some examples of folktales you have heard or heard shared with you? How would you describe a bat to someone who has never seen one? What characteristics make a bat similar or different to a bird? To an animal? Ms. Sheir shared that artist Joshua Pawis-Steckley included severals examples of Ojibwe symbolism and iconography throughout the illustrations in this book. What are some symbols or icons you see in your classroom, home, or neighborhood? What do these symbols represent? Or what message are they trying to communicate? CREDITS: This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Anchor. We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Torrey Maldonado shares HANDS, a story about Trevor, a twelve-year-old who is a gifted comic-book artist, a good student, and would do anything to protect his mom and sisters. NOTABLE QUOTES: (6:19) “I wrote this book for lots of kids who feel alone and feel that they have to solve their problems by themselves, because the book Hands helps show that using hands doesn't mean you're strong. And external strength and being muscley, that doesn't mean you're strong. There are lots of ways to show strength.” (14:32)  "It was fuel that has driven me through the years and drives me today to write books, to show young people that in these moments where you are angry or you are confused, there is a way that you could use your hands and you can use your mind to reroute and to make things right." (17:04) "So this book really is about revealing that each of us hold a tremendous amount of power in our hands and that we have a firmer grasp on things than we think. And how can we identify those areas where we have a little grasp so that we can make it a stronger grip in a positive way." ADDITIONAL LINKS: Website - torreymaldonado.com Social Media - @torreymaldonado Purchase Book - Hands by Torrey Maldonado TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE: Who did Mr. Maldonado say he had in mind as he wrote Hands? I’ll give you a hint: remember the lyrics of that Michael Jackson song? Torrey Maldonado wanted to be like a certain heavyweight champion when he was a kid, but he remembers having a different reaction when he looked through the magazine that his mom brought home with a cover photo of this boxer. What were some of the things that connected with Mr. Maldonado when he looked at this magazine? And how did they make him feel? It what ways shared by Mr. Maldonado are his mom and Star Wars’ Yoda similar? Do you have any Yodas in your life? CREDITS: This podcast episode of The Children’s Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Anchor. We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

The authors and illustrators you love, and some who may be new to you. The stories you can’t stop thinking about, and some that have been waiting for you to discover. The messages on the hearts of those who write stories just for you. This is the Children’s Book Podcast. I’m Matthew. I’m a teacher, a librarian, a reader, and a big fan of yours. I’m glad you’re here. Tune in each week to meet the authors and illustrators making books just for kids like you. From award winners, to up-and-comers, to the storytellers behind those forever books you’ll never forget. Find the Children’s Book Podcast wherever podcasts are found. Read on, readers! Read on! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Kids are full of wonder. They effortlessly ask questions about why things are as they are.They delight in seeing something new. They make new connections with what they’re learning, or connections with their classmates, or connections with their thoughts and ideas that help push the world around them to be bigger and bigger. Kids deserve better than we can give them. But that should not stop any one of us from trying. On today’s retrospective episode, we’re looking at why making things for kids is so hard and so important. The Children’s Book Podcast is changing its focus in order to adopt a more classroom-ready format so that it can serve readers more directly and more fully. Matthew lays out his tenets for making things for kids as we prepare to launch the new iteration of the show. Enjoy! ADDITIONAL LINKS: John Schu - https://www.johnschu.com/ Kids Listen - https://www.kidslisten.org DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent book stores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

The things we make say a lot about the people who make them. In every detail, from the language used on the show to the guests who join for interviews, from the publishers whose works are celebrated and amplified to the underrepresented stories and voices who are given the spotlight, these choices communicate a lot about the values of the person making the show. And that’s not something I take lightly. On today’s retrospective episode, we’re looking at what you do when you find yourself uncomfortable with the story the thing you make is saying about you. And, specifically, we looking through a lens of this show’s history and of my personal and professional growth. Self-indulgent? Perhaps. But maybe hearing about my “why” will help impact your work or how you approach your work in some way. Enjoy! RESOURCES MENTIONED: PART 1–HAVING STUDENTS ANALYZE OUR CLASSROOM LIBRARY TO SEE HOW DIVERSE IT IS - https://blog.leeandlow.com/2016/07/07/part-1-having-students-analyze-our-classroom-library-to-see-how-diverse-it-is/ Picture This: Diversity in Children’s Books 2018 Infographic - https://readingspark.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/picture-this-diversity-in-childrens-books-2018-infographic/ Dr. Laura M. Jimenez - https://booktoss.org/ Edith Campbell - https://edicottonquilt.com/ Dr. Debbie Reese - https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/ Cynthia Leitich Smith - https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/cynsations/ Heidi Rabinowitz - https://jewishbooks.blogspot.com/ The Brown Bookshelf - https://thebrownbookshelf.com/ Queer Kid Stuff - https://www.queerkidstuff.com/ Disability in Kidlit - http://disabilityinkidlit.com/?wref=bif Latinx in Kidlit - https://latinosinkidlit.com/?wref=bif We Are Kidlit Collective - https://wtpsite.wordpress.com/?wref=bif Cool Stuff for Queer Kids - https://www.leewind.org/blog/ ADDITIONAL LINKS: Kelly Yang - https://www.kellyyang.com/ Kids Listen - https://www.kidslisten.org DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent book stores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

The Children’s Book Podcast does not look or sound the same today as it did when it debuted its first episode in July of 2013. But is podcast growth just part of the natural life cycle of a show? Can a podcast really stay the same? On today’s retrospective episode, we’re examining how the blueprint on the show has changed as its host (and the world around us) changed. We look at how the format and focus have shifted as the impact of the show expanded, and look toward what impact the show will make in the future. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: Kids Listen - https://www.kidslisten.org * Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent book stores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

The Children’s Book Podcast released its first episode in July of 2013. Only it wasn’t called “The Children’s Book Podcast”. And it didn’t sound like the show with which most listeners are familiar. On today’s retrospective episode, we’re taking a look back at the different names the show has used and why finding the right name matters. We’ll also play some of the different theme music the show has incorporated over the past nearly 10 years. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: Let’s Get Busy podcast blog - http://lgbpodcast.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html All The Wonders podcast blog - http://www.allthewonders.com/podcasts/atwpodcast/ The Best Book in the World by Rilla Alexander Hooray for Hat by Brian Won Tuning Radio sound effect from Pixabay Kids Listen - https://www.kidslisten.org * Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent book stores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message