The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

Sally J. Pla discusses her novel The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn and describes the character of Maudie as a girl who learns resiliency in the face of life's challenges. Sally also talks about the importance of reading about characters different from oneself to broaden empathy and understanding. The themes of the book include divorce, neurodivergence, and abuse. Sally's website, Novelmind.com, is a resource for mental health and neurodiversity representation in children's literature. Sally J. Pla is the author of the acclaimed novels The Someday Birds and Stanley Will Probably Be Fine. She has English degrees from Colgate and Penn State and has worked as a business journalist and in public education. She has three sons, a husband, and an enormous fluffy dog and lives near lots of lemon trees in Southern California. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review . Order a Copy: The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn: ⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org. Resources: You can visit Sally J. Pla online at www.sallyjpla.com. Visit anovelmind.com, a site about mental health and neurodiversity in children’s literature. Discussion Topics: The premise of The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn and how it fits with Sally's mission Sally discusses the struggle of sustaining focus and shares her secret weapon, a particular software, to block distractions. She explains how her mission to populate children's literature with neurodivergent characters came about through her own experiences with her neurodivergent children and a health emergency that refocused her priorities. The importance of reading about characters who are different from oneself to broaden empathy and understanding. Sally describes the character of Maudie as a girl who cares about others and wants to be accepted and loved and learns to surf as a metaphor for learning resiliency in the face of life's challenges. Inherited traumas that parents bring into their parenting and the resources included in the book. How the combination of prose and verse in the book was a natural evolution based on Maudie's thought processes The message of empowerment and resilience in The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn.

Carin Berger shares her love for books, childhood memories, and inspiration for her latest book, In The Night Garden. She discusses her creative process for creating collages and the impact she hopes her book will have on readers. Carin Berger is the award-winning author and illustrator of almost a dozen picture books for children, including The Little Yellow Leaf, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, All of Us, and Finding Spring. She is also the illustrator of Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant by Jack Prelutsky and Are We Pears Yet? by Miranda Paul. She and her family divide their time between NYC and Cupcake, their home, in the Hudson Valley. Carin spends all of her spare time tending her garden. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Order a Copy: In the Night Garden: ⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org. Resources: You can visit Carin Berger at http://www.carinberger.com/. Discussion Topics: Carin's motivations for creating books for children Exploring the natural world at night and overcoming fears The process of creating collages, which involves drawing intricate dummies, making vellums, cutting stencils, and using found ephemera The hidden messages or secrets in the artwork—Carin sometimes incorporates words or numbers with personal significance Getting the physical artwork to editors and art designers and the back-and-forth process of scanning and color correction Challenges of printing on uncoated paper The impact Carin hopes her book In the Night Garden will have on readers Encouragement to look deeply at books and the world around you

In this episode, Todd Parr shares his journey to becoming an author and illustrator, inspired by his struggles in school and desire to help kids feel better about themselves. His books have clear messages of inclusivity and kindness, and the new book, The Monster Mac and Cheese Party, featuring monsters and macaroni and cheese, adds humor while reinforcing the joys that come from sharing a meal together. The conversation emphasizes the importance of kindness, self-confidence, and creating memories for families through children's books. Todd Parr has inspired and empowered millions of children around the world with his bold images and positive messages. He is the bestselling author of more than sixty books, including The Goodbye Book, The Family Book, The I Love You Book, and It's Okay to be Different. He lives in California. Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠. Order copies: The Monster Mac and Cheese Party: Amazon⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠. Resources: You can visit Todd Parr at https://www.toddparr.com/. Discussion Topics: Becoming an author and illustrator Being discovered by an editor at a licensing show in New York City Creating children's books based on inclusivity and kindness How struggling in school with dyslexia and family issues has led to writing books that help kids feel better about themselves Creating self-help books for kids with clear messages rather than character-driven stories Addressing social-emotional issues with kids is more important now than ever Staying true to the idea of empowering kids leads to endless possibilities for future books The inspiration behind the picture book, The Monster Mac and Cheese Party, and how it fits into the overall approach of creating inclusive books The importance of kindness, self-confidence, and being who you are

In this episode, Kaz Windness is the author of multiple books for kids, but most recently Bitsy Bat, School Star—a picture book that she hopes will help readers gain a better understanding and compassion for what it's like to be autistic and build more self-acceptance. Kaz Windness is an author-illustrator who loves to make her readers laugh. When she’s not writing or illustrating books, Kaz teaches illustration at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and enjoys making deep-dish pizza. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two children, and a Boston terrier. She’s the author of picture books Swim, Jim! and Bitsy Bat, School Star. She also created the Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends and the Level 1 Ready-to-Read Cat vs. Vac. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Order copies: Bitsy Bat, School Star: ⁠Amazon⁠ and ⁠Bookshop.org⁠. Resources: You can visit Kaz Windness at www.windnessbooks.com. Discussion Topics: The things that guide and drive Kaz Windness in creating books for kids. Struggling with learning while being a lover of books and reading. Being a neurodivergent author writing a book about a neurodivergent character. A look into the creative process of the picture book. Playing with the artistic perspective or an autistic bat. Inclusivity in the classroom.

In this episode, Chris Grabenstein talks about writing, reading, and his new hilariously profound picture book No Is All I Know and the latest book on the Smartest Kid in the Universe series: Evil Genius. Chris Grabenstein is the multiple award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the MR. LEMONCELLO, HAUNTED MYSTERY, WELCOME TO WONDERLAND, SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE, and DOG SQUAD series. He also wrote THE ISLAND OF DR. LIBRIS, SHINE (with his wife J.J.), the picture book NO MORE NAPS, and many, many other books, plays, and audiobook originals. Chris and J.J. Grabenstein live in New York City with two cats and lots of ideas. Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review. Order copies: No Is All I Know: Amazon and Bookshop.org Smartest Kid in the Universe: Evil Genius: Amazon⁠ and ⁠Bookshop.org⁠ Resources: You can visit Chris Grabenstein at ChrisGrabenstein.com. No More Naps, by Chris Grabenstein and Leo Espinosa. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library: The Graphic Novel, by Chris Grabenstein and Douglas Holgate. The Jackie Ha-Ha series by Chris Grabenstein and James Patterson. Welcome to Wonderland series, by Chris Grabenstein. Discussion Topics: Chris Grabenstein's time in a top New York City improvisational comedy troupe performing with Bruce Willis and Robin Williams. Writing for Jim Henson's Muppets, co-writing the movie The Christmas Gift (starring John Denver), and working in advertising with James Patterson. The art of never being boring when writing for kids. Chris's tip for creativity and finding ideas. The picture book No Is All I Know. The latest book on the Smartest Kid in the Universe series: Evil Genius. The graphic novel edition of Mr. Lemoncello's Library.

In this episode, Vicki Willden-Lebrecht, founder and CEO of Bright Agency—an agency set up to do more than represent artists and authors. Beginning with children's publishing, Vicki founded Bright in 2003 and nurtured it into a thriving international creative management agency around the globe. The artists and clients of Bright work across Publishing, Illustration, Greetings & Gifts, Film and TV, and Licensing—giving the work they create more commercial potential and providing artists more opportunities. Vicki is a born entrepreneur with an exceptional talent for generating new business and riding the cutting edge of opportunity. Her original thinking, dynamic leadership, and life-long dedication to artist care are the bedrock of Bright's exceptional commercial and creative success. Resources: https://thebrightagency.com https://www.rocketahead.org/ Discussion Topics: Nurturing a publishing agency into a thriving creative management agency. Insight into what agents and publishers seek in new author and illustrator talent. Do's and don'ts for new talent seeking an agent. Vicki talks about her new non-profit organization Rocket Ahead.

This episode is presented in partnership with María Castelluci Moore, the author of Vivienne in Paris—winner of the Moms Choice Award. It's a delightful picture book that inspires young readers to delve deeper into their senses and observe how it ignites their emotions to find what makes them feel joy unique to them. Owner Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children. Maria Castellucci Moore strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, María has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given María a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled María to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures. María Castellucci Moore earned her bachelor of arts degree in finance from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship. She later pursued studies at New York University and the London School of Economics with a focus on global affairs. In 2016, with her siblings, Maria founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand. María runs her wine label and a family real estate development company in the greater Bay Area. She is a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild and is enthusiastic about building opportunity and community through the arts. María resides in Saint Helena, California, with her husband and four young children. She enjoys writing; traveling; attending the opera, ballet, and symphony; flower arranging; winemaking; ballroom dancing; and playing tennis and the piano. Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠. Order copies: Vivienne in Paris on ⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠. Resources: For more information, visit https://mariacastelluccimooreauthor.com/. Discussion Topics: Running a luxury wine label and real estate brand while being a mom of four children. Becoming an author and adding this title to her repertoire. The joys of reading and getting lost in a good book. Vivienne in Paris and its message of mindfulness and the impact it has on readers.

In this episode, we have self-proclaimed science geek, award-winning author, speaker, and teacher, Jennifer Swanson. She talks about her newest picture book, Footprints Across the Planet—a masterful introduction to the concepts of sustainability and inclusivity that even the youngest readers can understand and enjoy. Jennifer Swanson's love of science began when she started a science club in her garage at the age of 7. While no longer working from the garage, Jennifer’s passion for science resonates in the fascinating 45+ nonfiction and fiction books she has written for children but especially, BRAIN GAMES (NGKids) and SUPER GEAR: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up (Charlesbridge), which was named an NSTA Best STEM book of 2017. Jennifer’s book, Save the Crash-test Dummies, received a Parent's Choice GOLD award. Her Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact received a Florida Book Award, a Eureka California Reading Association Gold Award, and an NSTA BEST STEM book award. Her BEASTLY BIONICS book received a GOLD Florida Book Award and an NSTA BEST STEM book award. An accomplished and exciting speaker, Jennifer has presented at National NSTA conferences, the Highlights Foundation, the Atlanta Science Festival, the World Science Festival in NYC, and the Library of Congress' National Book Festival. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Order copies: Footprints Across the Planet on Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠. Lego: Amazing Earth on Bookshop.org and Amazon. Spacecare: The Kids Guide to Surviving Space on Bookshop.org⁠ and Amazon. Resources: For more information, visit https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/. The Solve It For Kids Podcast: https://solveitforkids.com/ KidLiteracy is Jennifer Swanson's nonprofit organization: https://kidliteracy.org/. NASA Social Events: https://www.nasa.gov/connect/social/index.html. Discussion Topics: Visiting NASA and meeting The Artemis II lunar flyby mission crew members. Jennifer Swanson's childhood love of STEM. Becoming an author of over 45 published nonfiction books for kids. The Solve it For Kids podcast and school visits. The idea, writing, and what to expect from Footprints Across the Planet. Taking steps in the right direction to make a difference on our planet.

In this episode, we have two guests: Newbery, Geisel, and Caldecott honoree Grace Lin and NYT bestselling author Kate Messner, who partnered on the picture book Once Upon a Book. This incredibly stunning book celebrates the joys of reading, the importance of imagination, and the transportive power of books. Grace Lin is the recipient of the Children's Literature Legacy Award and is the bestselling author and illustrator of over thirty books, including A Big Mooncake for Little Star (a Caldecott Honor), A Big Bed for Little Snow, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (a Newbery Honor), The Year of the Dog, and the Ling & Ting series. Grace is a Rhode Island School of Design graduate and lives in Massachusetts. Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty books for young readers. Kate's award-winning titles include picture books like Over and Under the Snow and The Brilliant Deep; novels like Breakout and Chirp; engaging nonfiction like The Next President and the History Smashers series; the Ranger in Time Adventures; and the Fergus and Zeke easy readers. Kate lives on Lake Champlain. Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠The Children's Book Review. Order copies: Once Upon a Book on ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠. Resources: Grace Lin invites you to visit her at www.gracelin.com. Kate Messner invites you to visit her at ⁠www.katemessner.com⁠. Discussion Topics: The things that motivate Grace Lin and Kate Messner to write books for children. School visits and fitting in time to write. Thoughts on growing up readers and the importance of story in our lives. Beverly Cleary and the Ramona books. How a poster led to the creation of Once Upon a Book. When to ask for help and the artistic process of collaboration. Creating and dissecting the stunning artwork of Once Upon a Book. Highlights from Once Upon a Book and the impact they hope it has on readers.

In this episode, we have global sensation and fan-favorite author Andy Griffiths. He's here to talk about the Treehouse series and the special full-color collector's edition of The 13-Story Treehouse. Andy Griffiths is the New York Times bestselling author of The Day My Butt Went Psycho!, Zombie Butts from Uranus!, and Butt Wars! The Final Conflict, as well as the Treehouse Series and Killer Koalas from Outer Space. In 2007, he became the first Australian author to win six children’s choice awards in one year for Just Shocking! He is passionate about inspiring a love of books in his young readers and works as an ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Project, which provides books and literacy resources to remote indigenous communities around Australia. Andy is a big fan of Dr. Seuss and cauliflower. He lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is Australia’s most popular children’s writer. Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠The Children's Book Review. Order copies: The 13-Story Treehouse (Special Collector's Edition): Monkey Mayhem! on ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Amazon. Resources: Learn more about Andy Griffiths here: https://www.andygriffiths.com.au/. Discussion Topics: Getting to know Andy Griffiths and the things he likes to collect. How being a high school teacher, lead singer in a rock band, and a stand-up comedian have helped Andy with his writing. Pushing the boundaries of good taste when writing for kids. How to write about farts without saying the word fart. Working with the Indigenous Literacy Project. The 13-Story Treehouse, what it's all about, and the inspiration behind it. Themes that get kids excited about reading the Treehouse series. When kids love to read the same book again and again. Tips for raising readers and regulating screen time.