The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

In this episode, we have the master of wordless picture books, Caldecott Honor–winning Aaron Becker. He talks about his stunner of a book, The Tree and the River. Aaron Becker is the best-selling author of the award-winning Journey trilogy, along with several other books for children young and old. His love of travel led him to the city of Granada, Spain, where a rich history of layered civilizations inspired him to write The Tree and the River. To prepare for the story's illustrations, he first constructed a scale model of the book's rolling landscape, which he then slowly transformed with clay and wood over many months. When he’s not home with his wife and two daughters, Aaron Becker can be found creating something new in his studio in western Massachusetts. Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review. Order copies: The Tree and the River on ⁠Bookshop.org⁠ and ⁠Amazon. Resources: Learn more about Aaron Becker here: https://www.storybreathing.com. Discussion Topics: What guides and drives Aaron Becker in creating books for children. Thoughts on staying true to his vision. Aaron's seed of inspiration for The Tree and the River. Finding a thread of storyline in this wordless picture book. Creating the picture book illustrations. Something surprising that readers may notice. The underlying theme of climate change angst. Hope

In this episode, we have a seat at the cool kids' table as award-winning picture book creators Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson talk about their fun and enjoyably profound collaboration, Twenty Questions. Mac Barnett is the author of many beloved picture books for children, including Just Because, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault; A Polar Bear in the Snow, illustrated by Shawn Harris; John’s Turn, illustrated by Kate Berube; and President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. He is also the author of several books illustrated by Jon Klassen, including Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, a Caldecott Honor Book and E. B. White Read-Aloud Awardwinner; the shape trilogy; and The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, an E. B. White Read-Aloud Awardwinner. Mac Barnett lives in California. Christian Robinson is the best-selling illustrator of several books for children, including Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, which was named a Caldecott Honor Book and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book; Leo: A Ghost Story by Mac Barnett; Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book; The Bench by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex; and Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book. Christian Robinson lives in California. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Order copies: Twenty Questions on Bookshop.org and Amazon. Resources: Learn more about Mac Barnett here: https://www.macbarnett.com/. Learn more about Christian Robinson here: https://www.theartoffun.com/. Discussion Topics: Things that guide and drive Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson to write books for kids. Childhood books that inspire[d] them and influences their work. Their day-to-day practices that may surprise you. The seed of inspiration for Twenty Questions. The illustrations of Christian Robinson and creating the artwork. Taking straightforward concepts and turning them into something profound—the secret sauce of creating picture books. Collaborating between author and illustrator. Mac and Christian share their favorite parts of the book. The impact they hope Twenty Questions will have on readers.

In this episode, New York Times best-selling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt talks about her absolutely adorable bedtime book, Good Night, Sister. Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt (she/her) is a New York Times best-selling author, mother, and host of BDA Baby. As a passionate animal advocate,  Katherine works as an Ambassador for Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA. She is also a Global  Ambassador for Special Olympics. Katherine lives with her family in Los  Angeles.  Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Order copies: Good Night, Sister on Bookshop.org and Amazon. Resources: Learn more about Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt here: https://www.katherineschwarzenegger.com. Discussion Topics: About Good Night, Sister. Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt's favorite things. Why Katherine enjoys writing for kids. Sisterhood. Bedtime stories and routines. The artwork of Lucy Flemming.

In this episode, bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat talks about his graphic novel memoir A First Time for Everything This funny and moving memoir encourages readers not to be afraid to engage with the world and to try new things, and that when you do, maybe you'll be surprised to discover that the big wide world out there is friendlier than you might first assume. Dan Santat is the Caldecott Medal–winning and New York Times–bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend and the road trip/time travel adventure Are We There Yet? His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels, including Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta series. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Order copies: A First Time for Everything on Bookshop.org and Amazon. Resources: Learn more about Dan Santat's work at https://dansantat.tumblr.com/. Discussion Topics: Creating 120+ children's books and finding time to create more while also being Mr. Mom. The job Dan Santat would 'probably' have if he weren't a children's book author-illustrator. A love of reading, writing, and storytelling and becoming a children's book creator. The books that have made an impact on Dan. A discussion on becoming and sticking with creating books for kids. The seed of the idea for the graphic novel memoir A First Time for Everything. A.A. Milne and making memories. The mischievous and fantastic events from a European school trip. The impact Dan hopes that A First Time for Everything will have on readers.

In this episode, Kathleen Burkinshaw talks about her novel for kids and teens, The Last Cherry Blossom. It's a devastatingly beautiful story that reminds us that the people we think don't belong, the people who seem different from ourselves, or the ones we deem 'the enemy,' are not so different from us after all. Kathleen Burkinshaw is a Japanese American author and the daughter of a Hiroshima survivor. She wrote The Last Cherry Blossom based on her own mother's story of growing up in Hiroshima during World War II. It is through her mother's twelve-year-old eyes that readers witness the atomic bombing of  August 6, 1945. Kathleen lives with her husband and daughter in  Charlotte, North Carolina. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Order copies: The Last Cherry Blossom on Bookshop.org and Amazon. Resources: Learn more about Kathleen Burkinshaw's work at https://kathleenburkinshaw.com/. Discussion Topics: The driving force behind sharing this story of the Hiroshima atomic bomb with children and teens. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and how Kathleen's diagnosis led to hearing about her mother's experience living through the bombing. The writing process and an excerpt from The Last Cherry Blossom. Using The Last Cherry Blossom as a United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs Resource for Teachers and Students. School visits with Kathleen Burkinshaw. The promise of a sequel. Kathleen Burkinshaw's hopes for the impact The Last Cherry Blossom will have on readers.

In this episode, Ona Gritz talks about her latest novel for kids, August or Forever. It's an incredibly thoughtful, heartwarming, and well-written story that explores the complexities and joys of sisterhood. Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so.  Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a whole other continent. Their video chats are great, and Molly is thrilled when  Alison’s hand-written letters arrive in the mail like surprise gifts.  Still, it’s not enough, not compared to what other siblings have. That’s why when Molly finds out that Alison is finally coming to visit over the summer, she devises a plan she’s sure will get her sister to stay.  But then Alison arrives with plans of her own, a fragile heart gets broken, and Molly stumbles upon a painful piece of her sister’s past.  Molly has always loved having a sister, but this is the August when she’ll learn what it really means to be one. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review . Order copies: August or Forever on Bookshop.org and Amazon. Resources: Learn more about Ona Gritz'z work at onagritz.com. Discussion Topics: About Ona Gritz and what motivates her to write for children How books and writers like Judy Blume have influenced Ona's work The importance of literary friendships and community Being a good literary citizen The inspirations and writing process for August or Forever Exploring characters and sisterhood and non-traditional families

In this episode, it's a trifecta of guests! Two are Caldecott Honor Book winners Molly Idol and Juana Martinez-Neal, and the third is Newyork Times bestselling author Julie Fogliano. They're here to talk about their picture book collaboration I Don't Care, a beautiful, lyrical story of friendship that has received multiple-starred reviews. Julie Fogliano is the New York Times bestselling author of, among other titles, And Then It’s Spring, and If You Want to See a Whale, and Just in Case You Want to Fly,  illustrated by Christian Robinson. Recipient of the 2013 Ezra Jack  Keats award and two Boston Globe-Horn Book Honors, her books have been translated into more than ten languages. Julie lives in the Hudson  Valley with her husband and three children. Molly Idle's work as an author-illustrator includes the Caldecott Honor Book Flora and the Flamingo, Flora and the Penguin, Flora and the Peacocks, Flora and the Chicks, Flora and the Ostrich, and Tea Rex, Camp Rex, Sea Rex, and Santa Rex, among other books, including Pearl,  an original fable about a mermaid who learns the power of one small act. She lives with her family in Arizona. Juana Martinez-Neal is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor-winning book Alma and How She Got Her Name. She also illustrated La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya, for which she won a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award, Babymoon by Hayley Barrett, Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry, and Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, which won a Robert F. Sibert Medal. Juana  Martinez-Neal lives in Connecticut with her family.  Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review here. Order copies: I Don't Care on Bookshop.org and Amazon. Resources: Visit Jule Fogliano at juliefogliano.com. Visit Molly Idle at idleillustration.com. Visit Juana Martinez-Neal  at juanamartinezneal.com. Discussion Topics: Things that motivate Julie Fogliano to write for children The intersectionality of working and motherhood Inspirations and the writing and editing process for I Don't Care When two illustrators collaborate on one picture book The illustration process behind I Don't Care Author and Illustrator highlights from I Don't Care Thoughts on friendship, individuality, and togetherness

In this episode, cast and crew members talk about Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, an adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results. The guests include Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus and screenwriter Dennis Kelly— who has adapted the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production for the big screen. The movie features music and lyrics from musician and comedian Tim Minchin, who is also here. And to top it off, you’ll hear from Alisha Weir, who plays none other than Matilda herself! Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Resources: Watch the trailer for Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical here: https://youtu.be/mEEMbNS6fzY. Discussion Topics: Screenwriter Dennis Kelly on the draw of Roald Dahl's Matilda. Turning a book into a musical and then a screenplay. The Roald Dahl books that Director Matthew Warchus and Musician-Comedian Tim Minchin grew up on. Casting the characters of Matilda. The highlights of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. Tim Minchin discusses creating lyrics and music for a musical and screenplay. The songs Revolting Children, Naughty, and Quiet. How stories are a way of unpacking the universe. Alish Weir talks about getting and playing the role of Matilda. The book that Alisha Weir is reading in her spare time. Working with actress Emma Thompson as Ms. Trunchbull.

In this episode, we celebrate this year's selection made by Jumpstart for Read for the Record Day, Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady. Antwan Eady is an author and a  dreamer. Originally from Garnett, South Carolina, he spent many nights whispering his dreams; now, he proudly shares them with the world. A  graduate of Clemson University, Antwan now lives in Savannah, Georgia. Order copies: Nigel and the Moon on Bookshop.org and Amazon Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Resources: Learn more about Jumpstart's Read for the Record Day: https://www.jstart.org/jumpstarts-read-for-the-record/ For more about Antwan Eady, visit: https://www.antwaneady.com/ Discussion Topics: Learn about Jumpstart's Read for the Record Day Get to know Antwan Eady About Nigel and the Moon A discussion on the character of Nigel Gracey Zhang's picture book illustrations Children, their dreams, and future careers The importance of essential workers Antwan Eady's upcoming books Reading and under-resourced communities --- This episode is sponsored by · Bianca Schulze: Don't Wake the Dragon. https://www.biancaschulze.com/portfolio/dont-wake-the-dragon/

In this episode, I talk with an all-time favorite author, Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate. She talks about her latest stunning novel, Odder, the story of an intrepid sea otter. #1 New  York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate has written many books for young readers, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal. Katherine's novels have been translated into dozens of languages, and her books have won accolades, including the Christopher  Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the  California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green  Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B.  White Read Aloud Award. Many of her works have appeared on state master lists, as well as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists, and Best of the Year lists from School Library  Journal, Kirkus, Amazon, the New York Public Library, and the Chicago  Public Library. Katherine has two adult children and lives in  Los Angeles with her husband and assorted pets. Order copies: Odder on Bookshop.org and Amazon Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Resources: Learn more about her work at https://katherineapplegate.com/ Go Green with Willodeen kit: https://read.macmillan.com/mcpg/willodeen-landing-page/ Sehldrick Wildlife Trust: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/ Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Cam: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams/sea-otter-cam Elkhorn Slough Otter Cam: https://www.elkhornslough.org/ottercam/ Discussion Topics: Learn about Odder A brief moment on The One and Only Ruby Channeling anger into stories for kids and finding hope The book cover and interior artwork of Charles Santoso Monterey Bay Aquarium and the role it plays in Odder Environmental and conservation efforts around sea otters Writing in free verse Katherine Applegate reads an excerpt of Odder Being a slow reader, reluctant reader, and thoughts on dyslexia The book that made Katherine Applegate a reader --- This episode is sponsored by · Jennifer Swanson: Footprints Across the Planet.  https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/footprints-across-the-planet/