The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

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/

In this episode, I talk with super talented and award-winning picture book creator Molly Idle about her new and poignant story Witch Hazel. Molly Idle is the award-winning creator of many books, including the mermaid tales Pearl and Coral. Molly’s work as an author-illustrator also includes the Tea Rex series and the Caldecott Honor Book Flora and the Flamingo. Molly lives in Arizona with her family. Order copies: Witch Hazel on Bookshop.org and Amazon Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Resources: Molly Idle invites you to visit her at idleillustration.com. Discussion Topics: About Witch Hazel Molly Idle's journey of an animator to picture book creator How Molly's relationship with her grandmother led to the creation of Witch Hazel The power of sharing stories and intergenerational stories The process of creating a picture book The celebration of memories while processing grief The healing properties and symbols of botanicals I Don't Care by Julie Fogliano, Juana Martinez Neal, and Molly Idle --- This episode is sponsored by · Jennifer Swanson: Footprints Across the Planet.  https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/footprints-across-the-planet/

In this episode, I talk with two incredible award-winning guests, author Trudy Ludwig and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi, about their picture book Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope. TRUDY LUDWIG is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author of numerous children’s books, including The Invisible Boy, a School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection and a recommended back-to-school book by USA Today and Scholastic Teacher.  Her books and presentations focus on promoting kids’ social-emotional learning skills and help empower them to be kinder, more compassionate, and more inclusive in their social world. Trudy has collaborated with leading experts and organizations, including Sesame Workshop, the International  Bullying Prevention Association, Committee for Children, and  ConnectSafely.org.  KATHRYN OTOSHI is an award-winning author/illustrator, best known for her character-building number/color book series: One, Zero, and Two. She is also the co-author of Beautiful Hands,  a book about possibilities and reaching your dreams. She travels across the country to encourage children to develop strong character traits and to help readers and teachers find creative methods to engage and connect with their students through the power of reading, art, and literature. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Order copies: Calling the Wind on Bookshop.org or Amazon Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Resources: This American Life Podcast: One More Thing Before I Go: Really Long Distance The Coalition to Support Grieving Students Dougy Center The National Alliance for Children’s Grief Discussion Topics: About Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope. Get to know author Trudy Ludgwig and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi. How a podcast episode and true story inspired Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope. About Itaru Sasaki's Wind Telephone. A discussion on grief and emotional resilience. The healing of creating a picture book and making art.

In this episode, I talk with sisters Cara Mentzel and Tony-award-winner Idina Menzel about their debut picture book Loud Mouse: How a Little Mouse Found Her Big Voice. Cara Mentzel's debut memoir, Voice Lessons: A Sisters Story,  about her relationship with her superstar sister, Idina Menzel (yes,  they spell their last names differently), was a Good Reads Choice Award nominee in 2017. Cara lives in Boulder, Colorado, where she and her husband raised their Brady Bunch of boys against the beauty of the Rocky  Mountains. She has a master's degree in elementary education with an emphasis on children's literacy, and though she currently spends most of her time writing, she enjoyed teaching elementary school for well over a  decade and can occasionally be found back in the classroom talking about books she loves. Loud Mouse is her first picture book. Idina  Menzel is a powerhouse: actor, singer-songwriter, philanthropist,  entrepreneur, and now a writer. She was Tony-nominated for her Broadway performances in Rent and If/Then, winning the prize for Wicked's green girl. People around the world know her as Elsa in Disney's Oscar-winning  Frozen and Frozen 2. She has performed at the Oscars and the Super Bowl, and is the co-founder of A Broader Way Foundation, whose mission is leadership development to amplify young women's voices through the arts. Loud Mouse is Idina's latest endeavor to build on the message of empowerment and finding our voices. Idina's greatest gift is her son,  Walker. Order copies: Loud Mouse on https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781368078061 or Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xQrnDh. You can check out the lyric video created using Jaclyn Sinquett’s gorgeous illustrations at Books.Disney.com/LoudMouse and download the song from your favorite platform today. Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review. Resources: Voice Lessons by Cara Mentzel and a foreword by Idina Menzel A Broader Way Foundation Discussion Topics: About Loud Mouse Idina Menzel's inspiration for Loud Mouse Cara Mentzel's drive for co-authoring Loud Mouse Finding one's voice and celebrating it Sisterhood—in the story and through collaboration The illustrations of Jaclyn Sinquett and finding humor in the little details The spectacular use of vocabulary—the juicy words And then the part when Idina Menzel reads (sings) for us.