In this episode, I’m talking with Suma Subramaniam and Tara Anand, the author and illustrator team that came together to create My Name is as Long as a River. It’s a stunning picture book celebrating the power of names, the history behind them and why they matter to who we are.  Come listen as we talk about Suma’s inspiration for the book, how Tara brought the story to life in the most stunning ways and how readers might use the book as a way to connect and reconnect with their names, too.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

For the first time in KidLit Love history, I’m talking to both the author and illustrator of the same book at the same time! Omar Abed and Hatem Aly are here to discuss their new picture book: The Book That Almost Rhymed. This is a delightful picture book filled with imagination and wonder, sibling relationships and the reminder that things might not always be as they seem…they could be even better. The illustrations are brilliant and the twist at the end had me speechless with glee.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I’m talking with Jessica Stremer, an award-winning children’s author who combines her love of science and writing to create books that inspire kids to explore and think critically about the world around them. She’s written multiple picture books and has a middle grade novel coming out soon, too.  We talk about her picture books, her hope for readers and where she gets her ideas, too. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I’m talking with Becca Wierwille, the author of the loveable, huggable middle grade novel: Road Trip Rescue. It’s packed with so many middle grade themes: dogs, family, friendship, road trips and love mixed in with a healthy dose of accepting yourself for who you are.  Come listen as Becca and I talk about her purpose for writing, what she hopes readers will get out of her books and her journey to her delightful book series.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

In this episode, I’m talking with Audrey Perrott about her debut picture book: Moo Hoo. Moo Hoo is a delightful story about a very sweet bull with BIG feelings and it is sure to be loved by both children and adults. Audrey believes it is her highest responsibility and honor to write for children and writes with both heart and humor, two themes that are quite evident in her books.  Come listen to us talk about her writing journey, her new book and why food and baked good make the perfect pairing. =) You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

In this episode, I am talking with Janet Costa Bates about her new chapter book series following Rica Baptista, a delightful young girl, along with her best friend and extended family.  The books celebrate family and friendship and offer important life lessons that empower readers to embrace who they are. I added both books to my ‘Books I’ve Hugged’ list and cannot wait for the next book in the series to release. Come listen as we talk about Janet’s writing journey to her chapter book series, the flashes of her own life inside the pages and the power of a writing community. Book people are the best people! You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I’m talking with Rachel Vail, author of over 40 books for children spanning delightful picture books, middle grade series and young adult novels, too. Come listen as we talk about her books, make the hard decision to narrow it down to just one book to take a deeper dive into If We Kiss, a book heading to the theater soon. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I am talking with award-winning Natalia Sylvester about her picture book: A Maleta Full of Treasures. While this may be her first picture book, she has written multiple adult and young adult novels that I have loved and I am thrilled to talk with her today about the threads between them.  Come listen as we talk about her writing journey, the connections among and between them and why she writes for her own inner child as well as all of her readers. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I am talking with Sahtinay Abaza in this bonus episode to celebrate Ramadan and the Eid Moon.  Come listen as we talk about her two picture books: The Ramadan Drummer and The Eid Moon. These books tell the story of the beautiful traditions of Ramadan to learn from and enjoy. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

As a book podcaster, one of my favorite things is to help launch new books into the world and celebrate as many book birthdays as I can. Today, I’m talking with debut author Andrew Hacket. Andrew is an educator who dreamed of writing picture books for a long while and now has THREE coming out in 2024. We talk about his writing journey, his three delightful books and his hopes for readers. These books will be at the top of my TBR stack for both children AND adults. You don’t want to miss this conversation.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Book people are the best people and today, I’m talking to one of my favorites: John Schu.  Affectionately known as Mr. Schu online, John is the fiercest, most passionate book advocate I know. He’s been sharing the book love for years as an educator, librarian, Scholastic Book Ambassador and now, as a writer himself.  Come join me as we talk about the power of books and story and celebrate the launch of his powerful new middle grade verse novel: Louder Than Hunger.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I’m talking with Amy Parks about her newest middle grade novel: Averil Offline.  Amy is a teacher educator who believes we need to embrace all of the beautiful, complicated sides ourselves and this belief is evident inside her books, especially the one we are discussing today. Come listen as we talk about her hopes for writing, the important conversations we need to have around digital privacy and even how STEM and notebooks make the perfect pairing. This is a middle grade novel for everyone.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I’m talking with Nic Yulo, author / illustrator of Patch of Sky and Out of the Blue. Both picture books are delightful, colorful, quench our curiosity and teach us big life-affirming lessons, too. We talk about Nic’s journey to becoming a picture book author through a series of ‘fortunate detours’, the why behind her writing and the messages she hopes readers walk away with after reading. I know I did. =) You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Happy Middle Grade March! Today, I’m celebrating Middle Grade March with a special guest: Afoma Umesi. Afoma embraces all things middle grade reading and hosts my FAVORITE middile grade blog of all time: Reading Middle Grade. Today, she joins us to share her story: how middle grade reading became her passion, favorite books she thinks we need to add to our TBR stacks and opportunities to connect with other middle grade readers, too.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I am talking with Michelle Knudsen. Michelle is the author of 50 children’s books: from early readers, board books and picture books to middle grade, young adult and even short stories, too.  While we don’t have enough time to talk about all of her books, we do highlight a few books she’s known best for and take a deeper dive into her middle grade novel trilogy. We talk about where the ideas for her books come from, how and why a bit of magic appears on her pages and what’s coming up next for her. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I’m chatting with Cynthia Harmony, author of multiple picture books that celebrate the beauty of multiple languages, the world around us, family and home.  Come listen as we talk about her journey to writing, the threads that ties her books together and take a deep dive into her upcoming release: A Flicker of Hope: A Book of Migration.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today, I am talking with Marisa Quinn about her debut picture book: Happy Hands.  It’s a delightfully loveable story about a young boy who is eager to make friends on his first day of Kindergarten, only to find out that his ‘happy hands’ make that more challenging than he thought It’s a book that reminds us to stay true to who we are, celebrates the power of friendship and even shows us how to learn and grow in the process, too. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

I have a long list of children’s literature authors that I love because their books are amazing. But since starting this podcast, I’ve created another list: authors I love because of their philosophy toward children, toward life and toward writing.  Lizzy Rockwell is at the top of this new list. She has authored and/or illustrated over 35 picture books that are delightful for so many reasons, one of which is the way they capture the natural world and help readers understand how the world, and life, works. Today, she’s talking about her two newest publications and we talk about all the things: how she got started in children’s book illustration (spoiler alert: it’s a family affair!), why she leans into writing non-fiction books, the magic of early readers and much, much more.  You’ll finish this episode with a sense of curiosity and wonder and the desire to go explore it a bit. I promise.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

I love when books can take me down rabbit holes: delightful journeys driven by curiosity.  Today, I’m talking with Taryn Souders, an author that brought me great delight and knowledge in her most recent book The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle. It’s a book filled with family, friendship, mystery and mischief, too. I learned about historical samplers, the War of Jenkins’ Ear and a whole list of famous architects for the most delightful reason.  Come listen as we explore the book, her backstory and backlist and the power of middle grade helps to help readers choose joy, even in the midst of life challenges.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today is a day of firsts on the KidLit Love podcast. I’m here with Claire Lordon to talk about the first young adult book to be featured on the podcast AND the first graphic novel, too.  Claire is here to talk about her incredibly powerful graphic memoir: One in a Million.  This book was everything I needed as a teenager battling a chronic illness and Claire and I spent some time talking about the healing power of books and why our stories must be told. You’ll get the backstory on Claire’s health journey, learn more about her graphic memoir and explore how and why books like this are so important.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Picture books have a special place in my reading heart for many reasons and today, we explore the power of picture books to help kids feel seen and explore important topics with their family.  Pamela Morgan is the author of Simply Skye, a book about a non-binary child exploring gender expression and identity through a childhood doll and conversations with her family. As the mother of a non-binary child, Pamela wrote the book she wished she had access to for her child…and now we do.  Listen as we talk about the book and how it came to be, why it’s important and what she's writing next. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Have you ever wanted to bottle someone’s energy, passion and enthusiasm so you could have it for yourself?! That’s exactly how I felt after talking with today’s podcast guest. We had such a spirited, enthusiastic conversation around middle grade books and could have talked for hours. Today, I’m talking with Elly Swartz. She has written multiple well-loved middle grade novels including Finding Perfect, Smart Cookie, Give & Take, Dear Student and her most recent publication: Hidden Truths.  Listen as we explore her book and the themes found inside, the role books can play in supporting mental health and what’s coming next for her.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Stories are healing. They can help us feel seen, they can help us see a new perspective and they can help us grow through what we go through, too.  Today, I’m talking with Andrew Eliopulos. He’s the author of Will on the Inside, a heartfelt account of one boy’s struggle to figure out who he is on the inside as he battles a health condition that changes everything. Listen as I talk with Andrew about the book and the big themes found inside, the other books he’s written and how it personally impacted my own life.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

I have added another name to my ‘Favorite Middle Grade Authors’ list in my book journal: Jessica Vitalis. She’s written The Wolf’s Curse, The Rabbit’s Curse and Coyote Queen.  Today, we talk about the power of middle grade novels, the appeal of a bit of magic and how books can help us learn so many life lessons. Plus, I learned a new word that describes her writing life: she’s a plantser. You’ll have to listen to find out what that means! You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

I have a special list in my book journal: Books I’ve Hugged. Yes, I hug my books and I bet many of you do too. Today, I’m talking to Colleen Nelson, author of The Undercover Book List, the latest middle grade book I hugged because it was that delightful. If you love books and the power they have to help you discover who you really are and to connect with others, then this book is for you. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

We all have a go-to author: someone who we know will deliver a book we will love each and every time.  Today, I am talking to one of my go-to middle grade authors: Leslie Connor.  Leslie first won my heart with her book Waiting for Normal and then captured it again with Anybody Here Seen Frenchie and A Home for Goddesses and Dogs. Her books are approachable, powerful and delightful, too.  Come listen as we talk about her books inside her beautiful writing cabin and then grab your art supplies because you’ll want to start creating. I promise. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Sometimes, we all need a little whimsy in the books we are reading, especially when we are reading middle grade novels.  Today’s guest gives us that whimsy and much, much more. Arianne Costner is here to talk about her two middle grade novels: My Life as a Potato and Confessions of a Class Clown.  Both have lightness and fun along with relatable scenarios and life lessons that can be taken from the page. We talk about her journey to middle grade novelist, the why behind her writing and much more.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Picture books can be powerful tools for learning. They’re beautiful, hint at powerful life lessons and offer opportunities for conversation and sharing.  Today, I am talking with Meghan Wilson Duff. Their debut picture book is titled How Are You, Verity and is a delightful mix of underwater facts, bright illustrations and an exploration into social norms. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

Today’s guest knows a thing or two about children’s literature. He’s written over 80 books across multiple topics and formats from The Jigsaw Jones series and Scary Tales to The Courage Test and the Exit 13 series.  James Preller is here to talk about all things children’s literature: the journey he’s taken, the books he’s written, the things he’s now teaching and a sneak peek into his soon-to-be-published books, too.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram

If I could only choose one book as my personal, all-time-favorite middle grade novel, it would be written by the author I’m talking with today: Ann Braden.  Today, I am talking with Ann Braden about all things middle grade: how she started writing, where her ideas come from and what she hopes readers will walk away with, too. We’ll take a deeper dive into her latest book, Opinions and Opossums, a book I think the world needs more than ever. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature. ⁠Join here!⁠ Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram