Meg Medina on Graciela in the Abyss: A 15-Year Journey from Graveyard to Glory

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, publicist Mel Schuit takes over hosting duties to interview Bianca Schulze about her revised edition of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up. They discuss the evolution of children's literature over the past nine years, why Bianca switched out 30% of the original titles, her journey from non-reader to reading advocate, and how she curates books that prioritize joy and representation for young readers.Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review (coming soon)Highlights:The 30% Switch: How the children's book landscape evolved between 2016 and 2025, leading to more diverse voices, illustrated chapter books, and graphic novels in the revised editionFrom 101 to 500+: Each featured book includes four additional "what to read next" recommendations, creating a comprehensive reading roadmapReading Revolution: The push for diverse books starting around 2015-2016 and how publishers have responded to the call for representationNon-Reader Origins: Bianca's surprising admission that she wasn't a childhood reader, finding her love of books only in her twenties through trusted recommendationsJoy as a Guiding Principle: How the focus has shifted from just telling important stories to celebrating joy across different backgrounds and experiencesBridging the Gap: The rise of illustrated chapter books that help kids transition from picture books to novels without losing reluctant readersCreative Beginnings: From making Barbie houses out of Golden Books to a third-grade tooth-shaped writing assignment that sparked her love of storytellingNotable Quotes:"Reading for joy and reading for pleasure—when you do that, you become a wiser person. You are more empathetic." —Bianca Schulze"We can't ever change what's happened to us. We can't alter the past or control what's coming around the next corner, but we can choose how we live now." —Dr. Edith Eva Eger, from The Ballerina of Auschwitz"Be kind, be brave, and make good choices. Remember the struggles of those who came before you. Always dream of the fantastical future ahead of you... Live your life like an epic adventure." —From Bianca's author's noteBooks Mentioned:101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) by Bianca Schulze: Amazon or Bookshop.orgThe Ballerina of Auschwitz by Dr. Edith Eva Eger: Amazon or Bookshop.orgThe Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger: Amazon or Bookshop.orgAnimalia by Graeme Base: Amazon or Bookshop.orgWhere's Waldo? series: Amazon or Bookshop.orgThe Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Amazon or Bookshop.orgA Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park: Amazon or Bookshop.orgAbout Bianca Schulze: Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children's Book Review and host of The Growing Readers Podcast. A former bookseller turned author, she has published eight books and has been championing children's literature for over 16 years. As a mother of three and passionate literacy advocate, she believes in the transformative power of reading for joy.Connect and Follow: Learn more about Bianca Schulze: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/Follow on Instagram: @thechildrensbookreviewCredits: Guest Host: Mel SchuitGuest: Bianca SchulzeProducer: Bianca SchulzeEpisode Sponsor: Cody's Whisper by Mailia Grace. For more information, visit https://www.the-whisper-way.com/

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze interviews award-winning author Meg Medina about her latest fantasy novel, Graciela in the Abyss. They discuss Medina's fifteen-year journey developing this underwater adventure, her transition from contemporary fiction to fantasy, her experience as the eighth National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, and how she transformed personal grief and world events into a story about friendship, bioluminescence, and making your own light in the darkest places.Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book ReviewHighlights:Creative Persistence: How Medina kept "Graciela in the Abyss" in her "graveyard file" for 15 years, returning to it annually with new versions until the world tilted and she found her wayFantasy World-Building: Her extensive research into oceanography, deep-sea caves, and bioluminescence to create a believable underwater realm of sea spirits with jobs like being glaciers who turn trash into sea glassThe Graveyard Philosophy: Medina's approach to unfinished projects - honoring failed attempts while remaining open to returning when you have what you need emotionally and creativelyAmbassador Insights: Her two-year role as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and how office hours at the Library of Congress showed her reading as a family activity that knits people togetherFrom Grief to Light: How personal losses (her mother in 2013, aunt in 2020) and the pandemic helped her understand the story's central metaphor of bioluminescence as making your own light to surviveUnlikely Friendship: Creating the bond between Graciela (a dead sea spirit) and Jorge (a mortal boy who fears water) as allies who help each other find their way back to kindnessVisual Storytelling: Working with the Balbusso twins on stunning artwork that captures the eeriness and beauty of the abyssNotable Quotes:"It was a surprise to me... I didn't have to be some sort of super exceptional person leading this incredible life to have something to say." —Meg Medina on finding her voice as a writer"Suffering was strange that way. It didn't have to be your own for it to hurt." —Quote from Graciela in the Abyss"Sometimes you can't finish it. You don't have what you need yet. Sometimes that's maturity. Sometimes it's world events." —Meg Medina on the writing processBooks Mentioned:Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina: Amazon or Bookshop.orgBurn Baby Burn by Meg Medina: Amazon or Bookshop.orgYaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina: Amazon or Bookshop.orgEvelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina: Amazon or Bookshop.orgTia Isa Wants a Car by Meg Medina: Amazon or Bookshop.orgNo More Señora Mimí by Meg Medina: Amazon or Bookshop.orgMilagros: Girl From Away by Meg Medina: AmazonCharlotte's Web by E.B. White: Amazon or Bookshop.orgInto the Planet by Jill Heinerth: Amazon or Bookshop.orgAbout Meg Medina: Meg Medina is the 2024 Newbery Medal winner for Merci Suárez Changes Gears and author of many acclaimed novels and picture books, including Burn Baby Burn, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, and the Merci Suárez series. She served as the eighth National Ambassador for Young People's Literature (2022-2024) with the platform "CuÉntame: Let's Talk Books." As a first-generation Cuban American, she draws on her heritage and experiences to create authentic stories that celebrate the strength and resilience of Latino families and communities.Connect and Follow: Learn more about Meg Medina: https://www.megmedina.com/Meg Medina's Bookshop shelf with books she book talks and kids recommended: https://bookshop.org/shop/MegMedinaVisit The Children's Book Review at https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/Credits: Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Meg MedinaProducer: Bianca SchulzeSponsor: Bajette's Balloon: The Magic of Smiles™: https://www.bajette.com/

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze interviews award-winning author-illustrator Corinna Luyken about her latest picture book, The Arguers. They discuss Luyken's decade-long journey developing this story about a royal kingdom where everyone argues, her evolution from a dark cautionary tale to finding hope through humor, and how she captures universal human nature through whimsical observations about the silly things we fight over and the deeper issues beneath them.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ .Highlights:Creative Persistence: How Luyken held onto The Arguers for 10 years, working through multiple endings to find the right balance of honesty and hopeArtistic Process: Her mixed-media printmaking techniques using foam rollers, acrylic washes, and charcoal pencils that sometimes "argue" with each otherColor Philosophy: How she uses controlled palettes to evoke specific emotions, focusing on greens and oranges for this royal fairy tale worldStory Evolution: Transforming from a never-ending argument concept to finding humor and humanity in our universal tendency to bickerWriting Craft Wisdom: Finding inspiration in George Saunders' Substack about focusing on line-level storytelling rather than grand visionsClassroom Connections: The enthusiastic response from students when given permission to talk about their own silly argumentsVisual Storytelling: How art guides story development, like discovering the unraveling bows during storm scenesNotable Quotes:"The people that we love the most are the people we argue with the most." —Corinna Luyken on family dynamics"Sometimes the silly argument is the sign that something else is actually really wrong. There is something out of balance." —Corinna Luyken on the deeper meaning behind surface conflicts"We are never going to stop arguing, all of us ever. And thinking that is gonna happen is futile." —Corinna Luyken on accepting human nature"It can be so refreshing and also soothing to feel like you're not alone and to have something called out for what it is." —Corinna Luyken on addressing uncomfortable subjects in picture booksBooks Mentioned:The Arguers by Corinna Luyken: Amazon or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ABC and You and Me by Corinna Luyken: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠In the Dark by Kate Hoefler, illustrated by Corinna Luyken: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠Patchwork by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Corinna Luyken: Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or Bookshop.orgThe Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell, illustrated by Corinna Luyken: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠The Very Persistent Gappers of Fripp by George Saunders, illustrated by Lane Smith: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or Bookshop.orgA Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠About Corinna Luyken: Corinna Luyken is the author-illustrator of The Book of Mistakes (which The Wall Street Journal called "sublime"), My Heart (A New York Times Best Seller), and The Tree in Me (an NCTE Notable Poetry Book). She's also the illustrator of Patchwork (A New York Times Best Picture Book of 2022) by Matt de la Peña and several other acclaimed picture books. She studied dance improvisation, poetry, and printmaking at Middlebury College and now lives in Western Washington, near the Salish Sea, where she enjoys surfing, gardening, and reading with a cat (or two) on her lap.Connect and Follow:Learn more about Corinna Luyken⁠⁠⁠: ⁠https://www.corinnaluyken.com/⁠Follow George Saunders' Substack: ⁠⁠⁠"Story Club"⁠⁠⁠Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ Credits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Corinna LuykenProducer: Bianca SchulzeSponsor: The Best Bunny: The Adventures of Lil Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze interviews award-winning author-illustrator Jon Agee about his latest picture book George and Lenny Are Always Together. They discuss Agee's creative process, his evolution from writing about middle-aged protagonists to child characters, and how he infuses gentle humor and nuanced storytelling into his work about friendship, independence, and the delicate balance between togetherness and solitude.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠Highlights:Creative Solitude: Why Agee guards his story ideas like "living little creatures" and rarely shares them until fully formedCharacter Development: The organic process of how George the bear and Lenny the rabbit emerged from simple dialogue sketchesArtistic Process: His traditional art approach using paper and paint, then scanning into computerHumor Craft: The delicate art of infusing subtle, nuanced humor that works for both children and adultsIllustration Philosophy: When to let pictures do the work instead of words, creating space for reader interpretationEmotional Storytelling: How he almost came to tears reading his own goodbye scene to school childrenLiterary Influences: Current inspiration from Beatrice Alemangna and childhood impact of Edward Lear's limericksNotable Quotes:"John Agee has made a career out of chronicling the masculine midlife crisis for preschool readers." —Emily Jenkins review that Agee never forgot"I guard ideas almost like a living little creature that could dissolve. So I don't want to share it with anybody until it's more than just a little embryo." —Jon Agee on protecting creative ideas"I think there's parts of both characters in me...I can identify with both George and Lenny, that very naive childlike bear and that kind of analytical, intelligent, questioning rabbit." —Jon Agee on character development"Even if they're a bear or a rabbit or a grumpy old guy on a marooned island, I need to be engaged with the characters." —Jon Agee on storytelling"My motivation is to engage with them, to make them think, to make them laugh...but also to expand their imagination too." —Jon Agee on his goals for young readersBooks Mentioned:George and Lenny Are Always Together by Jon Agee: ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠Pepper and Me by Beatrice Alemangna: ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠Things That Go Away by Beatrice Alemangna: ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠Terrific by Jon Agee: ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠The Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee: ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠The Nonsense Book by Edward LearThe Friendly Book by Margaret Wise BrownAbout Jon Agee: Jon Agee is an award-winning author and illustrator with over 40 years in children's publishing. Known for his distinctive humor and storytelling style, Agee has created numerous beloved picture books. His career evolved from writing about adult protagonists in the 1990s to focusing on child characters, adapting to industry changes while maintaining his signature blend of gentle humor and meaningful themes. He has also written lyrics and stories for children's musicals.Connect and Follow:Learn more about Jon Agee at ⁠⁠⁠his website⁠⁠⁠: https://www.jonagee.com/Visit ⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠ website⁠ for more episodesCredits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Jon AgeeProducer: Bianca SchulzeThe Growing Readers Podcast celebrates children's literature and its power to inspire a lifelong love of reading.Keywords: Jon Agee, Growing Readers podcast, George and Lenny Are Always Together, picture book, children's literature, friendship, independence, bear and rabbit, humor, illustration, creative process, traditional art, character development, publishing industry, Harry Potter impact, Edward Lear, Margaret Wise Brown, Beatrice Alemangna, storytelling, emotional connection

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze interviews author Allie Millington about her picture book When You Find a Hope. They discuss Millington's unique brain drain morning practice, her long journey to publication, and how her own experiences with rejection and perseverance directly inspired this heartfelt story about hope.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠Highlights:The Brain Drain: Millington shares her morning writing practice that helps clear her mind for creativityRejection Collection: How turning hundreds of rejection letters into art became a source of hopeChildlike Perspective: The importance of maintaining connection to her younger self when writing for childrenFull Circle Moment: How a book born from hopelessness became her published picture bookCreative Visualization: The process of making abstract hope into something tangible for young readersIllustration Magic: The powerful way Anne Lambellet brought the story's emotions to lifeSuccess Journey: How acclaim for her debut novel Olivetti has influenced her approach to writingNew Release: Preview of her upcoming middle-grade novel Once For Yes featuring a narrator buildingNotable Quotes:"Even if your hope doesn't look exactly how you thought it would in the moment, don't lose sight of it. Don't let go of it." —Allie Millington on perseverance"The more I started getting rejections, the more and more I wanted this dream to come true for me." —Allie Millington on her publication journey"I'm the only one who can decide whether or not I give up." —Allie Millington on perseverance"If hope had a color, it would be yellow." —Allie Millington"It's just my desire that it would encourage others who are feeling hopeless themselves." —Allie Millington on her book"Finding those glimmers of hope, finding people you can hold on to, that connection, holding on to each other and taking care of each other, I think that's all we can do right now." —Allie MillingtonBooks Mentioned:When You Find a Hope by Allie Millington, illustrated by Anne Lambellet: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠Olivetti by Allie Millington: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠Once For Yes by Allie Millington: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠About Allie Millington: Allie Millington is the bestselling author of Olivetti and now When You Find a Hope. Her writing journey included years of rejection before achieving success, with her debut novel receiving acclaim including a review from Tom Hanks in the New York Times. Allie's personal experience with perseverance directly inspired her picture book about hope.Connect and Follow:Learn more about Allie Millington at ⁠⁠AllieMillington.com⁠⁠Visit ⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠ website⁠ for more episodesCredits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Allie MillingtonProducer: Bianca SchulzeThe Growing Readers Podcast celebrates children's literature and its power to inspire a lifelong love of reading.Keywords: Allie Millington, Growing Readers podcast, When You Find a Hope, picture book, children's literature, hope, perseverance, rejection, writing process, brain drain, morning pages, Olivetti, Once For Yes, Anne Lambellet, illustration, creative process, publication journey, The Artist's Way, children's books, creativity, storytelling, illustrations, emotional connection, parenting, mental health

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze interviews author Lisa Tolin about her picture book biography Can You Imagine?: The Art and Life of Yoko Ono. They discuss Tolin's creative process, her admiration for Yoko Ono's resilience and artistry, and how she approached introducing conceptual art to young readers.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠Highlights:Finding Balance: Tolin discusses juggling her full-time job, motherhood, and writing booksThe Reading-Writing Connection: Thoughts on why writers must first be readersMeeting Yoko: How interviewing Yoko Ono changed Tolin's perception of herMisunderstandings: Common misconceptions about Yoko Ono that the book addressesArtistic Vision: Collaborating with illustrator Yas Imamura to bring Yoko's story to lifeHandling Difficult Topics: Approaching themes of war and John Lennon's death for young readersConceptual Art: Making abstract artistic concepts accessible to childrenPeace and Imagination: Why Yoko's message remains relevant for today's childrenNotable Quotes:"I think it's really important to not just read, but read widely and currently." —Lisa Tolin on becoming a writer"The instant I met her, I just knew she had been fully misunderstood." —Lisa Tolin on Yoko Ono"She talked about being a small pebble person... if you have a small pebble, you can see it ripple out and understand that you're making a difference." —Lisa Tolin on Yoko's philosophy"I wasn't like because children everywhere are demanding this book... it was because it interested me and I think that comes across in writing." —Lisa Tolin on writing about Yoko OnoBooks Mentioned:Can You Imagine?: The Art and Life of Yoko Ono by Lisa Tolin, illustrated by Yas Imamura: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠How to Be a Rockstar by Lisa Tolin: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠About Lisa Tolin: Lisa Tolin is a journalist and editor who has covered arts and entertainment, lifestyle, health, and breaking news for major news organizations. Her years as a journalist gave her the opportunity to interview Yoko Ono in her home. Lisa lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and two sons.Connect and Follow:Learn more about Lisa Tolin at ⁠LisaTolin.com⁠Visit ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠ website for more episodesCredits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Lisa TolinProducer: Bianca SchulzeThe Growing Readers Podcast celebrates children's literature and its power to inspire a lifelong love of reading.Keywords: Lisa Tolin, Growing Readers podcast, Yoko Ono, picture book biography, children's literature, conceptual art, imagination, peace activism, Yas Imamura, illustration, creative process, motherhood, writing life, Beatles, John Lennon, children's books, artist biography

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze interviews acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson about her writing process, experiences with young readers, and her latest book, Rebellion 1776. They discuss the importance of historical fiction in helping readers understand contemporary issues, and how Anderson crafts engaging stories that make history accessible to young readers.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠Highlights:Anderson's Reading Journey: From struggling with dyslexia to becoming an award-winning authorWriting Process: Anderson's approach to writing historical fiction, including her morning writing routine and research methodsCharacter Development: Creating authentic historical characters that modern readers can connect withRebellion 1776: Discussion of Anderson's new book set during the Siege of Boston and smallpox epidemicResearch Methods: How digital access has transformed historical research compared to her earlier careerThe Importance of Hope: Anderson's commitment to including hope in all her books for young readersHistorical Fiction as Adventure: Making history exciting and page-turning for young audiencesAmerica's 250th Anniversary: Why understanding our nation's founding is particularly relevant nowNotable Quotes: "I think [it's] immoral to write for children without including hope." —Laurie Halse Anderson"With a good friend by your side, you can get through anything." - Laurie Halse Anderson on the main takeaway from Rebellion 1776"You should never criticize yourselves with words or a tone that you would not use to talk to a five-year-old."— Laurie Halse Anderson on self-criticism during the creative processBooks Mentioned:Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson: Amazon or Bookshop.orgFever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson: Amazon or Bookshop.orgPrairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park: Amazon or Bookshop.orgFault Lines in our Constitution by Cynthia Levinson: Amazon or Bookshop.orgA Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Sanders: Amazon or Bookshop.orgAnatomy of a Story by John Truby: Amazon or Bookshop.orgAbout Laurie Halse AndersonLaurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author known for tackling difficult subjects with honesty and sensitivity. Her work has earned numerous awards and has been translated into many languages. Her historical fiction brings America's past to life while addressing themes relevant to today's young readers.Connect and Follow:Visit The Children's Book Review website for more episodesLearn more about Laurie Halse Anderson at https://madwomanintheforest.com/Credits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Laurie Halse AndersonProducer: Bianca SchulzeThe Growing Readers Podcast celebrates children's literature and its power to inspire a lifelong love of reading.Keywords: Laurie Halse Anderson, Growing Readers podcast, historical fiction, writing process, children's literature, young readers, Rebellion, smallpox epidemic, Siege of Boston, character development, historical fiction, human nature, storytelling, adventure, research, young readers, American Revolution, writing process, literary themes

In this engaging episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, award-winning author Dusti Bowling shares her journey from a struggling reader to acclaimed writer, revealing how these experiences shape her characters. She discusses her latest novel, The Beat I Drum, which follows Connor Bradley—a teen with Tourette syndrome—drawing on her family's personal experiences to create an authentic portrayal that challenges stereotypes.Bowling explores the therapeutic role of music in the story while balancing serious themes with humor and heart. She explains her approach to writing characters with disabilities as fully realized individuals whose differences are just one aspect of their identity. The conversation highlights her passion for creating engaging books for underserved middle school readers and her plans to develop young adult fiction that bridges crucial gaps in children's literature, making this a valuable listen for anyone interested in authentic, inclusive storytelling.Discussion Topics:How Connor's character was developed due to reader interest.The title 'The Beat I Drum' and how it evolved during the writing process.Drumming and how it represents a form of self-expression for Connor.Dusti's family experiences and how they shaped her understanding of Tourette syndrome.Isolation and belonging and their recurring themes in Dusti's work.Friendship and how it plays a crucial role in Connor's self-acceptance.Challenging stereotypes about Tourette syndrome.Music and how it can serve as a therapeutic outlet for children with Tourette's syndrome.How teachers play a crucial role in supporting students.Divorce and the profound impact it can have on a child's emotional state.Finding forgiveness, even in difficult family situations.Balancing humor with serious themes to keep readers engaged.How characters with disabilities should be portrayed as well-rounded individuals.Thorough research is needed to determine how it is essential for authentic representation in literature.Middle schoolers and the need for age-appropriate literature that addresses their experiences.Empowering readers to communicate their interests to authors.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ Order Copies of The Beat I Drum on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more information about Dusti Bowling, visit https://www.dustibowling.com/Sign Up for The Children's Book Review e-NewsletterKeywords: Dusti Bowling, writing process, Tourette syndrome, children's literature, self-expression, family dynamics, isolation, reading journey, childhood friendship, emotional challenges, humor in storytelling, disability representation, research in writing, middle school literature, young adult books, reader engagement

Join us for a delightful conversation with author and music teacher Janna Matthies as she shares the inspiration behind her new picture book, Over in the Garden.Discover how Janna's musical background, love of nature, and teaching experience beautifully converge in this counting book that celebrates community gardening. From adapting the folk song "Over in the Meadow" to creating rhythmic, engaging text for young readers, Janna reveals her creative process and even treats us to a musical performance! Learn about her journey as an author, her passion for finding beauty in the world, and how she hopes her books will inspire children to explore the outdoors. This episode is perfect for parents, educators, and anyone who appreciates the magic that happens when music, literature, and nature come together.Discussion Topics:How exercise is critical for creativity and mental health.Being a reader is essential to becoming a writer.Gardening and its numerous benefits for children.Music and its influences on Janna's approach to writing picture books.How rhyming books can be powerful tools for engagement.Community gardening and how it fosters teamwork and connection.Encouraging outdoor exploration.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ Order Copies of Over in the Garden on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more information about Janna Matthies, visit https://www.jannamatthies.com/Keywords: gardening, children's books, writing, nature, rhyming books, community, creativity

In this heartwarming episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, Bianca Schulze welcomes Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long to discuss their new collaboration, Home.Building on the success of their #1 New York Times bestseller Love, the creators share intimate memories of their own childhoods and explore what home truly means beyond physical structures. Through thoughtful conversation, they reveal the creative process behind their lyrical text and evocative illustrations that celebrate the many forms of home—from family relationships to the natural world. The discussion highlights their commitment to inclusivity in storytelling, the emotional power of illustration, and how reading together creates its own sense of home and security for children. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone interested in how picture books can help children process their place in our changing world.Discussion Topics:What defines "home" beyond physical structuresHow the pandemic influenced the creation of 'Home'The art of exploring feelings versus delivering messages in children's booksThe collaborative process between award-winning author and illustratorHow diverse settings in the book reflect varied experiences of homeThe power of sensory details in creating emotional connectionsThe journey from concept to finished book as a companion to 'Love'The role of nature in understanding our sense of belongingHow illustrations enhance the emotional impact of storytellingWhy reading together creates a lasting sense of security for childrenThe importance of celebrating everyday wisdom in children's literatureHow books can help children process change in their worldTranscription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ Order Copies of Home on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠For more information about Matt de la Peña, visit https://mattdelapena.com/For more information about Loren Long, visit https://lorenlong.com/Keywords: home, children's books, Matt De La Peña, Loren Long, memories, emotional connections, illustrations, storytelling, family, illustration, empathy, children's literature, collaboration, emotional connection, nature, security