The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

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.

Bo...

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 ...

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, t...

In this engaging conversation, Bianca Schulze interviews Candace Fleming about her journey as a nonfiction writer, the allure of nonfiction for young readers, and her latest book on the Loch Ness Monster, Is It Real? The Loch Ness Monster.

They discuss the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and the balance between entertainment and education in writing for children. Fleming shares her unique research process, writing method...

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, Megan E. Freeman takes us on a journey through her creative process and the powerful stories behind her novels ALONE and AWAY.

From discovering swimming as an unexpected source of inspiration to transforming ALONE from prose to verse, Megan shares the evolution of her craft and her deep connection to young readers. She reveals how student feedback shaped AWAY's multiple narrati...

In this episode of the Growing Readers podcast, John Patrick Green shares insights into his creative process, journey from artist to bestselling graphic novelist, and the collaborative nature of graphic novel creation. He discusses how his love for storytelling and humor drives his work, aiming to make kids laugh while also engaging adult readers with clever references.

John reflects on his inspirations, including his childhood ...

Join teacher-librarian and children's book author Jolene Gutiérrez as she discusses collaborating with her son Dakota on their new picture book Mamiachi and Me, a joyful celebration of mariachi music and family tradition.

Learn how a misheard word sparked a story about an all-female mariachi band and a young girl finding the courage to perform. Jolene shares insights from nearly 30 years of connecting young readers with st...

Join creators Shannon Hale and Dean Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham as they celebrate 10 years of The Princess in Black series.

Discover how a child's simple observation that "princesses don't wear black" inspired a revolutionary series that bridges early readers to chapter books. The trio shares behind-the-scenes stories of their creative process, memorable fan encounters, and how Princess Magnolia has spen...

Join us as Meredith Seacrest Leach discusses her debut picture book "The Make Believers," co-written with her brother Ryan Seacrest.

In this heartwarming conversation, Meredith shares how her daughter's boundless imagination and her work with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation inspired this celebration of creative play. She reveals how the book's message—that dreams can flourish with open eyes, not just during sleep—connects to childhood...

Award-winning children's author Mac Barnett joins us to discuss his heartwarming new picture book Santa's First Christmas, beautifully illustrated by Sydney Smith.

In this fresh take on holiday storytelling, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas Day for the very first time, thanks to his thoughtful elves. Mac shares insights into the creative process and his collaboration with acclaimed illustrator Sydney Smith and reflects on h...

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with author Holly Peppe to discuss her children's book, Sophie and the Swans. Peppe shares her experiences as a teacher and writer, her insights on addressing bullying, and her reflections on the power of kindness in children's literature.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Holly Peppe's journey from teacher to children's book author
• The inspiration...

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with Holocaust survivor and renowned psychologist Dr. Edith Eger to discuss her young adult memoir, The Ballerina of Auschwitz. Dr. Eger, joined by her grandson Jordan Engle, shares her experiences, insights, and reflections on survival, healing, and the power of choice, offering profound wisdom that resonates across generations.

Listeners will gain insig...

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with beloved author Kate DiCamillo to discuss her latest works, including the early reader trilogy beginning with Orris and Timble: The Beginning and the second book in The Norendy Tales, The Hotel Balzaar. Kate shares her creative process, inspirations, and reflections on storytelling, offering insight into the themes and craft behind her emotionally res...

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with acclaimed author John Schu to discuss his powerful novel in verse, Louder Than Hunger. John shares his deeply personal journey of transforming his own experiences with anorexia nervosa, depression, and anxiety into Jake's story, offering insight into the creative process behind this emotionally charged book.

Listeners will gain insight into:

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In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with award-winning children's author and illustrator Loren Long to discuss his latest book, The Yellow Bus. Loren shares his unique approach to crafting this touching story, including his inspiration from a real abandoned bus, his process of creating a 3D model for illustration reference, and his dedication to handcrafted artwork using charcoal and acryli...

In this episode of The Growing Readers podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with award-winning children's author Beth Anderson to discuss her latest book, Thomas Jefferson's Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose. Beth shares her unique approach to crafting engaging nonfiction, including her process of "mining for the heart of the story" and her dedication to thorough research and meticulous revisio...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Nyasha Williams and Kenda Bell-Spruill, co-authors of Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story (Running Press Kids). This mother-in-love and daughter-in-love duo discuss their collaboration on this groundbreaking picture book that introduces young readers to African diasporic spiritual practices and ancestral connections.

Discover the inspiration behind their story, the importance of representati...

Award-winning author Matt de la Peña discusses his new picture book, The Perfect Place, exploring themes of class, self-acceptance, and the meaning of home.

Matt shares personal inspirations, reads from the book, and reflects on how the story resonates with readers of all ages. Join us for an insightful conversation about finding beauty in imperfection and the power of children's literature to shape perspectives on family, succ...

Join us for a flavorful conversation with New York Times food reporter Priya Krishna as she dishes on her new cookbook, Priya's Kitchen Adventures: A Cookbook for Kids.

Discover how Priya's globe-trotting childhood inspired a passion for diverse cuisines, and learn why exposing children to a world of flavors is about more than just good eating. From easy udon noodles to kid-approved profiteroles, Priya shares how her r...