Podcast interviews with authors

Author David Bowles shares his life on the U.S.-Mexico border, and he translated that experience into his picture book debut, MY TWO BORDER TOWNS. This story, illustrated by Erika Meza, follows a boy and his father visiting the family, friends and community found on the other side.

Author Anitra Rowe Schulte shares her journey into picture books and how she found the right story for her character. Today’s featured book, DANCING WITH DADDY, is about the excitement of a first father-daughter dance told from the point of view of a character with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

Author Bianca Schulze shares her journey into the world of picture books and her debut picture book, DON’T WAKE THE DRAGON. This interactive bedtime story features a sound-asleep dragon who hopefully will not wake up!

Author Arielle Hobbs shares her mission to see a society that embraces us, all of us, as we are. Today’s featured book, SULLY THE RACCOON, is based on Hobbs’ son Sullivan (Sully).

Author Dave Eggers shares his passion for helping kids reach their full potential. Today’s featured book, FARAWAY THINGS, is about a boy and his sword and how giving away something precious leads to an even more important discovery.

Children’s book author Shelli R. Johannes shares her creative wisdom and talks about her Loves Science series and the new picture book THEO THESAURUS.

Today’s guest is children’s book author Leda Schubert.

In the interview, Leda discusses writing, awe of picture books, and family. Today’s featured book, NATHAN’S SONG, is a positive portrayal of the Jewish immigrant experience in the early 1900s, based on Leda’s grandfather.

Today’s guest children’s book author Kathleen Krull passed away on January 15 following a brief illness. We recorded this talk on January 13. Today’s show also includes a picturebooking message by author Hilary Robinson.

In the interview, Kate helps us find common ground by examining the phrase “nothing in common.” Today’s featured book, with that same phrase, NOTHING IN COMMON, is a thoughtful, compassionate story that has the power to bring us together.

Children’s book author Jon-Erik Lappano tells us why nurturing a sense of wonder in kids is essential. Today’s featured book, MAGGIE’S TREASURE, is about a child who turns her passion for collecting into a pleasure for her community.

New York Times-bestselling author Mac Barnett talks about making things (like books) with his friends (like Greg Pizzoli and Shawn Harris) for kids. Today’s featured books are JACK AND SANTA by Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli and A POLAR BEAR IN SNOW by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris.

Children’s book author Kate Messner discusses THE NEXT PRESIDENT: THE UNEXPECTED BEGINNINGS AND UNWRITTEN FUTURE OF AMERICA’S PRESIDENTS.

Simran Jeet Singh is an educator, writer, activist, and scholar who regularly speaks on issues of diversity, inclusion and equity.
FAUJA SINGH KEEPS GOING is the true story about the man who broke world records to become the first one-hundred-year-old to run a marathon. The book shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to the Sikh community’s positive representation.

Josh Funk is the children’s book author behind several successful book series, including Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, How to Code, It’s NOT a Fairy Tale and Patience & Fortitude.

Valerie Bolling is an author and educator who wants children of all backgrounds to see themselves in stories.

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is an educator, anti-racism activist, and children’s book author. Her stories feature young Black Muslim protagonists.

Claire Annette Noland is an author, children’s librarian, and reading specialist. She is has written easy readers, board books, and picture books for young children.

Ian Lendler is a journalist and award-winning author of picture books, non-fiction, and graphic novels.

Danielle Dufayet is a picture book author who teaches English and public speaking/self-empowerment classes. She is also an artist who works in stained glass and oil, along with acrylic paint.

Author of nonfiction and historical fiction | Featured book: IT TO ABIGAIL

Four-year-old picture book author of a New York Times bestseller

Zanni Louise is an Australian author whose been twice listed in the CBCA Notables, and her picture book Archie and the Bear was selected for the prestigious international children’s catalogue: The White Ravens.

Tim McCanna has been an actor, musician, musical theatre writer, graphic designer and dad. Now, he is combining all those experiences into being a writer for children.

Ruth Spiro is the author of the best-selling Baby Loves Science series. She speaks regularly at STEM and early-childhood conferences across the country.

Julia Donaldson is a writer, playwright and performer, and the 2011–2013 Children’s Laureate. She is best known for her popular rhyming stories for children, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which include The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man.

L.J.R. Kelly is the grandson of Roald Dahl and a picture book author. He studied at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland and at Dartmouth College in the United States.

Jonah Winter is the award-winning author of non-fiction picture books including New York Times Best Illustrated Books, Diego and Here Comes the Garbage Barge!, and the highly acclaimed Frida and Dizzy.