Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they revisit the topic of gossip and how necessary and powerful it can be. Did you know that couples who gossip together tend to have better relationship satisfaction? Also, gossip is a way to examine society's morals.

For the second segment they talk about the song lyrics that have resonated with them over the years. One example for Grace was Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" and one example for Alvina was Alanis Morissette's "You Learn".

Then children's literature specialist Alison Morris joins and the three of them share the best and worse advice they've ever received. Some of the worst advice includes: "You always regret not buying things, but never regret buying things" and "Don't use photo references for your paintings" and some of the best advice includes: "Choose the bigger life," "Make an art of living" and "If it is to be, it is up to me."

And then Alison shares some book recommendations, which included NAVIGATING NIGHT by Julie Leung, illustrated by Angie Kang and Matthew Cordell's 102. And they end as always with what they're grateful for.

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Grace and Alvina discuss two topics that are linked--they talk about a recent Happiness Lab podcast episode about the hidden beliefs that shape us. They discuss their own hidden beliefs, both positive and negative, and the seven hidden beliefs that author Shawn Achor says to cultivate in order to live a better life. Some of the beliefs include gratititude, connection, believing that your work is meaningful, and believing that there is something greater than oneself.

They also talk about the hidden beliefs of names--how one's name has an impact on how you live your life. For example, Alvina was told that her parents chose her name because it meant "beloved by all" and the kind of pressure that put on her growing up. Grace's name is also a word, but she was more embarrased by how old-fashioned her name was growing up than the meaning of her name. They also talk about the struggle people who have perceived "foreign" names in the US and the disadvantages that has.

And then Alvina tells Grace about the book SONG FOR JUNETEENTH by Zetta Elliot, illustrated by Noa Denmon. And then, they end as they always do with what they're grateful for.

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Grace and Alvina run through some basic terms in publishing, including what a publishing division vs a publishing imprint might mean. They talk about the different departments in a publishing house, including the differences between marketing and publicity, and some other different titles and departments, including the distinction between Production and Production Editorial. They talk about advances and royalties. and P&Ls, too!

For the Fortune Cookie segment, in honor of graduation season, they talk about what they might give a commencement speech about if ever given the opportunity. And they end as always with what they're grateful for.

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Grace and Alvina discuss their superpowers! That is, what qualities they possess that they feel most helped them get to where they are today in their careers. For both of them, cultivating connections and communities played a large role. They talk about what they think their own superpowers are, and what qualities they think are each other's superpowers are.

For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about a new spate of publishing scams, including by people using AI to impersonate authors and editors, and reporters. Then, Alvina tells Grace about the new book THEIR NAME IS ALEX by Paloma O'Toole, and they end as always with what they're grateful for.

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Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where for AAPI or AANHPI Month they discuss their Asian American identities and how that's affected their careers. Then they discuss a recent report on book banning from Pen America, and then special guest Alison Morris joins to discuss celebrating birthdays, and then Alison gives some book recommendations! They end as always with what they're grateful for.

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Grace and Alvina talk about taste in general, including the definition of taste, how people develop their tastes, what their own tastes in culture are and how their tastes developed. They talk about who gets to determine what (for example) is "crud" vs "good". They talk about how cultural differences factor into people's tastes, and how people's personal biases play into their taste. They talk about how subjective taste is, and the importance of having people with diverse taste in the gatekeeping role.

For the Fortune Cookie segment they discuss the question of what aspects of their lives now would their younger selves be surprised by? And, they end as always with what they're grateful for.

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Grace and Alvina are joined by special guest Michele Kirichanskaya to discuss queer representation in children's literature. They talk a little bit about the history of publishing queer publishing, including the first book published with a gay character, and legendary editor Ursula Nordstrom who helped break taboos in publishing. They touch on what publishing is doing well and how they could be better, touching on graphic novels and their favorite queer books. Michele also talks about their first book, ACE NOTES.

For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about what they've all been reading lately, and then end as always with what they're grateful for.

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Alvina and Grace are recording together in Brooklyn! They discuss the overall state of the children's book industry, including an article by Harold Underdown, and talk about the effects of book banning and the drop in the school and library market, and discuss how it's just a tough market overall, sadly. They discuss middle grade books and page counts and how the days of bulking them up to make them look longer are behind us. They also discuss young adult publishing and the term "clean teen."

For the Fortune Cookie segment, Alvina talks about the official announcement of her imprint "Alvina Ling Books" and logo reveal, and the great reception it received. And she also talks about what happened when they tried to secure the url AlvinaLingBooks.com. And they end as always with what they're grateful for.

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Alvina is back from her vacation to Spain and tells Grace all about the trip! She talks about which city she likes better--Madrid or Barcelona, and highlights of both places. She gives some tips for traveling to Spain and what the must-see spots are in each city.

For the Fortune Cookie segment they talk about the changes announced at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and the closing of the Roaring Brook imprint. And, they end as always with what they're grateful for.

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While Alvina is on vacation, Grace is joined by her Bookish State podcast co-host Melissa Thom, and they talk to Associate Executive Director of the Children's Book Council Shaina Birkhead about Children's Book Week. Shaina talks about the CBC and how she started working there, and her history as a life-long reader. She talks about the activities surrounding Children's Book Week and what has changed over the years. They discuss the different themes over the years, and talk about the book week posters. Grace talks more about the poster she illustrated.

Find out more about Children's Book Week! https://everychildareader.net/cbw/celebrate-2026/

Find out more about the Bookist State: https://www.thebookishstate.com/

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