In my newest interview, I’m talking with bestselling British author and illustrator Katie Kirby! Katie is best known for creating the hugely popular LOTTIE BROOKS middle-grade series, which first launched in 2021 with THE EXTREMELY EMBARRASSING LIFE OF LOTTIE BROOKS.The LOTTIE BROOKS series has sold more than 1.6 million copies in the U.K., and Katie’s books have been compared to such hit series as DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney and DORK DIARIES by Rachel Renée Russell. With 10 books already released in the U.K. and 2 now available in the U.S., Katie’s books are quickly becoming favorite reads for American tweens too!If you or a tween you know loves funny, relatable books and awkward middle school moments, be sure to check out my interview with Katie Kirby, the creator of the bestselling LOTTIE BROOKS series, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!Powered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and Giving Tuesday teen leader. E Train is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, E Train not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation. Follow my journey at at: www.etraintalks.org

WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE is a phenomenal young adult / upper middle-grade graphic novel written by librarian Jarrett Dapier and illustrated by AJ DungoAn empowering graphic novel inspired by the true story of a group of Chicago high students who stand up together and fight to overturn the system-wide ban of Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis.“WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE” IS A NATIONAL BESTSELLER & A BOOKLIST BEST YA GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR!Dapier and Dungo have crafted a heartfelt, page turning, and extremely timely 10/10 must read!TAP PLAY to watch my review & SUBSCRIBE to my channel to gain early access to future book reviews and interviews.Title: WAKE NOW IN THE FIREAuthor: Jarrett Dapier Illustrator: AJ DungoPublisher: Ten Speed Graphic is a an imprint run by Ten Speed Press, and part of Crown Publishing Group at Penguin Random House.Book review by: Ethan (E Train)

THE BLUE DRESS by author Rebecca Morrison is the perfect #kidlit story for anyone who’s felt like they don’t fit in or for readers trying to understand the daily struggles tweens and teens are going through. The story follows 12-year-old Yasmin Safavi, an Iranian American girl navigating body image issues, the pressure of her mother’s strict cultural expectations, and the emotional stresses of friendships and feeling accepted.👉🏼THE BLUE DRESS is a heartfelt and relatable #Mglit must read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

John Masiulionis is the founder of PR From The Heart, a leading PR firm in children’s literature, where he helps storytellers from well-known performers to acclaimed authors grow their platforms and share meaningful stories. John is also the author of the award-winning children’s picture book "Walking Each Other Home: Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children," inspired by his personal experiences. The book gently introduces young readers to grief and serious illness while serving as a resource for families. John’s story also reflects his broader mission to create a children’s hospice that offers support, comfort, and hope.Like me, John is dedicated to uplifting others’ storytelling journeys, so today, let’s show him that same love. Thanks for all you do, John. Keep being you!Here’s how to Follow John Masiulionis Website: www.JohnMasiulionis.com Facebook: @JohnMasiulionis Instagram: @JohnMasiulionisX: @JohnMasiulionisLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-masiulionis-43984aa7John Masiulionis is a seasoned public relations professional with over 12 years of experience helping KidLit creatives share their gifts and expand their reach worldwide.Title: Walking Each Other Home – Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for ChildrenAuthor: John MasiulionisIllustrator: Roksana BarwinskaPublisher: Trolley Stop Publishing, 2026Book review by: Ethan (E Train)Powered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. E Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded and led by Ethan (known as E Train), a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and Giving Tuesday teen leader. E Train is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, E Train not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation. Follow my journey at at: www.etraintalks.org

I’ve been interviewing authors for over four years, and this is my very first Passover Panel. I couldn’t be more excited to bring together such an incredible group of storytellers for a lively, meaningful, and festive conversation.In this special episode, we’re celebrating the middle-grade anthology ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS: A PASSOVER CELEBRATION IN 14 STORIES. Joining me from across the country are ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS book editors, Chris Baron, Joshua Levey, and Naomi Milliner, along with contributing authors Laura Shovan and Mari Lowe. And that’s not all! Chef Susan Barocas also joins the panel to share her unforgettable experience cooking Passover dinner at the White House.Stick around until the end, when the panel jumps into a fast-paced, fun-filled Passover trivia round you won’t want to miss.BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR MORE INTERVIEWS... BOOK REVIEWS.. AND READING JOY!Powered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book. Follow my journey at at: www.etraintalks.orgE Train Talks, Inc., is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded by Ethan Minton at just 11-years old. Now a 15-year-old award-winning literacy advocate and Giving Tuesday Teen leader, Ethan is committed to celebrating early literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Through engaging interviews with children's authors, book reviews, school visits, and literacy-focused events, E Train sparks curiosity and encourages children to discover the magic of reading. By championing diverse voices and stories, E Train not only supports language development and comprehension skills but also helps children build empathy, confidence, and a strong educational foundation.

I am deeply honored to share my interview with the 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner Marcella Pixley, author of the middle-grade book, NESHAMA. Marcella Pixley is the the talented storyteller behind the profoundly meaningful middle-grade novel-in-verse, NESHAMA, and I'm so grateful to have the privledge to interviewer her.

Marcella puts her heart and soul into her writing and it shows in her storytelling. It was such a joy learning more about the story behind her beautiful award-winning novel. Watch my talk with Marcella to learn more about her writing journey and be sure to check out my book review to discover more about NESHAMA.

These are my thoughts on Neshama, the beautiful, award-winning middle-grade novel in verse by Marcella Pixley.Neshama, a Hebrew word meaning “soul,” “spirit,” or “breath,” is deeply rooted in Jewish spirituality, and it is the perfect title for such a meaningful, healing story. There is so much more I could say about this soulful novel in verse, but I highly recommend picking up a copy at your local bookstore or library and experiencing it for yourself.It is clear why Neshama was honored with the 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award. This is a book that truly lives up to its name, a story that will be loved by readers of all ages, all generations, and all backgrounds. 10 out of 10.Title: NESHMAAuthor: Marcella PixleyPublisher: CandlewickReviewer: Ethan Minton (E Train)Powered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book.

Purim is almost here, and I’ve the perfect way to start preparing for the holiday fun! Watch my interview to discover three brand new Purim themed stories that bring the holiday to life for young readers.In this special episode, I'm interviewing three wonderful children’s book authors: Nancy Churnin, Barbara Kimmel, and Varda Livney. Their stories beautifully capture Jewish holidays and traditions, bringing them to life for young readers. In this conversation, we spotlight their new board books, which help kick off PJ Library’s brand new Toddler Book Launch, a meaningful initiative that shares stories written especially for toddlers and distributed for families to enjoy in homes across the country and around the world by PJ Library. Watch and Enjoy! Purim begins the evening of Mon, Mar 2, 2026 – Tue, Mar 3, 2026Subscribe to my Channel to be kept in the know! BOOKS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:PURIM BASKETSWritten by Nancy Churnin ‪@nancychurninbooks‬ Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford Publication Date: February 1, 2026Publisher: PJ Publishing ‪@PJLibraryOfficial‬ Publication Date: February 1, 2026Board Book: Ages 6 Months to 2 YearsPurim Baskets will be distributed to 20,000 one-year olds this February.Find out more at: www.nancychurnin.comPURIM POSSIBILITIESWritten by Barbara Kimmel @barbarakimmelIllustrated by Irina AvgustinovichPublisher: PJ Publishing ‪@PJLibraryOfficial‬ Publication Date: February 1, 2026Board Book: Ages 3 years and upFind out more at: https://barbarakimmelwrites.com/Purim Possibilities will be distributed to 39,000 three-year old subscribers this February.TODAY I AM A HAMANTASCH: A POEM FOR PURIMWritten by Varda LivneyIllustrated by Varda LivneyPublisher: PJ Publishing ‪@PJLibraryOfficial‬ Publication Date: February 1, 2026Board Book: Ages 6 Months to 2 YearsFind out more at: https://vardaart.com/Today I Am a Hamantasch will be distributed to 9,000 zero-year old subscribers in February.

I’m excited to be hosting a special children's author panel conversation celebrating Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees, a eco-friendly holiday that invites us to reflect on growth, roots, and our connection to the natural world.🌳📚I’m honored to be interviewing three children’s book creators whose special Tu B’Shvat themed stories engage toddlers, young readers and families alike. Sitting across from me virtually are multi–award-winning picture book author Karen Rostoker-Gruber; yoga teacher and picture book author Lisa Schreiber; and award-winning picture book and middle-grade author Pamela Ehrenberg! If you love the Tu B'Shvat holiday as much as I do, or if you're interested in learning more about this wonderful holiday, I invite you to click play and help me celebrate the Birthday of the Trees!In this special "E Train Talks Earth" Jewish Holiday episode, I'm highlighting three special toddler/preschool Tu B'Shvat stories:"Lessons From A Tree: Yoga Poses for Happy Kids" by author Lisa Schreiber "Happy Birthday, Trees" by Karen Rostoker-Gruber  @karenrostoker-gruber6493  "Planting Parsley" by Pamela Ehrenberg A 2026 E Train Talks "Earth" special episodePowered by E Train Talks, Inc.Where Every Child's Journey Begins with a Book.

In this interview I speak with one of my favorite storytellers, award-winning author Torrey Maldonado! Torrey is a light in the darkness, and in the words of the great Maya Angelou, he's a "rainbow" in the world's cloud, spreading joy and positivity everywhere he goes, including in his books! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to shine a light on his first picture book JUST RIGHT through this inspirational talk!Born and raised in Brooklyn, Torrey Maldonado is an acclaimed author and educator whose work impacts middle grade, young adult, and elementary school literature. He approaches thirty years teaching in NYC and has been celebrated by two Chancellors as a top culturally responsive educator. Named Best Books of the Year by NPR, The Washington Post, Oprah, and The NY Times, HANDS, WHAT LANE?, TIGHT, and SECRET SATURDAYS are inspired by his and his students’ lives. They're praised for their authenticity about friendship, family, and choices. As someone who reads and loves Torrey Maldonado's books, I invite you to watch my newest interview with Torrey and click play my reviews of Torrey's outstanding books.