On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Cristina Oxtra about her debut picture book: WHAT LOLO WANTS.

In this heartwarming story, a girl and her grandfather share a love beyond words. It’s sweet, it’s moving and it’s a wonderful conversation starter about how to navigate through family changes by continuing to care and connect. 

Come listen as we talk about how Cristina found her reading and writing roots in Sesame Street, the beautiful bookish legacy she is leaving behind for her grandfather, the kidlit mentors that showed her a path forward and the perspective shift that can change everything. This conversation was a delight!

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/10/13/love-beyond-words-what-lolo-wants-by-cristina-oxtra/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Shannon Hale and Marcela Cespedes about their middle grade collaboration: DREAM ON.

This middle grade graphic novel explores family dynamics and financial pressures along with high sensitivity and big emotions. 

Come listen as we talk about how this collaboration came to be, the pieces of both of them that are on the page (and me…and likely you, too!), the reason why Marcela is able to capture the emotion on the page so well and the message the book has for all readers and Shannon shares in the Author’s Note.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/10/09/highly-sensitive-people-dream-on-with-shannon-hale-and-marcela-cespedes/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jeanne Birdsall about her newest middle grade rom-com: THE LIBRARY OF UNRULY TREASURES.

This book is a love letter to libraries, magic, family, friendship and adventure wrapped around the love of a particular library. It’s simply delightful.

Come listen as we talk about Jeanne’s journey into children’s literature, her love of research into the real and imaginary, the respite that readers will find inside the pages of this book and the unexpected books she may or may not be working on next. 

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/10/06/a-love-letter-to-libraries-the-library-of-unruly-treasures-by-jeanne-birdsall/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Emma Otheguy about her middle grade fantasy novel: COUSINS IN THE TIME OF MAGIC.

In this book, three cousins get transported back to 1862 to play an important role in The Battle of Puebla, the reason we celebrate Cinco de Mayo today. This enchanting middle grade fantasy adventure will teach you a thing or two and give you a new family to root for, too.

Come listen as we talk about Emma’s journey to children’s literature via a PhD in History, the elements of our history that she threads together so beautifully in the book and her goal for all readers…not to mention a sneak peek into the sequel!

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/10/02/connected-history-comes-alive-cousins-in-the-time-of-magic-by-emma-otheguy/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with show designer Kat Maconie about her debut picture book: WHAT KIND OF SHOES DOES A HIPPOPOTAMUS CHOOSE?

This whimsical picture book celebrates different kinds of animals and the different kinds of shoes they wear. It’s fun, a delight to read and will likely spark creativity and conversation around our own shoe choices.

Come listen as we talk about Kat’s brightly colored journey through shoes to picture books, the important message of authenticity and creativity on the page and her hopes to bring a bit of joy and empowerment to readers through this whimsical story.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/09/29/what-kind-of-shoes-does-a-hippopotamus-choose-with-kat-maconie/

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: 

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Brian Selznick about his newest young adult novel: RUN AWAY WITH ME.

This is a profoundly romantic novel set in Rome that blends words with pictures for an immersive and emotional experience. It has a strong sense of place and you’ll be whisked off to Rome without ever leaving your living room. 

Come listen as we talk about his unique storytelling format that beautifully blends words with images, the pandemic opportunity that brought the book to life and Brian’s hope for readers as his new book goes out into the world.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/09/25/immersive-ya-romance-run-away-with-me-by-brian-selznick/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Gaia Cornwall about her newest picture book: FAIRY WALK.

In this beautiful picture book, readers meet a trio of kids and their loyal doggy compassion as they head off into the wild woods in search of fairies. 

Come listen as we talk about the meandering path Gaia took to writing, the game-changing marshmallow analogy that could change the game for aspiring authors, the importance of reading and rereading and the hidden surprises found inside the book.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/09/22/the-magic-of-outdoors-fairy-walk-by-gaia-cornwell/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Bill Wood about his debut young adult novel: LET’S SPLIT UP.

This electrifying tale of four friends determined to hunt the killer ravaging their idyllic small town will have you on the edge of your seat. And if that is not your cup of team, don’t worry, there’s something for everyone here including a deep story of friendship and even a bit of romance, too.

Come listen as we talk about Bill’s journey through children’s literature, the elements of his childhood the book pays homage to, what’s coming next in the series and what his hope is for readers no matter where they reside on the globe.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/09/18/friendship-meets-horror-lets-split-up-by-bill-wood/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Julie Berry about her newest young adult novel: IF LOOKS COULD KILL.

This is a true-crime-nailbiter turned mythic odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. It’s a defiant love song to sisterhood, a survivor’s battle cry and a romantic literary tour de force laced with humor.

Come listen as we talk about Julie’s inspiration behind all the moving parts of the story, the one-word takeaway that will have readers standing just a bit taller and my personal information to find your reading niche on the page and then expand from there to something you didn’t even know you needed.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/09/15/empowering-readers-if-looks-could-kill-with-julie-berry/ 

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Peter Reynolds to celebrate International Dot Day!

If you are listening on the day this episode is released, then you're listening on International Dot Day inspired by the book titled The Dot by Peter Reynolds. What began with one teacher in Iowa sharing the book with his class has grown into a worldwide movement inspiring over 29 million educators and students to make their mark in over 200 countries. 

Come listen as we talk about the book that started it all, the themes that are woven into the pages of Peter’s books, the gift that picture books offer to adults and the heartfelt invitation to create and share those creations with others to make the world a better, kinder place to be.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/09/15/celebrating-international-dot-day-with-peter-h-reynolds/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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