On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Nancy Castaldo about her newest releases: Whales in the City and Riverkeeper: Protecting an American River. 

Both of these books explore the state of our rivers, particularly the Hudson River in New York, the history behind them and how readers can help protect them. 

Come listen as we dive deep into Nancy’s research process for writing her books, the spark she hopes to light in readers and the idea of conservation optimism threaded throughout her books. 

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/2025/03/30/the-intersection-of-science-writing-whales-in-the-city-riverkeeper-by-nancy-castaldo/

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 Martin Stewart and David Habben about the first two titles in their middle grade series: Bridget Vanderpuff and The Baked Escape and Bridget Vanderpuff and The Ghost Train. 

These middle grade novels are filled with mystery, mischief and melt-in-your-mouth delights. It’s the series I wish was written many years ago for my own childhood self, but my adult self was quite happy to read it to my inner child instead. 

Come listen as we talk about the inspiration behind the series, the personal connections from both the author and illustrator inside the pages and give you a sneak peek into loveable characters and fantastical events. This was one of the most delightful conversations I’ve had on the podcast and you’re sure to love it, too. 

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/2025/03/27/deliciously-delightful-middle-grade-the-bridget-vanderpuff-series-with-martin-stewart-david-habben/

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 Sabrina and Eunice Moyle about the newest release in their graphic novel chapter book: The Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and Stella: Comet Together. 

This book is fun, adventurous, humorous, bright, colorful and the ultimate enjoyable reading experience. Astrid and Stella are best friends who go on fun adventures together, learning about themselves and the world along the way.

Come listen as we talk about their sisterly journey through creativity, how this series was born and the role that fun and creativity can play in our lives. I was so inspired after this conversation!

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/2025/03/24/joyful-creativity-the-cosmic-adventures-of-astrid-and-stella-with-sabrina-and-eunice-moyle/

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 Bobbie Pyron about her newest middle grade book: Octopus Moon. 

This novel-in-verse tells the story of a young girl navigating depression at the start of fifth grade. It’s deeply moving and powerful and one many readers are going to keep close to their hearts.

Come listen as we talk about Bobbie’s late bloom into children’s literature, the power of books as mirrors and windows and her hope for Octopus Moon readers. 

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/2025/03/20/literature-mental-health-octopus-moon-with-bobbie-pyron/

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 Ben Khan about their newest middle grade comic: Mr. Muffins Defender of the Stars.

According to Publishers Weekly’s starred review, this book is an enchanting space opera in which aliens and humans find common ground despite differing cultures, foods, and worlds and learn the true meaning of home. I agree. 

Come listen as we discuss the perfect analogy for how Ben builds the worlds in their books, the importance of having fun both writing and the book and reading it and the influences behind their work. 

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/2025/03/17/creating-fun-new-worlds-mr-muffins-defender-of-the-stars-with-ben-kahn/

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 Teri Roche Drobnick about her debut picture book: Moving Day. 

The book was inspired by the real-life story of moving a 139-year-old, 133-ton Victorian house six blocks and is delightfully told from the house’s perspective.

Come listen as Teri shares the unique dolls that sparked her writing in the children’s literature space, the real-life inspiration behind the book and her multiple hopes for readers.

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/2025/03/13/a-delightful-perspective-moving-day-with-teri-roche-drobnick/

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 Brett Bean about the first book in his new chapter book series: Muk ‘N’ Honey: Treehouse Troubles.

This chapter book series combines simple text, lively illustrations and laugh-out-loud humor together for a delightful reading experience. 

Come listen as we talk about his incredible backstory to children’s literature, the personal inspiration behind his new series and how he goes from an idea to a finished product. 

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/2025/03/10/a-new-friendship-duo-muk-n-honey-with-brett-bean/

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 Nathan Fairbairn and Michele Assarasakornabout the fourth book in their middle grade graphic novels series PAWS: Hazel Has Her Hands Full.

The PAWS series is about a group of friends from diverse backgrounds and with different interests and family structures that come together in a dog walking club. 

In this book, Hazel secretly takes on her first solo PAWS job in an effort to prove to her overprotective mother that, despite her wheelchair, she is just as capable as her friends. 

Come listen as we talk about the inspiration about the series, the important representation found on the pages and the collaborative process that brings their graphic novels to life. 

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/2025/03/06/exploring-the-paws-series-with-nathan-fairbairn-and-michele-assarasakorn/

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 Maria Scriven about the 6th book in her Nat Enough series: Nat a Chance.

The Nat Enough series tackles the growing pains of girlhood and adolescence with humor and heart, encouraging readers to be their authentic selves. In Nat a Chance, Nat doesn't think she is an athlete… but could that just be a story she's telling herself? This book has so much for readers, both young and old. 

Come listen as we talk about the inspiration behind the series, how writing the series has helped Maria heal pieces of herself and the incredible gift for readers inside.

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/2025/03/03/middle-grade-humor-heart-nat-enough-with-maria-scrivan/ 

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 Barbara Dee about her newest middle grade novel: Tear This Down.

This middle grade novel Is about a young girl who makes the choice to speak out against a problematic historical hometown figure, no matter the cost. 

Come listen as we talk about her philosophy around writing children’s literature, the importance of o-questions in the book and in life, the important themes of women’s rights, voting and gender roles and the last line of the book that made me hug it: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/02/27/smart-kids-real-challenges-tear-this-down-with-barbara-dee/

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!

Follow Stephanie:

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