Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

Happy Monday!

I originally started this podcast so I could closer to the world of children’s literature. I wanted to meet the authors, hear the backstories, connect with publishers, get the inside scoop on the publishing process and more.

One of the best parts of hosting the podcast? THE BOOKS.

I have boosted my children’s literature collection by over 200 books over the years and now find myself with a bit of a problem: Where do I put them!

My bookshelves are already double stacked and now, my children’s literature bookcase is two stacks deep on top of that. I know I should cull my collection and give some books away, but I don’t want to. =)

So, I need your help! Comment below with any and all book storage and display advice for me! I need and want it all!

Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life!

Stephanie

Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉

Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:

🎉WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT: Pop-Up Carousel Book by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury (Bookshop)

This book holds a VERY special place in my heart and brings back such treasured memories of reading with my young children AND going on hundreds of bear hunts of our own with sticks in our hands. This pop-up version is delightful and I cannot wait to share it with my grandchildren…someday!

🎉 DAISY HELPS WITH THE DRESS by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Amazon / Bookshop)

When Daisy tries to help with her cousin’s wedding, her misguided assists almost ruin the big day, until she finds a way to pull the dress, and her family, together. This book brings all the feels and the dress at the end is a true delight. It’s also inspiration to finally start working on the quilt of my children’s treasured outfits from their childhood. First, I need to learn to sew. =)

E241: A Spooky Remake: LITTLE MONSTERS by Maire Roche

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Maire Roche about her middle grade debut novel: LITTLE MONSTERS.

This book is a modern, supernatural retelling of the classic LITTLE WOMEN and in it, the March sisters have a monstrous secret Meg will do anything to protect, especially with another beast lurking in the woods and threatening to expose them all.

Come listen as we talk about Maire’s inspiration for moving into the middle grade space, the way the book envelopes readers into the emotion of the characters and Maire’s hope for building empathy and kindness in readers for themselves and others. Plus, the cover is incredible with spray painted edges that demand a space on your bookshelf. =)

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

LITTLE MONSTERS by Maire Roche (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Maire online:

Website: https://www.maryeroach.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryeroachauthor

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide:

🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!

Happy Monday!

I have been so incredibly grateful for the wonderful people I’ve met on this podcast:

* I’ve interviewed debut authors and those who have been at it for a while.

* I’ve interviewed authors I’ve loved for a long time and those whose books I’ve just discovered.

* I’ve chatted with authors who live in the United States and also in other international time zones.

* Sometimes, those authors reach out to me and sometimes, I reach out to them in hopes they’ll say yes.

Katie Clapham is one of those authors who said yes. =) I’ve so admired her Receipts From the Bookshop Substack and when I saw she was releasing a new children’s titles (and adult title, too!), I quickly reached out and celebrated when she said yes.

Today, I’m sharing that lovely episode with you. I may be the only person in the United States with her new book in my possession, but I know that won’t be for long, especially because it’s only a little over $10 delivered from Blackwells Books!

Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life!

Stephanie

Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉

Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:

🎉Lots and Lots of Ocelots: A Skip Counting Book by Vicky Fang (Amazon / Bookshop)

This delightfully adorable rhyming romp of a picture book introduces kids to the concept of skip counting with piles and piles of crocodiles, crews and crews of kangaroos, and more. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the book from Vicky herself!

🎉The Yellow Postcard: A Story About Food and Community by Savannah Allen (Amazon / Bookshop)

This is a truly joyous picture book following a young girl’s journey through her neighborhood to pick up a community food box for her family after received the treasured yellow postcard in the mail. Complete with an author’s note about food scarcity at the end, this book will have your heart. It’s beautiful through and through.

Imagining Possibilities: INDIE IN DISGUISE: STYLING-ING AND OTHER JOBS by Katie Clapham

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Katie Clapham about her new illustrated chapter book: INDIE IN DISGUISE: STYLING-ING AND OTHER JOBS.

This is a delightful chapter book about Indie, a girl who loves imaginary play and imagining all the things she could be. Whether it’s a stylist, a dentist, a cleaner or a librarian, readers are sure to explore what lights them up, too.

Come listen as we talk about Katie’s journey through writing picture books, chapter books and books for adults and teens, the important roles of imaginary play using what you have in the time you have and her hopes for inspiring children to think about all the possibilities that await them. It’s a delightful book sure to spark conversation, imagination and inspiration!

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

INDIE IN DISGUISE: STYLING-ING AND OTHER JOBS by Katie Clapham (Blackwells / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Katie online:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieclaphamwriting/

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide:

🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!

Happy Monday!

Can I ask you for a favor?

I’m spending some time reflecting on where KidLit Love is headed next. Before I make any decisions, I’d love to learn more about the people who have welcomed this podcast into their lives. If you’ve been listening for a while, would you tell me a little about yourself and your reading life? I’m especially curious about what keeps you coming back and what kinds of conversations you hope we continue having.

Here’s a quick poll to get us started and I’d love for those willing to share comments to scroll down and leave some thoughts! If you do, I’ll enter you into a raffle to receive a book discussed on the podcast! Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Keep scrolling for the latest book birthdays and to listen to my latest podcast episode with Lauren Castillo!

Stephanie

Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉

Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:

🎉MILTON MAKES A MOVE by Jonathan Graziano (Amazon / Bookshop)

This is a delightfully a charming and heartfelt picture book following Milton the pug, the author’s newly adopted dog, as he makes a brave move to his forever home! It’s part of the Noodle and Jonathon series, so there are more books to love, too!

🎉SAD MAD GLAD by John Micklos Jr. (Amazon / Bookshop)

This book explores the wide breadth of emotions that kids encounter every day in this gentle rhyming picture book about feelings, friends, and sibling bonds. It also includes an educator afterword to delve into social-emotional learning connections for all of the parents, educators and librarians.

🎉SURVIVAL SHOW by Juno Dawson (Amazon / Bookshop)

The world just seems to take and take from Taryn Beck, but there’s one thing it’ll never have: her voice. Only when she’s singing does Taryn feel like she can escape her reality: free from the aftermath of the War, free from the Scottish refugee camps where she and her family now live, and free from the responsibility of making ends meet for the sake of her sick brother. It’s dystopian adventure at its best!

E239: A Cozy Early Reader: SCHOOL FOR WOODLAND CREATURES by Lauren Castillo

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Lauren Castillo about her newest release: SCHOOL FOR WOODLAND CREATURES.

This newest release of the OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG series is a cozy early reader that takes place on the first day of school and is about overcoming your doubts and letting your light shine. It’s delightful!

Come listen as we talk about Lauren’s multi-faceted journey into children’s literature, the personal connection behind each book in the OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG series and the beautiful themes that are sure to inspire readers. Plus, you’ll learn what my favorite illustration in the book was, a theme carried through the whole series. It’s a delightful and joyful conversation!

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

SCHOOL FOR WOODLAND CREATURES by Lauren Castillo (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Lauren online:

Website: https://www.laurencastillo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiocastillo

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide:

🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!

Happy Monday!

I absolutely, positively cannot wait to share TODAY WE’LL BE EATEN by Alan Barillaro with you. It’s the picture book that I needed in this very moment and I know it will resonate first with all of the adults who find it and then with the children they share it with. Plus, I’ve got three new releases you won’t want to miss!

Stephanie

Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉

Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:

🎉MAUD AND THE VERY EVENTFUL WEEK by Lisa Anchin (Amazon / Bookshop)

Who knew I’d fall in love with an adorable little vampire named Maud?! In this early chapter book, we follow Maud through a week of ever-so-gently-spooky adventures in this charming story with the most delightful illustrations.

🎉SCRITCH! SCRATCH! by by Teri Sloat (Amazon / Bookshop)

Are you ready for a bit of early Halloween fun? This GORGEOUS book gives readers a “safe scare” with a rhyming picture book about a group of kids outrunning a witch’s itchy spell, perfect for little ones looking for a dose of extra-eerie fun! I was mesmerized by the color palette in this one!

🎉MY CROWN IS GOOD by Sydney Hart (Amazon / Bookshop)

This indie-published picture book encourages young readers to embrace their natural hair, build confidence, and understand that they are wonderfully made.

E238: Finding Joy & Safety: TODAY WE’LL BE EATEN by Alan Barillaro

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Alan Barillaro about his picture book debut: TODAY WE’LL BE EATEN.

This book is a beautiful, timeless tale of friendship and resilience that follows Ladybug and Dragonfly as they navigate a storm and discover unexpected joy and friendship. It’s a picture book for every reader of every age.

Come listen as we talk about the fear and insecurity that kept him from writing children’s books earlier, the way he allows emotion to drive his artistic process on the page and how he juggles multiple projects to keep his creativity high.

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

TODAY WE’LL BE EATEN by Alan Barillaro (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Alan online:

Website: https://www.alanbarillaro.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alan.barillaro/

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:

🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!

Happy Monday!

This week, I stretched out of my reading comfort zone into middle grade horror with heart and fell in love. This genre is growing and for good reason. Come listen as I talk with Jack Mackay about his newest middle grade horror release and browse the new books publishing this week that made their way to my bookshelf!

Stephanie

Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉

Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:

🎉ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STORIES by Emma Otheguy (Amazon / Bookshop)

I was lucky enough to talk with Emma when COUSINS IN THE TIME OF MAGIC, so I am incredibly excited about this newest companion release. This time, the cousins are traveling back to the 1930’s in New York City to clear their aunt’s name and return the treasures belonging to Pura Belpré, the trailblazing Latina librarian and storyteller. If you’re a book lover, you’ll love this book!

🎉THE EXPLORERS by Dee Hahn (Amazon / Bookshop)

This may be the most heart-warming book I read all summer. It’s a funny and reassuring picture book about finding your people and navigating big life changes, with a charming grandparent-grandchild duo at its core. It has my heart.

🎉THE BOOK MACHINE by Laurie Duersch (Amazon / Bookshop)

Do you feel like you have a book inside of you? This book will inspire your story to come out so the world can enjoy it, too. Across the pages, you’ll find that a boy’s innovative genius proves that machines can never replace writers in this picture book about creativity, imagination, and the writing process. It’s timely and sure to be loved by anyone reading this newsletter.

E237: Heartwarming Horror: THE HAUNTING OF OLD SPLINTER by Jack Mackay

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jack Mackay about his newest middle grade book: THE HAUNTING OF OLD SPLINTER.

In this be-careful-what-you-wish-for middle grade horror novel, Peter and his half brother Adrian’s innocent wish to protect their family turns into a sinister reality with the help of a mummified hand that can grant any wish…with dark consequences. Readers will be glued to the page. I know I was!

Come listen as we talk about this delightfully creepy, horror novel with heart that is for every reader no matter what their experience and interest in horror novels are. We discuss how the book offers an immersive world for readers wanting a bit of creepiness along with the heartfelt themes of family, siblinghood and middle grade life, much of which was inspired by Jack’s own siblings and love of horror.

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

THE HAUNTING OF OLD SPLINTER by Jack Mackay (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Jack online:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamackay_/

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:

🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!

Happy Monday!

I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend full of books and reading and are ready to add a couple of brand new picture books to your summer TBR stack!

This week, I’m talking with Cristo Fernandez about his newest picture book that might seem to be about football, but also contains what I think is one of life’s most important lessons inside. Keep scrolling for two other picture books you MUST explore and then listen to the quick episode with Cristo!

Stephanie

Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉

Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:

🎉THE OUTERMOST MOUSE by Lauren Wolk (Amazon / Bookshop)

This book has my summer heart. Readers meet a tiny-but-mighty little mouse who faces down an incoming storm to protect her home. It’s full of lyrical prose and beautiful courage. It’s stunning!

🎉THE HOUSE WITH NOBODY IN IT by Jon Klassen (Amazon / Bookshop)

It’s a book shaped like a home with literal widows into the story! Here are the things in this house: a chair, a clock on the wall, a stool, a lamp. And more. What’s missing from this house? Somebody. This is the house with nobody in it. Well, there might be something . . . Such fun!

E236: Fútbol Is Life! / ¡Fútbol es vida! by Cristo Fernandez

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Cristo Fernandez about his new picture book: Fútbol Is Life! / ¡Fútbol es vida!

This inspirational bilingual picture book follows Critobalito, a young boy who is sidelined from the game he loves so much, but who finds new joy in the space that opened up as a result. It explores themes like being open to change and exploring new passions and is a book for everyone.

Come listen as we talk about Cristo’s real-life inspiration behind the book, the important themes around being open to new things and the reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and see what happens. It’s a book for all readers who need that reminder, like me!

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

Fútbol Is Life! / ¡Fútbol es vida! by Cristo Fernandez (Amazon / Bookshop)

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:

🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!

Happy Monday!

I hope you’ve enjoyed the holiday weekend and as my last podcast episode reminded us, stopped the stream of social media and focused on what mattered most to you.

This week, I’ve got a fun episode with Susan Rose & Silvia Lopez talking about their latest book focused on celebrating life’s special moments. Press play and take a listen!

Stephanie

Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉

Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:

🎉ELEVEN KINDS OF BLUE by Katherine Wolff (Amazon / Bookshop)

An art-obsessed twelve-year-old learns to paint outside the lines to confront her fears and find her strength when her depressed mom’s disastrous boyfriend moves in. This one is going to stay with me for a long while.

🎉EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE YOU CAN LEARN FROM A DOG by Bruce Littlefield (Amazon / Bookshop)

As someone with four dogs, I fell head over hells for this delightful book. It’s perfect for dog-lovers and anyone who needs to remember the simple things in life matter.

E235: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSE & FELIZ by Susan Rose & Silvia Lopez

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Susan Rose & Silvia Lopez about their newest book: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSE & FELIZ.

This is the newest book in their Jose & El Perro series, a bilingual adventure series that shines a spotlight on rescue dogs and encourages young readers to create special moments of their own to celebrate the ones they love. In this newest book, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSE & FELIZ, Jose realizes that his best furry friend needs a birthday celebration and the book showcases his journey to giving Feliz the celebration he deserves.

Come listen as we talk about how the collaboration between Susan and Siliva came to be, the delightful storyline inside each book in the series, the interesting fact about shelter dog birthdays that might be new to you and their hopes for readers who get this book into their hands.

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSE & FELIZ by Susan Rose & Silvia Lopez (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Susan online:

Website: https://www.susanroseauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanroseauthor/

Here’s where you can find Silvia online:

Website: https://www.silvialopezbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvialopezauthor/

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:

🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!

Happy Friday!

The holiday weekend is here and is this bonus podcast episode is the perfect reminder to stay present, take a breath unplug from your devices and plug into the connections around you. I think it’s a lesson we all need to learn and a book we all need to read!

Stephanie

E234: Unplug & Reconnect: STREAM by Aida Salazar

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Aida Salazar about her newest middle grade novel: STREAM.

In this middle grade and upper middle grade verse novel, two teens are sent to Mexico for the summer to unplug and reconnect to the natural world. It’s a stand-alone book that tells the story of two characters from her earlier titles and explores a topic I think every reader needs to reflect upon: digital consumption, social media use and the impact both have on our bodies and spirits.

Come listen as we talk about the characters Aida brought together in this dual-perspective novel, the challenges facing young people today around digital technology and social media and her hopes for readers to thoughtfully and intentionally examine their own digital lives and reconnect with the natural world.

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

STREAM by Aida Salazar (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Aida online:

Website: http://www.aidasalazar.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aida_writes/

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:

🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!

Happy Monday!

I’m not sure how it happened, but the month of June is coming to a close and July is almost here! Time is moving so quickly and I am determined to better enjoy the coming month more than I did the last one.

Enter books.

I’ve got a collection of picture books to share that will help you sink into a lovely summer season and make the most of the days ahead. They’re beautiful and delightful!

Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new episode too!

Happy reading!

Stephanie

Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉

Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:

🎉MABEL’S MUSEUM OF WONDERS by Dana Wulfekotte (Amazon / Bookshop)

As someone who adores miniature things, this delightful book about collections and friendship went straight to my heart. Mabel is a wombat who loves collecting tiny treasures. But after a recent move, the one thing she doesn’t have is a friend to share her treasures with, so she decides to open her very own “Museum of Wonders!” But will anyone show up who will appreciate her collections like she does? I know I would and now, I want to open a museum for the childhood collections I saved, too!

🎉STUBBY: A PENCIL’S JOURNEY by Sydra Mallery (Amazon / Bookshop)

Every single person who enjoys reading and writing needs to have this book on their shelf! As a child, I could watch the video about how crayons were made over and over and over again and as an adult who loves to write, I’ll be reading this book over and over and over again. It’s a humorous and informational account of a pencil’s journey from cedar tree to classroom as told by a stubby little pencil himself. =)

🎉A COZY SUMMER DAY by Eliza Wheeler (Amazon / Bookshop)

New York Times bestselling author Eliza Wheeler’s companion to A Cozy Winter Day welcomes readers into sun-dappled scenes of a cozy summer in Acorn Village, bringing the joys of summertime to refreshingly vivid life. Do you want to slow down and really embody the beauty and presence of summer? Start with this book!

The 250th Anniversary: THE DECLARATION DECODED by Katie Kennedy

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Katie Kennedy about her newest book: THE DECLARATION DECODED.

This inviting book goes through the Declaration of Independence sentence by sentence idea by idea, and gives readers not only a deep understanding of the language, but also the historical background against which it was written and the powerful arguments it makes some of which we are still having 250 years later.

Come listen as we talk about exactly how Katie makes American history so accessible and interesting, the key aspects of the Declaration that are most misunderstood and the importance of the document in today’s world, too.

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

THE DECLARATION DECODED by Katie Kennedy (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Katie online:

Website: https://katiekennedybooks.com/

Bluesky: https://blueskydirectory.com/profiles/katiewritesbks.bsky.social

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:

🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!

Happy Monday!

Monday always feels better after a weekend full of books, bookstores and bookish friends. Lucky for me, this feeling will continue as I release an episode that will wrap you in love, too. Pooja is a repeat guest on the podcast and we had an important conversation for all.

Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new episode!

Happy reading!

Stephanie

Caring in Community: TOGETHER FOR MAMA by Pooja Makhijani

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Pooja Makhijani about her newest picture book: TOGETHER FOR MAMA.

This beautiful picture book is a story about care and how it moves through family and communities, how children witness it and how they offer it in return. This is a beautiful story of hope and healing for all of us.

Come listen as we talk about the deeply personal inspiration behind the book, the stunning fusion of words and images that bring the book to life and Pooja’s heartfelt hopes for collective care and understanding, not just for postpartum depression, but for anything we might face.

Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

TOGETHER FOR MAMA by Pooja Makhijani (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Pooja online:

Website: https://www.poojamakhijani.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laborofloaf

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