On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer about their newest picture book together: The ABCs of Women’s History.

This book is a beautiful, powerful celebration of women…their history and their future… and centers on the diversity of the disruptors who blazed a path forward for everyone.

Come listen as we talk about their recent journeys into children’s literature, the process of how they chose to bring this important topic to life and their 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/2025/02/24/the-abcs-of-womens-history-by-rio-cortez-lauren-semmer/

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 Liana Finck about her newest picture book: Mixed Feelings. 

This picture book explores the nuance of feelings young readers experience in a uniquely validating and heartfelt way. I'd add that many adult readers will find their feelings validated in this book, too.

Come listen as we talk about Liana’s love of drawing and the importance behind it, how she creates her drawing and double page spreads and the power of picture books for both children and adults. 

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/2025/02/20/feeling-emotions-mixed-feelings-with-liana-finck/

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 Padma Venkatraman about her newest middle grade novel: Safe Harbor.

This gorgeous novel-in-verse tells the story of two kids who help rescue a wounded seal and in doing so, learn it's okay to show their emotions and find their own safe harbors. It has so many effortless layers inside that readers will find love and hope in.

Come listen as we talk about the inspiration behind the book, the way Padma’s writing and work life combine and the new role models this book provides 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/2025/02/17/layers-of-emotion-safe-harbor-with-padma-venkatraman/

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 Azadeh Westergaard about her newest picture book: The One and Only Googoosh.

This beautiful picture book is the author’s love letter to Iran and a celebration of an iconic Iranian woman. The prose is lyrical and emotional and the illustrations are immersive and unique.

Come listen as we talk about the inspiration behind the book, explore the inviting format and chat about Azadeh’s process for research, writing and illustrating.

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/2025/02/13/a-gorgeous-experience-the-one-and-only-googoosh-with-azadeh-westergaard/

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 Brian Weisfeld about his books for entrepreneurial kids: You’re the Boss.

This book is just what every budding entrepreneur needs, child or adult. It’s filled with easy-to-digest information, inspirational stories and immediate actions to bring your dreams to life. 

Come listen as we talk about Brian’s journey, his books and his powerful message for all readers. This isn’t just a book about starting a business, this is a book about developing a mindset that will serve us well throughout 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/2025/02/10/kids-as-entrepreneurs-youre-the-boss-with-brian-weisfeld/

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 Tracy Badua about her newest middle grade novel: Thea and the Mischief Makers.

This book has a cast of characters to love, including two Filipino goblins threatening to wreak havoc on the characters’ lives and town. It has such beautiful themes to explore inside and you won't want to miss this episode. 

Come listen as we talk about Tracy’s philosophy for writing, the inspiration behind the book and the phrase I cannot get out of my head ever since I read 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/2025/02/06/layering-reality-with-magic-thea-and-the-mischief-makers-by-tracy-badua/

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 Britnee Meiser about her middle grade debut: All My Bests.

This upper middle grade novel is told in a delightful format of letters and playlists and follows Immie and Jack as their long-time friendship starts changing.

Come listen as we talk about the unique way Britnee’s writing career got started, how she weaves in such important themes for this age group and her next book to be released soon, 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/2025/02/03/changing-friendships-all-my-bests-with-britnee-meiser/

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 Nashae Jones about her newest middle grade novel: As You Wish.

In this middle grade novel, a girl learns the hard way to be careful what she wishes for and features a chaos-loving West African Trickster God. It has all the things we look for in a middle grade novel with a bit of magic, too.  

Come listen as we talk about Shanae’s love of children’s literature, what finally helped her find her writing joy and how middle grade novels can help readers find themselves AND a bit of empathy, 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/2025/01/30/finding-ourselves-others-as-you-wish-by-nashae-jones/

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 Thomas Wheeler about the first book in his new middle grade series: Everwhen School of Time Travel and Other Odd Sciences: The Doomsday Vault. 

This book is an action-packed, truly unique time-and-place experience that is sure to hook middle grade readers with its fun action and the deeper themes threaded throughout. 

Come listen as we talk about Thomas’s journey to children’s literature, the inspiration behind the book and the ‘eat your vegetables’ writing it required. As Thomas says in the episode, science and imagination can be friends and this book proves that in the most delightful way. 

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/2025/01/27/new-middle-grade-adventure-series-the-doomsday-vault-with-thomas-wheeler/ 

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 David A. Kelly about his newest early chapter books: Satchel’s Stolen Strike and The Two-Minute Warning. 

These books are from his beloved series: Ballpark Mysteries and Football Mysteries. David’s books have been connecting with sports and mystery-minded readers for years and his collection keeps on growing. 

Come listen as we talk about the spark that started it all, his enviable process of book research and what his hopes are for the series.

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/2025/01/23/baseball-mysteries-football-mysteries-with-david-a-kelly/

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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