On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Audrey Perrott about her newest picture book: A Hat for House.

This delightful picture book tells the story of what happens when a storm blows House’s roof away. It’s a reassuring tale of community, of coming together during any storm and of being yourself, too. 

Come listen as we talk about the dual inspiration behind the book, the important reminders that might find readers inside the pages and the gorgeous illustrations, 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/2025/01/20/layers-of-lessons-a-hat-for-house-with-audrey-perrott/

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 Heather Bouwman about her newest middle grade novel: Scattergood.

This heart-piercing historical fiction novel brings young readers to rural Iowa in 1941 where twelve-year-old Peggy’s quiet life is turned upside down by refugee arrivals, first love and a heart-breaking diagnosis.

Come listen as we talk about the backstory behind the long journey to this particular book, the inspiration behind it and the themes that will likely resonate with the readers that need them.

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 author Maria Marianayagam about her newest middle grade novel: No Purchase Necessary.

This book is about a Sri Lanka boy’s life that spirals out of control when he wins a prize in a stolen candy bar, pushing him to navigate his identity amid his ever watchful family. 

Come listen as we talk about the threads that are evident across Maria’s book, the important themes found inside the book and the multiple entry points around candy cars, karate and poetry 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/2025/01/13/themes-entry-points-no-purchase-necessary-with-maria-marianayagam/

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 Elly Swartz about her newest middle grade novel: Same Page. 

This book is a book for every book-lover. It follows Bess Stein, her friends and a group of rockstar librarians called The Book Warriors as they fight against book-banning. Plus, it’s a book about families and how they work, anxiety and the toolkits we can build for ourselves and so much more. 

Come listen as we talk about the power of middle grade books, the importance of reading freedom and how we can all find ourselves on the page. 

One more thing: We are offering a GIVE-AWAY if you listen to this episode! Listen, find the post for this episode on social media and tag your favorite book warriors. We’ll choose a winner to receive a SIGNED BOOK on Same Page’s book birthday: January 14!

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/2025/01/09/freadom-forgiveness-finding-your-voice-same-page-with-elly-swartz/

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 Amy Makechnie about her newest middle grade novel: The McNifficents.

This middle grade novel tells the story of six rambunctious children and their nanny, who happens to be a very dignified Miniature Schnauzer.

Come listen as we talk about Amy’s journey to children’s literature, how her first middle grade novel was originally written for adults and how pieces of her real life are woven throughout the pages. The conversation was fun, uplifting and I can’t wait to read her entire backlist.

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/2025/01/06/writing-pieces-of-life-the-mcnifficents-with-amy-makechnie/

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 Jyoti Rajan Gopal about her newest picture book: Love is Here With You. 

This beautiful book is wrapped in comfort and love as readers listen to a beautiful lullaby perfect for bedtime reading or anytime we want to feel warmly embraced.

Come listen as we talk about how Jyoti went from a Kindergarten teacher to prolific author, how her new book feels like a warm hug and how it acts as a portal for new learning at the same time.

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/2025/01/02/lullaby-blessings-love-is-here-with-you-by-jyoti-rajan-gopal/

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 Yamile Saied Mendez about her newest middle grade novel: The Beautiful Game.

The Beautiful Game is an uplifting, heartfelt novel about family, self-confidence, the power of second chances and soccer, too. 

Come listen as we talk about the power of the page, how Yamile’s character-driven books come to her, the importance of strong, confident characters and much, much more. 

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/2024/12/30/confidence-and-second-chances-the-beautiful-game-by-yamile-saied-mendez/

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 Sara Holly Ackerman and Alona Millgram about their newest picture book: Challah for Shabbat Tonight.

This beautiful picture book celebrates Jewish joy and intergenerational love as it follows a girl and her grandmother preparing for Shabbat dinner by baking traditional challah from scratch. 

We talk about the book and Sara’s inspiration behind it, how Alona brought the beautiful story to life and the underlying universal themes of food, family and love. 

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/2024/12/23/celebrating-family-food-challah-for-shabbat-tonight-with-sara-holly-ackerman-and-alona-millgram/

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 James Preller about his newest middle grade novel: Shaken. 

This book is about a girl who has dedicated her whole life to soccer and finds herself with a serious concussion after a play went wrong in the game. The aftermath is difficult and threatens to undo everything Kristy has worked for. 

Come listen as we talk about James’ wide career across multiple levels and genres, how he follows his enthusiasm when deciding what to write next and the learning process of bringing a book 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/2024/12/20/follow-the-enthusiasm-shaken-with-james-preller/

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 Alex London & Paul O. Zelinsky about their picture book: Still Life.

This delightful book invites readers into the world of art…but that world isn’t always what it seems.

Come listen as we talk about the middle-of-the-night moment that inspired the book, the process of creating such immersive illustrations and how it all comes together for readers. We’ll even reference a fun Easter Egg for readers to find, 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/2024/12/16/getting-the-inside-scoop-on-still-life-with-alex-london-paul-o-zelinsky/

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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