Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Simon Stephenson about his new book for young readers: THE SNOWMAN CODE.

In this cozy winter story, a six hundred year old snowman and a ten and a half year old girl strike up an unlikely friendship as they try to bring an end to the longest winter ever. 

Come listen as we talk about Simon’s journey through medicine and screenwriting on his way to children’s literature, the backstory of the heartwarming characters on the pages and his hopes for readers as they get the book into their hands in the United States. 

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/2025/12/15/heartwarming-characters-to-love-the-snowman-code-by-simon-stephenson/

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 Claudia Ruesda about her newest picture book: MEET THE SMUSHKINS.

This adorable book explores what it means to make a house a home. With its bright and inviting illustrations, you won’t want to close the final page. It’s truly a feel-good book. 

Come listen as we talk about the importance of play and wonder in childhood, the delightful personalities of each Smushkin in the book and the importance of reading, play, wonder and curiosity as children grow into their adult lives. Plus, you’ll hear what my wish for the book is….it involved a stuffed animal house with ten Smushkins to smush 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/2025/12/08/delightful-fun-meet-the-smushkins-by-claudia-rueda/

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:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Dan Gutman about his newest middle grade novel: THE PICASSO CURSE.

This middle grade novel follows Edwin as he weighs what to do about a million dollar Picasso doodle he found tucked behind his thrift store poster frame. It’s full of art history and action and I devoured it in a single sitting. 

Come listen as we talk about the ideas Dan had for the book that finally came together, the What-If questions that drive the reader into the book, the relatable decision anxiety the main character faces and the ending that you’ll love to hate. 

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/2025/12/04/immersive-action-the-picasso-curse-by-dan-gutman/

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:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kam Redlawsk about her debut picture book: YUMI & MONSTER.

This truly stunning picture book will inspire anyone (everyone!) who has faced illness, loss or any life situation that seems insurmountable. It’s a journey into the emotions we feel when faced with unexpected challenges and incites readers to discover the beauty, magic and adventure that lie beyond the fear, in ourselves. 

Come listen as we talk about Kam’s journey to children’s literature, her personal story that inspired this beautiful picture book, a bit more about her advocacy work for disabilities and her hopes for readers. We also talk about the incredible last line of the book, something sure to stay in your heart forever. 

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/2025/12/01/finding-strength-yumi-monster-by-kam-redlawsk/

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:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Alison Green Myers about her newest middle grade novel: THIS WAY TO HAPPY.

This is a heartwarming novel about loss, friendship and the many paths we take to create happiness set at a family amusement park. I hugged the book when I was finished and I did not want to let it go. 

Come listen as we talk about the inspiration for the book (that could be seen as 47 years in the making!), the importance of signs (both physical and metaphorical) and the beautiful hope Alison has for the book and its 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/2025/11/24/big-feelings-messy-families-this-way-to-happy-by-alison-green-myers/

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:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Holly Goldberg Sloan about her newest middle grade novel: FINDING LOST.

In this book, readers meet Cordy, a girl who is grieving the loss of her father when a scrappy dog wanders into her life, a dog she names Lost. 

Come listen as we talk about Holly’s background in film and television, the character-driven way she starts her stories, her personal connections to the book and her hopes for readers to feel deeply and share those feelings with others. 

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/2025/11/17/honoring-friendship-owls-fall-feast-fiasco-by-kristen-remenar/

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:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kristen Remenar about her newest picture book release: OWL’S FALL FEAST FIASCO.

This is a delightful book about planning a Fall Feast and learning about our friends in the process. It’s for both young readers and old and is perfect to read at this seasonal time of the year.

Come listen as we talk about how Kristen’s birthday sparked the idea for the first book in her picture book series, why she wanted to write a book with a platypus in it and the surprises tucked inside from the illustrator…her husband Matt Faulkner.

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/2025/11/17/honoring-friendship-owls-fall-feast-fiasco-by-kristen-remenar/

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:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sarah Scheerger about her newest picture book: DUDE, BE NICE.

This book was inspired by the real-life Dude. Be Nice. project and follows an adorable bear named Dude who thinks he is the nicest bear in town, but quickly learns that sometimes, the nicest thing a person can do is ask if and how a person wants to be helped.

Come listen as we talk about Sarah’s love of story that finds its way into every book, the themes that are woven into the pages and the beautiful backstory behind the book. Dude is a character that will sit on your shoulder long after you close the book and Sarah’s curriculum guides will help teachers and librarians harness the power of the book to spark kindness and empathy. 

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/2025/11/13/spreading-kindness-dude-be-nice-by-sarah-scheerger/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:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Rachel Rene Russell and Nikki Russell, the mother-daughter, author-illustrator team behind the newest full-color release in their DORK DIARIES series: TALES FROM A NOT SO FABULOUS LIFE.

This series follows Nikki Maxwell  as she chronicles her life through text and art: her move to a new school, her battles with Queen Bee Makenzie and her zany adventures with her two BFF’s.

Come listen as we talk about the origin story of the series and the evolution it’s taken over 18 books and counting. We’ll also dive into how Rachel and Nikki work together and the process of bringing the book to life in color that includes hundreds and hundreds of color layers.  This is a delightful conversation that could have kept going for hours. =)

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/2025/11/10/dork-diaries-tales-from-a-not-so-fabulous-life-by-rachel-rene-russell-nikki-russell

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:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Megan Litwin about her newest picture book: GATHER GRATEFUL.

This is a stunning picture book that welcomes the arrival of Fall in a season of community and Thanksgiving. The rhymes will captivate you and the incredible illustrations will have you feeling grateful, warm and cozy.

Come listen as we talk about the pivotal moments in Megan’s writing career, the one word that planted the seed for this book in her notebook and her hopes that readers will tuck this book into their hearts forever.

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/2025/11/06/gratitude-gathering-gather-grateful-by-megan-litwin/

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:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit