Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt about her newest picture book: KAT & BRANDY.

This is a delightfully inspiring, empowering and heartwarming tale about the powerful connection between animals and humans and the enduring friendships that can change a child’s life. 

Come listen as we talk about the personal connections from Katherine’s childhood found in the pages, the incredible themes of animals, nature and friendship readers will experience and the reasons why readers of all ages need this beautiful 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/2025/11/03/childhood-connections-kat-brandy-by-katherine-schwarzenegger-pratt/

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 Tara J. Hannon about her newest illustrated chapter book releases: THE ONLY GHOST IN SCHOOL & THE ONLY GHOST AT SUMMER CAMP.

These titles are the first two books in Tara’s new illustrated chapter book series that highlight themes of friendship, belonging, communication and overcoming differences. They are full of delightful illustrations and color and are sure to capture readers’ hearts.

Come listen as we talk about Tara’s journey as both an illustrator and author, the themes that show up in her books as pieces of her own human journey and the nod to Brene Brown that we explore in 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/2025/10/30/a-sense-of-belonging-the-only-ghost-in-school-the-only-ghost-at-summer-camp-by-tara-j-hannon/

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 Aaron Reynolds about the first book in his new middle grade series: JASPER RABBIT’S CREEPY TALES: TROUBLING TONSILS.

In this illustrated chapter book series, readers are reunited with Jasper Rabbit as he narrates a new set of creepy tales. In TROUBLING TONSILS, Charlie Marmot needs to have his infected tonsils removed, but creepiness sets in on the day of the surgery when he realizes they are already gone. It’s delightfully creepy!

Come listen as we talk about Aaron’s basis in theater that brought him to children’s literature, the 390 rejection letters received over 5 years, the reason he never gave up writing and the mission he has to write for kids who were just like him as a child. You’ll LOVE this conversation, I promise!

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/2025/10/27/creepy-reading-fun-jasper-rabbits-creepy-tales-troubling-tonsils-by-aaron-reynolds/https://www.alitlife.com/2025/10/27/creepy-reading-fun-jasper-rabbits-creepy-tales-troubling-tonsils-by-aaron-reynolds/

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 Rebecca Danzenbaker about her debut young adult novel: SOULMATCH.

In this book, readers enter a world where past lives determine their future and meet Sivon, a sharp-witted girl who confronts a major twist of destiny. This young adult speculative romance will have you enthralled on every single page, I promise. 

Come listen as we talk about how Rebecca’s varied career led her right to this book, the themes of friendship that run through the pages and the questions readers can’t help but think about as they read. This is a book that will be read, reread and shared from reader to reader.

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/2025/10/23/past-lives-aligning-with-present-lives-soulmatch-by-rebecca-danzenbaker/

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 Laura Murray about her newest early reader graphic novel: THE GINGERBREAD MAN: NEW FRIEND ON THE LOOSE.

In this delightful early graphic novel, the Gingerbread Man bakes a new cookie friend who takes a class on a bit of an adventure. This book, along with all of the other books in the series, are inviting, packed with action and learning and are completely full of fun. 

Come listen as we talk about the origin story behind the book series and Laura’s career as an author, the 3 R’s she strives to include in each of her books, the themes present across the stories and her hopes that the books act as springboards for children’s own stories and writing. 

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/2025/10/20/the-gingerbread-man-new-friend-on-the-loose-by-laura-murray/

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 Ana Siqueira about her newest picture book: STICKY HERMANA.

This picture book is a fun read aloud that features the ups and downs of sibling love that’s full of humor, heart and Spanish, too. 

Come listen as we talk about Ana’s journey through children’s literature, the real-life inspiration behind her new picture book and the inspiring advice she has for others who want to publish in children’s literature, 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/2025/10/16/exploring-sibling-relationships-sticky-hermana-by-ana-siqueira/

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 Cristina Oxtra about her debut picture book: WHAT LOLO WANTS.

In this heartwarming story, a girl and her grandfather share a love beyond words. It’s sweet, it’s moving and it’s a wonderful conversation starter about how to navigate through family changes by continuing to care and connect. 

Come listen as we talk about how Cristina found her reading and writing roots in Sesame Street, the beautiful bookish legacy she is leaving behind for her grandfather, the kidlit mentors that showed her a path forward and the perspective shift that can change everything. This conversation was a delight!

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/2025/10/13/love-beyond-words-what-lolo-wants-by-cristina-oxtra/

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 Shannon Hale and Marcela Cespedes about their middle grade collaboration: DREAM ON.

This middle grade graphic novel explores family dynamics and financial pressures along with high sensitivity and big emotions. 

Come listen as we talk about how this collaboration came to be, the pieces of both of them that are on the page (and me…and likely you, too!), the reason why Marcela is able to capture the emotion on the page so well and the message the book has for all readers and Shannon shares in the Author’s Note.

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/2025/10/09/highly-sensitive-people-dream-on-with-shannon-hale-and-marcela-cespedes/

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 Jeanne Birdsall about her newest middle grade rom-com: THE LIBRARY OF UNRULY TREASURES.

This book is a love letter to libraries, magic, family, friendship and adventure wrapped around the love of a particular library. It’s simply delightful.

Come listen as we talk about Jeanne’s journey into children’s literature, her love of research into the real and imaginary, the respite that readers will find inside the pages of this book and the unexpected books she may or may not be working on next. 

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/2025/10/06/a-love-letter-to-libraries-the-library-of-unruly-treasures-by-jeanne-birdsall/

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

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Emma Otheguy about her middle grade fantasy novel: COUSINS IN THE TIME OF MAGIC.

In this book, three cousins get transported back to 1862 to play an important role in The Battle of Puebla, the reason we celebrate Cinco de Mayo today. This enchanting middle grade fantasy adventure will teach you a thing or two and give you a new family to root for, too.

Come listen as we talk about Emma’s journey to children’s literature via a PhD in History, the elements of our history that she threads together so beautifully in the book and her goal for all readers…not to mention a sneak peek into the sequel!

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/2025/10/02/connected-history-comes-alive-cousins-in-the-time-of-magic-by-emma-otheguy/

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