A number of you have asked about plans to celebrate the 500th episode and, the truth is, you’re all part of the plan. I end every episode of the show by asking guests, “I’ll see a library full of children tomorrow morning. Is there a message I can bring to them from you?” And as most of you know, I really do see a library full of children each day. Actually, it’s a school of about 600. Located just west of Baltimore. These students are on my mind with every single interview I record, and so I thought I’d use this milestone to center them a little more. I would love to give each of our students a book and a message. Maybe you’re an author or illustrator and you have a book of your own you want to share. Maybe you’re a teacher or a librarian or a parent and you have a favorite book you think a child would love. In celebration of 500 episodes of The Children’s Book Podcast, I’m asking you to consider sending a message in a book to my students. My hope is that over the course of a month we’ll gather 500 books or maybe even enough so that each child can have a book. It’s a tall order, but it’s also the very best way I can think to celebrate this milestone. Books can be mailed throughout the month of April to: Matthew C. Winner c/o Swansfield Elementary School 5610 Cedar Lane Columbia, MD 21044 Thank you for listening to the podcast, for caring about the guests I have on, and for helping spread the love for their books. I’m glad to have you on this journey with me. I’m including a mailing address in the show notes which you on right now on the device you’re using to listen to this.