The Children's Book Podcast

Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd of Alphabet Rockers share YOU ARE NOT ALONE, a story reminding us that when we step up to support one another, we can make a world where everyone knows they belong.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: You Are Not Alone by Alphabet Rockers; illustrated by Ashley Evans.

Page Length: 56 pages

Ages 4 to 8

It can be scary to feel like you're all on your own, especially in the face of prejudice and injustice. But always remember: you are not alone! With uplifting text and colorful art, You Are Not Alone shows readers that when we step up to support one another, we can make a world where everyone knows they belong.

Featuring a heartfelt message and stunning illustrations, this special story makes for a read-aloud that parents, caregivers, and children will want to return to again and again.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(8:48) "It's really our job as your adult friends, in a way, to make sure that other adults and kids know that your story matters and you're actually like, 'We believe you'."

(11:57) " When you sing you actually can let go of some stuff. You can just be really in your soul for a minute. And even if you're feeling the sad parts or the mad parts, it's still you. You're you."

(12:29) "Sometimes you sing out and dance out and people don't make you feel good, but that's about them. It's not about you."

(12:36) "The biggest time that I feel like I wish I was being heard was when I'm, unfortunately, talking about something some type of injustice or some type of way that isn't okay."

(21:47) "Point to your neighbor and tell 'em, "I got your back" on both sides. I got your back. You know you shine."

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Alphabet Rockers Website - alphabetrockers.com

• Purchase the Book - You Are Not Alone

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. What are ways that you help your friends and classmates feel included? What are ways that others have included you in activities or games?

2. Who is an adult that you trust? What is it about this adult (the language they use with you, their behavior, their overall approachability) that makes them someone who you feel like you can turn to?

3. What are some things that make you feel good? Do they include games? Activities? Doing something with others? Doing something by yourself? Make a list of five things that make you feel good, then share your list with someone who also listened to this podcast episode. How are your lists similar? How are they different? What might be an activity that you could do together that would make you both feel good?

4. Who is someone you could reach out to today to say, "I got your back"? What does it mean to have someone's back? What does it look like?

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children's Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Write to me or send me a message at [email protected].

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2023), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - link

• 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - link

• Purchase any of the Books - link

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. What types of stories are honored by the Sydney Taylor Book Award? What other book awards have you encountered? And what kinds of special stories or characteristics do they celebrate?

2. What was one of the books that stood out to you from the 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award winners and honors? What made this book sound especially appealing to you?

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children's Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Write to me or send me a message at [email protected].

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

Traci Sorell and Madelyn Goodnight share POWWOW DAY, an uplifting, contemporary Native American story about a girl named River, who is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Powwow Day by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Page Length: 32 pages

Ages 8 to 8, Grades P to 3

In this uplifting, contemporary Native American story, River is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again?

River wants so badly to dance at powwow day as she does every year. Follow River's journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.

Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(4:55) "There's so much to see and do. The sights and smells. So much good food. So much great dancing and music. [Powwow is] just such a beautiful event that lasts all day that really helps you connect with that heritage and that culture and become immersed in it. "

(5:12) "For myself, being at a powwow is a sensory overload sometimes because there are wonderful smells from the food, and the sound of the drum, the laughter, the singing. I am overwhelmed visually by all the different regalia that everyone's wearing and all of the just gorgeous colors. And you know that so many people's families and friends have taken time to put that regalia together. So it's just visually so beautiful."

(7:17) "Everyone is welcome at the powwow."

(11:58) "All of us at various times have to ask for help or have to take time out from things that we wanna do, that we love to do. And other people care for us, right? And love us and pray for us, and, um, help us through those things. "

(20:52) "You all have so many stories inside you and I can't wait to experience what you're gonna share with the world. So please, please share your stories with us. "

(21:03) "I think Powwow Day and powwows in general about are all about celebration, celebration of heritage and culture and the things you like to do and dance, so I would encourage everybody to read Powwow Day and learn about powwows, but also just do something to celebrate yourself and celebrate your own culture and something you like to do. And, um, dancing is always a good way to do it."

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Traci Sorell's Website - TraciSorell.com
• Madelyn Goodnight's Website - MadelynGoodnight.com
• Purchase the Book - Powwow Day
• Purchase the Book - Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids
• Gathering of Nations - https://www.gatheringofnations.com/

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. What is a powwow? Can anyone participate in a powwow? What are some of sensory details (things you might see, hear, smell, touch) that Traci and Madelyn shared?
2. Can you think of a time when you or someone in your family wore special clothes for an event? (baptism, wedding, powwow, bar or bat mitzvah, Eid al-Fitr, etc.) What were you (and others) celebrating? How did it feel to wear these special clothes?
3. Have you ever missed out on something that you were anticipating or looking forward to? Share your memory with someone near you. What happened? What emotions did you feel at the time? How did things turn out?

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children's Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Write to me or send me a message at [email protected].

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi of CLC Collective share LOVE WITHOUT BOUNDS, a story honoring the diversity of family life and what family can mean based on our intersecting identities and experiences.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Love Without Bounds: An Intersectionallies Book about Families by Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi

Page Length: 48 pages

Ages 6 to 12

This follow-up to the critically acclaimed IntersectionAllies: We Make Room For All honors the diversity of family life and what family can mean based on our intersecting identities and experiences.

Written by three celebrated women of color sociologists, Love without Bounds: An IntersectionAllies Book about Families is a joyful, heartwarming celebration of family in all its forms: multicultural families; LGBTQ+ families; adoptive and foster care families; single-parent and blended families; transnational families; families impacted by incarceration, detention, and deportation; chosen families; military families; and more. By focusing on the choices families make to persistently love and care for one another in the face of inequality and inequity, Love without Bounds is a necessary resource to make sure all kids feel seen and loved for who they are in community with each another.

Features gorgeous illustrations throughout by Ashley Seil Smith and a colorful, informative discussion guide that explains the concepts shown in the book.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(13:05) "Family can be really complicated."

(13:22) "Throughout the course of our lives, we may lose family, we may find family, we may rediscover family, we create our own families."

(14:09) "There is no type of family that is normal or best."

(16:01) "We need to advocate for all families to be able to live and love and, you know, exist alongside one another."

(19:26) "The readers we have in mind are youth that are going through ups and downs of family life and transformation, as well as the adults who continue to process the impact of childhood families and our current experiences as adults, creating families of our own."

(18:06) "All of [your] hopes, feelings, and struggles matter. Even in the moments and times that [you] don't feel family, [don't] worry because [you] will discover family again and again throughout life. Starting with this library room. "

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Website - CLC Collective
• Purchase the Book - Love Without Bounds: An Intersectionallies Book about Families
• Purchase the Book - IntersectionAllies: We Make Room For All
• Dottir Press - https://www.dottirpress.com/love-without-bounds

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. Who is in your family? Who do you consider part of your family? What different types of relationships do you have with the people in your family?
2. What is a "nuclear" family? Do you live in a nuclear family? If not, what word might you use to describe the kind of family in which you live?
3. Dr. Chelsea mentioned that illustrator Ashley Seil Smith hid an animal on each page of Love Without Bounds as well as IntersectionAllies. Can you remember what kind of animal appears on each page?
4. Why do you think it's important to learn about families that look different from yours? How does your family look similar to the family in which your grownup grew up? How is it different?

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children's Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

Benson Shum shares ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU, a story about a kaiju with an unconventional gift, and it's sequel, ANZU THE GREAT LISTENER, which asks us to consider how not all acts of kindness are perceived as intended.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Anzu the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum

Page Length: 40 pages

Ages 4 to 8

All great Kaiju are born with a super power to strike fear in the heart of the city. But Anzu is different.

Instead of mayhem, he likes May flowers. Instead of striking fear, he prefers to be sincere.

Can Anzu find a way to make his family proud and stay true to his kind self?

From Disney animator and illustrator Bensom Shum comes an adorable and heartwarming picture book about making your own way and the unexpected power of gentleness.

Anzu the Great Listener by Benson Shum

Page Length: 40 pages

Ages 4 to 8

Anzu the kaiju loves to tend to his bonsai.

Whenever he feels overwhelmed or unsettled, it helps him pause and reminds him to just . . . breathe.

One day, when Anzu hears crying in the distance, he's eager to help! The flower-power that makes his bonsai bloom has a way of making others smile.

But when Anzu's flowers seem to lose their power, hurting more than they help, he's not sure where to turn--until he remembers some valuable lessons he learned from his bonsai tree.

In Anzu the Great Listener, creator and Walt Disney Studios animator Benson Shum illustrates the importance of patience, empathy, and above all, taking the time to listen.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(5:53) "What if not all of kaijus want to destroy? What if they wanna bring joy or kindness? What would that look like in their world?"

(7:13) "Sometimes I think it's a nice reminder to just listen, you know? And that silence between the two can make all the difference."

(10:45) "I think even kids, when they find something that's individual to them, making them happy, would actually make people around them just as happy, "

(14:53) "We all listen in different ways. Just letting the person finish what they're saying is an act of listening, you know? …And maybe not trying to solve a problem if they have a problem and just kind of let them speak what they're saying. And then, if they ask for help, then maybe you can jump in and have a suggestion. I think that's an act of listening as well."

(18:06) "Be kind. Listen to one another. Ask your teacher, a librarian like yourself, a friend, a family member, "How are you doing today?" And listen to what they have to say. To be heard and listened to can make a person's day from just those few words."

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Website - Benson Shum
• Purchase the Book - Anzu the Great Kaiju
• Purchase the Book - Anzu the Great Listener
• Teachers guide and activities - https://bensonshum.com/activities/
• Anzu the Great Listener (Teacher's Guide) - http://bensonshum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Anzu-the-Great-Listener-Guide-w-Activity-Kit.pdf
• Anzu the Great Kaiju (Teacher's Guide) - http://bensonshum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Anzu-the-Great-Kaiju-Guide.pdf

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. What are some examples of kaiju that you can think of? What kind of kaiju would you be okay with discovering was coming for a visit? What kind of kaiju would you definitely want to avoid?
2. What are some ways in which Benson is similar to Anzu? In what ways are they different? What are ways that you are similar (or different) to Benson?
3. What does being a good listener look like to you? How does it sound? How does it feel? How does it make others feel?
4. Why do you think the book jacket is called a "book jacket"? What purpose does the book jacket serve? Can you think of any other books you've encountered where the cover art differs from the jacket art? Why do you think an artist might do this?

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children's Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent book stores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

Visit thewritingbarn.com and click on "Classes" to sign up for "Becoming A Better Storyteller Through Podcasting" with me, Matthew Winner.

Registration for the webinar is $25 and you can join live from 11-12:30 CT or view the archived recording via REPLAY within 48 hours of the event. Or both!

PLUS, you're one step closer to bringing your podcast idea AND your voice into the world. Which means we're one step closer to being colleagues! I love it!

Suma Subramaniam shares NAMASTE IS A GREETING, a sweet, universal text shining a light on a word with significance far beyond yoga class, and SHE SANG FOR INDIA, a picture book biography about M.S. Subbulakshmi, a powerful Indian singer who advocated for justice and peace through song.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Namaste Is a Greeting by Suma Subramaniam; illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Page Length: 32 pages

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

What is namaste? It's found in a smile, a friendship, a celebration. It exists in silence; it can be said when you're happy or when you're feeling low.

For one small girl in a bustling city, namaste ("I bow to you") is all around her as she and her mother navigate a busy marketplace--and when she returns with a little plant and chooses to give it to an elderly neighbor, it can be seen in the caring bond between them. In a sweet, universal text, debut author Suma Subramaniam shines a light on a word with significance far beyond yoga class, while artist Sandhya Prabhat makes the concept of mindfulness come alive in delightful illustrations likely to draw children in again and again.

She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change by Suma Subramaniam; illustrated by Shreya Gupta

Page Length: 40 pages

Ages 4 to 8

Before M.S. Subbulakshmi was a famous Carnatic singer and the first Indian woman to perform at the United Nations, she was a young girl with a prodigious voice.

But Subbulakshmi was not free to sing everywhere. In early 1900s India, girls were not allowed to perform for the public. So Subbulakshmi busted barriers to sing at small festivals. Eventually, she broke tradition to record her first album. She did not stop here. At Gandhi's request, Subbulakshmi sang for India's freedom. Her fascinating odyssey stretched across borders, and soon she was no longer just a young prodigy. She was a woman who changed the world.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(5:26) "My family was not made rich by wealth, but we were made rich by people."

(10:59) "The power of such diverse friendships is the, you know, is, is the bonding and the hope that it brings in times of adversity."

(12:42) "There is no Carnatic music without M.S. Subbulakshmi, and there is no M.S. Subbulakshmi without Carnatic music."

(18:11) "Art and music are great tools to channel our energy and bring about a positive change, especially in the minds of young people."

(18:57) "One doesn't need to know the language to appreciate good music."

(20:14) "You are loved. And this holiday season I hope you pay attention to species of all kinds who are lonely or who are having a difficult winter, and you give them a little bit of your time."

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Website - Suma Subramaniam
• M.S. Subbalakshmi performing "Bhaja Govidam"
• Purchase the Book - Namaste is a Greeting
• Purchase the Book - She Sang for India

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. Namaste is a sanskrit word. Can you recall what it means? What moments in your day have you practiced namaste? And what opportunities might you have to practice namaste before the day's end?
2. M.S. Subbulakshmi was a famous carnatic singer. How would you describe the music that she made? What does it make you feel? Does it remind you of any music you've heard before? What instruments could you hear in the recording that was shared?
3. What is activism? And what barriers or limitations did M.S. Subbulakshmi work to break down or to make possible for others after her through her music?
4. BONUS: Suma mentioned her dog in her introduction and said that the dog likes to do something that, I'm guessing, is not a typical thing that dogs like to do. Can you recall what she shared?

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children's Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Anchor.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

DISCLAIMER: Bookshop.org affiliate links provided for any book titles mentioned in the episode. Bookshop.org support independent book stores and also shares a small percentage of any sales made through this podcast back to me, which helps to fund production of this show.

Rebecca Sheir shares THE GREAT BALL GAME, a classic folktale originating from the Cherokee, Creek, Ojibway and Menominee people of North America, adapted for a contemporary audience by the host of the Circle Round podcast.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(3:28) "So I do try to think of a bunch of different children. So I'm not just writing for one person because our listeners physically, literally span the globe."

(5:25) "Why is the ocean salty? Why don't cats and dogs get along? Why do skunks have a weird smell when they spray? Where does thunder and lightning come from? There have been folktales written about all of these things."

(7:27) "Most importantly, many valuable lessons are imparted about the importance of embracing individuals who are different, about embracing diversity, celebrating non-conformity, including others, and realizing that being different can make you stronger."

(10:15) "Don't be afraid to tell your stories. You don't have to rely on a famous author or podcast host or movie maker to tell a story. You have your own stories you can tell. It can be a story about you, how you spent your summer vacation. That could be a fascinating tale. Or you could go ahead and make up characters. Make a talking bat, you know?

You've got stories. You just have to use your imagination. It's ready and waiting for you. "

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Website - Circle Round
• The Great Ball Game podcast episode - Circle Round Episode 56
• Purchase the Book - The Great Ball Game by Rebecca Sheir

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. What is a folktale? What are some examples of folktales you have heard or heard shared with you?
2. How would you describe a bat to someone who has never seen one? What characteristics make a bat similar or different to a bird? To an animal?
3. Ms. Sheir shared that artist Joshua Pawis-Steckley included severals examples of Ojibwe symbolism and iconography throughout the illustrations in this book. What are some symbols or icons you see in your classroom, home, or neighborhood? What do these symbols represent? Or what message are they trying to communicate?

CREDITS: This podcast episode of The Children's Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Anchor.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

Torrey Maldonado shares HANDS, a story about Trevor, a twelve-year-old who is a gifted comic-book artist, a good student, and would do anything to protect his mom and sisters.

NOTABLE QUOTES:

(6:19) "I wrote this book for lots of kids who feel alone and feel that they have to solve their problems by themselves, because the book Hands helps show that using hands doesn't mean you're strong. And external strength and being muscley, that doesn't mean you're strong. There are lots of ways to show strength."

(14:32) "It was fuel that has driven me through the years and drives me today to write books, to show young people that in these moments where you are angry or you are confused, there is a way that you could use your hands and you can use your mind to reroute and to make things right."

(17:04) "So this book really is about revealing that each of us hold a tremendous amount of power in our hands and that we have a firmer grasp on things than we think. And how can we identify those areas where we have a little grasp so that we can make it a stronger grip in a positive way."

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Website - torreymaldonado.com
• Social Media - @torreymaldonado
• Purchase Book - Hands by Torrey Maldonado

TALK ABOUT THE EPISODE:

1. Who did Mr. Maldonado say he had in mind as he wrote Hands? I'll give you a hint: remember the lyrics of that Michael Jackson song?
2. Torrey Maldonado wanted to be like a certain heavyweight champion when he was a kid, but he remembers having a different reaction when he looked through the magazine that his mom brought home with a cover photo of this boxer. What were some of the things that connected with Mr. Maldonado when he looked at this magazine? And how did they make him feel?
3. It what ways shared by Mr. Maldonado are his mom and Star Wars' Yoda similar? Do you have any Yodas in your life?

CREDITS:

This podcast episode of The Children's Book Podcast was written, edited, and produced by Matthew Winner. For a full transcript of this episode, visit matthewcwinner.com.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Anchor.

We are a proud member of Kids Listen, the best place to discover the best in kids podcasts. Learn more at kidslisten.org.

The authors and illustrators you love, and some who may be new to you.

The stories you can't stop thinking about, and some that have been waiting for you to discover.

The messages on the hearts of those who write stories just for you.

This is the Children's Book Podcast. I'm Matthew. I'm a teacher, a librarian, a reader, and a big fan of yours. I'm glad you're here.

Tune in each week to meet the authors and illustrators making books just for kids like you. From award winners, to up-and-comers, to the storytellers behind those forever books you'll never forget.

Find the Children's Book Podcast wherever podcasts are found.

Read on, readers! Read on!