The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

By The Children's Book ReviewArts Books

The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast episodes

February 28, 2024Breaking Through Writer's Block: A Journey with Barbara Dee into 'Unstuck'
In this episode, sit down with critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee to delve into her latest middle-grade novel, Unstuck. Listeners are treated to a sneak peek into this novel that follows protagonist Lyla as she grapples with anxiety, writer's block, and the pressures of meeting a writing contest deadline while trying to rescue her older sister, Dahlia, both on and off the page.

Barbara Dee's insightful discussion offers aspiring writers and readers alike a glimpse into the creative process and the power of storytelling to tackle real-life issues with empathy and heart. Tune in to this enlightening episode for a behind-the-scenes look at "Unstuck" and Barbara's journey as a middle-grade author.

Transcription:
⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:
Unstuck on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠.

Discussion Topics:
Barbara Dee Talks About:
Her passion for writing books for middle schoolers and how she draws from her own emotional memories to create authentic stories that resonate with young readers.

How the genesis of Unstuck was sparked by kids' questions about writer's block during school visits and in emails.

The importance of addressing emotional struggles in her work.

How themes of friendship, sisterhood, and breaking free from preconceptions are woven throughout the book.

The importance of writing from the heart and authenticity in character dialogue—emphasizing the need for different levels of speech to sound authentic for each character.

Being open to trying different solutions when facing creative struggles, whether it's writer's block or navigating the complexities of middle school friendships.
For more information, visit https://barbaradeebooks.com/.
38 min
February 13, 2024Exploring Environmentalism in the Picture Book Saving the Sun by Emma Pearl
In this engaging podcast episode, Emma Pearl delves into the influence of children's literature and environmentalism in her work while sharing her personal journey inspired by her great
uncle Roald Dahl. Highlighting the importance of children's books in fostering imagination and empathy, Emma discusses her picture books Mending the Moon and Saving the Sun, which weave themes of intergenerational relationships and nature. She reveals personal connections behind her characters, emphasizing her deep love for the environment and the transformative power of storytelling. The conversation is a must-listen for both literature enthusiasts and advocates of environmental awareness.

Transcription:
⁠You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠.

Order a Copy:
Saving the Sun on Amazon or Bookshop.org.

Discussion Topics:
Emma Pearl Talks About the:
Importance of children's literature in fostering imagination and empathy

Influence of Roald Dahl on her perspective and writing journey

Themes of intergenerational relationships and nature in her picture books

Personal connections behind the characters Luna and Papa

Environmentalism message in Mending the Moon and Saving the Sun

Collaboration between authors and illustrators in creating picture books
Emma Pearl was excited to continue Luna and Poppa’s adventures from Mending the Moon (Page Street Kids) and thought it only logical the pair would save the sun next. Emma has traveled to over fifty different countries, including many beautiful tropical islands like the one in this story. Her love of storytelling began at a young age, spurred on by her relationship with her great uncle, renowned children’s author Roald Dahl. She now lives in New Zealand with her family and their one-eyed cat, Penelope. For more information, visit https://www.emmapearlauthor.com/.
28 min
January 30, 2024 Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne on the Magic Tree House Theatrical Productions
Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Magic Tree House with bestselling children's author Mary Pope Osborne and her husband, playwright Will Osborne. In this episode, we explore the journey of transforming the beloved book series into captivating stage musicals, igniting a passion for literacy and fostering growth in children.

Transcription:
⁠You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review (Coming Soon)⁠⁠.

Resources:
Visit the Magic Tree House: On Stage website at www.MTHOnStage.com, or find them on Facebook at @MagicTreeHouseOnStage or on Instagram at @mthonstage.
Mary’s literacy program, Classroom Adventures, is a companion to the MTH theatrical productions that provides free downloadable resources for teachers to use in their classrooms as a complement to seeing an MTH show live.

Discussion Topics:
Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne Talk About:
- From the genesis of the Magic Tree House series to its immense success, Mary shares insights into the inspiration behind the stories and how they evolved into a cultural phenomenon.
- Discover how Mary and Will's decision to adapt the books into musicals, starting with "Christmas in Camelot," led to the creation of a rich library of theatrical productions.
- Explore the magic behind the scenes as we uncover the collaborative efforts of the Magic Tree House team, including editors, artists, writers, and managers, who work seamlessly to bring these stories to life on stage.
- Learn how theater and book reading intertwine, inspiring imagination and fostering connections with beloved characters.
- Tune in to hear Mary's admiration for the musical adaptations, which retain the essence of the books' life lessons without being didactic. Delve into the symbiotic relationship between theater and literacy, as witnessing stories come alive on stage enhances children's love for reading and encourages personal growth.
- As we wrap up, join us in expressing gratitude to Mary and Will for their time and dedication. And don't forget to visit the Magic Tree House website to embark on your own magical journey through literature and theater.
45 min
January 16, 2024Jamie Lee Curtis on Just One More Sleep, Anticipation, and Writing Books for Kids
Dive into topics of anticipation and family traditions with Jamie Lee Curtis as she discusses her latest picture book for kids, Just One More Sleep: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait ... and Wait ... and Wait.
In this interview, Curtis shares the delightful inspiration behind the story, revealing the magic that happens when a chance encounter with a young neighbor sparks the creation of a charming tale. From the countdown to Christmas to the excitement of birthdays, Curtis explores the universal theme of waiting through the lens of childhood. The conversation unveils the collaborative process between Curtis and her illustrator, Laura Cornell, offering insights into the unique partnership that brings her stories to life. Discover the dual nature of Curtis's books, crafted to captivate both children and adults, as she shares the joy of reading together. The interview delves into the emotional depth of Curtis's work, addressing themes of loss, self-identity, and the complexities of growing up. With warmth and authenticity, Jamie Lee Curtis invites listeners into the world of her creations, leaving an enduring impact on readers of all ages.
Transcription:
⁠You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.

Order a Copy:
Just One More Sleep: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait … and Wait … and Wait on Amazon and ⁠Bookshop.org.

Resources:
Jamie Lee Curtis is an author, actor, activist, sister, friend, wife,
and mother. She is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous
picture books, including Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, Today I Feel Silly, I’m Gonna Like Me, and My Brave Year of Firsts. You can follow her on Instagram ⁠@JamieLeeCurtis⁠, Twitter ⁠@JamieLeeCurtis⁠, and Facebook at ⁠facebook.com/JamieLeeCurtis⁠.
Discussion Topics:
Jamie Lee Curtis Talks About:
The origin story: How Betty, Jamie’s neighbor, inspired Just One More Sleep

Collaboration with illustrator Laura Cornell

Anticipation, joy, and family traditions in the book

Exploring loss, self-identity, and childhood challenges

Creating a space for children’s voices to be heard

The joy of reading together: Shared experiences between adults and children
32 min
December 15, 2023Bianca with Jeff Kinney on Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Dive into the uproarious world of Jeff Kinney, the creative force behind the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, in this upbeat podcast episode! Kinney spills the beans on how his bestselling idea sprouted from a simple journal meant to keep him on the work grind. With a staggering 275 million copies sold worldwide, the series has become a literary sensation, garnishing Kinney with a slew of well-deserved awards. Beyond the numbers, Kinney shares his aspirations for his books—shaping reading habits for kids and influencing the industry's humor landscape. Get ready to laugh, be inspired, and join the Wimpy Kid revolution in this delightful exploration of literary magic!

Transcription:
⁠You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer on Amazon and Bookshop.org.

Resources:
Jeff Kinney is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and the Awesome Friendly Kid series. He is a six–time Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award winner for Favorite Book and has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. He spent his childhood in the Washington, DC, area and moved to New England, where he and his wife own a bookstore named An Unlikely Story.
For more information, visit ⁠https://wimpykid.com/⁠.

Discussion Topics:
Jeff Kinney talks about:
How his college comic strip, Igdoof, garnered attention but
fell short of syndication due to skill gaps and contracting challenges.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid stemmed from his accountability journal, featuring text and illustrations resembling the book's style.

Initially envisioning one big humor book for adults, Kinney eventually landed a multi-book deal for kids.

The excitement of becoming a New York Times bestseller and the sustained success of the series unfolds.

He hopes the books instill a reading pattern in kids and influence humor in the entertainment industry.

Diversity and support for librarians, the importance of representation, and the vulnerability of librarians in the
face of book banning.

Encouragement for kids to read about diverse experiences for empathy and character richness.
39 min
November 24, 2023Bianca with Richard Wagner on Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree
This episode is presented in partnership with Richard Wagner, and we embark on a delightful journey behind the scenes of a heartwarming picture book, Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree. Richard, the creative mind who brought this enchanting story to life, unravels the process of crafting this magical narrative, exploring the themes of perseverance and discovering beauty in the most unexpected places.

Richard Wagner grew up in Southern California. When he was fourteen years old, a business friend of his father’s had a small Christmas tree delivered as a thank-you. Their family already had a large tree decorated in the house. Not being able to find anyone who needed a tree, that small Christmas tree stood outside by itself for the remainder of the Christmas holiday. Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree is a tribute to that little tree and what might have been, but more importantly, to all the beauty, goodness, and hope that Christmas brings to us all. Mr. Wagner continues to reside in Southern California with his wife and two children.

Transcription:
⁠You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠ (coming soon)⁠.

Order a Copy:
Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon.

Resources:
For more information, visit https://needlesthechristmastree.com.

Discussion Topics:
Richard Wagner talks about:
Ever wondered about the daily practices that fuel creativity? Richard Wagner shares part of his daily routine, and you won't believe the key to success – daily heart-to-hearts with the spouse! Get the scoop on this surprising secret.

Get ready for a journey through the pages of a life-long love affair with books! From childhood favorites to adult literary adventures, discover how reading shaped Richard's world.

Curious about the nitty-gritty of writing a picture book? Richard spills the beans on parts of the process – including collaborating with an illustrator.

Uncover the enchanting origins of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree! Richard shares the spark that ignited this festive tale.

Take a deep dive into the evolution of the story. Richard unravels the threads of perseverance and unexpected beauty woven into the narrative, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the book's profound themes.

What life lessons does Richard hope young readers will carry from Needles? Find out as he reflects on the inspiration behind the story and the impact it could have on impressionable minds.

Stick around as Richard drops a hint about future literary adventures. Could there be more books in the pipeline?
Music Credits:
Paired with the book synopsis is Family Tree by Jahzzar, licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike License.

The transition sound is Christmas Ident - FMA Podcast Suggestion by Serge Quadrado, licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
29 min
November 14, 2023Bianca with Chris Wieland on The Body on the Beach: A Kat Dylan Mystery
This episode is presented in partnership with The Smart Aleck Press. Bianca is joined by the talented mystery writer Chris Wieland, the creative force behind the Kat Dylan Mysteries; including The Body on the Beach.
Chris is known for crafting narratives that revolve around a strong girl protagonist, Kat Dylan. In this discussion, he delves into the intricacies of his storytelling process and how he constructs high-stakes scenarios in the fictional setting of Crabtree. Kat's emotional struggles, entwined with people she knows and cares about, add a profound layer to the storyline of The Body on the Beach. The murder of someone Kat's age prompts deep reflection on her identity and place in the world. Chris strives to create authentic, flawed characters for young readers, fostering relatability, with a theme in his work emerging — the vital use of one's mind and heart to triumph over evil, steering away from resorting to violence.
Chris Wieland is an award-winning writer and filmmaker. He is also the father of two fierce children, including a tough, smart tween who helped him find the voice of his protagonist, Kat Dylan. He lives in Southern California with his family.

Transcription:
You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠ .

Order a Copy:
The Body on the Beach: A Kat Dylan Mystery on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠.

Resources:
For more information, visit https://www.thesmartaleckpress.com/
The Lost Chapter 25

Discussion Topics:
Chris Wieland talks about:
The ongoing commitment to developing a resilient female protagonist, charting her evolution over time, and exploring the profound impact she has on other characters within the series.

His satisfaction in crafting narratives with high-stakes scenarios.

The intricacies of the enchanting setting of Crabtree.

How emotional stakes heighten for Kat in Body on the Beach as she grapples with individuals she knows and cares about, introducing a poignant emotional struggle to her character development.

An exploration of how a murder, specifically of someone Kat's age, reshapes the investigation's scope and prompts Kat to reflect on her place in the world.

Weaving setting and backstory into the narrative without it feeling forced and the importance of organic storytelling to avoid imposing elements into the story artificially.

The significance of creating authentic, flawed characters for young readers, fostering relatability.

Using intellect and compassion to triumph over evil, steering clear of resorting to violence.
57 min
November 14, 2023Bianca with Kate DiCamillo on The Puppets of Spelhorst
Are you ready to be inspired? Listen to Kate DiCamillo's enlightening interview on the Growing Readers Podcast. She takes us on a journey into the magical world of The Puppets of Spelhorst and shares the power of storytelling. Her childhood memories of playing with puppets are a reminder of the beauty and simplicity that can be found in our everyday lives. Her emphasis on perseverance and dedication to doing the work is a testament to the importance of following our dreams. Let Kate's words encourage you to become the master of your own story and to focus on the beauty and magic in the world around you. Don't miss this chance to be inspired!

Kate DiCamillo is one of America’s most beloved storytellers. She is a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and a two-time Newbery Medalist. Born in Philadelphia, she grew up in Florida and now lives in Minneapolis.

Transcription:
You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠.

Order a Copy:
The Puppets of Spelhorst on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠.

Resources:
For more information about Kate DiCamillo and her books, visit https://www.katedicamillo.com/.

Discussion Topics:
Kate DiCamillo talks about:
The different themes and meanings readers can take away from it

Where the heart of the story came from, and childhood memories of playing with puppets

The importance of being the masters of our own stories and how we are all interconnected

How the art in the book adds to the magic and makes the tale feel timeless

The power of storytelling to connect people and effect change

Kids who will see themselves in The Puppets of Spelhorst

Perseverance as a writer, including experience with rejection letters

The importance of doing the work and sending it out into the world, using the metaphor of buying a lottery ticket

Keeping a sense of enchantment and possibility in the world by consciously focusing on beauty and magic
49 min
October 10, 2023Bianca with Abby Hanlon on Dory Fantasmagory: Can't Live Without You
In this episode of The Growing Reader's Podcast, Abby Hanlon talks about how she infuses authentic challenges into her Dory Fantasmagory chapter books, giving little ones a taste of real life through the pages of her books.

Abby Hanlon has taught creative writing and first grade in the New York City public school system. Inspired by her students' storytelling and drawings, Abby began to write her own stories for children, and taught herself to draw after not having drawn since childhood. She lives with her husband and two children in Brooklyn.

Transcription:
You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠.

Order a Copy:
Dory Fantasmagory: Can't Live Without You on Amazon or Bookshop.org.

Resources:
For more information about Abby Hanlon and her books, visit http://www.abbyhanlon.com/.

Discussion Topics:
Abby Hanlon talks about:
Her background in early education and her drive to create chapter books for young readers with relatable scenarios and humor

Incorporating realistic problems in her latest book

How she taught herself to draw and her raw style that kids can relate to

The relatable and boundary-pushing character of Dory in children's books

Accessibility and appeal of the illustrations in the Dory books, as well as the silly and relatable moments that kids enjoy

A theme in the latest book involving Mozart and death, based on a real-life experience

Fart jokes and quirky moments in the books

The importance of play in children's development and how the Dory books focus on play
41 min
October 03, 2023Bianca with Matthew Cordell on the Cornbread and Poppy Series
Matthew Cordell discusses the Cornbread and Poppy series. Cordell draws from his personal experiences to create playful and adventurous stories that kids will love. With Cornbread and Poppy, he focuses on building a cozy and entertaining world for beginning readers to explore. We hope you enjoy listening to this interview about his creative process!
Matthew Cordell is the author and illustrator of many celebrated picture books, including Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers, and Wolf in the Snow, recipient of the 2018 Caldecott Medal. As an illustrator he has collaborated with many more authors including Gail Carson Levine, Philip C. Stead, and Rebecca Kai Dotlich. Matthew lives with his wife, author Julie Halpern, and their two children in suburban Chicago.

Transcription:
You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠.

Order a Copy:
Poppy and Cornbread At the Museum on Amazon or Bookshop.org

Resources:
For more information about Matthew Cordell and his books, visit https://www.matthewcordell.com/.

Discussion Topics:
Matthew Cordell talks about:
His motivation for creating books for kids

Using personal experiences and observations to create stories

Shifting towards writing fun adventures as an escape from darker themes in children's literature

Improving writing skills through reading books for young readers, being around kids, and being immersed in the world of publishing

Showing, not telling in picture book storytelling

His love for loose and expressive art, particularly in pen and ink and watercolor

The characters of Cornbread and Poppy and how their contrasting traits complement each other

Creating endings that leave a lasting impact on readers

The friendship between Cornbread and Poppy and how they overcome their differences to make each other feel better

Providing a cozy and humorous world for readers to escape into while also pleasing both adult and child readers
56 min

About The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

From the publisher's feed

"Not every book is for every child, but for every child there is a book." The Children’s Book Review, is a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. In the Growing Readers Podcast, we…