Why do some picture books stay with us long after we close the cover?

In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we’re joined by Phillip Stead, award-winning picture book creator and author of many beloved children’s books, including A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by Erin E. Stead, which received the 2011 Caldecott Medal.

Phillip shares a thoughtful look at picture book craft, slow storytelling, writing for children, handmade art, revision, collaboration, and the creative life. He also talks about the story behind A Sick Day for Amos McGee, what picture books can teach us about simplicity, and why words and illustrations must work together so carefully.

In this conversation, we discuss:

📚 What makes a picture book feel timeless
✨ Why slow storytelling can be powerful
✏️ How text and illustration work together
📖 The story behind A Sick Day for Amos McGee
🎨 Handmade art, human imperfection, and creativity
🔥 Revision, feedback, and working with editors
🚪 What new creators should know about children’s publishing
📝 Phillip’s move from picture books into middle grade

Phillip also shares honest advice about the slow pace of publishing, the waiting period after submissions, and why finding the right creative fit matters.

And for children’s book authors and illustrators who want help sharing their books with more clarity and confidence, join us for the Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit, happening June 12–14, 2026.

The summit is a live online book marketing event for kidlit creators who want practical guidance on book marketing, author platforms, social media, publicity, school and reader connections, visibility, and more.

🎟️ Learn more and get your ticket:
https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/product/storytellers-marketing-mastery-summit-ticket-2026-live-online/

Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast for more conversations about children’s books, kidlit, writing craft, publishing, author interviews, and book marketing.

Marketing your book should not feel like guesswork.Stan Yan, graphic novelist and caricature artist, is joining The Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit as a guest speaker for kidlit authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals.If you have ever wondered how to get your children’s book in front of more readers, how to talk about your work with confidence, or how to build a stronger author or illustrator platform, this live virtual summit was built for you.The Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit takes place June 12–14, 2026, live online.Get your early bird ticket.Get your ticket here:https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/product/storytellers-marketing-mastery-summit-ticket-2026-live-online/Subscribe for conversations about children’s books, publishing, author marketing, kidlit, writing, illustration, and creative careers.

Are kids reading differently in a screen-heavy world? And how are publishers adapting?

In this episode, Theresa Villarreal and Jackie Garcia-Morales welcome Jason Low, publisher and co-owner of Lee & Low Books, for a thoughtful conversation about children’s publishing, reading habits, screen time, independent publishing, book marketing, and the future of books for young readers.

Jason shares his path into publishing, what it’s like helping lead an independent children’s publisher, and how the industry is responding to changing reader habits.

We talk about:

• What publishers consider when acquiring children’s books
• How screens and social media may be affecting young readers
• Why parents modeling reading at home matters
• How publishers are adapting with shorter chapters and accessible formats
• Book marketing with limited resources
• Technology, creativity, and concerns about the future of publishing
• Upcoming Lee & Low Books titles to watch for

This episode is especially helpful for children’s book authors, illustrators, parents, educators, librarians, creatives, and publishing professionals who care about children’s literacy, kidlit, and the future of children’s books.

For authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals thinking about visibility, this episode also connects to a bigger conversation we’re having through The Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit.

You wrote the book. Now how do you help readers find it?

If you are an author, illustrator, creative, or publishing professional trying to market your work without feeling overwhelmed, join us for the Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit, happening live online June 12–14, 2026.

This summit is designed to help kidlit creators build visibility, connect with readers, strengthen their platform, and market their work with more clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Sessions will explore practical strategies for book marketing, social media, publicity, school and library outreach, newsletters, websites, author branding, and long-term platform growth.

Early bird tickets are available now.
Link in the episode notes.

Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast for more conversations with authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, librarians, and children’s book industry professionals.

📚 What are kids reading right now? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, school librarian Rachael Welsh joins us to talk about what young readers are reaching for in today’s school libraries, why RL Stine and spooky books still connect with kids, and why diverse books, authentic representation, and strong library collections matter.

✨ We also discuss middle grade reading trends, bilingual books, Spanish-English collections, author visits, cover appeal, page count, and what helps children’s books connect with real young readers.

🎟️ Join us for the Marketing Mastery Summit
Early bird pricing is available now, and seating is limited.

📬 Subscribe to our newsletter and get instant access to our free 71-page Children’s Book Publishers list.

Join us for the Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit, featuring six great guest speakers, including Paola Santos.

Designed for children’s book authors and illustrators, this virtual live summit offers practical marketing strategies, actionable insight, and encouragement to help creators grow with purpose.

June 12–14, 2026
Virtual Live Summit

Get your tickets today and check out our website for more information.

In Episode 3 of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we sit down with Tom Angleberger, bestselling author of Origami Yoda, to talk about his publishing journey, writing humor for young readers, working with editors, handling rejection, and building a lasting connection with kids through books and school visits.

Tom shares honest insight into the creative process behind his stories, what revisions really feel like, and why kid-centered storytelling matters so much in children’s publishing. He also talks about promotion, school visits, collaboration, and upcoming projects, including Dino Poet.

This episode is a great listen for children’s book authors, illustrators, educators, librarians, and anyone who loves kidlit.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more publishing conversations and author interviews.
Visit our Linktree for summit tickets, podcast updates, and more:
https://linktr.ee/thestorytellersshelfpodcast

Join us for our live online summit, June 12–14.

In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we sit down with Derek Amarrillas, author of Socko: The Flamingo with Tennis Shoes, for a conversation about SEL books, emotions, and the power of storytelling in children’s literature.

Derek shares insight into how stories can help children better understand their feelings, build empathy, and grow through meaningful reading experiences. This episode is especially valuable for parents, educators, librarians, writers, and children’s book lovers interested in social-emotional learning, emotional awareness, and books that support young readers.

Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast on Spotify, follow us on YouTube, and sign up for our newsletter so you never miss new episodes, featured authors, and updates on our upcoming Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit.

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What do Big Five children’s book editors actually look for in submissions, and why do great projects still get passed on?

In this Season 2 episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we interview Catherine Laudone, Senior Editor at Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster), for an inside look at how kidlit publishing really works. If you’re writing picture books, middle grade, or building a career in children’s publishing, this conversation will help you understand the editorial and acquisitions process from a real industry perspective.

In this episode, we cover:
• What editors look for in manuscripts and submissions
• Why voice and concept matter more than trends
• What revise and resubmit (R&R) really means
• How acquisitions decisions are made behind the scenes
• Editor collaboration with authors and illustrators
• Why strong projects may still be a “no” (fit, timing, market, list needs)
• What makes a story memorable and more likely to sell

Catherine also shares encouraging, practical advice for creators navigating querying, revisions, and publishing expectations.

✅ Follow the show on Spotify so you never miss an episode
📺 Subscribe to our YouTube for full video interviews
📬 Join our newsletter for episode drops, summit updates, and resources

🔗 All links (YouTube + newsletter + more):
https://linktr.ee/thestorytellersshelfpodcast

The Storytellers Summit is now available for on-demand access, offering publishing education led by industry professionals.

This summit includes educational sessions covering writing craft, book marketing, querying literary agents, and the business side of publishing. It’s designed for authors, writers, illustrators, and publishing professionals looking for practical strategies and real industry insight.

As the Storytellers Summit continues to grow, future offerings will expand into themed summits, focused learning experiences, and paid pitch events that provide deeper opportunities for writers at every stage.

If you attended the summit, please remember to complete our survey to help shape future content.

Stay tuned for Season 2, and subscribe to our newsletter and channel for updates on upcoming publishing education and events.

Learn more: https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/

Thinking about attending a writing conference this year?

The Storytellers Summit is a virtual event for kidlit authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals looking for real-world guidance and next-step clarity.

Summit ticket holders gain access to:

• Exclusive mini-masterclasses for children’s book creators

• Practical publishing and querying insights

• High-value giveaways included with registration

Writers who purchase the Pitch an Agent add-on are eligible for a raffle to receive a 10-minute critique from literary agent Syrone Harvey of the Belcastro Agency. Critiques are awarded by raffle in the following categories:

• Picture Book

• Middle Grade / Chapter Book

• Young Adult

Critiques provide direct, actionable feedback on your query, concept, and next steps.

All Summit ticket holders are also entered into a raffle to win either:

• A 30-minute book launch strategy session

• A professional book review

Book reviews are coordinated through:
👉 https://theresamariavillarreal.com

Learn more and get your ticket at:
👉 https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/storytellers-shelf-summit/