The Children's Book Podcast

Diana Rodriguez Wallach, author of The Silenced (Delacorte Press), joins Matthew to talk about reading through a different cultural lens.

Visit Diana Rodriguez Wallach online at dianarodriguezwallach.com

Other helpful links:

Diana Rodriguez Wallach at the Highlights Foundation 

Whole Novel Genre: An Online Course for Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror, & Beyond - This online program in particular is for writers of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and similar genre-specific novels.

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book P...

Jen Barton, author of Forest Bath (Magination Press), illustrated by Felishia Henditirto, shares what is giving her hope today: the resilience of nature.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting w...

Pam Muñoz Ryan, author of El Niño (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about story ideas as a confluence of rivers leading its author to a narrative.

Visit Pam Muñoz Ryan online at www.pammunozryan.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

Our podcast logo w...

Tami Charles, author of Together, United (Orchard Books), illustrated by Bryan Collier, shares what is giving her hope today: that children are already leading the way. And that if we follow their lead, there’s so much light ahead.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Daniel Nayeri, author of The Teacher of Nomad Land (Levine Querido), joins Matthew to talk about the utility of beauty in our lives.

Visit Daniel Nayeri online at www.danielnayeri.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

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

Ruth Spiro, author of How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Teresa Martinez, shares what is giving her hope today: looking around her community, finding a project that’s meaningful, and getting to work.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

...

George Jreije, author of Bashir Boutros and the Jewel of the Nile (HarperCollins) , joins Matthew to talk about trying to inhabit the voice of someone to whom he wouldn’t have otherwise related.

Visit George Jreije online at www.georgejreije.com

Other helpful links:

George Jreije at the Highlights Foundation 

Successful School Visits for Authors and Illustrators: An Online Course - Develop your virtual school visit with instructor George Jreije, using storytelling and original content to connect with students and educators—then bring your virtual visit to a class...

Claire A. B. Freeland, co-author of Making Sense of Your Senses: How Your Brain Perceives the World (Magination Press), with Jacqueline B. Toner and illustrated by Katarina Gasko, shares what is giving her hope today: communities working together to make a difference.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the...

Cordelia Jensen, author of Lilac and the Switchback (Holiday House), joins Matthew to talk about belonging, change, and always keeping in mind that you’re writing a story.

Visit Cordelia Jensen online at www.cordeliajensen.com

Other helpful links:

Cordelia Jensen at the Highlights Foundation 

Revising Your Novel in Verse: An Online Course - Ready to refine your verse novel? Join award-winning verse novelist Cordelia Jensen for an in-depth exploration of revision techniques—focusing on emotional arc, pacing, structure, and line edits—culminating in small-group poem workshops.

 ...

Cordelia Jensen, author of Lilac and the Switchback (Holiday House), joins Matthew to talk about belonging, change, and always keeping in mind that you’re writing a story.

Visit Cordelia Jensen online at www.cordeliajensen.com

Other helpful links:

Cordelia Jensen at the Highlights Foundation 

Revising Your Novel in Verse: An Online Course - Ready to refine your verse novel? Join award-winning verse novelist Cordelia Jensen for an in-depth exploration of revision techniques—focusing on emotional arc, pacing, structure, and line edits—culminating in small-group poem workshops.

 ...

Kara Mitchell, author illustrator of Catching Kindness (Magination Press), shares what is giving her hope today: so many things. A new week with a new sketchbook. Libraries and new friends. Community and singing. Hugs that get us through the week.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show not...

Daria Peoples, author illustrator of Be the Light: How She Became Angela Davis (Greenwillow Books), joins Matthew to talk about the hurt and pain of not being accepted.

Visit Daria Peoples online at www.dariapeoples.com

Other helpful links:

Daria Peoples at the Highlights Foundation 

Just Do It!: Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall) - This supportive program takes all creatives (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, writing prompts, mindf...

Merriam Sarcia Saunders, author of You Can Say Hi with Only a Smile (Magination Press), illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop, shares what is giving her hope today: children are paying attention to each other. Not to the noise or the division, but each other.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link...

Tiffany D. Jackson, author of Blood in the Water (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about maturing a little faster when the environment calls for it.

Visit Tiffany D. Jackson online at www.writeinbk.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Ste...

Shana Keller, author of CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Laura Freeman, shares what is giving her hope today: dreaming. When our dreams speak to us in our darkest hour, they are louder than our fears.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Jas Hammonds, author of Thirsty (Roaring Brook Press), joins Matthew to talk about coming to terms with dependence and their experience of everything being fine until it wasn’t.

Visit Jas Hammonds online at jashammonds.com

Other helpful links:

Jas Hammonds at the Highlights Foundation 

Black Voices: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers - In-Person | Essential Conversations, In-Community Retreats - Join Valerie Bolling, Jas Hammonds, and fellow storytellers for this in-community retreat for Black writers and illustrators.

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and mo...

Michael Genhart, author of Edie for Equality: Edie Windsor Stands Up for Love (Lee & Low Books), illustrated by Cheryl Thuesday, shares what is giving him hope today: curious kids. They want to know more. They want to understand. And they want to help correct what feels so wrong.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcas...

Grace Lin, author and illustrator of The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about a storyteller’s responsibility to use whatever the story asks for.

Visit Grace Lin online at gracelin.com

Other helpful links:

Grace Lin at the Highlights Foundation 

Asian American Voices at the Highlights Foundation (homepage)

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show...

Aixa Pérez-Prado, author of Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People/Mercedes Sosa: La Voz del Pueblo (Children's Book Press) shares what is giving her hope today: how imagination takes flight though the many different voices of storytellers, artists, musicians, and creators from every corner of the planet.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcas...

Jyoti Rajan Gopal, author of Over in the Mangroves (Orchard Books), illustrated by Dikshaa Pawaskar, joins Matthew to talk about a place so magical and so important.

Visit Jyoti Rajan Gopal online at jyotirajangopal.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Ste...

Maham Khwaja, author of The Home We Make (Lee & Low Books), illustrated by Daby Zainab Faidhi, shares what is giving her hope today: us, grounded and moving through our lives. Second by second. And day by day.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Gordon Korman, author of Snoop (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about exploring all-the-way stakes and taking inspiration from Hitchcock’s Rear Window.

Visit Gordon Korman online at gordonkorman.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

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

Lulu Delacre, author illustrator of Rafi and Rosi: Menu!/Rafi Y Rosi: ¡Menú! (Children's Book Press) shares what is giving her hope today: the laughter of children at the bus stop. The laughter of children reading a book. The laughter of children. Children.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in th...

Meg Medina, author of Graciela in the Abyss (Candlewick), joins Matthew to talk about how every author reveals themselves through their work.

Visit Meg Medina online at megmedina.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

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

David Bowles, author of The Hero Twins and the Magic of Song (Cinco Puntos Press) shares what is giving him hope today: the certainty that, no matter what happens, our stories will survive.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more ab...

Kate DiCamillo, author of Because of Winn-Dixie (Candlewick), joins Matthew to talk about Kate’s story of family, friendship, and forgiveness.

Visit Kate DiCamillo online at www.katedicamillo.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

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

Rob Costello, author of An Ugly World for Beautiful Boys (Lethe Press), joins Matthew to talk about the burden of secrets and a character who believes he deserves to suffer.

Visit Rob Costello online at www.cloudbusterpress.com

Other helpful links:

Rob Costello at the Highlights Foundation 

The Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (October at the Highlights Foundation) with I.W. Gregorio, Nancy Werlin, Janae Marks, Erin Entrada Kelly, Ernesto Cisneros, Nicole Valentine, Sarah Aronson, Sharon G. Flake, and Nora Shalaway Carpenter

Menachem Weinreb (The Good Dybbuk) shares what is giving him hope today: That no matter where you come from, you can still become the person you’re meant to be.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights...

Pablo Cartaya, author of A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation (Kokila), joins Matthew to talk about how we celebrate grief and life.

Visit Pablo Cartaya online at www.pablocartaya.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

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

Kyle Casey Chu (The Queen Bees of Tybee County) shares what is giving her hope today: young readers. They understand the vast, oceanic multitudes they contain. That they are limitless.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlight...

Jason Reynolds, author of Soundtrack (Listening Library), an original audiobook performed by a stellar full cast—featuring Nile Bullock, Mekhi Hewling, Jade Williams, and more—and scored by Grammy‑winning composer Justin Ellington, joins Matthew to talk about being fascinated by what makes people do things.

Visit Jason Reynolds online at www.jasonwritesbooks.com

Watch the The Making of SOUNDTRACK featurette at youtube.com/watch?v=3uh28Wz21CM&feature=youtu.be

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s...

Kate Jenks Landry (A Summer Without Anna) shares what is giving her hope today: writing with kids. We don’t need permission to make art. Creation is always available to us and it’s so much harder to feel hopeless when you’re creating.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the...

Rebecca Lee Kunz, illustrator of Chooch Helped (Levine Querido), written by Andrea L. Rogers, joins Matthew to talk about the importance of taking time to learn, to explore, and to discover.

Visit Rebecca Lee Kunz online at treeoflifestudio.net

Other helpful links:

Native Creatives Retreat (the Highlights Foundation) 

The excellent NPR interview 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn mor...

Rob Sanders, author of Book Comes Home: A Banned Book’s Journey (Random House Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Micah  Player, joins Matthew to talk about the final stage of publication: readers.

Visit Rob Sanders online at www.robsanderswrites.com

Other helpful links:

All About Picture Books: A Retreat for Storytellers (June 1–4 at the Highlights Foundation) alongside friends of the show Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Kaz Windness

Writing the Rainbow with kidlit notable Lesléa Newman 

Nonfiction Picture Books: Exploring Forms and Creative Voices 

Suzy Ultman (I Like Your Chutzpah And Other Yiddish Words You'll Like) shares what is giving her hope today: looking for the helpers.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting w...

Kelly Leigh Miller, author illustrator of Cloud Puppy: Game On! (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about raising Tamagotchi, adoring Sanrio characters, and balancing the cute and the weird in her own storytelling.

Visit Kelly Leigh Miller online at www.kellyleighmiller.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

Parul L. Bhandari (Shine a Light on Diwali) shares what is giving her hope today: that people are good and that people are going to keep sharing stories despite what they’re being told by the world around them.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Lizzo visited the Library of Congress as their guest and was treated to the largest flute collection in the world. The instrument she played and, indeed, the very act of playing it, are Worth Noting. 

This is a rebroadcast of an episode of Worth Noting that originally aired Oct 08, 2022 on A Kids Co.

On May 8, 2025 President Donald Trump fired the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, via email, a move that immediately drew sharp condemnation from her supporters. This episode is being rebroadcasted to highlight just one of many highlights in the i...

Matt de la Peña and Loren Long, author and illustrator of Home (G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about encountering diversity and exploring alongside the reader.

Visit Matt de la Peña online at mattdelapena.com

Visit Loren Long online at lorenlong.com

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcom...

Rachel Michelle Wilson (To Catch a Ghost) shares what is giving her hope today: the small moments in our every day.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlight...