The Children's Book Podcast

Selina Alko, illustrator of The Keeper of Stories (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), written by Caroline Kusin Pritchard, shares what is giving her hope today:   the power of communities to come together..

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

Visit Selina Alko online at www.selinaalko.com

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was create...

Kaz Windness, author illustrator of Worm and Butterfly are Friends Always (Simon Spotlight), joins Matthew to talk about constantly dealing with loss and change.

Visit Kaz Windness online at www.windnessbooks.com/ 

Other helpful links:

Kaz Windness at Boyds Mills

Early Readers and Chapter Books: A Creative Retreat - Kids who are starting to read on their own need to find the books that meet them creatively, inspirationally, and more! This engaging retreat will help you understand the needs of this market and how to create with the...

Laurel Snyder, author of The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (Clarion Books), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, shares what is giving her hope today:  watching neighbors come together and support each other in the city of Minneapolis.

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

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

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

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2026), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

Links:

Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - https://jewishlibraries.org/sydney_taylor_book_award/ 

2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - https://jewishlibraries.org/2026-blog-tour-sydney-taylor-book-awards/ 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

You can pick up your own copy of any of the titles featur...

I have a favor to ask you. Could you please write us a review wherever you listen to the show?

Tell us what you like about the podcast and who you'd love to hear next!

Maybe you love when we feature young adult authors. Maybe your favorite episodes are when we dig deep on craft. Maybe you find yourself looking forward to the Hope mini-episodes each week.

Whatever it is, we want to know! Are you going to recommend we interview your favorite author? Or will you sug...

Abby White, author of D.J. Rosenblum becomes the G.O.A.T. (Levine Querido), shares what is giving her hope today: pockets of people are taking wonderful care of each other, despite the world being bad in a thousand ways right now.

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

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Du...

Sara Andrea Fajardo, author of Crack Goes the Cascarón: An Eggcellent Not-Just-for-Easter Shellebration! (Knopf Books for Young Readers) and Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru's Famed Scientist and Potato Expert (Roaring Brook Press), joins Matthew to talk about bringing out a little bit of mischief.

*This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on April 8, 2025.

Visit Sara Andrea Fajardo online at https://sarafajardowrites.com

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

...

George Brown, executive director of the Boyds Mills, shares what is giving him hope today: the storytellers, and the stories they are dreaming of and creating to bring a little optimism and joy to children.

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

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

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

...

Aron Nels Steinke, cartoonist of Speechless (Graphix) and the Mr. Wolf's Class series (Graphix), joins Matthew to talk about verbal expression, anxiety, and wanting to communicate

Visit Aron Nels Steinke online at www.mrwolfsclass.com.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

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

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me...

Kaz Windness (Bitsy Bat, Team Star) shares what is giving her hope today: a commitment to being joyful and doing things that bring happiness as an act of rebellion.

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 Foundat...

Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, joins Matthew to talk about finding and sticking to your places.

Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com 

Other helpful links:

Torrey Maldonado at Boyds Mills

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

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

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. ...

Aron Nels Steinke, cartoonist of Speechless (Graphix) and the Mr. Wolf's Class series (Graphix), shares what is giving him hope today: every morning is a chance for something new.

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

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

Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke St...

George Brown, executive director of the Highlights Foundation, joins Matthew to talk about the rebranding of the Highlights Foundation as Boyds Mills.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

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

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

 <...

Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), shares what is giving her hope today: the bravery, resilience, and determination of young people.

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. 

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

Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com 

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

Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), joins Matthew to talk about paying for our words.

Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com 

Other helpful links:

Alexandra Villasante at the Highlights Foundation

LGBTQIA2S+ Voices at the Highlights Foundation - Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for LGBTQIA2S+ creatives and professionals in and around the children's book industry.

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

Our podcast logo w...

Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), shares what is giving her hope today: taking care of something important to her.

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. 

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

Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com 

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

 <...

Alison Green Myers, author of This Way to Happy (Dutton Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the inconsistent upbringings and emotional rollercoasters.

Visit Alison Green Myers online at alisongreenmyers.com 

Other helpful links:

Alison Green Myers at the Highlights Foundation

Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session One! - Our Summer Camp is a not-to-be-missed experience with 1:1 mentorship, educational and inspirational keynotes, breakout sessions in your chosen track, a community of fellow creatives, time to create, and lots of fun!

Lear...

Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), shares what is giving her hope today: stopping and looking in community.

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. 

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

Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com 

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

Our music...

Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), co-authored by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, joins Matthew to talk about never giving up because those that came before us never gave up.

Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com 

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/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You...

Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, shares what is giving him hope today: teaching kids how to find a just right book for 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. 

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

Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com 

Our podcast logo was crea...

Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), joins Matthew to talk about creating an entryway to discussion.

Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com 

Other helpful links:

Nikki Grimes at the Highlights Foundation

Nikki Grimes Scholarship - Honoring the contributions of Nikki Grimes to the field of children's literature through her advocacy and writing. This scholarship celebrates Black and Afro-Indigenous female writers and poets.

The Nikki Grimes Cottage at the Highlights Foundation - New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes is a l...

Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), with co-author Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, shares what is giving her hope today: people out in the world who are doing good things.

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. 

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

Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com 

Our podcast...

Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the voices of people fighting to protect our world, our rights, and our people.

Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com 

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/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show an...

Jessie Sima, author illustrator of Snow Kid (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the constant journey each of us takes to become ourselves.

Visit Jessie Sima online at www.jessiesima.com

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/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show a...

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 22, 2025.

Padma Venkatraman (Safe Harbor) shares what is giving her hope today: the nature of hope itself. Even when we're in dire circumstances, it's something that keeps us going.

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...

Laurel Snyder, author of The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (Clarion Books), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, joins Matthew to talk about lowering all the barriers and modeling yourself on something you love.

Visit Laurel Snyder online at laurelsnyder.com

Other helpful links:

Laurel Snyder at the Highlights Foundation

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/). 

Our music i...

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 15, 2025.

Lesléa Newman (Joyful Song: A Naming Story) shares what is giving her hope today: being in community with like-minded people who want to make the world a better place.

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. 

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

Visit Lesléa Newman...

Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker, author and illustrator of We Go Slow (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about the wise ones who know to take time.

Visit Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie online at ekeretallie.com

Visit Aaron Becker online at storybreathing.com

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/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired May 3 2025.

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. 

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

Visit Rachel Michelle Wilson at www.rachelmichellewilson.com

Our...

Valerie Bolling, author of A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change (Charlesbridge), illustrated by TeMika Grooms, joins Matthew to talk about a person worth writing about.

Visit Valerie Bolling online at valeriebolling.com

Other helpful links:

Valerie Bolling at the Highlights Foundation

Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers: A Two-Night Mini - The story is at the heart of all we do, even when we switch from crafting the story to getting the story to readers. Join award-winning writers Valerie Bolling and Janae Marks to en...

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 29, 2025.

Zetta Elliott (The Oracle's Door) shares what is giving her hope today: art. Art has always been not just an expression of hope, but an act of resistance.

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. 

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

Visit Zetta Elliott online at zettaelliott.com<...

Corinna Luyken, author illustrator of The Arguers (Rocky Pond Books), joins Matthew to talk about the silly, the absurd, and seeing yourself in every single character.

Visit Corinna Luyken online at corinnaluyken.com

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/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a c...

Matthew pops into the feed to share a couple of important updates: accepting messages of hope from all listeners, seeking an intern or friend to help with social media, and I love you.

If you have a message of hope that you'd like to share, I have good news: the Hopeline is now open. Go to www.speakpipe.com/childrensbkpod on your computer or phone to record a 90 second message of hope. Include your name, your recent book (if you're an author or illustrator, and a message sharing what is giving you hope today. All v...

Heidi EY Stemple, author of The Poetry of Car Mechanics (Wordsong), joins Matthew to talk about becoming curious and making every bit of your writing intentional.

Visit Heidi EY Stemple online at heidieystemple.com

Other helpful links:

Heidi EY Stemple at the Highlights Foundation

Jane Yolen & Heidi EY Stemple Scholarship - Authors Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi EY Stemple have established a scholarship to support in-person or online tuition to workshops and personal retreats at the Highlights Foundation. (Visitors coming to campus can even ask to st...

Erin Entrada Kelly, author of At Last She Stood (Greenwillow Books) and The Last Resort (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about crafting stories as meaningful as possible to the reader.

Visit Erin Entrada Kelly online at erinentradakelly.com

Other helpful links:

Erin Entrada Kelly at the Highlights Foundation

Erin Entrada Kelly Scholarship - Established by Erin Entrada Kelly, this scholarship celebrates diverse representation in middle grade novels.

Middle Grade Writers: A Generative Retreat - Immerse yourself in the generative writing process and try new, ha...

Mary Reaves Uhle, author illustrator of The Flock We Found (Magination Press), shares what is giving her hope today:  all the parents and kids posting pictures of bright faces and shiny new outfits to start the year.

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.

Natasha Khan Kazi, author illustrator of Bela and Lily (Kokila), joins Matthew to talk about bravery through being a multi-language learner.

Visit Natasha Khan Kazi online at natashakhankazi.com

Other helpful links:

Natasha Khan Kazi at the Highlights Foundation

Muslim Storytellers Fellows - The Highlights Foundation is proud to announce the cohort of storytellers selected for a two-year fellowship program in children's literature. The fellowship will create space for more diverse and authentic Muslim narratives for children and young adults, and address common misperceptions of those narratives in...

Tami Charles, author of Remember Her Name!: Debbie Allen's Rise to Fame (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Meredith Lucius, shares what is giving her hope today: the resilience of children's dreams.

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 Foundat...

Hannah V. Sawyerr, author of Truth Is: A Novel in Verse (Amulet Books), joins Matthew to talk about making a decision that belongs to you.

Visit Hannah V. Sawyerr online at hannahsawyerr.com

Other helpful links:

Hannah V. Sawyerr at the Highlights Foundation 

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 visit...

Heidi E.Y. Stemple, author of The Avian Adventurers #1: Snowy Owl Rescue; Raptor Recovery (Charlesbridge Moves), illustrated by Natasha Donovan, shares what is giving her hope today:  the curious, hope-filled readers with wide open minds who are building a foundation of compassion and service.

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...