New Books in Children's Literature

Author-illustrator Amalia Hoffman is back with her three-day old book, Masha Munching (Yeehoo Press, 2022), a hilarious tale about a goat with an insatiable appetite and her journey to finding the best meal ever! When Masha discovers The Bistro Magnifique, where waiters serve fancy meals in bow ties, Masha thinks it’s her lucky day! But at a proper restaurant, can Masha satisfy her desire for wonderful food while staying true to herself?With colorful, intricate paper-cut art to amuse readers on every page, this timeless tale follows a young goat discovering that the best meal is the one shared with good friends. Amalia was previously on NBN with her recent book, My Monsterpiece, which was a 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Award gold medal winner. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PJ McIlvaine's debut picture book Little Lena and the Big Table (June 2019, Big Belly Book Co.), illustrations by Leila Nabih, is about a determined little girl tired of eating with her annoying cousins at the kid’s table, only to discover that the big table isn’t much better. PJ’s second picture book, Dragon Roar (MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing, October 2021), art by Logan Robers, is about a lonely, sick dragon who has lost his mighty roar, and the brave village girl who helps him find it again. PJ is currently under contract with Oghma Creative Media for three picture books for a Creature Feature series and a standalone (pub date 2023-2024). PJ's middle grade supernatural historical fantasy Violet Yorke, Gilded Girl: Ghosts in the Closet is also out this week. PJ is also a co-host and founding member of #PBPitch, the premiere Twitter pitch party for picture book creators. PJ has been published in numerous outlets including The New York Times and Newsday, and is a regular contributor for The Children’s Book Insider newsletter (paid firewall), writing about the path to publication and interviews with established and debut kid lit authors. Also, PJ’s critically acclaimed Showtime original family movie My Horrible Year with Mimi Rogers, Karen Allen, and Eric Stoltz, was nominated for a Daytime Emmy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Sassi has a passion for telling stories in prose and rhyme. She is the author of five picture books including the best-selling Goodnight, Ark (Zonderkidz, August ’14). In our interview we discuss her two recent books, Little Ewe: The Story of One Lost Sheep (Beaming Books, Spring ’21)and her new board book with Zonderkidz, Bunny Finds Easter (Zonderkidz, Spring ’22) ! In addition to books, she’s published over one hundred poems, stories, crafts, and articles in various children’s publications. She’s been a teacher, homeschool mom, children’s ministry director, historic museum interpreter, and more. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked with author/illustrator Mike Malbrough about his new book Love is Here (Penguin, 2021). Told through poetic and lyrical text and accompanied by lush watercolor illustrations, a child takes a magical journey in search of love, only to find that it lived everywhere, in everything, even in one’s own backyard. A celebration of the interconnectedness of our lives and proof that love is all around you–if you look closely enough for it. Even when the world feels darkest, love is here. Perfect for those looking to teach kindness and empathy to little ones. Mke is also ithe author of Marigold Bakes a Cake and Marigold Finds the Magic Words, and the illustrator of the Warren & Dragon chapter book series by Ariel Bernstein. When he isn’t in his studio, Mike spends time educating and mentoring young and emerging artists in his community. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two adventurous kids. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a society that is extremely diverse, and we must find ways to treat each other with love and respect despite our differences. Little Miss Linda is a dark-skinned girl who has been treated cruelly because of the color of her skin. Her father is in the military, so she has had the privilege of living in various places around the world including Japan, Korea, Philippines, Alaska, and Germany. Often, she and her siblings would be the only African American children in their classes. Little Miss Linda was full of excitement when her father told the family he was retiring and moving to Mississippi. She thought that the mean words about her dark skin would stop. She imagined her family would be surrounded by people who were like her, but to her surprise, she continued to be teased and taunted about the complexion of her skin. Linda J. M. Holloway's Little Miss Linda Speaks Out About Diversity (2021) illustrates how Little Miss Linda was able to turn a negative situation into a positive one. She did this through teaching her class, school, and community the power of appreciating and celebrating people regardless of their skin color. The power and effectiveness of Little Miss Linda’s diversity story is made practical by the “Skittles Story.” Yes, if only Skittles could talk right? They do in this book! Through this elementary story all children can relate to the simple truth that people are more alike than they are different and diversity is to be celebrated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christine Taylor-Butler is the author of more than 90 books and articles for children and young adults, including her newest title The Get-Together (Reycraft Books, 2022). A graduate of MIT, she holds degrees in both Civil Engineering and Art and Design. Her interests ranges from writing nonfiction to science fiction. Christine lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She also wrote The Lost Tribes series (middle grade) published by Move Books, a small independent publisher It's science fiction about a multicultural group of children who discover their science geek parents might not be who they claim to be. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne Renaud is an award-winning children’s author who writes in both French and English. Today we talk about her recent picture book, Gwendolyn's Pet Garden (2021). She has written more than 20 publications feature picture books and historical non-fiction books, and several more are due out this year. Her picture book biographies include: The True Tale of a Giantess: The Story of Anna Swan, The Boy who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson's Famous Frozen Treat and Mr. Crum’s Potato Predicament. She is also a regular contributor to children’s magazines. Anne lives and writes in Westmount, Quebec. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Janie Emaus joins us to discuss her debut picture book, Latkes for Santa Claus which was released late in 2020 from Sky Pony Press. Her next blended holiday story, Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls will be released in spring 2023. In addition, Janie is the author of the young adult novel, Mercury in Retro Love and has a time travel romance forthcoming from Wild Rose Press. In 2016, she won honorary mention in the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Ameliia Hoffman, author of My Monsterpiece (Yeehoo Press, 2021) A kid-artist wants to frighten family members and friends by creating the scariest, meanest, most terrible monsters ever. A green tongue, pointy horns, sharp teeth, and terrible claws are sure to make everyone scream! But what happens when rather than running away in fright, they smile, laugh, and absolutely LOVE the monsters? Join the frustrated artist on this hilariously hair-raising journey where the scary and not scary meet and mingle, embarking on an adventure that reveals that overcoming fear and prejudice can lead to a wonderful friendship. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Risa Cohen is the Creative Director of Sing into Reading, where she teaches children to read with music and love. In this interview, we talk to Risa about her life, musical career, and her success in teaching reading through music. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rotem Omri is an award-winning children's book illustrator from Israel. Today we discuss her life, career and thoughts about illustrating for children (disclosure: Rotem has illustrated many of my online children's stories). Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruth Spiro writes innovative books for children on the topics of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Her areas of interest include the many benefits of introducing STEM subjects and makerspace activities to even the littlest learners. We discuss her recent book, Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever (Dial/PRH, 2021) and how she came to inspire youngsters with her many popular books. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colleen Paeff writes picture books from a book-lined office in an old pink house with a view of the Hollywood sign. She is the author of The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London’s Poop Pollution Problem (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2021) and Rainbow Truck, co-authored with Hina Abidi (Chronicle Books, 2023). Find her online at www.colleenpaeff.com and on Twitter and Instagram @ColleenPaeff. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Rajani LaRocca is a prolific children's author and also an esteemed physician. In our conversation we discuss her recent book Bracelets for Bina's Brothers (Charlesbridge, 2021), her life and craft, and juggling between careers and cultures. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Lazowski is an award-winning Senior Producer at CBC Radio, based in Winnipeg. She has an MA in journalism from the University of Western Ontario and a BFA (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba. T. Rexes Can't Tie Their Shoes is her first book (2021, Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers) . Her second book, Dark Cloud, will be published by Kids Can Press in spring of 2023. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirsten Williams Lawson used to work with rocket scientists at NASA. Now she writes books for curious kids. Kirsten is the author of the picture book released several months back, A TRUE WONDER: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything, illustrated by Katy Wu (Clarion, 2021). She is also author of WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: EMMA LILIAN TODD INVENTS AN AIRPLANE, illustrated by Tracy Subisak (Calkins Creek, 2020), and THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle, 2023), and the middle grade, graphic nonfiction, THE LIGHT OF RESISTANCE, illustrated by Barbara McClintock, (Roaring Brook, 2023). Kirsten lives near Los Angeles with her husband, lhasa-poo, and two curious kids. Her house is filled with LEGOs, laughter, and lots of books! Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In The Fairy Tellers: A Journey into the Secret History of Fairy Tales (John Murray, 2022), Nick Jubber unearths the lives of the dreamers who made our most beloved fairy tales: inventors, thieves, rebels and forgotten geniuses who gave us classic tales such as 'Cinderella', 'Hansel and Gretel', 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Baba Yaga'. From the Middle Ages to the birth of modern children's literature, they include a German apothecary's daughter, a Syrian youth running away from a career in the souk and a Russian dissident embroiled in a plot to kill the tsar. Following these and other unlikely protagonists, the book travels from the steaming cities of Italy and the Levant, under the dark branches of the Black Forest, deep into the tundra of Siberia and across the snowy fells of Lapland. “This is how the history of fairy tales operates: stories splintering along zigzagging pathways, carrying long-sounding echoes that turn down narrative alleyways suggested elsewhere or replicate each other with astonishing exactitude.” In the process, Jubber discovers fresh perspectives on some of our most frequently told stories. Filled with adventure, tragedy and real-world magic, this bewitching book uncovers the stranger lives behind the strangest of tales. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose doctoral work focused on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, focusing on qualitative analyses of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. However, she is also a life-long lover of fairy tales & fantasy; her father continues to be surprised that her PhD did not once mention dragons, elves, or castles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Pamela Moritz about her charming rhyming story If I Lived with Noah (Apple and Honey Press, 2020). A young boy imagines being sequestered with Noah and all the animals on the ark. When the story begins, the protagonist is distracting his stuffed animal friends with a story as they shelter in a blanket tent during a big rainstorm. In the story, Noah (his family is absent in text and illustrations) welcomes the boy onto the ark. Some of the narrator s tasks on the ark are predictable, like bathing the animals, sweeping, and mopping, but others, such as building a diving platform on the ark so bored animals can play in the sea, are unexpected and entertaining, if not in keeping with the usual Bible story. The boy imagines learning how to speak. That's a good thing, since Noah and the protagonist need the animals to help fix a leak in the ark and, later, to hand out the tissues and tea to a boatload of sick animals. Brightly colored animals with cuddly stuffed-animal appeal fill the pages. Even the snake and toothy alligator seem friendly. Finally, a speck of land is sighted and confirmed, but the animals love the boy so much that he must encourage them to leave the ark and build new homes. Both boy and Noah have pale skin. An author s note explains the mitzvah of treating animals and one another kindly. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I talked with Karen Rostoger-Gruber and her sidekick, Maria (Karen is a ventriloquist) on her career and writing process and celebrated her Passover hagaddah (prayer book) with an amphibian twist: The Family (and Frog!) Haggadah (Behrman House, 2017). Take a traditional Haggadah text, and add vibrant and historical artworks, engaging activities, and compelling thought questions and activities to it. Then add a hopping, wise-cracking frog to its pages, and you'll get the Family [and Frog!] Haggadah. Frog has lots to comment on, and much to do throughout the seder. He ll say the four questions, take a bath in the salt water, run from the ten plagues, pop up from behind the pages, demand more grape juice, (followed by spilling said grape juice all over the page), and generally make the whole seder more fun for everyone. But even though frog is the star of this Haggadah, (just ask him, he'll tell you so) its underlying text and content is itself wonderfully compelling, with clear instructions, fun game suggestions, checklists, transliterations, and everything else one might need to create a traditional (but not too long!-Frog) and enjoyable seder experience. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Nancy Churnin about her book Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing (Creston Books, 2018). Irving Berlin came to the United States as a refugee from Tsarist Russia, escaping a pogrom that destroyed his village. Growing up on the streets of the lower East Side, the rhythms of jazz and blues inspired his own song-writing career. Starting with his first big hit, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Berlin created the soundtrack for American life with his catchy tunes and irresistible lyrics. With "God Bless America," he sang his thanks to the country which had given him a home and a chance to express his creative vision. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie Hedlund and I talked about the trials and tribulations of being an author and how patience and perseverance led her to her recent success, Over, Bear! Under, Wear? (Philomel Books, 2021). Over and Under are two friends, and they're enjoying a day at the park. They go on the swings (Over goes over Under) and the seesaw (Under is under Over). They meet a hot-dog dog (who joins them for a hot dog). And then they spot . . . a bear! (Unbearable!) But is he really the overall scary creature they first understand him to be? In this hilariously punny story that will have readers laughing out loud as they pick apart the wordplay, a pair of pals overcome their fears as they discover that friendship underpins all. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chana Stiefel Chana and I talked about her new book Let Liberty Rise!: How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty (Scholastic Press, 2021). On America's 100th birthday, the people of France built a giant gift! It was one of the largest statues the world had ever seen -- and she weighed as much as 40 elephants! And when she arrived on our shores in 250 pieces, she needed a pedestal to hold her up. Few of America's millionaires were willing to foot the bill. Then, Joseph Pulitzer (a poor Hungarian immigrant-cum-newspaper mogul) appealed to his fellow citizens. He invited them to contribute whatever they could, no matter how small an amount, to raise funds to mount this statue. The next day, pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters poured in. Soon, Pulitzer's campaign raised enough money to construct the pedestal. And with the help of everyday Americans (including many thousands of schoolchildren!) the Statue of Liberty rose skyward, torch ablaze, to welcome new immigrants for a life of freedom and opportunity! Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Atara Ofek is a leading editor and translator of children's books in Israel. We talked about "what makes a good children's book good?" Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elaine Kiely Kearns writes picture book and middle grade stories. A former elementary school teacher, she now writes books for children and co-runs the website for writers, KidLit411.com. We discussed her journey as an author, and celebrated her recent book Noah Noasaurus (Albert Whitman and Company, 2019). Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alayne Kay Christian is the content and developmental editor for Blue Whale Press and an award-winning children's book author. We talked about her recent book, The Weed That Woke Christmas: The Mostly True Tale of the Toledo Christmas Weed and discussed the trials and tribulations of running a publishing house. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Miri Leshem-Pelly about her book Penny And The Plain Piece Of Paper (Philomel Books, 2020). Penny lives on a plain piece of paper, with just one problem--she's bored. There's nothing to do, no one to talk to, not a single way to keep herself entertained Not one to wallow, Penny makes a decision: it's high time she ventured out into the world and explored other types of paper. But when she's not serious enough for the newspaper, not angular enough for the graph paper, and not repetitive enough for the wrapping paper, Penny doesn't know where she belongs. With some help from the friends she's met along her journey, though, she comes up with the perfect paper plan for herself. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Vivian Kirkfield about her book Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe (Little Bee Books, 2020). Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe. On the outside, you couldn't find two girls who looked more different. But on the inside, they were alike--full of hopes and dreams and plans of what might be. Ella Fitzgerald's velvety tones and shube-doobie-doos captivated audiences. Jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington couldn't wait to share the stage with her, but still, Ella could not book a performance at one of the biggest clubs in town--one she knew would give her career its biggest break yet. Marilyn Monroe dazzled on the silver screen with her baby blue eyes and breathy boo-boo-be-doos. But when she asked for better scripts, a choice in who she worked with, and a higher salary, studio bosses refused. Two women whose voices weren't being heard. Two women chasing after their dreams and each helping the other to achieve them. This is the inspiring, true story of two incredibly talented women who came together to help each other shine like the stars that they are. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Mike Malbrough about his book Marigold Bakes a Cake (Philomel Books, 2017). Marigold the cat loves Mondays, for that is when he bakes cakes With his favorite recipe in front of him, he rolls up his sleeves and gets down to it. He whips up egg whites . . . Easy. He adds a cup of milk . . . Peasy. Then he sprinkles in just a pinch of . . . of finch? That's not right at all Neither are the smidgeons of pigeons or the spoonsfull of loons. Clearly a chase is in order Yet all that leads to is a spectacularly messy kitchen. And no cake. With a recipe comprised of equal parts humor and charm, author-illustrator Mike Malbrough has cooked up a scrumptious laugh-out-loud addition to the great tradition of interruption books. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Melissa Stoller about her book Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Spork, 2020). Sadie loves listening to Nana's tales, especially about the traveling candlesticks, kiddush cup, and challah cover they use every Friday night. Will Sadie ever be able to tell her own special Shabbat stories, just like Nana? Based on true stories in the Author Melissa Stoller's family, this book celebrates family history and connections. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Lydia Lukidis about her book No Bears Allowed (Blue Whale Press, 2019). Rabbit is afraid of many things, but most of all he's afraid of gigantic, monstery, BEARS! The very nervous Rabbit is soon confronted by his worst fear who appears to be far more interested in making new friends than causing Rabbit any real harm. Despite his apprehension, Rabbit agrees to join his jovial new acquaintance for dinner, but wait a minute . . . is Bear planning to "have" Rabbit for dinner? In this tender story about a very nervous rabbit and a lovable bear, Rabbit discovers that things aren't always as scary as they seem, and sometimes you may just have more in common with others than you think. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Julie Hedlund. Julie is an award-winning children’s book author, founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, co-founder of Picture Book Summit, co-creator with Emma Walton Hamilton of the Complete Picture Book Submissions System, and a frequent speaker at industry events such as SCBWI conferences. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A wonderful conversation with renowned editor Harold Underdown who founded and runs The Purple Crayon, a respected website with information about the children's publishing world talks about his favorite children's books growing up, his original plan of becoming a school teacher which morphed into an unexpected role as assistant editor. He discusses the importance of reader response (including those responses unanticipated by the author). Harold explains why during his career he preferred helping hundreds of authors publish children's books rather than write his own and how his career as a teacher helped him understand the needs of children to see themselves in the books. Note: Since the interview took place, Harold has taken on a new position as executive editor at Kane Press. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The night the river jumped its banks, everything changed." So begins A Flood of Kindness (Worthy Kids, 2021) , a poignant picture book that addresses grief and loss and demonstrates how kindness can bring hope. Written in spare prose and told from an intimate first-person point of view, the story follows Charlotte, a young girl who watches floodwaters rise in her home and is forced to evacuate to a shelter with her parents. Kind people she doesn't know give her food, socks and shoes to keep her feet warm, and a place to sleep. As Charlotte adjusts to the shelter--a strange, crowded place that is not home--she grapples with feelings of anger and sadness. But as the days go by, Charlotte starts to realize how grateful she is for the things that she does have--her parents, a cot to sleep on, food to eat--and starts looking for ways to help others in the shelter. All children deal with sadness and loss in some way, whether it stems from a natural disaster, the death of a pet, or moving to a new place. A Flood of Kindness acknowledges those difficult feelings and helps readers process them in a healthy way. Children will be encouraged to be kind to those who need a friend and to help others in whatever way they can, no matter how small. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I talked to Annette Whipple about her book Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls (Reycraft Books, 2020) How do owls see in the dark? Can owls spin their heads all the way around? Why do owls puke? These and other questions are answered by an owl expert, along with some extra information provided by the owls themselves! Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Ourboox, a web platform that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our current podcast features the nonfiction picture book The Little Spacecraft That Could by Joyce Lapin, illustrated by Simona Ceccarelli, and the recipient of a *starred* review from Kirkus Book Reviews (Sterling, 2021). "The exploration of Pluto was a landmark event. This fascinating book tells the whole amazing story!" - Dr. Alan Stern, leader, NASA's New Horizons mission. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Our Boox, an app that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our current podcast features a six-book series called the Becca Epps Series about Bending Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors (Shawnee Scientific Press, 2017-2021). The author of the series, Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist. Prior to writing this series, Dr. Murrell had co-authored a research-based self-help book (The Joy of Parenting; New Harbinger, 2009) and approximately 50 empirical or theoretical articles or chapters. All six of the picture books in the Becca Epps series are based on a cognitive-behavioral model of psychotherapy, called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Our Boox, an app that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our current podcast features Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd Facts about Fascinating Fish (Running Press Kids, 2021), written by Debra Kempf Shumaker, illustrated by Claire Powell, and published with Running Press Kids in 2021. Debra writes children's books from her home in northern Virginia. She is active on Twitter discussing anything kidlit and also reviews picture books on Instagram. As you likely know, fish have fins and gills and tails. All fish swim and most have scales. But not all fish act or look the same. From zapping, stinging, even singing, discover the amazing ways fish look or act to survive in the waters they live in. Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd Facts about Fascinating Fish is an adorable picture book with a scientific—and child-friendly—underpinning. With examples of different fish for each description, as well as extensive backmatter explaining the fascinating science behind these varieties of fish, this funky book captures the wonder of our ecosystem. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Our Boox, an app that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast features the historical picture book, ‘Smelly Kelly’ and His Super Senses, illustrated by Jenn Harney (Calkins Creek, 2020). A former educator, Beth Anderson is an award-winning author whose titles include “An Inconvenient Alphabet” and “Lizzie Demands a Seat!”, with more on the way. James “Smelly” Kelly was a man with a powerful nose whose talents proved heroic in the early days of the New York City subway. Armed with his super-sniffer and the tools he invented, he tracked down leaks from the dangerous to the disgusting, from the comical to the bizarre. “Smelly” Kelly not only hunted leaks, but also saved lives—and discovered the truly extraordinary power he had inside. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Our Boox, an app that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our current podcast features the picture book Kayla and Kugel's Happy Hanhukkah (Apples and Honey Press, 2020). The author, Ann Koffsky is the author and illustrator of more than thirty books, including Creation Colors, Sarah Builds a School, the Kayla & Kugel series, Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor and Shabbat Shalom, Hey. Several of her books have been PJ library selections, and her book Noah’s Swimathon received a Sydney Taylor notable designation from the Association of Jewish Libraries. "In Koffsky’s clear verse, the spunky Kayla explains the origins and traditions of the holiday to Kugel. Koffsky’s color-rich, lively illustrations, including many of the mischievous Kugel, are sure to spark smiles." --Penny Schwartz, The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Our Boox, an app that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicholas (Nick) Solis is a prolific, award-winning author who writes picture books, middle grade novels, and poetry. We talk about his hilarious debut author/illustrator book, The Staring Contest! , published with Peter Pauper Press in September 2020 (nominated as a Redbud Read Aloud Award finalist for 2022). Nick also an award-winning elementary educator, as well as a writing teacher at The Writing Barn in Austin, Texas. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Walter Dean Myers Grant from We Need Diverse Books. Nick has taught students all over the globe—from Tanzania to Texas—and there’s one thing he’s learned from his world travels: kids are kids everywhere you go. We also talk briefly about THE COLOR COLLECTOR, with Sleeping Bear Press, which came out April 15th, 2021 and MY TOWN, MI PUEBLO, with Nancy Paulsen Books, which will be released in the fall of 2022. Nick lives with his wife, their dog, and their son, Leo, in Austin, Texas. Mel Rosenberg is a professor of microbiology (Tel Aviv University, emeritus) who fell in love with children's books as a small child and now writes his own. He is also the founder of Our Boox, an app that allows anyone to create and share awesome flipbooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices