The Children's Book Podcast

Matthew Swanson (@writingmatthew) and Robbi Behr (@drawingrobbi) are the author and illustrator, respectively, of THE REAL McCOYS, a middle grade series centering on the McCoy siblings. Moxie McCoy believes everything she thinks so profoundly that it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. That, along with her fandom and appreciation for Annabelle Adams, Girl Detective, makes her an interesting piece in a puzzling mystery Moxie is determined to solve. Matthew and Robbi discuss how working together brings out the best in one another and how Matthew has a bit of illustrative monogamy with Robbi. All told, there's a lot of each of the creators on the pages of the REAL McCOYS series, and that's a good thing. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Raúl Colón is the author illustrator of IMAGINE!, a wordless picture book about a boy who finds himself called, perhaps beckoned even, to the art he finds in the Museum of Modern Art. He is drawn into the art and then he draws the art out into his world. It's a book with a certain kind of magic, and I think you'll find that the magic lies in Raúl's own story of finding his way to art and to the great works. Raúl talks about worrying at points in his life that the sense of wonder toward the world could get lost as he progressed through life. But it's that sense of justice and injustice, instilled at a young age, that continues to inform Raúl's work today. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mark Oshiro (@MarkDoesStuff) is the author of ANGER IS A GIFT, a young adult novel a boy named Moss, the tragic loss of a friend and more than that, and a school responding to student protest and security in a way all too real for many of our pre-adult students throughout the country. The novel also contains the line, "I will counter your doubts every single time", which is probably one of the most beautiful string of words a parent can say to a child ever. Mark narrates the audiobook for ANGER IS A GIFT and we talk a bit about how it feels to be reading your own story and, in part, reliving it just as you did when you were writing the story and seeing the characters through their suffering. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Yuyi Morales (@yuyimorales) is the author illustrator of DREAMERS, a story recounting Yuyi's immigration to the United States with her son. It is a book that will awaken your senses. It is a book that calls you to pay attention because everything you see, the words, the collage, the materials, everything is telling a story. Everything counts. Yuyi shares her story and talks of being just one of many voices. She tells us of her path, and that her path was to tell stories. And she talks of bringing close to her everything that she missed in order to create this book. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Airlie Anderson (@airliebird) is the author illustrator of NEITHER, a new picture book about a creature who is not this or that, but neither. It's a story of finding a place to belong, a place to feel welcome. It's also a story about making room for others who may be different from you. But one of the book's most powerful qualities is the space left for the reader to make his or her own connections, to see his or her own this, that, and neither. And for adults to do the same. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Calista Brill (@CalistaBrill) and Kenard Pak (@kenardpak) are the author and illustrator, respectively, of CAT WISHES, a new picture book about a cat who catches a snake but spares its life when the snake says it will grant the cat three wishes. In our conversation we discuss clinging to skepticism and characters who imagine themselves as cynical when really they're revealed to be quite caring. When reading CAT WISHES be sure to pay close attention to the syncopation of art and words. It's beautiful. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Francesca Sanna (@Frenci_San) is the author and illustrator of ME AND MY FEAR, a new picture book about how fear manifests in us, takes root, and, if we're not careful, can form us in its likeness. I'm first became aware of Francesca's work from THE JOURNEY, her debut picture book universalizing the refugee experience and inviting readers to look, to ask questions, to feel, to understand that there are people in this world (and perhaps even in their lives) who have lived similar experiences. How many of us know intimately the experience of being pushed and pulled by hope? You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Traci Sorell (@tracisorell) is the author of WE ARE GRATEFUL: OTSALIHELIGA, a new picture book featuring Cherokee men and women, children and grandparents, family and friends throughout the year, in all seasons, grateful. It's a book that speaks loudly by asking readers to listen closely. Traci shares in our conversation the universal value of gratitude, emphasizing that life is not just about being grateful for the good things that happen to you. I think it's a message we all need to hear and I'm grateful for such a beautiful book to spark the conversation. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Suzanne Kaufman (@lilmonkeydraws) and Martha Rago (@martharago) are the illustrator and art director, respectively, of ALL ARE WELCOME, a new picture book welcoming to school students of all races, ethnicities, beliefs, and backgrounds. The book was inspired by a piece of art made by Suzanne for her daughter's school and, once shared over social media, went viral throughout the kidlit community. It's a book spoken through the rhythm of kids' lives and it's the book I'll be reading to each of my K-5 classes throughout our first week of school. But more importantly, the story reminds readers that they belong and that they can feel confident knowing that they belong no matter what. This is the second of a 2-part podcast series on ALL ARE WELCOME. The first includes ALL ARE WELCOME author Alexandra Penfold and editor Erin Clarke. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Alexandra Penfold (@AgentPenfold) and Erin Clarke (@erinmclarke) are the author and editor, respectively, of ALL ARE WELCOME, a new picture book welcoming to school students of all races, ethnicities, beliefs, and backgrounds. The book was inspired by a piece of art made by Suzanne Kaufman for her daughter's school and, once shared over social media, went viral throughout the kidlit community. It's a book spoken through the rhythm of kids' lives and it's the book I'll be reading to each of my K-5 classes throughout our first week of school. But more importantly, the story reminds readers that they belong and that they can feel confident knowing that they belong no matter what. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Christian Trimmer (@MisterTrimmer) and Jessie Sima (@JessieSima) are the author and illustrator, respectively, of SNOW PONY AND THE SEVEN MINIATURE PONIES, a new picture book inspired by the Snow White story, but with twists and humor and scrapbooking and magnificent hair braids. We also talk about Jessie's HARRIET GETS CARRIED AWAY and Christian's TEDDY'S FAVORITE TOY, two additional picture book releases that push back on gendering and celebrate books for all readers. These are narratives that shine a light for our readers and open up their worlds just a little more with each turn of the page. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Camille Andros (@camdros) and Julie Morstad are the author and illustrator, respectively, of THE DRESS AND THE GIRL, a new picture book about a girl, a hand sewn dress, and a very long journey. It's also a book about memory and, specifically, the memories we associate with specific items in our life, be they unique or commonplace, unusual or beloved. Or, perhaps, a little bit of each. It's also a book that was inspired by some very significant memories, which you'll hear from our guests. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Saadia Faruqi (@SaadiaFaruqi) and Hatem Aly (@metahatem) are the author and illustrator, respectively, of MEET YASMIN, a new series of chapter books featuring spirited second-grader Yasmin Ahmad and her multigenerational family. Yasmin's curiosity about the world and the discoveries she makes regularly through observation of life and the world around her are great for young readers with eyes wide to the world. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mrs. P (@MrsPstorytime) returns to share details around the 10th annual Be a Famous Writer Contest. The new school year is about to begin. It's time for possibility and wonder and excitement and discovery. It's time for students to find identity as scientists and coders and makers… and writers. Mrs. P has loved and inspired young authors for many, many years and the submissions she receives for the annual Be a Famous Writer Contest showcase some incredible works of creativity by students and classrooms. This year's theme is HEROES and I've invited Mrs. P back to the podcast to tell you and your students all about it. You can access all of the information you and your students will need to get started by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Gayle Forman (@gayleforman) is the author of I HAVE LOST MY WAY and the New York Times bestselling IF I STAY. In her newest YA novel Gayle explores the idea that the most important story is the backstory, that all of us come from a place and that one thing informs the next to take us to where we are today. But none of that has to define who we are. It's a story of losing your way and trying to find it again. It's a story of coming to realize that we all walk around really, really scared. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Debbi Michiko Florence (@DebbiMichiko) is the author of JASMINE TOGUCHI series, which recently saw the publication of it's fourth book, JASMINE TOGUCHI, FLAMINGO KEEPER. Jasmine's imagination, stick-to-itiveness, and occasional stubborn insistence makes her a compelling and endearing character, and one who's hard to forget. Debbi shares how she previously considered herself a middle grade writer and that she tried for a time not to write this chapter book series. It's a good thing for all of us that her main character was determined to have her stories told. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Francesca Cavallo (@francescavallo), co-author of GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS (@rebelgirlsbook) with Elena Favilli, made history when REBEL GIRLS became the most successful crowdfunding book campaign in history. The REBEL GIRLS books have recently gotten treatment as audiobooks at the hands of audio producer Julie Wilson (@JuliannaNWilson) and Julie assembled a striking cast to add to the orchestra of women's voices present throughout the book series. You can access even more information about the audiobooks, their print counterparts, and more by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dr. Debbie Reese (@debreese) is the author of the popular blog, American Indians in Children's Literature. A Nambe Pueblo Indian woman, Debbie is a founding member of the Native American House and American Indian Studies program at the University of Illinois. Debbie joins me to talk about ALSC's recent decision to change the name of their lifetime achievement award from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award to the Children's Literature Legacy Award. The change has not come without criticism by certain members of the public and we discuss that and more in our conversation. You can access even more information about the books and articles referenced by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Selina Alko (@SelinaAlko) and Sean Qualls (@sean_qualls) are the illustrators of CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR?: POEMS OF RACE, MISTAKES, AND FRIENDSHIP, an powerful and unmistakable work of poetry for children and readers of all ages. This is part two of a two part interview focused on the book. The previous episode featured CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Irene Latham (@Irene_Latham) and Charles Waters (@waterscharles) are the authors of CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR?: POEMS OF RACE, MISTAKES, AND FRIENDSHIP, an powerful and unmistakable work of poetry for children and readers of all ages. This is part one of a two part interview focused on the book. The following episode features CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? illustrators Selina Alko and Sean Qualls. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

5 years. 450 episodes. What started as "What it...?" has grown in time to be an unmistakable presence in the children's literature community. How we got there, in large part, is because of listeners like you! And where we're going on the road ahead is just as exciting as where we've been. Thanks for being on this journey together with us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

The Gaithersburg Book Festival happens each May in beautiful, downtown Gaithersburg, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. This year I was invited to interview bestselling YA author Gayle Forman during one of the festival sessions and I'll be sharing that conversation with you in an upcoming episode, but I also recorded a handful of quick pop-up conversations with authors and illustrators as we crossed paths throughout the day. Please enjoy these brief opportunities to catch up with today's guests, Steve Light (BLACK BIRD YELLOW SUN), Sarah Jacoby (FOREVER OR A DAY), Dan Santat (DUDE!, DRAWN TOGETHER), Megan Wagner Lloyd (FORT-BUILDING TIME), Gareth Hinds (POE: STORIES AND POEM), Hena Khan (POWER FORWARD), Ellen Oh (SPIRIT HUNTERS, We Need Diverse Books), Karina Glaser (THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141st STREET), and Kate Beasley (LIONS & LIARS). You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Danielle Anderson-Craig (@Dandersoncraig) is the author of THE MAGIC OF WE, a beautiful debut picture book about what it means and how it feels to savor togetherness with someone special. It celebrates the instant connection we experience when we encounter a soul partner at any age or stage of life, and the story that inspired the book is something very special in and of itself. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Sheetal Sheth (@sheetalsheth) is the author of ALWAYS ANJALI, an affirming picture book about deciding for ourselves how we want the world to see us. Sheetals shares that she lavishes in books about the mundane, those stories that could take place on any day and in any place, but that show us something about ourselves. Sheetal has a storied background and it's fascinating to see all of those parts of her experiences and passions and memories come together into this beautiful story. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Mitali Perkins (@MitaliPerkins) is the author most recently of YOU BRING THE DISTANT NEAR, but the paperback release and audiobook release of TIGER BOY, Mitali's 2015 novel, is what first drew me closer to her writing. This story of a boy living in Kolkata, attending school, and becoming involved in the rescue of a tiger pup was as beautiful as it was awakening to me, as life in the Sunderbans is unlike anything you or more readers have experienced before. Mitali's focus on social justice is ever-present in her writing and this conversation is rich in inspiration. I think it will stick with you for a long while, as I know it has me. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Arree Chung's newest picture book is called MIXED and it's due out at the beginning of July. It's a story of simple color theory, but it's also a story of what makes us the same and what makes us different. It's a story of mixing colors together, but it's also a story about new life and making the world more colorful. Arree (@arreechung) says that to make this story as relatable as possible, he had to make it as abstract as possible. I think the end result is nothing short of exceptional. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

We can do more good together. Today I'm asking for your help. Consider becoming a patron of The Children's Book Podcast by visiting www.patreon.com/matthewcwinner. Your support will help fund more interviews here and on location. It will help raise greater awareness for diverse books and the people that make them. And it will help expand the listenership to new, like-minded folks who care deeply about raising and supporting readers. So what do you say? Want to join me? Let's make this happen. Together. (and thanks!) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Rob Sanders (@RobSandersWrite) recently published his first nonfiction picture book, entitled PRIDE: THE STORY OF HARVEY MILK AND THE RAINBOW FLAG. Rob shares that this book is "just like any other book about equality", and he's not wrong, but I think the strongest quality of this book, thanks both to Rob's words and Steven Salerno's art, is that PRIDE saves space for the reader to ask questions, to study the book and the people depicted in it to see the familiar faces in all of our lives, and for the reader to understand that "gay" is not a word spoken out of hatred, but one spoken out of love and pride. As Rob shares, what started out as a book of celebration quickly revealed itself as a book of necessity. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Eric Bell (@IAmEricBell) made his middle grade debut with ALAN COLE IS NOT A COWARD, a funny and poignant story about the trials of middle school when you're coming of age—and coming out. Eric and I talk about writing boys that are the emotional core of the story and how their relationships to one another are, in so many ways, exactly what every child is seeking as they grow up. I know I did. The relationships in Alan's life to his parents, his brother, and even to his crush are complex and fragile and just so tangible your heart my ache as you read, but then again readers of all ages will see themselves in part in Alan's life, I think. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dave Eggers recently published a middle grade novel called THE LIFTERS, which centers around a boy named Gran who's looking for a chance to be a hero and a small town named Carousel with a big mystery. A young woman catches Gran's eye, if for no other reason than her strong sense of purpose, and following her leads Gran into a world beyond anything he's ever seen. It's the kind of story with a magic that will make you hope and wish you yourself could just open a door in the hillside. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn are celebrating their picture book debut with MOMMY'S KHIMAR, a story about young Black American Muslim girl who loves to play with her mother's khimars. Jamilah uses her debut to emphasize the importance that children find joy and happiness in their identity. I love Jamiliah's reminder that there are a lot of muslim girls who are just happy, so why not make space in picture books to show those girls. Ebony's art celebrates that and more, capturing "black muslim girl joy", as my guests put it. What a beautiful book for our young readers and their parents to encounter! You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jessica Love makes her picture book debut as both author and illustrator in JULIAN IS A MERMAID, a story about a young boy who imagines himself turning into a mermaid after encountering three women dressed as mermaids on the subway. The story is spacious, and here is what I mean by that. There is room in this story for readers to make their own connections, to build their own understandings. As Jessica so beautifully puts it in our interview, it's as if the artist is throwing a ball into the unknown and the reader has the chance to catch it. All of the magic is held or contained there in the suspense. I cannot wait for you to encounter this book. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Hey there, podcast listeners. Today, May 5th, some news was brought to my attention that relates to a recent episode of The Children's Book Podcast. Author Junot Diaz faces sexual conduct allegations and an overwhelming number of women shared their own testimonies through the #metoo hashtag over the past 24 hours. Junot Diaz was featured on a recent episode of the podcast along with illustrator Leo Espinosa for ISLANDBORN, a picture book the did together. I have since removed that episode from the archive and updated the blog post promoting the episode to include this message. I, Matthew Winner, and The Children's Book Podcast will not support the works of individuals accused of misogynistic acts, sexual predation, or any other offense against women. That behavior is intolerable and individuals recently or historically exhibiting that behavior are not welcome here. I welcome you to listen to my conversations with some exceptional Latina authors and illustrators, including Juana Martinez Neal, Monica Brown, Margarita Engle and Emma Otheguy. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Alison Green Myers and George Brown are the Program Director and Executive Director, respectively, of the Highlights Foundation, a retreat center in the beautiful Pocono Mountains in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Each year, the Highlights Foundation offers more than 40 workshops covering a wide range of topics and offering encouragement for both beginning and published authors and illustrators. Workshops are led by children's publishing professionals, including editors, authors, art directors, publishers, agents, academics, and others who are there to help you realize your creative goals. I invited Alison and George onto the show to learn more about how the Highlights Foundation began, their role in supporting diverse and own voices, and where they'd like to lead the organization into the future. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Veera Hiranandani is the author of THE NIGHT DIARY, a middle grade novel that takes place during the Partition of India in 1947. The story centers around Nisha, a 12-year-old girl who journals daily to her late mother. Nisha uses this channel to process the events going on around her, and to find her place among a country newly divided. Nisha is half-Muslim, half-Hindu, an as her family is forced to flee to the recently established Pakistan she encounters a world turned upside-down as she, her twin brother, her father, and grandmother make the plight north. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jewell Parker Rhodes is the best-selling author of NINTH WARD and TOWERS FALLING. In GHOST BOYS, her newest middle grade novel, Jewell shares a beautiful and devastating story about a young black boy killed by a police officer. About writing the story, Jewell says "I wasn't sure I was going to make it through." Jewell writes with great strength, conviction, and love, leaving an undeniable story through which readers of all ages, colors, and backgrounds can connect. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Juana Martinez-Neal makes her picture book debut as both author and illustrator in ALMA AND HOW SHE GOT HER NAME, a story that carries with it a simple and sincere message: everybody has a name, and every name has a story behind it. Juana talks about not have the distance from her own story to maintain a more autobiographical focus, and yet in turning her gaze to the fictional Alma she opens up the story to be that much more universal. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Megan McDonald is the best-selling author of the JUDY MOODY series which see's the release of it's 14th book this month in JUDY MOODY AND THE RIGHT ROYAL TEA PARTY. Megan talks about how she came to know Judy and how, through exploring stories from her own childhood as the youngest of five daughters, Judy came to be in the format we know her from today. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Samantha Berger is the best-selling picture book author of CRANKENSTEIN, SNOOZEFEST, and MARTHA DOESN'T SAY SORRY. Mike Curato is the author illustrator of the LITTLE ELLIOT series, and the illustrator of WORM LOVES WORM by JJ Austrian and ALL THE WAY TO HAVANA by Margarita Engle. They first picture book together is called WHAT IF... and it publishes on April 10, 2018. Sam and Mike are no strangers to this podcast, and I learn something new each time I talk to them. Today our conversation illuminated turning pain into art, the indomitable triumph of the human spirit and creativity, but one of the things I valued most was the emphasis on the truth that nothing can take away from you, who you are, and what you have to say. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Ben Clanton is the author illustrator of PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY, the newest book in his NARWHAL AND JELLY graphic novel series. In this newest installment Narwhal breaks his meal routine of all waffles all the time in order to try a new treat at Jelly's suggestion with hilarious results. This series is hilarious and one of the things I love most about these books has been the opportunity to read them aloud with my 7-year-old son. They never fail to crack us up. There's a scene in this new book that we also connected over: Jelly hesitates to give Narwhal a peanut butter cookie without first making sure that Narwhal isn't allergic. Like many kids, my son has a peanut allergy. The way that Ben handled this scene and empowered Narwhal's friend as a source of concern and protection was something that really spoke to us both. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Vesper Stamper is the author illustrator of WHAT THE NIGHT SINGS, a lushly illustrated novel about a teen Holocaust survivor, who must come to terms with who she is and how to rebuild her life. The question driving Vesper's writing was this: How do people subjected to unfathomable tragedy not just survive, but go on to thrive? The human spirit is a curious and, at times, unbreakable thing. Stories of strength and survival are always garnering our attention, but amid all of that I found this story to be doing something new to me. And that is that it followed survivors from the moment they grasped hold of their freedom through the months and years of tragedy, wartime fallout, and family up-ending to follow. This is a story that I hope you'll read and discuss and share. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Maria Dismondy is the author of THE FRUIT SALAD FRIEND and founder of Cardinal Rule Press, an independent publishing company. Maria's newest picture book addresses the notion that people are not always kind, but surrounding yourself with friends who are kind and trustworthy can go a long way. It's a story I'd guess Maria has lived a number of times throughout her life. I admire Maria for the work she's done to bring such positive and empowering stories to our young readers, and to do so over years of hard work, research, and assembling a noteworthy team. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara are the author and illustrator of THE FIELD, a picture book about pick-up game of soccer in a village in St. Lucia that could be any pick-up game in any town with any kids. It's Baptiste's debut as a picture book author and Jackie's debut as a picture book illustrator. What stories and storied backgrounds each bring to THE FIELD will enrich your experience with this beautiful book even more so, and so it's my pleasure to bring this conversation to you. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Jane Yolen is the beloved and prolific author of over 365 books for children and teens, including this year's releases of A BEAR SAT ON MY PORCH TODAY, MAPPING THE BONES, and MEET ME AT THE WELL. To celebrate such a milestone publication year, Jane and daughter Heidi have kicked off #Yolen365, a daily celebration and book pairing of each title in Jane's catalog to a calendar holiday, festivity, or fun fact. Our conversation includes stories that span of Jane's experiences in publishing that span her career so far. Rest assured, we were in no shortage of things to talk about in laughs and wonder, reflection and celebration. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Kate Hoefler and Noah Klocek are the author and illustrator of Great Big Things, a picture book about a mouse who journeys beyond great obstacles and ever greater distance to deliver something to the one love. Kate talks about how picture books are all about the space between and how it's up to the reader to fill in the gaps. They both share how every book, in some way, is about perspective. This is a quiet picture book with a whole lot to say. You can access more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James are the award-winning author and illustrator of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, recently the recipient of the Newbery Honor, the Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King Author Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. And no wonder! The heart and voice both Derrick and Gordon poured into every page of this story gives it presence. In our conversation Derrick talks about writing a story of self-affirmation for black boys to see themselves and feel good about themselves. The story taps into a universal feeling, and the work affirms the truth that everyone wants to feel valued. You can access more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Lee Wind is the author of Queer as a Five Dollar Bill, a novel for teens about a boy named Wyatt, some little known research about our 16th president, and a social media post that goes viral. In this conversation Lee talks about his Kickstarter campaign for the book, a decision he made after the publisher that previously acquired his manuscript dropped the book just a few months prior to production. You're going to love hearing Lee tell that story. It was a total surprise to me. Lee also talks openly about being a gay teen who became a gay adult and struggled throughout much of his teens and twenties to be authentic to himself and, more importantly, to love himself. You can access more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast and you can support Lee's Kickstarter directly by visiting https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1325588893/queer-as-a-five-dollar-bill-empower-lgbtq-and-alli. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Kobi Yamada is the author of What Do You Do with a Chance?, the final picture book in a best-selling series including What Do You Do with an Idea? and What Do You Do with a Problem?. In this conversation Kobi talks about the varied languages of creativity and how we're all finding our way through life. One of the most important concepts Kobi emphasizes in this conversation, to me, is that a book is incomplete without the reader. The implicit responsibility a reader has to trust the story and to invest a piece of themselves in the story is something that is at the center of the stories he writes. You can access more information about this book and its author by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Seghal are the authors of Festival of Colors, a new picture book celebrating Holi, the traditional Hindu spring festival. In this conversation Kabir and Sue talk about the celebration as a representation of true Indian culture. The share the harmony and respect for others that's at the heart of Holi and Kabir and Sue lift up the colors as the star character of the story. You can access more information about this book and its authors by going to www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message

Dear readers, listeners, and friends, For over two years, our team has celebrated great children's books and their creators by building what we hope has been a trusted resource for parents, teachers, and librarians. The website has been a labor of love, but in light of shifting demands on our time and energy, we've made the difficult decision to end the project. Therefore, on February 1, 2018, All The Wonders will publish its final post. Please note, this does not affect our podcasts: All The Wonders, Picturebooking, and Books Between will immediately resume production at new homes (see below). Behind the scenes, All The Wonders has been like a family. Our team is made up of authors and illustrators, most of whom are also working parents. We are teachers, librarians, and media professionals. We are activists and volunteers. In many ways, the world shifted on its axis this past year, and so too did our individual lives. We were forced to reflect on how we spend our time and consider where our energy might best serve our families, our communities, and ourselves. We are so thankful to the amazing group of people who donated their time to this cause—our past and present team, contributors, and bookmakers—and are grateful to you, our audience. Thank you for appreciating the importance of delivering beautiful, meaningful, and diverse books into the hands of children. And thank you for trusting us as a conduit. We have appreciated every moment. Please note that allthewonders.com and its current content will remain online in perpetuity so that it may continue to serve as a resource for the books and artists already celebrated. For future podcast episodes, please visit: All The Wonders (rebranded: The Children's Book Podcast with Mathew Winner): www.matthewcwinner.com Picturebooking: www.picturebooking.com Books Between: www.booksbetween.com And now we say goodbye—not forever, but to this particular chapter in our team's shared pursuit of making great content for children. We have much work yet to do. Please keep in touch. For a complete list of our current team members and their personal websites, please see our about page here. Keep reading. Keep sharing. Keep creating. Love and respect, Blake and Matthew Co-Founders --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message