Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book & Middle Grade Authors

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Huda Al-Marashi about her newest release: HAIL MARIAM.This middle grade novel is a heartfelt and humorous interfaith and coming of age story that follows Mariam as he navigates the challenges of being the only Muslim student at her Catholic school. It balances faith, family and friendship and is everything you hope for in a middle grade novel. Come listen as we talk about Huda’s personal experiences that connect to the themes of the book, the balancing act the main character faced and the ways she learned and grew throughout the arc of the story and the promise of curiosity and conversation this book will offer readers and those around them. It’s the perfect book for a caregiver-child book club!You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/23/sparking-curiosity-conversation-hail-mariam-with-huda-al-marashi/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Steph Littlebird about her newest picture book: YOU ARE THE LAND.This stunning picture book is a moving love letter to indigenous community and culture and is Steph’s debut as an author-illustrator. The format of the book is exquisite and conveys such beauty, emotion and connection. Come listen as we talk about the role that art has played in Steph’s life since childhood, how this book originated from her work with adults and the powerful call to action the book invites us to consider. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/16/beauty-emotion-connection-you-are-the-land-by-steph-littlebird/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sandra Magsamen about her newest board book: 100 WORDS TO SAY I LOVE YOU.This delightful board book celebrates 100 words of love in all kinds of locations and situations and reminds us that love is around us, especially perfect for this Valentine’s Day episode release!Come listen as we talk about the poetic structure of this beautiful book, the expansive definition of love celebrated on the pages and the tsunami of love Sandra hopes will arrive (it will!) as caregivers and young readers interact with the text. This is a book for everyone as we can never have enough love in the world, especially now. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/14/a-tsunami-of-love-100-words-to-say-i-love-you-by-sandra-magsamen/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Megan McDonald about TWO of her newest releases: FAIRY DOOR DIARIES: ALIZA & THE HOBGLOBINS and BUNNY & CLYDE ON THE LAM.FAIRY DOOR DIARIES: ALIZA & THE HOBGLOBINS is the second book in an enchanting series that will happily be devoured by readers who believe in fairies and all other magical folk….like me.BUNNY & CLYDE ON THE LAM is the newest book in the series that follows two adorable characters who couldn’t be outlaws when they tried, but are not being framed as the Fall Guys.Come listen as we talk about the set of puppets that launched Megan’s writing career, why you’ll want to create a fairy door for your UnderStairs, the real-life nods to Bonnie and Clyde in Bunny and Clyde and her hopes for readers: a bit of escape and magic in what can be a tough world. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/09/a-magical-escape-fairy-door-diaries-bunny-clyde-with-megan-mcdonald/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Pooja Makhijani about her newest picture book: BREAD IS LOVE.This beautiful picture book explores family rituals, baking and eating good food and it is sure to bring you all the feels while reading, Plus, there’s a bread recipe in the back of the book and a gluten free option, too!Come listen as we talk about the connection between baking bread and mindfulness and mental health, the beautiful illustrations that add to the coziness of the book and Pooja’s hopes for readers around their own bread-making adventures. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/02/cozy-family-rituals-bread-is-love-by-pooja-makhijani/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Tracy Wolff about her newest middle grade novel: THE AFTERMYTH.This dark academia fantasy middle grade novel is a bold and magical tale about forging your own path and is gripping from the very first page to the last.Come listen as we talk about how Tracy is hoping to redefine history into ‘herstory’, the beautiful themes that will envelope readers as they read and her hopes for readers…and the upcoming series that’s to come, too!You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kao Kalia Yang & Jen Shin about their newest picture book together: THE BLUE HOUSE I LOVED.In this stunning picture book, a Hmong girl tells the story of her beloved aunt and uncle's first home in America, long gone but still alive in the family’s memories. It’s both lyrical and ethereal and captures themes around family, what makes a home and the legacy that surrounds both. Come listen as we talk about the real-life inspiration behind the book, the brilliant way the emotional words are brought to life in multiple formats and the beautiful hopes they both have for this book. We talk about memories and the importance of them, the timelessness of this book and the beauty that awaits readers.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/26/finding-home-inside-the-blue-house-i-loved-by-kao-kalia-yang-jen-shin/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Nadine Presley about her newest picture book: A RAMADAN NIGHT.This beautiful picture book celebrates the beginning of Ramadan with a young boy and his father exploring the wonder, excitement and peace of the holiday. It's a book you can feel in your heart and truly experience. Come listen as we talk about Nadine’s journey into the world of children’s literature, her reasoning behind the breathtaking format of the book and who A RAMADAN NIGHT is for. Spoiler alert: It’s for EVERYONE!You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/19/immersive-emotional-a-ramadan-night-by-nadine-presley/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with V.T. Bidania about her newest middle grade novel: A YEAR WITHOUT A HOME.This middle grade historical fiction novel-in-verse illuminates the long, difficult journey that many Hmong refugees faced after the Vietnam war. It’s full of gorgeous prose, lyrical descriptions and a level of emotion that seeps into your heart.Come listen as we talk about V.T. 's journey through children’s literature across decades and distances, the beautiful themes of home, family and identity that are woven onto every page and the important hopes she has for readers of all ages. This is a book that you won’t soon forget and will likely need your Kleenex while reading. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/12/big-emotions-beautiful-themes-a-year-without-a-home-by-v-t-bidania/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Emily Winfield Martin about her newest picture book: THE WILDEST THING.This stunning picture book invites readers to listen to our own inner voices that long for us to be brave and bold. Combining words with lush, full-color illustrations, this book is a feast for both the eyes and the heart.Come listen as we talk about Emily’s accidental beginnings and the pictures that were missing their story, the beautiful analogy she uses for the continuous revisions of a picture book and the very real, very wild inspiration for the book we’re talking about today.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/05/honoring-whats-inside-the-wildest-thing-by-emily-winfield-martin/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Bianca Schulze about her newest book: 101 BOOKS TO READ BEFORE YOU GROW UP.The amazing book is part book, part journal and is FULL of reading inspiration. From old favorites to newly released titles across a wide range of genres and age groups, readers are sure to find their next reading inside the pages…and then keep reading, too. Come listen as we talk about how Bianca tackled the challenge of whittling down all the books she loved into a smaller list, the overall themes found across the books and her hope that this book will open doors for readers and their reading life. It’s for young readers and the older reader who hasn’t grown up, too…like me!You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/29/for-the-love-of-reading-101-books-to-read-before-you-grow-up-by-bianca-schulze/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Scott Magoon about his newest picture book: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE GNOME’S.This whimsical and heartfelt picture book celebrates community, resilience and making space for others, even when the world is changing. This is a book that the world truly needs right now. Come listen as we talk about Scott’s journey through around 40 picture books, the cool new word I learned for a combined author and illustrator, the science and tools behind illustrating and color palettes and his hopeful wish for readers young and old.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/22/a-book-the-world-needs-right-now-theres-no-place-like-gnomes-by-scott-magoon/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Simon Stephenson about his new book for young readers: THE SNOWMAN CODE.In this cozy winter story, a six hundred year old snowman and a ten and a half year old girl strike up an unlikely friendship as they try to bring an end to the longest winter ever. Come listen as we talk about Simon’s journey through medicine and screenwriting on his way to children’s literature, the backstory of the heartwarming characters on the pages and his hopes for readers as they get the book into their hands in the United States. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/15/heartwarming-characters-to-love-the-snowman-code-by-simon-stephenson/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Claudia Ruesda about her newest picture book: MEET THE SMUSHKINS.This adorable book explores what it means to make a house a home. With its bright and inviting illustrations, you won’t want to close the final page. It’s truly a feel-good book. Come listen as we talk about the importance of play and wonder in childhood, the delightful personalities of each Smushkin in the book and the importance of reading, play, wonder and curiosity as children grow into their adult lives. Plus, you’ll hear what my wish for the book is….it involved a stuffed animal house with ten Smushkins to smush inside. =)You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/08/delightful-fun-meet-the-smushkins-by-claudia-rueda/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Dan Gutman about his newest middle grade novel: THE PICASSO CURSE.This middle grade novel follows Edwin as he weighs what to do about a million dollar Picasso doodle he found tucked behind his thrift store poster frame. It’s full of art history and action and I devoured it in a single sitting. Come listen as we talk about the ideas Dan had for the book that finally came together, the What-If questions that drive the reader into the book, the relatable decision anxiety the main character faces and the ending that you’ll love to hate. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/04/immersive-action-the-picasso-curse-by-dan-gutman/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kam Redlawsk about her debut picture book: YUMI & MONSTER.This truly stunning picture book will inspire anyone (everyone!) who has faced illness, loss or any life situation that seems insurmountable. It’s a journey into the emotions we feel when faced with unexpected challenges and incites readers to discover the beauty, magic and adventure that lie beyond the fear, in ourselves. Come listen as we talk about Kam’s journey to children’s literature, her personal story that inspired this beautiful picture book, a bit more about her advocacy work for disabilities and her hopes for readers. We also talk about the incredible last line of the book, something sure to stay in your heart forever. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/01/finding-strength-yumi-monster-by-kam-redlawsk/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Alison Green Myers about her newest middle grade novel: THIS WAY TO HAPPY.This is a heartwarming novel about loss, friendship and the many paths we take to create happiness set at a family amusement park. I hugged the book when I was finished and I did not want to let it go. Come listen as we talk about the inspiration for the book (that could be seen as 47 years in the making!), the importance of signs (both physical and metaphorical) and the beautiful hope Alison has for the book and its readers. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/11/24/big-feelings-messy-families-this-way-to-happy-by-alison-green-myers/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Holly Goldberg Sloan about her newest middle grade novel: FINDING LOST.In this book, readers meet Cordy, a girl who is grieving the loss of her father when a scrappy dog wanders into her life, a dog she names Lost. Come listen as we talk about Holly’s background in film and television, the character-driven way she starts her stories, her personal connections to the book and her hopes for readers to feel deeply and share those feelings with others. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/11/17/honoring-friendship-owls-fall-feast-fiasco-by-kristen-remenar/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kristen Remenar about her newest picture book release: OWL’S FALL FEAST FIASCO.This is a delightful book about planning a Fall Feast and learning about our friends in the process. It’s for both young readers and old and is perfect to read at this seasonal time of the year.Come listen as we talk about how Kristen’s birthday sparked the idea for the first book in her picture book series, why she wanted to write a book with a platypus in it and the surprises tucked inside from the illustrator…her husband Matt Faulkner. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/11/17/honoring-friendship-owls-fall-feast-fiasco-by-kristen-remenar/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sarah Scheerger about her newest picture book: DUDE, BE NICE.This book was inspired by the real-life Dude. Be Nice. project and follows an adorable bear named Dude who thinks he is the nicest bear in town, but quickly learns that sometimes, the nicest thing a person can do is ask if and how a person wants to be helped.Come listen as we talk about Sarah’s love of story that finds its way into every book, the themes that are woven into the pages and the beautiful backstory behind the book. Dude is a character that will sit on your shoulder long after you close the book and Sarah’s curriculum guides will help teachers and librarians harness the power of the book to spark kindness and empathy. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/11/13/spreading-kindness-dude-be-nice-by-sarah-scheerger/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit