Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

Happy Thursday!I’m here with a bonus episode that I absolutely cannot wait to share with you. It’s a beautiful conversation about a beautiful book that just found its way into the world: THAT YOU ARE HERE IS NO SMALL THING by Traci N. Todd and illustrated by Vashti Harrison. It’s stunning and I hope you’ll press play and listen!StephanieE247: THAT YOU ARE HERE IS NO SMALL THING by Traci N. Todd On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Traci N. Todd about her newest picture book: THAT YOU ARE HERE IS NO SMALL THING.This stunning picture book is an unforgettable exploration of culture and history that records the important survival story Black children carry and celebrates their hope for a radiant future. It’s a book you’ll feel deep in your heart.Come listen as we talk about the bravery she built up over ten years to share her writing, the birthday gift to herself that inspired her newest book and the beautiful way she wove together science, history and wonder as Vashti Harrison worked her illustration magic to complement it.Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!THAT YOU ARE HERE IS NO SMALL THING by Traci N. Todd (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Traci online:Traci’s Website: https://www.tracitodd.com/I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Monday!When the KidLit Love podcast first launched, I talked with authors of picture books, middle grade books and young adult novels, too. As I got to know the my audience, it was clear that listeners gravitated more toward the picture books and middle grade age groups, so I quietly shifted my podcast to only focus on that niche. But when the opportunity came to talk with Megan E. Freeman about her young adult debut novel, I just could not resist. I adore Megan’s books and absolutely loved our conversation on the podcast about her dystopian verse novels: ALONE and AWAY. So, when I heard about her debut young adult novel, I just couldn’t resist asking her back. I hope you loved this new conversation as much as I do!Plus, I HAVE NEWS. I’m thrilled to announce that I’m launching a new KidLit Love subscription box called INSIDE THE BOOK. I’ll share a formal announcement soon, but here’s a bit of a teaser:KidLit Love: Inside the Book is a reading + writing experience for anyone interested in writing children’s literature.Each edition features one carefully chosen children’s book, one writerly surprise, and an intimate live Zoom conversation with the author focused on writer’s craft and inspiration. Together, we’ll read like writers, look closely at how the story works, hear the behind-the-book story and gather inspiration for our own writing.I’d love to get your feedback as I get ready to open the doors. If you answer these short questions, send me a message or leave your name below for a special coupon for a discount on the first round in November!Thank you for your feedback. Leave any wants and wishes in the comments below. Stay tuned for the big reveal with our very first author. Here’s your one hint: She’s been on the podcast before with a narrative picture book biography that I absolutely adored and want wait to look at through a writer’s lens!Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life!StephanieBook Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:🎉WHALE FALL by Elysia Rourke (Amazon / Bookshop)This heart-warming middle grade novel features a young orca who dreams of becoming the matriarch of her pod and instead finds herself living a life in captivity. It’s a deeply moving story of family, determination, and hope as a majestic creature weathers the storms of a life she’s not in control of.🎉THE DOT Deluxe Gift Edition by Peter H. Reynolds (From Candlewick)Dot day is almost here! This beautiful slipcased gift edition features an introduction to International Dot Day, a link to a guide for burgeoning artists and their teachers, and a heartfelt letter from the author. Listen to our conversation on the podcast!E246: Stunning YA Verse: THE SECRET TO BELONGING by Megan E. FreemanOn this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Megan E. Freeman about her young adult debut: THE SECRET TO BELONGING.This stunning novel-in-verse is about longing, love and the courage to find joy from despair. It’s beautifully lyrical, deeply emotional and highly inspirational, too. You won’t want to miss this one!Come listen as we talk about the intimacy we build with characters, the incredibly moving themes around family, new experiences and growing through challenges and Megan’s hope for both the readers who already know and love her earlier novels to the new young adult readers who find their way to this book.Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!THE SECRET TO BELONGING by Megan E. Freeman (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Megan online:Website: https://www.meganefreeman.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan_e_freeman_writerI’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Monday!The episode I’m releasing this week is incredibly near and dear to my heart for a few reasons. * First, I absolutely adore Shifa Saltagi Safadi as a human and cherish our conversations about books, writing and children’s literature. * Second, Shifa’s books are all incredibly powerful and emotional and I feel such pride at helping her launch them into the world. * And third, this is the THIRD time that Shifa has been on the podcast and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities this podcast has given me to connect with authors, listeners and readers over time. This podcast is a true joy in my life and I want to thank all of you for sharing it with me! Your support means so much and I’m thrilled to announce I’ve started a private community here on Substack for those who want even more kidlit love!I’ve been considering a potential community like this for a while and thinking through what we might explore and do together. I’ve finally settled on something near and dear to my heart with plenty of room to grow. Here it is…I believe books help us become who we want to be and children’s books have something to teach grown-ups, too. I talk about this often on the podcast and even celebrate it on the opening jingle. So, I’d like this private community to become a joyful space for adults who adore children’s literature just as much as I do and actively include picture books and middle grade novels into their reading lives…and maybe even want to write them. Each month, paid KidLit Love subscribers will receive a Picture Book Prescription: a carefully selected children’s book and a simple invitation to read it with grown-up eyes, reflect on what it might have to say about the life you’re living, and carry one small piece of its wisdom forward. Plus, you’ll find things like:* Bookish surprises — giveaways and occasional special invitations* Early access to future experiences and events* Paid chat threads where we talk books together* KidLit book stacks* and more!I’d love to welcome you to my kidlit corner of the Internet. Support KidLit Love for $5 a month and get a little more bookish goodness along the way. Click the link below to join!Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life!StephanieBook Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:🎉THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY: ART ATTACK by James Ponti (Amazon / Bookshop)I have been WAITING for this one! The Sherlock Society goes undercover in the Miami street art scene to find an anonymous graffiti artist in the third book in the SHERLOCK SOCIETY series. Click here to listen to James talk about the first book that started the series and book 2: THE HURRICANE HEIST. It’s such a fantastic series!🎉I AM A SPICY NUGGET by Loren Brantz (Amazon / Bookshop)Oh, my goodness. Follow a spicy nugget as she releases fiery fury on all who dare approach (stuffed animals, beware!). But big emotions and even bigger personalities are no match for a little patience and a lot of love… the best remedies for soothing even your spiciest feelings. This book will make many of us feel seen. =)🎉BLACK BOYS, I SEE YOU by Wade Hudson (Amazon / Bookshop)This is an empowering picture book celebrating Black boys everywhere: acknowledging their strengths, recognizing the hurdles they face, and encouraging them to forge ahead with confidence. Interested in more books by Wade? Click here to listen to him talk about THE DAY MADEAR VOTED with Don Tate!🎉SING ME A STORY edited by Aida Salazar (Amazon / Bookshop)Edited by multi-award-winning author Aida Salazar, this anthology brings together a star-studded cast of Latine kidlit verse novelists for an unprecedented collection of short stories in verse about the power of music. This book is filled with lyrical beauty. Click here to listen to my conversation with Aida about her book: STREAM.🎉QUETZAL’S LABYRINTH by Karla Arenas Valenti (Amazon / Bookshop)Twelve-year old Diego discovers the Aztec gods are real, and he must journey into a deadly labyrinth to stop a vengeful power from destroying the world in this twisty, action-packed fantasy from the Pura Belpré Award–winning author of Lola. I can barely get out of my local maze at the pumpkin farm, but I loved reading about this adventure on the page. =)🎉MILLIE MAGNUS IS NOT JEALOUS by Brittany Mazique (Amazon / Bookshop)This is the third book in the hilarious and charming MILLIE MAGNUS chapter book series featuring exuberant and irresistible third-grader Millie Magnus. This time, readers will head to the Overlook Little Theatre where Millie is hoping to shine. SISTERS ALONE by Shifa Saltagi SafadiOn this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Shifa Saltagi Safadi about her newest novel-in-verse: SISTERS ALONE.It’s a heart-stopping sisterhood, survival and the quiet strength it takes to keep going, even when the world feels like it’s falling apart. It had my heart and my whole-hearted admiration for these beautiful characters. Come listen as we talk about the the power of books to change us and soften our hearts, the lyrical prose and careful formatting choices that envelope readers into the story and Shifa’s beautiful hope for readers to feel less alone as a result of this book. It’s one that will stay with me for a long while. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!SISTERS ALONE by Shifa Saltagi Safadi (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Shifa online: Website: https://shifasafadi.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shifasaltagisafadiI’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Monday!Oh, I cannot wait for you to listen to this podcast episode today! If you know me, you know I keep a list of books I’ve hugged in my notebook and the book I’m sharing with you is on the top of that list: THE TRAVELERS by Greg Howard. It’s truly the best of everything I hope to find in a book and is for absolutely everyone, young and old.Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life!StephanieBook Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:🎉THE MEGA-COMPLICATED CRUSHES OF LOTTIE BROOKS by Katie Kirby (Amazon / Bookshop)This is the third book in the LOTTIE BROOKS series, a new-to-me series that I now can’t get enough of! Formatted as diary entries with hand-drawn illustrations, readers discover the crush calamities, friendship fumbles, and homework mishaps of an 11 (and 3/4) year old girl trying to survive her first year of middle school.🎉IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR THANKSGIVING by Maisha Oso & Illustrated by Tom Knight (Amazon / Bookshop)Yes, Thanksgiving will be here before we know it and this book will help you get in the holiday spirit! It’s part of the IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR… series and is sure to capture readers’ attention with its delightful illustrations. 🎉WE ARE THE KEYSTONES by Katy S. Duffield & Illustrated by Hannah Sayler (Amazon / Bookshop)Keystone species are plants, animals, or other organisms that have a huge effect on the environments around them. This gorgeous picture book filled with lyrical rhymes and easy-to-understand facts explains how this concept works and invites you into the beauty of the natural world. 🎉MEXIKID DREAMS: A GRAPHIC MEMOIR by Pedro Martin (Amazon / Bookshop)This is the extraordinary graphic memoir companion to the Newbery Honor winner Mexikid. There are hilarious family hijinks, immigration patrols, and musical daydreams that shape a year of growth and change for a Mexican American boy and his family. Add this to your TBR!🎉GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU: SHAPES by Sam McBratney & Illustrated by Anita Jeram (Amazon / Bookshop)I used to lovingly call my oldest son my little nut-brown hare because of this beautiful book and now, it’s in a board book format that also teaches basic concepts. This enitre series has a special place in my heart.🎉THE CURSE OF THE SILVAN OAKS by Georgia Channon (Amazon / Bookshop)This book is a thrilling magical fantasy debut about an ancient feud between Queen Titania and King Oberon. It is a richly imagined, multiple perspective fantasy novel set in the opulent fairytale world of Sacromund. With echoes of the great fantasy classics such as The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, this feast of a novel is sure to delight any reader looking for a magical new read.E244: Mystery & Time Travel: THE TRAVELERS by Greg HowardOn this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Greg Howard about his newest book: THE TRAVELERS.This middle grade novel blends mystery and a touch of time travel into a story about grief, friendship and the enduring bonds between generations. I hugged it when I was done reading it and the messages will stay with me for a long time.Come listen as we talk about the personal connections Greg has to the story, the importance of writing real books with real issues for children, the important role the library plays in the book and why ALL readers need this book, even adult readers reading to their inner child. It’s that special.Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!THE TRAVELERS by Greg Howard (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Greg online:Website: https://www.greghowardbooks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greghowardbooks/I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Thursday!I’m back with a bonus episode: a delightfully whimsical book about wishes and finding your heart’s true desire, something I think everyone deserves. Press play on my conversation with Cheryl Lawton Malone and start getting still to consider the wishes inside of your heart. =)StephanieE243: Finding Your Heart’s Desire: LITTLE KIT’S WISH by Cheryl Lawton MaloneOn this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Cheryl Lawton Malone about her newest picture book: LITTLE KIT’S WISH.This beautiful picture book is about Little Kit’s first blue moon and the first wish that comes along with it. Beyond that, it’s a story about going still to find your heart’s desire from within, making it perfect for readers of all ages.Come listen as we talk about the inspiration behind the book from almost 16 years ago, the nature-inspired themes found throughout the pages and the conversations Cheryl hopes caregivers and readers have about their own hopes, dreams and wishes.Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!LITTLE KIT’S WISH by Cheryl Lawton Malone (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Cheryl online:Website: https://cheryllawtonmalone.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.lawtonmalone/I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe