"Not every book is for every child, but for every child there is a book." The Children’s Book Review, is a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. In the Growing Readers Podcast, we produce author and illustrator interviews focused on the best books for kids of all ages. We help parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and librarians to grow readers. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thechildrensbookreview/support
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Celebrating 10 Years of The Princess in Black: A Conversation with Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and LeUyen Pham
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Join creators Shannon Hale and Dean Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham as they celebrate 10 years of The Princess in Black series. Discover how a child's simple observation that "princesses don't wear black" inspired a revolutionary series that bridges early readers to chapter books. The trio shares behind-the-scenes stories of their creative process…
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Meredith Seacrest Leach on 'The Make Believers': Fostering Imagination Through Storytelling and Sibling Collaboration
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Join us as Meredith Seacrest Leach discusses her debut picture book "The Make Believers," co-written with her brother Ryan Seacrest. In this heartwarming conversation, Meredith shares how her daughter's boundless imagination and her work with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation inspired this celebration of creative play. She reveals how the book's message…
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Mac Barnett on Flipping Santa's Story: Santa's First Christmas
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Award-winning children's author Mac Barnett joins us to discuss his heartwarming new picture book Santa's First Christmas, beautifully illustrated by Sydney Smith. In this fresh take on holiday storytelling, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas Day for the very first time, thanks to his thoughtful elves. Mac shares insights into the creative pr…
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Sophie and the Swans: Holly Peppe on Kindness, Bullying, and the Power of Children's Literature
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In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with author Holly Peppe to discuss her children's book, Sophie and the Swans. Peppe shares her experiences as a teacher and writer, her insights on addressing bullying, and her reflections on the power of kindness in children's literature. Listeners will gain insight into…
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Dancing Through Darkness: Dr. Edith Eger's Journey from Auschwitz to Inspiration
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35:27
In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with Holocaust survivor and renowned psychologist Dr. Edith Eger to discuss her young adult memoir, The Ballerina of Auschwitz. Dr. Eger, joined by her grandson Jordan Engle, shares her experiences, insights, and reflections on survival, healing, and the power of choice, …
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Doors to Other Worlds: Kate DiCamillo Explores Connection Through Storytelling
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57:10
In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with beloved author Kate DiCamillo to discuss her latest works, including the early reader trilogy beginning with Orris and Timble: The Beginning and the second book in The Norendy Tales, The Hotel Balzaar. Kate shares her creative process, inspirations, and reflections o…
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Louder Than Hunger: John Schu on Writing, Healing, and Hope
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In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with acclaimed author John Schu to discuss his powerful novel in verse, Louder Than Hunger. John shares his deeply personal journey of transforming his own experiences with anorexia nervosa, depression, and anxiety into Jake's story, offering insight into the creative pro…
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Always Look for Wonder: Loren Long on Creativity and The Yellow Bus
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In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with award-winning children's author and illustrator Loren Long to discuss his latest book, The Yellow Bus. Loren shares his unique approach to crafting this touching story, including his inspiration from a real abandoned bus, his process of creating a 3D model for illust…
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Mining for the Heart of History: Beth Anderson on Thomas Jefferson, Critical Thinking, and Crafting Engaging Nonfiction
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49:54
In this episode of The Growing Readers podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with award-winning children's author Beth Anderson to discuss her latest book, Thomas Jefferson's Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose. Beth shares her unique approach to crafting engaging nonfiction, including her process of "mining for the heart of the st…
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Saturday Magic: Celebrating Ancestral Wisdom and Black Spirituality in Children's Literature with Nyasha Williams and Kenda Bell-Spruill
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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Nyasha Williams and Kenda Bell-Spruill, co-authors of Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story (Running Press Kids). This mother-in-love and daughter-in-love duo discuss their collaboration on this groundbreaking picture book that introduces young readers to African diasporic spiritual practices and ancestral con…
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Finding Beauty in Imperfection: Matt de la Peña on 'The Perfect Place
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38:39
Award-winning author Matt de la Peña discusses his new picture book, The Perfect Place, exploring themes of class, self-acceptance, and the meaning of home. Matt shares personal inspirations, reads from the book, and reflects on how the story resonates with readers of all ages. Join us for an insightful conversation about finding beauty in imperfec…
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Cultivating Culinary Curiosity: Priya Krishna on Raising Kids Who Love Global Flavors
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34:36
Join us for a flavorful conversation with New York Times food reporter Priya Krishna as she dishes on her new cookbook, Priya's Kitchen Adventures: A Cookbook for Kids. Discover how Priya's globe-trotting childhood inspired a passion for diverse cuisines, and learn why exposing children to a world of flavors is about more than just good eating. Fro…
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Soaring Imaginations: Exploring the Skyriders Series with Polly Holyoke
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57:24
In this inspiring episode, award-winning children's author Polly Holyoke joins us to discuss her enchanting middle-grade fantasy series, Skyriders. Polly shares her insights on the power of storytelling to ignite imaginations and empower young readers to believe in their ability to make a difference. From her creative process in building immersive …
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Art, Science, and the Sea: Jeanne Walker Harvey On Else Bostelmann's Extraordinary Life
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43:40
In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze and author Jeanne Walker Harvey dive into the inspiring story of Else Bostelmann, the artist who courageously painted the wonders of the deep sea in the 1930s. Harvey shares insights from her new picture book biography Elsae B. In the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the D…
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Talking to Kids About Their Bodies: A Conversation with Sex Educator and Author Dorian Solot
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In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze and sexuality educator Dorian Solot discuss Solot's new Learning About Bodies children's books. Solot shares insights on providing kids with accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies and the challenges of creating sensitive content. The books cover topics like proper…
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The Power of Pets, Place, and Personal Experience: Lauren Castillo on the Inspirations Behind 'Just Like Millie'
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In this heartfelt episode, award-winning author and illustrator Lauren Castillo shares the personal experiences and meaningful inspirations behind her latest picture book, Just Like Millie. Castillo opens up about how her own childhood, hometown, and beloved pets influenced the story of a shy young girl who finds courage and connection through her …
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Growing Readers' Hearts: An Interview with Dan Gemeinhart on Coyote Lost and Found
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52:17
In this insightful interview, acclaimed middle-grade author Dan Gemeinhart discusses his highly anticipated standalone companion novel Coyote Lost and Found, the follow-up to his beloved bestseller The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. Gemeinhart reflects on the evolution of the complex relationship between his resilient protagonist Coyote and …
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Facing Fears Together with Alysson Foti Bourque and Alycat and the Sunday Scaries
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32:26
In this episode, we welcome special guest Alysson Foti Borque, author of the beloved Alycat series. Alysson shares insights into the creation of her heartwarming children's books and the inspiration behind her characters. Join Bianca and Alysson as they delve into the latest addition to the series, Alycat and the Sunday Scaries, exploring themes of…
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Weaving Threads of Belonging: Exploring Identity in Summer at Squee with Andrea Wang
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In this engaging conversation, Andrea Wang shares insights into her latest book, Summer at Squee, where she explores themes of community, identity, and inclusivity. Delve into the heart of Squee Camp, a vibrant setting where Phoenny Fang navigates friendships, cultural experiences, and her own biases. Discover the inspirations behind Andrea's story…
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Poetry Insights from Jane Yolen on Crafting Words, Wisdom, and Wonder
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39:12
In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes the legendary author, poet, and children's book writer Jane Yolen. From discussing Yolen's daily routine of writing poetry to exploring her deep connection to literature and storytelling, this conversation is a journey into the heart and soul of a prolific writer. Yolen sh…
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Exploring Love and Light in 'Ferris' with Kate DiCamillo
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Join us for a captivating exploration of Kate DiCamillo's latest literary masterpiece, Ferris. Prepare to be swept away by a heartwarming love story between a granddaughter and her grandmother, where love in all its forms intertwines with the search for light in the darkest of times. Discover how music serves as a beacon of hope in this evocative t…
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Breaking Through Writer's Block: A Journey with Barbara Dee into 'Unstuck'
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37:33
In this episode, sit down with critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee to delve into her latest middle-grade novel, Unstuck. Listeners are treated to a sneak peek into this novel that follows protagonist Lyla as she grapples with anxiety, writer's block, and the pressures of meeting a writing contest deadline while trying to rescue her older sister…
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Exploring Environmentalism in the Picture Book Saving the Sun by Emma Pearl
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In this engaging podcast episode, Emma Pearl delves into the influence of children's literature and environmentalism in her work while sharing her personal journey inspired by her great uncle Roald Dahl. Highlighting the importance of children's books in fostering imagination and empathy, Emma discusses her picture books Mending the Moon and Saving…
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Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne on the Magic Tree House Theatrical Productions
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44:53
Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Magic Tree House with bestselling children's author Mary Pope Osborne and her husband, playwright Will Osborne. In this episode, we explore the journey of transforming the beloved book series into captivating stage musicals, igniting a passion for literacy and fostering growth in children. Transcript…
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Jamie Lee Curtis on Just One More Sleep, Anticipation, and Writing Books for Kids
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Dive into topics of anticipation and family traditions with Jamie Lee Curtis as she discusses her latest picture book for kids, Just One More Sleep: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait ... and Wait ... and Wait.In this interview, Curtis shares the delightful inspiration behind the story, revealing the magic that happens when a chance encounter with …
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Bianca with Jeff Kinney on Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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Dive into the uproarious world of Jeff Kinney, the creative force behind the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, in this upbeat podcast episode! Kinney spills the beans on how his bestselling idea sprouted from a simple journal meant to keep him on the work grind. With a staggering 275 million copies sold worldwide, the series has become a literary sensat…
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Bianca with Richard Wagner on Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree
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This episode is presented in partnership with Richard Wagner, and we embark on a delightful journey behind the scenes of a heartwarming picture book, Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree. Richard, the creative mind who brought this enchanting story to life, unravels the process of crafting this magical narrative, exploring the themes of perseveran…
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Bianca with Chris Wieland on The Body on the Beach: A Kat Dylan Mystery
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This episode is presented in partnership with The Smart Aleck Press. Bianca is joined by the talented mystery writer Chris Wieland, the creative force behind the Kat Dylan Mysteries; including The Body on the Beach. Chris is known for crafting narratives that revolve around a strong girl protagonist, Kat Dylan. In this discussion, he delves into th…
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Bianca with Kate DiCamillo on The Puppets of Spelhorst
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Are you ready to be inspired? Listen to Kate DiCamillo's enlightening interview on the Growing Readers Podcast. She takes us on a journey into the magical world of The Puppets of Spelhorst and shares the power of storytelling. Her childhood memories of playing with puppets are a reminder of the beauty and simplicity that can be found in our everyda…
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Bianca with Abby Hanlon on Dory Fantasmagory: Can't Live Without You
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In this episode of The Growing Reader's Podcast, Abby Hanlon talks about how she infuses authentic challenges into her Dory Fantasmagory chapter books, giving little ones a taste of real life through the pages of her books. Abby Hanlon has taught creative writing and first grade in the New York City public school system. Inspired by her students' s…
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Bianca with Matthew Cordell on the Cornbread and Poppy Series
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55:22
Matthew Cordell discusses the Cornbread and Poppy series. Cordell draws from his personal experiences to create playful and adventurous stories that kids will love. With Cornbread and Poppy, he focuses on building a cozy and entertaining world for beginning readers to explore. We hope you enjoy listening to this interview about his creative process…
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Bianca with Ellen Potter on Squirlish: The Girl in the Tree
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41:44
Award-winning author Ellen Potter chats about her wonderful chapter book, Squirlish: The Girl in the Tree. Get ready to laugh out loud as the story unfolds on how a girl raised by squirrels in Central Park attempts to make new human friends. Inspired by a friend raising a baby squirrel and her own life experiences, Ellen hopes readers will apprecia…
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Bianca with Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko on Dogtown
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42:00
Award-winning authors Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko's co-authored book Dogtown showcases how fiction can help instill empathy and compassion, especially in fun stories that involve animals. They discuss the immeasurable and inspiring power of literature. Their work is a testament to the fact that stories can have a meaningful impact on…
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Bianca with Josh Funk on Dear Unicorn
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Join the conversation with author Josh Funk as he discusses the unique nuances between Dear Dragon and Dear Unicorn. In this lively discussion, Funk taps into the concept of duality in relationships—how a balance between positivity and negativity can facilitate growth. Discover the intricate details in the book's illustrations, and learn how asking…
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Bianca with Julie Hedlund on Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews
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45:44
Get ready to be inspired by Julie Hedlund and her outstanding involvement in writing communities! In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, she shares her research process behind her masterpiece Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews. Hedlund hopes to inspire readers to learn from Andrews' hard work and celebrate their unique path…
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Bianca with Nyasha Williams on Ally Baby Can Be Antiracist and Keep Dreaming Black Child
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Nyasha Williams discusses her mission to decolonize literature by creating books that share important information accessible for all ages. Her books, including Ally Baby: Can Be Antiracist and Keep Dreaming Black Child, emphasize the importance of taking action and being an ally while acknowledging the need for humility—the conversations her books …
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Bianca with Remy Lai on Ghost Book
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Get ready to be inspired as you learn about Remy Lai's creative process and the inspiration behind her latest graphic novel, Ghost Book, which beautifully deals with the difficult themes of death and grief in a moving and hopeful way. Remy Lai studied fine arts with a major in painting and drawing. She was born in Indonesia, grew up in Singapore, a…
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Bianca with Jessica Speer on The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand
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Jessica Speer wrote The Phone Book to provide knowledge and empowerment for kids and families regarding smartphone use. The book includes quizzes, real stories, techie tidbits, and secret codes to engage readers. In this informative chat, she suggests modeling healthy tech habits, creating a tech agreement, having regular conversations about the da…
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Bianca with Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant on Stuff Kids Should Know
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Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark are the duo behind the award-winning tri-weekly podcast Stuff You Should Know. They talk about how they adapted their content for their kids' book Stuff Kids Should Know, using kid-friendly topics. They have a background in researching and writing and find a story in whatever they're talking about. The pair have been wor…
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Bianca with Sally Pla on The Water, The Fire, and Maudie McGinn
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46:34
Sally J. Pla discusses her novel The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn and describes the character of Maudie as a girl who learns resiliency in the face of life's challenges. Sally also talks about the importance of reading about characters different from oneself to broaden empathy and understanding. The themes of the book include divorce, neurodi…
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Bianca with Carin Berger on In the Night Garden
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26:16
Carin Berger shares her love for books, childhood memories, and inspiration for her latest book, In The Night Garden. She discusses her creative process for creating collages and the impact she hopes her book will have on readers. Carin Berger is the award-winning author and illustrator of almost a dozen picture books for children, including The Li…
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Bianca with Todd Parr On The Monster Mac and Cheese Party
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33:03
In this episode, Todd Parr shares his journey to becoming an author and illustrator, inspired by his struggles in school and desire to help kids feel better about themselves. His books have clear messages of inclusivity and kindness, and the new book, The Monster Mac and Cheese Party, featuring monsters and macaroni and cheese, adds humor while rei…
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Bianca with Kaz Windness on Bitsy Bat, School Star and Autism
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43:39
In this episode, Kaz Windness is the author of multiple books for kids, but most recently Bitsy Bat, School Star—a picture book that she hopes will help readers gain a better understanding and compassion for what it's like to be autistic and build more self-acceptance. Kaz Windness is an author-illustrator who loves to make her readers laugh. When …
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Bianca with Chris Grabenstein on Writing Books for Kids
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54:23
In this episode, Chris Grabenstein talks about writing, reading, and his new hilariously profound picture book No Is All I Know and the latest book on the Smartest Kid in the Universe series: Evil Genius. Chris Grabenstein is the multiple award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the MR. LEMONCELLO, HAUNTED MYSTERY, WELCOME TO WONDERLA…
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Bianca with Vicki Willden-Lebrecht On the Bright Agency
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In this episode, Vicki Willden-Lebrecht, founder and CEO of Bright Agency—an agency set up to do more than represent artists and authors. Beginning with children's publishing, Vicki founded Bright in 2003 and nurtured it into a thriving international creative management agency around the globe. The artists and clients of Bright work across Publishi…
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Bianca with Maria Castelluci Moore On Vivienne in Paris
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This episode is presented in partnership with María Castelluci Moore, the author of Vivienne in Paris—winner of the Moms Choice Award. It's a delightful picture book that inspires young readers to delve deeper into their senses and observe how it ignites their emotions to find what makes them feel joy unique to them. Owner Entrepreneur, first-gener…
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Bianca with Jennifer Swanson on Footprints Across the Planet
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In this episode, we have self-proclaimed science geek, award-winning author, speaker, and teacher, Jennifer Swanson. She talks about her newest picture book, Footprints Across the Planet—a masterful introduction to the concepts of sustainability and inclusivity that even the youngest readers can understand and enjoy. Jennifer Swanson's love of scie…
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Bianca with Grace Lin and Kate Messner on Once Upon a Book
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41:20
In this episode, we have two guests: Newbery, Geisel, and Caldecott honoree Grace Lin and NYT bestselling author Kate Messner, who partnered on the picture book Once Upon a Book. This incredibly stunning book celebrates the joys of reading, the importance of imagination, and the transportive power of books. Grace Lin is the recipient of the Childre…
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Bianca with Andy Griffiths on The 13-Story Treehouse
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In this episode, we have global sensation and fan-favorite author Andy Griffiths. He's here to talk about the Treehouse series and the special full-color collector's edition of The 13-Story Treehouse. Andy Griffiths is the New York Times bestselling author of The Day My Butt Went Psycho!, Zombie Butts from Uranus!, and Butt Wars! The Final Conflict…
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Bianca with Aaron Becker on The Tree and the River
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In this episode, we have the master of wordless picture books, Caldecott Honor–winning Aaron Becker. He talks about his stunner of a book, The Tree and the River. Aaron Becker is the best-selling author of the award-winning Journey trilogy, along with several other books for children young and old. His love of travel led him to the city of Granada,…
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