The Growing Readers Podcast
The Children’s Book Review is a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. On the Growing Readers Podcast, we produce author and illustrator interviews focused on the best books for kids of all ages to help you grow readers.
“Not every book is for every child, but for every child there is a book.”
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Ask Book Creators a Question and You Could Be on The Growing Readers Podcast: Leave a Message or Write-In
Ask a question about writing books, illustrating books, process, or inspirations. Ask about reading, favorite books, or a previous episode. Or just leave a compliment! Your message could end up on a future episode of this podcast.
The Growing Readers Podcast
Illustrating Inclusivity: How Z.B. Asterplume Brought Lesléa Newman’s ‘Rainbow Cookies’ to Life
Join us for a conversation with Z. B. Asterplume about illustrating Rainbow Cookies, a story of Pride, community, courage, and one unforgettable cookie.
Philip C. Stead on Writing with Heart, Humor, and a Little Bit of Magic
In this episode, Philip C. Stead shares the inspirations behind A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic, his leap into imaginative middle grade fiction.
Join us in our conversation with Lin Oliver, who discusses humor, heart, and the idea that kindness is a skill children can grow.
The Art of Silly: Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope on the You and Me Series
Author Andy Griffiths and illustrator Bill Hope stop by the Growing Readers Podcast to talk peanut butter, lost things, and the creative partnership.
Jolene Gutiérrez on Writing Unbreakable with the Late Min Tonai (Special Guest John Tonai)
In this episode, Jolene Gutiérrez and John Tonai talk about bringing Unbreakable to life, sharing insights into its creation and the story it preserves.
From an Ugly Duckling to Storytelling Swan: Sandra Nickel on Hans Christian Andersen
Author Sandra Nickel offers a fairy-tale-like portrait of how a misunderstood child grew into one of the world’s most beloved storytellers.
Claudia Mills Brings Philosophy to Middle Grade in ‘Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom’
Claudia Mills channels her decades of teaching philosophy into a heartfelt novel about a disruptive student and the search for wisdom in impossible situations.
Sara Pennypacker joins us to discuss The Lions’ Run: an orphan discovers courage through unlikely heroes secretly resisting Nazi occupation in WWII France.
Megan McDonald, the mastermind behind Judy Moody, explores themes of mischief, friendship, and wonder in her latest works.
Judy Blume for Young Readers: Selina Alko’s Poetic Tribute to a Literary Icon
Author Selina Alko’s heartfelt collection of poems shines a light on Judy Blume’s childhood and the stories that shaped generations of readers.