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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The Growing Readers Podcast
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.
Kenan Thompson shares why scraping your knee, finding a good friend, and trying again are the real secrets to success. Unfunny Bunny is his debut kids book.
Penn Holderness—content creator, podcaster, and New York Times bestselling author—discusses his new ADHD book co-written with his wife, Kim.
Behind the Pages of ‘Bunns Rabbit’ with Oscar Winner and Pixar Animator Alan Barillaro
Academy Award winner Alan Barillaro shares the journey of creating Bunns Rabbit—a story about finding your place in the world when you’re born different.
Melissa Stewart on Curiosity and Science Books
In this episode, Melissa Stewart shares how a third grader’s question about burping turned into her latest book, From BAM to BURP.