The Growing Readers Podcast
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 to help you grow readers.
“Not every book is for every child, but for every child there is a book.”
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Upcoming Guests Include
Ask these Book Creators a Question and You Could Be on The Growing Readers Podcast: Leave a Message or Write-In
Trudy Ludwig, Author of Brave Every Day
From social-emotional learning expert Trudy Ludwig and award-winning picture book illustrator Patrice Barton (co-creators of The Invisible Boy) comes a story about managing anxiety and finding the courage to stand up for yourself and others.
Most kids love hide-and-seek, but Camila just wants to hide. Hiding is what she does best when she worries, and she worries a LOT.What if… I can’t… I’m scared!
A class trip to the aquarium causes her worries to pile up like never before. But when an anxious classmate asks for help, Camila discovers that her heart is bigger than her fears.
From social-emotional learning expert Trudy Ludwig and award-winning illustrator Patrice Barton, this tale of courage and compassion will embolden readers to face their own fears.
J.T. Michaels, Author of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Author J.T. Michaels brings a fantasy tale of an ancient war, a modern-day murder mystery, mystical creatures, and memorable characters in his masterfully written young adult novel, Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone.
The Great War ended a century ago. Peace reigns across the eight countries. Epic tales of heroic men and women of those times are recounted in song and story. Yet, history seems to have forgotten a young battlefield healer, Tessa Marlise…
Sixteen-year-old Jimmy Chartron has just enrolled at the Navale Academy of Eagleon, his mind set on becoming an electrician. A chance magical encounter binds him to the trapped soul of Tessa Marlise. As Jimmy struggles to deal with this shocking development, murder and mystery unravel in the academy. Caught in the middle of everything, Jimmy realizes that a larger evil is afoot and that only two things can stop it: himself and the ghost in his head…
Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken, Creators of Patchwork
From a Newbery Medal-winning author and a New York Times bestselling illustrator comes a deeply moving ode to the complexity and uniqueness of every child.
In profound, uplifting verse and sumptuous artwork, beloved creators Matt de la Peña and Corinna Luyken explore the endless possibilities each child contains: A young dancer may grow into a computer coder; a basketball player might become a poet; a class clown may one day serve as an inspiring teacher; and today’s quiet empath might be tomorrow’s great leader. Here’s a profound and uplifting new classic with an empowering message for readers of all ages: Your story is still being written.
Ask a question of one of the upcoming book creators. You can ask them about their books, their process, or their inspirations. Or just leave a complement! Your message could end up on a future episode of this podcast!
The Growing Readers Podcast
In this episode, I talk with the one and only John Schu about his debut picture book, This Is a School—a moving celebration of school and all it may signify.
In this episode, I talk with Diana Farid about her coming-of-age novel written in verse, Wave, set in 1980s Southern California about a Persian American girl.
In this episode, I talk with Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth about her debut picture book What Will I Do with My Love Today?
In this episode, I talk with Grammy-winning singer and daughter of reggae singers Bob and Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, about Marley and the Family Band!
In this episode, I talk with Jeanne Walker Harvey, the author of the stunning picture book biography Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas.
In this episode, I talk with Marc Brown, the creator of the bestselling Arthur Adventure books. We discuss Believe in Yourself: What We Learned from Arthur
New York Times bestselling author Eva Chen and illustrator Sophie Diao talk about their picture book I Am Golden, a moving ode to the immigrant experience.
Noted anthropologist and educator Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole and award-winning illustrator Nelda La Teef talk about African Proverbs for All Ages.
In this episode, I talk with acclaimed child-author Faith Abraham and her family about Faith’s picture book, Superhero Faith.
In this episode, I talk with acclaimed author Elaine Vickers about her tender picture book Thankful, in which everyday things are celebrated.