The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast The Children's Book Review

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 new canine companion. From exploring themes of anxiety and friendship to sprinkling in local Easter eggs, Castillo offers a glimpse into her thoughtful creative process and layered approach to storytelling through both words and art. Join us for an intimate conversation that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with "Just Like Millie" before even turning the first page.



Transcription:

⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠⁠.



Order a Copy:

Just Like Millie on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠.

Nana in the Country on ⁠Amazon⁠ and ⁠Bookshop.org⁠.



Resources:

Find Lauren Castillo at laurencastillo.com and follow her on Twitter @studiocastillo.



Lauren Castillo Talks About:


Her latest picture book Just Like Millie and its themes of shyness, anxiety, courage, and friendship
Personal experiences that inspired the story, including interactions with a shy child and her own dogs
Setting the book in her hometown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and including local Easter eggs in the illustrations
Dedicating the book to her recently passed dogs and incorporating them into the story
The power of pets and companionship in helping children navigate challenging emotions
Her creative process, including using ink, watercolor, and soft pastels for the illustrations
Capturing the emotions of characters through details in facial expressions and color
The significance of the book's endpapers and jacket flap information
Hopes for how the book will resonate with readers, especially shy or socially anxious children
Experiences as both an author and illustrator, and how her process differs for each role
The collaborative nature of creating picture books with a publishing team
Revisiting her childhood and Nana in her previous book Nana in the Country
The importance of reading dedications and acknowledgments to understand the author's heart


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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 her grief-stricken father Rodeo while also exploring the poignant themes of loss, healing, and finding one's place in the world that are woven throughout both narratives.

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author also offers a glimpse into his creative process, from drawing inspiration from his lifelong love of reading to the challenges of seamlessly incorporating timely elements like the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Gemeinhart discusses his upcoming picture book Once Upon a Friend and the distinct approaches required for crafting middle-grade novels versus picture books.

With his signature blend of heart, humor, and authenticity, Gemeinhart provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his acclaimed body of work and the powerful messages he aims to impart to young readers. This episode is a must-listen for fans of Gemeinhart's beloved stories as well as anyone interested in the craft of writing impactful children's literature.



Transcription:

⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.



Order a Copy:

Coyote Lost and Found on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠.

Once Upon a Friend on Amazon and Bookshop.org.



Resources:

Find Dan Gemeinhart online at http://dangemeinhart.com.



Dan Gemeinhart Talks About:


His writing process and influences as an author of middle grade novels
The evolution of the relationship between the main character Coyote and her father Rodeo across the two books
The themes of grief, healing, and finding one's place in the world that are central to the narratives
Dan's upcoming picture book Once Upon a Friend and the differences between writing middle grade novels versus picture books
The potential for the first Coyote book to be adapted into a film


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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 friendship, bravery, and overcoming fears. Discover how Alysson infuses valuable life lessons into her stories while captivating young readers with engaging adventures. Get ready for an insightful conversation about the power of children's literature to inspire and uplift.



Transcription:

⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.



Order a Copy:

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries on ⁠Amazon⁠ and ⁠Bookshop.org⁠.



Resources:

Find Alysson and Alycat online at www.alycatseries.com.

Check out the virtual book tour for Alycat and the Sunday Scaries here: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/alycat-and-the-sunday-scaries-awareness-tour/



Alysson Foti Borque Talks About:


The inspiration behind starting Expound Publicity with her co-founder during the pandemic.
Their journey from starting with a podcast interviewing authors to expanding into a full-fledged publicity firm assisting nearly 500 authors.
Alysson's transition from teaching elementary education to practicing law to becoming a children's author and publicist.
How personal experiences and her children inspire her children's books, particularly the Alycat series.
The importance of showcasing supportive friendships and problem-solving skills in children's literature.
Alycat's adventures in each book and the life lessons they impart to young readers.
Incorporating extension activities at the end of each book to further engage readers and extend the story's themes.
Discussion on the latest book in the series, Alycat and the Sunday Scaries, and its focus on overcoming fears and anxieties.
Sneak peeks into upcoming books in the Alycat series, including Alycat and the Copycat and a Christmas-themed book.
Encouragement for readers to find resonance with characters in books and utilize them as tools for learning and growth.


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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 storytelling, from her personal experiences at a Chinese heritage camp to her reflections on anti-Asian racism. Learn how Andrea crafted authentic representation while making the story relatable to a diverse audience. Uncover the threads of empathy and belonging woven throughout her narrative and explore the transformative power of embracing joy and shared experiences.

As Andrea reflects on her writing process and highlights from the book, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of identity and community depicted in Summer at Squee.

Transcription:
⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:

Summer at Squee on Amazon and Bookshop.org.

Discussion Topics:

Andrea Wang Talks About:


Exploring the Concept of Community: How Summer at Squee portrays the dynamics of community within the camp setting.


Cultural Identity and Representation: How the book tackles themes of cultural identity, particularly focusing on Phoenny Fang's journey of self-discovery as she navigates her Chinese heritage within a multicultural environment.


Addressing Bias and Prejudice: How the narrative addresses issues of bias and prejudice, particularly in Phoenny's interactions with other campers.


Writing Process and Inspirations: Her creative process behind crafting Summer at Squee, inspirations for the story, including her own experiences at a Chinese heritage camp, and how she approached the development of characters and plot elements.


Themes of Inclusivity and Belonging: The importance of creating inclusive spaces, both within literature and in real-life communities, and ways to foster a sense of belonging for all individuals.



Resources:
You can visit Andrea Wang online at ⁠⁠https://andreaywang.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/andreawhywang/.



Our Book Spotlight Sponsor:

P.J. Davis, author of Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time

Available on Amazon

For more information, visit https://www.PJDavisAuthor.com.


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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 shares insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her works, and the power of poetry in shaping young minds. Join Bianca and Jane as they delve into the magic of words, wisdom, and wonder in this captivating episode.



Transcription:
⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.



Order a Copy:

In and Out the Window on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠.



Discussion Topics:

Jane Yolen Talks About:


Her daily routine of writing a poem a day for 18 years
The significance of writing poetry as a creative practice to awaken the mind and fingers
Childhood experiences and early exposure to literature and writing
The impact of parental support and encouragement on Yolen's writing journey
Her prolific career with over 457 published books and counting
Reflections on family dynamics and attitudes toward Yolen's writing success
Exploring the challenges and joys of writing for both children and adults
The motivation behind Yolen's passion for crafting books tailored for children
Insights into what makes a poem resonate and endure over time
Memorable experiences with poetry, including reciting Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky"
Her unexpected encounter with W.B. Yeats' gravestone in Ireland
The process of compiling and organizing Yolen's poetry collection, In and Out the Window
Educational and creative value of poetry in children's literacy and classrooms
Her hopes for the lasting impact of In and Out the Window on readers of all ages
Practical advice and tips for aspiring poets and poetry enthusiasts
Her one big takeaway: the importance of reading poetry aloud every day



Resources:

You can visit Jane Yolen online at ⁠https://www.janeyolen.com/ or follow her on Facebook at Facebook.com/JaneYolen.


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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 tale, where characters come to life on the page. Kate shares her writing process, prioritizing emotional resonance over mere calculation. Don't miss out on this magical conversation as we delve into the soul-stirring themes of Ferris and uncover the transformative power of storytelling with the incomparable Kate DiCamillo.



Transcription:
⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.



Order a Copy:

Ferris on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠.



Discussion Topics:

Kate DiCamillo Talks About:


The significance of the dedication to Tracy Bailey and Rainey Stewart: Exploring the personal inspirations behind Ferris.
Character development: Understanding how characters like Ferris reveal themselves to Kate DiCamillo during the writing process.
Themes of love: Analyzing the various forms of love depicted in the story and their impact on the characters.
Finding light in darkness: Discussing how the theme of light,
particularly through music and a chandelier, serves as a metaphorical beacon of hope.
Emotional vs. mathematical writing: Delving into Kate DiCamillo's approach to finding the right words emotionally rather than through mathematical precision.



Resources:

For more information, visit https://www.katedicamillo.com/.

Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow: A DIY Manual for the Construction of Stories by Steve Almond


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