What do paleontologists, exhibit designers, snow monkeys, haiku, picture books, and the fight against book bans have in common? They all begin with curiosity, and with the belief that young people deserve to ask big questions, see themselves in stories, and explore the world freely. About This Episode In Episode 210 of the Adventures in Learning podcast, we welcome Maggie Tokuda-Hall, author of Love in the Library; The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea; The Siren, the Song, and the Spy; and so many more unforgettable books for young readers. Maggie joins me to celebrate the release of two new picture books: What Do People Do at the Science Museum?, illustrated by Qin Leng, and Bath Time for Snow Monkeys, illustrated by Yas Imamura. We explore the joy of science museums (a subject close to my heart), the many people who work behind the scenes to make discovery possible, and why children need to know that a scientist can be an artist, a paleontologist, an exhibit builder, a greeter, a researcher, or anyone with questions and curiosity. Maggie also shares the story behind her gentle, playful snow monkey bedtime book, written in haiku and inspired by the quiet, connected moments of bath time with her own young child. Then we turn to a conversation that is urgent for all of us who love books: the right to read. Maggie offers a powerful behind the scenes look at the founding and growth of Authors Against Book Bans, practical advice for educators and families facing challenges, and a compelling reminder that hope is not something we wait for. It is something we practice, protect, and fight for. Chapters 01:26:What Do People Do at the Science Museum?02:09:Science careers beyond the white lab coat03:54:Behind the scenes: the people who make museums possible05:28:Raising curious museum goers07:12:Bath Time for Snow Monkeys: haiku, calm, and connection09:22:Writing toward an illustrator’s vision: Yas Imamura11:28:Haiku as story, heritage, and a mentor text13:01:Maggie's adventures in learning15:51:Influences, artistic admiration, and the joy of children’s literature19:32:Diverse books, creative risk, and beyond the single story23:50:Authors Against Book Bans: why the work began30:57:Protecting the right to read: practical steps for educators34:25:How families and community members can take action37:46:Hope as a discipline and a warrior emotionFeatured Books by Maggie Tokuda-Hall What Do People Do at the Science Museum?, illustrated by Qin LengBath Time for Snow Monkeys, illustrated by Yas ImamuraLove in the Library, illustrated by Yas ImamuraOrganizations Mentioned American Library Association/United Against Book BansPEN AmericaSchool Library JournalEvery LibraryAuthors Against Book BansClassroom Connections Maggie's two new picture books offer so many openings for learning through play, inquiry, literacy, poetry, and STEAM. Ideas forWhat Do People Do at the Science Museum?, Create a “Who Makes a Museum?” class chart. Include scientists, researchers, educators, designers, artists, builders, greeters, exhibit technicians, writers, and visitors.Invite children to design their own curated museum exhibit about something they are curious about.Pair the book with a visit to a science museum, aquarium, children’s museum, natural history museum, zoo, or nature center. Allow the children's questions to help spark discovery.Ask: “What kinds of questions would you like a museum to help you investigate?”Ideas for Bath Time for Snow Monkeys Read the book slowly and notice how haiku creates mood, movement, and stillness.Use the book as a mentor text for writing sensory poems about water, weather, animals, family routines, or calming moments.Explore the science of snow monkeys, hot springs, habitats, and animal behavior.Create watercolor, collage, or movement responses inspired by the book’s shifting palette and monkey expressions.Join the Fight for the Freedom to Read: We need everyone’s help to fight for the freedom to read. Here are some things you can do from Authors Against Book Bans: Stand: Stand with school libraries and tell your member of Congress to co-sponsor the Right to Read Act. Call: Contact your representative and ask them to support the Fight Book Bans Act H.R. 6596Register. Show up. Vote. Vote in all elections and don’t forget the local ones! Voting in your local school and library board elections is one of the most effective ways you can protect the freedom to read. If you’re already registered to vote, get FIVE of your friends to register. Then grab those friends and head to the polls together.Act locally: Attend your local library and school board meetings. Learn how your community addresses and assesses book challenges and what books, if any, have been banned. Introduce yourself to your school and local librarians and ask how you can help. Speak Out: Most school and library board meetings have time for public comment. Sign up to speak about why the freedom to read is critically important in your community and why censorship is both dangerous and damaging to everyone.Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
