Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

Stephanie Affinito
  • 5.0 (12)
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This podcast celebrates all things children's literature for the adult reading to their inner child AND connecting the young readers in their lives with books. Each week, I host bookish conversations with children's literature authors to learn about their backstory, their journey to writing, their books and their hopes for readers. kidlitlove.substack.com

  1. 2d ago

    E234: Unplug & Reconnect: STREAM by Aida Salazar

    Happy Friday! The holiday weekend is here and is this bonus podcast episode is the perfect reminder to stay present, take a breath unplug from your devices and plug into the connections around you. I think it’s a lesson we all need to learn and a book we all need to read! Stephanie E234: Unplug & Reconnect: STREAM by Aida Salazar On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Aida Salazar about her newest middle grade novel: STREAM. In this middle grade and upper middle grade verse novel, two teens are sent to Mexico for the summer to unplug and reconnect to the natural world. It’s a stand-alone book that tells the story of two characters from her earlier titles and explores a topic I think every reader needs to reflect upon: digital consumption, social media use and the impact both have on our bodies and spirits. Come listen as we talk about the characters Aida brought together in this dual-perspective novel, the challenges facing young people today around digital technology and social media and her hopes for readers to thoughtfully and intentionally examine their own digital lives and reconnect with the natural world. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! STREAM by Aida Salazar (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Aida online: Website: http://www.aidasalazar.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aida_writes/ I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com

    31 min

  2. 6d ago

    E233: The 250th Anniversary: THE DECLARATION DECODED by Katie Kennedy

    Happy Monday! I’m not sure how it happened, but the month of June is coming to a close and July is almost here! Time is moving so quickly and I am determined to better enjoy the coming month more than I did the last one. Enter books. I’ve got a collection of picture books to share that will help you sink into a lovely summer season and make the most of the days ahead. They’re beautiful and delightful! Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new episode too! Happy reading! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉MABEL’S MUSEUM OF WONDERS by Dana Wulfekotte (Amazon / Bookshop) As someone who adores miniature things, this delightful book about collections and friendship went straight to my heart. Mabel is a wombat who loves collecting tiny treasures. But after a recent move, the one thing she doesn’t have is a friend to share her treasures with, so she decides to open her very own “Museum of Wonders!” But will anyone show up who will appreciate her collections like she does? I know I would and now, I want to open a museum for the childhood collections I saved, too! 🎉STUBBY: A PENCIL’S JOURNEY by Sydra Mallery (Amazon / Bookshop) Every single person who enjoys reading and writing needs to have this book on their shelf! As a child, I could watch the video about how crayons were made over and over and over again and as an adult who loves to write, I’ll be reading this book over and over and over again. It’s a humorous and informational account of a pencil’s journey from cedar tree to classroom as told by a stubby little pencil himself. =) 🎉A COZY SUMMER DAY by Eliza Wheeler (Amazon / Bookshop) New York Times bestselling author Eliza Wheeler’s companion to A Cozy Winter Day welcomes readers into sun-dappled scenes of a cozy summer in Acorn Village, bringing the joys of summertime to refreshingly vivid life. Do you want to slow down and really embody the beauty and presence of summer? Start with this book! The 250th Anniversary: THE DECLARATION DECODED by Katie Kennedy On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Katie Kennedy about her newest book: THE DECLARATION DECODED. This inviting book goes through the Declaration of Independence sentence by sentence idea by idea, and gives readers not only a deep understanding of the language, but also the historical background against which it was written and the powerful arguments it makes some of which we are still having 250 years later. Come listen as we talk about exactly how Katie makes American history so accessible and interesting, the key aspects of the Declaration that are most misunderstood and the importance of the document in today’s world, too. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! THE DECLARATION DECODED by Katie Kennedy (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Katie online: Website: https://katiekennedybooks.com/ Bluesky: https://blueskydirectory.com/profiles/katiewritesbks.bsky.social I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com

    24 min

  3. Jun 22

    E232: Caring in Community: TOGETHER FOR MAMA by Pooja Makhijani

    Happy Monday! Monday always feels better after a weekend full of books, bookstores and bookish friends. Lucky for me, this feeling will continue as I release an episode that will wrap you in love, too. Pooja is a repeat guest on the podcast and we had an important conversation for all. Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new episode! Happy reading! Stephanie Caring in Community: TOGETHER FOR MAMA by Pooja Makhijani On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Pooja Makhijani about her newest picture book: TOGETHER FOR MAMA. This beautiful picture book is a story about care and how it moves through family and communities, how children witness it and how they offer it in return. This is a beautiful story of hope and healing for all of us. Come listen as we talk about the deeply personal inspiration behind the book, the stunning fusion of words and images that bring the book to life and Pooja’s heartfelt hopes for collective care and understanding, not just for postpartum depression, but for anything we might face. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! TOGETHER FOR MAMA by Pooja Makhijani (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Pooja online: Website: https://www.poojamakhijani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laborofloaf I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com

    31 min

  4. Jun 18

    E231: Friendship, Identity & Books: THE CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB by Laekan Zea Kemp

    Hello Everyone, This. This book. This book is the quintessential middle grade book for middle grade readers, adult readers with an inner child and ANYONE who loves books. I’m so excited about the surprise I share at the end. If you’re interested in joining my book club relay for this book, please reach out and/or comment below. Let’s bring the book club to life together! Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode! Happy reading! Stephanie Friendship, Identity & Books: THE CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB by Laekan Zea Kemp On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Laekan Zea Kemp about her newest middle grade novel: THE CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB. This instant-classic, middle grade coming-of-age novel is filled with friendship, identity and the magic of bookstores. Say no more and add to cart, right?! Plus, the format is incredibly appealing: text message threads, comic panels and sketches and even a few spells and herbal concoctions for when you need them most. Come listen as we talk about the upper middle grade niche that this book speaks to, the varied themes, realities and formats that make the book so inviting and appealing and the role that this book could play in sparking a love of reading (and more reading!) for all that read it. You won’t want to miss this one! Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! THE CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB by Laekan Zea Kemp (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Laekan online: Website: https://www.laekanzeakemp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laekanzeakemp/ I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com

    29 min

  5. Jun 15

    E230: Celebrating Movement & Freedom: ON OUR BIKES by Dan Saks

    Happy Monday! In upstate New York, summer feels like it has arrived! The weather is warmer, the days are longer and there’s more time for reading books we love. I’ve had a couple of listeners/readers reach out to ask if I’m offering any summer book clubs, writing sessions or other KidLit fun and I have thought about a few ideas that I’d love your feedback on. Could you take a moment to respond to this poll? Thanks for your support and feedback. Let’s see what happens next! Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode! Happy reading! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉SEARCHING FOR WOCKS by Lucy Knisley (Amazon / Bookshop) Oh, my goodness, this book. It chronicles the unhurried walk of a child on the hunt for ‘wocks’ to add to her collection. It’s a portrait of youthful enthusiasm and the beauty of the everyday, means means adults ESPECIALLY need to read and share it. 🎉ACTUAL FACTUAL FILES: OUTER SPACE by Ali Adams (Amazon / Bookshop) This book is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about outer space and have fun while doing it. It’s got a clever, colorful design, engaging text, and easy-to-understand explanations making the content accessible and therefore, easy to share. 🎉ACTUAL FACTUAL FILES: ANCIENT EGYPT by Ali Adams (Amazon / Bookshop) This is the second book in the series and tackles everything you want to know about ancient Egypt from geography to mummies to hieroglyphics. The charts, checklists, diagrams and Fact Files will keep readers glued to the page! Celebrating Movement & Freedom: ON OUR BIKES by Dan Saks On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Dan Saks about his newest picture book: ON OUR BIKES. This book is a joyful all-ages celebration of bikes and bike culture and is the perfect book to kick off a season of Spring and Summer reading. You’ll feel the energy vibrating off the pages! Come listen as we talk about the origin story behind the book (it started as a song!), the incredible motion, movement and energy inside the book and the movement I think we all need to help Dan start around the country. Listen to find out what it is! Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! ON OUR BIKES by Dan Saks (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Dan online: Website: https://www.noodleloaf.com/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansaks/ I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com

    24 min

  6. Jun 11

    E229: Finding Your Way: FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS by Jerry Spinelli

    Hello Everyone, As promised, here’s the bonus episode I mentioned earlier in the week with Jerry Spinelli. From my first teaching position to now, his books have been in my classroom library and my home bookshelf and I’m thrilled to help him launch his newest release! Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode! Happy reading! Stephanie E229: Finding Your Way: FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS by Jerry Spinelli On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jerry Spinelli about his newest middle grade novel: FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS. This book is part of his RUN THE SCHOOL series and follows George (aka Suds) as he figures out if he has what it takes to be a top dog at his school. This book might have fifth grade in the title, but it’s truly a book for every reader on the precipice of change, trying to figure out what comes next. Come listen as we talk about the title-first way the original book in the series was born, a departure from how Jerry usually works, the one word in his philosophy of writing for children that changes everything and his goal to write a good story where meaning, message and guidance come along for the ride. This was truly a pinch-me moment to have such a thoughtful conversation with an author I admire. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS by Jerry Spinelli (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Jerry online: Website: https://jerryspinelliauthor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryspinelli1 I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com

    18 min

  7. Jun 8

    E228: Listen to Your Heart, Find Your People & Say Yes: REALLY RUBIE by Maddie Frost

    Happy Monday! It’s a busy week here on the KidLit Love podcast! Today, I’m releasing a delightful episode with Maddie Frost about her newest book PERFECT for the summer season. Then, on Thursday, I’ll release an episode with Jerry Spinelli about his newest release. It was a dream-come-true-full-circle-moment for me as an educator! =) Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode! Happy reading! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉WHERE IS MY SISTER? by Shannon Gibney (Amazon / Bookshop) This poetic book captures the heartbreak of losing an infant and the love that joins families together. It’s a book to help get through an incredibly hard situation with love and togetherness. 🎉STREAM by Aida Salazar (Amazon / Bookshop) Two teens are sent to Mexico for the summer to unplug in this hilarious and heartwarming dual narrative by award-winning author Aida Salazar. It’s a standalone story featuring the main characters from Aida’s award-winning verse novels Ultraviolet and The Moon Within. I’m hoping to talk with Aida on the podcast sooon, so stay tuned! E228: Listen to Your Heart, Find Your People & Say Yes: REALLY RUBIE by Maddie Frost On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Maddie Frost about her middle grade debut: REALLY RUBIE. This illustrated novel features Rubie, an eleven-year-old who has to face her first time at sleep-away camp without her best friend. It’s a good thing she has Jim the Duck to help her and a brand-new diary to capture it all. Come listen as we talk about the notebook format of the book, the personal connections Maddie has to the events inside, the beautiful messages that every middle grade reader deserves the hear, the fun and shenanigans that Rubie gets herself into and Maddie’s important reminder not to turn your volume down for anyone. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! REALLY RUBIE by Maddie Frost (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Maddie online: Website: https://www.maddie-frost.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellomaddiefrost/ I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com

    34 min

  8. Jun 1

    E227: Connection & Community: IN THIS CLASSROOM by Andrew Hacket

    Happy Monday! If I’m completely honest, my weekend wasn’t all that happy. One of our family dogs, our teeny-tiny Lucy, passed away and it has been hard. But like always, I turn to books and notebooks to help me get through most things and this experience is no exception. It reminded me how so many of us grieve the death of a family pet and that I could create a comforting kidlit book list for those that need it now, too. So, I’m reaching out to all of you for your help. What titles would you add to a collection on grieving pet loss? First up for me is WHERE ARE YOU, BRONTE? by Barbara McClintock. I chatted with her about it on the KidLit Love podcast a few months ago and it’s bringing me great comfort now. Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode. Happy reading! Stephanie E227: Connection & Community: IN THIS CLASSROOM by Andrew Hacket On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Andrew Hacket about his newest picture book: IN THIS CLASSROOM. It’s a heartwarming celebration of the school year capturing the joy, struggles and growth of students and teachers as they embark on an unforgettable journey of learning, friendship and personal achievement. It’s the perfect read aloud for any classroom community! Come listen as we talk about Andrew’s manifesto as an educator that has found its way into the book, the front and back matter that feels like a true invitation into the book and the broader community of those who read it and the beautiful structure alongside the bright, delightful pictures on the page. Plus, the book comes with free resources for educators you won’t want to miss Andrew talking about. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! IN THIS CLASSROOM by Andrew Hacket (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Andrew online: Website: https://www.andrewhacket.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewchacket/ I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com

    49 min
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About

This podcast celebrates all things children's literature for the adult reading to their inner child AND connecting the young readers in their lives with books. Each week, I host bookish conversations with children's literature authors to learn about their backstory, their journey to writing, their books and their hopes for readers. kidlitlove.substack.com

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