Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book & Middle Grade Authors

Stephanie Affinito: Bookologist, Restorative Reading and Writing Coach
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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. This podcast is for you if you love reading children's literature, are an educator or librarian looking for books to share with students or are a caregiver finding new titles to share with loved ones.

  1. 3D AGO

    E203: Beauty, Emotion & Connection: YOU ARE THE LAND by Steph Littlebird

    On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Steph Littlebird about her newest picture book: YOU ARE THE LAND. This stunning picture book is a moving love letter to indigenous community and culture and is Steph’s debut as an author-illustrator. The format of the book is exquisite and conveys such beauty, emotion and connection.  Come listen as we talk about the role that art has played in Steph’s life since childhood, how this book originated from her work with adults and the powerful call to action the book invites us to consider.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/16/beauty-emotion-connection-you-are-the-land-by-steph-littlebird/ Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife  All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

    31 min

  2. 5D AGO

    E202: A Tsunami of Love: 100 WORDS TO SAY I LOVE YOU by Sandra Magsamen

    On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sandra Magsamen about her newest board book: 100 WORDS TO SAY I LOVE YOU. This delightful board book celebrates 100 words of love in all kinds of locations and situations and reminds us that love is around us, especially perfect for this Valentine’s Day episode release! Come listen as we talk about the poetic structure of this beautiful book, the expansive definition of love celebrated on the pages and the tsunami of love Sandra hopes will arrive (it will!) as caregivers and young readers interact with the text. This is a book for everyone as we can never have enough love in the world, especially now.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/14/a-tsunami-of-love-100-words-to-say-i-love-you-by-sandra-magsamen/ Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife  All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

    25 min

  3. FEB 9

    E201: A Magical Escape: FAIRY DOOR DIARIES & BUNNY & CLYDE with Megan McDonald

    On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Megan McDonald about TWO of her newest releases: FAIRY DOOR DIARIES: ALIZA & THE HOBGLOBINS and BUNNY & CLYDE ON THE LAM. FAIRY DOOR DIARIES: ALIZA & THE HOBGLOBINS is the second book in an enchanting series that will happily be devoured by readers who believe in fairies and all other magical folk….like me. BUNNY & CLYDE ON THE LAM is the newest book in the series that follows two adorable characters who couldn’t be outlaws when they tried, but are not being framed as the Fall Guys. Come listen as we talk about the set of puppets that launched Megan’s writing career, why you’ll want to create a fairy door for your UnderStairs, the real-life nods to Bonnie and Clyde in Bunny and Clyde and her hopes for readers: a bit of escape and magic in what can be a tough world.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/09/a-magical-escape-fairy-door-diaries-bunny-clyde-with-megan-mcdonald/ Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife  All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

    34 min

  4. FEB 2

    E200: Cozy Family Rituals: BREAD IS LOVE by Pooja Makhijani

    On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Pooja Makhijani about her newest picture book: BREAD IS LOVE. This beautiful picture book explores family rituals, baking and eating good food and it is sure to bring you all the feels while reading, Plus, there’s a bread recipe in the back of the book and a gluten free option, too! Come listen as we talk about the connection between baking bread and mindfulness and mental health, the beautiful illustrations that add to the coziness of the book and Pooja’s hopes for readers around their own bread-making adventures.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/02/cozy-family-rituals-bread-is-love-by-pooja-makhijani/ Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife  All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

    24 min

  5. JAN 29

    E199: Gripping Dark Academia: THE AFTERMYTH by Tracy Wolff

    On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Tracy Wolff about her newest middle grade novel: THE AFTERMYTH. This dark academia fantasy middle grade novel is a bold and magical tale about forging your own path and is gripping from the very first page to the last. Come listen as we talk about how Tracy is hoping to redefine history into ‘herstory’, the beautiful themes that will envelope readers as they read and her hopes for readers…and the upcoming series that’s to come, too! You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here:  Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife  All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

    32 min

  6. JAN 26

    E198: Finding Home Inside: THE BLUE HOUSE I LOVED by Kao Kalia Yang & Jen Shin

    On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kao Kalia Yang & Jen Shin about their newest picture book together: THE BLUE HOUSE I LOVED. In this stunning picture book, a Hmong girl tells the story of her beloved aunt and uncle's first home in America, long gone but still alive in the family’s memories. It’s both lyrical and ethereal and captures themes around family, what makes a home and the legacy that surrounds both.  Come listen as we talk about the real-life inspiration behind the book, the brilliant way the emotional words are brought to life in multiple formats and the beautiful hopes they both have for this book. We talk about memories and the importance of them, the timelessness of this book and the beauty that awaits readers. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/26/finding-home-inside-the-blue-house-i-loved-by-kao-kalia-yang-jen-shin/ Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife  All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

    26 min

  7. JAN 19

    E197: Immersive & Emotional: A RAMADAN NIGHT by Nadine Presley

    On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Nadine Presley about her newest picture book: A RAMADAN NIGHT. This beautiful picture book celebrates the beginning of Ramadan with a young boy and his father exploring the wonder, excitement and peace of the holiday. It's a book you can feel in your heart and truly experience.  Come listen as we talk about Nadine’s journey into the world of children’s literature, her reasoning behind the breathtaking format of the book and who A RAMADAN NIGHT is for. Spoiler alert: It’s for EVERYONE! You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/19/immersive-emotional-a-ramadan-night-by-nadine-presley/ Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife  All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

    22 min

  8. JAN 12

    E196: Big Emotions & Beautiful Themes: A YEAR WITHOUT A HOME by V.T. Bidania

    On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with V.T. Bidania about her newest middle grade novel: A YEAR WITHOUT A HOME. This middle grade historical fiction novel-in-verse illuminates the long, difficult journey that many Hmong refugees faced after the Vietnam war. It’s full of gorgeous prose, lyrical descriptions and a level of emotion that seeps into your heart. Come listen as we talk about V.T. 's journey through children’s literature across decades and distances, the beautiful themes of home, family and identity that are woven onto every page and the important hopes she has for readers of all ages. This is a book that you won’t soon forget and will likely need your Kleenex while reading.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/12/big-emotions-beautiful-themes-a-year-without-a-home-by-v-t-bidania/ Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife  All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

    34 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. This podcast is for you if you love reading children's literature, are an educator or librarian looking for books to share with students or are a caregiver finding new titles to share with loved ones.

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