Picture This…

Adam Lehrhaupt
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BOOKS

The Picture This podcast explores innovative ways to use picture books in classrooms and libraries, going beyond just teaching students to read. Each episode offers creative ideas, expert insights, and practical tips to help educators and librarians engage young minds with the power of storytelling.

  1. 6D AGO

    Unlock the secrets of nonfiction with guest Patricia Newman

    In this engaging conversation, Patricia Newman, a master of nonfiction writing, shares her insights on the intricacies of crafting nonfiction for children. She discusses the importance of research, the challenges of maintaining historical accuracy, and the techniques she employs to engage young readers. Patricia emphasizes the significance of connecting with educators and the role of concise writing in storytelling. The discussion also touches on the various styles of nonfiction and the creative inspirations that drive her work. Key Takeaways Patricia Newman has a background in both writing and education, which informs her approach to nonfiction.Nonfiction should be based on real events, people, and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of accuracy.Writing concisely is crucial in picture books to convey complex ideas effectively.Engaging young readers involves presenting relatable characters and real-world problems.Collaboration with educators helps create relevant curriculum connections for her books.Research is essential, especially when dealing with historical events and figures.Different styles of nonfiction cater to various audiences and purposes, including narrative and browsable formats.Creative inspiration often comes from personal interests and the desire to learn about new topics.The writing process can involve multiple drafts to refine ideas and language.Empowering children through stories of civic role models can inspire them to make a difference in their communities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nonfiction and Personal Connections 04:49 Defining Nonfiction: Purity and Creativity 09:39 Crafting Picture Books: The Art of Conciseness 16:03 Engaging Educators: Connecting Literature to Real-World Issues 20:37 The Process of Writing: From Idea to Execution 26:24 Unraveling Myths: Tesla and Edison 27:25 The Challenge of Historical Accuracy 31:28 The Importance of Expert Consultation 35:23 Exploring Nonfiction Structures 39:30 Creative Sparks and Inspirations

    42 min

  2. JAN 20

    How Bugs Bunny Taught Me to Teach with Deb Pilutti: Visual Literacy & The Art of the Reaction Shot

    Cartoons, Graphic Design, and the Geometry of Character Host Adam Lehrhaupt reunites with illustrator Deb Pilutti (Idea Jar, Old Rock is Not Boring) to pull back the curtain on the creative process. Deb reveals how a childhood spent watching hours of Bugs Bunny and Bullwinkle served as a "master class" in character pacing and reaction shots—and how those skills eventually led to a dream job designing for the Warner Brothers theme park. Adam and Deb discuss the surprising overlap between high-level graphic design and storytelling, the importance of "nurturing" critique environments, and why Deb’s upcoming book, My Best Friend is a Lion, is all about the fun of having the pictures tell a different story than the text. ✨ What Teachers & Librarians Will Learn: The Animation Masterclass: How to use classic cartoon shorts to teach narrative arcs, facial expressions, and timing to students.The "Idea Jar" in Practice: Practical ways to use an "Idea Jar" (drawings, clippings, or words) as a non-judgmental prompt for daily student creativity.Design Thinking: Why a picture book is essentially a graphic design project that prioritizes the "narrative draw" through a layout.Drawing from Geometry: A simple method for teaching kids (and reluctant adults!) to draw by breaking characters down into basic shapes like "upside-down Cs" and rectangles.Classroom Activity Inspiration: Hear how teachers in Japan used Old Rock is Not Boring to create interactive school displays and Reader’s Theatre plays.🔑 Key Topics & Time Stamps: 03:28: The intersection of Graphic Design and World Building.05:44: The power of Educator Guides (No word searches allowed!).09:04: How Bugs Bunny taught Deb to write and illustrate.13:52: Staring at walls and keeping a sketchbook: Deb’s path to a new idea.16:43: Behind the Book: Collaborating on Idea Jar and the freedom of "unfinished" manuscripts.21:01: Critiques that lift up vs. Critiques that tear down: Lessons from Art School.28:27: Sneak Peek: Deb’s new book, My Best Friend is a Lion (Jan 7!).35:19: Back to Basics: Adam’s journey to relearn drawing using "whole-arm" movements and Procreate.📚 Featured in this Episode: The New Book: My Best Friend is a Lion by Deb Pilutti (Out now!).Classic Mention: Old Rock is Not Boring by Deb Pilutti.Deb’s Book Bag: Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, anything by Laurie Keller (Arnie the Donut), and the hilarious Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson.🔗 Connect with Deb Pilutti: Website: DebPilutti.com (Check out the Book Page for Educator Materials!)Instagram: @DPiluttiBlueSky: @DPilutti🔗 Connect with Adam Lehrhaupt: Website: AdamLehrhaupt.comInstagram: @Lehrhaupt

    38 min

  3. JAN 13

    Stop writer's block! A writing formula that works for every grade, with guest Nancy Viau

    Breaking the "Knitting Grandma" Mold & Building Better Stories In this episode of Picture This, host Adam Lehrhaupt catches up with award-winning author and former teacher Nancy Viau. Nancy is on a mission to modernize how we see grandparents in kidlit and, more importantly, how we teach the "dreaded" writing block. From the "Somebody Wants, But, So, Then" formula that helps even the most reluctant 5th grader find their plot, to the secret science of why "Tic-Tac-Toe" sounds better than "Toe-Tac-Tic," this conversation is packed with literacy tips and high-energy inspiration for your next writing workshop. ✨ What Teachers & Librarians Will Learn: The "Somebody Wants, But, So, Then" Formula: A concrete, 5-step scaffolding tool that scales from Pre-K (with finger plays) to high school novels.A New Look at Grandparents: Why Nancy's new book Hanging Out with Graham (releasing Jan 15!) challenges the "sedate/passive" grandmother stereotype to reflect the active, vibrant grandparents of today.The Science of Sound: A deep dive into alliteration, onomatopoeia, and the "IAO" vowel rule (why we say Big Mac but never Mac Big).Rhyme vs. Meter: Why rhyming is the "hardest way to write" and how teachers can help kids understand the flow and syllables behind the words.The "Folded Paper" Workshop: How to use post-it notes and a simple 8-page dummy to teach students about the "physics" of a picture book and the power of the page turn.🔑 Key Topics & Time Stamps: 03:40: Engaging the "Littles": Making books synonymous with fun through finger plays.06:20: The Formula: Breaking down Somebody, Wants, But, So, Then.11:07: Using onomatopoeia and energy words to make stories jump off the page.15:05: The "Picture" Test: Understanding accented vs. unaccented syllables.19:07: Representation Matters: Why modern grandmothers don't just sit and knit.24:40: Adam’s "Spiteful Drawings": A lesson on why kids (and authors) push against creative boundaries.32:42: The One-Word Challenge: How a single word changes the trajectory of a story.36:45: Story Sparks: Using nature and travel to clear the head and ignite ideas.📚 Featured in this Episode: The New Book: Hanging Out with Graham by Nancy Viau (Schiffer Kids, Jan 15).Nancy’s Book Bag: Her One Regret (Thriller) and the 40-year-old family version of The Night Before Christmas.Adam’s Book Bag: Looking for recommendations on second-tier holiday books (shoutout to Arbor Day!).🔗 Connect with Nancy Viau: Website: NancyViau.comInstagram: @NancyViau1Threads: @NancyViau1🔗 Connect with Adam Lehrhaupt: Website: AdamLehrhaupt.comInstagram: @Lehrhaupt

    39 min

  4. JAN 6

    The Art of Engaging Young Readers with Patricia Newman

    In this engaging conversation, Patricia Newman, a master of nonfiction writing, shares her insights on the intricacies of crafting nonfiction for children. She discusses the importance of research, the challenges of maintaining historical accuracy, and the techniques she employs to engage young readers. Patricia emphasizes the significance of connecting with educators and the role of concise writing in storytelling. The discussion also touches on the various styles of nonfiction and the creative inspirations that drive her work. Takeaways Patricia Newman has a background in both writing and education, which informs her approach to nonfiction.Nonfiction should be based on real events, people, and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of accuracy.Writing concisely is crucial in picture books to convey complex ideas effectively.Engaging young readers involves presenting relatable characters and real-world problems.Collaboration with educators helps create relevant curriculum connections for her books.Research is essential, especially when dealing with historical events and figures.Different styles of nonfiction cater to various audiences and purposes, including narrative and browsable formats.Creative inspiration often comes from personal interests and the desire to learn about new topics.The writing process can involve multiple drafts to refine ideas and language.Empowering children through stories of civic role models can inspire them to make a difference in their communities. Sound bites "Birds will use anything." "I can't make up dialogue." "I always went overboard." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nonfiction and Personal Connections 04:49 Defining Nonfiction: Purity and Creativity 09:39 Crafting Picture Books: The Art of Conciseness 16:03 Engaging Educators: Connecting Literature to Real-World Issues 20:37 The Process of Writing: From Idea to Execution 26:24 Unraveling Myths: Tesla and Edison 27:25 The Challenge of Historical Accuracy 31:28 The Importance of Expert Consultation 35:23 Exploring Nonfiction Structures 39:30 Creative Sparks and Inspirations

    42 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Shaping the Future - The Picture This 2025 Retrospective

    In this episode of Picture This, Adam Lehrhaupt engages listeners in a reflective conversation about the podcast's past episodes, guest contributions, and the importance of listener feedback. He emphasizes the need for audience input to shape future content, aiming to create episodes that address real challenges faced by educators. Adam invites listeners to share their thoughts on what they want more of, whether it's quick activity ideas, author interviews, or behind-the-scenes stories, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging tone. Takeaways Listener feedback is crucial for shaping future episodes.The podcast has featured 22 interviews with various educational professionals.Topics covered include STEM projects, anxiety, grief, and classroom activities.Adam seeks to know which episodes resonated most with listeners.He is open to experimenting with the format of the show.Listeners are encouraged to share their ideas and suggestions.The goal is to help educators teach with more joy and less stress.Future episodes may include more interviews and ways to bring picture books to life. Sound bites "I want to experiment with the show." "Tell me what you want me to make." "Happy reading." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Podcast 02:42 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Guest Contributions 05:14 Seeking Listener Feedback and Future Directions Contact Adam: Visit AdamL.Rocks

    6 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    The Art of Beautiful Flaws (A Knot Is Not a Tangle): It's a Feature, Not a Bug

    Episode Summary: The Art of Beautiful Flaws In this historic first for the Picture This podcast, host Adam Lehrhaupt sits down with both the author and the illustrator of the spectacular new picture book, A Knot Is Not a Tangle—National Book Award finalist Daniel Nayeri and acclaimed author/illustrator Vesper Stamper! Dive deep into a truly collaborative creative process, from the first spark of the idea to the final watercolor brushstroke. Daniel and Vesper share their passion for research (from ancient Persian rugs to natural dying techniques) and offer profound insights for educators on navigating perfectionism, accepting mistakes, and fostering a love for the process of creation in the classroom. ✨ What Teachers & Librarians Will Learn: The Persian Flaw: Discover the ancient practice in rug weaving that intentionally introduces a single, beautiful imperfection and why this concept is a powerful tool for teaching Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). *Creative Resilience: Hear Vesper’s methods for mentoring art students who are facing "predisappointment" and Daniel’s thoughts on why perfectionism can lead to creative paralysis.Beyond the Blurb: A candid discussion on book reviews, what reviewers often miss (especially the exquisite illustration details!), and how to handle creative feedback.The Joy of Craft: Why traditional mediums like watercolor are punk rock and why connecting with the tactile, slow process of creation is essential for both students and master artists.🔑 Key Topics & Discussion Points (Time Stamps): 01:37: The rarity of the Author-Illustrator collaboration (and why this one was A1 on the list!)03:54: Vesper’s deep research process: tiles, patterns, and the Iranian countryside.07:55: Why writers and illustrators hate (and love) reading book reviews.11:50: Understanding Knot Density and the theological meaning of the Persian Flaw.25:32: Classroom Activity: The power of shared creation and collaborative breaking (Kintsugi).32:35: Why focusing solely on "self-expression" can cause anxiety in young artists.41:59: Daniel's Story Spark: The wisdom of the Italian fable Glowrush.48:11: Vesper’s slow-burn process: Why the sketchbook is the key to tending the fire of creativity.54:36: Adam’s Brilliant Classroom Activity: Using the game Tsuro to create a collaborative (and imperfect!) class rug design.📚 Featured Book & Guests The Book: A Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri (Author) and Vesper Stamper (Illustrator)Daniel Nayeri: [Daniel Nayeri’s Website] | [Daniel's Instagram]Vesper Stamper: [Vesper Stamper’s Website] | [Vesper's Instagram] | [Vesper's Substack]🔗 Connect with Adam Lehrhaupt Website: adamlehrhaupt.comInstagram: @Lehrhaupt

    59 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    Beyond the Book: How Multimedia is Sparking the Next Generation of Readers w/ Guest Blake Hamilton

    Unlock creativity and engagement in children's literature! 📚 In this episode of Picture This, host Adam Lehrhaupt chats with filmmaker and creative writer Blake Hamilton, the co-creator of All the Wonders, a project dedicated to celebrating children's books through dynamic multimedia content and fun projects. Learn why standard storytelling often falls short and how Blake and Adam are pioneering new ways to capture young imaginations. They dive deep into the challenges of marketing children's books, the surprising role of music in inspiring young writers, and practical ways teachers can use technology to deepen students' understanding of literature. What You Will Learn: The origin of the All the Wonders project and its mission.Why a multimedia approach is essential for modern education.Actionable strategies for encouraging creativity in the classroom.Insights into bringing a sense of wonder and awe back into stories.Connect with us: Find Blake's project and explore more content: All the Wonders Website: allthewonders.comSee what host Adam Lehrhaupt is up to: Adam Lehrhaupt's Website and links: AdamL.RocksInstagram: @Lehrhaupt Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Creative Collaboration  01:56 The Birth of All the Wonders  04:46 Creating Multimedia Content for Children's Literature  10:36 Exploring Underrated Children's Books  16:17 The Future of All the Wonders  20:23 Encouraging Creativity in Education  38:03 Creativity Through Music and Storytelling Keywords: children's literature, multimedia content, creative writing, education, storytelling, children's books, All the Wonders, creativity, teaching, engagement.

    37 min

  8. 11/25/2025

    Art is Resistance: Illustrating Identity & Culture with Rahele Jomepour-Bell

    What happens when an object like a book becomes part of your identity? 📚 Adam Lehrhaupt sits down with award-winning author/illustrator Rahele Jomepour-Bell (Books Big Adventure), an assistant professor at the Kansas City Art Institute, to explore the profound role of art and culture in children's literature. Rahele shares her powerful personal journey—from growing up in Iran during wartime to finding solace in books and color—and how that shapes her breathtaking, detail-rich illustrations today. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking to foster diversity, creativity, and visual literacy in the classroom. 💡 Key Takeaways & Classroom Tips The Power of Object: Why books, textiles, and everyday objects can become integral to a child's cultural identity.Visual Literacy: How illustrators can visually demonstrate concepts like motion and sound in a way authors can't (great for classroom activity ideas!).Diversity as a Conscious Choice: The importance of making deliberate decisions to include marginalized voices and perspectives in your work and reading lists.School Visit Programs: How illustrators can use a simple shape or concept to create unforgettable, engaging presentations for all grade levels.Creative Inspiration: Bringing the detailed beauty of Persian rugs and other cultural touchstones into storytelling.⏰ Episode Chapters 00:01:03 | The Creative Process behind Books Big Adventure00:04:40 | What Libraries Do with Old Books (The Red Truck Inspiration)00:10:06 | Classroom Activity: Taking a Book on an Adventure00:12:54 | Finding Art and Identity in Iran (Growing Up with Limited Color)00:16:14 | School Visit Ideas for Illustrators (Visual Literacy)00:22:15 | Creating a Thumbnail Sketch for Your Presentation00:28:19 | Expressing Yourself Through Cultural Books00:33:09 | Diversity is a Choice: Being Conscious in Creating and Reading00:39:15 | Upcoming Project: The Sweetest Lemon🌟 Connect & Resources Want to work with Rahele or explore her beautiful art? Find Rahele Jomepour-Bell's Art: Follow her on Instagram and website! (Instagram @Rahele_studio, website rahelestudio.com)Book Adam Lehrhaupt: Learn more about author visits at AdamL.Rocks 👈New Book Alert: Look out for Rahele's new book, The Sweetest Lemon, coming next year!Keep reading, keep creating, and keep resisting!

    41 min
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About

The Picture This podcast explores innovative ways to use picture books in classrooms and libraries, going beyond just teaching students to read. Each episode offers creative ideas, expert insights, and practical tips to help educators and librarians engage young minds with the power of storytelling.

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Lehrhaupt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Picture This…
  • Show Website
    Picture This…