Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

Stephanie Affinito
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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. 3d ago

    E259: LILY-MAY’S JOYFUL DAY by John Schu

    Happy Thursday! I’m back to share my joyful conversation with John Schu about his newest picture book: LILY-MAY’S JOYFUL DAY. I dare you to listen and not smile along with us! It was such a delightful conversation around a delightful book and practice. Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life! Stephanie E259: LILY-MAY’S JOYFUL DAY by John Schu On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with John Schu about his newest release: LILY-MAY’S JOYFUL DAY. This delightful picture book celebrates mindfulness, kindness and finding joy in every day. It’s for every reader, young and old, and will change the way you think about the world. Come listen as we talk about the origin story behind the book that helped him write another, the beautiful practice of joywalking and why it matters and how you’ll find him connecting with readers at his school visits. I want to go! Plus, he spark me to recite poetry and call up my childhood TrapperKeeper, 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! LILY-MAY’S JOYFUL DAY by John Schu (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find John online: Website: https://www.johnschu.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrschureads 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 children’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! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

  2. 6d ago

    E258: BITSY BAT SNOW STAR by Kaz Windness

    Happy Monday! I cannot believe that we’ve entered the final week of October ALREADY! This week, I’m sharing two episodes that will bring joy to your children's literature heart. Today’s episode is with Kaz Windness and later in the week, I’ll share my conversation with John Schu. They both bring the joy! Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life! 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: 🎉I NEED SPACE by Molly Harris & Illustrated by Jon Corby (Amazon / Bookshop) One of my FAVORITE books is THE BIG SQUEEZE by Molly Harris and we talked about it on the podcast a while back. In this inviting picture book, a rocket ship demonstrates how taking some time by yourself can you help cope with stressful or overwhelming situations. It’s a book for all of us and includes fun space facts and mindfulness tips at the end. 🎉HOW TO ESCAPE A PLAYDATE: THE FUN WAY by Rachel Michelle Wilson (Amazon / Bookshop) Have you ever been on an outing with someone and it just doesn’t work? It’s ok. Here’s what to do. It’s such a funny story that ALL readers can relate to. 🎉THE BLUE CORN KITHCEN: A NAVAJO STORY OF FOOD, FAMILY & TRADITION by by Alana Yazzie & Illustrated by Natalie Schnitter (Amazon / Bookshop) Join three generations of Navajo women (grandmother, mother, and daughter) as they teach through storytelling why certain foods and how we make them are important in Navajo culture. This is perfect picture book to ease into the best parts of the Fall season: family, friendship and gathering. 🎉THE PARAGON GAMES #4 by by Dhonielle Clayton (Amazon / Bookshop) Return to the world of the Marvellers and Conjurors in this fourth book of the instant New York Times and #1 Indie Bestselling fantasy series. Year Four at the global magic school in the sky is back! 🎉ISHKODE: A STORY OF FIRE by Evan Larson & Nisogaabokwe Melonee Montano (Amazon / Bookshop) This is a gorgeous tribute that honors the enduring bonds between the land, people, and the spirits who guide us. I learned so much. E258: BITSY BAT SNOW STAR by Kaz Windness On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kaz Windness about her newest picture book: BITSY BAT SNOW STAR. This delightful book is the third installment in the BITSY BAT series told from an autistic perspective that celebrates how our differences make each of us shine brightly on our own and among friends. It is heartwarming and uplifting. Come listen as we talk about the origin story behind the BITSY BAT series, the way Kaz collects ideas, the three questions she asks herself to decide if an idea will end up as a book and the beautiful hopes she has for readers around self-acceptance and community. 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! BITSY BAT SNOW STAR by Kaz Windness (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Kaz online: Website: https://www.windnessbooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kazwindness/ 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 children’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! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

  3. Oct 22

    E257: TOMORROW I’LL BE HAPPY by Jessica Hische

    Happy Thursday! As promised, here’s the third and final post full of kidlit love for the week. Today, I’m sharing an episode with Jessica Hische, one of my favorite lettering artists. We’re celebrating her newest release: TOMORROW I’LL BE HAPPY. It’s gorgeous! Keep scrolling to press play on that episode! Stephanie E257: TOMORROW I’LL BE HAPPY by Jessica Hische On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jessica Hische about her newest picture book: TOMORROW I’LL BE HAPPY. This book of expertly hand-lettered messages reminds readers of the fresh perspective that a new day can bring through the exploration of emotional opposites. It’s a stunning book you’ll want to browse again and again, no matter what age you are, for the meaningful message inside. Come listen as we talk about Jessica’s entry into the creative space, reminisce about Trapper Keepers and passing childhood notes, explore exactly how she creates her books and the beautiful, heartfelt hopes she has for readers and their caregivers. We could have chatted for hours and you won’t want to miss it! 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! TOMORROW I’LL BE HAPPY by Jessica Hische (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Jessica online: Website: https://jessicahische.is/awesome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicahische/ 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 children’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! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Oct 20

    E256: MILLIE FLEUR’S WORST DAY EVER by Christy Mandin

    Happy Thursday! I’m back in your Inbox with our second KidLit Love conversation this week. Join me as I chat with Christy Mandin about the two newest books in her gorgeous MILLIE FLEUR picture book series. Garden Glen is waiting for you! Keep scrolling to press play on the episode! Stephanie E256: MILLIE FLEUR’S WORST DAY EVER by Christy Mandin On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Christy Mandin about two of her new releases: MILLIE FLEUR’S WORST DAY EVER and MILLIE FLEUR’S PUMPKIN PROBLEM. These two picture books are her most recent additions to her MILLIE FLEUR series and teach important life lessons while inviting readers into the beautiful world of Garden Glen. You’ll want to reread them again and again! Come listen as we talk about the way Christy both writes and illustrates the books likened to a Willy Wonka ride, the shocking reveal about her color palette that I loved and her beautiful hopes for readers around permission to feel, to be and to ask for help. You’ll love this conversation! 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! MILLIE FLEUR’S WORST DAY EVER by Christy Mandin (Amazon / Bookshop) MILLIE FLEUR’S PUMPKIN PROBLEM by Christy Mandin (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Christy online: Website: https://www.christymandin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christymandin 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 children’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! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

  5. Oct 19

    E255: HUDA F WOULD LOVE YOU? by Huda Fahmy

    Happy Monday! It’s going to be another busy week on the KidLit Love podcast and newsletter! I just cannot turn down an opportunity to talk with an author I admire and you get to reap the benefits. Here’s what’s coming your way: * Today, I’m sharing a podcast episode with Huda Fahmy to celebrate her newest release: HUDA F WOULD LOVE YOU? It’s a book that I wish I had a long time ago. * Tomorrow, I’m sharing a special bonus episode with Christy Mandin. Her newest MILLIE FLEUR books are stunning and hold such important messages for us all. * Finally, on Thursday, I’m sharing an episode with Jessica Hische, one of my favorite lettering artists. We’re celebrating her newest release: TOMORROW I’LL BE HAPPY. It’s gorgeous in all the ways. Get you Inbox ready AGAIN for all the kidlit love coming your way! Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life! 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: 🎉AN OCTOPUS NAMES HOUDINI by Zana Fraillon (Amazon / Bookshop) This beautiful book deserves the entire publisher synopsis here so you can get the full effect of its beauty: Houdini the octopus lives in an aquarium, but she misses her home in the wild Sea. She doesn’t like the visitors who bang on her tank. Or the way she can’t feel the sun on her skin or the wind rippling the water. It’s a dull existence for a creature with nine brains. Then one day she meets someone who is different than the others. Juno’s busy brain buzzes with so many questions and thoughts that Houdini’s skin tingles with wonder. But the singing of the Sea is growing stronger and harder to resist. Can Houdini make Juno understand what she needs before it’s too late? 🎉WE ARE FREE: OUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS by Allison Matulli (Amazon / Bookshop) This book is a stunning memorable commentary on the privilege and opportunity of being an American, with freedoms granted by the First Amendment. It’s an important reminder for what we all deserve. 🎉DRAGONBORN & DRAGONBORN” THE TWILIGHT CHILD by Struan Murray (Amazon / Bookshop) Soar back into the world of dragons with these two books! This fantasy series takes flight in soaring, action-packed adventures filled with twists and surprises. The secret world of dragons is waiting for you! Plus, the hardcovers have colorful dragon scale edges! 🎉SOCKS & SECRET QUESTS by Triona Murphy (Amazon / Bookshop) Howl’s Moving Castle meets Dungeons & Dragons in this debut cozy illustrated middle grade fantasy adventure that follows an unlikely heroine who rallies a ragtag team to face a dark wizard, uncovering her own magic along the way. It’s middle grade magic! 🎉HAVE YOU SEEN AXEL? by Adam Jay Epstein & Ruth Chan (Amazon / Bookshop) Oh, my goodness, this book. Packed with funny animals and wildly detailed scenes, this laugh-out-loud picture book companion to HAVE YOU SEEN GORDON? cleverly riffs on classic seek-and-find books with a main character who’s a little too good at hiding. I read and reread and reread this and you will, too. My childhood days with Richard Scarry have been re-activated! =) E255: HUDA F WOULD LOVE YOU? by Huda Fahmy On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Huda Fahmy about her newest book: HUDA F WOULD LOVE YOU? This book is the funny and tender finale in the HUDA F series and explores themes of love, dating, self-discovery, self-worth and what it’s like growing up Muslim in America. Come listen as we talk about how old Huda was when she knew she wanted to write, the stick figures she started drawing and the advice from her sister that launched the career Huda has today. It was a true delight! 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! HUDA F WOULD LOVE YOU? By Huda Fahmy (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Huda online: Website: https://hudafahmy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yesimhotinthis 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 children’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! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

  6. Oct 15

    E254: IT CAME FROM THE CREEK by Amy Sarig King

    Happy Thursday! I’m back in your Inbox for the third time this week and I hope you’ve loved the additional kidlit love that been filling your feed! As promised, here’s the podcast episode with Amy Sarig King discussing her newest release: IT CAME FROM THE CREEK. It’s a must read! Keep scrolling to press play on the episode! Stephanie E254: IT CAME FROM THE CREEK by Amy Sarig King On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Amy Sarig King about her newest release: IT CAME FROM THE CREEK. Set in 1980, this middle grade novel deals with timely themes of community activism, environmental neglect and bullying in a kid-friendly way with lots of humor and heart. It’s a book that will invite you into the story, make you think and perhaps even take some action. Come listen as we talk about why weird is good and the different ways Amy writes her middle grade novels versus young adult, the haunted house that planted the seed for this book and her dual hopes for readers everywhere. 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! IT CAME FROM THE CREEK by Amy Sarig King (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Amy online: Website: https://www.as-king.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/as_king_ 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 children’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! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

  7. Oct 13

    E253: Celebrating KidLit: The StoryKind Podcast with Kate DiCamillo

    Happy Tuesday! Today, I’m talking with Kate DiCamillo to celebrate the second season of her podcast with Kelly Yang called StoryKind. It’s a joyful conversation you won’t want to miss! Keep scrolling to press play on the episode! Stephanie E253: Celebrating KidLit: The StoryKind Podcast with Kate DiCamillo On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kate DiCamillo to celebrate the second season of her podcast with Kelly Yang called StoryKind. Come listen as we talk about how the podcast came to be and the joy it brings to those who love kidlit and want to write it. We talk about serious writing questions, lighter writing questions and end with a celebration of both of them, as well as the kidlit community as a whole. Here’s where you can find the podcast: https://storykind.org/. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! 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 children’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! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

  8. Oct 12

    E252: The Power of What If: CHLOE VEGA & THE MISSING UNSEEN by Leslie Adame

    Happy Monday! It’s going to be a busy week on the KidLit Love podcast and newsletter! Here’s what’s coming your way: * Today, I’m sharing a podcast episode with Leslie Adame about her newest book: CHLOE VEGA & THE MISSING UNSEEN. It’s middle grade fantasy at its best. * Tomorrow, I’m sharing a special bonus episode with Kate DiCamillo to celebrate the second season of her podcast with Kelly Yang: StoryKind! * Finally, on Thursday, I’m sharing a bonus episode with Amy Sarig King about her newest novel: IT CAME FROM THE CREEK. It’s so good. Get you Inbox ready for all the kidlit love coming your way! Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life! 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: 🎉ANIMALS OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC by Teresa Robeson & Illustrated by Ping Zhu (Amazon / Bookshop) Oh, this book is a treasure! I’ve read it multiple times and shared it with everyone. We’ve discovered our zodiac animals along with our lucky numbers, colors and flowers, too. Plus, it’s GORGEOUS to look at again and again. 🎉MILLIE FLEUR’S WORST DAY EVER (Amazon / Bookshop) Are you a morgenmuffel, someone who is slow to wake up and quite grumpy in doing so? In this gorgeous book, Millie learns that it’s ok to have a hard day and we don’t have to carry it all on our shoulders. Friends can help. It’s lovely! 🎉THE SMUSHKINS IN THE SNOW by Claudia Rueda (Amazon / Bookshop) I chatted with Claudia about her picture book MEET THE SMUSKINS on the podcast a while back and now, she’s released her newest board book in the series. Join the Smushkins as they romp and play in the snow, perfect for heading into the Winter season. I’m still hoping for Smushkin stuffed animals. =) 🎉CHRONICLES OF A LIZARD NOBODY: THE PELICAN AND HIS BLIMP by Patrick Ness & Illustrated by Tim Miller (Amazon / Bookshop) This is the third illustrated chapter book in the hilarious CHRONICLES OF A LIZARD NOBODY series. Our trio of hall monitor lizards, along with their hawk pal, Miel, are dealing with some unexpected arrivals in town. Alicia’s estranged dad suddenly wants to be in her life again, and the tough girl lizard has retreated into her ever-present hoodie. It’s up to Zeke and Daniel to figure out how to help their friend while also keeping an eye on the massive blimp that has appeared in the sky over school bully Pelicarnassus’s house. What is their nemesis up to now? 🎉JUST THE GOOD PARTS by Robbie Couch (Amazon / Bookshop) This is a stunningly romantic, speculative novel about a teen looking for his missing dad, who keeps getting pulled into others’ memories and crossing paths with a handsome stranger who also doesn’t belong there. E252: The Power of What If: CHLOE VEGA & THE MISSING UNSEEN by Leslie Adame On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Leslie Adame about her newest release: CHLOE VEGA & THE MISSING UNSEEN. This book is the second in the middle grade CHLOE VEGA series that expands Choloe’s magical world and examines timely themes of identity and justice. Readers are sure to get lost in the fantasy, but feel the very real themes of the book in our present world. Come listen as we talk about the original career Leslie thought she’d have, the possibilities of the fantasy genre to explore real-world themes and topics and the two-word question that not only sparked the content of the book, but that Leslie hopes will spark readers, 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! CHLOE VEGA & THE MISSING UNSEEN by Leslie Adame (Amazon / Bookshop) Here’s where you can find Leslie online: Website: https://www.leslieadame.com/ Substack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieadame 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 children’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! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe

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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

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