The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast

The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast

The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast celebrates children's books and the vibrant publishing world that brings them to life. Hosted by two neurodiverse, Latinx-owned women passionate about breaking barriers, we provide kidlit book reviews and interviews with industry professionals. Whether you're seeking book recommendations, publishing advice, or valuable insights into the landscape of children's literature, we've got you covered. Join us as we champion diverse voices and empower aspiring creatives to tell their stories.

  1. May 13

    Phillip Stead: Why Some Picture Books Stay With Us Forever

    Why do some picture books stay with us long after we close the cover? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we’re joined by Phillip Stead, award-winning picture book creator and author of many beloved children’s books, including A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by Erin E. Stead, which received the 2011 Caldecott Medal. Phillip shares a thoughtful look at picture book craft, slow storytelling, writing for children, handmade art, revision, collaboration, and the creative life. He also talks about the story behind A Sick Day for Amos McGee, what picture books can teach us about simplicity, and why words and illustrations must work together so carefully. In this conversation, we discuss: 📚 What makes a picture book feel timeless✨ Why slow storytelling can be powerful✏️ How text and illustration work together📖 The story behind A Sick Day for Amos McGee🎨 Handmade art, human imperfection, and creativity🔥 Revision, feedback, and working with editors🚪 What new creators should know about children’s publishing📝 Phillip’s move from picture books into middle grade Phillip also shares honest advice about the slow pace of publishing, the waiting period after submissions, and why finding the right creative fit matters. And for children’s book authors and illustrators who want help sharing their books with more clarity and confidence, join us for the Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit, happening June 12–14, 2026. The summit is a live online book marketing event for kidlit creators who want practical guidance on book marketing, author platforms, social media, publicity, school and reader connections, visibility, and more. 🎟️ Learn more and get your ticket:https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/product/storytellers-marketing-mastery-summit-ticket-2026-live-online/ Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast for more conversations about children’s books, kidlit, writing craft, publishing, author interviews, and book marketing.

    46 min
  2. Apr 28

    Reading Habits, Screens, and Children’s Publishing with Jason Low of Lee & Low Books

    Are kids reading differently in a screen-heavy world? And how are publishers adapting? In this episode, Theresa Villarreal and Jackie Garcia-Morales welcome Jason Low, publisher and co-owner of Lee & Low Books, for a thoughtful conversation about children’s publishing, reading habits, screen time, independent publishing, book marketing, and the future of books for young readers. Jason shares his path into publishing, what it’s like helping lead an independent children’s publisher, and how the industry is responding to changing reader habits. We talk about: What publishers consider when acquiring children’s booksHow screens and social media may be affecting young readersWhy parents modeling reading at home mattersHow publishers are adapting with shorter chapters and accessible formatsBook marketing with limited resourcesTechnology, creativity, and concerns about the future of publishingUpcoming Lee & Low Books titles to watch forThis episode is especially helpful for children’s book authors, illustrators, parents, educators, librarians, creatives, and publishing professionals who care about children’s literacy, kidlit, and the future of children’s books. For authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals thinking about visibility, this episode also connects to a bigger conversation we’re having through The Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit. You wrote the book. Now how do you help readers find it? If you are an author, illustrator, creative, or publishing professional trying to market your work without feeling overwhelmed, join us for the Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit, happening live online June 12–14, 2026. This summit is designed to help kidlit creators build visibility, connect with readers, strengthen their platform, and market their work with more clarity, confidence, and purpose. Sessions will explore practical strategies for book marketing, social media, publicity, school and library outreach, newsletters, websites, author branding, and long-term platform growth. Early bird tickets are available now.Link in the episode notes. Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast for more conversations with authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, librarians, and children’s book industry professionals.

    28 min

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast celebrates children's books and the vibrant publishing world that brings them to life. Hosted by two neurodiverse, Latinx-owned women passionate about breaking barriers, we provide kidlit book reviews and interviews with industry professionals. Whether you're seeking book recommendations, publishing advice, or valuable insights into the landscape of children's literature, we've got you covered. Join us as we champion diverse voices and empower aspiring creatives to tell their stories.

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