Picture Book Podcast

Chris Marland
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Picture Book Podcast is a monthly podcast where host Chris Marland chats with independent authors about their work. If you are interested in hearing from authors who have self-published their books and especially intrigued in their process then this is the podcast for you.

  1. AUG 29

    From Jitters to Joy: Picture Books for the First Day of School

    Send us a text Starting school can feel exciting — and a little scary too! In this episode of  Picture Book Podcast, I’m sharing five picture books that are perfect for easing first-day jitters. From stories that spark giggles to tales of quiet courage, these books are ideal for helping children (and parents) step into school with confidence. Books mentioned in this episode: The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright & Jim FieldSchool’s First Day of School by Adam Rex & Christian RobinsonOnce Upon an Ordinary School Day by Colin McNaughton & Satoshi KitamuraFirst Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg & Judy LoveThe Pigeon Has to Go to School! by Mo WillemsIf your little one is starting school this year, these picture books can help turn butterflies into excitement — and make that first day a little brighter. 👉 Listen now, and let me know your favourite “first-day” picture book on Instagram @picturebookpodcast1 and @marlandreadingcorner or by email at marlandreadingcorner@gmail.com

    15 min

  2. JUN 21

    From Chalkboard to Chapter: An Interview with Jude Lennon

    Send us a text In this episode, Chris sits down with former teacher turned award-winning author and storyteller, Jude Lennon. From her early days in the classroom to the creation of her beloved storytelling mascot Lamby, Jude shares her inspiring journey into the world of children’s literature and beyond. Chris and Jude dive into the stories behind her popular picture books, explore the themes of kindness, mindfulness, and adventure that run through her work, and offer an exclusive peek at what’s coming next — including her upcoming titles and a return to fiction for older readers. Whether you're a fellow writer, an aspiring storyteller, or just love a good origin story, Jude's passion, warmth, and creativity will leave you feeling inspired.

    38 min

  3. APR 4

    Speech, Reading and Everything In Between: Interview with Marie Robert

    Send us a text Chris chats with speech and language therapist Marie Robert to discuss bilingualism, dyslexia, phonic awareness and dyslexia.

    50 min

  4. JAN 1

    Top 10 Picture Books of 2024

    Send us a text Happy New Year! Chris starts the year off by revealing his top 10 picture books of 2024. These books are: 1. The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers & Sam Winston 2. The Search for Carmella by Chloe Savage 3. The Bridges by Tom Percival 4. The Big Bad Wolf Investigates Fairy Tales by Catherine Cawthorne 5. Grey by Laura Dockrill 6. Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield 7. How to Hide. star by Oliver Jeffers 8. Let’s All Say Yes! By Nia Roberts  9. I Follow the Fox by Rob Biddulph 10. The Girl at the Front of the Class by Onjali Q Rauf

    21 min

  5. 12/23/2024

    Reflections on a Reading Year: Teaching, Learning, and Sharing Stories

    Send us a text In this episode, Chris reflects on a year filled with reading. From exploring picture books on the podcast to helping older children develop their reading skills in the classroom, and sharing the joy of stories with his daughter, Chris dives into the lessons learned and moments that made this year special. Join him as he celebrates the power of reading in teaching, learning, and family life.

    18 min

  6. 12/16/2024

    Santa’s Baby: Interview with Author Mindy Burks

    Send us a text After being absent fo over a month, Chris is thrilled to be back with a brand new episode. In this week’s episode, Chris chats with author Mindy Burks who talks about her debut book ‘Santa’s Baby’, a story with a concept that is sure to intrigue many readers. As the title suggests, the book is about Santa’s baby daughter who learns how to live amongst the many elves in the North Pole environment and how to stay off the naughty list. Throughout the story, Santa’s baby learns how Christmas is a time where we give joy to those around us and not just expect to be given it. Mindy talks about how she came up with this unique concept and how her collaboration with illustrator Kay Dawson helped present the North Pole like you have never seen it before.

    26 min

  7. 11/01/2024

    Dream Big: Interview with Paula Banks

    Send us a text Chris chats with author Paula Banks about her new book, ‘Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip-Hop Adventure’. The story follows Peyton, an energetic young girl with a love for hip-hop music, who discovers the courage and bravery to overcome fear and self-doubt.  Paula shares her inspiration for the book and what she hopes readers will gain from Peyton’s journey. You can purchase your own copy of ‘Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip-Hop Adventure’ https://amzn.eu/d/58lUcEY Find Paula on Instagram @authorpaulabanks (https://www.instagram.com/authorpaulabanks?igsh=bnhweTEyNzh2MmF4)

    26 min

  8. 10/11/2024

    How Have Fairy Tales Evolved?

    Send us a text After a being absent for a few weeks, Chris is back with a brand new episode of Picture Book Podcast. In this episode Chris talks about fairy tales and how they have evolved over time but still stay appealing to young readers. Chris particularly focuses on how fairy tales are an important part of a child’s reading progress and how both original and modern versions of these tales have morals that readers can learn from.

    14 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Picture Book Podcast is a monthly podcast where host Chris Marland chats with independent authors about their work. If you are interested in hearing from authors who have self-published their books and especially intrigued in their process then this is the podcast for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Marland
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Picture Book Podcast
  • Show Website
    Picture Book Podcast