The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

• Beauty, Gardening, and Rhyme: A Conversation with Janna Matthies

  Join us for a delightful conversation with author and music teacher Janna Matthies as she shares the inspiration behind her new picture book, Over in the Garden.Discover how Janna's musical background, love of nature, and teaching experience beautifully converge in this counting book that celebrates community gardening. From adapting the folk song "Over in the Meadow" to creating rhythmic, engaging text for young readers, Janna reveals her creative process and even treats us to a musical performance! Learn about her journey as an author, her passion for finding beauty in the world, and how she hopes her books will inspire children to explore the outdoors. This episode is perfect for parents, educators, and anyone who appreciates the magic that happens when music, literature, and nature come together.Discussion Topics:How exercise is critical for creativity and mental health.Being a reader is essential to becoming a writer.Gardening and its numerous benefits for children.Music and its influences on Janna's approach to writing picture books.How rhyming books can be powerful tools for engagement.Community gardening and how it fosters teamwork and connection.Encouraging outdoor exploration.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ (coming soon)Order Copies of Over in the Garden on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more information about Janna Matthies, visit https://www.jannamatthies.com/Keywords: gardening, children's books, writing, nature, rhyming books, community, creativity

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• Understanding Home in a Changing World: A Conversation with Matt de la Peña and Loren Long

  In this heartwarming episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, Bianca Schulze welcomes Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long to discuss their new collaboration, Home.Building on the success of their #1 New York Times bestseller Love, the creators share intimate memories of their own childhoods and explore what home truly means beyond physical structures. Through thoughtful conversation, they reveal the creative process behind their lyrical text and evocative illustrations that celebrate the many forms of home—from family relationships to the natural world. The discussion highlights their commitment to inclusivity in storytelling, the emotional power of illustration, and how reading together creates its own sense of home and security for children. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone interested in how picture books can help children process their place in our changing world.Discussion Topics:What defines "home" beyond physical structuresHow the pandemic influenced the creation of 'Home'The art of exploring feelings versus delivering messages in children's booksThe collaborative process between award-winning author and illustratorHow diverse settings in the book reflect varied experiences of homeThe power of sensory details in creating emotional connectionsThe journey from concept to finished book as a companion to 'Love'The role of nature in understanding our sense of belongingHow illustrations enhance the emotional impact of storytellingWhy reading together creates a lasting sense of security for childrenThe importance of celebrating everyday wisdom in children's literatureHow books can help children process change in their worldTranscription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ Order Copies of Home on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠For more information about Matt de la Peña, visit https://mattdelapena.com/For more information about Loren Long, visit https://lorenlong.com/Keywords: home, children's books, Matt De La Peña, Loren Long, memories, emotional connections, illustrations, storytelling, family, illustration, empathy, children's literature, collaboration, emotional connection, nature, security

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• Unraveling Mysteries with Candace Fleming: The Loch Ness Monster, Critical Thinking, and the Magic of Nonfiction for Kids

  In this engaging conversation, Bianca Schulze interviews Candace Fleming about her journey as a nonfiction writer, the allure of nonfiction for young readers, and her latest book on the Loch Ness Monster, Is It Real? The Loch Ness Monster.They discuss the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and the balance between entertainment and education in writing for children. Fleming shares her unique research process, writing methods, and the motivation behind her work, emphasizing the significance of true stories and the joy of discovery in nonfiction literature.Discussion Topics:How curiosity drives both readers and writers towards nonfiction.True stories can be more compelling than fictional narratives.Writing engaging nonfiction involves connecting emotionally with the subject matter.Critical thinking is essential for discerning fact from fiction.Researching mysteries requires a balance of skepticism and imagination.The writing process can be messy and should encourage play and discovery.Engaging young readers involves weaving facts into a captivating narrative.Primary sources are invaluable for authentic storytelling.The journey of investigation often leads to more questions than answers.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book ReviewOrder Copies of Is It Real? The Loch Ness Monster on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠For more information about Candace Fleming, visit https://candacefleming.com/Keywords: nonfiction, children's books, critical thinking, Loch Ness Monster, Candace Fleming, reading, writing, curiosity, education, storytelling

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• Megan E. Freeman: From 'Alone' to 'Away'

  In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, Megan E. Freeman takes us on a journey through her creative process and the powerful stories behind her novels ALONE and AWAY.From discovering swimming as an unexpected source of inspiration to transforming ALONE from prose to verse, Megan shares the evolution of her craft and her deep connection to young readers. She reveals how student feedback shaped AWAY's multiple narrative styles and discusses her meticulous research process, from calving on ranches to studying emergency management protocols.At the heart of our conversation is her passionate mission: empowering young readers and helping them fall in love with reading, one story at a time.Discussion Topics:Swimming as a significant source of creative flow.Reading Nancy Drew books in first grade.How the unique narrative styles in 'Away' enhance character development.The importance of choice in reading for children.Diverse storytelling formats can make reading more accessible.How Megan's transition from prose to verse transformed her storytelling approach.Engaging young readers requires authenticity in experiences.Feedback from tween readers is crucial for writing.Researching enhances story authenticity.Audiobooks provide a new perspective on storytelling.How Megan aims to empower young readers through her books.Inspiring a love for reading.Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠Order Copies of Alone on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠Order Copies of Away on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.orgFor more information about Megan E. Freeman, visit https://www.meganefreeman.com/Keywords: creativity, writing, children's literature, reading journey, novels in verse, hybrid storytelling, Megan E. Freeman, Growing Readers podcast, storytelling, character development, young readers, hope, authenticity, audiobooks, rural experiences, writing process, empowerment, literature

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• Behind the Scenes of Graphic Novels with John Patrick Green

  In this episode of the Growing Readers podcast, John Patrick Green shares insights into his creative process, journey from artist to bestselling graphic novelist, and the collaborative nature of graphic novel creation. He discusses how his love for storytelling and humor drives his work, aiming to make kids laugh while also engaging adult readers with clever references.John reflects on his inspirations, including his childhood experiences and the influence of shows like Star Trek, and how these elements shape his storytelling approach. In this engaging conversation, John Patrick Green discusses his passion for creating graphic novels that make children laugh and foster a love for reading. He emphasizes the importance of all forms of reading, including graphic novels, and how they can engage different parts of the brain.John shares insights about his latest book, 'Agents of Suit: Wild Ghost Chase,' and the creative process behind it. He also compares his two series, 'Investigators' and 'Agents of Suit,' and offers valuable advice for young creators about finishing their projects and staying motivated.Discussion Topics: Star Trek and it's role in John's writing process. John's journey began with drawing comic strips as a child. How John's work is driven by a desire to make kids laugh. Collaboration with co-writers and artists is key. How his childhood comics helped him reconnect with what kids find funny. Any reading is good reading, including graphic novels. The 'Investigators' series versus 'Agents of Suit.'Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ Order Copies of The Agents of S.U.I.T.: Wild Ghost Chase on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠For more information about John Patrick Green, visit http://www.johngreenart.com/Keywords: John Patrick Green, graphic novels, creative process, storytelling, humor, children's literature, collaboration, writing journey, making kids laugh, artistic inspiration, graphic novels, reading, children's literature, creativity, storytelling, humor, education, John Patrick Green, Agents of Suit, Investigators

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