The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes acclaimed children's book author and retired philosophy professor Claudia Mills to discuss her hilarious, heartfelt new middle grade novel, Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom.
Claudia shares how her decades of teaching philosophy finally collided with her lifelong passion for children's literature—and how a girl with a very big name, a very big personality, and a very beloved dog became the perfect vessel for bringing Socrates, Plato, and Epictetus to young readers.
From writing one hour a day with an hourglass to championing the humanities at a time when they're under siege, Claudia reveals why wisdom truly belongs to everybody, how she crafted a character who genuinely needs philosophy rather than just stumbling upon it, and why Epictetus—a formerly enslaved Stoic philosopher—might be the most relevant thinker for an eleven-year-old living today. Whether you're a parent of a kid who's been called "too much," an educator looking to bring critical thinking into the classroom through story, or a reader who has ever felt like they're living their own Greek tragedy, this conversation is a warm and wise celebration of seekers everywhere.
Read the transcript on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠.
Highlights:
Dinner with a Philosopher: Why Claudia would invite Epictetus over Socrates or Plato—and what that reveals about the heart of the book
The Hourglass Method: How writing exactly one hour a day—timed with an actual hourglass—has powered 60+ books over decades, and why stopping is just as important as starting
A Character Who Really Needs the Wisdom: Why Callie's high emotional stakes—lose the philosophy, lose the dog—made her the ideal guide through big philosophical questions
Ancient Ideas, Modern Kids: How the Ring of Gyges, Socratic ignorance, and Epictetus's two-bucket theory of control translate naturally into an eleven-year-old's very real problems
The Philosophy Club: Why Claudia designed an adult mediator into the story—and how even the most reluctant seekers end up finding their way in
STEAMH, Not STEAM: Claudia's passionate case for putting the humanities back at the center of education—and why philosophy is the original critical thinking course
A Love Letter to Seekers: What a Kirkus review got exactly right, and why the community of people asking hard questions might be the most powerful community of all
Notable Quotes:"True wisdom is learning how to live well." —Claudia Mills
"Philosophers are the grownups who keep on asking the questions the other grownups have stopped asking." —Claudia Mills
Books Mentioned:
Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom by Claudia Mills: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
The Lost Language by Claudia Mills: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
The Last Apple Tree by Claudia Mills: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
About Claudia Mills:Claudia Mills is the author of more than 60 books for young readers, including the After-School Superstars chapter book series and the middle grade novels The Lost Language and The Last Apple Tree. A professor emerita of philosophy at the University of Colorado Boulder, she brings a philosopher's love of big questions and a lifelong reader's ear for language to every book she writes. Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Visit https://www.claudiamillsauthor.com/
Download the Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom Discussion Guide here.
Credits:Host: Bianca Schulze
Guest: Claudia Mills
Audio Editor: Kelly Rink
Producer: Bianca Schulze

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes New York Times bestselling author Sara Pennypacker to discuss her powerful new historical novel, The Lions' Run. Sara shares how her father's experience as a teenage POW in a German prison camp during World War II influenced the story—and how a little-known Nazi program called the Lebensborn became the emotional trigger that set her empathetic orphan hero, Lucas, into action.
From redefining what courage looks like for young readers to trusting kids with big, complicated questions about justice and resistance, Sara reveals why empathy is the true root of all bravery, how Joseph Campbell's storytelling wisdom shaped a pivotal cherry strudel scene, and why Jon Klassen's breathtaking cover art inspired her to go back and make the book even better.
Whether you're a parent looking for meaningful middle grade historical fiction, an educator exploring WWII through a fresh lens, or a fan of Pax eager to see what Sara does next, this conversation is a moving celebration of quiet heroism and the enduring power of story.
Read the transcript on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠.
Highlights:
The Epigraph That Says It All: Why an African proverb about elephants and grass perfectly captures the heart of the book
The Lebensborn Program: The little-known Nazi eugenics program that inspired the story—and why Sara felt compelled to bring it to light for kids
Empathy as Courage: Why Lucas was never really a coward, and why Sara believes true bravery always begins with caring about someone other than yourself
The Termite Theory: How many small, quiet acts of resistance—not one loud heroic moment—can take down something enormous
Cherry Strudel and Joseph Campbell: How the antagonist's own power gets turned against her in one of the most satisfying scenes in the book
Jon Klassen's Cover: How seeing the finished art sent Sara back to her manuscript for one final, vibe-elevating revision
Big Cheese Preview: A sneak peek at Sara's next book—and why she's finally giving a child character all the power
Notable Quotes:
"The true root of all courage is empathy. You have to care enough about someone other than yourself to go into some kind of action." —Sara Pennypacker
"No matter what you are resisting, you are not alone. There are people working behind the scenes." —Sara Pennypacker

Books Mentioned:
The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
The Borrowers by Mary Norton: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
About Sara Pennypacker:
Sara Pennypacker is the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Clementine series, the Pax duology, and her newest novel, The Lions' Run. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and have earned numerous awards and honors. A former painter, Sara brings a visual artist's sense of structure and scene to every story she writes. She lives in Florida.

Credits:
Host: Bianca Schulze
Guest: Sara Pennypacker
Producer: Bianca Schulze

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes beloved author Megan McDonald to discuss two of her newest series: Bunny and Clyde On the Lam and Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Hobgoblins. Megan shares how growing up in a book-filled Pittsburgh home with four older sisters shaped her love of reading—and how those childhood adventures inspire the mischief and heart in everything she writes.
From creating Judy Moody to finding fresh voices in animal outlaws and fairy folklore, Megan reveals why she trusts kids with big words, the real Bonnie and Clyde research behind an unforgettable amusement park scene, and how a tiny fairy door in Minneapolis sparked an entire series rooted in British Isles lore. Whether you're a parent seeking chapter books that hook young readers, an educator looking for stories full of humor and heart, or a Judy Moody fan curious about what's next, this conversation is a joyful celebration of imagination and the power of story.

Read the transcript on ⁠The Children's Book Review ⁠.
Highlights:
From Bookmobile to Bestseller: How growing up in Pittsburgh shaped Megan's path to writing
Breaking the Chapter Book Mold: Why Judy Moody changed the format—and why short novels are "real books"
Bunny and Clyde's Origin: How the idea of "good kids trying to be bad" became a hilarious series
The Abandoned Amusement Park: Real outlaw research and Scott Nash's genius Hall of Mirrors illustration
The Fairy Door That Started It All: How a tiny fairy door and a bookstore eavesdrop inspired the Fairy Door Diaries
Trusting Young Readers: Why Megan never underestimates kids' ability with language and humor
"Eliza, Is That a True Story?": The magic of believing that ends every Fairy Door Diaries book

Notable Quotes:"Children as readers come to books so eager and open-minded. And I think we tend to underestimate kids' ability a lot." —Megan McDonald
"Going back to the page and going back to reading a book is my refuge and escape." —Megan McDonald

Books Mentioned:
Bunny and Clyde On the Lam by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Scott Nash: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Hobgoblins by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Flower Fairies by Megan McDonald: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Scott Nash: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
Lone Wolf by Kiah Thomas: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠

About Megan McDonald:Megan McDonald is the author of the hugely popular Judy Moody and Stink series, the Judy Moody and Friends series, and the chapter book series Bunny and Clyde. Her newest series, the Fairy Door Diaries, explores fairy folklore for young readers. She earned a BA from Oberlin College and an MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, she now lives in Sebastopol, California.
Credits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Megan McDonaldProducer: Bianca Schulze

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes award-winning author and illustrator Selina Alko to discuss her poetic picture book biography, Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume. Selina shares how she transformed Judy Blume's childhood—shaped by fear, World War II, and the Jewish experience—into a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
From discovering Judy Blume's books as a young reader to crafting a narrative that honors both the light and shadow of her formative years, Selina reveals the deep research and artistic choices behind this lyrical tribute. With warmth and insight, she discusses why poetry was the perfect medium to capture Judy's voice, how historical context shaped the author's fearless approach to taboo topics, and what it means to introduce Judy Blume to a new generation of young readers. Whether you're an educator seeking meaningful biographies, a parent raising a creative child, or a Judy Blume fan curious about her origins, this conversation illuminates how childhood experiences become the stories that change the world.
Read the transcript on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠.
Highlights:
Why Judy Blume: What drew Selina to create a picture book biography of this beloved author
Poetry as Portrait: How verse became the perfect vehicle to capture Judy's childhood voice
The Shadow of WWII: Understanding how fear and the Jewish experience shaped young Judy
From Fear to Fearless: How storytelling became Judy's way of processing and controlling conflict
Research and Reverence: Selina's process of honoring Judy's true story while making it accessible
Art Meets History: The visual choices that bring 1940s-50s America to life
Introducing Icons to New Readers: Why picture book biographies matter for young audiences
The Legacy of Taboo-Breaking: How Judy's childhood fears became her greatest gift to readers
Notable Quotes:"Judy Blume really paved the way for so many authors to write books that kids could relate to about real life problems." —Selina Alko

"Growing up Jewish during and after WWII dramatically shaped Judy's childhood. Her younger years were full of fear, and she processed those conflicted emotions through storytelling." —Selina Alko

Books Mentioned:
Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume by Selina Alko: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
B Is for Brooklyn by Selina Alko: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko and Sean Qualls: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko and Sean Qualls: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
Sharing Shalom by Danielle Sharkan and Selina Alko: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
I Is for Immigrants: Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
The Remembering Candle by Alison Goldberg and Selina Alko: Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠

About Selina Alko:Selina Alko is an award-winning author and illustrator whose picture books celebrate diversity, history, and the power of creativity. Her previous works include B Is for Brooklyn, Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama, and The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage (co-authored with Sean Qualls). Selina's vibrant, mixed-media illustrations and lyrical storytelling bring important stories to life for young readers. Otherwise Known as Judy the Great is her poetic tribute to one of America's most beloved authors.
Visit: https://www.selinaalko.com/

Credits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Selina AlkoProducer: Bianca Schulze

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes Kenan Thompson—SNL's longest-tenured cast member, comedian, and actor—to discuss his picture book debut, The Unfunny Bunny (co-authored with Bryan Tucker and illustrated by Tony Neal). Kenan shares how a simple rhyming title sparked a story about a bunny whose jokes fall flat on the first day of school, and why that journey from "unfunny" to finding your funny mirrors his own experiences in comedy.
From his favorite SNL sketches like "What's Up With That" to learning how to ice skate for a hockey role, Kenan opens up about the power of perseverance and why it's okay when things don't go according to plan. With humor and heart, he reveals what makes kids laugh and how the magic of friendship can help you find your voice. Whether you're a parent preparing a child for their first day of school or someone who's ever felt like their jokes didn't land, this conversation is a joyful reminder that trying, failing, and trying again is all part of the journey.
Read the transcript on The Children's Book Review.
Highlights:
From SNL to Picture Books: Why Kenan wanted to jump into children's literature
The Title Came First: How "Unfunny Bunny" sparked the entire story concept
Comedy Lessons for Kids: What happens when your jokes don't land and how to keep going
Don't Be Afraid to Scrape Your Knee: Kenan's philosophy on resilience and recovery
What Makes Kids Laugh: The power of silliness, energy, and honest portrayal
The Magic of Two Friends: Why partnership helps you find your balance
Being Yourself is Enough: Kenan's message about confidence, friendship, and perseverance
Notable Quotes:
"Don't be afraid to scrape your knee. If you scrape your knee, put the bandaid on it and keep it moving. It'll heal and you'll be better off for it." —Kenan Thompson
"You really can do anything you put your mind to and try hard at. The timing part, you know, is the key." —Kenan Thompson
"Don't let anybody stop you. But also be willing to take on a passenger; there's nothing wrong with going down the road, not alone. We're supposed to be united in this world." —Kenan Thompson
Books Mentioned:
The Unfunny Bunny by Kenan Thompson, Bryan Tucker, and Tony Neal: Amazon or Bookshop.org
About Kenan Thompson:
Kenan Thompson's career spans decades, including being the longest-tenured Saturday Night Live cast member in history and starring in family-centric projects like Kenan and Kel, All That, The Grinch, the Trolls franchise (as Tiny Diamond—the cutest character ever), The Mighty Ducks 2 and 3, Smurfs 1 and 2, and both Good Burgers. The Emmy award-winning actor’s iconic work has made him a beloved household name. Unfunny Bunny is his debut picture book.
Credits:
Host: Bianca Schulze
Guest: Kenan Thompson
Producer: Bianca Schulze