Explore every episode of the podcast The Children's Book Podcast

Rachel Orr, editorial agent with Prospect Agency, joins Matthew to talk about growing together and following that gut feeling.

Visit Rachel Orr online at https://portfolio.prospectagency.com/2017/03/21/536/ 

You can learn more about Prospect Agency and their clients by visiting www.prospectagency.com. 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

This is a rebroadcast of a conversation with the late Tomie DePaola that originally aired on this podcast on November 27, 2018.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

This is a rebroadcast of a conversation with the late Jane Yolen that originally aired on this podcast on June 26, 2017.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle, authors and illustrators of Off the Wall: Making Stuff Together (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again.

Visit Juana Martinez-Neal online at juanamartinezneal.com 

Visit Molly Idle online at www.idleillustration.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Nancy Paulsen, president and publisher at Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers/Penguin Random House, joins Matthew to talk about devote most of your time to the work of bringing books into the world.

Browse all of Nancy Paulsen Books' titles and see what's coming next by visiting www.penguin.com/nancy-paulsen-books-overview.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

John Patrick Green, cartoonist of Weather or Not (First Second), joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again.

Visit John Patrick Green online at www.johnpatrickgreen.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Sophie Blackall, author of Story Rug (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Phoebe Wahl, joins Matthew to talk about being bound together in community through listening and making things with our hands.

Visit Sophie Blackall online at www.sophieblackall.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Julie Fiveash, cartoonist of The Froggy Library: Welcome to Soggy Stump (Levine Querido), with colors by Jess Lome, joins Matthew to talk about getting over the challenge of a new project pretending that you know enough about what you're doing.

Visit Julie Fiveash online at www.instagram.com/jooliefiveash 

Visit the Barnard Zine Library at https://zines.barnard.edu

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Jennifer Rofé, senior agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, joins Matthew to talk about growing together and following that gut feeling.

Visit Jennifer Rofé online at https://www.andreabrownlit.com/Team/jennifer-rof%C3%A9 

You can learn more about the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and their clients by visiting www.andreabrownlit.com. 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Andrew Shaffer, author of What Kind of Queen?: A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria (Harry N. Abrams), co-authored with Kyle Casey Chu and illustrated by Cindy Lozito, joins Matthew to talk about focusing the script when there's so much content to cover. 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Andrew Hacket, author of In This Classroom (Red Comet Press), illustrated by Arthur Lin, joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again.

Visit Andrew Hacket online at www.andrewhacket.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Lil Miss Hot Mess, author of Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen's Guide to Color (Running Press Kids), illustrated by Olga De Dios, joins Matthew to talk about bickering about the things we fundamentally agree on.

Visit Lil Miss Hot Mess online at www.lilmisshotmess.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Ellen Oh, author of Jin Young, In Between (Crown Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about exploring the many ways that lead to an endpoint in the story.

Visit Ellen Oh online at www.ellenoh.com 

Other helpful links:

• Ellen Oh at Boyds Mills

• The Writing Shorter Retreat: Why (and How) Less Can Be More - In the shifting publishing landscape, it seems that many people are discussing the need for more "short" books. How can creatives write shorter without sacrificing the necessary elements of a good story? And how can learning to write short make you a stronger writer overall? Join bestselling authors Hena Khan, Christina Soontornvat, Minh Lê, and Ellen Oh for a retreat that focuses on creating propulsive, vibrant stories where every page packs a punch. This award-winning faculty will share their knowledge of pacing, plot, concept generation, how to write visually, and much more. There will be ample time for you to try out their suggestions as you write and retreat on your own projects.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Namrata Tripathi, publisher and president of Kokila (kokilabooks.com), an imprint of Penguin Random House, joins Matthew to talk about finding pathways to the reader.

Browse all of Kokila's titles and see what's coming next by visiting kokilabooks.com

Selected titles featured on the podcast:

• The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani (listen to episode published April 28, 2018)

• My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero; Illustrated by Zeke Peña (listen to episode published July 30, 2019)

• Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez (listen to episode published October 21, 2019)

• At the Mountain's Base by Traci Sorell; Illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre (listen to episode published February 24, 2020)

• Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper; Illustrated by Kenard Pak (listen to episode published December 21, 2020)

• Brave, written and Illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre (listen to episode published April 12, 2025)

• A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya (listen to episode published June 10, 2025)

• Bela and Lily by Natasha Khan Kazi (listen to episode published October 14, 2025)

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Andy Griffiths, author of You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast (Feiwel & Friends), joins Matthew to talk about puncturing the vanity and making us believe.

Visit Andy Griffiths online at andygriffiths.com.au 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Israel Moya, author of Monarchs in the Wild (Tu Books), shares what is giving him hope today:  young, creative, hopeful, courageous people.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Israel Moya online at israelmoya.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Learn more about Lee & Low Books and their upcoming releases by visiting www.leeandlow.com. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Katherine Applegate, author of Wombat Waiting (Storytide), joins Matthew to talk about books providing the opportunity to practice being a better human.

Visit Katherine Applegate online at katherineapplegate.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Olivia Abtahi, author of Twin Flames (Tu Books), shares what is giving her hope today: seeing the bulbs start to bloom.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Olivia Abtahi online at www.oliviaabtahi.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Learn more about Lee & Low Books and their upcoming releases by visiting www.leeandlow.com. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Dan Santat, author of A Fishboy Named . . . Sashimi (Roaring Brook Press), joins Matthew to talk about creating worlds that readers will want to believe.

Visit Dan Santat online at www.instagram.com/dsantat 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Katherine Applegate, author of Wombat Waiting (Storytide), shares what is giving her hope today: librarians.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Mandy Settembre online at www.mandywarhol.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Learn more about Lee & Low Books and their upcoming releases by visiting www.leeandlow.com. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Collecting Voices with Ernesto Cisneros

Episode Description (limit 4,000 characters): Ernesto Cisneros, author of Queso, Just in Time (Quill Tree Books),  joins Matthew to talk about valuing our own stories and meeting our parents as who they were.

Visit Ernesto Cisneros online at www.ernestocisneros.com 

Other helpful links:

• Ernesto Cisneros at Boyds Mills

• Community Retreat with Meg Medina: Celebrating Latinx Stories in Kidlit - Join Meg Medina and guests for a retreat celebrating the rich tapestry of Latina, Latino, Latine, and Latinx voices in children's literature, a space to rest, create, and honor the stories that shape us.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Dan Santat, author of A Fishboy Named... Sashimi (Roaring Brook Press), shares what is giving him hope today: shimmers of light and unconditional love.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Dan Santat online at www.instagram.com/dsantat 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Carole Lindstrom, author of Red River Rose (Bloomsbury Children's Books) and The Gift of the Great Buffalo (Bloomsbury Children's Books), illustrated by Aly McKnight,  joins Matthew to talk about the truth that all things don't end the way we wish.

Visit Carole Lindstrom online at carolelindstrom.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Mandy Settembre, author of Ours: A Story of Loss and Healing (Lee & Low Books), illustrated by Fran Matsumoto, shares what is giving her hope today: having a list.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Mandy Settembre online at www.mandywarhol.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Learn more about Lee & Low Books and their upcoming releases by visiting www.leeandlow.com. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Matthew Cordell, author and illustrator of 102 (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the power of curiosity and always wanting to see new things.

Visit Matthew Cordell online at www.matthewcordell.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Dr. Haleh Massey, author of My Name Is Harriet Mansoor (Not Hairy Man Suit!) (Tu Books), illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh, shares what is giving her hope today:  the ever increasing diversity in books.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Dr. Haleh Massey online at drhalehmassey.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Learn more about Lee & Low Books and their upcoming releases by visiting www.leeandlow.com. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, author and illustrator of Life on the Moon (Knopf Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about things so awful they can only be encountered through humor.

Visit Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr online at robbiandmatthew.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Angela Quezada Padron, author of Lucía's Goals / Los Goles de Lucía (Children's Book Press), illustrated by Christina Barragan Forshay, shares what is giving her hope today: looking for hope in the little things in life, the things that make her smile.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Angela Quezada Padron online at angelapadron.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Alicia D. Williams, author of Nani and the Lion (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books), illustrated by Anna Cunha, joins Matthew to talk about protecting our joy through what we cultivate and what we believe.

Visit Alicia D. Williams online at www.aliciadwilliams.com 

Other helpful links:

• Alicia D. Williams at Boyds Mills

• Alicia D. Williams Scholarship - The Alicia D. Williams Scholarship provides funds to support a Boyds Mills scholarship for a single parent. As a single parent, Alicia knows how hard it can be to find the time and space to get writing accomplished. This scholarship is meant to support a single writer by providing an opportunity to focus on their writing—whether through a Boyds Mills workshop or course, or a Personal Retreat at Boyds Mills.

• Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (October) - This intensive, transformative Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 85,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and two private consultations provided.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Matthew Cordell, author illustrator of 102 (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), shares what is giving him hope today: being around a younger generation.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Matthew Cordell online at www.matthewcordell.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Debbi Michiko Florence, author of The Mastermind's Trap (Aladdin), joins Matthew to talk about finding a way to get back home.

Visit Debbi Michiko Florence online at debbimichikoflorence.com 

Other helpful links:

• Debbi Michiko Florence at Boyds Mills

• Community Retreat with Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence: Celebrating Asian and Asian American Stories (May) - Work alongside community members and spend time creating, dreaming, and discovering the many beautiful contributions made by Asian and Asian American voices in the children's book field.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Cátia Chien, illustrator of Fireworks (Clarion Books), written by Matthew Burgess, shares what is giving her hope today: the small acts of kindness and love that we give to the world. 

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Cátia Chien online at catiachien.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Steph Littlebird, author illustrator of You Are The Land (Nancy Paulsen Books), joins Matthew to talk about overcoming doubt and remaining hopeful.

Visit Steph Littlebird online at www.stephlittlebird.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Debbi Michiko Florence, author of The Mastermind's Trap (Aladdin), shares what is giving her hope today: young people and the connectors of readers to books. 

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Debbi Michiko Florence online at debbimichikoflorence.com

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Steve Light, author illustrator of Gus & Sully All Week Long (Candlewick), joins Matthew to talk about distilling ideas to their most accessible and truest forms for our youngest readers.

Visit Steve Light online at stevelightart.com 

Other helpful links:

• Steve Light at Boyds Mills

• Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session Two! - Get away for five days at our Summer Camp for fiction and nonfiction storytellers who are looking for inspiration, guidance, mentorship, community, fun, creativity, and…a place to dream!

• Steve Light Scholarship - Steve Light and Christine Cincotta have established a scholarship to support attendance at our Summer Camp in Illustration. 

• Steve light & Christine Cincotta Cabin (Whiskers Hollow) at Boyds Mills - Honoring Illustrators. Steve Light and Christine Cincotta are frequent visitors to our Retreat Center and Steve has been part of our faculty for illustration workshops.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired April 26, 2025 .

Lil Miss Hot Mess (Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen's Guide to Color) shares what is giving her hope today: drag. Drag is all about changing how we look and how we show up in the world as a way of making the world more fabulous and more just and joyful for everyone in it. 

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Visit Lil Miss Hot Mess online at lilmisshotmess.com

Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien, author and illustrator of Fireworks (Clarion Books), join Matthew to talk about becoming a mirror for feelings and experiences in their ode to a summer day.

Visit Matthew Burgess online at matthewjohnburgess.com 

Visit Cátia Chien online at catiachien.com 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Jordyn Taylor, author of The Rebel Girls of Rome (HarperCollins), shares what is giving her hope today:   remembering that even small acts of bravery can make a big difference. 

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Jordyn Taylor online at jordynhtaylor.com

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Chris Tebbetts, co-author of Dr. Zeus (Jimmy Patterson), with James Patterson, joins Matthew to talk about free-form school visits and moving stuff off the desk.

Visit Chris Tebbetts online at christebbetts.com 

Other helpful links:

• Chris Tebbetts at Boyds Mills

• Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring) - Reach your writing goals! This workshop provides the structure, support, and accountability you need to get to a finished draft.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Selina Alko, illustrator of The Keeper of Stories (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), written by Caroline Kusin Pritchard, shares what is giving her hope today:   the power of communities to come together..

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Visit Selina Alko online at www.selinaalko.com

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Kaz Windness, author illustrator of Worm and Butterfly are Friends Always (Simon Spotlight), joins Matthew to talk about constantly dealing with loss and change.

Visit Kaz Windness online at www.windnessbooks.com/ 

Other helpful links:

• Kaz Windness at Boyds Mills

• Early Readers and Chapter Books: A Creative Retreat - Kids who are starting to read on their own need to find the books that meet them creatively, inspirationally, and more! This engaging retreat will help you understand the needs of this market and how to create with these transitional readers in mind.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Laurel Snyder, author of The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (Clarion Books), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, shares what is giving her hope today:  watching neighbors come together and support each other in the city of Minneapolis.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2026), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

Links:

• Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - https://jewishlibraries.org/sydney_taylor_book_award/ 

• 2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - https://jewishlibraries.org/2026-blog-tour-sydney-taylor-book-awards/ 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

You can pick up your own copy of any of the titles featured today wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affiliate link by clicking on the book's name in our show notes. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

I have a favor to ask you. Could you please write us a review wherever you listen to the show?

Tell us what you like about the podcast and who you'd love to hear next!

Maybe you love when we feature young adult authors. Maybe your favorite episodes are when we dig deep on craft. Maybe you find yourself looking forward to the Hope mini-episodes each week.

Whatever it is, we want to know! Are you going to recommend we interview your favorite author? Or will you suggest that one illustrator who inspired you when they spoke at your conference? Or maybe you'll give us the name of your best book pal so that even more folks can hear their stories. 

I cannot wait to hear what you share! Write us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Abby White, author of D.J. Rosenblum becomes the G.O.A.T. (Levine Querido), shares what is giving her hope today: pockets of people are taking wonderful care of each other, despite the world being bad in a thousand ways right now.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Sara Andrea Fajardo, author of Crack Goes the Cascarón: An Eggcellent Not-Just-for-Easter Shellebration! (Knopf Books for Young Readers) and Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru's Famed Scientist and Potato Expert (Roaring Brook Press), joins Matthew to talk about bringing out a little bit of mischief.

*This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on April 8, 2025.

Visit Sara Andrea Fajardo online at https://sarafajardowrites.com

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

George Brown, executive director of the Boyds Mills, shares what is giving him hope today: the storytellers, and the stories they are dreaming of and creating to bring a little optimism and joy to children.

This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Aron Nels Steinke, cartoonist of Speechless (Graphix) and the Mr. Wolf's Class series (Graphix), joins Matthew to talk about verbal expression, anxiety, and wanting to communicate

Visit Aron Nels Steinke online at www.mrwolfsclass.com.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Kaz Windness (Bitsy Bat, Team Star) shares what is giving her hope today: a commitment to being joyful and doing things that bring happiness as an act of rebellion.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on the link in the show notes.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, joins Matthew to talk about finding and sticking to your places.

Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com 

Other helpful links:

• Torrey Maldonado at Boyds Mills

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org. 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.