The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze interviews author Allie Millington about her picture book When You Find a Hope. They discuss Millington's unique brain drain morning practice, her long journey to publication, and how her own experiences with rejection and perseverance directly inspired this heartfelt story about hope.

Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ (coming soon)

Highlights:

• The Brain Drain: Millington shares her morning writing practice that helps clear her mind for creativity
• Rejection Collection: How turning hundreds of rejection letters into art became a source of hope
• Childlike Perspective: The importance of maintaining connection to her younger self when writing for children
• Full Circle Moment: How a book born from hopelessness became her published picture book
• Creative Visualization: The process of making abstract hope into something tangible for young readers
• Illustration Magic: The powerful way Anne Lambellet brought the story's emotions to life
• Success Journey: How acclaim for her debut novel Olivetti has influenced her approach to writing
• New Release: Preview of her upcoming middle-grade novel Once For Yes featuring a narrator building

Notable Quotes:

• "Even if your hope doesn't look exactly how you thought it would in the moment, don't lose sight of it. Don't let go of it." —Allie Millington on perseverance
• "The more I started getting rejections, the more and more I wanted this dream to come true for me." —Allie Millington on her publication journey
• "I'm the only one who can decide whether or not I give up." —Allie Millington on perseverance
• "If hope had a color, it would be yellow." —Allie Millington
• "It's just my desire that it would encourage others who are feeling hopeless themselves." —Allie Millington on her book
• "Finding those glimmers of hope, finding people you can hold on to, that connection, holding on to each other and taking care of each other, I think that's all we can do right now." —Allie Millington

Books Mentioned:

• When You Find a Hope by Allie Millington, illustrated by Anne Lambellet: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
• Olivetti by Allie Millington: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
• Once For Yes by Allie Millington: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠
• Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne: ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠

About Allie Millington: Allie Millington is the bestselling author of Olivetti and now When You Find a Hope. Her writing journey included years of rejection before achieving success, with her debut novel receiving acclaim including a review from Tom Hanks in the New York Times. Allie's personal experience with perseverance directly inspired her picture book about hope.

Connect and Follow:

• Learn more about Allie Millington at ⁠⁠AllieMillington.com⁠⁠
• Visit ⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠ website⁠ for more episodes

Credits:

• Host: Bianca Schulze
• Guest: Allie Millington
• Producer: Bianca Schulze

The Growing Readers Podcast celebrates children's literature and its power to inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Keywords: Allie Millington, Growing Readers podcast, When You Find a Hope, picture book, children's literature, hope, perseverance, rejection, writing process, brain drain, morning pages, Olivetti, Once For Yes, Anne Lambellet, illustration, creative process, publication journey, The Artist's Way, children's books, creativity, storytelling, illustrations, emotional connection, parenting, mental health

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze interviews author Lisa Tolin about her picture book biography Can You Imagine?: The Art and Life of Yoko Ono. They discuss Tolin's creative process, her admiration for Yoko Ono's resilience and artistry, and how she approached introducing conceptual art to young readers.

Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠

Highlights:

• Finding Balance: Tolin discusses juggling her full-time job, motherhood, and writing books
• The Reading-Writing Connection: Thoughts on why writers must first be readers
• Meeting Yoko: How interviewing Yoko Ono changed Tolin's perception of her
• Misunderstandings: Common misconceptions about Yoko Ono that the book addresses
• Artistic Vision: Collaborating with illustrator Yas Imamura to bring Yoko's story to life
• Handling Difficult Topics: Approaching themes of war and John Lennon's death for young readers
• Conceptual Art: Making abstract artistic concepts accessible to children
• Peace and Imagination: Why Yoko's message remains relevant for today's children

Notable Quotes:

• "I think it's really important to not just read, but read widely and currently." —Lisa Tolin on becoming a writer
• "The instant I met her, I just knew she had been fully misunderstood." —Lisa Tolin on Yoko Ono
• "She talked about being a small pebble person... if you have a small pebble, you can see it ripple out and understand that you're making a difference." —Lisa Tolin on Yoko's philosophy
• "I wasn't like because children everywhere are demanding this book... it was because it interested me and I think that comes across in writing." —Lisa Tolin on writing about Yoko Ono

Books Mentioned:

• Can You Imagine?: The Art and Life of Yoko Ono by Lisa Tolin, illustrated by Yas Imamura: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠
• How to Be a Rockstar by Lisa Tolin: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠

About Lisa Tolin: Lisa Tolin is a journalist and editor who has covered arts and entertainment, lifestyle, health, and breaking news for major news organizations. Her years as a journalist gave her the opportunity to interview Yoko Ono in her home. Lisa lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and two sons.

Connect and Follow:

• Learn more about Lisa Tolin at ⁠LisaTolin.com⁠
• Visit ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠ website for more episodes

Credits:

• Host: Bianca Schulze
• Guest: Lisa Tolin
• Producer: Bianca Schulze

The Growing Readers Podcast celebrates children's literature and its power to inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Keywords: Lisa Tolin, Growing Readers podcast, Yoko Ono, picture book biography, children's literature, conceptual art, imagination, peace activism, Yas Imamura, illustration, creative process, motherhood, writing life, Beatles, John Lennon, children's books, artist biography

Join creators Shannon Hale and Dean Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham as they celebrate 10 years of The Princess in Black series.

Discover how a child's simple observation that "princesses don't wear black" inspired a revolutionary series that bridges early readers to chapter books. The trio shares behind-the-scenes stories of their creative process, memorable fan encounters, and how Princess Magnolia has spent a decade showing children they can be both perfectly prim and powerfully brave. With over 5.8 million copies sold worldwide, this beloved series continues to challenge stereotypes while helping young readers discover the joy of reading.

Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠

Order Copies: The Princess in Black on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

About the Creators: Shannon Hale and Dean Hale are the award-winning husband-and-wife team behind the Princess in Black series, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Shannon Hale is also the author of the Newbery Honor Book Princess Academy as well as the New York Times best-selling graphic novels Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Shannon Hale and Dean Hale live in Salt Lake City, Utah.


LeUyen Pham is the illustrator of the Princess in Black series as well as many other books for children, including Love Is Powerful by Heather Dean Brewer, Pat-a-Cake by Mary Brigid Barrett, God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams, Aunt Mary’s Rose by Douglas Wood, and Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever by Shannon Hale. LeUyen Pham lives in California. Visit http://www.leuyenpham.com/

In this episode, I talk with two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo, one of America's most revered storytellers.

Today we're going to talk about The Beatryce Prophecy, a fantastical meditation on fate, love, and the power of words to spell the world. A few episodes back, I talked with two-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Sophie Blackall. Among many things, we discussed The Beatryce Prophecy, for which Sophie created the artwork. Now I get to share my conversation with Kate about the many splendors and joys of reading.

Order a copy of The Beatryce Prophecy via Bookshop.org.

Order a copy of The Beatryce Prophecy via Amazon.

Visit Kate DiCamillo at https://www.katedicamillostoriesconnectus.com/.

You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.

In this episode, I talk with the debut author of The Wolf's Curse, Jessica Vitalis. Narrated in a voice reminiscent of The Book Thief, this fast-paced adventure is perfect for fans of fantasy such as The Girl Who Drank the Moon and A Wish in the Dark.

We discuss The Wolf's Curse, an adventure that tackles heavy themes like death, grief, tradition, and community while ultimately providing hope. We also talk about Jessica's Cinderella story of becoming a published author. For a special surprise, we finish with the first chapter from the audiobook version of The Wolf's Curse. Join us!

Order a copy of The Wolf's Curse via Bookshop.org.

Order a copy of The Wolf's Curse via Amazon.

Visit Jessica Vitalis at https://jessicavitalis.com/.

You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.

In this episode, I talk with Beth Ferry, the author of several picture books, including the NYT-bestselling picture book Stick and Stone (2015), illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. She lives with her husband and three children by the beach in New Jersey, where she loves to wander, explore and mainly laze on the shore, but only in the summer. She says: Words, to me, are like bees and butterflies, buzzing and fluttering inside my head, sparking my imagination.

Today we're going to talk about her latest collaboration with the very talented illustrator Tom Lichtenheld, STICK AND STONE: Best Friends Forever! It's a story that demonstrates how our friends can truly become family.

Order a copy of Stick and Stone: Best Friends Forever via Bookshop.org.

Order a copy of Stick and Stone: Best Friends Forever via Amazon.

Visit Beth Ferry at https://www.bethferry.com/.

You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.

In this episode, I talk with Sophie Blackall, the two-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator of over forty books, including The Baby Tree, Hello Lighthouse, Finding Winnie (by Lindsay Mattick), A Voyage in the Clouds (by Matthew Olshan), Pecan Pie Baby (by Jacqueline Woodson), Big Red Lollipop(by Rukhsana Khan), and the Ivy and Bean series (by Annie Barrows). Her many honors include a BCCB Blue Ribbon, Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, Society of Illustrators Founders Award, and Charlotte Zolotow Honor. Sophie's art has also been part of the NYC MTA's "Arts for Transit" program. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

We discuss many amazing things, including her new creative retreat for the children's book community, Milkwood Farm. We also talk about her artwork for two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo's The Beatryce Prophecy (this book is A-mazing). The podcast community joins in the fun and asks Sophie questions, too. But to kick things off, we focus on her latest solo picture book, Negative Cat.

Order a copy of Negative Cat via Bookshop.org.

Order a copy of Negative Cat via Amazon.

Visit Bianca Schulze at https://biancaschulze.com/.

You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.

In this episode, I talk with Bianca Schulze about her latest picture book, Just Be Yourself, Dragon, the third book in a delightfully fun series, Dragon is nervous about her first day of school!

Bianca is the author of Don’t Wake the Dragon and Who Loves the Dragon? and the founder and editor of The Children’s Books Review—a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. She is also the bestselling author of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up.  We dive into the inspiration behind Dragon, coming up with plots, the artwork, and the importance of kids getting to show up in their classrooms just as they are!

Order a copy of Just Be Yourself, Dragon! via Bookshop.org.

Order a copy of Just Be Yourself, Dragon! via Amazon.

Visit Bianca Schulze at https://biancaschulze.com/.

You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.

In this episode of the Growing Readers Podcast, I talk with author and children's librarian Lydia M. Sigwarth about her debut picture book Dear Librarian, a "thank you" to anyone who has offered a child love and support during a difficult time.

Wisconsin librarian Lydia is working her dream job of talking books with budding bookworms. Dear Librarian is her debut picture book that covers her personal experience with homelessness and the connection she formed with the library and a special librarian during this time. We discuss the book, overcoming adversity, the importance of libraries and librarians, and the stunning artwork from illustrator-newcomer Romina Galotta. I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Order a copy of Dear Librarian via Bookshop.org.

Order a copy of Dear Librarian via Amazon.

Visit Sharice Davids at https://shariceforcongress.com/.

You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.

In this episode of the Growing Readers Podcast, I talk with Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas. We discuss her picture book autobiography Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman. When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she’d be in Congress. And she never thought she’d be one of the first Native American women in Congress. During her campaign, she heard from a lot of doubters. They said she couldn’t win because of how she looked, who she loved, and where she came from. But here’s the thing: Everyone’s path looks different and everyone’s path has obstacles. And this is the remarkable story of Sharice Davids’ path to Congress. Order a copy of Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman via Bookshop.org. Order a copy of Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman via Amazon. Visit Sharice Davids at https://shariceforcongress.com/. You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.