The Children's Book Podcast

The Children's Book Podcast

Author: Matthew C. Winner Language: English Episodes: 100
At The Children's Book Podcast, host Matthew C. Winner sits down with the people who make the stories we love. Each conversation pulls back the curtain on the entire journey of a book, from that first spark of an idea to the moment it lands in a reader's hands. You'll hear directly from authors and illustrators, of course, but also editors, designers, and others whose work is essential but often goes unseen. Matthew brings his perspective as a teacher, librarian, and writer to these discussions, creating a space that feels both insightful and warmly familiar. The core of this podcast is a genuine celebration of how stories shape us. It explores how the right book can mirror a child's own experience or open a window to a completely different life, building empathy and connection across generations. This isn't just about how books are made; it's about why they matter so deeply. Supported in partnership with Boyds Mills, the podcast focuses on positively impacting young readers by amplifying voices and stories that resonate. Tune in for thoughtful, engaging dialogues that will deepen your appreciation for children's literature, whether you're a parent, educator, librarian, or simply someone who believes in the magic of a well-told tale. You're invited into a community that values the craft and heart behind every page.
Episodes
A Constant Journey to Become Ourselves with Jessie Sima [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:06
Jessie Sima, author illustrator of Snow Kid (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the constant journey each of us takes to become ourselves. Visit Jessie Sima online at www.jessiesima.co…
(R) What Gives Padma Venkatraman Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:24
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 22, 2025. Padma Venkatraman (Safe Harbor) shares what is giving her hope today: the nature of hope itself. Even when we're in dire circumstances, it's some…
Jewish Joy with Laurel Snyder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:28
Laurel Snyder, author of The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (Clarion Books), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, joins Matthew to talk about lowering all the barriers and modeling yourself on something you love. Visi…
(R) What Gives Lesléa Newman Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:05
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 15, 2025. Lesléa Newman (Joyful Song: A Naming Story) shares what is giving her hope today: being in community with like-minded people who want to make the…
A Way of Being with Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:02
Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker, author and illustrator of We Go Slow (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about the wise ones who know to take time. Visit Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie online…
(R) What Gives Rachel Michelle Wilson Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:55
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired May 3 2025. Rachel Michelle Wilson (To Catch a Ghost) shares what is giving her hope today: the small moments in our every day. This is a new miniseries of indef…
A Champion for Children with Valerie Bolling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:48
Valerie Bolling, author of A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change (Charlesbridge), illustrated by TeMika Grooms, joins Matthew to talk about a person worth writing about. Visit Valerie Bolling onl…
(R) What Gives Zetta Elliott Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:26
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 29, 2025. Zetta Elliott (The Oracle's Door) shares what is giving her hope today: art. Art has always been not just an expression of hope, but an act of re…
In the Thick of It with Corinna Luyken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:42
Corinna Luyken, author illustrator of The Arguers (Rocky Pond Books), joins Matthew to talk about the silly, the absurd, and seeing yourself in every single character. Visit Corinna Luyken online at corinnaluyken.com Lea…
The Hopeline is Open [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:49
Matthew pops into the feed to share a couple of important updates: accepting messages of hope from all listeners, seeking an intern or friend to help with social media, and I love you. If you have a message of hope that…