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
What Gives Kara M. Mitchell Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:00
Kara Mitchell, author illustrator of Catching Kindness (Magination Press), shares what is giving her hope today: so many things. A new week with a new sketchbook. Libraries and new friends. Community and singing. Hugs th…
Close to the Anger with Daria Peoples [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:36
Daria Peoples, author illustrator of Be the Light: How She Became Angela Davis (Greenwillow Books), joins Matthew to talk about the hurt and pain of not being accepted. Visit Daria Peoples online at www.dariapeoples.com…
What Gives Merriam Sarcia Saunders Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:42
Merriam Sarcia Saunders, author of You Can Say Hi with Only a Smile (Magination Press), illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop, shares what is giving her hope today: children are paying attention to each other. Not to the…
Observant of Your Surroundings with Tiffany D. Jackson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:24
Tiffany D. Jackson, author of Blood in the Water (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about maturing a little faster when the environment calls for it. Visit Tiffany D. Jackson online at www.writeinbk.com For a full…
What Gives Shana Keller Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:52
Shana Keller, author of CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Laura Freeman, shares what is giving her hope today: dreaming. When our dreams speak to us in our darkest hour, they are lou…
It's Personal with Jas Hammonds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:45
Jas Hammonds, author of Thirsty (Roaring Brook Press), joins Matthew to talk about coming to terms with dependence and their experience of everything being fine until it wasn't. Visit Jas Hammonds online at jashammonds.c…
What Gives Michael Genhart Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:02
Michael Genhart, author of Edie for Equality: Edie Windsor Stands Up for Love (Lee & Low Books), illustrated by Cheryl Thuesday, shares what is giving him hope today: curious kids. They want to know more. They want to un…
Growing Ideas with Grace Lin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:22
Grace Lin, author and illustrator of The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about a storyteller's responsibility to use whatever the story asks for. Visit Grace…
What Gives Aixa Pérez-Prado Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:46
Aixa Pérez-Prado, author of Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People/Mercedes Sosa: La Voz del Pueblo (Children's Book Press) shares what is giving her hope today: how imagination takes flight though the many different voices…
Our Interconnectedness with Jyoti Rajan Gopal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:22
Jyoti Rajan Gopal, author of Over in the Mangroves (Orchard Books), illustrated by Dikshaa Pawaskar, joins Matthew to talk about a place so magical and so important. Visit Jyoti Rajan Gopal online at jyotirajangopal.com…