Expanding the Heart's Capacity with Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien

Expanding the Heart's Capacity with Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien

Author: Matthew C. Winner March 3, 2026 Duration: 37:28

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.

 


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.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

The Children's Book Podcast
Podcast Episodes
What Gives Laurel Snyder Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:55
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 ci…
The 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners and Honor Books [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:44
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 exper…
We Want To Hear From You! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58
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.…
What Gives Abby White Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:48
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…
(R) In Total Admiration with Sara Andrea Fajardo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:50
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 Sci…
What Gives George Brown Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:48
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 on…
Wanting to Communicate with Aron Nels Steinke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:34
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.mr…
(R) What Gives Kaz Windness Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:56
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…
Leaving It Messy with Torrey Maldonado [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:40
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 he…