The Voice That We Hear Inside with Katherine Applegate

The Voice That We Hear Inside with Katherine Applegate

Author: Matthew C. Winner May 12, 2026 Duration: 36:46

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.

 


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: 100

The Children's Book Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Two Worlds Colliding with Pam Muñoz Ryan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:09
Pam Muñoz Ryan, author of El Niño (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about story ideas as a confluence of rivers leading its author to a narrative. Visit Pam Muñoz Ryan online at www.pammunozryan.com For a full tr…
What Gives Tami Charles Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:33
Tami Charles, author of Together, United (Orchard Books), illustrated by Bryan Collier, shares what is giving her hope today: that children are already leading the way. And that if we follow their lead, there's so much l…
Carrying Knowledge with Daniel Nayeri [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:59
Daniel Nayeri, author of The Teacher of Nomad Land (Levine Querido), joins Matthew to talk about the utility of beauty in our lives. Visit Daniel Nayeri online at www.danielnayeri.com For a full transcript, episode takea…
What Gives Ruth Spiro Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:55
Ruth Spiro, author of How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Teresa Martinez, shares what is giving her hope today: looking around her community, finding a project that's meaningful,…
Breaking Cycles with George Jreije [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:02
George Jreije, author of Bashir Boutros and the Jewel of the Nile (HarperCollins) , joins Matthew to talk about trying to inhabit the voice of someone to whom he wouldn't have otherwise related. Visit George Jreije onlin…
What Gives Claire A. B. Freeland Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:58
Claire A. B. Freeland, co-author of Making Sense of Your Senses: How Your Brain Perceives the World (Magination Press), with Jacqueline B. Toner and illustrated by Katarina Gasko, shares what is giving her hope today: co…
An Emotional Search with Cordelia Jensen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:53
Cordelia Jensen, author of Lilac and the Switchback (Holiday House), joins Matthew to talk about belonging, change, and always keeping in mind that you're writing a story. Visit Cordelia Jensen online at www.cordeliajens…
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…