Trust What We're Making Together with Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle

Trust What We're Making Together with Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle

Author: Matthew C. Winner August 4, 2026 Duration: 50:51

Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle, authors and illustrators of Off the Wall: Making Stuff Together (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again.

 

Visit Juana Martinez-Neal online at juanamartinezneal.com 

 

Visit Molly Idle online at www.idleillustration.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
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Dan Santat, author of A Fishboy Named... Sashimi (Roaring Brook Press), shares what is giving him hope today: shimmers of light and unconditional love. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite…
Proof That We Can Go On with Carole Lindstrom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:12
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What Gives Mandy Settembre Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:30
Mandy Settembre, author of Ours: A Story of Loss and Healing (Lee & Low Books), illustrated by Fran Matsumoto, shares what is giving her hope today: having a list. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in wh…
Things are Not So Linear with Matthew Cordell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:59
Matthew Cordell, author and illustrator of 102 (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the power of curiosity and always wanting to see new things. Visit Matthew Cordell online at www.matthew…
What Gives Dr. Haleh Massey Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:34
Dr. Haleh Massey, author of My Name Is Harriet Mansoor (Not Hairy Man Suit!) (Tu Books), illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh, shares what is giving her hope today: the ever increasing diversity in books. This is an ongoing m…
Constantly Surprising with Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:14
Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, author and illustrator of Life on the Moon (Knopf Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about things so awful they can only be encountered through humor. Visit Matthew Swanson and…
What Gives Angela Quezada Padron Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:40
Angela Quezada Padron, author of Lucía's Goals / Los Goles de Lucía (Children's Book Press), illustrated by Christina Barragan Forshay, shares what is giving her hope today: looking for hope in the little things in life,…
Protecting Our Joy with Alicia D. Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:46
Alicia D. Williams, author of Nani and the Lion (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books), illustrated by Anna Cunha, joins Matthew to talk about protecting our joy through what we cultivate and what we believe. Visit Alicia D. Wi…
What Gives Matthew Cordell Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:57
Matthew Cordell, author illustrator of 102 (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), shares what is giving him hope today: being around a younger generation. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I i…
Getting Back Home with Debbi Michiko Florence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:46
Debbi Michiko Florence, author of The Mastermind's Trap (Aladdin), joins Matthew to talk about finding a way to get back home. Visit Debbi Michiko Florence online at debbimichikoflorence.com Other helpful links: Debbi Mi…