Send us a text Imagine an early childhood classroom filled with diverse books, engaging play centers, and joyful experiential learning where every child feels seen and valued. How does play-based learning help celebrate the unique strengths each child brings to the classroom? Join us this week as we talk about the importance of early childhood education in setting the stage for a lifetime of critical thinking and creative problem solving with Dr. Crystal Y. Campbell , executive director of Dorch...
Jul 02, 2025•56 min•Ep. 142
Send us a text How can a children's book spark a lifelong passion for conservation and inspire young activists to protect our planet's endangered species? Today we learn how "toucan" help endangered species. Dynamic author-illustrator duo Hayley and John Rocco discuss the power of storytelling to empower young conservationists. We celebrate the book birthday of Hello, I'm a Toucan , the latest offering in their Meet the Wild Things series, and learn some interesting nuggets of information about ...
Jun 25, 2025•34 min•Ep. 141
Send us a text When Threat of the Spider, the second installment in the Web of the Spider series, came across my desk, I knew we had to have the author, Michael P Spradlin on the podcast. I couldn't put the book down. It's so relevant to where we are today. Join us for a discussion about why we need to study history and how important it is build meaningful connections from the past to our present. Spanning the years 1929 to 1934, the series highlights the courageous resistance of the Edelweiss P...
Jun 18, 2025•37 min•Ep. 140
Send us a text How can small steps spark significant changes for a healthier planet? Brenda Baker, Vice President of Exhibits, Facilities, and Strategic Initiatives at the Madison Children's Museum , walks us through the newly published (AND FREE) Climate Action Playbook designed to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental stewards. Highlighting the Caretakers of Wonder collaboration and addressing the impacts of federal budget cuts, we delve into the museum's commitment to posit...
Jun 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 139
Send us a text We’re reimagining the future of education in this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast with Dr. Annalies Corbin, the chief goddess of the PAST Foundation. Dr. Annalies helps us discover how to bridge the gap between learning and real-world skills while empowering educators and fostering a community of lifelong learners. Summary: Drawing from her rich background in anthropology and archaeology, Dr. Annalies addresses the pressing need for an educational overhaul, highlight...
Jun 04, 2025•28 min•Ep. 138
Send us a text You know Juana Martinez-Neal as the recipient of the 2019 Caldecott Honor for Alma and How She Got Her Name , her debut picture book as author-illustrator. You might also know her as the New York Times bestselling illustrator recipient of the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Medal for Fry Bread: A Native American Story and the 2018 Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration for La Princesa and the Pea . I first fell in love with La Princesa and the Pea as a spark for early childhood and elementary S...
May 28, 2025•32 min•Ep. 137
Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced world around you? Discover how to transform burnout into joy and purpose with Dr. Gitima Sharma , as she shares her personal journey and expert insights. Learn practical strategies to cultivate a dynamic sense of purpose and foster connections in a digital era. Dr Diane leads us through a transformative conversation with Dr. Gitima Sharma, an authority on overcoming burnout. Dive into the pervasive issue of stress driven by societal pressures ...
May 21, 2025•37 min•Ep. 136
Send us a text Get ready for some amazing adventures as you plan your summer reading journey with not one, but TWO thrilling middle grade tales of courage, growth, and resilience featuring strong female leads. Happy Book Birthdays to Ann Braden and Caroline Starr Rose! Join us as we unravel the magic behind Into the Rapids and The Burning Season , where young heroines face the fury of nature and discover their inner strength. Summary: In this episode, we dive into summer adventures with authors ...
May 14, 2025•26 min•Ep. 135
Send us a text Where Are You, Bronte? celebrates its book birthday this week -- and this book should come with complementary tissues for the adults reading it! Beloved illustrator Barbara McClintock took on the herculean task of illustrating Tomie de Paola's final manuscript. The result is a beautiful collaboration that pays tribute to his style while exploring the universal themes of love, loss, and memory. In the end, our stories and the connections we build with others outlive us and leave a ...
May 07, 2025•38 min•Ep. 134
Send us a text The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon is like a mug of hot tea on a snowy day. It warms your soul and sparks the imagination. The characters are memorable and Grace Lin’s lyrical storytelling and gorgeous illustrations are sure to make this an instant beloved classic for families and classrooms everywhere. In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Grace Lin delves into the inspirations behind her new book, The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon. From the mysterious stone spi...
Apr 30, 2025•30 min•Ep. 133
Send us a text What's better than a novel in verse about a wild sea otter rescued by the Monterray Aquarium? A beautiful picture book that tells that otter's story! Award winning author Katherine Applegate returns to chat all things otter, as we explore environmental themes in her magical Odder: An Otter's Story , illustrated by Charles Santoso. We also offer some fun ideas for bringing the book to life in early childhood and elementary classrooms. Katherine is the 2025 Summer Reading Champion f...
Apr 23, 2025•27 min•Ep. 132
Send us a text How did a humorous military anecdote about a mysterious Dorothy evolve into an enlightening nonfiction picture book about LGBTQIA history? Author Kyle Lukhoff and illustrator Levi Hastings share the creative journey behind Are You a Friend of Dorothy? Kyle and Levi discuss the challenges and joys of representing complex identities in children's literature, emphasizing the importance of these narratives in today's world. In this episode, we also explore the diverse paths that led K...
Apr 16, 2025•27 min•Ep. 131
Send us a text Celebrate Library Week and the freedom to read with acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson . On this episode, we celebrate Laurie's latest release, Rebellion 1776 , an adventure that began as Laurie recovered from COVID-19. Inspired by Abigail Adams' smallpox inoculation, this tale unravels the lives of working-class youth in Boston during the American Revolution. Elspeth Culpepper might just change how you perceive history. We explore the vibrant world of historical fiction for y...
Apr 09, 2025•38 min•Ep. 130
Send us a text Happy Poetry Month! This week we welcome Matt Forrest Esenwine, poetry's champion and ambassador, to the podcast to talk about his new anthology, A Universe of Rainbows: Multicolored Poems for a Multicolored World. What do Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring, Peru's Vinicunca mountain, the star Betelgeuse, and a drop of water have in common? Rainbows! Are you looking for a poetry anthology with kid appeal that also packs in fascinating science about all sorts of rainbows from sun...
Apr 02, 2025•32 min•Ep. 129
Send us a text Embark on a thrilling adventure with Stuart Gibbs , a master of storytelling who turns reluctant readers into avid book enthusiasts. The author behind such hit series as Spy School and Fun Jungle takes us on his creative journey through the realm of middle-grade fiction. Want to know what borborygmus means? We've got you covered (and so does the Once Upon a Tim series). We dive into storytelling and learn how Stuart weaves tales of espionage, mystery, and scientific intrigue. List...
Mar 26, 2025•34 min•Ep. 128
Send us a text Dive into the dynamic world of rap as a powerful tool for youth empowerment with the acclaimed mother/son author duo, Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford. Discover how their newest picture book RAP IT UP! is transforming classrooms and empowering young voices worldwide. Summary: In this rollicking episode, we sit down with Carole Boston Weatherford, recipient of the 2025 Children's Literature Legacy Award , and her son Jeffery Boston Weatherford to explore the...
Mar 19, 2025•26 min•Ep. 127
Send us a text What if the definition of Home extended beyond walls and roofs to embrace connection to nature and each other? We explore this question with Newbery medalist Matt de la Peña , author of beloved books like Last Stop on Market Street and Carmela Full of Wishes . Matt opens up about his creative process and how real-life experiences influence his writing. Matt shares how personal anecdotes find their way into his work (think Patchwork with Corrina Luyken ). Student questions lead us ...
Mar 12, 2025•41 min•Ep. 126
Send us a text What do starry nebula, Bruce Lee, and disgustingly cool science facts have in common? They are all products of the creative mind of author Teresa Robeson . In this episode, we welcome back Teresa Robeson , a busy author with a rich background in science and storytelling. Teresa unveils her upcoming books, including Clear and Bright: A Ching Ming Festival Story ; Disgustology: The Science of Gross ; and a graphic biography, Who Smashed Hollywood Barriers with Gung Fu?: Bruce Lee . ...
Mar 05, 2025•36 min•Ep. 125
Send us a text How do we make science engaging and relevant for students? And why is science literacy more important than ever for how we all live and work? Join Dr. Diane for a thoughtful and fascinating discussion with Ali Stone , the dynamic Chief Operating Officer of Kesler Science . Join us as we explore Ali's inspiring journey from teaching to innovation and learn how creativity and hands-on learning can spark a lifelong passion for science. Chapters with Timestamps: 1:02: Why are Science ...
Feb 26, 2025•40 min•Ep. 124
Send us a text Show Notes: Dive into a world where play meets innovation! Discover how WOW! Children's Museum is reshaping STEAM education, fostering creativity, and bridging the gender gap in science for young learners -- even in an increasingly challenging landscape. Join us as we step into a world of wonder and imagination with Joanna Cagan , WOW's inspiring executive director. For nearly three decades, this museum has been a beacon of curiosity and creativity in Colorado, focusing on playful...
Feb 24, 2025•24 min•Ep. 123
Send us a text Step into a world where time traveling fantasy meets action-packed history with a joyous celebration of Latinx culture. Join us as author Emma Otheguy unveils the hidden threads connecting Cinco de Mayo and the American Civil War through her magical storytelling in Cousins in the Time of Magic. The book is out 2/25/25, but you can send a text or subscribe to my website this week for a chance to win a copy. Emma Otheguy , who holds a PhD in history, shares her insights on how fanta...
Feb 19, 2025•36 min•Ep. 122
Send us a text Do you know the story of Yvonne Clark? She was a pioneering African-American problem-solving mechanical engineer who worked on the Saturn V rocket boosters and moon boxes for astronauts. For 55 years, she taught mechanical engineering at Tennessee State University, where her story captivated her student (and later picture book biographer) Allen R. Wells. Discover how the remarkable legacy of engineer Yvonne Clark is inspiring the next generation through a gorgeous new children's b...
Feb 12, 2025•32 min•Ep. 121
Send us a text Ever wondered what happens when a classroom becomes a hub of curiosity and discovery? Join us as we dive into the world of Amari Shields, a three-time Teacher of the Year, who transforms science education into a magical experience, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Amari Shields, the dynamic CEO of Mentored Motivation and a celebrated eighth-grade science teacher. Amari shares her inspiring journey from an English teacher to ...
Feb 05, 2025•50 min•Ep. 120
Send us a text London Calling: Your Episode Case File Dive into the thrilling world of espionage and storytelling with author James Ponti as he unveils his latest thriller, London Calling , from the City Spies middle grade adventure series. Discover how real-world experiences, travel, and expert insights (he's interviewed a former CIA director!) enrich his narratives. Plus, there's a fun lightning fill-in-the-blank section based on listener questions. Chapters and Clues: 1:29: All Things London ...
Jan 29, 2025•33 min•Ep. 119
Send us a text Step into a realm where imagination dances with science, as Thomas Wheeler invites us on a captivating journey through time with his new middle grade fantasy (soon to be movie), Everwhen: The Doomsday Vault . Discover how a moment of meditation, a dash of Douglas Adams' time travel, and a lifetime of writing and world building helped bring this imaginative universe to life. Episode Summary: This week, Dr. Diane chats about creative spark, time travel, writing, and hope with screen...
Jan 22, 2025•41 min•Ep. 118
Send us a text Episode Overview: One of the things I love about the work I do is discovering new authors to share with you. This week, we are joined by debut author Gloria L. Huang to discuss her novel Kaya of the Ocean . Set against the scenic backdrop of Hawaii, Gloria's book intertwines themes of folk literature, family challenges, and the struggles of finding self-acceptance while battling anxiety. And she does it with humor and grace, giving us a book that is full of adventure and humor, as...
Jan 15, 2025•28 min•Ep. 117
Send us a text Episode Summary: Unlock the power of books and creativity as we delve into the inspiring mission of An Open Book Foundation . Join Executive Director Heidi W. Powell as she shares how connecting young minds with authors and illustrators can spark a lifelong passion for reading. In this episode, Dr. Diane sits down with Heidi W. Powell, the Executive Director of An Open Book Foundation , to explore her journey of fostering creativity and literacy among students in Title I schools a...
Jan 08, 2025•28 min•Ep. 116
Send us a text Happy New Year! Raise a glass as we celebrate the vibrant world of children's literature, featuring insights from 12 amazing authors and illustrators who have been guests on the pod. Savor these excerpts about the power of storytelling, the importance of connection, and the elephant in the room -- standing up for and celebrating the freedom to read. Grace Lin (1:20) and Vanessa Brantley Newton (4:05) explore storytelling's impact and the transformative power of literature. Don't m...
Dec 31, 2024•57 min•Ep. 115
Send us a text Summary: Discover the captivating journey of Rushil Kukreja, a passionate advocate for dark skies, as he sheds light on the unseen effects of light pollution. From stargazing to global advocacy, Rashil's story is a beacon of hope and action for a clearer night sky. High school junior Rushil Kukreja, who recently spoke at the United Nations and is the founder and president of Princia.org, takes us on his inspiring journey from a high school astronomy enthusiast to a leading voice a...
Dec 26, 2024•19 min•Ep. 114
Send us a text Have you made your 2025 sustainability resolutions? This week we talk with Andrea McGimsey, Executive Director of Sustainability Matters, about the innovative ways her organization is transforming environmental education and conservation. Discover how they are making nature accessible and engaging for all, while empowering the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. In this episode, Andrea shares her journey from her Virginia roots to leading Sustainability Matte...
Dec 18, 2024•31 min•Ep. 113
