George Brown, executive director of the Highlights Foundation, joins Matthew to talk about the rebranding of the Highlights Foundation as Boyds Mills. 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...
Jan 13, 2026•13 min•Season 11Ep. 2
Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), shares what is giving her hope today: the bravery, resilience, and determination of young people. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com Our podcast logo was created by...
Jan 10, 2026•3 min
Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), joins Matthew to talk about paying for our words. Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com Other helpful links: Alexandra Villasante at the Highlights Foundation LGBTQIA2S+ Voices at the Highlights Foundation - Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for LGBTQIA2S+ creatives and professionals in and around the children's book industry. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and th...
Jan 06, 2026•36 min•Season 11Ep. 1
Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), shares what is giving her hope today: taking care of something important to her. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (...
Jan 03, 2026•6 min
Alison Green Myers, author of This Way to Happy (Dutton Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the inconsistent upbringings and emotional rollercoasters. Visit Alison Green Myers online at alisongreenmyers.com Other helpful links: Alison Green Myers at the Highlights Foundation Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session One! - Our Summer Camp is a not-to-be-missed experience with 1:1 mentorship, educational and inspirational keynotes, breakout sessions in your chosen track,...
Dec 30, 2025•38 min•Season 10Ep. 27
Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), shares what is giving her hope today: stopping and looking in community. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbin...
Dec 27, 2025•4 min
Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), co-authored by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, joins Matthew to talk about never giving up because those that came before us never gave up. Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins ( https://stebs.design/ ). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. ...
Dec 23, 2025•26 min•Season 10Ep. 26
Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, shares what is giving him hope today: teaching kids how to find a just right book for them. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com Our p...
Dec 20, 2025•4 min
Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), joins Matthew to talk about creating an entryway to discussion. Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com Other helpful links: Nikki Grimes at the Highlights Foundation Nikki Grimes Scholarship - Honoring the contributions of Nikki Grimes to the field of children's literature through her advocacy and writing. This scholarship celebrates Black and Afro-Indigenous female writers and poets. The Nikki Grimes Cottage at the High...
Dec 16, 2025•33 min•Season 10Ep. 25
Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), with co-author Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, shares what is giving her hope today: people out in the world who are doing good things. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrite...
Dec 13, 2025•4 min
Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the voices of people fighting to protect our world, our rights, and our people. Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.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 b...
Dec 09, 2025•38 min•Season 10Ep. 24
Jessie Sima, author illustrator of Snow Kid (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the constant journey each of us takes to become ourselves. Visit Jessie Sima online at www.jessiesima.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.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...
Dec 02, 2025•35 min•Season 10Ep. 23
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 22, 2025. Padma Venkatraman ( Safe Harbor ) shares what is giving her hope today: the nature of hope itself. Even when we're in dire circumstances, it's something that keeps us going. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book...
Nov 29, 2025•3 min
Laurel Snyder, author of The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (Clarion Books), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, joins Matthew to talk about lowering all the barriers and modeling yourself on something you love. Visit Laurel Snyder online at laurelsnyder.com Other helpful links: Laurel Snyder at the Highlights Foundation Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins ( https://ste...
Nov 25, 2025•47 min•Season 10Ep. 22
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 15, 2025. Lesléa Newman ( Joyful Song: A Naming Story ) shares what is giving her hope today: being in community with like-minded people who want to make the world a better place. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org ....
Nov 22, 2025•3 min
Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker, author and illustrator of We Go Slow (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about the wise ones who know to take time. Visit Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie online at ekeretallie.com Visit Aaron Becker online at storybreathing.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins ( https://stebs.design/ ). Our music is by Podington ...
Nov 18, 2025•34 min•Season 10Ep. 21
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired May 3 2025. Rachel Michelle Wilson ( To Catch a Ghost ) shares what is giving her hope today: the small moments in our every day. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Visit Rachel Michelle Wilson at www.rachelmichellewilso...
Nov 15, 2025•4 min
Valerie Bolling, author of A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change (Charlesbridge), illustrated by TeMika Grooms, joins Matthew to talk about a person worth writing about. Visit Valerie Bolling online at valeriebolling.com Other helpful links: Valerie Bolling at the Highlights Foundation Marketing Opportunities for Storytellers: A Two-Night Mini - The story is at the heart of all we do, even when we switch from crafting the story to getting the story to readers. Join award...
Nov 11, 2025•30 min•Season 10Ep. 20
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 29, 2025. Zetta Elliott ( The Oracle's Door ) shares what is giving her hope today: art. Art has always been not just an expression of hope, but an act of resistance. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org . Visit Zetta ...
Nov 08, 2025•3 min
Corinna Luyken, author illustrator of The Arguers (Rocky Pond Books), joins Matthew to talk about the silly, the absurd, and seeing yourself in every single character. Visit Corinna Luyken online at corinnaluyken.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.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...
Nov 04, 2025•39 min•Season 10Ep. 19
Matthew pops into the feed to share a couple of important updates: accepting messages of hope from all listeners, seeking an intern or friend to help with social media, and I love you. If you have a message of hope that you'd like to share, I have good news: the Hopeline is now open. Go to www.speakpipe.com/childrensbkpod on your computer or phone to record a 90 second message of hope. Include your name, your recent book (if you're an author or illustrator, and a message sharing what is giving y...
Nov 01, 2025•5 min
Heidi EY Stemple, author of The Poetry of Car Mechanics (Wordsong), joins Matthew to talk about becoming curious and making every bit of your writing intentional. Visit Heidi EY Stemple online at heidieystemple.com Other helpful links: Heidi EY Stemple at the Highlights Foundation Jane Yolen & Heidi EY Stemple Scholarship - Authors Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi EY Stemple have established a scholarship to support in-person or online tuition to workshops and personal retreats at the Highl...
Oct 28, 2025•33 min•Season 10Ep. 18
Erin Entrada Kelly, author of At Last She Stood (Greenwillow Books) and The Last Resort (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about crafting stories as meaningful as possible to the reader. Visit Erin Entrada Kelly online at erinentradakelly.com Other helpful links: Erin Entrada Kelly at the Highlights Foundation Erin Entrada Kelly Scholarship - Established by Erin Entrada Kelly, this scholarship celebrates diverse representation in middle grade novels. Middle Grade Writers: A Generative Ret...
Oct 21, 2025•32 min•Season 10Ep. 17
Mary Reaves Uhle, author illustrator of The Flock We Found (Magination Press), shares what is giving her hope today: all the parents and kids posting pictures of bright faces and shiny new outfits to start the year. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on the link in...
Oct 18, 2025•3 min
Natasha Khan Kazi, author illustrator of Bela and Lily (Kokila), joins Matthew to talk about bravery through being a multi-language learner. Visit Natasha Khan Kazi online at natashakhankazi.com Other helpful links: Natasha Khan Kazi at the Highlights Foundation Muslim Storytellers Fellows - The Highlights Foundation is proud to announce the cohort of storytellers selected for a two-year fellowship program in children's literature. The fellowship will create space for more diverse and authentic ...
Oct 14, 2025•26 min•Season 10Ep. 16
Tami Charles, author of Remember Her Name!: Debbie Allen's Rise to Fame (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Meredith Lucius, shares what is giving her hope today: the resilience of children's dreams. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on the link in the show notes. Lea...
Oct 11, 2025•4 min
Hannah V. Sawyerr, author of Truth Is: A Novel in Verse (Amulet Books), joins Matthew to talk about making a decision that belongs to you. Visit Hannah V. Sawyerr online at hannahsawyerr.com Other helpful links: Hannah V. Sawyerr at the Highlights Foundation For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on the link in the show notes. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting...
Oct 07, 2025•30 min•Season 10Ep. 15
Heidi E.Y. Stemple, author of The Avian Adventurers #1: Snowy Owl Rescue; Raptor Recovery (Charlesbridge Moves), illustrated by Natasha Donovan, shares what is giving her hope today: the curious, hope-filled readers with wide open minds who are building a foundation of compassion and service. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visi...
Oct 04, 2025•4 min
Katie Yamasaki, author illustrator of Mural Island (Norton Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about building upon the tradition of making public art through relentless expression. Visit Katie Yamasaki online at www.katieyamasaki.com For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on the link in the show notes. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundati...
Sep 30, 2025•32 min•Season 10Ep. 14
Jane Yolen and Peter Tacy, co-authors of Gracie Feeds the Birds (Magination Press), illustrated by Frances Ives, share what is giving them hope today: the readiness to hope and to be grateful. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on the link in the show notes. Learn ...
Sep 27, 2025•3 min
