Couverture de Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

De : Stephanie Affinito
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 This podcast celebrates all things children's literature for the adult reading to their inner child AND connecting the young readers in their lives with books. Each week, I host bookish conversations with children's literature authors to learn about their backstory, their journey to writing, their books and their hopes for readers.

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  • E218: The Stories Behind the Story: BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU by Nancy Hudgins

    E218: The Stories Behind the Story: BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU by Nancy Hudgins
    Apr 25 2026

    Surprise!

    I’m here with a bonus episode to close out the end of National Library week with a delightful middle grade biography of an important bookish figure: Ursula Nordstrom.

    Plus, for the first time ever, I invited an additional guest on to share the book love with me. Scroll down to press play on the episode and get inspired!

    The Stories Behind the Story: BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU by Nancy Hudgins

    On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Nancy Hudgins about her debut middle grade novel: BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU: THE STORIED LIFE OF URSULA NORDSTROM, EDITOR OF EXTRAORDINARY CHILDREN’S BOOKS.

    This fascinating middle grade biography chronicles the life of a formidable bookish figure, Ursula Nordstrom, and features 16 of the key books she edited. The backstories behind each are fascinating and the story they tell about Ursula is even more so.

    Come listen as we talk about the immersive research process behind the book, the choices Nancy made around the 16 books to include in the manuscript, the insightful way the book is organized to not only tell a story of Ursula’s life, but to truly show the kind of exceptional human being she was and her hopes for readers who get the book in their hands.

    Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

    BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU: THE STORIED LIFE OF URSULA NORDSTROM, EDITOR OF EXTRAORDINARY CHILDREN’S BOOKS by Nancy Hudgins (Amazon / Bookshop)

    Here’s where you can find Nancy online:

    Website: https://nancyhudgins.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.e.hudgins

    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nancyhudgins.com

    Here’s where you can find Amy online:

    Substack:

    I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!

    KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

    Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:

    🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!

    Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com
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    44 min
  • E217: A Paranormal Atmospheric Read: GIRL OF LORE by Melanie Dale

    E217: A Paranormal Atmospheric Read: GIRL OF LORE by Melanie Dale
    Apr 20 2026
    Happy Monday!No matter what’s going on in my life, reading ALWAYS makes me feel better and always has. Whether I escape into a fictional novel, learn something new in a non-fiction book or dip my toes into some poetry, life always feels better after a session of reading. But my favorite books to lean into when life feels hard are books that adults typically do not gravitate toward: picture books. I’m thrilled to share a few new releases today that might be just what your adult reading heart needs, too. Then, if you like this idea of reading children’s picture books to soothe the adult life, you might like to listen to the podcast episode I recorded on this very topic:Keep scrolling to see the picture books that caught my attention and then press play on my most recent podcast episode with Melanie Dale. Her book was so good, I hugged it once I turned the final page. =)Happy reading and listening!StephanieBook Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:🎉FOUND SOUND by Meg Wolitzer & Charlie Panek (Amazon / Bookshop)This book includes the coolest sound-inspired scavenger hunt that begins when Felix finds a box with the words OPEN ME on it. Inside, he finds an audio recorder and a list of codes that launch his adventure. It’s a fast-paced mystery about family and friendships lost and found. It’s a delight!🎉TAKING FLIGHT by Taking Flight by Kashmira Sheth & Illustrated by Nicolò Carozzi (Amazon / Bookshop)Get ready to go deep in your reading heart for this one. This is a moving and stunningly illustrated exploration of the refugee experience, through the eyes of those most impacted: children. The world needs this book.🎉Can You Grow a Striped Banana? by Jill Santopolo & Illustrated by Momoko Abe (Amazon / Bookshop)This is the most beautiful picture book full of tender love. In it, a mom assures her daughter that while mothers may not be perfect, they’ll always be full of love. It’s perfect for every parent and caregiver and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, is the perfect gift, too. 🎉TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME by Jack Norworth & Illustrated by Gary Clement (Amazon / Bookshop)This inviting picture book is a moving tribute to baseball’s most beloved anthem, something I used to love singing as a child and with my own children. With only song lyrics for words and the most perfect illustrations, this book will immerse you in the baseball experience. E217: A Paranormal Atmospheric Read: GIRL OF LORE by Melanie DaleOn this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Melanie Dale about her newest upper middle grade novel: A GIRL OF LORE.In this atmospheric paranormal novel, inner demons and town secrets collide in the haunting Southern town of London, Georgia. It had me guessing on every page, closing my eyes on some of them and truly inviting me into Mina’s world throughout.Come listen as we talk about the unexpected way Melanie decided to write her first middle grade novel, the varied themes and entry points for all readers and why you should read it and hug it, too. Don’t be mistaken: even if you do not typically read novels like this, this book is for you. It’s enchanting.Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!GIRL OF LORE by Melanie Dale (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Melanie online:Website: https://melaniedale.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanierdale/I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com
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    26 min
  • E216: Staying True & Making Change: HAFSA’S WAY by Aisha Saeed

    E216: Staying True & Making Change: HAFSA’S WAY by Aisha Saeed
    Apr 13 2026
    Happy Monday!I have some exciting news!I’ve always wanted to write a picture book and the over 200 episodes of my KidLit Love podcast have solidified that desire and lit a spark in my writing. The kidlit community is the BEST community and each author I’ve interviewed has provided such beautiful motivation for my own dream.And now, Boyds Mills has gifted me a scholarship to bring that dream to life!I’m honored to share that I’ve received the Richard H. Bell scholarship! This scholarship fund honors Dick Bell, the former chairman of the Highlights companies, president of Highlights for Children, and a former teacher and school administrator. I’m truly honored to continue his legacy.I’m so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to share parts of my journey here. Thanks for being part of it!StephanieBook Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:🎉EVEN STEVEN by Carrie Finison and illustrated by Daniel Wiseman (Amazon / Bookshop)This bright and delightful picture book introduces readers to Steven, a young boy who likes everything even. But while some things can be fair, they may not be even. And while some things can be even, they may not be fair. This book approaches differing needs, equity, and accessibility in the best way: an appealing story.🎉 FLY FISHING WITH PAPA by Christopher Robbins (Amazon / Bookshop)This picture book is brimming with loving care. It captures the bonding experience of a child and grandfather on a fly fishing trip, highlighting conservation and the joy of nature. It’s the simple things that matter most and this book gets it. On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Aisha Saeed about her newest middle grade novel: HAFSA’S WAY.In this gripping middle grade novel (a stand alone companion to AMAL UNBOUND and OMAR RISHING), Hafsa pushes back against her family’s expectations and in the process, discovers her own power. She may be young, but Hafsa will forever stay in my heart as a reminder to keep my dreams front and center.Come listen as we talk about the connections among her trio of middle grade books, the multiple entry points for readers, including family and friendship, animal rights and climate change and her hope for readers that focuses on always holding onto hope and onto your dreams.Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!AMAL UNBOUND by Aisha Saeed (Amazon / Bookshop)OMAR RISHING by Aisha Saeed (Amazon / Bookshop)HAFSA’S WAY by Aisha Saeed (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Aisha online:Website: https://aishasaeed.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aishacs/I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com
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    20 min
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