(R) What Gives Lesléa Newman Hope
The Children's Book Podcast
Lesléa Newman () 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 . Visit Lesléa Newman online at Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You...
info_outline
A Way of Being with Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker
The Children's Book Podcast
Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker, author and illustrator of (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about the wise ones who know to take time. Visit Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie online at Visit Aaron Becker online at Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting . Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support the show and at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show...
info_outline
(R) What Gives Rachel Michelle Wilson Hope
The Children's Book Podcast
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired May 3 2025. Rachel Michelle Wilson () 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 . Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can...
info_outline
A Champion for Children with Valerie Bolling
The Children's Book Podcast
Valerie Bolling, author of (Charlesbridge), illustrated by TeMika Grooms, joins Matthew to talk about a person worth writing about. Visit Valerie Bolling online at Other helpful links: - 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-winning writers Valerie Bolling and Janae Marks to engage and build your knowledge of marketing and promotional opportunities that you can do as a book creator in order to get your book to kids. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their...
info_outline
(R) What Gives Zetta Elliott Hope
The Children's Book Podcast
*This episode is a rebroadcast. The original episode aired March 29, 2025. Zetta Elliott () 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 . Visit Zetta Elliott online at Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (). Our music is by Podington...
info_outline
In the Thick of It with Corinna Luyken
The Children's Book Podcast
Corinna Luyken, author illustrator of (Rocky Pond Books), joins Matthew to talk about the silly, the absurd, and seeing yourself in every single character. Visit Corinna Luyken online at Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting . Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support the show and at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.
info_outline
The Hopeline is Open
The Children's Book Podcast
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 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 you hope today. All voices are welcome, no matter what role you play in this kidlit community. Learn more about the...
info_outline
Becoming Curious with Heidi EY Stemple
The Children's Book Podcast
Heidi EY Stemple, author of (Wordsong), joins Matthew to talk about becoming curious and making every bit of your writing intentional. Visit Heidi EY Stemple online at Other helpful links: - 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 Highlights Foundation. (Visitors coming to campus can even ask to stay in the Jane Yolen Cabin!) For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or...
info_outline
As Meaningful As Possible with Erin Entrada Kelly
The Children's Book Podcast
Erin Entrada Kelly, author of (Greenwillow Books) and (Scholastic Press), joins Matthew to talk about crafting stories as meaningful as possible to the reader. Visit Erin Entrada Kelly online at Other helpful links: - Established by Erin Entrada Kelly, this scholarship celebrates diverse representation in middle grade novels. - Immerse yourself in the generative writing process and try new, hands-on techniques to spark creativity, connect, unwind, and generate new pages (or revive old ones). For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit ...
info_outline
What Gives Mary Reaves Uhles Hope
The Children's Book Podcast
Mary Reaves Uhle, author illustrator of (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 and search “The Children’s Book Podcast” or click on the link in the show notes. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their...
info_outlineMerriam 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 noise or the division, but each other.
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 more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.
Learn more about Magination Press and their upcoming releases by visiting www.apa.org/pubs/magination.
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. Read on. And don’t lose hope.