Dream Gardens is an podcast I hosted starting 2016. It has been on hiatus since May, 2022. If and when I decide to start it up again, I will post an update here.
In each podcast I interview other writers, teachers, librarians, or really anyone who share a love of children’s books, and I talk to them about their favorite children’s book: old favorites and new discoveries; books they shared with students, their own children, or other adults who love to read; stories that have made them laugh, cry, and wonder; words that still speak to them no matter how many times they have read them.
The podcasts are available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. After you listen, please take a moment to link, share, comment, write a review or subscribe. Let me know what you think!
Podcast #122
For my one hundred twenty-second Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Greg Howard about the middle grade novel The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo .
Greg Howard is the author of such middle grade books as The Whispers and Middle School’s A Drag, You Better Werk!. His latest middle grade book is The Visitors, which was published this past year. You can find more information about Greg at www.greghowardauthor.com.
Podcast #121
For my one hundred twenty-first Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Alice Faye Duncan about the children’s book of poems Honey I Love, and Other Love Poems written by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by Diane and Leo Dillon.
Alice Faye Duncan is author of such books as Just Like a Mama, Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop, and the recent Evicted: The Struggle for the Right to Vote. She is also author of the picture book Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth, which was released earlier this year. You can find more information about Alice at alicefayeduncan.com.
Podcast #120
For my one hundred twentieth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Mahtab Narsimhan about the classic children’s novel The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis .
Mahtab Narsimhan is author of The Tiffin, You and Me Both, and Genie Meanie. Her latest book is the middle grade novel Valley of the Rats. You can find more information about Mahtab at www.mahtabnarsimhan.com.
Podcast #119
For my one hundred nineteenth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Deedee Cummings about the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston .
Deedee Cummings is a family therapist, founder of the Louisville Book Festival in Kentucky, and CEO of Make A Way Media. She is also author of several books for children, including the Kayla: A Modern Day Princess series of books. You can find more information about Deedee at deedeecummings.com.
Podcast #118
For my one hundred eighteenth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and illustrator Jessica Meserve about the picture book Bread and Jam for Frances, written by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Lillian Hoban.
Jessica is author and illustrator of the picture book What Clara Saw as well as her latest book Beyond the Burrow, which came out in 2021. You can find more information about Jessica at www.jessicameserve.com.
Podcast #117
For my one hundred seventeenth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author JaNay Brown-Wood about the picture book A Story About Afiya, written by James Berry and illustrated by Anna Cunha.
JaNay Brown-Wood is author of such books as Shhh! The Baby’s Asleep, Imani’s Moon, and Amara’s Farm, which is the first of her Where in the Garden series. Her latest book is the second in the Where in the Garden series, Miguel’s Community Garden. You can find more information about JaNay at www.janaybrownwood.com.
Podcast #116
For my one hundred sixteenth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Kristen Balouch about the picture book DON’T CROSS THE LINE, written by Isabel Minhos Martins and illustrated by Bernardo P Carvalho.
Kristen is author and illustrator of such books as IF YOU ARE THE DREAMER, MYSTERY BOTTLE, and THE LITTLE LITTLE GIRL WITH THE BIG BIG VOICE. Her latest picture book is ONE MILLION TREES: A TRUE STORY. You can find more information about Kristen at www.kristenbalouch.com.
Podcast #115
For my one hundred fifteenth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Nicole Magistro about the YA novel THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak.
Nicole is the author of the recently released picture book READ ISLAND. You can find more information about Nicole at myreadisland.com. You can find out more about the Adopt a Reader program at bookwormofedwards.com/adopt-reader.
Podcast #114
For my one hundred fourteenth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Jessica Vitalis about the young reader’s novel Kit’s Wilderness by David Almond.
Jessica Vitalis’s debut middle grade, THE WOLF’S CURSE, came out September, 2021. You can find more information about Jessica and THE WOLF’S CURSE at jessicavitalis.com.
Podcast #113
For my one hundred thirteenth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and illustrator Rosena Fung about the middle grade horror novel Small Spaces by Katherine Arden.
Rosena Fung is author and illustrator. Her debut book is a graphic novel for kids called Living with Viola. You can find more information about Rosena and Living with Viola at www.rosenafung.com.
Podcast #112
For my one hundred twelfth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Dawn Young about the picture book Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears, written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Beth Coulton, and illustrated by Nate Wragg.
Dawn Young is the author of such picture books as Counting Elephants, and the Night Baa-fore series. Her latest picture book is Once Upon a Christmas, illustrated by Kenneth Anderson. You can find more information about Dawn at www.dawnyoungbooks.com
Podcast #111
For my one hundred eleventh Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and illustrator Elizabeth Lilly about the picture book Angelina Ballerina, written by Katharine Holabird and illustrated by Helen Craig.
Elizabeth Lilly is the author and illustrator of the picture book Geraldine. Her latest picture book is Let Me Fix You a Plate: A Tale of Two Kitchens. You can find Elizabeth’s website at www.elizabeth-lilly.com.
I also have a conversation with Judy Newman, President of Scholastic Book Clubs (@ScholasticClub), about Scholastic Book Clubs new program, The United States of Readers. You can find more information about the program at Scholastic.com/unitedstatesofreaders.
Podcast #110
For my one hundred tenth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and story teller Donna Washington about the picture book What Mary Jo Shared, written by Janice May Udry and illustrated by Eleanor Mill.
Donna Washington is an award winning storyteller, spoken word recording artist, and author. Her story collections include such titles as A Tureen of Tales and A Little Shiver, and she is the author of such children’s books as Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa. Her latest children’s book is called Boo Stew. You can find Donna’s website at dlwstoryteller.com.
Podcast #109
For my one hundred ninth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Rebecca VanSlyke about the picture book Ghost Cat by Kevan Atteberry.
Rebecca VanSlyke is author of such picture books as Mom School, Dad School, Lexie the Word Wrangler, and Lana Lynn Howls at the Moon. Her latest book is Lana Lynn and the New Watchdog. You can find Rebecca’s website at rebeccavanslyke.com.
Podcast #108
For my one hundred eighth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Sheetal Sheth about the YA verse novel for young readers, The Girl and the Goddess: Stories and Poems of Divine Wisdom by Nikita Gill.
Sheetal Sheth is an actress, producer, and activist. She is also author of the children’s book Always Anjali. Her latest book is another adventure with Anjali called Bravo Anjali, which will be available on September 21st. You can find information about Sheetal at sheetalsheth.com.
Podcast #107
For my one hundred seventh Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Payal Doshi about the classic novel for young readers, Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.
Payal Doshi’s debut middle grade novel Rea and the Blood of the Nectar was published June, 2021. It is the first book of her Chronicles of Astranthia. You can find more information about Payal at www.payaldoshiauthor.com.
Podcast #106
For my one hundred sixth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed Dr. William A. Haseltine about two children’s books: The Black Stallion by Walter Farley, and Dear Me: Letters to Myself, For All of My Emotions by Donna Tetreault, illustrated by Elisena Bonadio.
Dr. Haseltine is a scientist and author, and he is the Chair and President of ACCESS Health International. His books include COVID: A Family Guide to Covid, A Covid Back to School Guide, and My Lifelong Fight Against Disease: From Polio and AIDS to COVID-19. His latest book for younger readers is Science as a Superpower: My Lifelong Fight Against Disease and the Heroes Who Made it Possible. You can find his website at williamhaseltine.com.
Podcast #105
For my one hundred fifth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Steven Banks about the middle grade novel Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary.
Steven Banks was a writer for such shows as SpongeBob Square pants, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, and CatDog . He is also author of the of Middle School Bites book series, including the books Middle School Bites; Middle School Bites: Tom Bites Back, and coming on August 31, the third book in the series Middle School Bites: Out for Blood. You can find information about the whole Middle School Bites series at holidayhouse.com (which I neglected to mention in my podcast) or www.penguinrandomhouse.com and searching Middle School Bites.
Podcast #104
For my one hundred forth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and illustrator Ben Zhu about the picture book Du Iz Tak by Carson Ellis.
Ben Zhu in an author and illustrator, and he is founder of Gallery Nucleus in California. His debut picture book is Dessert Island. It was released this year. You can find Ben’s website at www.benzhudraws.com and more information about Gallery Nucleus at www.gallerynucleus.com.
Podcast #103
For my one hundred third Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Amy Makechnie about the middle grade book The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo.
Amy Makechnie is the author of the middle grade novel The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Claire. Her latest middle grade novel is Ten Thousand Tries. You can find her website at www.amymakechnie.com.
In addition, at the top of the podcast I spoke to Shane Garver, Associate Vice President of Rural Education Programs at Save the Children, about summer reading in rural communities and about their partnership with Scholastic. For more information about Save the Children visit savethechildren.org/usa. For more information about the Summer program you can visit www.scholastic.com/summer
Podcast #102
For my one hundred first Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Tricia Springstubb about the middle grade book Half Magic by Edward Eager.
Tricia Springstubb is author of such books as the Cody Chapter book series, What Happened on Fox Street, Every Single Second, and the picture book Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures. Her latest book is the middle grade novel The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe. You can find her website at Triciaspringstubb.com.
Podcast #101
For my one hundred first Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Christine L. Villa about the picture book Saturday by Oge Mora.
In addition, at the top of the podcast I spoke to Lizette Serrano, Vice President of Educational Marketing at Scholastic about Scholastic’s Summer Reading Program. For more information about the Summer program you can visit www.scholastic.com/summer
Christine L. Villa is author of such children’s books as ZooBooLoo, The Magic Paintbrush, and Will you Still Love Me? A Puppy Haiku Story. She is also the founder of the publishing company Purple Cotton Candy Arts. You can find her website at christinevilla.com and you can find information about Purple Cotton Candy Arts publishing at www.purplecottoncandyarts.com.
Podcast #100
For my one hundredth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast (100!), I interviewed author Crystal Maldonado about the classic picture book Corduroy by Don Freeman.
Crystal Maldonado’s debut YA novel Fat Chance, Charlie Vega was released in February. You can find her website at www.crystalwrote.com.
Podcast #099
For my ninety-ninth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Ray Anthony Shepherd about the middle grade verse novel Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson.
Ray Anthony Shepherd is author of Now or Never: 54th Massachusetts Infantry’s War to End Slavery. His most recent book is the picture book biography Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge. You can find his website at www.rayanthonyshepard.com.
Podcast #098
For my ninety-eighth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Michelle Schaub about the middle grade book Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini.
Michelle Schaub is the author of such books for kids as Dream Big, Little Scientists: A Bedtime Book, Finding Treasure: A Collection of Collections, and Fresh-Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmer’s Market. Her latest picture book is called Kindness is a Kite String: The Uplifting Power of Empathy. You can find her website at www.michelleschaub.com.
Podcast #097
For my ninety-seventh Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Judith L. Roth about the middle grade illustrated novel Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo.
Judith L. Roth is the author of such books as Goodnight Dragons, Serendipity and Me, and the recently released picture book Venetian Lullaby. Her latest book is another picture book called Hiding Baby Moses. You can find her website at judithlroth.wordpress.com.
Podcast #096
For my ninety-fifth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Julie Leung about the middle grade folktale collection Tongues of Jade by Lawrence Yep.
Julie Leung is author of the Mice of the Round Table middle grade series, Who Did It First?: 50 Scientists, Artists, and Mathematicians Who Revolutionized the World and the picture book biography Paper Son: The Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant & Artist. Her latest book is another picture book biography called The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee. You can find her website at jleungbooks.com.
Podcast #095
For my ninety-fifth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Robert Hoyman about the middle grade novel There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom by Louis Sachar.
Robert Hoyman is author of Limerick Comics. You can find his website at limerickcomics.com.
Podcast #094
For my ninety-fourth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Victoria Bond about the historical novel The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation by M. T. Anderson – Vol. 1: The Pox Party; Vol. 2: The Kingdom on the Waves.
Victoria Bond is an educator and award winning author of Zora and Me. Her latest book, the third book in this series about the writer Zora Neale Hurston as a child, is Zora & Me: The Summoner. You can find her website at victoriabondauthor.com.
Podcast #093
For my ninety-third Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Ann Burg about the novel The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.
Ann Burg is the author of such books as Unbound and Serafina’s Promise. Her latest books is the historical verse novel Flooded, Requiem for Johnstown. You can find her website at annburg.com.
I also talked to author and literacy advocate Pam Allyn about World Read Aloud Day 2021, which will be Wednesday, February 3. You can find more information about World Read Aloud Day 2021 at www.litworld.org and teacher.scholastic.com/worldreadaloudday.
Podcast #092
For my ninety-second Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Anita Nahta Amin about the novel Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin.
Anita Nahta Amin is author of several chapter books including The Legacy of Rashmi Bazaar. Her picture book Raja’s Pet Camel: The Magic of Hope was published last year. You can find her website at www.anitaaminbooks.com
Podcast #091
For my ninety-first Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Mathew Klickstein about the classic picture book The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss.
Mathew Klickstein a writer who has developed projects across multiple platforms including non-fiction, filmmaking, theater and comic books. His latest project is the middle grade book The Kids of Widney Junior High Take Over the World. You can find his website at www.mathewklickstein.com. Part of the proceeds from Mathew’s book will go to support L.A. Goal. You can find more information about L.A. Goal at lagoal.org.
Podcast #090
For my ninetieth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Amy Hest about the middle grade novel Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.
Amy Hest is author of many books, such as Remembering Mrs. Rossi, When Charly Met Grandpa, The Dog Who Belonged To No One, and Letters to Leo. Her latest novel is The Summer We Found the Baby. You can find her website at www.amyhest.com.
Podcast #089
For my eighty-ninth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed illustrator Holly Hatam about the middle grade novel Just As Long As We’re Together by Judy Blume.
Holly Hatam is illustrator of such books as Dear Girl, Dear Boy, Dragons are Real, and Happy Right Now. Her latest book is Dear Baby, with text by Paris Rosenthal. You can find her website at www.hollyhatam.com.
Podcast #088
For my eighty-eighth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Janae Marks about the first book in the Baby-Sitter’s Club series, Kristy’s Great Idea.
Janae Marks is author of the middle grade novel From the Desk of Zoe Washington. You can find her website at www.janaemarks.com.
Podcast #087
For my eighty-seventh Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Angela Dominguez about the middle grade novel Pie in the Sky , written and illustrated by Remy Lai.
Angela Dominguez is an award winning illustrator and author of such books as Marie Had a Little Llama, and I Love you Baby Burrito, as well as the Stella Diaz books Stella Diaz Has Something to Say and Stella Diaz Never Gives Up. In addition, Angela also teaches at the Academy of Art University. You can find her website at www.angeladominguezbooks.com.
Podcast #086
For my eighty-sixth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Paula Chase Hyman about the upper middle grade novel Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee.
Paula Chase Hyman is author of such books as the Del Rio Bey series, and the middle grade novels Dough Boys and So Done. Her latest middle grade novel is Turning Point. In addition, she is one of the founders and a contributor to the Brown Bookshelf Blog. Her website can be found at paulachasehyman.com (previously paulachasebooks.com), and the website for the Brown Bookshelf can be found at thebrownbookshelf.com.
Podcast #085
For my eighty-fifth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Tricia Elam Walker about the children’s picture book Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale, written and illustrated by John Steptoe.
Tricia Elam Walker in an assistant professor of Creative Writing at Howard University and author of the novel Breathing Room. Her picture book, Nana Akua Goes to School was just published this year. You can find her website at triciaelamwalker.com.
Podcast #084
For my eighty-fourth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and motivational speaker Michael Arterberry about the classic children’s picture book Curious George.
Michael Arterberry is a motivational speaker and author of the memoir God was Holding my Hand and the motivational book Be Encouraged!!! 250 Days of Motivation and Encouragement. He is also founder and executive director of Youth Voices Center, Inc. You can find his website at www.michaelarterberry.com and the website for Youth Voices Center at www.youthvoicescenter.org.
Podcast #083
For my eighty-third Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and storyteller Antonio Sacre about the classic fantasy novel The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Antonio Sacre is author of such books A Mango in the Hand and My Name is Cool. He is also story teller who story telling recordings include Looking for Papito and High Five Dad. His latest story album is “World’s Second-Best Dad” which just won a 2020 Family Choice Award and a 2020 National Parenting Product Award. You can find his website at antoniosacre.com
Podcast #082
For my eighty-second Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Natalie Rompella about the middle grade graphic novel Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier.
Natalie Rompella is author of numerous educational guides for young readers as well as the middle grade book Cookie Cutter and Sled Runners and the non-fiction picture book The World Never Sleeps. You can find her website at natalierompella.com.
Podcast #081
For my eighty-first Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Alexandra Diaz about the middle grade novel The Girl with the Silver Eyes by Willo Davis Roberts.
Alexandra Diaz is the award winning author of Good Girls Don’t Lie, The Only Road Home, and The Crossroads. Her latest book, Santiago’s Road Home, came out May, 2020. You can find her website at alexandra-diaz.com.
Podcast #080
For my eightieth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Jonathan Rosen about two books in the Choose Your Adventure series: The Cave of Time by Edward Packard, and Mystery of the Maya by R.A. Montgomery.
Jonathan Rosen is author of the middle grade books Rockefeller Caper and the Devin Dexter series, including Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies and From Sunset Till Sunrise. You can find his website at houseofrosen.com.
Podcast #079
For my seventy-ninth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed journalist and author Karen Blumenthal about the YA non-fiction book The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater.
Karen Blumenthal passed away on May 19, 2020. You can read more about her life and work here at The Dallas Morning News. Karen was a journalist and author of such non-fiction books as Hillary Rodham Clinton: A Woman Living History and Bonnie and Clyde: The Making of a Legend. Her most recent book written for young adult readers is Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights. You can find Karen’s website at www.karenblumenthal.com
Podcast #078
For my seventy-eighth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author John David Anderson about the middle grade fantasy novel The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander, which is the first book of his Chronicles of Prydain series.
John David Anderson is author of the novels Granted, Ms. Bixby’s Last Day which was the subject of another Dream Gardens podcast, Posted, and Finding Orion. His most recent middle grade novel is One Last Shot. You can find John David Anderson’s website at www.johndavidanderson.org.
Podcast #077
For my seventy-seventh Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed Jambo Book co-founder Mijha Godfrey about the middle grade novel Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai.
Mijha Godfrey is co-founder of Jambo Books, a muliticultural book club service. You can find Mijha’s website at www.jambobooks.com.
Podcast #076
For my seventy-sixth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Matt Harry about The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.
Matt Harry is a filmmaker and author of the Codex Arcanum Series, which includes the books Sorcery for Beginners and the most recert novel, Crytozoology for Beginners. You can find Matt’s website at www.mattharrywork.com.
Podcast #075
For my seventy-fifth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Lesa Cline-Ransome about the The Diary of Anne Frank.
Lesa Cline-Ransome is the award winning author of such picture books as Before She Was Harriet, Game Changers, and Counting the Stars, as well as the middle grade novel Finding Langston. Her latest picture books are Overground Railroad and The Power Of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne, and her latest middle grade novel is Leaving Lymon. You can find Lesa’s website at lesaclineransome.com.
Podcast #074
For my seventy-fourth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Camryn Wells about the picture book The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein.
Camryn Wells is author of the Color, Feel, Play series of picture books, which includes What Color is Your Day? and the recently released, The Memory of Play. You can find her website at camrynwells.com .
Podcast #073
For my seventy-third Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and advocate Aditi Wardhan Singh about the comic book novel Karna by Amar Chitra Katha.
Aditi Wardhan Singh is Founder & Chief Editor of Raising World Children, a platform for resources about raising children of diverse families. In addition she is author of the parenting guide Strong Roots Have No Fear. You can find her website at raisingworldchildren.com.
Podcast #072
For my seventy-second Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author L. A. Kefalos about the classic young reader’s novel The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry .
L.A. Kefalos is author of the picture books This is A. Blob and A. Blob on a Bus. You can find her website at ThisIsABlob.com and additional information about the books at www.laughingleopardpress.com.
Podcast #071
For my seventy-first Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Melissa Hart about the young reader’s novel The Only Road by Alexandra Diaz.
Melissa Hart is author of the book guide Better with Books: 500 Diverse Books to Ignite Empathy in Tweens and Teens as well as the novels Avenging the Owls and Gringa: a Contradictory Childhood. Melissa also teaches for the MFA in Creative Writing Program at Southern New Hampshire University. You can find Melissa’s website at www.melissahart.com.
Podcast #070
For my seventieth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Theresa Julian about the children’s novel Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary.
Theresa Julian is author of the recently released non-fiction book for kids, The Joke Machine. You can find Theresa’s website at www.theresajulian.com.
Podcast #069
For my sixty-ninth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Laura Sassi about the children’s book of poems When We Were Very Young , written by A. A. Milne and illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard.
Laura Sassi is author of the picture books Goodnight Manger and Goodnight Ark as well as Diva Delores and the Opera House Mouse and Love is Kind, both of which came out in 2018. You can find Laura’s website at laurasassitales.wordpress.com.
Podcast #068
For my sixty-eighth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Fred Rexroad about the children’s mystery novel The Case of the Missing Message: A Brains Benton Mystery by Charles Spain Verral.
Fred Rexroad is author of the Tanner-Dent Mysteries, including Whiz Tanner and the Phony Masterpiece, Whiz Tanner and the Mysterious Countdown, and Whiz Tanner and the Olympic Snow Caper. You can find Fred’s website at www.fredrexroad.com.
Podcast #067
For my sixty-seventh Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Kate Dicamillo about the children’s historical novel The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis.
Kate DiCamillo is the Newbery-award winning author of such books as Because of Winn Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, Flora and Ulysses, among many others, including my personal favorite, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Her latest book is Beverly, Right Here, which is the third book in the Three Rancheros Series. You can find Kate’s website at katedicamillo.com.
Podcast #066
For my sixty-sixth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed literacy educator and author Pam Allyn about the classic children’s novel Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.
Pam Allyn is a literacy expert, author, motivational speaker, and Senior Vice President of Innovation and Development at Scholastic. She is also Executive Director and founder of LitWorld, an advocacy group for children’s rights as readers, writers, and learners, and creator of World Read Aloud Day. You can find more information about Pam and World Read Aloud Day at pamallyn.com, litworld.org and teacher.scholastic.com/worldreadaloudday.
Podcast #065
For my sixty-fifth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Dan Richards about the middle grade novel The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox.
Dan Richards is author the middle grade novels Stu Truly and Stu Truly: First Kiss, the picture books The Problem With Not Being Scared of Monsters and The Problem With Not Being Scared of Kids, and the recently released picture books Once Upon a Goat and Penny and Penelope. You can find Dan’s website at www.danrichardsbooks.com.
Podcast #064
For my sixty-fourth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Kat Zhang about the classic fantasy novel The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1) by Philip Pullman.
Kat Zhang is author the YA series The Hybrid Chronicles, the middle grade novels The Emperor’s Riddle and The Memory of Forgotten Things, the recently published picture book Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao, and coming in 2021, Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon. You can find Kat’s website at katzhangwriter.com.
Podcast #063
For my sixty-third Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Lindsay Lackey about the middle grade fantasy novel The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis .
Lindsay Lackey is author of several reader guides for non-fiction by Madeleine L’Engle. Her debut middle grade novel is All The Impossible Things. You can find her website at lindsaylackey.com.
Podcast #062
For my sixty-second Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Chritina Uss about the middle grade novels Lizard Music by Daniel Pinkwater and The Trolls by Polly Horvath.
Christina Uss is author of the middle grade novel The Adventures of a Girl called Bicycle. You can find Christina’s website at www.christinauss.com.
Podcast #061
For my sixty-first Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author and playwright Dania Ramos about the young readers novel Call Me Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer.
Dania Ramos is an educator and playwright as well as author of the 7th Grade Sleuths books Who’s Ju and Ignacio in the Dark. In addition she is podcast manager for the Cocatazo Audio theater, for which she has written the children’s audio fiction series Time Storm. You can find Dania’s website at www.daniaramos.com and the Cocatazo Audio theater at www.cocotazomedia.com.
Podcast #060
For my sixtieth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Lori Orlinsky about the picture book Giraffes Can’t Dance, written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees.
Lori Orlinsky is author of the picture book Being Small (isn’t so bad after all) published by Mascot Books. You can find the Mascot Books website at mascotbooks.com
Podcast #059
For my fifty-ninth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Kathi Appelt about the middle grade novel The Grand Plan To Fix Everything by Uma Krishnaswami.
Kathi Appelt is author of several books for children, and was a finalist for both the National Book Award and the Newbery. Her books include such titles as Maybe a Fox, The Underneath, Keeper, and The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp. In 2019 she published her YA novel Angel Thieves. You can find Kathi’s website at www.kathiappelt.com.
Podcast #058
For my fifty-eighth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Padma Venkatraman about the verse memoirs Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings and Soaring Earth by Margarita Engle.
Padma Venkatraman is author of the novels Climbing the Stairs, Island’s End, A Time to Dance, and the 2019 middle grade novel The Bridge Home. You can find Padma’s website at padmavenkatraman.com.
Podcast #057
For my fifty-seventh Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Kelly Jones about the middle grade comic novel The Hoboken Chicken Emergency by Daniel Pinkwater.
Kelly Jones is author of the middle grade books Murder, Magic and What We Wore, Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer, Are You Ready to Hatch an Unusual Chicken, and coming up in September of this year, Sauerkraut. You can find Kelly’s website at curiosityjones.net.
Podcast #056
For my fifty-sixth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Susan Adrian about the middle grade fantasy novel The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper.
Susan Adrian is the author of the YA novels Tunnel Vision and The Dark at the End and the middle grade novel Nutcracked. Her latest middle grade novel Forever Neverland was just released June, 2019. You can find Susan’s website at susanadrian.net.
Podcast #055
For my fifty-fifth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Darby Karchut about the young reader’s fantasy adventure novel Ranger’s Apprentice (Book 1): The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan.
Darby Karchut is the author of the YA series Griffin Rising, the middle grade Finnegan series, the middle grade book Del Toro Moon and its sequel The Red Casket, which will be release in the Fall of 2019. You can find Darby’s website at www.darbykarchut.com.
Podcast #054
For my fifty-fourth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Roshani Chokshi about the children’s novel The Iron Ring by Lloyd Alexander and the YA novel Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black.
Roshani Chokshi is the author of the YA series The Star Touched Queen, the YA novel The Gilded Wolves, the middle grade novel Aru Shah and the End of Time, and its sequel Aru Shah and the Song of Death, which was just released this year. You can find Roshani’s
website at roshanichokshi.com.
Podcast #053
For my fifty-third Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Alison Gardiner about the illustrated children’s novel Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse by Chris Riddell
Alison Gardiner is author of the fantasy novels Alchemy, The Serpent of Eridor, and coming soon The Goblin’s Curse. You can find Alison’s website at alisongardinerauthor.com.
Podcast #052
For my fifty-second Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Jasmine Warga about the children’s middle grade novel Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.
Jasmine Warga is author of the YA novels Here We Are Now and My Heart and Other Black Holes, and in May, 2019 she will be debuting her first middle grade novel, Other Words for Home. You can find Jasmine’s website at jasminewarga.com.
Podcast #051
For my fifty-first Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author and illustrator C. L. Fails about the classic children’s novel A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.
Cynthia Fails is an educator, podcast host and publisher who writes and illustrates under the name C. L. Fails. She is author and illustrator of the Ella series, including Ella and the One Big Dream and Ella and One Tiny Thing, The Christmas Cookie Books, the Raine the Brain book series, of which the first one The Secret World of Raine the Brain: Quindaro Adventures was published August, 2018 In addition, Cynthia is founder and CEO of Launchcrate Publishing, a hybrid publishing company, and host of the LaunchCrate Podcast. You can find Cynthia’s website at www.clfails.com and her LaunchCrate website at www.launchcrate.com
Podcast #050
For my fiftieth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Michele McAvoy about her favorite children’s book, the classic novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, written by Judy Blume.
Michele McAvoy is author of the picture books The Gorilla Picked Me and My Superhero Grandpa as well as Cookie and Milk, which will be coming out this fall. You can find Michelle’s website at www.michelemcavoy.com
Podcast #049
For my forty-ninth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Jennifer Lynn Alvarez about her favorite children’s book, the classic novel Watership Down by Richard Adams.
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez is author of several books for young readers including The Pet Washer series, the Guardian Herd series, and coming in May of this year, 2019, the novel Across the Dark Water, which is the first book of her new trilogy Riders of the Realm. You can find Jennifer’s website at www.jenniferlynnalvarez.com.
Podcast #048
For my forty-eighth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Rebecca Behrens about her favorite children’s book, the classic middle grade novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.
Rebecca Behrens is author of the middle grade novels Summer of Lost and Found, When Audrey Met Alice, and The Last Grand Adventure, which was published in 2018. In addition, another middle grade novel The Disaster Days, will be available October, 2019. You can find Rebecca’s website at rebeccabehrens.com
Podcast #047
For my forty-seventh Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Jill Weisfeld about her favorite children’s book, the classic middle grade novel Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White.
Jill Weisfeld is author of Take a Peek with Peek-a-Bear and her latest picture book Riley the Retriever Wants a New Job. In addition, Jill is CEO of her publishing company, Peek-A-Bear Press. You can find Jill’s website at peek-a-bear.com.
Podcast #046
For my forty-sixth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Rebecca Caprara about her favorite children’s book, the middle grade verse novel Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai.
Rebecca Caprara is author of The Magic of Melwick Orchard, which was published September, 2018. You can find Rebecca’s website at www.rebeccacaprara.com.
Podcast #045
For my forty-fifth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Artie Knapp about his favorite children’s book, the picture book Ida, Always, written by Caron Levis and illustrated by Charles Santoso.
Artie Knapp is the author of many stories and poems for children as well as the books View from the Zoo, Living Green: A Turtles Quest for a Cleaner Planet, and his latest book, Little Otter Learns to Swim. You can find Artie’s website at wwww.artieknapp.com.
Podcast #044
For my forty-forth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Margaret Peterson Haddix about her favorite children’s book, the middle grade novel Millicent Min, Girl Genius, written by Lisa Yee.
Margaret Peterson Haddix is the best selling author of such books as The Missing and The Shadow Children Series, Uprising, The Summer of Broken Things and many, many more including her Children of Exile series, the third book of which, Children of Jubilee, comes out this November. You can find Margaret’s website at haddixbooks.com.
Podcast #044
For my forty-forth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Margaret Peterson Haddix about her favorite children’s book, the middle grade novel Millicent Min, Girl Genius, written by Lisa Yee.
Margaret Peterson Haddix is the best selling author of such books as The Missing and The Shadow Children Series, Uprising, The Summer of Broken Things and many, many more including her Children of Exile series, the third book of which, Children of Jubilee, comes out this November. You can find Margaret’s website at haddixbooks.com.
Podcast #043
For my forty-third Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Kat Shepherd about her favorite children’s book, the middle grade novel Criss Cross, written and illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins.
Kat Shepherd is author of The Shadow Hand, Book 1 of the series Babysitting Nightmares, and coming in 2019, the interactive mystery series The Gemini Mysteries. You can find Kat’s website at katshepherd.com.
Podcast #042
For my forty-second Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author and freelance writing consultant Mary Kole about her favorite children’s book, the classic middle grade novel Holes by Louis Sachar.
Mary Kole is author of the WRITING IRRESISTIBLE KIDLIT: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers and a freelance consultant for writers. You can find Mary’s website about her book at kidlit.com and her website about her consulting services at marykole.com.
Podcast #041
For my forty-first Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed librarian and children’s book reviewer Michelle Callaghan about her favorite children’s book, the classic middle grade novel Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh.
Michelle Callaghan is a children’s librarian in Canada and host of the book review site Fab Book Reviews . You can find Michelle’s website at fabbookreviews.com.
Podcast #040
For my fortieth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed librarian and podcast host Matthew Winner about his favorite children’s book, the graphic novel The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan.
Matthew Winner is an elementary school librarian in Maryland, co-founder of the website All the Wonders and host of the podcast The Children’s Book Podcast. You can find Matthew’s website at www.matthewcwinner.com.
Podcast #039
For my thirty-ninth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Laura Martin about her favorite children’s book, the middle grade fantasy novel Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce, the first book of the Song of the Lioness series.
Laura Martin is the author of the Edge of Extinction series, including the books The Ark Plan and Code Name Flood, and the newly released middle grade novel Float. You can find Laura’s website at lauramartinbooks.com.
Podcast #038
For my thirty-eighth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Caroline Starr Rose about her favorite children’s book, the classic middle grade fantasy novel The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.
Caroline Starr Rose is the author of the middle grade novel Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mines, the picture book Ride On Will Cody, and coming in 2020, the middle grade historical novel Miraculous. In addition, she offers critique services through Writing One on One. You can find Caroline’s website at carolinestarrrose.com.
Podcast #037
For my thirty-seventh Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed librarian Cindy Mitchell about her favorite kid’s book, The Accelerati Trilogy by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman, which includes the books Tesla’s Attic, Edison’s Alley, and Hawking’s Hallway.
Cindy Mitchell is a librarian for the South Jordan Middle School in Utah and host of the book review blog Kiss the Book. You can find Cindy’s website at kissthebook.blogspot.com
Podcast #036
For my thirty-sixth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Laurisa White Reyes about her favorite children’s book, The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear, written by Dan and Audrey Wood and illustrated by Dan Wood.
Laurisa White Reyes is the an award winning author of such middle grade novels as Mickey Malloy, Wonder Boy and the Seer of the Guilde series, YA novels such as Petals and The Crystal Keeper series, as well as non-fiction books like The Kids Guide to Writing Fiction . In addition Laurisa is Senior Editor of Skyrocket Press and teaches English composition at College of the Canyons. You can find Laurisa’s website at www.laurisawhitereyes.com.
Podcast #035
For my thirty-fifth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author and blogger Robert Kent about his favorite middle grade children’s novel, The Witches by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Robert Kent is author of the middle grade book Banneker Bones and the Giant Robot Bees and host of the blog Middle Grade Ninja. Robert also writes horror fiction for adults and conducts occasional writing workshops at the Indiana Writer’s Center. You can find Robert’s website at www.middlegradeninja.com.
Podcast #034
For my thirty-fourth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Melissa Stoller about her favorite middle grade novel, The Art of the Swap by Kristine Asselin and Jen Malone.
Melissa Stoller is author of the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready Set, GOrilla, both coming out in 2018. In addition, she writes the Enchanted Snow Globe Collection series: Return to Coney Island, published in 2017, and The Liberty Bell Train Ride, coming out this summer, 2018. She is also author of the resource book The Parent-Child Book Club. You can find Melissa’s website at www.melissastoller.com.
Podcast #033
For my thirty-third Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed authors Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White about their favorite middle grade novel, Wayside Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sacher.
Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White are co-authors of the middle grade novels Shivers! The Pirate Who’s Afraid of Everything and Shivers!, The Pirate Who’s Back in Bunny Slippers as well as Time Travelers, which will be released this Spring. In addition, Annabeth and Connor perform for school assembly programs and have produced several videos about the writing process for kids. You can find Annabeth and Connor’s website at annabethandconnor.com.
Podcast #032
For my thirty-second Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Bonny Becker about her favorite middle grade novel, Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones.
Bonny Becker is author of the Mouse and Bear picture books, such as A Christmas for Bear and A Visitor for Bear, as well as the picture book Cloud Country and the middle grade novels The Magical Ms. Plum and Holbrook: A lizard’s tale. She also contributes to the blog Books Around the Table. You can find Bonny’s website at bonnybecker.com and the blog she writes for at booksaroundthetable.wordpress.com.
Podcast #031
For my thirty-first Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Daphne Benedis-Grab about her favorite young adult novel, Fifteen by Beverly Cleary.
Daphne Benedis-Grab is the author of such middle grade books such as Army Brats and Clementine for Christmas, and the YA books The Girl in the Wall and Alive and Well in Prague, NY. You can find Daphne’s website at daphnebg.com.
Podcast #030
For my thirtieth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author, educator and musician Mike Grosso about his favorite middle grade novel, Anastsia Krupnik by Lois Lowry.
Mike Grosso is a fifth grade elementary teacher, musician, and author of the middle grade novel I am Drums. You can find Mike’s website at www.mikegrossoauthor.com.
Podcast #029
For my twenty-ninth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Meera Sriram about two of her favorite middle grade novels, The No. 1 Car Spotter and The No. 1 Car Spotter and the Firebird , written by Antinuke and illustrated by Warwick Johnson Cadwell.
Meera Sriram is co-author of such books as Bijoy and the Big River and Endangered Animals of India. In addition, she blogs about multicultural children’s books and offers presentations with a focus on Early Literacy. You can find Meera’s website at www.meerasriram.com.
Podcast #028
For my twenty-eighth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed educator and kid lit blogger Kimberly McDermid about one of her favorite middle grade novels, Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker, written and illustrated by Shelley Johannes.
Kimberly blogs about kids’ books and authors at Storymamas with her two fellow kid lit bloggers Courtney and Ashley. You can find Storymamas at storymamas.com.
Podcast #027
For my twenty-seventh Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author E. Lockhart about one of her favorite YA graphic novels, Nimona by Noelle Steveson.
E. Lockhart’s books include the New York Times bestseller We Were Liars and The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, which was a Printz Award honor book, a National Book Award finalist, and recipient of the Cybils Award for best young adult novel. Her latest novel is the young adult suspense novel Genuine Fraud, published this year by Penguin Random House. In addition, she teaches creative writing at Hamline University’s low-residency MFA program in Writing for Children. You can find E. Lockhart’s website at http://www.emilylockhart.com/.
Podcast #026
For my twenty-sixth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed librarian Roxanne Hsu Feldman about one of her favorite children’s books, Jack and the Seven Deadly Giants by Sam Swope.
Roxanne Hsu Feldman is a middle school librarian at the Dalton School in NYC. In addition, Roxanne has served on several book awards committees over the years, such as the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards, Notable Books for Children, and the Newburys. You can find Roxanne’s contributions for the blog Heavy Medals at blogs.slj.com/heavymedal.
Podcast #025
For my twenty-fifth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author and illustrator Jane Smith about one of her favorite children’s books, Ivy and Bean – No News is Good News, written by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall.
You can find Jane’s website at superjane.com. Her latest books It’s Halloween Chloe Zoe and It’s Thanksgiving Chloe Zoe, as well as other books in the Cloe Zoe series, are available at Albert Whitman and Company’s website, which you can find at www.albertwhitman.com/series/other-series/chloe-zoe.
Podcast #024
For my twenty-fourth Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Denise Vega about one of her favorite children’s books, The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin.
Denise Vega is the author of several YA, middle grade and picture books, including Fact of Life #31, Click Here: To Find Out How I Survived 7th Grade, and her latest book, a picture book titled If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed. She also provides a manuscript critique and consultation service for other authors. You can find Denise’s website at www.denisevega.com.
Podcast #023
For my twenty-third Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Charlotte Bennardo about one of her favorite children’s books, Beautiful Joe: A Dog’s Own Story by Margaret Marshall Saunders.
Charlotte Bennardo is author of such books as the Evolution Revolution series, including Simple Machines, Simple Plans, and Simple Lessons. She is also co-author of Blonde OPS and the Sirenz series . You can find Charlotte’s website at charlotteebennardo.blogspot.com.
Podcast #022
For my twenty-second Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Beth Vrabel about one of her favorite children’s books, The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt.
Beth Vrabel is author of such books as the Pack of Dorks series, A Blind Guide to Stinkville, and her most recent book, Caleb and Kit. You can find Beth’s website at www.bethvrabel.com.
Podcast #021
For my twenty-first Dream Gardens kid lit podcast, I interviewed author Maria Dismondy about one of her favorite children’s books, Rules by Cynthia Lord.
Maria Dismondy’s books include The Juice Box Bully, Chocolate Milk Por Favor, and her most recent book, Fruit Salad Friend. In addition, Maria offers coaching services for published authors and is founder of the hybrid publishing company Cardinal Rule Press. You can find Maria’s website at mariadismondy.com.
Podcast #020
For my twentieth Dream Gardens kidlit podcast, I interviewed librarian Karen Yingling about one of her favorite Young Adult books, the contemporary sports novel The Football Girl by Thatcher Heldring.
Karen YingLing is a middle school librarian, as well as a Middle Grade Fiction Organizer for the Cybils award and a book reviewer for the School Library Journal and Young Adult Books Central. You can find Karen’s website at msyinglingreads.blogspot.com
Podcast #019
For my nineteenth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author Andrea Mack about one of her favorite children’s books, the children’s adventure novel The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen, which is Book One of the Ascendance series.
Andrea Mack is author of several picture books, such as Let’s Ride, the Joy the Tomboy series, and Super Tim Saves the Day. In addition she has written many articles and stories for educational publishers as well as beginner readers for ESL students. You can find Andrea’s website at andrea-mack.blogspot.com.
Podcast #018
For my eighteenth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author C. Lee McKenzie about one of her favorite children’s books, the children’s classic Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, pseudonym of the of the British writer and mathematician Charles Dodgson.
C. Lee Mackenzie is author of the middle grade fantasy adventure The Sign of the Green Dragon, as well as several YA novels, including Sudden Secrets and Sliding on the Edge. You can find Lee’s website at www.cleemckenziebooks.com.
Podcast #017
For my seventeenth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author Allison Tait about one of her favorite children’s books, the Australian classic Storm Boy by Colin Thiele, illustrated by Robert Ingpen.
Allison Tait is author of the middle grade adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles, which includes the books Race to the End of the World, Prisoner of Black Hawk, Breath of the Dragon, and the recently published Beyond the Edge of the Map . She is also host of the podcast series So You Want to be a Writer along with Valerie Khoo of the Australian Writers’ Centre, which is available on itunes. You can find Allison’s website at allisontait.com and the website for her book series at themapmakerchronicles.com.
Podcast #016
For my sixteenth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author Alina Sayre about one of her favorite books (and one of mine), the children’s middle grade fantasy novel The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulaneby Kate DiCamillo.
Alina Sayre is the author of the middle grade fantasy series Voyages of the Legend, which includes the books The Illuminators Gift, The Illuminators Test, and most recently, The Illuminator Rising. You can find her website at alinasayre.com.
Podcast #015
For my fifteenth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author and educator Jen Vincent about one of her favorite books, the children’s middle grade fantasy novel and 2017 Newbery Award winner, The Girl Who Drank the Moonby Kelly Barnhill.
Jen Vincent is the author of the ebook: My Story Is Here: Be Present and Explore Your Story, a guide for new and developing writers on how to explore and improve their stories. She is also a blogger and an educator, focusing on how writers can use “mentor texts”, which are examples of quality writing, to inform writing decisions. You can find her blog at www.teachmentortexts.com and her website at www.jenvincentwrites.com.
Podcast #014
For my fourteenth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author Angela Baron, who writes under the name A. T. Baron. We talked about one of her favorite books, the children’s middle grade comic fantasy novel, The Wee Free Menby the late, great Terry Pratchett.
Angela Baron has written under the name A.T. Baron such children’s books as the self-illustrated Tale of Two Squirrels as well as her forthcoming YA novel The Ruby Cell. She has also created the illustrations for Sandy Barton’s picture book, The Tree. You can find her website at www.atbaron.com.
Podcast #013
For my thirteenth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author Anne Westrick, who writes under the name A.B Westrick. We talked about one of her favorite books, the children’s middle grade comic mystery novel, Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage.
Under the name A.B Westick, Anne has written the young adult novel Brotherhood, which was an ALA/ YASLA Best Book for Young Adults in 2014 and a Junior Library Guild selection. Her website can be found at abwestrick.com/.
Podcast #012
For my twelfth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author and storyteller David Neilsen about the children’s middle grade tale of the supernatural, The Screaming Staircase, Book One of the new Lockwood and Co. series by Jonathon Stroud.
David is a professional storyteller whose performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the stories of H.P. Lovecraft, as well as his performance of Revolutionary War British General John Andre have been enjoyed throughout New York State. His own book, Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom, is about a group of children who must find a way to thwart a mysterious doctor. The sequel, Beyond the Doors, will be available on August 1st, 2017. His website can be found at david-neilsen.com.
Podcast #011
On my eleventh Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author Ashley Mills Monaghan about the children’s middle grade novel The BFG by Roald Dahl.
Ashley’s own book, A Little Goes a Long Way, is about a boy named Fin and his dog Sausages searching for the things they’ll need to do the household chores. Her website can be found at alittlegoesalongwaybook.com.
Podcast #010
For my tenth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed author Michelle Houts about the children’s middle grade novel Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt.
Michelle’s own books include the middle grade novel Winterfrost, her middle grade biography Kammie on First: Baseball’s Dottie Kamenshek, and her recent picture book When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike. He website can be found at michellehouts.com/.
Podcast #009
For my ninth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed librarian and author Betsy Bird about the children’s picture book A Time to Keep: The Tasha Tudor Book of Holidays by Tasha Tudor.
Betsy’s website is called A Fuse 8 Production. It can be found through the School Library Journal at blogs.slj.com/afuse8production.
Podcast #008
For my eighth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed former teacher, aspiring writer, free-lance editor, and kids’ book enthusiast Jen Garthe about the middle grade children’s novel Ms. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson.
Jen’s website is called A Bookish Nook, and it can be found at abookishnook.blogspot.com.
Podcast #007
For my seventh Dream Gardens podcast I interviewed writer, editor, and educator Jennifer Baker about Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe, a picture book for children inspired by the folktales and landscape of Zimbabwe.
Jennifer is a panel organizer for the non-profit organization We Need Diverse Books, and host of the podcast Minorities in Publishing. Her website is called Jennifer N. Baker, which can be found at www.jennifernbaker.com.
Podcast #006
For my sixth Dream Gardens podcast, I interviewed historian and author Priya Chhaya about Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.
Priya’s website is called Priya Chhaya, A Certain Point of View, which can be found at priyachhaya.com. Her blog, …this is what come next, can be found at thisiswhatcomesnext.com.
Podcast #005
For this fifth Dream Gardens podcast I interviewed author, speaker, teacher and consultant Erin Brown about the science fiction middle grade novel The Tripod Trilogy by John Christopher.
Erin’s blog, Thup!, can be found at erinbrownconroy.wordpress.com.
Podcast #002
For my second Dream Gardens podcast I interviewed librarian and educator Julie Hembree about The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart.
Julie’s blog, Bulldog Readers and Bobcats Blog, can be found at bellbulldogreaders.edublogs.org .
Podcast #001
For this podcast I interviewed author Jacqueline Lipton, aka K.C. Maguire, on her favorite children’s book, William Alexander’s Ambassador.
Jaqueline’s own blog, K.C. Maguire: Author and Book Lover, can be found at http://kcmaguire.com.