Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Just One Oak: Growing Wonder, Science, and Story with Maria Gianferrari & Diana Sudyka

What if one oak tree could help kids fall in love with science, story, and their own backyards? In Episode 194, author Maria Gianferrari [https://mariagianferrari.com]and illustrator Diana Sudyka [https://www.dianasudyka.com]share how their new picture book Just One Oak [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9781665961042]turns a single tree into a whole universe of keystone species, climate conversations, and everyday nature joy, from city parks to schoolyards. Summary In this episode of Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane, author Maria Gianferrari [https://mariagianferrari.com] and illustrator Diana Sudyka [https://www.dianasudyka.com] talk about their collaboration on Fungi Grow [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9781665903653] and their newest nature picture book, Just One Oak [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9781665961042]. They share how a lifelong love of the outdoors, urban ecology, and everyday backyard wildlife fuels their work and helps kids see that nature isn’t “out there” in national parks -- it’s right outside their doors in cities, suburbs, and schoolyards. Maria explains how Doug Tallamy’s The Nature of Oaks  [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9781643260440]and the Homegrown National Park movement inspired her to celebrate oak trees as keystone species and to weave science, vocabulary, and rich back matter into lyrical, read-aloud text. Diana talks about researching oak ecosystems, grieving the loss of 200–250 year old oaks in Illinois, and visually “peopling” the pages with ants, weevils, and acorn woodpeckers so readers can sense the oak as a living habitat. Together, they and Dr. Diane explore how Just One Oak [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9781665961042] can launch lessons on ecosystems, climate change, keystone species, and habitats for elementary and middle school learners, and how picture books act as true art objects that teach complex science to kids and adults alike. They also share their creative origin stories, upcoming projects about dead wood and oak forests, and what currently gives them hope: young people, community, and small, daily moments of wonder like hummingbirds, frogs, and backyard birds. Chapters * [01:30] Nature as Shared Inspiration: Maria and Diana describe nature as their place of solace, joy, and curiosity, and how their shared love of the natural world fuels their collaborations * [04:18] Urban Ecology & Everyday Nature: Finding wildlife and nature connection in cities and suburbs (backyard coyotes, bobcats, and Central Park birding, oh my!) * [08:12] Inside Just One Oak: Keystone Species & Research: How Doug Tallamy and The Nature of Oaks inspired the concept, from microscopic soil life to birds and mammals relying on oaks as keystone species. * [12:49] Old Oaks, Loss, and Art as Response: Channeling grief and urgency into art * [16:25] Building a Spread: Acorn Woodpeckers & Hidden Details: Walk through the acorn woodpecker “granary” spread, talking about lyrical text, scientific sidebars, visual storytelling, and packing pages with tiny creatures. * [22:36] Teaching with Just One Oak in K–8 Classrooms: Using the book to teach keystone species, climate change, habitats, food webs, and close observation across grade levels. * [26:51] Becoming an Author: Maria's path from shy, nature-loving child to children’s author, persistence through rejection, and turning encounters like Coyote Moon into nonfiction * [32:10] From Band Posters to Picture Books: Diana's path from screen-printed band posters to books like The Mysterious Benedict Society, and why picture books are a powerful narrative art form. * [36:53] Picture Books as Art Objects in the Age of AI: Why the craft, intention, and skill behind picture books remains relevant and timely * [40:01] Favorite Places in Nature & Learning to Love Where You Live: From Illinois forest preserves and Lake Michigan to New England woods and ponds, discover the joy of backyard birding and travel. * [46:22] What’s Next: Dead Wood & Acorn Adventures: Maria previews her upcoming book From Forest to a Dead Tree’s Legacy, while Diana shares her forthcoming author/illustrator title The Acorn’s Gift. * [48:52] What Brings Hope: young people, readers, community, and everyday wonders like phoebes, hummingbirds, and backyard wildlife. Links * Learn more about Maria Gianferrari [https://mariagianferrari.com] and Diana Sudyka [https://www.dianasudyka.com] (and check out the resource guides for their books on their websites!) * Order Fungi Grow [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9781665903653] and Just One Oak [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9781665961042] * Follow Maria on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/maria_gianferrari_author/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064067922545] * Follow Diana on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tinyaviary/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/dianasudykaillustration] Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

People, Preschoolers, and Planet – Community Conservation with Wild Tomorrow’s Aphiwe Notshaya (Part 2)

What if saving wildlife starts with school lunches, backpacks, and bush walks? In Part 2 of the Wild Tomorrow [https://wildtomorrow.org] series, community leader Aphiwe Notshaya [https://wildtomorrow.org/staff] joins Dr. Diane to share how a community partnership approach to conservation in rural South Africa is feeding preschoolers, supporting orphaned and vulnerable children, opening doors to university, and building real climate resilience—one partnership at a time. Summary In this episode, Dr. Diane continues the Wild Tomorrow series with community conservation manager Aphiwe Notshaya. Aphiwe describes her path from aspiring accountant to environmental manager and how Wild Tomorrow lets her merge people-centered work with habitat protection.  Aphiwe shares how the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program supports preschools with teacher training, toys, and monthly food so young children receive two meals a day and learn to love school, and how a partner community center provides uniforms, stationery, backpacks, and academic support for orphaned and vulnerable children. Aphiwe highlights a local mentor helping graduates apply for university, learnerships, and internships in a rural area with limited digital access, and explains how environmental education days bring children into the reserve for bush walks, outdoor journals, and close-up encounters with insects, birds, and habitats, not just the “big five.”  She talks about choosing strategic partnerships with traditional leaders, women’s climate‑smart agriculture projects, and Zulu cultural practices tied to healthy rivers, all while avoiding conservation models that fence people out. Looking ahead, Aphiwe shares her dream of deeper climate resilience work, seed banks, and disaster centers—and why her love of snakes surprises people. What keeps her hopeful is simple -- communities that are still willing to listen, learn, and change. Chapters * [00:01] Welcome & Meet Aphiwe: Part 2 of the Wild Tomorrow series and the woman leading community partnerships. * [01:11] Discovering Conservation as a Career: From “future accountant” to environmental management and Wild Tomorrow. * [04:34] Community-Centered Conservation: Why Wild Tomorrow centers local needs alongside wildlife. * [04:58] Preschools, Food, and Early Childhood Development: Supporting ECD centers with teacher training, resources, and monthly meals. * [08:10] Orphaned and Vulnerable Children: Uniforms, stationery, backpacks, and extra classes for kids who need it most. * [09:50] Helping Youth Reach University and Jobs: Backing a local mentor who guides applications for university, learnerships, and internships. * [12:16] Game Drives, Bush Walks, and Outdoor Journals: Bringing local kids into the reserve to notice insects, birds, and habitats. * [15:35] Partnerships with Chiefs, Culture, and Climate-Smart Farmers: Working with traditional leaders, Zulu maidens, and women’s agriculture groups. * [20:40] Breaking Down Fences: Making the reserve feel like “our future” for neighboring communities. * [23:55] Aphiwe’s Practical Wish List: Fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and basic school supplies with big impact. * [25:36] Dreaming of Climate Resilience and Disaster Centers: Teaching about wetlands, floods, and planning for a changing climate. * [28:49] Favorite Animal: The Dramatic Rinkhals: Why a snake that plays dead has her heart. * [29:51] What Brings Aphiwe Hope: Communities that listen, adapt, and choose sustainable paths. Links: * Episode 189 – Part 1 of the Wild Tomorrow series with co-founders John Seward and Wendy Hapgood [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/19166116] * Wild Tomorrow Community Programs [https://wildtomorrow.org/helpingcommunities] and opportunities to support [https://wildtomorrow.org/2025donatetosupportcommunities-js] * Follow Aphiwe [tshayingwe.aphiwe] and Wild Tomorrow [https://www.instagram.com/wildtomorrow/] on Instagram * Follow Aphiwe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aphiwe-notshaya-818b471a9/] and Wild Tomorrow [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wild-tomorrow/posts/?feedView=all] on LinkedIn Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Wombat Waiting, Wildfires, and Weird Is Wonderful with Katherine Applegate

Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate [https://katherineapplegate.com](The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree, Odder) returns to talk about her newest book, Wombat Waiting [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9780063221178]—a free-verse “destiny dog” story set against California wildfires. We dive into climate change with hope, why picture books still matter for big kids, how to reach reluctant readers, and why “weird is wonderful” might be the best antidote to both peer pressure and AI. Summary: In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane sits down with Katherine Applegate to explore Wombat Waiting [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9780063221178], a lyrical novel-in-verse about a stray dog, wildfires, waiting, and finding your purpose. Katherine shares the real rescue dog who inspired Wombat, how she writes about climate change without overwhelming kids, and why she believes in best-friend books, comfort reads, and picture books for older readers. They also talk about scripted curricula, book bans, and Dr. Diane’s Read•Connect•Play•Reflect™ framework [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/post/it-starts-with-a-seed-connecting-read-alouds-and-steam-based-learning-through-play] for connecting stories like Wombat Waiting [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9780063221178] to STEM/STEAM, SEL, and inquiry-based thinking. Katherine closes with her core message for kids—“embrace your weird”—and a peek at what she’s working on next. Chapters: [02:08] Inside Wombat Waiting: Destiny Dog in a Wildfire Katherine shares the California fire inspiration, her real rescue dog Astrid, and why she chose free verse and white space to make a climate story accessible. [04:18] From Stray to Comforter: Character, Community, and Very Few Words How Wombat learns to trust humans, the Hachiko connection, and why Katherine loves “chiseling” language down to its most essential form. [08:30] Author Visits, Rally for Reading, and Reluctant Readers School visit stories, one-book/one-school programs, kids meeting a “real author,” and how a “best friend book” like Charlotte’s Web can flip a reluctant reader. [11:00] Graphic Novels, Comfort Reads, and Picture Books for Big Kids Why we shouldn’t dismiss graphic novels or series, and how picture books support dyslexic, visual, and older readers while teaching craft and content. [14:07] Curriculum, Book Bans, and Trusting Teachers A candid look at scripted programs, excerpts vs. full novels, and why respecting teacher judgment and giving kids whole books matters for real literacy. [16:21] Read–Connect–Play–Reflect: Classroom Ideas for Wombat Waiting Dr. Diane shares practical ways to link Wombat Waiting to climate change, STEM challenges, creative response, and deeper reflection. [22:21] AI, Authentic Voices, and “Weird Is Wonderful” Katherine and Dr. Diane discuss AI’s push toward generic voices, why kids need to be their boldest, strangest selves, and how “embrace your weird” empowers readers. [24:10] Climate Themes, Kids Who Care, and Finding Hope Katherine’s environmental throughline, the seven-year-old who explained climate change at a school visit, and why informed, passionate kids give her hope. [26:25] Writing for Kids, Staying 11 Inside, and What’s Next Why children are her favorite audience, staying connected to her “inner 11-year-old,” and a glimpse at upcoming graphic/picture adaptations and a new middle-grade fantasy. Links and Resources * Check out all of Katherine's books [https://bookshop.org/lists/the-one-and-only-katherine-applegate] -- and don't miss Wombat Waiting [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9780063221178] * Check out Katherine's previous appearances on the podcast: Episodes 51 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/13265785], 83 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/15026583], and 132 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/17018481]. * Learn more about Dr. Diane’s Read•Connect•Play•Reflect™ framework [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/post/it-starts-with-a-seed-connecting-read-alouds-and-steam-based-learning-through-play]and contact her to speak or work with your school, library, or district. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Teen Trailblazer Amritha Praveen: Making STEM Accessible for Every Student

What happens when a 17-year-old decides STEM should work for everyone—not just some students? In Episode 191, Dr. Diane talks with Amritha Praveen [https://youngscientistlab.com/alumni-center/alumni-grant-recipients/amritha-praveen], founder of Amethyst Changemakers [https://www.amethystchangemakers.org/about], about creating inclusive STEM kits using Universal Design for Learning, distributing over 250 kits to Title 1 schools, placing third at the International Science and Engineering Fair, and why resilience and empathy drive real change. Summary: In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Diane welcomes Amritha Praveen, a rising high school senior and founder of Amethyst Changemakers [https://www.amethystchangemakers.org/about], an organization creating accessible STEM kits for learners of all abilities. Amritha explains how her volunteer work in special education revealed that many students interested in STEM couldn't fully participate because resources weren't designed for them. She shares how competition math in fifth grade sparked her STEM journey, leading to science fair projects on autism prediction, music therapy frameworks, and genetics research that earned her third place at ISEF and a scholarship to ASU. Amritha discusses the Universal Design for Learning framework that guides her STEM kits, embedding accessibility from the start rather than retrofitting later, and how her team of high school students, mentors, and volunteers has distributed over 250 kits to Chicago Public Schools and Peoria classrooms. She reflects on resilience as the foundation of good science, why STEM teaching needs more hands-on variety, and what brings her hope: watching young students discover their passion for STEM. Chapters & Timestamps: [00:00] Meet Teen Trailblazer Amritha Praveen – High school senior making STEM accessible for all [01:23] Amethyst Changemakers and Universal Design for Learning – STEM kits built with accessibility from the start [02:16] What's in the Kits? – Ice cream chemistry, catapults, magnets, math bingo, and more 04:16] Why Inclusive STEM Matters – Seeing passionate students without equal access [05:29] Competition Math to Autism Research – Amritha's STEM journey from fifth grade to ISEF [06:38] Third Place at International Science Fair – Autism genetics, phenotypes, and an ASU scholarship [08:49] Building the Team – Student designers, mentors, and 30 volunteers assembling kits [11:46] Applied Math and Expanding the Mission – College plans and beyond [13:03] Advice for Young Scientists – Keep pushing through—resilience matters more than perfection [16:21] What Schools Get Wrong About STEM – Moving beyond lectures to differentiated, hands-on learning [17:22] What Brings You Hope? – Students discovering their passion for STEM Links & Resources: * Amethyst Changemakers [https://www.amethystchangemakers.org/about] * PIE (Peer Inclusion Empowerment) App [https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/24-il10/] * Society for Science [https://www.societyforscience.org/jic/2023-student-finalists/amritha-praveen/] * iBio Champion [https://ibio.org/ibio-crowns-champion-in-illinois-biogeneius-challenge-student-competition-2/] * Illinois Junior Academy of Science [https://www.ijas.org] Call to Action: Inspired by Amritha's work? Listen to Episode 191 of Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane, then visit amethystchangemakers.org [http://amethystchangemakers.org/] to support inclusive STEM kits, donate to Title 1 schools, or bring these resources into your classroom. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student, join the movement to make STEM accessible for everyone. Hashtags: Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Fighting for Books That Matter: 40 Years of the Shenandoah Children's Literature Conference with Dr. Karen Huff

"Any book a child loves is a good book," but when a teacher says she has to "sneak in" Number the Stars, something is broken. Dr. Diane welcomes Dr. Karen Huff [https://www.su.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/karen-huff/], chair of the Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference [https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/], to celebrate 40 years of fighting for books that matter. We discuss the importance of honoring diverse voices and creating communities of readers -- spaces where teachers, librarians, and authors come together to champion books that build empathy, connection, wonder, and joy. Summary: The Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference [https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/]celebrates its 40th anniversary in June and Dr. Karen Huff [https://www.su.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/karen-huff/]has been there from the start. From its roots with Nancy Larrick, Laura Robb, and 85 teachers, the annual conference has grown into a beloved community event, featuring award-winning authors like Katherine Applegate, Jacqueline Woodson, Jerry Pinkney, Walter Dean Myers, and John Scieszka. They discuss Nancy Larrick's groundbreaking 1965 article The All-White World of Children's Books, [https://brichislitspot.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/384larrick.pdf] Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's vision of books as Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors [https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf], and why teachers feeling they must "sneak in" read alouds like Number the Stars reveals a broken system.  Dr. Huff reflects on the power of author visits, why children's lit deserves respect, how quality children's literature builds vocabulary and background knowledge, and unforgettable conference moments—from Jerry Pinkney's humility to 500 families showing up for Lucky Diaz. This is a celebration of quality children's literature, reading communities, and the educators who fight for books that change lives. Chapters & Timestamps [00:00] Welcome to 40 Years of Children's Literature  [01:41] From 85 Teachers to 300: How the Conference Grew  [07:46] Finding the "Good For" Book That Unlocks Wonder and Builds Lifelong Readers [14:06] Creating School-Wide Communities of Readers  [18:13] Nancy Larrick and The All-White World of Children's Books [https://brichislitspot.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/384larrick.pdf] [27:34] 40 Years of Unforgettable Moments  [33:56] Author Visits and STEM Connections  [39:48] Join the 40th Anniversary Conference [https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/] – What to expect from in-person and virtual events in June 2026 [49:03] Books That Stay with You  [54:08] What Brings You Hope?  Links & Resources: * Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference [https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/] * Follow @childrenslit_su [https://www.instagram.com/childrenslit_su/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR5_O1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2ZzRWVkVPTjduSFpESU5Uc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpCbKpIbpiECYHLXjK9t4naxGXsYGukL7gUaHXPDGKssBX-HvXknEBRCnR_b_aem_e2iwf29yRE891vv2vzNOLg#] on Instagram * Nancy Larrick's The All-White World of Children's Books [https://brichislitspot.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/384larrick.pdf](Saturday Review, 1965) * Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors [https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf] (RIF, 1990) * Mr. Schu's Blog with Dr. Karen Huff [https://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2026/05/shenandoahs-universitys-childrens.html] * EveryLibrary [https://everylibrary.org/] and PEN America [https://pen.org/] Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.