The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast

Carl Lennertz from Children's Book Council on What’s Ahead for Children’s Books

As we continue Season 2 of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we’re sharing more conversations with people who care deeply about children’s books, publishing, literacy, and the stories reaching young readers. In this reel, Carl Lennertz of the Children’s Book Council gives a preview of the kind of insight listeners can expect this season. And in the meantime, if you haven’t signed up for the Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit, this is one you don’t want to miss. Summit: https://summit.getstoryrise.com/

Phillip Stead: Why Some Picture Books Stay With Us Forever

Why do some picture books stay with us long after we close the cover? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we’re joined by Phillip Stead, award-winning picture book creator and author of many beloved children’s books, including A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by Erin E. Stead, which received the 2011 Caldecott Medal. Phillip shares a thoughtful look at picture book craft, slow storytelling, writing for children, handmade art, revision, collaboration, and the creative life. He also talks about the story behind A Sick Day for Amos McGee, what picture books can teach us about simplicity, and why words and illustrations must work together so carefully. In this conversation, we discuss: 📚 What makes a picture book feel timeless ✨ Why slow storytelling can be powerful ✏️ How text and illustration work together 📖 The story behind A Sick Day for Amos McGee 🎨 Handmade art, human imperfection, and creativity 🔥 Revision, feedback, and working with editors 🚪 What new creators should know about children’s publishing 📝 Phillip’s move from picture books into middle grade Phillip also shares honest advice about the slow pace of publishing, the waiting period after submissions, and why finding the right creative fit matters. And for children’s book authors and illustrators who want help sharing their books with more clarity and confidence, join us for the Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit, happening June 12–14, 2026. The summit is a live online book marketing event for kidlit creators who want practical guidance on book marketing, author platforms, social media, publicity, school and reader connections, visibility, and more. 🎟️ Learn more and get your ticket: https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/product/storytellers-marketing-mastery-summit-ticket-2026-live-online/ [https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/product/storytellers-marketing-mastery-summit-ticket-2026-live-online/] Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast for more conversations about children’s books, kidlit, writing craft, publishing, author interviews, and book marketing.

Stan Yan Joins Our Kidlit Book Marketing Summit

Marketing your book should not feel like guesswork.Stan Yan, graphic novelist and caricature artist, is joining The Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit as a guest speaker for kidlit authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals.If you have ever wondered how to get your children’s book in front of more readers, how to talk about your work with confidence, or how to build a stronger author or illustrator platform, this live virtual summit was built for you.The Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit takes place June 12–14, 2026, live online.Get your early bird ticket.Get your ticket here:https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/product/storytellers-marketing-mastery-summit-ticket-2026-live-online/Subscribe for conversations about children’s books, publishing, author marketing, kidlit, writing, illustration, and creative careers.

Reading Habits, Screens, and Children’s Publishing with Jason Low of Lee & Low Books

Are kids reading differently in a screen-heavy world? And how are publishers adapting? In this episode, Theresa Villarreal and Jackie Garcia-Morales welcome Jason Low, publisher and co-owner of Lee & Low Books, for a thoughtful conversation about children’s publishing, reading habits, screen time, independent publishing, book marketing, and the future of books for young readers. Jason shares his path into publishing, what it’s like helping lead an independent children’s publisher, and how the industry is responding to changing reader habits. We talk about: * What publishers consider when acquiring children’s books * How screens and social media may be affecting young readers * Why parents modeling reading at home matters * How publishers are adapting with shorter chapters and accessible formats * Book marketing with limited resources * Technology, creativity, and concerns about the future of publishing * Upcoming Lee & Low Books titles to watch for This episode is especially helpful for children’s book authors, illustrators, parents, educators, librarians, creatives, and publishing professionals who care about children’s literacy, kidlit, and the future of children’s books. For authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals thinking about visibility, this episode also connects to a bigger conversation we’re having through The Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit. You wrote the book. Now how do you help readers find it? If you are an author, illustrator, creative, or publishing professional trying to market your work without feeling overwhelmed, join us for the Storytellers Marketing Mastery Summit, happening live online June 12–14, 2026. This summit is designed to help kidlit creators build visibility, connect with readers, strengthen their platform, and market their work with more clarity, confidence, and purpose. Sessions will explore practical strategies for book marketing, social media, publicity, school and library outreach, newsletters, websites, author branding, and long-term platform growth. Early bird tickets are available now. [https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/product/storytellers-marketing-mastery-summit-ticket-2026-live-online/] Link in the episode notes. Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast for more conversations with authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, librarians, and children’s book industry professionals.

What Kids Are Reading Right Now | School Librarian Rachael Welsh

📚 What are kids reading right now? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, school librarian Rachael Welsh joins us to talk about what young readers are reaching for in today’s school libraries, why RL Stine and spooky books still connect with kids, and why diverse books, authentic representation, and strong library collections matter. ✨ We also discuss middle grade reading trends, bilingual books, Spanish-English collections, author visits, cover appeal, page count, and what helps children’s books connect with real young readers. 🎟️ Join us for the Marketing Mastery Summit [https://tr.ee/SJOtd4oGaN] Early bird pricing is available now, and seating is limited. 📬 Subscribe to our newsletter and get instant access to our free 71-page Children’s Book Publishers list.