E231: Friendship, Identity & Books: THE CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB by Laekan Zea Kemp

E237: Heartwarming Horror: THE HAUNTING OF OLD SPLINTER by Jack Mackay

Happy Monday! This week, I stretched out of my reading comfort zone into middle grade horror with heart and fell in love. This genre is growing and for good reason. Come listen as I talk with Jack Mackay about his newest middle grade horror release and browse the new books publishing this week that made their way to my bookshelf! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STORIES by Emma Otheguy (Amazon [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665915212] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665915212]) I was lucky enough to talk with Emma when COUSINS IN THE TIME OF MAGIC [https://open.substack.com/pub/kidlitlove/p/e173-connected-history-comes-alive-c04?r=azy11&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web], so I am incredibly excited about this newest companion release. This time, the cousins are traveling back to the 1930’s in New York City to clear their aunt’s name and return the treasures belonging to Pura Belpré, the trailblazing Latina librarian and storyteller. If you’re a book lover, you’ll love this book! 🎉THE EXPLORERS by Dee Hahn (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4fqE7FP] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798217006649]) This may be the most heart-warming book I read all summer. It’s a funny and reassuring picture book about finding your people and navigating big life changes, with a charming grandparent-grandchild duo at its core. It has my heart. 🎉THE BOOK MACHINE by Laurie Duersch (Amazon [https://amzn.to/3RCGxJA] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798893960488]) Do you feel like you have a book inside of you? This book will inspire your story to come out so the world can enjoy it, too. Across the pages, you’ll find that a boy’s innovative genius proves that machines can never replace writers in this picture book about creativity, imagination, and the writing process. It’s timely and sure to be loved by anyone reading this newsletter. E237: Heartwarming Horror: THE HAUNTING OF OLD SPLINTER by Jack Mackay On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jack Mackay about his newest middle grade book: THE HAUNTING OF OLD SPLINTER. In this be-careful-what-you-wish-for middle grade horror novel, Peter and his half brother Adrian’s innocent wish to protect their family turns into a sinister reality with the help of a mummified hand that can grant any wish…with dark consequences. Readers will be glued to the page. I know I was! Come listen as we talk about this delightfully creepy, horror novel with heart that is for every reader no matter what their experience and interest in horror novels are. We discuss how the book offers an immersive world for readers wanting a bit of creepiness along with the heartfelt themes of family, siblinghood and middle grade life, much of which was inspired by Jack’s own siblings and love of horror. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! THE HAUNTING OF OLD SPLINTER by Jack Mackay (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4aUQatz]/ Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780593693865]) Here’s where you can find Jack online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamackay_/ [https://www.instagram.com/jamackay_/] I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E236: Being Open to Change: Fútbol Is Life! ¡Fútbol es vida! by Cristo Fernandez

Happy Monday! I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend full of books and reading and are ready to add a couple of brand new picture books to your summer TBR stack! This week, I’m talking with Cristo Fernandez about his newest picture book that might seem to be about football, but also contains what I think is one of life’s most important lessons inside. Keep scrolling for two other picture books you MUST explore and then listen to the quick episode with Cristo! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉THE OUTERMOST MOUSE by Lauren Wolk (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4wxTByH]/ Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780593407776]) This book has my summer heart. Readers meet a tiny-but-mighty little mouse who faces down an incoming storm to protect her home. It’s full of lyrical prose and beautiful courage. It’s stunning! 🎉THE HOUSE WITH NOBODY IN IT by Jon Klassen (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4aIePl3] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781536248289]) It’s a book shaped like a home with literal widows into the story! Here are the things in this house: a chair, a clock on the wall, a stool, a lamp. And more. What’s missing from this house? Somebody. This is the house with nobody in it. Well, there might be something . . . Such fun! E236: Fútbol Is Life! / ¡Fútbol es vida! by Cristo Fernandez On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Cristo Fernandez about his new picture book: Fútbol Is Life! / ¡Fútbol es vida! This inspirational bilingual picture book follows Critobalito, a young boy who is sidelined from the game he loves so much, but who finds new joy in the space that opened up as a result. It explores themes like being open to change and exploring new passions and is a book for everyone. Come listen as we talk about Cristo’s real-life inspiration behind the book, the important themes around being open to new things and the reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and see what happens. It’s a book for all readers who need that reminder, like me! Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! Fútbol Is Life! / ¡Fútbol es vida! by Cristo Fernandez (Amazon [https://amzn.to/44TUV2Y] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798225012274]) I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E235: Bilingual Celebration & Joy: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSE & FELIZ by Susan Rose & Silvia Lopez

Happy Monday! I hope you’ve enjoyed the holiday weekend and as my last podcast episode reminded us, stopped the stream of social media and focused on what mattered most to you. This week, I’ve got a fun episode with Susan Rose & Silvia Lopez talking about their latest book focused on celebrating life’s special moments. Press play and take a listen! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉ELEVEN KINDS OF BLUE by Katherine Wolff (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4y2KXtv] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780823459704]) An art-obsessed twelve-year-old learns to paint outside the lines to confront her fears and find her strength when her depressed mom’s disastrous boyfriend moves in. This one is going to stay with me for a long while. 🎉EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE YOU CAN LEARN FROM A DOG by Bruce Littlefield (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4f2aRFb] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780593698013]) As someone with four dogs, I fell head over hells for this delightful book. It’s perfect for dog-lovers and anyone who needs to remember the simple things in life matter. E235: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSE & FELIZ by Susan Rose & Silvia Lopez On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Susan Rose & Silvia Lopez about their newest book: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSE & FELIZ. This is the newest book in their Jose & El Perro series, a bilingual adventure series that shines a spotlight on rescue dogs and encourages young readers to create special moments of their own to celebrate the ones they love. In this newest book, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSE & FELIZ, Jose realizes that his best furry friend needs a birthday celebration and the book showcases his journey to giving Feliz the celebration he deserves. Come listen as we talk about how the collaboration between Susan and Siliva came to be, the delightful storyline inside each book in the series, the interesting fact about shelter dog birthdays that might be new to you and their hopes for readers who get this book into their hands. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSE & FELIZ by Susan Rose & Silvia Lopez (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4eDhGgc] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798217049356]) Here’s where you can find Susan online: Website: https://www.susanroseauthor.com/ [https://www.susanroseauthor.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanroseauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/susanroseauthor/] Here’s where you can find Silvia online: Website: https://www.silvialopezbooks.com/ [https://www.silvialopezbooks.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvialopezauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/silvialopezauthor/] I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E234: Unplug & Reconnect: STREAM by Aida Salazar

Happy Friday! The holiday weekend is here and is this bonus podcast episode is the perfect reminder to stay present, take a breath unplug from your devices and plug into the connections around you. I think it’s a lesson we all need to learn and a book we all need to read! Stephanie E234: Unplug & Reconnect: STREAM by Aida Salazar On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Aida Salazar about her newest middle grade novel: STREAM. In this middle grade and upper middle grade verse novel, two teens are sent to Mexico for the summer to unplug and reconnect to the natural world. It’s a stand-alone book that tells the story of two characters from her earlier titles and explores a topic I think every reader needs to reflect upon: digital consumption, social media use and the impact both have on our bodies and spirits. Come listen as we talk about the characters Aida brought together in this dual-perspective novel, the challenges facing young people today around digital technology and social media and her hopes for readers to thoughtfully and intentionally examine their own digital lives and reconnect with the natural world. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! STREAM by Aida Salazar (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4fRmAZi] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781338775679]) Here’s where you can find Aida online: Website: http://www.aidasalazar.com/ [http://www.aidasalazar.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aida_writes/ [https://www.instagram.com/aida_writes/] I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E233: The 250th Anniversary: THE DECLARATION DECODED by Katie Kennedy

Happy Monday! I’m not sure how it happened, but the month of June is coming to a close and July is almost here! Time is moving so quickly and I am determined to better enjoy the coming month more than I did the last one. Enter books. I’ve got a collection of picture books to share that will help you sink into a lovely summer season and make the most of the days ahead. They’re beautiful and delightful! Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new episode too! Happy reading! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉MABEL’S MUSEUM OF WONDERS by Dana Wulfekotte (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4xSkU8p] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780593698297]) As someone who adores miniature things, this delightful book about collections and friendship went straight to my heart. Mabel is a wombat who loves collecting tiny treasures. But after a recent move, the one thing she doesn’t have is a friend to share her treasures with, so she decides to open her very own “Museum of Wonders!” But will anyone show up who will appreciate her collections like she does? I know I would and now, I want to open a museum for the childhood collections I saved, too! 🎉STUBBY: A PENCIL’S JOURNEY by Sydra Mallery (Amazon [https://amzn.to/3QM10uZ] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780062364319]) Every single person who enjoys reading and writing needs to have this book on their shelf! As a child, I could watch the video about how crayons were made over and over and over again and as an adult who loves to write, I’ll be reading this book over and over and over again. It’s a humorous and informational account of a pencil’s journey from cedar tree to classroom as told by a stubby little pencil himself. =) 🎉A COZY SUMMER DAY by Eliza Wheeler (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4ey6R08] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780593617236]) New York Times bestselling author Eliza Wheeler’s companion to A Cozy Winter Day welcomes readers into sun-dappled scenes of a cozy summer in Acorn Village, bringing the joys of summertime to refreshingly vivid life. Do you want to slow down and really embody the beauty and presence of summer? Start with this book! The 250th Anniversary: THE DECLARATION DECODED by Katie Kennedy On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Katie Kennedy about her newest book: THE DECLARATION DECODED. This inviting book goes through the Declaration of Independence sentence by sentence idea by idea, and gives readers not only a deep understanding of the language, but also the historical background against which it was written and the powerful arguments it makes some of which we are still having 250 years later. Come listen as we talk about exactly how Katie makes American history so accessible and interesting, the key aspects of the Declaration that are most misunderstood and the importance of the document in today’s world, too. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! THE DECLARATION DECODED by Katie Kennedy (Amazon [https://amzn.to/49C3Glh] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781523535200]) Here’s where you can find Katie online: Website: https://katiekennedybooks.com/ [https://katiekennedybooks.com/] Bluesky: https://blueskydirectory.com/profiles/katiewritesbks.bsky.social [https://blueskydirectory.com/profiles/katiewritesbks.bsky.social] I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]