The Children's Book Podcast

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2026), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.   Links: Sydney Taylor Book Award Website - https://jewishlibraries.org/sydney_taylor_book_award/  2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour - https://jewishlibraries.org/2026-blog-tour-sydney-taylor-book-awards/    Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org.    You can pick up your own copy of any of the titles featured today wherever books are found. Consider supporting independent bookstores by shopping through Bookshop.org. You can support this show in the process by using my affiliate link by clicking on the book's name in our show notes.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthew

I have a favor to ask you. Could you please write us a review wherever you listen to the show?   Tell us what you like about the podcast and who you'd love to hear next!   Maybe you love when we feature young adult authors. Maybe your favorite episodes are when we dig deep on craft. Maybe you find yourself looking forward to the Hope mini-episodes each week.   Whatever it is, we want to know! Are you going to recommend we interview your favorite author? Or will you suggest that one illustrator who inspired you when they spoke at your conference? Or maybe you'll give us the name of your best book pal so that even more folks can hear their stories.    I cannot wait to hear what you share! Write us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.   Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. And read on.  

Abby White, author of D.J. Rosenblum becomes the G.O.A.T. (Levine Querido), shares what is giving her hope today: pockets of people are taking wonderful care of each other, despite the world being bad in a thousand ways right now.   This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.  

Sara Andrea Fajardo, author of Crack Goes the Cascarón: An Eggcellent Not-Just-for-Easter Shellebration! (Knopf Books for Young Readers) and Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru's Famed Scientist and Potato Expert (Roaring Brook Press), joins Matthew to talk about bringing out a little bit of mischief.   *This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on April 8, 2025.   Visit Sara Andrea Fajardo online at https://sarafajardowrites.com   Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. And read on.  

George Brown, executive director of the Boyds Mills, shares what is giving him hope today: the storytellers, and the stories they are dreaming of and creating to bring a little optimism and joy to children.   This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.  

Aron Nels Steinke, cartoonist of Speechless (Graphix) and the Mr. Wolf's Class series (Graphix), joins Matthew to talk about verbal expression, anxiety, and wanting to communicate   Visit Aron Nels Steinke online at www.mrwolfsclass.com.   Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. And read on.  

Kaz Windness (Bitsy Bat, Team Star) shares what is giving her hope today: a commitment to being joyful and doing things that bring happiness as an act of rebellion.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.       For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit DeepCast.fm and search "The Children's Book Podcast" or click on the link in the show notes.   Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.  

Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, joins Matthew to talk about finding and sticking to your places.   Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com    Other helpful links: Torrey Maldonado at Boyds Mills   Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. And read on.  

Aron Nels Steinke, cartoonist of Speechless (Graphix) and the Mr. Wolf's Class series (Graphix), shares what is giving him hope today: every morning is a chance for something new.   This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

George Brown, executive director of the Highlights Foundation, joins Matthew to talk about the rebranding of the Highlights Foundation as Boyds Mills.   Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. And read on.  

Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), shares what is giving her hope today: the bravery, resilience, and determination of young people.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.  

Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), joins Matthew to talk about paying for our words.   Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com    Other helpful links: Alexandra Villasante at the Highlights Foundation LGBTQIA2S+ Voices at the Highlights Foundation - Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for LGBTQIA2S+ creatives and professionals in and around the children's book industry.   Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. And read on.  

Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), shares what is giving her hope today: taking care of something important to her.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.  

Alison Green Myers, author of This Way to Happy (Dutton Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the inconsistent upbringings and emotional rollercoasters.   Visit Alison Green Myers online at alisongreenmyers.com    Other helpful links: Alison Green Myers at the Highlights Foundation Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session One! - Our Summer Camp is a not-to-be-missed experience with 1:1 mentorship, educational and inspirational keynotes, breakout sessions in your chosen track, a community of fellow creatives, time to create, and lots of fun!   Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. And read on.  

Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), shares what is giving her hope today: stopping and looking in community.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.  

Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), co-authored by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, joins Matthew to talk about never giving up because those that came before us never gave up.   Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. And read on.  

Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, shares what is giving him hope today: teaching kids how to find a just right book for them.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.  

Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), joins Matthew to talk about creating an entryway to discussion.   Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com    Other helpful links: Nikki Grimes at the Highlights Foundation Nikki Grimes Scholarship - Honoring the contributions of Nikki Grimes to the field of children's literature through her advocacy and writing. This scholarship celebrates Black and Afro-Indigenous female writers and poets. The Nikki Grimes Cottage at the Highlights Foundation - New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes is a long-time friend of this organization and our community.  This cabin honors her, and features some of her awards and copies of most of her published work.  The Nikki Grimes Scholarship at the Highlights Foundation supports Black and Afro-Indigenous Women Writers and Poets.   Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (

Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), with co-author Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, shares what is giving her hope today: people out in the world who are doing good things.   This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.  

Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the voices of people fighting to protect our world, our rights, and our people.   Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com    Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.    Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).    Our music is by Podington Bear.    Podcast hosting by Libsyn.    You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.   Be well. And read on.