
Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors
by Stephanie Affinito
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On the show
From 18 epsHost
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Recent episodes
E232: Caring in Community: TOGETHER FOR MAMA by Pooja Makhijani
Jun 22, 2026
30m 49s
E231: Friendship, Identity & Books: THE CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB by Laekan Zea Kemp
Jun 18, 2026
28m 32s
E230: Celebrating Movement & Freedom: ON OUR BIKES by Dan Saks
Jun 15, 2026
23m 40s
E229: Finding Your Way: FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS by Jerry Spinelli
Jun 11, 2026
17m 30s
E228: Listen to Your Heart, Find Your People & Say Yes: REALLY RUBIE by Maddie Frost
Jun 8, 2026
34m 01s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/22/26 | ![]() E232: Caring in Community: TOGETHER FOR MAMA by Pooja Makhijani | Happy Monday!Monday always feels better after a weekend full of books, bookstores and bookish friends. Lucky for me, this feeling will continue as I release an episode that will wrap you in love, too. Pooja is a repeat guest on the podcast and we had an important conversation for all. Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new episode!Happy reading!StephanieCaring in Community: TOGETHER FOR MAMA by Pooja MakhijaniOn this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Pooja Makhijani about her newest picture book: TOGETHER FOR MAMA.This beautiful picture book is a story about care and how it moves through family and communities, how children witness it and how they offer it in return. This is a beautiful story of hope and healing for all of us.Come listen as we talk about the deeply personal inspiration behind the book, the stunning fusion of words and images that bring the book to life and Pooja’s heartfelt hopes for collective care and understanding, not just for postpartum depression, but for anything we might face.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!TOGETHER FOR MAMA by Pooja Makhijani (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Pooja online:Website: https://www.poojamakhijani.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laborofloafI’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!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 | 30m 49s | ||||||
| 6/18/26 | ![]() E231: Friendship, Identity & Books: THE CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB by Laekan Zea Kemp | Hello Everyone, This. This book. This book is the quintessential middle grade book for middle grade readers, adult readers with an inner child and ANYONE who loves books. I’m so excited about the surprise I share at the end. If you’re interested in joining my book club relay for this book, please reach out and/or comment below. Let’s bring the book club to life together!Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode!Happy reading!StephanieFriendship, Identity & Books: THE CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB by Laekan Zea KempOn this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Laekan Zea Kemp about her newest middle grade novel: THE CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB.This instant-classic, middle grade coming-of-age novel is filled with friendship, identity and the magic of bookstores. Say no more and add to cart, right?! Plus, the format is incredibly appealing: text message threads, comic panels and sketches and even a few spells and herbal concoctions for when you need them most.Come listen as we talk about the upper middle grade niche that this book speaks to, the varied themes, realities and formats that make the book so inviting and appealing and the role that this book could play in sparking a love of reading (and more reading!) for all that read it. You won’t want to miss this one!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 CHISMOSAS ONLY BOOK CLUB by Laekan Zea Kemp (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Laekan online:Website: https://www.laekanzeakemp.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laekanzeakemp/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!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 | 28m 32s | ||||||
| 6/15/26 | ![]() E230: Celebrating Movement & Freedom: ON OUR BIKES by Dan Saks | Happy Monday!In upstate New York, summer feels like it has arrived! The weather is warmer, the days are longer and there’s more time for reading books we love. I’ve had a couple of listeners/readers reach out to ask if I’m offering any summer book clubs, writing sessions or other KidLit fun and I have thought about a few ideas that I’d love your feedback on. Could you take a moment to respond to this poll?Thanks for your support and feedback. Let’s see what happens next!Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode!Happy reading!StephanieBook 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:🎉SEARCHING FOR WOCKS by Lucy Knisley (Amazon / Bookshop)Oh, my goodness, this book. It chronicles the unhurried walk of a child on the hunt for ‘wocks’ to add to her collection. It’s a portrait of youthful enthusiasm and the beauty of the everyday, means means adults ESPECIALLY need to read and share it.🎉ACTUAL FACTUAL FILES: OUTER SPACE by Ali Adams (Amazon / Bookshop)This book is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about outer space and have fun while doing it. It’s got a clever, colorful design, engaging text, and easy-to-understand explanations making the content accessible and therefore, easy to share. 🎉ACTUAL FACTUAL FILES: ANCIENT EGYPT by Ali Adams (Amazon / Bookshop)This is the second book in the series and tackles everything you want to know about ancient Egypt from geography to mummies to hieroglyphics. The charts, checklists, diagrams and Fact Files will keep readers glued to the page!Celebrating Movement & Freedom: ON OUR BIKES by Dan SaksOn this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Dan Saks about his newest picture book: ON OUR BIKES.This book is a joyful all-ages celebration of bikes and bike culture and is the perfect book to kick off a season of Spring and Summer reading. You’ll feel the energy vibrating off the pages!Come listen as we talk about the origin story behind the book (it started as a song!), the incredible motion, movement and energy inside the book and the movement I think we all need to help Dan start around the country. Listen to find out what it is!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!ON OUR BIKES by Dan Saks (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Dan online:Website: https://www.noodleloaf.com/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansaks/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!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 | 23m 40s | ||||||
| 6/11/26 | ![]() E229: Finding Your Way: FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS by Jerry Spinelli✨ | middle grade novelsauthor interviews+3 | Jerry Spinelli | RUN THE SCHOOLFIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS | — | Jerry SpinelliFIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS+3 | — | 17m 30s | |
| 6/8/26 | ![]() E228: Listen to Your Heart, Find Your People & Say Yes: REALLY RUBIE by Maddie Frost✨ | middle grade literatureauthor interviews+3 | Maddie Frost | REALLY RUBIEPERFECT+2 | — | Maddie FrostREALLY RUBIE+3 | — | 34m 01s | |
| 6/1/26 | ![]() E227: Connection & Community: IN THIS CLASSROOM by Andrew Hacket✨ | griefchildren's literature+3 | Andrew Hacket | IN THIS CLASSROOMWHERE ARE YOU, BRONTE? | — | grieving pet losspicture book+3 | — | 48m 58s | |
| 5/25/26 | ![]() E226: Love, Acceptance & Reassurance: MAMA SAYS I’M FINE by Brittney Cooper✨ | summer readingkidlit+3 | Brittney Cooper | MAMA SAYS I’M FINETHE DECLARATION DECODED: A Guide to the Document that Inspired Our Nation+1 | — | kidlitsummer reading+3 | — | 18m 11s | |
| 5/21/26 | ![]() E225: Friendship, Fun & Medical Mysteries: DEEPA, M.D. by Priya Swaminathan✨ | friendshipmiddle grade novels+4 | Priya Swaminathan | DEEPA, M.D. | — | DEEPA, M.D.Priya Swaminathan+5 | — | 28m 05s | |
| 5/18/26 | ![]() E224: Unforgettable Verse: MY BROTHER OLIVER by R.L Toalson✨ | children's literaturebook reviews+3 | R.L Toalson | MY BROTHER OLIVEREVA TO THE MAX+1 | — | children's literaturebook reviews+6 | — | 35m 06s | |
| 5/14/26 | ![]() E223: BE YOURSELF AND OTHER BAD ADVICE with Meredith Walker✨ | self-discoveryteen advice+3 | Meredith Walker | Smart GirlsBE YOURSELF AND OTHER BAD ADVICE | — | self-helpteen books+3 | — | 21m 20s | |
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| 5/11/26 | ![]() E222: Celebrating a Beloved Character: BISCUIT RIDES THE FERRY by Alyssa Satin Capucilli✨ | children's literaturepicture books+3 | Alyssa Satin Capucilli | BISCUIT RIDES THE FERRYLITTLE HELPER+2 | — | BiscuitAlyssa Satin Capucilli+3 | — | 28m 31s | |
| 5/7/26 | ![]() E221: Kindness & Mindfulness: POOCH ON THE LOOSE with Lin Oliver✨ | kindnessmindfulness+4 | Lin Oliver | SCBWIPOOCH ON THE LOOSE | — | kindnessmindfulness+6 | — | 42m 01s | |
| 5/4/26 | ![]() E220: Safety, Comfort & Fun: BAD BADGER: A FAMILY STORY by Maryrose Wood✨ | picture booksmiddle grade novels+3 | Maryrose Wood | BAD BADGER: A FAMILY STORYPIET FINDS A HOME+1 | — | Maryrose WoodBAD BADGER+3 | — | 42m 01s | |
| 4/30/26 | ![]() E219: THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY by Angela Cervantes✨ | middle grade novelsmystery+3 | Angela Cervantes | THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY | — | Angela Cervantesmiddle grade+3 | — | 34m 46s | |
| 4/27/26 | ![]() E219: Food, Family & Identity: TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION by Melissa Taylor✨ | foodfamily+3 | Melissa Taylor | TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTIONFIRST NIGHT AT DAD’S+1 | — | kidlitpicture books+3 | — | 20m 59s | |
| 4/25/26 | ![]() E218: The Stories Behind the Story: BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU by Nancy Hudgins✨ | middle grade biographyUrsula Nordstrom+3 | Nancy Hudgins | BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU: THE STORIED LIFE OF URSULA NORDSTROM, EDITOR OF EXTRAORDINARY CHILDREN’S BOOKS | — | middle gradebiography+4 | — | 43m 38s | |
| 4/20/26 | ![]() E217: A Paranormal Atmospheric Read: GIRL OF LORE by Melanie Dale✨ | picture booksreading for adults+3 | Melanie Dale | GIRL OF LOREFOUND SOUND+1 | — | picture booksMelanie Dale+4 | — | 25m 33s | |
| 4/13/26 | ![]() E216: Staying True & Making Change: HAFSA’S WAY by Aisha Saeed✨ | picture bookswriting journey+3 | Aisha Saeed | Boyds MillsHighlights for Children+2 | — | picture bookscholarship+3 | — | 19m 49s | |
| 4/6/26 | ![]() E215: A POTION, A POWDER, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC OR LIKE LIGHTNING IN AN UMBRELLA STORM by Philip Stead✨ | middle grade novelsreading magic+3 | Philip Stead | A POTION, A POWDER, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC OR LIKE LIGHTNING IN AN UMBRELLA STORMAMAZING SHARK+1 | — | middle gradereading+3 | — | 35m 24s | |
| 4/2/26 | ![]() E214: A Love Letter to Librarians: HOPE RODE by Lauren H. Kerstein✨ | picture bookslibrarians+3 | Lauren H. Kerstein | Kentucky’s packhorse librariansHOPE RODE | Appalachian mountains | Hope RodeLauren H. Kerstein+3 | — | 35m 37s | |
| 3/30/26 | ![]() E213: Navigating Complicated Relationships: THE BLUE DRESS by Rebecca Morrison✨ | middle grade novelcomplicated relationships+4 | Rebecca Morrison | THE BLUE DRESS | — | middle gradenovel+5 | — | 25m 36s | |
| 3/26/26 | ![]() E212: THE UNLIKELY TALE OF CHASE AND FINNEGAN by Jasmine Warga | On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking withJasmine Warga about her newest middle grade novel: THE UNLIKELY TALE OF CHASE AND FINNEGAN.This middle grade novel is inspired by true stories from zoos across the country and is about how the power of friendship can transcend anything, even species. It’s endearing, it’s heart-warming and it’s everything we love to see in a middle grade novel. I hugged it when I turned the final page. =)Come listen as we talk about the personal inspiration behind the book, how Jasmine felt getting into the different minds of bodies of her characters and her hopes for readers to understand they don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of love. It’s a beautiful conversation.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 UNLIKELY TALE OF CHASE AND FINNEGAN by Jasmine Warga (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Jasmine online:Website: https://jasminewarga.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminewargabooksI’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:🎉YOU ARE NOW OLD ENOUGH TO HEAR THIS by Aaron Starmer (Amazon / Bookshop)This is the newest middle grade speculative novel from critically acclaimed author Aaron Starmer that unravels the twisted threads of one family’s peculiar narrative.🎉Books Good Enough for You: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children’s Books by Nancy Hudgins (Amazon / Bookshop)This is a celebration of the life and work of Ursula Norstrom—the groundbreaking editor of classic children’s books like Charlotte’s Web and Where the Wild Things Are—and a powerful defense of a child’s right to read. It’s bookish joy!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!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 | 13m 44s | ||||||
| 3/23/26 | ![]() E211: Survival Against All Odds: FOLLOW THE WATER by Ellen Cochrane | On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Ellen Cochrane about her newest release: FOLLOW THE WATER.This book tells the true story of a girl who fell out of a plane over the Amazon and walked out of the jungle eleven days later. It’s a powerful, true story about survival against all odds and is sure to be an inspiration to all readers.Come listen as we talk about how a journal entry from her childhood sparked the idea for this book, how her love of words and science combine to tell this amazing survival story and how she hopes this book will help all readers move through the challenges in their lives, no matter what they are.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!FOLLOW THE WATER by Ellen Cochrane (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Ellen online:Website: https://ellencochrane.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmcochrane/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!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 | 25m 02s | ||||||
| 3/19/26 | ![]() E210: SPARK: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone by Ainissa Ramirez | On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Ainissa Ramirez about her new picture book: SPARK: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone.This picture book is the first release in the new Black Innovators Series and showcases the incredible contributions of Jim West, the man who invented the microphone.Come listen as we talk about how Ainissa found her way to children’s literature, the steep learning curve of writing for children that paid off, the Easter eggs you’ll find inside the illustrations of the book and her heartfelt hopes for readers.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/03/19/spark-jim-wests-electrifying-adventures-in-creating-the-microphone-by-ainissa-ramirez/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit 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 | 22m 36s | ||||||
| 3/16/26 | ![]() E209: Light, Love & Adventure: THE MAGIC OF SOMEDAY SOON by Michelle Lee | On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Michelle Lee about her newest middle grade novel: THE MAGIC OF SOMEDAY SOON.This is a hopeful middle grade novel overflowing with light, love and adventure as two girls find the extraordinary joys of every day. Can the two of them team up to find the family and friendship they’ve always wanted? Zoe and Teddie will live in my reading heart forever. Come listen as we talk about Michelle’s love of words that started her writing career, the original format of this book that has since changed, the real life giant sculptures that acted as inspiration for the book and the honorary great grandmother that you’ll want to adopt for yourself. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/03/16/light-love-adventure-the-magic-of-someday-soon-by-michelle-lee/Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterateIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit 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 | 35m 12s | ||||||
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