
E215: A POTION, A POWDER, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC OR LIKE LIGHTNING IN AN UMBRELLA STORM by Philip Stead
From Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors by Stephanie Affinito
April 6, 2026 · 35 min
About this episode
Stephanie Affinito chats with Philip Stead about his whimsical middle grade novel and the magic of reading.
Happy Monday! There’s something magic about reading. We can get lost inside another world without ever leaving our home. We can escape to another time and location, connect with new friends, learn new information and feel seen by the page all within a single book. This week, I’m chatting with Philip Stead about his whimsical middle grade novel that gives readers permission to sink in and enjoy themselves, not matter how old we are. Keep scrolling to find out more about the author, the book and the delightful conversation inside the episode. 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: 🎉AMAZING SHARK by Michael Stavaric and illustrated by Michele Ganser ( Amazon / Bookshop ) Oh, goodness. This book is amazing. =) It has everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sharks….and much more. The cover is gorgeous and shimmering and the black and white illustrations are exquisite. Filled with facts, fun quizzes and more, this book will quench your curiosity for shark knowledge. Plus, if you like this one, there are more in the series…
People in this episode
Host: Stephanie Affinito
Guest: Philip Stead
Topics covered
- middle grade novels
- reading magic
- author interviews
- whimsical storytelling
- book reviews
Keywords
- middle grade
- reading
- Philip Stead
- book reviews
- whimsical
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: A POTION, A POWDER, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC OR LIKE LIGHTNING IN AN UMBRELLA STORM, AMAZING SHARK, JUST ONE OAK
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