Philip Stead Interview: A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic | Reading in the Middle

From Reading in The Middle by Annisha Jeffries

April 7, 2026 · 54 min · Season 3 · Episode 15

About this episode

Annisha Jeffries interviews award-winning author Philip Stead about his novel A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic and the art of storytelling.

In this episode of Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries sits down with award-winning author Philip Stead to discuss his first middle-grade novel, A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic . Best known for A Sick Day for Amos McGee —illustrated by Erin E. Stead, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal—Philip Stead explores storytelling in a completely new way with a novel that begins in the middle, plays with structure, and invites readers to embrace uncertainty. In this thoughtful, Fresh Air–style conversation, Annisha and Philip discuss: Writing a story “out of order.” The meaning behind the book’s 24 morals Bernadette, perseverance, and quiet bravery Humor, wordplay, and trusting young readers How picture book storytelling shaped this novel A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic is available now—perfect for middle-grade readers, educators, and anyone who loves inventive, heartfelt storytelling. 🎧 Subscribe to Reading in the Middle for more author interviews, book discussions, and insights into children’s and middle-grade literature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Annisha Jeffries

Guest: Philip Stead

Topics covered

middle-grade literature
storytelling
author interview
book discussion
creativity

Keywords

Philip Stead
A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic
middle-grade novel
storytelling
creativity
book interview
children's literature

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic, A Sick Day for Amos McGee