Today, I’m talking with Becca Wierwille, the author of the loveable, huggable middle grade novel: Road Trip Rescue. It’s packed with so many middle grade themes: dogs, family, friendship, road trips and love mixed in with a healthy dose of accepting yourself for who you are.  Come listen as Becca and I talk about her purpose for writing, what she hopes readers will get out of her books and her journey to her delightful book series.  You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook community ..read more

In this episode, I’m talking with Audrey Perrott about her debut picture book: Moo Hoo. Moo Hoo is a delightful story about a very sweet bull with BIG feelings and it is sure to be loved by both children and adults. Audrey believes it is her highest responsibility and honor to write for children and writes with both heart and humor, two themes that are quite evident in her books.  Come listen to us talk about her writing journey, her new book and why food and baked good make the perfect pairing. =) You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources men ..read more

We all have a go-to author: someone who we know will deliver a book we will love each and every time.  Today, I am talking to one of my go-to middle grade authors: Leslie Connor.  Leslie first won my heart with her book Waiting for Normal and then captured it again with Anybody Here Seen Frenchie and A Home for Goddesses and Dogs. Her books are approachable, powerful and delightful, too.  Come listen as we talk about her books inside her beautiful writing cabin and then grab your art supplies because you’ll want to start creating. I promise. You’ll find the show notes for the ep ..read more

If I could only choose one book as my personal, all-time-favorite middle grade novel, it would be written by the author I’m talking with today: Ann Braden.  Today, I am talking with Ann Braden about all things middle grade: how she started writing, where her ideas come from and what she hopes readers will walk away with, too. We’ll take a deeper dive into her latest book, Opinions and Opossums, a book I think the world needs more than ever. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my Facebook communi ..read more

I am thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural episode of Kidlit Love!  Today, I am talking with Padma Venkatraman, author of multiple young adult and middle grade novels and novels in verse. We’re talking specifically about her books The Bridge Home and Born Behind Bars, two incredibly powerful novels that stole my heart. We’ll also talk about the other books she’s written, how and why her stories came to be and how books offer readers opportunities to learn compassion for others, too. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right ..read more

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stephanie-affinito/message ..read more

In this episode, I am talking with Janet Costa Bates about her new chapter book series following Rica Baptista, a delightful young girl, along with her best friend and extended family.  The books celebrate family and friendship and offer important life lessons that empower readers to embrace who they are. I added both books to my ‘Books I’ve Hugged’ list and cannot wait for the next book in the series to release. Come listen as we talk about Janet’s writing journey to her chapter book series, the flashes of her own life inside the pages and the power of a writing community. Book people ar ..read more

Today, I’m talking with Rachel Vail, author of over 40 books for children spanning delightful picture books, middle grade series and young adult novels, too. Come listen as we talk about her books, make the hard decision to narrow it down to just one book to take a deeper dive into If We Kiss, a book heading to the theater soon. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  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 u ..read more

Today, I am talking with award-winning Natalia Sylvester about her picture book: A Maleta Full of Treasures. While this may be her first picture book, she has written multiple adult and young adult novels that I have loved and I am thrilled to talk with her today about the threads between them.  Come listen as we talk about her writing journey, the connections among and between them and why she writes for her own inner child as well as all of her readers. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Join me inside my F ..read more

Today, I am talking with Sahtinay Abaza in this bonus episode to celebrate Ramadan and the Eid Moon.  Come listen as we talk about her two picture books: The Ramadan Drummer and The Eid Moon. These books tell the story of the beautiful traditions of Ramadan to learn from and enjoy. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  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 othe ..read more