In this heartfelt episode, award-winning author and illustrator Lauren Castillo shares the personal experiences and meaningful inspirations behind her latest picture book, Just Like Millie.

Castillo opens up about how her own childhood, hometown, and beloved pets influenced the story of a shy young girl who finds courage and connection through her new canine companion. From exploring themes of anxiety and friendship to sprinkling in local Easter eggs, Castillo offers a glimpse into her thoughtful creative process and layered approach to storytelling through both words and art. Join us for an intimate conversation that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with "Just Like Millie" before even turning the first page.

Transcription:

⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:

Just Like Millie on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠.

Nana in the Country on ⁠Amazon⁠ and ⁠Bookshop.org⁠.

Resources:

Find Lauren Castillo at laurencastillo.com and follow her on Twitter @studiocastillo.

Lauren Castillo Talks About:

• Her latest picture book Just Like Millie and its themes of shyness, anxiety, courage, and friendship
• Personal experiences that inspired the story, including interactions with a shy child and her own dogs
• Setting the book in her hometown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and including local Easter eggs in the illustrations
• Dedicating the book to her recently passed dogs and incorporating them into the story
• The power of pets and companionship in helping children navigate challenging emotions
• Her creative process, including using ink, watercolor, and soft pastels for the illustrations
• Capturing the emotions of characters through details in facial expressions and color
• The significance of the book's endpapers and jacket flap information
• Hopes for how the book will resonate with readers, especially shy or socially anxious children
• Experiences as both an author and illustrator, and how her process differs for each role
• The collaborative nature of creating picture books with a publishing team
• Revisiting her childhood and Nana in her previous book Nana in the Country
• The importance of reading dedications and acknowledgments to understand the author's heart

In this insightful interview, acclaimed middle-grade author Dan Gemeinhart discusses his highly anticipated standalone companion novel Coyote Lost and Found, the follow-up to his beloved bestseller The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. Gemeinhart reflects on the evolution of the complex relationship between his resilient protagonist Coyote and her grief-stricken father Rodeo while also exploring the poignant themes of loss, healing, and finding one's place in the world that are woven throughout both narratives.

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author also offers a glimpse into his creative process, from drawing inspiration from his lifelong love of reading to the challenges of seamlessly incorporating timely elements like the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Gemeinhart discusses his upcoming picture book Once Upon a Friend and the distinct approaches required for crafting middle-grade novels versus picture books.

With his signature blend of heart, humor, and authenticity, Gemeinhart provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his acclaimed body of work and the powerful messages he aims to impart to young readers. This episode is a must-listen for fans of Gemeinhart's beloved stories as well as anyone interested in the craft of writing impactful children's literature.

Transcription:

⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:

Coyote Lost and Found on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠.

Once Upon a Friend on Amazon and Bookshop.org.

Resources:

Find Dan Gemeinhart online at http://dangemeinhart.com.

Dan Gemeinhart Talks About:

• His writing process and influences as an author of middle grade novels
• The evolution of the relationship between the main character Coyote and her father Rodeo across the two books
• The themes of grief, healing, and finding one's place in the world that are central to the narratives
• Dan's upcoming picture book Once Upon a Friend and the differences between writing middle grade novels versus picture books
• The potential for the first Coyote book to be adapted into a film

In this episode, we welcome special guest Alysson Foti Borque, author of the beloved Alycat series. Alysson shares insights into the creation of her heartwarming children's books and the inspiration behind her characters. Join Bianca and Alysson as they delve into the latest addition to the series, Alycat and the Sunday Scaries, exploring themes of friendship, bravery, and overcoming fears. Discover how Alysson infuses valuable life lessons into her stories while captivating young readers with engaging adventures. Get ready for an insightful conversation about the power of children's literature to inspire and uplift.

Transcription:

⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries on ⁠Amazon⁠ and ⁠Bookshop.org⁠.

Resources:

Find Alysson and Alycat online at www.alycatseries.com.

Check out the virtual book tour for Alycat and the Sunday Scaries here: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/alycat-and-the-sunday-scaries-awareness-tour/

Alysson Foti Borque Talks About:

• The inspiration behind starting Expound Publicity with her co-founder during the pandemic.
• Their journey from starting with a podcast interviewing authors to expanding into a full-fledged publicity firm assisting nearly 500 authors.
• Alysson's transition from teaching elementary education to practicing law to becoming a children's author and publicist.
• How personal experiences and her children inspire her children's books, particularly the Alycat series.
• The importance of showcasing supportive friendships and problem-solving skills in children's literature.
• Alycat's adventures in each book and the life lessons they impart to young readers.
• Incorporating extension activities at the end of each book to further engage readers and extend the story's themes.
• Discussion on the latest book in the series, Alycat and the Sunday Scaries, and its focus on overcoming fears and anxieties.
• Sneak peeks into upcoming books in the Alycat series, including Alycat and the Copycat and a Christmas-themed book.
• Encouragement for readers to find resonance with characters in books and utilize them as tools for learning and growth.