In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze and author Jeanne Walker Harvey dive into the inspiring story of Else Bostelmann, the artist who courageously painted the wonders of the deep sea in the 1930s.

Harvey shares insights from her new picture book biography Elsae B. In the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Deep, which explores Bostelmann's groundbreaking work at the intersection of art and science. This episode provides a fascinating look at a pioneering female artist whose work sparked wonder and advanced marine science, offering valuable lessons about creativity, conservation, and the power of pursuing your dreams.

Bostelman fearlessly descended into the ocean depths in a copper diving helmet to paint the magnificent marine life that scientist William Beebe was discovering on his expeditions. Her stunning artwork, published in National Geographic, brought the strange beauty of the deep sea to the public eye for the first time.

Harvey discusses her meticulous research process, the challenges of uncovering details about Bostelmann's life, and how she collaborated with illustrator Melodie Stacey to vividly capture the undersea world on the page. She also shares her hopes that Bostelmann's story will inspire young readers to follow their curiosity, appreciate the natural world, and find the courage to pursue their own adventures and passions.

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

Order Copies: Else B. In the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Deep on Amazon and Bookshop.org.

Resources: Find Jeanne Walker Harvey and her books at jeanneharvey.com.

Jeanne Walker Harvey Talks About:

• Else Bostelmann's remarkable life and work as an artist exploring the deep sea
• The challenges and joys of researching and writing about lesser-known historical figures
• Collaborating with illustrator Melodie Stacey to bring Bostelmann's story to life
• The intersection of art and science in Bostelmann's paintings of newly discovered marine life
• Bostelmann's courage in diving into the ocean depths to pursue her art
• The impact of Bostelmann's artwork in introducing the wonders of the deep to the wider world
• The importance of inspiring curiosity, creativity, and conservation in young readers
• Encouraging kids to follow their passions and make a difference, even in small ways
• Uncovering and sharing the stories of unsung trailblazers and role models

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze and sexuality educator Dorian Solot discuss Solot's new Learning About Bodies children's books.

Solot shares insights on providing kids with accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies and the challenges of creating sensitive content. The books cover topics like proper terminology and consent, with artwork by Tyler Feder that is engaging, inclusive, and anatomically correct.

Solot offers tips for parents to approach these conversations and become "askable parents." This episode provides valuable perspective on empowering kids with knowledge and body autonomy.

Content note: Contains frank discussions about genitalia and reproduction. Parents may wish to preview before listening with children.

Transcription:

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

Order Copies:

All About Vulvas and Vaginas on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

All About Penises on Amazon⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠.

Resources:

Find Dorian Solot on www.learningaboutbodies.com and @learningaboutbodies on Instagram

Dorian Solot Talks About:

• The importance of providing kids with accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies
• Challenges of creating sensitive content about anatomy for children
• Ensuring the books' artwork by illustrator Tyler Feder is engaging, inclusive, and anatomically correct
• Teaching proper terminology for genitalia
• Incorporating themes of consent, privacy, and body autonomy
• Preventing child sexual abuse through education and openness
• How parents can approach these topics to become approachable "askable parents"
• Laying a foundation of knowledge through many small conversations over time
• The upcoming book "Ingredients to Make a Baby" about reproduction (coming in 2025)
• Empowering kids with knowledge and body autonomy from a young age

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.

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