The treasured I Can Read! collection began with the beloved Little Bear in 1957 and is still going strong today! On the show, we discuss the series’ origins, its stories, and what’s ahead for the books. You’ll hear from Tamar Mays, an editor at HarperCollins, as well as from authors Corey Tabor (Fox the Tiger) and Kelly Starling-Lyons (Ty’s Travels) as they dive into what makes the I Can Read! books so magical for children beginning their journey as readers.

To learn more about the I Can Read! series, visit icanread.com

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

I Can Read! Books (ft. Corey Tabor & Kelly Starling-Lyons)

Books help young people wrap their minds around who they are, how they fit into the world and give them the language to demand the world make space for them. Queer Young Adult books can guide young readers through the myriad of experiences of coming out in different contexts and cultures. And, love stories can help young gay kids imagine themselves into meaningful adult lives and into fulfilling relationships that validate, nourish, and sustain them. In this episode, three authors of queer YA books share their personal coming-out experiences, which they later translated into their character’s coming-out journey, and share the impact reading queer YA books can have on generations of gay kids in developing their personal agency.

To learn more about Becky Albertalli, Adbi Nazemian, or Jason June’s books, visit harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/becky-albertalli
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/abdi-nazemian
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/jason-june

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

[1:00] In 2015, Becky Albertalli published the award-winning novel about a gay teen, Simon vs. The Homosapien Agenda.

[5:02] Author of Like a Love Story, Abdi Nazemian describes how coming out today is different than in decades past.

[9:00] Part of Abdi’s personal coming-out story is similar to his character's experience in Like a Love Story.

[10:40] In Jay’s Gay Agenda, Jason June wanted to move the main character past his coming-out story.

[12:03] Without a thriving gay community, love, romance, and sexual experiences can be out of reach for gay teens as Jason June explores in Jay’s Gay Agenda.

[16:18] After Simon vs. The Homosapien Agenda was published, a storm of criticism led Becky to come out publicly in an essay.

[21:22] Becky, Abdi, and Jason discuss how being able to relate to queer characters in books matters.

[22:28] Authors share their favorite reads in the Queer Young Adult book space.

Continue Your Journey:

Becky Albertalli
Abdi Nazemian
Hey Jason June
HarperCollins
@ReadingPod on Twitter


Shareables:

“Oftentimes when we’re taught history, we’re taught we learn history, so as not to repeat it. And as I was writing the book, I was like, but what if we flip that? And we teach the reverse of it, which is, let’s study the history that we do want to repeat. Let's study ACT UP. How did they form, how did they actually create such a monumental change in the world? How did the queer community come together when everyone turned their backs on them?” — Abdi Nazemian, Author, Like a Love Story

“We need to explore the magic and the complications and all the layers of getting to be queer and what that means.” — Jason June, Author, Jay’s Gay Agenda

“When you are trying to write about an experience that looks different for every person it’s hard to definitely say something is right or wrong but I wanted it to feel authentic.” — Becky Albertalli, Author, Simon vs. The Homosapien Agenda

Coming-Out Stories (ft. Becky Albertalli, Abdi Nazemian, & Jason June)

Magic and fantastical elements can get kids reading. Young adult fantasy novels construct portals readers can get sucked into, and when they emerge, they often have more nuanced and keen insights for making or remaking the world around them. The parallels to contemporary society can even give kids another way to see themselves. In this episode, Megan Whalen Turner, author of the Queen’s Thief series, Roseanne A. Brown, author of A Song of Wraith and Ruin, and Garth Nix, author of the Old Kingdom series, describe how the real world can be an inspiration for fantasy worlds, how a civilization’s myths and religions offer depictions of the people, how to create compelling and dynamic characters who overcome even when great harm befalls them, and the many forms of magic in stories.

To learn more about Megan Whalen Turner, Roseanne A. Brown, or Garth Nix’s books, visit harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/megan-whalen-turner
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/roseanne-a-brown
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/garth-nix

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

[1:21] Looking back at how Megan created The Thief’s fantastically detailed world.

[5:16] Historical and geopolitical strife are not common components in Young Adult novels.

[8:16] Roseanne describes how adding myths to a story gives readers an understanding of how characters see the world.

[11:24] Megan describes the unique process she used when writing the Queen’s Thief series.

[12:09] The role of storytelling and folklore in Roseanne’s book, A Song of Wraith and Ruin.

[13:59] Upending the idea of what a hero should be to create stories with integrity.

[17:27] Garth and Rosanne describe how they create and utilize magic in their stories.


Continue Your Journey:

Megan Whalen Turner
Rosanne A. Brown
Garth Nix
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Myths, Magic, and Fantasy Worlds (ft. Megan Whalen Turner, Roseanne A. Brown, & Garth Nix)

Children’s literature offers a rehearsal for the real world. A safe place for young readers to practice seeing beyond the easy narratives that are handed to them by their communities or that they might see in the media or even that they are taught in schools. It is the foundation for critical thinking. Children come to books already having a deep and wide emotional landscape they will use to navigate the world. Books can pull back the curtain on how things work and give kids a head start on making their corner of the world a little brighter.

In this episode, Karina Yan Glaser and Anne Ursu reflect on the influence of Lois Lowry’s powerful Newbery award-winning, The Giver, and explain how their books disclose the injustices of patriarchy, power, and pallidity on society. Lois shares her personal experience of having her books banned and ponders the future of children who have not been exposed or provoked through literature.

To learn more about Lois Lowry’s, Karina Yan Glaser’s, or Anne Ursu’s books, visit harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/lois-lowry
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/karina-yan-glaser
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/anne-ursu

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

[5:50] Lois, Karina, and Anne recount the purposeful words used to describe the nefarious conditions in The Giver.

[12:46] The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy was, in part, a response to Anne Ursu’s rage after witnessing the patriarchal narrative during the Brett Kavanaugh hearings.

[16:32] Karina shares the principal theme of her book, A Duet for Home.

[22:34] Characters who challenge misinformation is a theme that runs through The Giver, A Duet for Home, and The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy.

[25:33] Anne contends that by banning books and taking away history our ability to empathize will also be eliminated.

[26:26] Lois’ book, Number the Stars, has also been added to a few banned book lists.

[29:11] Lois’ advice for authors who find themselves on a banned book list.

Continue Your Journey:
Lois Lowry
Karina Yan Glaser
Anne Ursu
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

The Forbidden Truth: The Giver (ft. Lois Lowry, Karina Yan Glaser, & Anne Ursu)

Middle grade is a time when readers can be especially moved by the books they pick up. Books can center kids marginalized by conflict, can inspire other readers to decenter themselves, to listen better, and to be more intentional with welcome signs. In one sense, borders are fiction, lines made up by winners of wars. In another sense, borders have a potent impact on the lives of the people who cross them, often as a result of those wars. but the truth of crossing borders is in the smallest details of people’s lives and in the white space between those details.

In this episode, three authors reveal the experiential journey of their child characters who cross borders and merge cultures in their books. Thanhhà Lai, Rajani LaRocca, and Jasmine Warga share their personal journeys of arriving in a new land, learning English, making friends, and what inspired them to find their character’s voice in poetry. Stories like theirs remind all readers that just by being mindful of the way we treat each other, we can make the world anew … every day.

To learn more about Thanhhà Lại’s, Rajani LaRocca’s, or Jasmine Warga’s books, visit harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/thanhh-lai
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/rajani-larocca
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/jasmine-warga

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

[:25] Rajani and Jasmine share treasured moments from Inside Out and Back Again.

[3:32] Thanhhà describes her book as a recollection of her daily routine living amid war and the shock of adjusting to Alabama and English.

[8:04] Jasmine and Rajani describe what inspired them to structure the narrative of their books in prose poems.

[10:45] In Other Words for Home, Jasmine portrays the tension points of dealing with Islamophobia in the U.S. and the joy that exists in the Arab and Muslim community for her young adult character, Jude.

[12:51] In Red, White, and Whole, Rajani’s protagonist, Reha, swirls between Indian and American culture while her mother is sick with Leukemia.

[14:52] Falling back into her past allowed Jasmine to channel Jude’s adolescent voice.

[16:15] Thanhhà describes how she blends a youthful point of view into a complicated situation.

[17:00] War, refugees, freedom, and the truth of crossing borders.

Crossing Cultures: Inside Out and Back Again (ft. Thanhhà Lại, Rajani LaRocca, & Jasmine Warga)

There is much to be learned from stories, whether they feature ghosts, witches, or monsters, even when they scare us. It is the lessons learned in the face of darkness that make supernatural stories important for young readers. And, it is telling, that stories of ghosts and graveyards stay with us. They might cause us a bit of grief, but when we face them, we face ourselves, our fears, and our histories, and in confronting them we learn collaboration, problem-solving, empathy, and companionship.

In this episode, we dredge up some Halloween spirit and examine our favorite graveyards and the ghosts that haunt them. J.A. White and Chantel Acevedo join the Queen of Tween Screams, Mary Downing Hahn to appreciate her supernatural classic, Wait Till Helen Comes. A self-proclaimed scaredy cat, Mary shares how the dysfunction of the family at the center of her book served to create an opening for a ghost to entice itself into a renewed existence. Mary, J.A., and Chantel unearth the dark secrets and histories of villains and ghastly beings to help readers understand that whatever haunts their nightmares just may hold an important lesson.

To learn more about Mary Downing Hahn’s, J.A. White’s, or Chantel Acevedo’s books, visit harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/mary-downing-hahn
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/j-a-white
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/chantel-acevedo

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

[1:58] Mary shares the frightful churchyard revelation that became/inspired Wait Till Helen Comes.

[4:01] Chantel reflects on how Mary succinctly portrays the complex yet simple way many children think about death.

[6:51] J.A. White believes the supernatural elements of Wait Till Helen Comes only add to the existing tension of the underlying family drama.

[7:38] Mary shares how writing about a blended family adds conflict and makes her story relatable to young readers.

[11:34] In The Curse of Spectacle Key, Chantel’s young characters are encouraged to feel free from the pressures of growing up and that loving and being loved is enough.

[16:30] J.A. White loves the idea of budding young authors identifying with the plight of Alex from Nightbooks, and Gravebooks.

[19:46] In their books, Mary, Chantel, and J.A. all explore the lurking pasts of their villains and how that history shapes their fears and actions.

[21:21] In The Curse at Spectacle Key, the main character Frank has a mission to break the curse of the island and expose the hidden history of orphaned ghosts.

[25:27] Mary recalls the many different responses she has received about Wait Till Helen Comes from 1986 when supernatural books were a point of debate.

Continue Your Journey:
JA White Books
Chantel Acevedo
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“It speaks about death in ways that are emotionally complex but also simple to grasp.” — Chantel Acevedo, author, The Curse on Spectacle Key

“Sometimes I forget who I am writing for when I am caught up in writing. When I really get into the book it is almost like the story is telling itself.” — Mary Downing Hahn, author, Wait Till Helen Comes

“She uses all these supernatural elements to augment the tension that is already there. I think that is my favorite type of supernatural story.” — J.A. White, author, Gravebooks on Mary Downing Hahn’s Wait Till Helen Comes

“A ghost is the ultimate outsider.” — Mary Downing Hahn, author, Wait Till Helen Comes

Hauntingly Good Stories: Wait Till Helen Comes(ft. Mary Downing Hahn, Chantel Acevedo, & J.A. White)

Picture books, while they may be sparse in language, can pack in big and complex lessons about friendship, or difficult feelings. Their lessons often follow us into our adulthood. And, as for lessons, here is one for teachers — maybe hold off on telling students they can't draw. They may just grow up and turn you into an iconic mean character. If you’re really lucky though and kind and honest you just might become a superhero wrestler in training or a green light or a hippo with an incredible knack for friendship.

In this episode, we pay homage to illustrator and author, James Marshall. His George and Martha books integrate the tension sometimes felt between friends with valuable lessons of non-judgmental communication. Author of the World of Vamos! Books, Raúl the Third discusses the value of illustrations in books to help the story. And, Breanna Carzoo, author of Lou and Greenlight, explores how characters, even inanimate ones, respond to conflict and self-doubt.

To learn more about James Marshall, Raúl the Third, or Breanna Carzoo’s books, visit harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/james-marshall
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/ral-the-third
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/breanna-carzoo

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

[:25] In a recorded interview from 1987, Jim reflects on his birthplace, San Antonio, Texas, and how he weaves some memory of it into all of his stories.

[1:15] Raúl the Third, author of the World of Vamos! books shares an unforgettable moment from The Box from George and Martha Back in Town.

[3:45] Breanna Carzoo, author of Lou, appreciates the George and Martha books because of the beautiful and honest depiction of friendship they depict.

[5:10] In his own words, Jim shares the origin of the idea that George has had it with Martha’s split pea soup.

[6:20] Breanna shares the unlikely inspiration behind her book, Lou, and offers a glimpse into how she uses negative space to create movement in a scene.

[8:48] Raúl’s love of larger-than-life characters inspired him to use Luchadores as characters in his soon-to-be-released book, Tacos Today.

[10:49] Raúl reveals his passion for the various approaches cartoonists take to tell a story through drawings, even if his art teachers weren’t impressed.

[15:43] The teachers in James Marshall’s books, Viola Swamp, and Miss Nelson, are polar opposites of each other.

[19:20] Reflecting on her childhood, Breanna uses humor to offset Lou’s otherwise shameful and deeply depressing existence.

[22:55] Both Jim and Raúl share the significance of the never-changing, summertime landscape of Texas as the backdrop of many of their books.

[25:54] In her new book, Greenlight, Breanna explores our need for the approval of others and the big feelings that expose themselves when we feel rejected.

[27:24] The friendship between George and Martha in Jim’s books is realistic, sometimes tense, and always truthful.

Continue Your Journey:
James Marshall
Raúl the Third
Breanna Carzoo
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Lessons in Friendship:James Marshall’s George and Martha Series(ft. Raúl the Third & Breanna Carzoo)

You may be familiar with Maurice Sendak’s books like Where the Wild Things Are or Outside Over There, but do you remember reading In the Night Kitchen? Just over 10 years after the prolific author's passing, we are returning to his 1970s dreamscape of a picture book. In the Night Kitchen offers a dazzling portrait of creativity and the expansive imaginations of children contending with an adult world.

In this episode, besides stirring about in the needless controversy that often surrounds Maurice Sendak’s classic, In the Night Kitchen, we talk with two picture book authors influenced by the master author and illustrator’s work. Author and Illustrator, Sergio Ruzzier describes the influence Sendak had on his career and books, including Fish and Sun and Fish and Wave. And Author and Illustrator, Antionette Portis, reflects on the revelatory impact of Sendak’s books on children’s literature, the human experience, and her own books, Not A Box, Not a Stick, and A Penguin’s Story.

To learn more about Maurice Sendak, Sergio Ruzzier, or Antionette Portis’ books, visit harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/maurice-sendak
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/sergio-ruzzier
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/antionette-portis

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

[1:01] Sergio and Antionette identify the fragments of American culture floating through Sendak’s In the Night Kitchen.

[4:38] Still a point of contention, when In the Kitchen was released controversy erupted in the U.S. due to the main character, Mickey’s nudity.

[7:34] Sergio’s fourth-grade drawing of a monster had a similar censorship issue when it was included in a Jon Scieszka compilation.

[8:21] Antionette reminds us that Sendak felt insulted when people referred to his work as kiddie books.

[8:59] Like most adults and children, Sergio deeply felt the emotional complexities of Sendak’s words and pictures. As a visual storyteller, he was later invited to join the Sendak Fellowship.

[12:18] Antionette was also invited to be a part of the Sendak Fellowship’s inaugural class in 2010. She describes the experience.

[12:57] Antionette’s books, Not a Box and Not a Stick are a celebration of the imaginative lives of children.

[17:23] Sergio’s Fish and Sun, Fish and Wave, and his third book in the series, Fish and Worm, were inspired by the narrative art of his heroes and reflect his desire to have children think for themselves.

[22:43] Sergio was asked to lend his visually-mesmerizing illustrative abilities to Roar Like a Dandelion by the late Ruth Krauss.

[25:05] Edna, the main character in Antionette’s A Penguin’s Story, is on a spiritual search to find meaning in the universe, metaphorically.

[27:27] Antionette examines In the Night Kitchen looking to uncover hidden meanings baked into its dreamy joy.

Continue Your Journey:
Maurice Sendak
Sergio Ruzzier
Antionette Portis
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“I didn't set out to cause a scandal. I set out to do a very particular work where he had to be naked in order to confront a particular dream he was in. You don’t go into a dream wearing Fruit of the Loom underwear or PJs.” — Maurice Sendak, author of In the Night Kitchen

“You are calling for attention if you underline the thing you want to hide. It’s not going to work. It’s actually funny.” — Sergio Ruzzier, author of Fish and Sun

“He [Sendak] really felt insulted that people called his books kiddie books. ‘Cause he’s like, I make books for humans, and if children like them that's great.” — Antionette Portis, author of Not a Box

In The Night Kitchen (ft. Sergio Ruzzier & Antionette Portis)

Fictional dystopias don’t create fear as much as they validate it. And isn’t that what we want as young people and even later as adults? To be validated, whether in our fears, our pain, or our happiness? Young Adult books let us explore, without the threat of rejection, what we most wish to understand or even accept, ourselves. 
 
In this episode, we explore a new era of female protagonists and the dystopian world in which they exist. Authors Veronica Roth and Mindy McGinnis create stories that challenge the conventional role of young female characters in YA literature and set forth to expose how heroines see the world. 

To learn more about Veronica Roth’s, or Mindy McGinnis’ books, visit harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/veronica-roth 
harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/mindy-mcginnis 

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. 

[1:23] Veronica’s love of quizzes, tests, and categories inspired her to create a world of factions in Divergent. 

[3:32] Growing up in the ’80s, Mindy remembers the influence Divergent had on her life. 


[6:41] Exposure therapy was the driving force behind Veronica’s creation of Divergent’s fear-based virtual realities, as she explains. 

[10:59] Mindy shares the fear that is the basis of her book, Not A Drop to Drink. 

[13:41] Veronica included an intentional romance in her book to push back against a particular romantic cliché. Mindy took a different approach. 

[17:10] Mindy fires back at critics who find Young Adult books too dark. 

[19:51] In Mindy’s A Long Stretch of Bad Days, the female protagonist is not afraid to make other people uncomfortable. 
 
Shareables:  

“Nobody’s done coming of age. That’s not a thing. That’s why adults end up wanting to read YA because there’s part of you that's always in high school.” — Mindy McGinnis, author of Not a Drop to Drink  

“Even if you are growing up like perfectly kind of safe and contained, books are safe places to explore the darkness in the world.” — Mindy McGinnis, author of Not a Drop to Drink  

“I do think it’s changing. It’s a lot different than it used to be as far as just letting the inner lives of young women be important and significant.” — Veronica Roth, author of Divergent  

“The Female of the Species, in particular, is a book that is about rape culture and I definitely wrote it as a validation of women’s rage.” — Mindy McGinnis, Author 

“When you hear that you've done something right, not that there’s one way to do it right, but that you connected with someone who has a personal experience of those harder things in life, it becomes really emotional. It’s really good.“ — Veronica Roth, author of Divergent

When Heroines, Not Heroes, Tell the Story (ft. Veronica Roth & Mindy McGinnis)

There are many ways that we build our histories. Certain particulars might be largely out of our power, our parentage, or parts of our personalities, but how we choose to remember our histories tends to create something real and true, however fictional, like an old folktale. Our histories, whether real or imagined, memory or fiction, give us a greater understanding of who we are and our place in the world.

In this episode, Melissa Iwai joins Allen Say to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his classic, Grandfather’s Journey. In the last couple of decades, children's literature in the U.S. has become increasingly populated with diverse characters, authors, and illustrators. But 30 years ago, Allen was making diverse characters and stories when few authors and illustrators were. The broadened representation in children’s literature we see today is owed to artists like Allen and Melissa.

To learn more about Allen Say’s, or Melissa Iwai’s books, visit https://www.harpercollins.com/search?q=allen+say
https://www.harpercollins.com/search?q=melissa+iwai

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

[1:26] Allen reflects on Grandfather’s Journey as a timeless, real-life story reminiscent of a folktale.

[6:54] Allen’s sense of outsiderness is the thread that creates a deep connection for Melissa.

[11:18] Melissa’s book, Gigi and Ojiji, was inspired by a childhood memory of a visit with her Japanese grandfather.

[13:42] Allen shares his journey, as both author and artist.

[25:38] Authors use illustrations for different purposes, as Melissa learned working on Marc Tyler Nobleman’s Thirty Minutes Over Oregon.

[30:11] What the ending of Kozo the Sparrow means to Allen.

[35:07] Allen shares his thoughts about memories and distinguishing fact from fiction.

Continue Your Journey:
Melissa Iwai
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“I didn’t think that the book would sell at all when I was working on it. It was something I simply had to do. I had given up my long career, a 25-year career in photography and I just painted a picture. I realized that I'm really a painter, which I have been in denial of most of my adult, young-adult life because I got tired of poverty.” — Allen Say, author of Grandfather’s Journey

“I thought I was following the old Japanese tradition of a young boy going out into the world looking for a master… but that's not what I was doing… I was actually trying to replace my father with a man that I could admire and love, and I was lucky.” — Allen Say, author of Grandfather’s Journey

“Drawing it is a different thing. It’s coming straight out of your head, from your dream life. And, I find a story there.” — Allen Say, author of Grandfather’s Journey

“I have a hard time distinguishing between fiction and real life, to begin with. As I always had difficulty distinguishing my dream life from waking life. I much rather prefer to be in the fantasy world, of course.“ — Allen Say, author of Grandfather’s Journey

“Books were a refuge for me because I was shy and quiet and I loved to read. But even in my childhood books, I don’t remember having any books with Asian-American characters in them.” — Melissa Iwai, author of Gigi, and Ojiji

“I was raised in just a small town where there weren't very many Asian Americans at the time and I just always felt like I stood out and I was different.” — Melissa Iwai, author of Gigi, and Ojiji

“I think it's very important for kids to feel seen and I want to create the kind of books that I would have loved when I was a kid.”— Melissa Iwai, author of Gigi, and Ojiji

Grandfather’s Journey: 30th Anniversary of a Real-Life Folktale (ft. Allen Say & Melissa Iwai)

Do you remember reading The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg? As its 40th anniversary approaches, the book is nothing short of a Christmas classic. Before winning the Caldecott Medal in 1986, before the animated movie, and the Polar Express train rides Chris Van Allsburg had already garnered quite a reputation. He’s the author and illustrator behind The Garden of Abdul Gasazi, Jumanji, Zathura, and many others.

In this episode, Chris Van Allsburg and Leo Landry discuss the moody illustrations and profound coming-of-age story that has fascinated holiday readers year after year since 1985.

To learn more about Chris Van Allsburg’s, or Leo Landry’s books, visit 
https://www.harpercollins.com/search?q=chris+van+allsburg
https://www.harpercollins.com/search?q=leo+landry

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.


[1:59] The illustrations in The Polar Express were intentionally dark and moody to balance out the story’s Christmas cheer.

[11:48] Chris says his books are about a rite of passage as much as they are about magic.

[23:40] The Polar Express was Chris’ third book adapted into a feature film, but the first using motion-capture technology.

[30:18] Reigniting Santa Claus’s Christmas spirit is a lesser-known backstory of The Polar Express.

Continue Your Journey:
Polar Express
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“There are decisions that you make as an illustrator that are stylistic considerations that have to do with what you think the emotional tone of the book is. So there was some intention in using this deeper palette.” — Chris Van Allsburg, author and illustrator of The Polar Express

“It's a coming-of-age story because there's a point in our lives where we must become rational human beings because it's very difficult to function as adults if you live in a world of make-believe.” — Chris Van Allsburg, author and illustrator of The Polar Express

“This was the first, you know, ambitious use of motion capture and to see Tom Hanks climb out of a train and to see that this was not reality, but really close to it. I said this is great.” — Chris Van Allsburg, author and illustrator of The Polar Express

“Like a lot of his [Chris Van Allburg] books, they have a little bit of tension in all of the artwork that is a little bit like you just don’t know what is going to happen when you turn the page. Even though it is seemingly like a nice Christmas story. ” — Leo Landry, author, illustrator, and bookseller

“There was that annual anticipation of his [Chris Van Allburg] new book — and what would it be? His art just had a really different quality than a lot of illustration that was out there at that time. And that combined with a Christmas story, his unusual perspectives, his lighting in his artwork — the shadow and the light — every spread was just so beautifully composed.” — Leo Landry, author, illustrator, and bookseller

“Sometimes I just wonder how can someone not already have this book, but then every year we sell another 25 +, 30‒40 copies. So that's really impressive to me because there are very few books where that happens, and this is definitely one of them.“ — Leo Landry, author, illustrator, and bookseller

The Polar Express: A Magical Ride of Belief and Reality (ft. Chris Van Allsburg & Leo Landry)

Harold and the Purple Crayon: Exploration and Play are Just a Stroke Away (ft. Chris Van Allsburg & Brian Pinkney)
-
Do you remember reading Crockett Johnson's Harold and the Purple Crayon? To his friends and family Crockett was Dave Leisk. You might know him best for the bold purple line that gives shape to the spare illustrations of Harold and Purple Crayon, published in 1955.

In this episode, Chris Van Allsburg and Brian Pinkney reflect on the influence Harold and the Purple Crayon had on them, their work, and the value they believe it offers young readers.

To learn more about Chris Van Allsburg’s, or Brian Pinkney’s books, visit 
https://www.harpercollins.com/search?q=chris+van+allsburg
https://www.harpercollins.com/search?q=brian+pinkney

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.


[1:55] Does loving Harold and the Purple Crayon as a child guarantee future artistic talent?

[5:47] Bad Day at Riverbend follows the style of a coloring book with a twist.

[10:44] Similar to Brandon's blanket in Brian's book Brandon and the Baby, Harold's purple crayon conjures magic at every turn

[14:17] Brian and Chris embrace play and experimentation in their creative process, albeit with distinct approaches.

[18:36] Artists like Crockett Johnson have a long tradition of mentoring, motivating, and celebrating younger generations’ work.

[23:57] Filmmakers have cracked the story and are bringing Harold and the Purple Crayon to the big screen.

[26:53] Maurice Sendak, Brian, and Chris believe Harold and the Purple Crayon offers value to young readers.


Continue Your Journey:
Brian Pinkney
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“The concept behind Harold and the Purple Crayon was so simple. Something so easily grasped by a child and yet so fruitful in terms of the kind of narrative opportunities. The story you can tell having embraced this simple, magical idea of a crayon that could be used to create the world that Harold moved through.” — Chris Van Allsburg, author and illustrator of Bad Day at Riverbend

“The conclusion I came to, and it might overlap slightly with Harold, but it was the idea that in our lives that fate can be as fickle as a 6-year-old with a yellow crayon.” — Chris Van Allsburg, author and illustrator of Bad Day at Riverbend

“You can create magic in any moment even when things seem like it’s perilous. You can still, you know, use your imagination to come up with a solution.” — Brian Pinkney, author and illustrator of Hey Otter! Hey Beaver!

“Sometimes I'll paint things before I know what they're going to be and I don’t see it until it’s already painted and then I can make, you know, changes and that’s when the play begins.” — Brian Pinkney, author and illustrator of Hey Otter! Hey Beaver!

“It was fascinating to see that the young artists were not only interested in how I taught them art but in me as a person and that I valued what they were making.” — Brian Pinkney, author and illustrator of Hey Otter! Hey Beaver!

“I love it when books become movies because I love seeing how a different format and a different eye and different creative process will envision something.” — Brian Pinkney, author and illustrator of Hey Otter! Hey Beaver!

Harold and the Purple Crayon: Exploration and Play are Just a Stroke Away

Books have the power to inspire young people to take action and make a difference in the world. They open doors to understanding, creating awareness of real-world challenges while fostering a deep, personal connection to these struggles.  

In this episode, we explore stories that motivate and encourage action. Linda Sue Park and Salva Dut describe the journey that inspired A Long Walk to Water, Brian Pinkney returns to discuss the companion book, Nya's Long Walk: One Step at a Time, and Jasmine Warga emphasizes the connection between awareness and activism.

To learn more about Linda Sue Park’s, Jasmine Warga’s or Brian Pinkney’s books, visit 
harpercollins.com/search?q=linda+sue+park
harpercollins.com/search?q=jasmine+warga
harpercollins.com/search?q=Brian+Pinkney


Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.


[2:34] Believing young people should know Salva Dut’s journey, Linda Sue wrote A Long Walk to Water.

[7:10] In Houston, Texas, Jasmine Warga’s sixth-grade students had an immediate connection to Salva’s story.

[8:14] After eleven years of displacement, the chance to go to the U.S. presented Salva with new cultural challenges. 

[12:40] In her book, Other Words from Home, Jasmine reveals the stark contrast between life in Syria before and after the war.

[17:30] Brian Pinkney discusses the challenge of depicting the emotional quality of caring for a younger sibling in his illustrations for the picture book, Nya’s Long Walk: One Step at a Time.

[19:13] Salva’s Water for South Sudan project educates Sudanese people to maintain the more than 600 wells drilled by the non-profit.

[24:10] In Gracie Under the Waves, Linda Sue raises awareness of an environmental issue and calls young people to action.


Continue Your Journey:
Linda Sue Park
Jasmine Warga
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“What meeting Salva did was turn The Lost Boys of Sudan from a news headline into something personal.” — Linda Sue Park, author of A Long Walk to Water 

“Salva's readers have literally raised millions of dollars. You know, they are responsible for hundreds and hundreds of wells that are now serving hundreds of thousands of people.” — Linda Sue Park, author and Newbery Medal winner

“There is an activism component woven into Gracie's story because we only have one planet, and it's in big trouble.” — Linda Sue Park, author and Newbery Medal winner

“What would it be like for me if my cousins from Jordan had come to live with me when I was in seventh grade? Would I have been welcoming to them?” — Jasmine Warga, author of Other Words from Home

“A big part of the book is, do you see what I see? Have you found what I put there for you?” — Jasmine Warga, author of A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall

“After you work that hard and come back the next year to see that the water has really changed life there, people are happy, and they are using it, and they are healthy.” — Salva Dut, Co-founder of Water for South Sudan

A Long Walk to Water: When Books Become a Call to Action

The holidays are a chance to connect with loved ones, share stories, and laugh. The enduring appeal of holiday books lies in their ability to connect with us on a deeply personal level. They invite us to see Christmas through a child’s eyes with their unmatched curiosity, and unfiltered honesty. And, the best Christmas stories transcend cultural boundaries.


In this episode, we explore the comedic, heartfelt genius of Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the eyes of Barbara's daughter Margie and the Director of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever movie, Dallas Jenkins. We also hear about the challenge of reinterpreting holiday classics like The Night Before Christmas and creating holiday books that reflect the diversity of people and the world we live in from illustrator Loren Long and author Joanna Ho.

To learn more about Barbara Robinson’s, Joanna Ho’s, or Loren Long’s books, visit 
harpercollins.com/search?q=barbara+robinson
harpercollins.com/search?q=joanna+ho
harpercollins.com/search?q=loren+long


Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.


[:54] The Herdman’s rotten charm evokes empathy and understanding.

[6:05] Inspired by those who may be unfamiliar with the nativity story, Barbara wrote The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

[9:07] Illustrator Loren Long offers a modern take on the 200-year-old classic Christmas poem, The Night Before Christmas.

[13:24] Children internalize books and feel the gap when their ancestry is under-represented or not represented.

[18:25] Joanna Ho’s A City Full of Santas was inspired by a city full of Santas.

[26:38] Based on the nativity story, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, is definitely not a church book.


Continue Your Journey:
Joanna Ho
Loren Long
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“It’s a book about something that has traditionally been very holy and austere and I think humor kind of mixes that up a little bit.” — Margie Pinto-Leite, daughter of Barbara Robinson

“You can’t help but love the Herdmans. At the end of the story you just want more of them.” — Margie Pinto-Leite, daughter of Barbara Robinson

“It’s one of those things where you don’t know how much you’ve internalized about the messaging you are receiving from the world.” — Joanna Ho, author of A City Full of Santas

“Anyone who is trying so hard to create magic in this season is often actually just chaos and destruction. And part of that also, I hope, is that we can embrace that and see the beauty in just having that time together which I think is captured so beautifully in the story of the Herdmans.” — Joanna Ho, author of A City Full of Santas

“It's kind of promoted as a kids’ book but I’m telling you, you can read this as an adult.” — Dallas Jenkins, Director of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever movie

“It still impacts people around the world, this notion of sacrificial giving. And, some of us, believers and non, have lost that.” — Dallas Jenkins, Director of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever movie

“If I’m going to do this I wanna bring something new to it. Something contemporary.” — Loren Long, Illustrator of The Night Before Christmas 



The Best Christmas Pageant Ever & The Night Before Christmas: Holiday classics for today (ft. Dallas Jenkins, Margie Pinto-Leite, Loren Long & Joanna Ho)

Some stories don't just entertain—they show us how to grow up, challenging the limiting narratives we may have been told. Much like magic, a powerful story can bring us back to our true selves and help us discover who we might choose to be. The best stories become enduring classics, like Terry Pratchett's The Wee Free Men.

In this episode, we explore the world of fantasy novels and what it means to be a witch with Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent, co-authors of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and Marieke Nijkamp, author of the popular Splinter and Ash series.

To celebrate Pratchett’s beloved novels, we immerse ourselves in worlds brimming with witches, politics, grief, and secrets.

To learn more about Terry Pratchett’s, Rhianna Pratchett’s, Gabrielle Kent’s, or Marieke Nijkamp’s books, visit
harpercollins.com/search?q=Terry+Pratchett
harpercollins.com/search?q=Rhianna+Pratchett
harpercollins.com/search?q=Gabrielle+Kent
harpercollins.com/search?q=Marieke+Nijkamp


Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.


[3:30] The 20th anniversary of Terry Pratchett’s The Wee Free Men was the ideal time for Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent to write Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch.

[7:52] In The Wee Free Men, the character Tiffany Aching challenges traditions and finds her path as she embraces her power.

[14:59] Marieke Nijkamp wrote Splinter and Ash for readers who often struggle to connect with characters in fantasy.

[20:06] Terry Pratchett’s novels are admired for tackling complex political themes and refusing to present a simplified view of the world.

[24:08] Readers can expect more stories about death and what it means to be a witch from Rhianna and Gabrielle.


Continue Your Journey:
Rhianna Pratchett
Gabrielle Kent
Marieke Nijkamp
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“We started working in video games in the ’90s when it was very rare for there to be women working in games.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch

“I have a Witches Abroad quote tattooed on my arm.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels

“One of the things I love about Pratchett’s books in general, I think, is just that Tiffany discovers that one of the tools she has to deal with the world is stories.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels

“I love telling stories about people who maybe fall through the cracks a little bit, maybe just exist on the edges, maybe don’t quite feel, quite, feel at home or are seen as fully part of their homes.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels

“One of the great things about my father’s work for younger readers is it can be enjoyed by anyone, right? He doesn’t pander to younger readers.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and daughter of Terry Pratchett

“We were basically reading the whole book to each other, and then we had to have whiskey for the hard chapters, then we were just sobbing at the end.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch

“Reading those books has helped me think very differently about death as well. Sounds so weird, but seeing that kind of positive side of it and that it’s not something to be feared.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch

“Everyone should pick up at least one book. And I think Wee Free Men, if you’ve never read any Discworld books, is a great place to start.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels



The Wisdom of Witches: Finding Ourselves in Fantasies (ft. Rhianna Pratchett, Gabrielle Kent, & Marieke Nijkamp)

Growing up is an experience of small wonders and worries. It is in the smallest slices of everyday life that we get to encounter the big feelings that hide in quiet moments. Our favorite books are filled with characters that compel us to reflect on our early experiences and recognize the profound influence of the teachers who shaped us.

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary aspects of ordinary life through the rhythmic cadence of Kevin Henkes’ The Year of Billy Miller and the illustrated storytelling in Lynne Rae Perkins’ At Home in a Far Away Place.

To learn more about Kevin Henkes’ and Lynne Rae Perkins’ books, visit
harpercollins.com/search?q=Kevin+Henkes
harpercollins.com/search?q=Lynne+Rae+Perkins

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.


[2:24] Readers interpret the characters of The Year of Billy Miller in ways that resonate with their personal experiences.

[7:05] Lynne Rae appreciates Kevin’s poetic writing and his expressive, authentic characters.

[10:09] Kevin cultivates a distinct rhythm in his writing that operates independently of the words’ literal meaning.

[12:34] Lynne Rae’s illustrations connect words to images in a way that goes beyond storytelling.

[19:34] In Kevin’s books, teachers are prominent figures — a choice that reflects their profound influence on children’s lives.

[25:03] In At Home in a Far Away Place, Lynne Rae explores how teachers can be hidden in even the briefest of relationships.


Continue Your Journey:
Kevin Henkes
Lynne Rae Perkins
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“If you look at those small domestic details and shed light on them in a particular way, and look at them maybe from a different angle, I think it really is illuminating and it can tell you a lot about life.” — Kevin Henkes, Author of The Year of Billy Miller

“To me, the book was loaded with things that were emotional and big and meaningful and dramatic.” — Kevin Henkes, Author of The Year of Billy 
Miller

“I’ll go over a paragraph sometimes for days just trying to get it, what I think, is exactly right.” — Kevin Henkes, Author of The Year of Billy Miller

“A teacher is such a huge part of a kid's life.”— Kevin Henkes, Author of The Year of Billy Miller  

“It’s really a nice thing to know and understand and feel that what one does has an impact in the larger world.” — Kevin Henkes, Author of The Year of Billy Miller

“People sometimes describe our books as quiet books. But to us, they seem so jam-packed, full of really big things. They don’t seem quiet to us at all.” — Lynne Rae Perkins, author of At Home in a Far Away Place

“I think Kevin writes about feelings and experiences that we all share in one way or another, including hard feelings and experiences.” — Lynne Rae Perkins, author of At Home in a Far Away Place

“Part of being an author of picture books is that you are writing for two audiences. You are writing for the children and you are writing for the parents.” — Lynne Rae Perkins, author of At Home in a Far Away Place

“I think you can have a little interaction with somebody that takes 30 seconds, but it can be part of the thing that keeps you on board.” — Lynne Rae Perkins, author of At Home in a Far Away Place



Chrysanthemum, The Year of Billy Miller, and Stories that Illustrate the Big Feelings of Small Moments (ft. Kevin Henkes & Lynne Rae Perkins)

Introducing Remember Reading, a podcast about classic children's books coming January 2019. In the show, host Lindsay Jacobsen searches to discover the meaning of a classic book. You'll hear from readers, the authors themselves—from archived interviews or in person with us in the studio—as well as contemporary, award winning authors as they reflect on the famous children's books that inspired them. Subscribe and be the first to know when our pilot episode airs. And hey, we want to hear what YOU remember reading. Submit your story of your favorite classic story via Twitter @readingpod or emailing us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Visit rememberreading.com to learn more!

Remember Reading | Podcast Trailer

Do you remember reading Charlotte's Web? In this episode, Lindsay uncovers the famous children's book about a pig and a spider and discovers author EB White's story behind this Newbery award-winning book. Authors Jodi Kendall (The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City) and Lisa Greenwald (TBH: This is So Awkward) reflect on themes of loss and friendship and how a tough topic like grief, handled with care, makes Charlotte's Web a special book for kids. Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Charlotte's Web (ft. Jodi Kendall & Lisa Greenwald)

Ella Enchanted is a modern day fairytale that has captured the hearts of many—so many, in fact, that it has legions of loyal fans! The story is celebrated for its feminist undertones and romance #goals. In this episode, author Gail Carson Levine shares the story behind the Ella Enchanted book as well as some touching fan mail. You'll also hear from Huffington Post culture writer and Ella super-fan, Claire Fallon, and other fans like Lorraine Boissoneault, Charlotte Stauffer, and Laura Hankin. And later, Gail's editor, Rosemary Brosnan, joins us to give us a little behind-the-scenes insight. Gail now has a follow up to Ella Enchanted called Ogre Enchanted. Check it out: http://bit.ly/2Br4Tf3
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Ella Enchanted (ft. Gail Carson Levine)

A Series of Unfortunate Events begins with a warning... that this story is NOT for the faint of heart. Readers are determined to go on and prove their bravery. Listen as we talk to Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, on how he developed SUE and how fans have expressed deep connections with the harrowing circumstances of which its characters, The Baudelaire Siblings, are dealt. Soman Chainani, author of The School for Good and Evil series, joins us to talk about the kindred voice he felt for Lemony Snicket as well as his love of fairytales. We also get into evil itself and how a villain coming back again and again is an important lesson for kids. Also joining us is Handler's editor, Susan Rich who explains how the story was presented to her by Handler. She reflects on her reaction to the concept and why the series enchants its readers. 
To learn more about A Series of Unfortunate Events, visit http://bit.ly/SUE_RR
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Buy the book

A Series of Unfortunate Events (ft. Daniel Handler aka "Lemony Snicket" & Soman Chainani)

Beverly Cleary is a living legend and one of the most beloved children's book authors of our time. She's the prolific writer of The Mouse and the Motorcycle, The Ramona Quimby series, and many other famous children's books, but did you know that, when she was younger, she *hated* reading? In today's episode, we talk about Beverly Cleary's resistance to reading and how The Mouse and the Motorcycle was created for reluctant readers like her former self. Tune in as we talk with Leslie Connor, author of the acclaimed kids book, The Truth as Told By Mason Buttle, about fantasy, writing, alternative education, and how in some cases, the thing that inhibits us most can turn out to one day be our biggest strength. 
To learn more about The Mouse and the Motorcycle, visit bit.ly/MouseRR
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

The Mouse and the Motorcycle (ft. Leslie Connor)

"Wayside School is a really warm happy place where everyone accepts everyone..." This week, we’re in conversation with bestselling, award-winning author of the Wayside School series, Louis Sachar (also author of Holes) to talk about the origins of Sideways Stories from Wayside School and its zany staff, including his own literary cameo. We’ll also sit with special guests Erin Entrada Kelly, Hello, Universe and Dan Gutman, My Weird School series, to talk about diversity in kidlit, allowing child readers to laugh at adults, and embracing the power of weird.
To learn more about Wayside School, visit bit.ly/RRWayside
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Wayside School (ft. Louis Sachar, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Dan Gutman)

Life is unpredictable, and if you've ever read Katherine Paterson's popular children's book, Bridge to Terabithia, you may still feel a lingering grief from this tragically beautiful tale. On today's show, Lindsay talks to Katherine Paterson about the book's creation and its lasting effect on readers. Katherine walks us through the shockingly true and emotional story behind this story. Authors Laurel Snyder (Orphan Island) and Margaret Peterson Haddix (The Greystone Secrets) will discuss what the book means to them, personally and professionally, and how they've brought their own personal experiences into their stories. They'll also talk about the importance of reading books that scare you, no matter your age.
Intercut with audio excerpts from the book, this episode will take you on an emotional journey through a book's important history, its cultural impact, and how we cope with life's great big unknowns.
To learn more about Bridge to Terabithia, visit bit.ly/RRTerabithia
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Bridge to Terabithia (ft. Katherine Paterson, Laurel Snyder, & Margaret Peterson Haddix)

Stuart Little is a famous mouse (or...is he?) best known for his small but mighty reputation. On this episode, we're talking about imagination, growing up, and the wonder that nature inspires as we discover Stuart Little "the story"—a beloved and at one time *banned* book—as well as Stuart Little, "the character"—a mouse who is also a human. We'll also talk about E.B. White's creative process and hear some of his real letters read aloud throughout the episode. Our guests include acclaimed authors, Katherine Applegate, ENDLING, ANIMORPHS, and Kathryn Lasky, TANGLED IN TIME, GUARDIANS OF GA'HOOL, who share a keen sense of nature and fantasy as well as a love for this popular children's book about a mouse-boy. 
To learn more about Stuart Little, visit http://bit.ly/StuartLittleBook
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Stuart Little (ft. Katherine Applegate & Kathryn Lasky)

Ramona Quimby is a pest. So... why do we *love* her? Ramona is an icon who helps kids understand the things we can't control like family dynamics and classroom rules. She also teaches us to speak up and question everything—even grownups. In this episode, we'll talk about the Ramona Quimby series and its legendary author, Beverly Cleary, who herself once struggled with reading. Guests Julie Murphy (Dumplin', Dear Sweet Pea), Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer, Clayton Byrd Goes Underground), and Dan Yaccarino (Giant Tess, Five Little Pumpkins) join us to talk about Ramona's bold personality and how her pesky relationships with world around her paved the way for them as authors writing popular children's books in today's climate. They'll also talk about the important intricacies of coming of age books, their own complex characters and why its important to write about ordinary, relatable situations—something Beverly Cleary does so, so well.

To learn more about Ramona Quimby, visit bit.ly/RRRamonaQ
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Ramona Quimby (ft. Julie Murphy, Rita Williams-Garcia, & Dan Yaccarino)

Have you ever really thought about just how *weird* going to sleep is? On today's show, we're talking about one of the most famous children's books of all time: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown! The bedtime story's hypnotic rhythm stays with its readers from infancy long into adulthood. HarperCollins recently published The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown. It's a 42 page long picture book that celebrates the late author's legacy, as well as her 42 years of life, and it's written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Sarah Jacoby. On the show, Lindsay talks with them about why they love Goodnight Moon and how their research connected them to Margaret's special world. Later in the show, we'll talk about one of Margaret Wise Brown's unpublished manuscripts, Good Day, Good Night, that was illustrated by renowned author/illustrator, Loren Long, and published in 2017. He'll talk with us about writing for kids, adapting Margaret's work with admiration, and his unique experience as an artist with colorblindness.
To learn more about Goodnight Moon, visit bit.ly/GoodnightMoonBook
Link to The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown: http://bit.ly/2oSBtDt
Link to Good Day, Good Night: http://bit.ly/2PV22mC
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Goodnight Moon (ft. Mac Barnett, Sarah Jacoby, & Loren Long)

Most of us know Shel Silverstein as a prolific poet, but did you know he was also a songwriter? Among Shel's many talents, his ridiculous and profound wordplay amazes his readers from childhood long into adulthood. Today, he's known for his unique way of writing and displaying poems and as one of the most famous classic children's book authors of all time. On the show today, we're going to focus mostly on Where the Sidewalk Ends. We speak with Beth Ferry, author of acclaimed picture book, The Scarecrow, about how wordplay has impacted her writing success. We'll also catch up with poetry teacher, Rachel Eisler about her love of poetry, particularly Shel's, and how it plays in the classroom. Both guests read Shel's poetry for us, and it's poetry magic!

To learn more about Shel Silverstein, visit www.shelsilverstein.com/
Link to The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry: bit.ly/2Z0JL8x
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Shel Silverstein (ft. Beth Ferry & Rachel Eisler)

Open the wardrobe door and climb into the magical world of Narnia! Join us as we discuss one of the most famous children's book series of all time, The Chronicles of Narnia as well as C.S. Lewis, the brilliant man behind the beloved books. On the show, we talk with C.S. Lewis' stepson, Douglas Gresham about his experience with the late writer. Gresham shares anecdotes about his parents—how their love, romance, and kindness changed his life forever. We also talk with Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series! He tells us about how Narnia influenced his work and how, much like C.S. Lewis, he never intended on writing a series at all.

To learn more about The Chronicles of Narnia, visit http://bit.ly/36f93Dd
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

The Chronicles of Narnia (ft. Douglas Gresham & Eoin Colfer)

We’re sitting in on the trial of Steve Harmon, the protagonist of Walter Dean Myers’ groundbreaking novel Monster. Though first published in 1999, Monster remains as topical and unsettling now as ever before. Join us as we talk with two people whose lives were changed by Myers’ work—his long-time editor, Phoebe Yeh, and bestselling YA author Tiffany D. Jackson—and work through the questions that made Monster shine. What makes a monster? Who decides? And what happens to kids trapped in a system that labels them as irredeemable? We also talk about Myers' influence on the We Need Diverse Books movement in the children's literature.

**DISCLAIMER: This episode explores tough topics relating to the juvenile justice system experience that parents and teachers may want to review before sharing with children.**

To learn more about Monster, visit http://bit.ly/2UHy7Ro
The Monster audiobook featured on this episode is brought to you by Listening Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House: http://bit.ly/2uuwoEp
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Monster (ft. Tiffany Jackson & Phoebe Yeh)

We may be former kids, but sometimes, it takes a little imagination to remind us what it was like to be a child. Find yourself a secret place as we discuss the unique power of imagination and The Secret Garden. On the show, we'll talk to Katherine Paterson about how The Secret Garden actually inspired her to write Bridge to Terabithia. We'll also talk to Sara Pennypacker, author of Pax and Here in the Real World, about her own secret places as a child.

To learn more about The Secret Garden, visit https://bit.ly/3eGBuiZ
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

The Secret Garden (ft. Katherine Paterson & Sara Pennypacker)

There's no place like home in this cozy, quirky children's book series about a frog, a toad, and their special friendship, written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel. On the show, we catch up with Adrianne Lobel, Arnold's daughter, to learn more about her father and the inspiration behind this classic story. We'll also talk to his longtime editor, Susan Hirschman, as well as some famous illustrators who were inspired by Arnold's work. Pete Oswald, illustrator of The Angry Birds movie and The Food Group series, has fond memories of the books growing up, and now his children are loving Frog & Toad. Illustrator Sergio Ruzzier, illustrator of Roar Like a Dandelion, loves Arnold Lobel's work so much, he has an original drawing from the late author.

To learn more about Frog and Toad, visit bit.ly/2WuOUr6
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Frog and Toad (ft. Adrianne Lobel, Susan Hirschman, Pete Oswald, & Sergio Ruzzier)

Did you know The One and Only Ivan was based on a real-life gorilla? Ivan lived in a mall in Tacoma, Washington for many years before being transferred to Zoo Atlanta. On this episode, we'll talk to author, Katherine Applegate, on why the circumstances inspired her to write the Newberry Medal winning book that's a soon to be major motion picture. The first time John Schumacher, or Mr. Schu, read this book, it changed his life. Listen to his story and how he, as Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic, incorporates it into his classroom visits. We'll also talk with Rosanne Parry, the author of A Wolf Called Wander, about getting into the mindset of an animal—in her case, a wolf—and the special bond we have with nature.

To learn more about The One and Only Ivan, visit: https://bit.ly/3cKC0KI
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

The One and Only Ivan (ft. Katherine Applegate, Mr. Schu, & Rosanne Parry)

Hailed by the New York Times as "witty and original," One Crazy Summer is a moving & funny story about three sisters looking for their mother in 1960s California. It's also a book that brings up issues that almost mirror current events today, tackling problems kids see around themselves. On this episode, we'll talk to acclaimed author Rita Williams-Garcia about what inspired her to write the Newbery Honor and National Book Award winning story - a contemporary classic that deals with everything from abandonment, to unfair policing, and the Black Panthers - why representation matters, and more. We'll also be joined by authors Janae Marks (From the Desk of Zoe Washington), Paula Chase (Turning Point), and Lisa Moore Ramée (Something to Say), three writers who read One Crazy Summer as adults, and had it stick with them. 

To learn more about One Crazy Summer, visit: bit.ly/2Yn09T0

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

One Crazy Summer (ft. Rita Williams-Garcia, Janae Marks, Paula Chase & Lisa Moore Ramée)

A family podcast about classic children’s books and the impact they have on us long into adulthood. In each episode, we talk about one popular children's book from the past, uncovering the unique story behind the story. While sitting down with famous, award-winning authors, we investigate the timeless themes in kids’ books.

Remember Reading Podcast

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