Listen Now

On episode 58 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast we talked with author Hannah Carmona Dias about her new picture book DAZZLING TRAVIS, which is all about being confident and original. We received a free review copy from the publisher. All opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, Lu and Bean Read will receive a commission on products purchased. About Dazzling Travis From the publisher: An empowering story for gender nonconforming kids or any little one who dares to be different! Travis has no limits to what he enjoys doing. Everything from shopping and football to ballet or dress up, Travis is a one of a kind boy! But when some of the kids on the playground pick on him, Travis truly dazzles. See how this empowering story encourages both boys and girls to challenge the social norm, revealing their true selves. Dazzling Travis is published by Cardinal Rule Press and illustrated by Brenda Figueroa. About Hannah Carmona Dias Hannah Carmona Dias is a writer who currently resides in Tennessee. DAZZLING TRAVIS is her second book and was inspired by her work in children’s theater. In addition to being a writer, Hannah is also a wife, mother of two wonderful girls, co-founder of Collective Art School of Tennessee, YouTuber, and actress. When she is not working on her books, Hannah enjoys binge-watching shows on Netflix, avoiding housework, and spending time with her two cats, dog, and iguana. Books We Discussed The post LBR058: Dazzling Travis with Author Hannah Carmona Dias appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 57 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast with talked with author Katey Howes about her new picture book BE A MAKER, which is all about exploring all the ways kids use their creativity every day. We received a free review copy from the publisher. All opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, Lu and Bean Read will receive a commission on products purchased. About the author Katey Howes is a children’s author writing picture books, chapter books, and middle grade novels.  She writes with the twin goals of helping children connect their own experience to the greater world, and of inspiring children to become lifelong readers. She loves exploring different techniques, styles and genres to match a theme and to build an immersive experience for the reader. When not writing for children, Katey contributes to websites and blogs about books, reading, parenting, and writing. Her articles can be found at All the Wonders, Nerdy Bookclub, SubItClub, STEAM-powered Family, Imagination Soup, and Multilingual Parenting, amongst others. She presents at writers’ conferences and education summits, but much prefers any opportunity to read, play and create with children. Katey is most at home in libraries, bookshops, camps and museums full of curious kids – and books. About the book From Goodreads: How many things can you make in a day? A tower, a friend, a change? Rhyme, repetition, and a few seemingly straightforward questions engage young readers in a discussion about the many things we make—and the ways we can make a difference in the world. This simple, layered story celebrates creativity through beautiful rhyming verse and vibrant illustrations with a timely message. Books we discussed The post LBR 057: Be a Maker with Author Katey Howes appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 56 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast we talked with Kathleen Yale, former wildlife biologist and author of the nonfiction picture book HOWL LIKE A WOLF.  We received a free review copy from the author. All opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission on products purchased. About Kathleen Yale Kathleen Yale is an on-again, off-again wildlife field biologist, artist, reader, outdoor enthusiast, wonder-seeker, animal-lover, and freelance writer and editor. She was the reviews editor at Orion Magazine until she moved back to the Northern Rockies, where she currently resides with her family in a house surrounded by magpies, just outside of Glacier National Park. Kathleen has spent the last several years working a lot with creative science storytelling, writing for venues like Birdcage Press, the educational children’s publisher, and the fabulously nerdy YouTube science program The SciShow.  She also researched and wrote a forty-episode series on psychology and a fifty-ish episode series on anatomy and physiology for the online channel Crash Course. Her first book HOWL LIKE A WOLF is a long-form, illustrated, nonfiction children’s book about animal behavior, ecology, and imagination. About the Book From Goodreads: From birds to dogs to horses, kids love to watch, imitate, learn about, and pretend to be animals. But there’s a lot more to being a dog than just panting and walking on all fours. This book combines natural history with creative play activities to encourage children to think like an animal. For each featured animal, children learn key facts such as what it eats; where it lives; who else lives with it; and how it interacts with other animals. Creative prompts then teach kids how to mimic more subtle aspects of behavior that are central to the animal’s life and survival. HOWL LIKE A WOLF is illustrated by Kaley McKean. It published in April 2018 from Storey Publishing. Books We Talked About The post LBR 056: Howl Like a Wolf with Author Kathleen Yale appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 55 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast, we talked with our good friend Stephanie Watson, author of BEST FRIENDS IN THE UNIVERSE. We received a free review copy from the author. All opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, Lu and Bean Read will receive a commission on products purchased. About the author When Stephanie Watson was five, her career ambition was to be a cake decorator. She read a lot when I was a kid. She also performed at the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company. She was in Alice in Wonderland, Madeline’s Rescue, Babar, Pippi Longstocking, Pinocchio, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, A Wrinkle in Time and other plays. To balance out these enriching educational experiences, she also watched a lot of TV. For a while, her favorite show was called Small Wonder, about a little girl robot named Vicki who could lift a car over her head. Spending so much time immersed in stories as a kid did something to Stephanie, like in Batman, when that guy falls in a vat of chemical green goo and becomes the Joker. But instead of becoming a supervillain with diabolical plans, she became a storyteller determined to write and draw. Stephanie and the Joker both like to laugh, though. Stephanie has written two middle-grade novels, ELVIS & OLIVE and ELVIS & OLVIE: SUPER DETECTIVES. She also wrote the picture books BEHOLD! A BABY and THE WEE HOURS. There’s a new novel and a couple of picture books in the works, and she is branching out into visual storytelling, too (check out her comics). A proud product of the Minneapolis Public Schools (Clara Barton Open, South High), she also attended Sarah Lawrence College in New York. In addition to writing stories, she also teaches writing workshops for children and adults. And she is the mother of a rainbow tornado of joy named Ivy. She lives in Minneapolis (by Lu and Bean!). About the book (From Goodreads): Louie and Hector are the best friends in the universe. The two boys fall in and out and eventually back into their best friendship ever through a series of funny secrets that neither one was supposed to reveal. Each episode is told in a journal format in four parts: “Best Friends in the Universe,” “Best Friends in the Universe Forever and Ever,” “Worst Friends in the Universe,” and finally “Worst Secret Keepers in the Universe But Still Best Friends Forever and Ever.” Books we discussed The post LBR 055: Best Friends in the Universe with author Stephanie Watson appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 54 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast, we talked with Tracey Kyle, author of one of our favorite books, GAZPACHO FOR NACHO, and the fantastic new picture book FOOD FIGHT FIESTA.  We received a free review copy from the publisher. All opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, Lu and Bean Read will receive a commission on products purchased. About Food Fight Fiesta From Goodreads: “Off to the hills of España we go. Grab a tomato . . . get ready . . . now THROW!” Every year, the town of Buñol in Spain holds La Tomatina, a grand fiesta featuring the world’s BIGGEST food fight! Join in the fun! Afer putting on goggles and grabbing some squishy tomates, it’s time to toss fruit like there’s no tomorrow. “WHOOSH! Tomatoes are filling the air!” “SPLAT! Tomatoes are stuck in my hair!” Soon, the entire town is flowing in crimson. Juice flows down ears, drips off noses, runs down ankles, and spreads through toes. And the tomatoes are still flying until . . . BOOM! The cannon is fired, and it’s time to stop for the day, clean up, and go to bed, to dream of all of the fun next year. A silly, sensory celebration of tradition and gold old-fashioned food fight fun, Take Me to La Tomatina! is sure to delight. About Tracey Kyle Tracey Kyle has always loved books. She grew up in New Jersey with three younger sisters in a busy house with a lawyer dad and a stay-at-home mom. To get away from the noise, she would hide in her room and read. Her father brought home a bag full of books each week. By seventh grade, she had a collection four shelves high in her bedroom. She also loved writing poems that rhymed.   Tracey lives with her husband  in Northern Virginia with two cats, Penelope and Genevieve. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching! Tracey taught Spanish and French to high schoolers for a long time. Now, she work in a middle school with very enthusiastic 8th graders. Books We Discussed Thanks for listening! The post LBR 054: Food Fight Fiesta with author Tracey Kyle appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 53 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast, we talked with Natasha Wing, author of 37 books. We talked about her books BAGEL IN LOVE and JALAPENO BAGELS. This post contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. About Bagel in Love From Goodreads: Poor Bagel! He dreams of entering the Cherry Jubilee dance contest . . . but no one wants to be his partner! Can he find a sweet-tart who doesn’t think his steps are half-baked?  Bagel loved to dance. It made him happier than a birthday cake! And more than anything, he wants a partner who will spin and swirl, tap and twirl with him in the dance contest. But Pretzel sniffs that he doesn’t cut the mustard, Croissant thinks his moves are stale, and Doughnut’s eyes just glaze over. Can a cute cupcake save the day for our would-be Fred Éclair? Witty and pun-filled, this picture book really takes the cake. BAGEL IN LOVE is illustrated by Helen Dardik. It published on January 2, 2018, from Sterling Children’s Books. About Natasha Wing When Natasha Wing was a young girl, she wanted to be a teacher.  She would line up her stuffed animals—Billy Bear, Boing Boing, Easter Bunny—in front of a board with magnetic letters and numbers and teach them the alphabet and how to count. In high school, she wanted to be a tennis player. She was on the tennis team and played at her neighborhood tennis club in the summers—and even competed in tournaments. Then in college she thought digging dinosaur bones would be a cool job. Or working at a big time advertising agency. It wasn’t until after college, when she was working at her own small public relations agency, that she decided she really wanted to write children’s books. She was so inspired by the magic that happens when reading a story that she wanted to see if her active imagination could create magical moments for kids all over the world. So she started writing. Luckily, she sold my first manuscript in 1992.  She’s been writing ever since. Natasha loves the freedom of being her own boss, of coming up with ideas on her own, and writing that first draft to see if her idea has any spark. She’s not so crazy about the revising process, although there are thrilling moments when she figures out a better way to say something, nail dialog, or work through a complicated plot line. The most exciting moment is when an editor says they want to publish her story.  Then she knows all her hard work has paid off, and that soon, children will enter her imaginative world through a book. Podcast sponsor This month’s podcast sponsor is Little Feminist Book Club. Little Feminist wants to help you diversify your child’s bookshelf. Each month, they send 1-2 books featuring characters with underrepresented backgrounds. Little Feminist spends months consulting with a team of educators, librarians, and parents to pick each book and create a suite of hands-on activities to accompany them. Whether it’s treasure hunts or DIY musical instruments, the goal of the included activities is to make the stories come alive for both children and families. Raise good humans one children’s book at a time with Little Feminist! Get $5 off your first month today with the code “luandbean” when you checkout at littlefeminist.com!  Books we discussed The post LBR 053: Bagel In Love with Author Natasha Wing appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 52 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast, we talked with children’s writer Nancy Churnin about how to get in your character’s head and write authentic nonfiction picture books. About Nancy Churnin Nancy Churnin is the theater critic for the Dallas Morning News and author of THE WILLIAM HOY STORY: HOW A DEAF BASEBALL PLAYER CHANGED THE GAME, MANJHI MOVES A MOUNTAIN, CHARLIE MAKES HIS SHOT: HOW CHARLIE SIFFORD BROKE THE COLOR BARRIER IN GOLF and IRVING BERLIN, THE IMMIGRANT BOY WHO MADE AMERICA SING. Later this year and early next year, her new books THE QUEEN AND THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE and MARTIN & ANNE will publish. A native New Yorker, she’s a graduate of Harvard University, with a master’s from Columbia University School of Journalism. About Charlie Takes His Shot CHARLIE GETS HIS SHOT is the story of professional golfer Charlie Sifford. Charlie Sifford loved golf, but in the 1930s only white people were allowed to play in the Professional Golf Association. Sifford had won plenty of black tournaments, but he was determined to break the color barrier in the PGA. In 1960 he did, only to face discrimination from hotels that wouldn’t rent him rooms and clubs that wouldn’t let him use the same locker as the white players. But Sifford kept playing, becoming the first black golfer to win a PGA tournament and eventually ranking among the greats in golf. About Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing Irving Berlin came to the United States as a refugee from Tsarist Russia, escaping a pogrom that destroyed his village. Growing up on the streets of the lower East Side, the rhythms of jazz and blues inspired his own song-writing career. Starting with his first big hit, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Berlin created the soundtrack for American life with his catchy tunes and irresistible lyrics. With “God Bless America,” he sang his thanks to the country which had given him a home and a chance to express his creative vision. Other books we discussed The post LBR 052: Getting in Your Character’s Head with Author Nancy Churnin appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 51 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast, the girls interviewed Danielle Davis. Danielle is the author of the delightful and magical middle grade novel ZINNIA AND THE BEES. This post contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. About Danielle Davis Danielle Davis grew up in Singapore and Hong Kong and now lives in Los Angeles. She has a master’s degree in literature and creative writing and a number of her short stories have been published in literary magazines. Prior to her writing career, she taught English to middle school and community college students. Now, she reads and writes and volunteers with literacy organizations. Danielle writes a wonderful blog about picture books called This Picture Book Life. About Zinnia and the Bees Between a failed yarn bomb, a missing brother, a mother who doesn’t get her, and a nosy new neighbor who seems to notice way too much—especially when it comes to her buzzzzzy new friends—Zinnia’s last day of seventh grade is challenging, to say the least. But learning to trust herself might just be the toughest challenge of all, as Zinnia discovers in this irresistible story about discovering the true meaning of home. Books we discussed The post LBR 051: Zinnia and the Bees with author Danielle Davis appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 50 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast we celebrated this milestone episode with author Karlyn Coleman and a group of kids from Lu and Bean’s school. We were invited to record a podcast at Family Reading Night, one of the events celebrating the monthlong Read-A-Thon at school. Thanks to interviewers Evelyn, Katie, Addison, Marlow, and Norah who helped Lu and Bean conduct the interview. This post contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. About Where Are All the Minnesotans? From Amazon.com: In the Midwest, winter means freezing temperatures, shorter days, and piles of snow. For some, the logical response is to curl up under the blankets and hibernate until spring. But wait: where are all the Minnesotans? Outside, of course! First, bundle up: a warm coat and a hat and gloves, and you’re all set. Now, squeeze into an ice-fishing shack to try your luck, or skate on a lake and swipe at a puck. Grab a sled and all your friends and tackle a snow-covered hill. Or how about a candlelit ski, with the moon shining brightly overhead? Think parades are only for summer? Not so: a winter carnival brings folks to watch cheerful floats and marching bands. And kites are not only for spring: their bright shapes and flowing tails dance above a frozen lake, waving and dipping in the brisk breeze. With these activities and many more, Minnesotans make the most of the wintry months. But what if the temperature drops and the wind starts to blow? Safety comes first: now everyone’s home. It’s time to hunker down by the fire, bake cookies, read stories, and dream of spring. And where do you suppose all the Minnesotans will be then? WHERE ARE ALL THE MINNESOTANS is written by Karlyn Coleman, illustrated by Carrie Hartman, and published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press. About Karlyn Coleman Karlyn Coleman was awarded a 2013 Minnesota Emerging Writers’ Grant from the Loft Literary Center. Her stories have been published in or on Paper Darts, McSweeney’s, Canvas, and Revolver. Her story, “Ice Roads” was awarded first place in fiction and published in Crab Orchard Review. Karlyn lives in Minneapolis with her husband, two boys, and a dog named Happy. Books we discussed About today’s sponsor Thank you to our sponsor this week, the Biracial Bookworms Academy. When your child starts school, how will you make sure they are successful? We’re excited to announce Teaching Kids to Read Ages 0-5, a brand new course from the Biracial Bookworms Academy that will help you raise lifelong readers and transform your child’s life by unlocking the reading magic from birth. The course is guaranteed to be authentic. No gimmicks or shortcuts with “magic” curriculum. It will give you exactly what you need to help the children in your life by using cultural and literacy rich experiences. Over the course of 10 self-paced lessons, Biracial Bookworms Academy will guide you in how to use every day life to ensure your child is a life long reader. Learn how to create a reader friendly environment, learn multiple languages, and using whole brain learning to unlock your child’s greatest potential. As parents, we want to raise readers, but we also want to raise the next generation of leaders. Give your child the world right from birth and sign up to take the Teaching Kids to Read course today. The post LBR 050: Behind the scenes of book-making with Karlyn Coleman appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 49 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast, we had the honor of interviewing author Marcie Colleen who wrote the new picture book LOVE, TRIANGLE. Marcie was a blast to chat with and obviously is very skilled at working with and writing for children! This post contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. About Love, Triangle From Goodreads: A hilariously clever geometry-inspired picture book from acclaimed author Marcie Colleen and popular illustrator Bob Shea. Ever since they were a dot and a speck, Circle and Square have been best friends…. Then someone new comes along: a cool, exciting Triangle. And three starts to feel like a crowd. . . .With their friendship bent out of shape, can they put it back together again? A hilariously clever geometry-inspired picture book from acclaimed author Marcie Colleen and popular illustrator Bob Shea. Perfect for fans of Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Ever since they were a dot and a speck, Circle and Square have been best friends…. Then someone new comes along: a cool, exciting Triangle. And three starts to feel like a crowd. . . .With their friendship bent out of shape, can they put it back together again? LOVE, TRIANGLE is illustrated by Bob Shea and published by Balzer and Bray in October 2017. About Marcie Colleeen Marcie Colleen is a former classroom teacher turned children’s book author. In addition to LOVE, TRIANGLE, Marcie is the author of THE SUPER HAPPY PARTY BEARS chapter book series with Macmillan/Imprint and PENGUINAUT!, illustrated by Emma Yarlett, to be published by Scholastic in 2018.  ​ ​ Marcie is an expert on creating highly acclaimed Teacher’s Guides that align picture books and middle grade novels with the Common Core and state mandated standards. She is the education consultant for Picture Book Month and the curriculum developer for Time Traveler Tours & Tales. She is a frequent presenter at conferences for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as a faculty member for Kidlit Writing School. Her educational work in children’s literature has been recognized by School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, and the Children’s Book Council. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education of English and language arts from Oswego State University and a master’s degree in educational theater from New York University. ​ Although she will always be a Brooklynite at heart, Marcie lives in San Diego, California with her husband—artist Jonathan Lopes—and their mischievous sock monkey.  Books we discussed The post LBR 049: Love, Triangle with author Marcie Colleen appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 48 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast we had the pleasure of chatting with author and publisher Maria Dismondy of Cardinal Rule Press. Maria’s new picture book THE FRUIT SALAD FRIEND is all about looking for a diversity of character traits that can help you find great friends. Plus, we chatted about all our favorite kids books about making good friends. Once you check out everything we talked about on this episode, be sure to visit our 2015 post about books on how to make friends. This post contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. We received a review copy of THE FRUIT SALAD FRIEND to produce this podcast and post. About The Fruit Salad Friend Chloe loves going to school, but lately, something is different. Chloe has all the ingredients of a great friend—kindness, empathy, compassion, and more. Chloe wonders, “What do you do when friends don’t treat you with kindness?” THE FRUIT SALAD FRIEND shows how this brave girl navigates the trials and tribulations that pop up on her way to discovering the recipe for lasting friendship. About Maria Dismondy Born and raised in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Maria grew up chilling on red shag carpet watching the Smurfs and playing with Cabbage Patch Dolls. Many years later, she went on to graduate from Michigan State University and married her high school sweetheart. Together, they are raising their three children on a little lake in the heart of Southeast Michigan. Maria is the author of many books and the founder of Cardinal Rule Press. People often ask how Maria got started in the book business. It’s not a simple answer so she now offers one-on-one publishing consultations for people interested in making their own writing careers come to life. Books we discussed [best_selling_products per_page="1" orderby="menu_order" columns="0" order="ASC"] Thanks for listening! The post LBR 048: Finding Good Friends with Author Maria Dismondy appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 47 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast we talked with Bethany Edwards, the creator of the Biracial Bookworms blog. Bethany shared about her own children’s writing, the resources she consults with to find the best biracial books for her family, and how she keeps her daughter reading and writing as much as possible. This post contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. About Bethany Edwards Bethany is an educator and a global traveler whose goal is to inspire and encourage families to read. At her blog Biracial Bookworms, she provides connections high quality and diverse resources and literature. Her goal is to empower and arm families and teachers with the tools to give children the world through reading, traveling, and learning languages! Resources for families seeking more diverse books Bethany recommends checking out these resources for families seeking more connections to diverse books. Biracial Bookworms Multiracial Media Embrace Race The Parent Voice Books we discussed [featured_products per_page="1" orderby="menu_order" columns="0" order="ASC"] [best_selling_products per_page="1" orderby="menu_order" columns="0" order="ASC"] Thanks for listening! The post LBR 047: Finding the Best Biracial Kids Books with Guest Bethany Edwards appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

On episode 46 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast we chatted with Melissa Savage, author of the middle grade novel LEMONS. In case you missed it, LEMONS was one of our favorite books of 2017! This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, Lu and Bean Read will receive a commission on products purchased. About Lemons From Goodreads: What do you do when you lose everything that means anything? Nine-year old Lemonade Liberty Witt doesn’t know the answer to that question, except what her mom taught her. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But what if those lemons are so big that you forget how? How do you make lemonade out of having to leave everything you know in San Francisco to move to the small town of Willow Creek, California and live with a grandfather you’ve never even met? In a town that smells like grass and mud and bugs. With tall pines instead of skyscrapers and dirt instead of sidewalks. Not to mention one woolly beast lurking in the woods. That’s right, Bigfoot. A ginormous wooden statue of the ugly thing stands right at the center of town like he’s someone real important, like the mayor or something. And the people here actually believe he’s real and hiding somewhere out in the pine filled forests. How can anyone possibly be expected to make lemonade out those rotten lemons? Everything is different and Lem just wants to go back home. And then she meets Tobin Sky, the CEO of Bigfoot Detectives, Inc. and sole investigator for the town. He invites her to be his Assistant for the summer and she reluctantly agrees. At least until she can figure out her escape plan. Together, Lem and Tobin try to capture a shot of the elusive beast on film and end up finding more than they ever could have even imagined. About Melissa Savage Melissa D. Savage’s first book, THE LOST PONY, premiered in her second grade classroom, winning high praise from critics such as her mom. Although the book was hand written and self-illustrated in Crayola crayons, it was this experience that began her love of writing and to this day she still believes was one of her best works. Melissa continued to create stories growing up, writing different adventures for friends to read and later completed a master’s degree in writing for children and young adults at Hamline University in Minnesota. She was privileged to be able to receive guidance from amazing authors, educators, and fellow writers who shared their wisdom, experience, and support. Melissa’s debut book LEMONS has been recognized by the American Booksellers Association on their Independent Booksellers’ debut picks of the season list, Indies Introduce Winter/Spring 2017. Additionally, BIGFOOT, TOBIN & ME (The UK/Commonwealth version of LEMONS published by Chicken House Books) has been recognized as Children’s Book of the Month with WHSmith. Melissa is a writer and a child and family therapist. She has worked with families struggling with issues of abuse, trauma and loss/bereavement. She believes that expressing oneself through writing can be a very healing process when struggling with difficulties in life. In addition it can be a vehicle in which to honor, celebrate and continue to share the spirits of the special people who have left us too soon. Melissa lives in Minneapolis with her family. You can follow her on Twitter at @melissadsavage.   Books we discussed Thanks for listening! The post LBR 046: Lemons with author Melissa Savage appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on THEIR GREAT GIFT and other products purchased through external vendors. On episode 45 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast, we sat on the floor of the Loft Literary Center with author John Coy and chatted about his new picture book THEIR GREAT GIFT. About Their Great Gift With lyrical text and thought-provoking photography, THEIR GREAT GIFT explores the experiences of immigrants in the 21st century, focusing on the lives of children. Images of families who came to the United States from many different parts of the world celebrate the diversity of our country and contain a vision of hope for the future. As John says, “While every family’s arrival story is distinct, I wanted to focus on the overarching connections between immigrants—and between us all.” THEIR GREAT GIFT contains photographs from artist Wing Young Huie and was published by Lerner Publishing Group in March 2016.   About John Coy John Coy is the author of young adult novels, middle-grade novels, and fiction and nonfiction picture books. He has received numerous awards for his work including a Marion Vannett Ridgway Award for best debut picture book, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor, Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, Notable Book for a Global Society, the Burr/Warzalla Award for Distinguished Achievement in Children’s Literature and the the Kerlan Award in recognition of singular attainments in the creation of children’s literature. John lives in Minneapolis and visits schools around the world.   Books we discussed The post LBR 045: Their Great Gift with Author John Coy appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

This post about ARTURO AND THE BIENVENIDO FEAST contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. Thanks to author Anne Broyles for visiting us on the podcast this week to talk about her new picture book ARTURO AND THE BIENVENIDO FEAST. About Arturo and the Bienvenido Feast Arturo and his grandmother return in this charming bilingual sequel to ARTURO AND THE NAVIDAD BIRDS. This time Abue Rosa and Arturo are making a welcome dinner for Tia Ines’ new fiancé. They plan a wonderful dinner to welcome him into the family with plantains, pollo, and pastel, but Abue Rosa has a headache and Arturo encourages her to take a nap. He decorates and sets the table, but what will happen when Abue Rosa doesn’t wake up in time? With a bit of creativity, Arturo takes charge and creates a welcome feast like no other. ARTURO AND THE BIENVENDIO FEAST is illustrated by KE Lewis and published by Pelican Publishing. About Anne Broyles Anne’s writing career began while she was still a minister with magazine articles, curriculum for kids and youth, and numerous books in Christian spirituality. In addition to the Arturo books, she published SHY MAMA’S HALLOWEEN and PRISCILLA AND THE HOLLYHOCKS. Since her passion is historical fiction, she hopes her middle grade and young adult historical novels will be next into print. She lives in Portland with her husband, one dog and two cats. She continues to travel the world and some of her favorite experiences include hiking to Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery, kissing a baby Gray Whale in Baja California (Mexico), hiking to Machu Picchu (Peru), helping reroof a church in Cuba, touring castles in France, hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, and watching pink river dolphins on an Amazonian tributary in Bolivia. Books we discussed   Listen The post LBR 044: Arturo and the Bienvenido Feast with author Anne Broyles appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

This post contains affiliate links to HATS OF FAITH and other books, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. On episode 43 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast, we explored how to teach love & understanding by learning about religious head coverings with the new board book HATS OF FAITH. The book uses accurate terminology and phonetic pronunciations to learn about the head coverings that are common in many faiths worldwide. About Hats of Faith HATS OF FAITH is a beautifully illustrated children’s board book introducing readers to the shared custom of head covering. The creators set out to provide very young kids with accurate terminology and parents with phoenetic pronunciations for head coverings common in many world faiths. They consulted with religious experts, scholars, curators and faith leaders from around the globe and then cross-referenced, checked and rechecked their facts. Although the book is about religious head coverings, the creators chose the title Hats of Faith to ensure they were using the language of very young children. The book they published is the outcome of nearly a year’s worth of work. Learn more about HATS OF FAITH at www.hatsoffaith.com, where you can find teaching tools and coloring pages to go beyond the book. About Medeia Cohan and her partners Medeia Cohan is an experienced writer, but this is her first children’s publication. HATS OF FAITH is a passion project for her, with a mission to educate children about diversity and tolerance early in life. Medeia believes that early familiarity with faith-based customs will lead to kinder future generations. HATS OF FAITH is illustrated by Sarah Walsh and published by Shade 7 publishing. Books we discussed Thanks for listening! The post LBR 043: Hats of Faith with Author Medeia Cohan appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

This post on Creating Great Nature Books for Kids contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. Episode 42 of the Lu and Bean Read podcast is all about how to create great nature books for kids. We talked with several of Minnesota’s top kids book creators about how to help kids enjoy nature through writing, illustration and photography. About Today’s Guests Phyllis Root is the author of more than forty books. Her middle grade novel, Lilly and the Pirates, is currently under contract. Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble won the Minnesota Book Award, and Big Momma Makes the World won the Boston Globe Horn Book Award. Root was awarded a 2006 McKnight Fellowship for her book Lucia and the Light. She has taught at the Loft Literary Center, in the Complete and Practical Scholar program at the University of Minnesota, and in Vermont College’s MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program. Betsy Bowen is an accomplished woodcut artist from Grand Marais, MN. She first encountered woodcuts as a young art student in Sarasota, FL. One of the first-ever exhibits of the northern Canadian Inuit stone cut prints was on display at the Ringling Museum of Art. Twenty-five years later, she traveled to the workshop on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic to see the stonecutting in progress. Betsy still lives on the family homestead in Northern Minnesota, watching the horses and chickens and the garden grow. Her art studio is tucked into a former historic Lutheran church with plenty of room for the presses and woodblock prints and books. Marion Dane Bauer was born in 1938 in the small prairie town of Oglesby, Illinois, and had a childhood she would later describe as “idyllic.” The first work she distinctly remembers writing was a poem in honor of her teddy bear, but she wrote many stories, too, both in her head and on paper. Her interest led her to a career as an English teacher, but Bauer didn’t begin writing professionally until after her own daughter was in elementary school. Bauer is a remarkably prolific author who has received critical acclaim for her ability to step inside the viewpoint of a child — any child or young adult, in a wide variety of circumstances. She has written fiction and nonfiction, picture books, chapter books, young adult novels, writing guides, and much more; she has also edited stories and articles for periodicals aimed at young people as well as teachers and librarians. Her best-selling novel On My Honor was named a Newbery Honor Book, one of countless awards and citations Bauer has received for her work over the years. The mother of two, Marion Dane Bauer now lives in a small town not far from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She loves cats and dogs, Asian and Middle Eastern foods, and being outdoors: walking, biking, and camping. Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the originator of the popular state-specific field guides such as Birds of (state name) Field Guide, Wildflowers of (state name), and Trees of (state name). Over the past three decades Stan has authored more than 130 field guides, nature appreciation books and wildlife audio CDs for nearly every state in the nation, presenting many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, trees, wildflowers and cacti. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in natural history from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 25 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 20 newspapers and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations. He is a member of the North American Nature Photography Association and Canon Professional Services along with many other professional organizations. Thank you to these wonderful authors and artists for sharing their time and talent with Lu and Bean Read! Books we discussed The post LBR 042: Creating great nature books for kids appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

This post about Rooting for Rafael Rosales contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. This week we are talking all about baseball on the podcast! Not our normal subject, but we had the pleasure of interviewing author Kurtis Scaletta about his new middle grade novel Rooting for Rafael Rosales. About Rooting for Rafael Rosales From Goodreads: Rafael has dreams. Every chance he gets he plays in the street games trying to build his skills, get noticed by scouts, and someday play Major League Baseball. Maya has worries. The bees are dying all over the world, and the company her father works for is responsible, making products that harm the environment. Follow Rafael and Maya in a story that shifts back and forth in time and place, from Rafael’s neighborhood in the Dominican Republic to present-day Minnesota, where Maya and her sister are following Rafael’s first year in the minor leagues. In their own ways, Maya and Rafael search for hope, face difficult choices, and learn a secret the same secret that forever changes how they see the world. Rooting for Rafael Rosales was published by Alfred Whitman & Company in June 2017.  About Kurtis Scaletta Kurtis Scaletta is the author of several novels for young readers including Mudville (2009), Mamba Point (2010), the Tanglewood Terror (2011), the Winter of the Robots (2013), and Rooting for Rafael Rosales (2017). He is also the author of the Topps League series (illustrated by Eric Wight and Ethen Beavers). Kurtis lives with his wife, Angela; his son, Byron, and five cats. In addition to writing, he teaches and manages online classes for the Loft Literary Center and writes book reviews for the StarTribune. He is Twins fan (obviously), an avid reader across multiple genres, a crossword enthusiast, an occasional roller-skater, a clumsy but determined drawer, a long-distance runner, a frequent maker of soup, and is mildly obsessed with the Legend of Zelda video game series. Books we discussed Thanks for listening! The post LBR 041: All About Baseball! Rooting for Rafael Rosales with author Kurtis Scaletta appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

This post about My Little Fox contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. About My Little Fox From Goodreads: A little fox discovers the wonders of the world around him in this exuberant picture book that celebrates the seasons and the relationship between a parent and child. When Mama Fox tells her new baby that it’s time to go outside for the first time, he isn’t so sure. So Mama promises to stay by his side as they tumble though Little Fox’s first year of life, a year spent splashing in puddles, trying new foods, leaping in leaves, and snuggling in snow. And then, before long, Little Fox is all grown up. But is he ready to go off on his own? With sweet rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Rick Chrustowski tells a tender story of parent-child love and how wonderful—and wistful—it feels when a little one leaves the nest. About Rick Chrustowski Rick Chrustowski grew up in a large, loud family in Northwestern Indiana. He has four sisters and one brother. They had a blast playing outside in the fields and forests near home. Growing up near a big city like Chicago, Rick was able to go to art museums and concerts. He went to college there for a while, but decided that he was missing nature too much. He moved to Madison, Wisconsin, to get my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin. He lived on a hobby farm for 20 years, raising chickens and horses. He also had dogs and cats and goldfish. But the wild animals that came through his backyard fascinated him the most. They inspired his art and writing. Many of them have made their way in the books he has written and illustrated. He now lives in an old house in Minneapolis, Minnesota. One of the bedrooms is his studio. He is growing as much of my own food as he can in the backyard. And there is plenty of room for flower gardens to attract bees and butterflies and birds. Books we discussed Thanks for listening! The post LBR 040: My Little Fox with author Rick Chrustowski appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.

This post about A Crack in the Sea contains affiliate links, which means that Lu and Bean Read may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on products purchased through external vendors. Today we bring you the first podcast from our series recorded at the 2017 Minnesota Children’s Book Festival in Red Wing, MN. We’re so grateful to the festival organizers for inviting us to participate again this year and meet more great Minnesota authors and illustrators. Our first episode in the series features middle grade author Heather Bouwman and her book A Crack in the Sea. About A Crack in the Sea From Goodreads: No one comes to the Second World on purpose. The doorway between worlds opens only when least expected. The Raft King is desperate to change that by finding the doorway that will finally take him and the people of Raftworld back home. To do it, he needs Pip, a young boy with an incredible gift—he can speak to fish; and the Raft King is not above kidnapping to get what he wants. Pip’s sister Kinchen, though, is determined to rescue her brother and foil the Raft King’s plans. This is but the first of three extraordinary stories that collide on the high seas of the Second World. The second story takes us back to the beginning: Venus and Swimmer are twins captured aboard a slave ship bound for Jamaica in 1781. They save themselves and others from a life of enslavement with a risky, magical plan—one that leads them from the shark-infested waters of the first world to the second. Pip and Kinchen will hear all about them before their own story is said and done. So will Thanh and his sister Sang, who we meet in 1976 on a small boat as they try to escape post-war Vietnam. But after a storm and a pirate attack, they’re not sure they’ll ever see shore again. What brings these three sets of siblings together on an adventure of a lifetime is a little magic, helpful sea monsters and that very special portal, A Crack in the Sea. About Heather Bouwman Heather Bouwman (also known as H.M. Bouwman) is the author of the Remarkable & Very True Story of Lucy and Snowcap, a middle-grade children’s novel (Marshall Cavendish, 2008) and A Crack in the Sea (Putnam/Penguin Random House, 2017). An associate professor of English at the University of St. Thomas, she lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her two sons. Books we discussed The post LBR 039: A Crack in the Sea with Author Heather Bouwman appeared first on Lu and Bean Read.