Kidlit Love

About Kidlit Love

This podcast celebrates all things children's literature for the adult reading to their inner child AND connecting the young readers in their lives with books. Each week, I host bookish conversations with children's literature authors to learn about their backstory, their journey to writing, their books and their hopes for readers. kidlitlove.substack.com (https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Stephanie Affinito

Category

arts · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Oct 2023

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

254 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   E250: HERE COMES THE BAND by Shadra Strickland

   Happy Monday! This week, I shared something pretty exciting that I want to make sure you know about: KidLit Love: Inside the Book! (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/p/introducing-kidlit-love-inside-the) It’s a reading and writing subscription box experience for anyone interested in writing children’s literature or simply appreciating it even more. In other words…YOU! The box features one carefully chosen children’s book, one writerly surprise and a live Zoom conversation with the author focused on the writing process and writer’s craft. Together, we’ll read like writers, look closely at how the story works, hear the behind-the-book story, and gather inspiration for our own writing. Click here to learn more and see who the author is! (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/p/introducing-kidlit-love-inside-the) Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉MOMMA’S CHRISTMAS GIFT by Kao Kalia Yang (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B05La9Xou) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798217006304)) This book is a modern Gift of the Magi tale of a poor Hmong family celebrating Christmas and the love, sacrifice, and generosity that holds them close. A mother in her red coat truly captures the spirit of the holiday. I absolutely adore this author’s writing and she’s been on the podcast THREE times! Listen to us talk about CAGED (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/p/e48-freedom-and-resilience-caged-702), THE DIAMOND EXPLORER (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/p/e60-telling-stories-that-heal-the-865) and THE BLUE HOUSE I LOVED (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/p/e198-finding-home-inside-the-blue-e90). 🎉Ruth Muskrat and the So-Called Indian Problem: The Fight for Native American Civil Rights by Jen Loren (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0bXtOj0L) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781646146994)) From Caldecott Medalist Rebecca Lee Kunz and award-winning filmmaker and TV host Jen Loren comes a sweeping biography of a singular woman at the heart of the movement for Native American civil rights in the 20th century. I adore narrative non-fiction and this book is moving to the top of the list. 🎉A Forest, A Family, A Harbor, A Home by Nikki McClure (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0e0GZz0E) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781324125105)) This is a lyrical and lovely picture book about a child exploring the world as he grows. Gorgeously handcrafted, rooted in the nature and landscape of the Northwest, and threaded with the experience of child- and parenthood, it’s a deeply felt meditation on the intimacy of home, the wonder of the world, and the magic of discovery. 🎉Up from the Ashes by Sharon Cameron (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0hu0vTIT) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781546144618)) The #1 New York Times bestselling author Sharon Cameron returns with a stunning story about the fight to survive and find love in the face of the ugliest of nightmares, based on the true story of two heroes and their resistance in the Sobibor death camp during the Holocaust. It’s incredibly powerful and moving. 🎉I am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas by Lauren Child (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0a9jFRcc) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781536251715)) I adored watching Charlie and Lola with my own children and now, we can celebrate Christmas with them, too! I was wrapped in the spirit of the holiday INSTANTLY. 🎉Dragonborn: The Twilight Child by Struan Murray (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B09mnFqBh)/ Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798217113248)) When tragedy strikes the island of Skralla, Alex and her friends journey north to the heart of Scotland, where dark plots are in motion, and humans and dragons fight side-by-side against a rising storm of ancient demons. Sinister forces are growing stronger every day, and as friendships fall apart and enemies old and new strike from the shadows, Alex must master her own fearsome power, and unravel a mystery that might just be the key to victory: the legend of the Twilight Child. 🎉Wide Eye by Jennifer Liss (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B07EqMYVo) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781782695400)) This is a whimsical middle-grade adventure about a young girl, a wacky museum, and a local monster, exploring the transformative power of imagination. It’s quintessential middle grade enjoyment. 🎉The Tiny Thing by Ellen Tarlow (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B00ILEzDY) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781534498136)) A mole stumbles upon a tiny thing and finds his life forever changed by the power of imagination and finding self-confidence in this tender and enchanting picture book. Oh, this one has my heart! E250: HERE COMES THE BAND by Shadra Strickland On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Shadra Strickland about her newest picture book: HERE COMES THE BAND. This delightful picture book is about a young child who watches in awe as a historically black college and University (HBCU) band takes the field and works its magic. It’s completely immersive and you can literally feel the musical energy on the page. Come listen as we talk about the shift that changed everything in Shadra’s career, the ways she gathers language and dives deep into the topic of her book and her hopes for readers around fun, music and creativity. You’re sure to feel the energy of the book AND this conversation. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! HERE COMES THE BAND by Shadra Strickland (Amazon (https://amzn.to/4anBAKX) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665965880)) Here’s where you can find Shadra online: Website: https://www.jumpin.shadrastrickland.com/ (https://www.jumpin.shadrastrickland.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadrieka (https://www.instagram.com/shadrieka) I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! (https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit) Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   E249: OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK by Ashley Franklin

   Happy Monday! Well, it’s officially Fall and that means the Fall reading season can officially begin! For me, that means reading with my comfy socks and blanket in the cooler weather, a pumpkin spice candle lit on the counter and a hot cup of coffee or tea to pair with my books. What does Fall reading season look like for you? This week, I’m sharing another long list of newly published books that I know you’ll love. I’ve even linked to previous episodes and Q&A posts to some of the authors. Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉LOST EVANGELINE by Kate DiCamillo (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0aIhwC2J)/ Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781536225525)) Return to the magical land of Norendy in this third original fairy tale by renowned storyteller Kate DiCamillo. Open the page, sink in, feel the magic and become swept away. It’s a beautiful book. Listen to Kate talk about FERRIS on a previous podcast episode here! (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/p/e34-kate-dicamillo-ferris-3f9) 🎉NIGHT OF MADNESS by Ryan Douglass (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0e0kNhWk) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665983044)) Teen influencers compete in a horror movie–themed overnight competition, only to realize the real test is staying alive in this chilling, blood-soaked YA horror novel. And guess what?! The hardcover features sprayed stenciled edges while the special edition supply lasts! 🎉THE INTERGALACTICS by Erik Jon Slangerup (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0f8BGyjc) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665988964)) A mutant boy questions the truth of his existence after crash-landing far from everything he knows in this fast-paced, action-packed middle grade sci-fi adventure. It is perfect for the middle grade reader looking for page-turning adventure! 🎉VENUS WASHINGTON: EYE SPY by Maisha Oso (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B02IWrJnD) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665969529)) This is a new-to-me series that I’m so very glad I found. This is the third book in the hilarious chapter book series focused on Venus Washington…who WAS born on Earth, by the way. =) Such a great collection of books! 🎉TASTING WORDS by Dezh Azaad and Nelly Buchet (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0d0WG5YN) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780593700051)) A clever little girl figures out a way to help her grandmother assimilate and make friends in a new country through her love of food because there’s nothing like food to turn strangers into friends! This is an INCREDIBLE picture book filled with family, friendship and love. 🎉WE ARE FREE: OUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS by Allison Matulli (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0dWQj6V9)/ Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798217142750)) This book gives a powerful introduction to the great freedom and power that comes with America’s constitutional First Amendment rights, just in time for the U.S.A.’s 250th anniversary! The color scheme is amazing and the illustrations are striking, perfect to help us feel our emotions on the page, too. 🎉MO FARAH, THE BOY WHO RAN TO BE FREE by Dr. Seema Yasmin (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0htPONom) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665953450)) This is the second book in the exciting nonfiction Muslim Mavericks chapter book series about Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah. Read Dr. Seema Yasmin’s Q&A post about the first book in the series here! (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/p/a-q-and-a-with-dr-seema-yasmin) 🎉TURKEY ON THE RUN by Alayne Kay Christian (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0626YVQX) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798217039869)) When a turkey is caught in a trap on Thanksgiving morning, he knows it can only mean one thing: a one-way trip to the dinner table. But this particular turkey won’t give up without a fight, so he takes to the streets in a daring escape! It’s sure to become a classic Thanksgiving story! E249: OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK by Ashley Franklin On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Ashley Franklin about her newest book: OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK. This heart warming picture book follows a group of children who share their favorite day of the way and why each one is special to them. It’s a follow-up sequel to OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR by A. E. Ali and shares a heartfelt message about how our favorite days make us feel. Come listen as we talk about what brought Ashley to children’s literature, the depth of conversation and connection that can come from the pages and her heartfelt hopes for the book around classroom community and belonging. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK by Ashley Franklin (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B02IGH8ZN) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665935678)) Here’s where you can find Ashley online: Website: https://ashleyfranklinwrites.com/ (https://ashleyfranklinwrites.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyfranklinwrites/ (https://www.instagram.com/ashleyfranklinwrites/) I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! (https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit) Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   E248: STELLA & MARIGOLD: PAST AND PRESENTS with Sophie Blackall

   Happy Monday! Boy, are you in for A LOT of treats today! Not only am I sharing a wonderful conversation with a favorite author/illustrator of mine, but I’m sharing ELEVEN new or new-to-me books that have made their way to me. It’s a bookish celebration around here and I’m thrilled to share them with you. Keep scrolling to press play on that episode and to see other new books that have made their way into my reading life! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉The Christmas Wish by Lee Heart (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0cQ96sG9) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798347112166)) A girl full of holiday spirit hopes to get her secret crush’s attention for Christmas in this latest installment in the acclaimed tween middle grade rom-com series, Spotlight Sprinkles—full of evergreen tropes like holiday parties and the magic of the season! It’s like an age-appropriate Hallmark movie in a book. I would have adored this series as a young reader but am glad I have the chance to read it now! 🎉Mission Manta Ray (R.A.P.T.O.R.) by Philip Kavvadias (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B04Z3pumZ) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665989350)) Finn and his friends defend a deep-sea octopus from an unknown danger in this hilarious and action-packed second book in the R.A.P.T.O.R. middle grade series perfect for fans of Alex Rider and Jurassic Park. 🎉Hardy Boys Clue Book Fall Mysteries 3-in-1: The Bad Luck Skate; The Pirate Ghost; The Great Pumpkin Smash by Franklin W. Dixon (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0f7A8QCO) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798347112128)) Brothers Frank and Joe Hardy tackle three spooky investigations in this fall-themed Hardy Boys Clue Book three-books-in-one paperback bind-up! It’s perfect for the upcoming Fall season of reading! 🎉The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren & Illustrated by Bailey Sullivan (Amazon (http://Since Pippi Longstocking was first published in 1950, the escapades of the incomparable Pippi,the girl with upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do, have delighted boys and girls alike. Now, for the first time, Pippi Longstocking, Pippi Goes on Board, and Pippi in the South Seas are all together in one bumper volume, with new illustrations in full-color and black-and-white.)) Since Pippi Longstocking was first published in 1950, the escapades of the incomparable Pippi, the girl with upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do, have delighted boys and girls alike. Now, for the first time, Pippi Longstocking, Pippi Goes on Board, and Pippi in the South Seas are all together in one bumper volume, with new illustrations in full-color and black-and-white. It’s full of nostalgia and is beautiful to page through, too! 🎉A Dangerous Bargain by Erin Cotter (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0a5lWQCU) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798347103966)) A young artist who has bargained away most of his life for divine inspiration pairs up with fellow apprentice Leonardo da Vinci to infiltrate the Medici family and find out the truth about his missing brother in this Renaissance-set young adult mystery perfect for fans of F.T. Lukens. 🎉5-Minute Maisy Stories: A Bedtime Read-Aloud Picture Book Collection for Kids Ages 2-5 by Lucy Cousins (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B00bRllUP) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781536256437)) As an adult, I have a Pause Pile of books (https://alitlife.substack.com/p/e183-permission-to-pause-how-short-653) that can fill my mind when I have a few minutes. This is the equivalent for kids! This fun-filled collection contains seven stories starring Maisy and her friends, all crafted to be read in five minutes or less. 🎉The Uncles by Tunisia Williams (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0gGAoXc4) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665965958)) A young boy calls on his loving uncles for a much-needed boys’ day in the wake of his father’s death in this touching debut picture book about grief and healing that’s a heartfelt homage to strong men who step in as loving role models for the children who need them. This oversized book has my heart and will certainly have yours, too. 🎉Day Shift, Night Shift by Ariel Vanece (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B08YMSRqh)/ Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665974066)) A young girl uses her wits, science, and a little inspiration from her train engineer grandfather to get her toy train to run in this endearing picture book. It’s bursting full of love, curiosity and connection. 🎉Ezekiel’s Volcano by Ana Angelica Teodoro (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0bh8L7pY) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798995839903)) This is a heartfelt picture book that reminds children that every emotion is welcome and that they already have the tools within themselves to navigate life’s biggest feelings with confidence, courage, and kindness. It’s written by a teacher and introduces young (and adult!) readers to Rainbow Breathing, something I’m adding to my own toolbox now! 🎉Special by Nancy F. Goodfellow (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B0eXQ8gzv) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781965278888)) Told through the alternating perspectives of two seventh-grade girls—one with Down syndrome and one without—Special is a story about friendship, identity, loss, and belonging. 🎉Beware the Sock Monkeys! by Jonathan Stutzman (Amazon (https://link.amazon/B01Eb2xFH) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781250414380)) From the New York Times bestselling author of the Tiny T-Rex series and creators of the popular Llama trilogy, comes a hilarious picture book about what really happens when your socks go missing… You’ll never look at missing socks the same again! =) E248: STELLA & MARIGOLD: PAST AND PRESENTS with Sophie Blackall On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sophie Blackall about the newest book in the STELLA & MARIGOLD series with Annie Barrows: PAST AND PRESENTS. This book follows the imaginative adventures of two young sisters as they uncover who might have lived in their half-house in the past and the presents left behind. As with the other books in this illustrated chapter book series, it is simply delightful. Come listen as we talk about the exact moment Sophie knew she wanted to be an illustrator, the outstretched hands that helped Sophie in her journey, the true magic of children’s literature and a new word that you might not have heard of before. The conversation was a true delight and I’ll cherish it. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! STELLA & MARIGOLD: PAST AND PRESENTS by Annie Barrows and Illustrated by Sophie Blackall (Amazon (https://amzn.to/4x2MrTP) / Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781797219721)) Here’s where you can find Sophie online: Website: https://www.sophieblackall.com/ (https://www.sophieblackall.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophieblackall/ (https://www.instagram.com/sophieblackall/) I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! (https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit) Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! Get full access to KidLit Love Newsletter at kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe (https://kidlitlove.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

Who has been a guest on Kidlit Love

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Korena DiRoma Howley
• Ann Braden
• Kyle Lukoff
• Megan E Freeman
• Shifa Saltagi Safadi

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

7,205

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

13 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 87 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

98

Social presence

94

YouTube

74

Engagement

68

Contact Kidlit Love

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Kidlit Love