Tag Archives: picture book

What Mary Jo Shared – an interview with Donna Washington

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Podcast #110

For my one hundred tenth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and story teller Donna Washington about the picture book What Mary Jo Shared, written by Janice May Udry and illustrated by Eleanor Mill. Mary Jo can’t find anything to share, until she figures out the best thing she has to share has been there all along.

Donna Washington is an award winning storyteller, spoken word recording artist, and author. Her story collections include such titles as A Tureen of Tales and A Little Shiver, and she is the author of such children’s books as Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa. Her latest children’s book is called Boo Stew.  You can find Donna’s website at dlwstoryteller.com.

The winner of my HALLOWEEN SHORTS CONTEST is Mahnoor S.! You can read hear story here or listen to me read it on this podcast. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Podcasts are available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please link, share, comment, write a review or subscribe. Let me know what you think! If you are interested in participating in the Dream Gardens podcast, send me a request through my contact page.

My next podcast will be with author and illustrator Elizabeth Lilly about the picture book Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird. It will be published Monday, November 1, 2021.

Ghost Cat – an interview with Rebecca Van Slyke

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Podcast #109

For my one hundred ninth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Rebecca VanSlyke about the picture book Ghost Cat by Kevan Atteberry. A young boy searches for a mysterious ghostly cat in a short tale that is simple but full of depth and emotion.

Rebecca VanSlyke is  author of  such picture books as Mom School, Dad School, Lexie the Word Wrangler, and Lana Lynn Howls at the Moon. Her latest book is Lana Lynn and the New Watchdog.  You can find Rebecca’s website at rebeccavanslyke.com.

Also, a reminder about my HALLOWEEN SHORTS CONTEST. Send me your best Halloween story for children following the directions below. If your story is picked, not only will you win a signed copy of my middle grade novel HUSH-A-BYE, but I will also read your story on my October 18th Dream Gardens podcast and post it on this page for all to read! For more information, visit the Halloween Shorts page.

Podcasts are available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please link, share, comment, write a review or subscribe. Let me know what you think! If you are interested in participating in the Dream Gardens podcast, send me a request through my contact page.

My next podcast will be with author and story teller Donna Washington about the picture book What Mary Jo Shared written by Janice May Udry, illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles. It will be published Monday, October 17, 2021.

Du Iz Tak – an interview with Ben Zhu

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Podcast #104

For my one hundred forth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author and illustrator Ben Zhu about the picture book Du Iz Tak by Carson Ellis. Du Iz Tak is a simple story of a group of bugs who find a sprout, but through the use of an invented language and engaging illustrations, it becomes a unique and special experience of discovery and imagination.

Ben Zhu in an author and illustrator,  and he is founder of  Gallery Nucleus in California.  His debut picture book is Dessert Island. It was released this year. You can find Ben’s website at www.benzhudraws.com and more information about Gallery Nucleus at www.gallerynucleus.com.

In addition, after the interview I will be reading the first two chapters of my own debut Middle Grade novel Hush-a-bye. For more information about my debut novel, please visit my author page at jodyleemott.com.

Podcasts are available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please link, share, comment, write a review or subscribe. Let me know what you think! If you are interested in participating in the Dream Gardens podcast, send me a request through my contact page.

My next podcast will be with author Steven Banks about the middle grade book by Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary . It will be published Monday, August 2, 2021.

Saturday – an interview with Christine L. Villa

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Podcast #101

For my one hundred first Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Christine L. Villa  about the picture book Saturday by Oge Mora. A mother and her daughter have a very special Saturday planned, when all their plans go topsy-turvy. But it may turn out to be a special and wonderful day after all.

In addition, at the top of the podcast I spoke to Lizette Serrano, Vice President of Educational Marketing at Scholastic about Scholastic’s Summer Reading Program. For more information about the Summer program you can visit www.scholastic.com/summer

Christine L. Villa is author of  such children’s books as ZooBooLoo, The Magic Paintbrush, and Will you Still Love Me? A Puppy Haiku Story. She is also the founder of the publishing company Purple Cotton Candy Arts. You can find her website at christinevilla.com and you can find information about Purple Cotton Candy Arts publishing at www.purplecottoncandyarts.com.

Podcasts are available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please link, share, comment, write a review or subscribe. Let me know what you think!If you are interested in participating in the Dream Gardens podcast, then send me a request through my contact page.

My next podcast will be with author Tricia Springstubb about the middle grade novel Half Magic by Edward Eager. It will be published on Monday, June 21, 2021.

Corduroy – an interview with Crystal Maldonado

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Podcast #100

For my one hundredth Dream Gardens children’s books podcast (100!), I interviewed author Crystal Maldonado  about the classic picture book Corduroy by Don Freeman. It is a story about a young girl, a stuffed bear, a department store escalator ride, and a missing button, but it is also a story about friendship, adventure, and imagination.

Crystal Maldonado’s debut YA novel Fat Chance, Charlie Vega  was released in February. You can find her website at www.crystalwrote.com.

Podcasts are available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please link, share, comment, write a review or subscribe. Let me know what you think! If you are interested in participating in the Dream Gardens podcast, then send me a request through my contact page.

My next podcast will be with author Christine L. Villa about the picture book Saturday by Oge Mora. It will be published on Monday, June 7, 2021.