In this episode of the Book Faire Podcast, focused on children's literature and YA literature, Anthony interviews author and illustrator Kam Redlawsk about her book 'Yumi and Monster.' The conversation explores themes of acceptance and the emotional journey of living with a disability. Kam shares insights into her creative process, challenges in publishing, and the impact of book bans, particularly within libraries and schools. They also discuss the importance of accessibility, advocacy for disabled individuals, and the power of storytelling in YA literature. The episode includes book recommendations released this week and news related to book bans in Utah and Maryland libraries, providing valuable context for educators, librarians, and young readers.

New Releases:

• The Firefly Crown by Yxavel Magno Diño
• How We Play the Game by Alexis Nedd
• You Had Me at Hello World by Rona Wang

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:57 The Inspiration Behind Yumi and Monster

04:31 The Journey of Writing and Illustrating

08:12 Navigating the Publishing Process

11:21 The Nuances of Acceptance and Toxic Positivity

15:25 The Importance of Accessibility in Advocacy

19:04 Future Projects and Creative Endeavors

24:39 Notable New Releases in Children's Literature

27:45 Book Bans and Censorship in Utah

30:23 Impact of Rising Digital Costs on Libraries

34:42 Good News: Restoring Banned Books and New Initiatives

In this episode of The Book Faire, Anthony interviews Scott Hoying from Pentatonix and his husband Mark Hoying about their new children's book, Fa La La Family, which beautifully celebrates diverse family structures during the holidays. The conversation dives into the creative process behind writing children's literature and the importance of inclusivity in books aimed at young readers. They also discuss how music enriches their storytelling. Additionally, Scott and Mark share their future plans for more children’s books and address ongoing challenges like book bans, underscoring the need for community support to protect the freedom to read. This episode offers valuable insights into children's literature and its role in promoting acceptance and diversity in families.

New Releases:

• Chris Makes a Friend by Alex Gino

• Coldwire by Chloe Gong

• Girls Who Play Dead by Joelle Wellington

• Under a Fire-Red Sky Geraldine McCaughrean

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:06 The Importance of Inclusivity in Family Representation

08:38 Holiday Traditions and Family Bonding

14:08 Artistic Responsibility and Future Aspirations

16:09 New Book Releases

22:04 Controversies in Literature and Censorship

27:22 Advocacy for the Freedom to Read

Keywords

Children's books, family diversity, holidays, found families, banned books, inclusivity, community support, Scott Hoying, Mark Hoying

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, Anthony interviews author and illustrator Sandra Magsamen, sharing her extensive experience in children's literature and art therapy. The conversation delves into the importance of connecting with children through literature, including elements of YA literature and sensory experiences crucial for early development. Magsamen discusses how her background in art therapy influences her creative work and writing style. The episode also explores the impact of family on creativity, recent updates on educational policies concerning censorship in literature, and the critical need for accessible testing for non-English speakers. This rich discussion highlights key issues in children's and YA literature, making it an essential listen for librarians, educators, and anyone passionate about promoting diverse and engaging literature for young readers.

New Releases:

• The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari, translated from Italian by Antony Shugaar, illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova
• The Library of Lost Girls by Kristen Pipps
• Quiet Crossings by Vivi Partridge
• Zohran Walks New York by Millie Von Platen

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sandra Magsamen

03:23 The Importance of Connection in Children's Literature

09:05 From Art Therapy to Authoring Books

15:11 The Artistic Process and Physical Media in Books

19:30 Final Thoughts on Love and Connection

22:17 New Book Releases

28:37 Book Ban News

34:01 Legal Challenges: The Texas Reader Act

37:50 Equity in Education: Testing in Multiple Languages