In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony discusses the importance of Pride Month and introduces author Beth Ferry, who shares insights about her new middle grade novel, Growing Home. The conversation explores the unique character dynamics between personified plants and animals, the challenges of transitioning from picture books to middle grade novels, and the role of publishing in determining age ranges for books. Beth reflects on the creative freedom of using non-human characters and the importance of empathy in children's literature, while also touching on the industry side of writing and publishing.

New Releases:

• The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

• We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer, illus. by Joelle Murray

• The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

• Dad Rock Dragon Quest by Joan Reardon

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beth Ferry and Growing Home

01:28 Characters and Relationships in Growing Home

05:03 Creative Freedom with Non-Human Characters

06:13 Challenges of Expanding from Picture Books

09:19 The Origin of Growing Home's Concept

11:54 Understanding Age Ranges in Publishing

15:40 The Importance of Industry Knowledge for Writers

17:46 Plot Dynamics and Character Development

19:59 Ivy's Self-Centeredness and Friendship

21:45 Balancing Character Flaws with Reader Empathy

24:39 Empathy in Non-Human Characters

26:49 New Releases

33:17 News