The foundational building blocks of language are essential for setting a child up for success. And tackling this, one book at a time (including those pesky homophones), is Jess Galatola.

In episode 13 of The KidLit Pod, Jess shares how she always wanted to be a teacher, and she always loved storytelling, but she never made the connection between the two until later in life - that she could bring two passions together to create beautiful stories that connect with kids.

As a former drama/English teacher and curriculum specialist, Jess Galatola discusses her early love of storytelling, drama, and reading (especially Enid Blyton). Shara and Jess share how teaching and mentoring can help benefit a child, and how the simple question of, 'What do you want to be when you're older' should be reconsidered to, 'What do you enjoy now?'

They discuss parenting in a world of AI and deepfakes, the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and building connection in classrooms, as well as how reading aloud remains valuable even for older kids.

Jess shares her experiences supporting her eldest child’s DLD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia, contrasts her sons’ different attitudes to school, and describes limiting screens and using graphic novels to encourage a love of reading.

Following this, Jess discusses the inspiration and the pathway to publication behind her graphic novel Seasons of Clementine (Perentie Press), and her picture book (Larrikin House), both out this year. She also previews upcoming projects: YA short, Parallel Tracks (Rhiza Press) and picture book, The Little Breeze (EK Books).

BOOK SPOTLIGHT:

The Witch Who Couldn’t Spell (phonics/homophones and perseverance) published by Larrikin House, author Jess Galatola and illustrator Lu Baker.

MENTIONS:

Perentie Press - Bethany Loveridge and Rochelle Stephens

Fiona from Are You Afraid of the Books - @are_you_afraid_of_the_books

Bethany Loveridge - @bethanyloveridgeauthor

Hayley Hackenberg - @hayleehackenbergauthor

Kristen Willis - @tondocreative

Seetha Dodd - @seethadodd_author

Jenni Barrand - @illustration_jennibarrand

Lu Baker - @lubakerart

The Prime Minister Problem by Brenton Cullen

Megan Daly - Raising Readers

Sold A Story podcast

2027 Perentie Prize for Graphic Novel Manuscripts (text only)

LINKS:

Jess Galatola on Instagram - @jess.galatola

Jess Galatola website - www.jessgalatola.com.au

Seasons of Clementine by Jess Galatola, illustrated by Jasmine Berry

Some Families Change by Jess Galatola, illustrated by Jenni Barrand

Follow The KidLit Pod on Instagram (@thekidlitpod)

Find out more about The KidLit Pod host, Shara Curlett, here:

Shara Curlett on Instagram (@sharacurlett)

Shara Curlett Website (www.sharacurlett.com)