https://katherineapplegate.com/

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The interview with Catherine Applegate covers her introduction and the discussion of her book 'Wombat Waiting', the exploration of the voice inside us, the impact of climate change on young readers, the significance of animals in children's literature, writing from personal passion, writing from the perspective of animals, author identity and writing under pseudonyms, the pace of writing and publishing, the research process and access to information, and the author's reflection on writing for young readers.

Takeaways

• Writing for young readers
• Exploring real-world topics through children's literature

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Catherine Applegate and Wombat Waiting
• 06:07 Climate Change and Young Readers
• 11:38 Writing from Personal Passion
• 18:05 The Pace of Writing and Publishing

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In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, Anthony dives into critical library headlines, including a former librarian’s lawsuit in Tyler, Texas and the high-stakes closure threat facing the Oak Lawn Branch Library. We also analyze the police raid on Russia’s largest publisher over LGBTQ+ content and the rise of PragerU's "patriotic" book fairs in schools.

On a positive note, we discuss the South Carolina school board victory for the graphic novel Sunny Side Up and the discovery of a lost Berenstain Bears manuscript by the original creators. Teachers and librarians will find essential roundups of new releases, from the drag activism biography of José Sarria to inclusive takes on the U.S. Constitution, providing the curriculum-aligned resources and news updates you need to stay informed and advocate for your students.

New Releases:

• What Kind of Queen? A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria Kyle Casey Chu and Andrew W. Shaffer, illus. by Cindy Lozito (Ages 4-8)
• We the People is All the People by Howard W. Reeves, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh (Ages 4-8)
• The Endless Game by J.D. Amato, illustrated by Sophie Morse (Ages 8-12)
• Shim Jung Takes the Dive by Julia Riew (Ages 8-12)
• A House of Vipers by Emma JAckson (Ages 12+)
• Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic by Patricia Park (Ages 14+)

https://clairefreelandwrites.com/

https://www.jacquelinetoner.net/

https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination

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In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with child psychologists Dr. Claire Freeland and Dr. Jacqueline Toner to discuss their essential new interactive workbook, What to Do When It's Not Fair. They explore how to guide young readers through the complex emotional development of managing envy and jealousy using proven cognitive behavioral techniques.

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In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony provides an essential roundup of new children’s book releases and high-stakes library news from across the country. We explore the legislative progress of Alaska’s Freedom to Read Bill and provide a critical update on the Rutherford County Library System’s ongoing policy challenges. The conversation also dives into the legal battle in California, where a school district faces discrimination lawsuits over anti-LGBTQ+ practices, highlighting the vital role of intellectual freedom in the elementary and middle school classroom.

We feature a diverse selection of new titles, including a groundbreaking YA nonfiction book on the history and impact of the AIDS epidemic in America. Teachers and librarians will find valuable insights into using contemporary children’s literature to navigate complex historical and social themes while championing the freedom to read. From tracking modern publishing trends to defending diverse stories, this episode offers the curriculum-aligned resources and news updates you need to stay informed and empowered as an advocate for young readers.

New Releases:

• Can You Grow a Striped Banana? By Jill Santopolo, illus. by Momoko Abe (Ages 2-5)
• Found Sound by Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek
• Rayana Johnson’s Giant Leap by Jill Tew (Ages 8-12)
• The Genie Game by Jordan Ifueko (Ages 10-14)
• Gods & Comics by Kat Cho with illustrations by Robin Har (Ages12+)
• The Fight of Our Lives: AIDS in America by Gabriel Duckels and David Levithan (Ages 14+)

https://www.globalgalactics.com/

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In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with Karina and Timothy Karsten, the founders of Global Galactics, to discuss their innovative approach to early childhood education. We explore their mission to ignite curiosity and wonder in children aged 5-9 through the adventures of SparkStar, the galactic pup.

The conversation dives into the process behind their title, The Spark at the Center of the Universe, and how they bridge the gap between digital content and hands-on, tactile learning. Teachers and librarians will find valuable insights into using "Awe-Ventures" and storytelling to foster scientific exploration and social-emotional growth in the elementary school classroom. From the importance of primary source inspiration gathered from 22 countries to the ongoing fight for the freedom to read diverse, inspiring stories, Karina and Timothy share how we can empower the next generation to lead with both wisdom and wonder.

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, we break down the Books Save Lives Act of 2026, recently introduced by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley to combat the rise in school library book bans. Host Anthony explores how this federal legislation aims to protect inclusive literature and support the freedom to read nationwide.

We also provide an essential roundup of new children’s book releases, offering valuable insights for educators, librarians, and parents. The conversation covers critical library news updates, including the Eighth Circuit's ruling on Iowa’s book ban and the Minnesota Supreme Court's upcoming librarian case. Join us to learn how these legislative developments and new diverse titles are shaping the future of the elementary school classroom.

New Releases:

• Three Pieces of Broken Glass by Emily Barth Isler, illustrated by Vesper Stamper (Ages 4-8)
• Forbidden Mountain by Brandon Mull (Ages 8-12)
• My Sister, the Freak by Dani Jones (Ages 8-12)
• The Delta Codex by Deva Fagan (Ages 10+)
• Rialto by Kate Milford (Ages 10+)
• Forgive-Me-Not by Mari Costa (Ages 14+)

https://mariadoloresaguila.com/

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony interviews author María Dolores Águila about her new nonfiction picture book, A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corridors of Roberto Alvarez. They discuss the historical significance of the Lemon Grove Incident—the first successful school desegregation case in the U.S.—and the importance of sharing these diverse stories with young readers. The conversation provides valuable insights for educators, librarians, and parents looking for curriculum-aligned resources that explore civil rights history in the elementary school classroom. María also shares her writing process and a roundup of recent children’s book releases that celebrate the freedom to read and the power of standing up for justice. Join us for a comprehensive look at how contemporary children’s literature can help students navigate our shared history.

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony provides an essential roundup of new children’s book releases and educational publishing initiatives shaping the current literary landscape. We explore the latest diverse stories for young readers and offer a sneak peek into upcoming contemporary author interviews that dive deep into the creative process. This episode provides valuable insights for educators, librarians, and parents looking to integrate literary history and social-emotional learning into the elementary school classroom. From analyzing modern publishing trends to discussing the ongoing freedom to read, we highlight the books and curriculum-aligned resources that help children navigate a changing world. Join us for a comprehensive look at the newest titles on the shelf and the library news you need to stay informed.

New Releases:

• Baba Palooza by A.D. Ghani, illus. by Nadia Alam (Ages 4-8)
• Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp By Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez, illus. by Chris Sasaki (Ages 4-8)
• Feo the Chupacabra by Sequoia Blankenship, illus. by Rob Thompson (Ages 8-12)
• Just One Gift by Linda Sue Park, illus. by Robert Sae-Heng (Ages 8-12)
• Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini, illus. by Shadia Amin (Ages 8-12)
• Fruitcake by Rex Ogle, illus. by Dave Valeza (Ages 10-12)
• When You’re Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim (Ages 10-14)
• How to Be Normal by Ange Crawford (Ages 13+)
• Girl Reflected in Knife by Anica Mrose Rissi (Ages 14+)