How can children's books help introduce music education to young learners, encourage creativity, and bring cultural history into the classroom?

In Episode 29 of the Children's Book Marketing Podcast, host Micaela S. Benn welcomes Dana Royster-Buefort, a retired Boston public school educator with 38 years of experience in special education and the author of Happy Music: A New Orleans Jazz Story.

Drawing from her family's rich New Orleans jazz heritage, Dana has created more than a children's book. She's developed interactive learning experiences that combine storytelling, music, dance, and cultural history to introduce young readers to the world of jazz.

In this conversation, Dana shares how music shaped her teaching career, why she believes jazz can support creativity and classroom engagement, and how her book has become the foundation for educational programs in schools and community organizations.

You'll also hear the remarkable family history behind Happy Music, including her grandfather Charles Armstead's connection to New Orleans jazz and Fats Domino.

What you'll discover in this episode:

· How children's books can introduce jazz and music education to young learners.

· Dana's experiences using music to encourage creativity, focus, and classroom participation.

· How storytelling, movement, and listening activities can complement music education.

· Why Happy Music includes a jazz playlist that helps families explore music together.

· How interactive author visits can support school and community enrichment programs.

· Why developing educational experiences around a children's book can create new opportunities for authors.

· How Dana has expanded her author brand through companion products, marketing, and community partnerships.

Meet The Guest Author, Dana Royster-Buefort

Dana Royster-Buefort is a retired educator, children's book author, and founder of Unspeakable Joy Press. Her book Happy Music: A New Orleans Jazz Story celebrates family, music, dance, and New Orleans culture.

Dana also offers a companion activity book and interactive author visits designed to introduce children to jazz history and music through storytelling.

Connect with Dana

Website: https://unspeakablejoypress.com

Email: dana@unspeakablejoypress.com

For school visits, library story times, community programs, or literacy sponsorship inquiries, contact Dana through her website.

For children's book authors

Your book may have the potential to become much more than a reading experience. When you're ready to discuss how its themes, lessons, and subject matter could support educational programming, community partnerships, and new opportunities for your author business, let's talk!

To schedule a Private Coaching Session, book here - https://childrensbookmarketing.co/coachingcalendar

Subscribe to the Children's Book Marketing Podcast for more conversations about children's book marketing, author visibility, and creating lasting impact through your stories.

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Interested in becoming a guest on The Children's Book Marketing Podcast? Let's work together to increase your visibility with the Podcast Visibility Starter Kit to secure your feature interview, content, coaching, and more!

What happens when a creative dream gets interrupted by real life?

In this inspiring episode of the Children's Book Marketing Podcast, I sit down with author-illustrator, Sarah Diaz-Bastin, to discuss the journey behind bringing to life her self-published picture book, Kiss-A-Dilla. What began as a pandemic passion project eventually became a published book through parenting, perseverance, continuous learning, and the willingness to take one step at a time.

Sarah shares how motherhood reshaped her understanding of time, why she chose to illustrate her own book, and what she learned about embracing imperfection. Plus, discover how creating a joyful Spanglish picture book became a meaningful way to celebrate family, culture, and early literacy.

Whether you're just beginning your publishing journey or trying to finish a project that's been sitting on your desk for years, this conversation is a reminder that progress, not perfection, is what brings books to life.

Get In Touch -

To learn more about Sarah Diaz-Bastin, check her out at Sueno Books and connect to her on Instagram at sueno.books.

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Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest on The Children's Book Marketing Podcast? Let's work together to increase your visibility with the Podcast Visibility Starter Kit to secure your feature interview, content, coaching, and more!

In this episode, we're hanging out with Elan Page, a fellow homeschool mom and host of the Homeschool Our Way podcast. If you’re a children’s book author wondering what’s the magical connection between the books that you’ve written (or will write), libraries, and homeschooling, you’ll definitely want to tune in. Elan and I discuss how these three elements go hand-in-hand, not just for books, but for all the fun stuff and connections you can find there.

We also explore how Elan’s podcast helps families on the fence about homeschooling. She breaks down her START Method to help parents ease into homeschooling with confidence.

Whether you're homeschooling your kiddos, thinking about making the transition, or writing children's books, this episode is full of tips and good vibes! Add it to your list of episodes to check out and take notes from.

Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest on The Children's Book Marketing Podcast? Let's work together to increase your visibility with the Podcast Visibility Starter Kit to secure your feature interview, content, coaching, and more!