Remember Reading Podcast

Representation matters, especially in children’s literature and stories that represent Native American people. In this episode, we focus on Heartdrum, an imprint about stories by Native American creators who publish stories with an emphasis on the present and future of Indian Country, and on the strength of young Native American heroes. Author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Creek), author and co-founder of We Need Diverse Books, Ellen Oh, and HarperCollins editor Rosemary Brosnan discuss how the Heartdrum project came to fruition and a sample of the beautifully diverse stories now available to young readers. To learn more about Heartdrum, visit Diversebooks.org/programs/heartdrum Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time! [:01] In her book, Jingle Dancer, Cynthia Leitich Smith depicted Native American girls and women, who are underrepresented in children’s literature. [5:01]The books by authors of color that impacted Cynthia and Ellen as children. [7:40] In her series, Indian Shoes, it was important to Cynthia the characters be in contemporary, urban settings. [10:57] When publishers shifted away from multiculturalism and inclusion, Cynthia successfully pivoted and created paranormal stories including the Feral series. [13:23] The progressive ideas that fuel We Need Diverse Books make the organization much more than a hashtag. [15:42] Ellen, Cynthia, and Rosemary Brosnan instigated the creation of Heartdrum, the first native imprint at a major publisher. [21:36] The Sea in Winter by Christine Day is one of the first books published by Heartdrum. [26:14] Current trends in contemporary children’s literature and future opportunities for Heartdrum. [29:44] Ellen describes her motivation for writing her very personal latest book, Finding Junie Kim. [32:02] Ancestor Approved is a collection of stories and poetry that showcases the diversity within Indian Country and pairs new and established authors. Continue Your Journey: Cynthia Leitich Smith Ellen Oh Books We Need Diverse Books HarperCollins Remember Reading Podcast @ReadingPod on Twitter

The treasured I Can Read! collection began with the beloved Little Bear in 1957 and is still going strong today! On the show, we discuss the series’ origins, its stories, and what’s ahead for the books. You’ll hear from Tamar Mays, an editor at HarperCollins, as well as from authors Corey Tabor (Fox the Tiger) and Kelly Starling-Lyons (Ty’s Travels) as they dive into what makes the I Can Read! books so magical for children beginning their journey as readers. To learn more about the I Can Read! series, visit icanread.com Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

After an incredibly difficult year, we reflect on the number of ways classic children's books can help kids and adults get through tough times. Featured in this episode: -The Secret Garden (Katherine Paterson) -One Crazy Summer (Janae Marks, Lisa Moore Romae, Paula Chase) -The One and Only Ivan (Roseanne Parry) Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

First published in 1945, "The Carrot Seed" is a beloved story about growing a carrot... but more than that, it’s about how far patience and perseverance can get you. In this episode, we're digging into the timeless classic, written by Ruth Krauss and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, and chatting about the book's simple, direct, yet evocative style that's resonated with readers for over 75 years. We'll also be joined by author and illustrator Tim Miller (Tiny Kitty, Big City) and illustrator Greg Pizzoli (Two Little Trains) for whom the book was a big influence. To learn more about The Carrot Seed, visit: bit.ly/2DMZuDy Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Hailed by the New York Times as "witty and original," One Crazy Summer is a moving & funny story about three sisters looking for their mother in 1960s California. It's also a book that brings up issues that almost mirror current events today, tackling problems kids see around themselves. On this episode, we'll talk to acclaimed author Rita Williams-Garcia about what inspired her to write the Newbery Honor and National Book Award winning story - a contemporary classic that deals with everything from abandonment, to unfair policing, and the Black Panthers - why representation matters, and more. We'll also be joined by authors Janae Marks (From the Desk of Zoe Washington), Paula Chase (Turning Point), and Lisa Moore Ramée (Something to Say), three writers who read One Crazy Summer as adults, and had it stick with them. To learn more about One Crazy Summer, visit: bit.ly/2Yn09T0 Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Did you know The One and Only Ivan was based on a real-life gorilla? Ivan lived in a mall in Tacoma, Washington for many years before being transferred to Zoo Atlanta. On this episode, we'll talk to author, Katherine Applegate, on why the circumstances inspired her to write the Newberry Medal winning book that's a soon to be major motion picture. The first time John Schumacher, or Mr. Schu, read this book, it changed his life. Listen to his story and how he, as Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic, incorporates it into his classroom visits. We'll also talk with Rosanne Parry, the author of A Wolf Called Wander, about getting into the mindset of an animal—in her case, a wolf—and the special bond we have with nature. To learn more about The One and Only Ivan, visit: https://bit.ly/3cKC0KI Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

There's no place like home in this cozy, quirky children's book series about a frog, a toad, and their special friendship, written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel. On the show, we catch up with Adrianne Lobel, Arnold's daughter, to learn more about her father and the inspiration behind this classic story. We'll also talk to his longtime editor, Susan Hirschman, as well as some famous illustrators who were inspired by Arnold's work. Pete Oswald, illustrator of The Angry Birds movie and The Food Group series, has fond memories of the books growing up, and now his children are loving Frog & Toad. Illustrator Sergio Ruzzier, illustrator of Roar Like a Dandelion, loves Arnold Lobel's work so much, he has an original drawing from the late author. To learn more about Frog and Toad, visit bit.ly/2WuOUr6 Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

We may be former kids, but sometimes, it takes a little imagination to remind us what it was like to be a child. Find yourself a secret place as we discuss the unique power of imagination and The Secret Garden. On the show, we'll talk to Katherine Paterson about how The Secret Garden actually inspired her to write Bridge to Terabithia. We'll also talk to Sara Pennypacker, author of Pax and Here in the Real World, about her own secret places as a child. To learn more about The Secret Garden, visit https://bit.ly/3eGBuiZ Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Whether she's actually "drawing" curtains with marker or literally "dressing" a chicken in clothes, Amelia Bedelia is silly and yet... so very practical. She's a maid who's not so great at, well, being a maid, and we love her for it. On this episode, we talk to Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries, who says the humor in Amelia Bedelia is special and something we need more of in our children's books today. We'll also speak with Herman Parish, Peggy Parish's nephew, who took over writing the Amelia Bedelia series when Peggy died. He tells us about the real "Amelia Bedelia" and his experience with the iconic children's book character. To learn more about Amelia Bedelia, visit http://bit.ly/33xW7Zt Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

We’re sitting in on the trial of Steve Harmon, the protagonist of Walter Dean Myers’ groundbreaking novel Monster. Though first published in 1999, Monster remains as topical and unsettling now as ever before. Join us as we talk with two people whose lives were changed by Myers’ work—his long-time editor, Phoebe Yeh, and bestselling YA author Tiffany D. Jackson—and work through the questions that made Monster shine. What makes a monster? Who decides? And what happens to kids trapped in a system that labels them as irredeemable? We also talk about Myers' influence on the We Need Diverse Books movement in the children's literature. **DISCLAIMER: This episode explores tough topics relating to the juvenile justice system experience that parents and teachers may want to review before sharing with children.** To learn more about Monster, visit http://bit.ly/2UHy7Ro The Monster audiobook featured on this episode is brought to you by Listening Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House: http://bit.ly/2uuwoEp Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Open the wardrobe door and climb into the magical world of Narnia! Join us as we discuss one of the most famous children's book series of all time, The Chronicles of Narnia as well as C.S. Lewis, the brilliant man behind the beloved books. On the show, we talk with C.S. Lewis' stepson, Douglas Gresham about his experience with the late writer. Gresham shares anecdotes about his parents—how their love, romance, and kindness changed his life forever. We also talk with Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series! He tells us about how Narnia influenced his work and how, much like C.S. Lewis, he never intended on writing a series at all. To learn more about The Chronicles of Narnia, visit http://bit.ly/36f93Dd Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Looking back on some memorable moments of 2019. Which was your favorite? Tweet us @readingpod! Featured in this episode: -Stuart Little (Katherine Applegate) -Charlotte's Web (Jodi Kendall) -Bridge to Terabithia (Katherine Paterson) -Wayside School (Erin Entrada Kelly)

Most of us know Shel Silverstein as a prolific poet, but did you know he was also a songwriter? Among Shel's many talents, his ridiculous and profound wordplay amazes his readers from childhood long into adulthood. Today, he's known for his unique way of writing and displaying poems and as one of the most famous classic children's book authors of all time. On the show today, we're going to focus mostly on Where the Sidewalk Ends. We speak with Beth Ferry, author of acclaimed picture book, The Scarecrow, about how wordplay has impacted her writing success. We'll also catch up with poetry teacher, Rachel Eisler about her love of poetry, particularly Shel's, and how it plays in the classroom. Both guests read Shel's poetry for us, and it's poetry magic! To learn more about Shel Silverstein, visit www.shelsilverstein.com/ Link to The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry: bit.ly/2Z0JL8x Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

Have you ever really thought about just how *weird* going to sleep is? On today's show, we're talking about one of the most famous children's books of all time: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown! The bedtime story's hypnotic rhythm stays with its readers from infancy long into adulthood. HarperCollins recently published The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown. It's a 42 page long picture book that celebrates the late author's legacy, as well as her 42 years of life, and it's written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Sarah Jacoby. On the show, Lindsay talks with them about why they love Goodnight Moon and how their research connected them to Margaret's special world. Later in the show, we'll talk about one of Margaret Wise Brown's unpublished manuscripts, Good Day, Good Night, that was illustrated by renowned author/illustrator, Loren Long, and published in 2017. He'll talk with us about writing for kids, adapting Margaret's work with admiration, and his unique experience as an artist with colorblindness. To learn more about Goodnight Moon, visit bit.ly/GoodnightMoonBook Link to The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown: http://bit.ly/2oSBtDt Link to Good Day, Good Night: http://bit.ly/2PV22mC Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!

This week, we’re tilting our paper crowns and gnashing our terrible teeth for Where the Wild Things by Maurice Sendak! Joining us in the wild rumpus is Dear Sweet Pea author Julie Murphy, podcast host Rebecca Sheir of Circle Round, and Sendak’s own editor and friend, Toni Markiet. In addition to firsthand accounts of Maurice, we’ll discuss the importance of accessing your emotions as well as the wildness of childhood, the power of imagination, and the comfort of home.