adventures in the heart of children's book authors podcast by Papa Rick Harris

Episode 88

Why This Children's Book Author Is Having the Conversations Parents Don't Know How to Start

Peter Cotton, a distinguished author of children's literature, joins us to illuminate the journey of his literary career, focusing particularly on his latest work, "What Fred the Snake and His Friends Learn about the Chinese Zodiac and the Great Race." This episode delves into Peter's evolution from a medical professor to a celebrated children's book author, sparked by the inspiration of his grandchildren and the whimsical character of Fred the Snake. We explore the profound significance of storytelling in fostering curiosity and imparting subtle lessons to young readers. Peter shares insights into the creative process behind his books, the collaboration with his illustrator, and the challenges of marketing in a saturated literary landscape. His passion for engaging the younger generation through delightful narratives and educational themes is both inspiring and instructive for aspiring authors in the realm of children's literature.

Richard Rieman's journey as a children's book author is an inspiring testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue one's passions. In this podcast episode, we engage in a profound discussion regarding his two children's books, with particular emphasis on "The Day the Clouds Went Away."

Kris Tarantino, a distinguished author of children's literature, shares her profound journey in the realm of children's book publishing.

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the profound impact of Deena Morris' children’s book, "Lessons from the Future: The Empowered Empath."

Tanya Acquista, the esteemed author of "Money, Time" and "Have You Seen My Voice Box?", joins us today to expound upon her journey as a children's book author.

Joy Lanier, author of "Big Feels: The Diary of a Passionate Kitty," articulates the profound emotional journey inherent in children's literature.

This podcast episode delves into the enchanting world of children's literature, specifically focusing on Tricia Gardella, also known as National Park Grandma, and her captivating book titled "Mouse Visits Grand Canyon National Park."

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the intricate dynamics of children's book publishing, as articulated by Marlee Kostiner, the founder of Garden Wolf Publishing House.

Katie Kuperman, an accomplished children's book author, joins us to delve into her captivating series, which includes titles such as "Muddy Spokes," "Speedy Spokes," and "Spokes Blows a Tire."

The principal focus of this podcast episode is an insightful conversation with Sheri Fink, an accomplished author renowned for her children's literary works, particularly her latest book, "Beyond Words."

The primary focus of our discourse today is the exploration of Chris McKenna's literary work, specifically his children's book, "Captain Olivia and the Treasure of Kindness."

Marlee Kostiner, the author of the children's book "NaMOOste," joins us to discuss her unexpected journey into children's literature.

The podcast episode showcases a riveting conversation with Steve Bradshaw, the author of the children's book "Brave at Home."

Ralph Tufo, author of the esteemed "Seemore the Seagull Tales," articulates the imperative need to impart lessons in kindness through children's literature.

Carmella Alexander, the esteemed author of the "Fearless the Amazing Boy with Special Abilities" series, joins us to elucidate the profound motivations that underpin her literary endeavors.

Catherine Clark Felts, an accomplished author of children's literature, imparts her profound insights on the essence of being a children's book author, emphasizing the significant impact of her narrative, *K.D.'s Journey*.

Noel Foy, a distinguished author of children's literature, elucidates the profound significance of her vocation as a children's book author, particularly emphasizing her works, "ABC Worry Free" and "Are You a Bird Like Me?"

Luz, a newly minted children's book author, shares her profound experiences and insights regarding her debut work, "Sweet Playdate Club."

The featured guest in this podcast episode is Rusty Austin, a published children's author who has transitioned from a successful 35-year career in the entertainment industry to writing engaging poetry for children.

This podcast episode features an enlightening conversation with Kevin Lestarge, author of the children's book "Billy Finds Bigfoot."

Brittany Petish, an accomplished children's book author, joins us to discuss her poignant work, "Goodbye Blue," which poignantly explores themes of love and loss through the lens of her profound bond with her late dog, Annabelle.

The episode features an enlightening dialogue with Anne Goresht, the esteemed author of the children's book "I Am a Big Brother with a Superpower."

Episode 64

Episode 63, Crafting Children's Literature: The Making of a Birthday Wish

The principal focus of this podcast episode is the successful completion of our ambitious goal to publish a weekly episode throughout the year 2025, culminating in a total of 52 episodes. We reflect upon the journey that commenced with our tentative steps into podcasting in 2024, during which we faced numerous challenges, including attracting engaging guests and establishing a dedicated audience. Our initial efforts, characterized by a modest output of ten episodes, laid the foundation for the remarkable growth we experienced in 2025, which was facilitated by the unexpected interest from accomplished children's book authors seeking to share their narratives. Furthermore, we are proud to announce that our podcast has garnered recognition as the Best Children's Literary Podcast by Millions Podcasts and has achieved a notable position among the top 100 Canadian Book Podcasts, an accolade that underscores our commitment to promoting the voices of children's authors. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue this endeavor into 2026, where we aim to further empower aspiring children's book authors through diverse content and the development of supplementary educational materials.

Amanda Cupido, the esteemed author of "Let's Talk Podcasting for Kids," joins us to delve into the burgeoning intersection of children's literature and the podcasting realm.

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the insightful discussion with Jake Buck, a children's book author, who shares his journey in creating his debut work titled "Bug Hug." He articulates the profound emotional significance of being a children's book authority, particularly as it pertains to the inspiration drawn from his daughter, which catalyzed his creative endeavors. Throughout the dialogue, Jake elaborates on the intricacies of the writing and illustrating process, highlighting the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in character design and the personal connection that underlies his storytelling. As we delve deeper into the episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into the independent publishing process, the significance of community engagement, and the inherent joys of crafting narratives that resonate with children and parents alike.

The primary focus of this podcast episode is a comprehensive discussion with Stenetta Anthony, the author of "Ella Learns to Dance," as she elucidates her journey into children's literature.

Jeanne Dill Svobodny, an accomplished children's book author, joins us to discuss her latest literary work, "Grandma's Mystery Surprise Box."

Shannon Turske, a newly minted children's book author, shares her inspiring journey in this episode, highlighting the release of her debut work, *Joy in the Big Balloon Catastrophe*. 

Episode 58: Unveiling the Journey of a Rescue Dog: From Texas to North of the Border

The episode features a profound exploration of the intersection between children’s literature and food safety, as we engage with Jessica McAnelly, the author of "Birdie's Picnic: A Tasty Take on Food Safety." 

Cerys Thompson, Episode 56: From Grandfather's Inspiration to Children's Book Publication: The Galloping Frog

Su Murley, Episode 54: Exploring the Artistry of Children's Literature Through Tongue Twisters

The focal point of this podcast episode revolves around the life and legacy of Will Rogers, as articulated by the esteemed children’s book author and educator, Bart Taylor, affectionately known as Buckaroo Bart. 

Deana Plaskon, author of the *Bella and the Emotion Explorers* series, highlights the profound significance of emotional intelligence in her work, particularly in her inaugural book, *Bella and Bird Explore Anger*. 

Cody Burke, the author of "Take Me Back to Oklahoma," invites us to a profound exploration of the significance of children's book authorship, underscoring its weighty responsibility in shaping the perceptions of future generations.

The key point of this podcast episode revolves around the journey of aspiring children's book authors and the various paths they may choose to bring their literary creations to fruition.

The podcast features an enlightening discussion with Kat Kronenberg, the esteemed author of the "Live Big" series, which includes titles such as "Dream Big," "Love Big," and "Think Big."

Wendy Schicktanz, a talented author, shares her journey as a children's book creator in this enlightening episode.

The discussion centers on "Being Middle," a children's book authored by Lori Orlinsky, which addresses the unique experiences of middle children.

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the recently launched children's book, *Kid Clown and the Butterfly Adventures*, authored by Debi Chimenti and illustrated by Cassidy Lee, episode 46.

Laura Strachan, a distinguished author of the children's book series "Pickles the Mermaid," joins our podcast to elucidate the profound significance of her latest literary endeavour, "Rainy's Journey", episode 45.  

The prominent point of this podcast episode revolves around the enlightening discussion with Chrishana Greer, a distinguished children's book author, who delves into the themes and inspirations behind her latest work, "The Boy in a Wheelchair", episode 44.

Alyssa Cornwell's literary journey is illuminated through her insightful discussion of her book, "Where Do Grownups Come From?", episode 43.

The most noticeable point of this podcast episode is our profound gratitude towards our listeners, whose unwavering support has led to our recognition as one of the top children's literature podcasts on the web, episode 42.

The narrative centers on the poignant tale of "The Mouse Who Couldn't Eat Cheese," a children's book authored by MB Mooney, whose real name is Matthew Britton, as featured in Episode 41.

Alison Thompson's debut children's book, "Sunny Steps Loves to Dance," serves as a vibrant exploration of creativity and movement, encouraging children, particularly boys, to embrace the joy of dance without reservation.

This podcast episode explores how the inspiration of a real event serves as the foundation for a children's book, and how the process of launching a children's book can bring the event back to life through a children's book, episode 39.

The main point of our discussion centers on the collaborative journey of authoring a children's book, specifically “Attack of the Monster Pickles," co-created by Sarah Graves and my son Parker. 

Deirdre Palm Adams, the distinguished author of the children's book series featuring Rocky, engages in an enlightening dialogue regarding the profound themes encapsulated within her works, particularly the latest installment, "Don't Worry, Rocky", episode 37.

Children's book authorship constitutes not merely a pastime but a profound commitment that permeates one's existence, episode 36.

The podcast features an enlightening conversation with Laura Strachan, the author of the 'Pickles the Mermaid' book series, as she shares her journey toward becoming a children's book author. 

Kodak Bogart, the distinguished author of the Helo Girls series, highlights the profound significance of representation in children's literature, particularly within the realms of aviation and public service, episode 35.

The focus of this discussion centers on the notion that many aspiring children's book authors maintain a tacit secrecy regarding their literary creations; Episode 34.

The focal point of our discussion centers on the enchanting children's book, "Charlie and Sophie's Great Escape," authored by Farial; Epsiode 33.

This podcast episode's primary focus is on establishing a structured revenue model for children's book authors during school visits and reading events.

Amber B. Mitchell joins us to discuss her enchanting children's book, The Chickadee Who Knew. The book embodies the themes of discovering home's true meaning and perspective's transformative power.

The podcast engages in a profound dialogue with David Cervi, the proprietor of DJC Graphic Designs, emphasizing the critical role a website plays for children's book authors.

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of supporting aspiring children's book authors in their journey towards self-publishing. The discussion centers on the essential elements that transform written narratives and illustrations into a polished final product. We engage with Konn, an award-winning author and graphic designer, who elucidates the various aspects of book cover design, formatting, and the crucial preparatory steps necessary for self-publishing a children's book. The episode aims to demystify self-publishing, providing practical insights to alleviate the common anxieties associated with authorship. Listeners can expect to gain valuable knowledge that will empower them to navigate the complexities of bringing their creative visions to fruition.

This podcast episode is dedicated to the pivotal concept of assembling a Dream Team to facilitate the journey of self-publishing a children's book. As we reflect on insights garnered from our previous episodes, it becomes evident that the collective support of various professionals is indispensable in transforming an author's vision into a tangible reality. We shall explore the essential roles within this Dream Team, highlighting the significance of each member, including the author, editor, illustrator, and format designer, as well as the sustainability experts who ensure the book’s longevity in the market. Moreover, we will address critical inquiries, such as the qualities to seek in these collaborators and the common pitfalls to circumvent during the self-publishing process. Ultimately, our aim is to empower aspiring authors, fostering a proactive approach in their publishing endeavors while ensuring the realization of their literary aspirations.

Karen B. Shea is a passionate children's book author whose works aim to connect young readers with the wonders of nature.

This podcast episode reflects the invaluable lessons gleaned from our first 25 episodes, wherein we delve into the profound insights shared by numerous children's book authors.

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Sarah Doran, a distinguished author known for her works, "The Peppered Sky" and "Sleeping Giants."

The essence of this podcast episode centers around a profound exploration of hope as articulated by author Andrea Coyne in her children's book, *Hope is a Blanket*.

This podcast episode features a profound discussion with Charlotte Glaze, the author and illustrator of Storm Trucks, a children's book.

Joan Epp, the author of the children's book "Ice Cap," shares her inspiring journey of writing and publishing this delightful work.

Monica Voicu Denniston joins us to discuss her engaging children's book, "Maggie the Military Rat," which explores the unique experiences of military children.

This podcast episode elucidates the intricacies of launching a children's book, specifically focusing on the forthcoming release titled "Some Angels Have Rotor Blades" by Children's Book author Darcy Guyant.

Aaron Measer, the author of seven children's books, shares his journey into writing and the heartfelt inspiration behind his first book, "My Day with Grandma."

Lacy Moore shares her inspiring journey of becoming a children's book author, highlighting her debut work, "Scaly Feet in a Sound so Sweet," which presents a unique rhyming alphabet adventure. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Lacy emphasizes the importance of making learning fun and engaging for children, using her own sons as inspiration for her writing. She discusses the techniques she employed to help children learn the alphabet through rhythm and rhyme, making education feel less like a chore. Lacy's experience in the publishing world showcases her hybrid approach, utilizing both self-publishing and support from a community of authors. As she works on her second book, Lacy encourages aspiring writers to embrace their dreams and take the leap into authorship, emphasizing that the journey itself is just as valuable as the end product.

Darcy Guyant, the author of the Coast Guard Adventures of Dolphin Gwen series, shares his journey of inspiration and writing in this engaging podcast.

Lisa Ascolese, known as the Inventress, takes listeners on a heartfelt journey into her life as a creative force behind children's lullabies.

Erin also explores her goals for reaching school libraries across all 50 states and her innovative approach to fundraising through book sales and community engagement.

Tanya Acquista, a passionate children's book author and speech-language pathologist, shares her journey of writing and self-publishing her book, "Money Time."

Denise Cesare shares her inspiring journey of writing her children's book, "Moments in Motion with Love," which emerged during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lynn and Jonathan share their inspiring journey of creating "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure," a children's book that gives a voice to those with Dyslexia and promotes understanding among young readers.

The engaging dialogue between Rick and Chelsea Kim highlights the profound impact of children's literature, centred around Chelsea's debut work, "Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl."

Terri shares her inspiring journey as a children's book author, highlighting the importance of perseverance and creativity in bringing stories to life.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of self-publishing children's books, highlighted by The Adventures of Kaboose the Rocky Mountain Bear.

Understanding your "why" is crucial for anyone considering becoming a children's book author. It helps you navigate the challenges of publishing, whether traditional or self-publishing.

Join us as we embark on a delightful journey through the enchanting world of Kaboose, the Rocky Mountain Bear, inspired by our family's cherished adventures in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada.

Today's episode is based on "Which Came First, Chicken or the Egg?"

Welcome to Episode Five of the Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors podcast.

Welcome to Episode Four of the Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors podcast. (This podcast show can be found on Kaboose on the Rocky Mountain Bear website.)

Welcome to Episode Three of the Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors podcast. (This podcast show can be found on Kaboose on the Rocky Mountain Bear website.)

Join us for a heartwarming conversation as we explore the adventures that inspired the creation of "Kaboose the Rocky Mountain Bear," a series that has blossomed from the cherished memories of a grandpa and granddaughter duo.

Welcome to the first episode of "Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors," in which we explore the journey of becoming a children's book author through personal stories and life lessons.