Learn from top comic creators and graphic novel illustrators as they share ten pieces of golden advice for aspiring kidlit storytellers. Discover creative wisdom from Detective Beans, Ellie in First Position, Poetry Comics, and more, curated by The Storytellers Shelf Podcast team. The Spark That Starts It All… Read More »4 Pieces of Golden Advice from Graphic Novel Creators for Authors & Illustrators
There’s something magical about discovering your first real library. Those shelves stretching high with stories waiting to be unlocked, that particular smell of books that promises adventure. For Nontuthuzelo Nikiwe, Chair of the African Library Project, that moment didn’t come until she left her rural… Read More »Building Libraries, Building Futures: How the African Library Project is Transforming Education One Book at a Time
A Little History for You It’s kind of a tricky thing to pin down where comics started. As explained in Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art By Scott McCloud, comics can be defined as “sequential art.” As the book digs deeper into that definition, it shows… Read More »From Charlie Brown to Frizzy: Children’s Focused Comics Through the Ages
At the heart of every great children’s book is the power to shape identity, spark empathy, and celebrate belonging. That’s exactly what Sarina Marzbani, founder of the nonprofit Read and Write to Unite, is on a mission to do. As an Iranian-American reader who grew… Read More »Growing Middle Eastern, North African, & South Asian Voices in Children’s Books with Sarina Marzbani
Hey y’all! You know how much we adore a good story here at The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast—like, seriously, we live for tales that pull you in and won’t let go. But let’s be honest, no great story ever started without a seriously stellar cup of… Read More »Brewing Stories (and Coffee) with Free Rein Coffee
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at The Storyteller’s Shelf, we believe stories have the power to do more than entertain: they can support, inspire, and comfort. In the world of children’s literature, this has never been more needed. With rising concerns about… Read More »How Children’s Books Can Support Mental Health: Interview with Author & Professor of Psychology, Lisa Jacovsky
We’re honored to spotlight author Julie Day, whose heartfelt stories blend magical realism with powerful representations of neurodivergent characters, sparking imagination and hope in young readers. This conversation on autism representation in kidlit is especially close to our hearts. One of our hosts, Jackie Garcia-Morales,… Read More »Children’s Book Author Julie Day on Autistic Characters: Supporting ASD Representation in Kidlit
Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect bedtime story, a librarian trying to fill a gap in your collection, or an aspiring author wondering how to query a literary agent, understanding the types of children’s books is essential. With so many age categories, genres,… Read More »The Ultimate Guide to Children’s Book Categories, Genres, Formats, and Trends: Your KidLit Cheat Sheet
As we wrap up this enchanting month of fantasy here at The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we’re thrilled to bring you a final spotlight that’s as inspiring as it is imaginative. Meet Sarah, a British illustrator whose work breathes magic into every page and whispers wonder into… Read More »How to Illustrate Fantasy Picture Books: Insider Advice from a Pro Illustrator
At The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we champion children’s literature and the incredible creators who bring stories to life. We also strive to demystify publishing and provide insight into the creative process. Since April is our month of magical worlds, we’re diving deep into world-building for… Read More »World-Building for Picture Books: Crafting Worlds for Young Readers