Maggie Smith, MY THOUGHTS HAVE WINGS
Maggie Smith, the New York Times bestselling author of the heartrending memoir YOU COULD MAKE THIS PLACE BEAUTIFUL, joins Zibby to discuss her beautifully lyrical and calming new picture book, MY THOUGHTS HAVE WINGS. Maggie reveals how challenging conversations with her children—during her divorce and the pandemic lockdown—prompted the creation of this book. She describes the bedtime rituals they developed to fight nighttime anxiety. She and Zibby delve into the challenges of parenting, reflecting on rituals, the power of positive thinking, and how they’ve helped their children with their worries.
Bess Kalb, BUFFALO FLUFFALO (Buffalo Stories)
Emmy-nominated comedy writer Bess Kalb joins Zibby to discuss BUFFALO FLUFFALO, a delightful picture book about a silly buffalo who tries to fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. Inspired by her experiences as a mother and wanting to create something that resonates with her son, Bess wrote the book to encourage self-acceptance and make children laugh (oh, and to dismantle toxic masculinity as well!). She also talks about the role of comedy in her life and the adaptation of her adult book, NOBODY WILL TELL YOU THIS BUT ME, into a film!
Allison Holker Boss, KEEP DANCING THROUGH: A Boss Family Groove
Zibby is joined by celebrity dancer and TV personality Allison Holker Boss to discuss her and her late husband Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s first picture book, KEEP DANCING THROUGH, a heartfelt celebration of family and positive affirmation. Allison emphasizes the importance of affirmations in her family and then delves into her decision to release this book during an incredibly difficult time, pointing out how proud her husband would be. She and Zibby reflect on resilience and the challenge of going through trauma in real time on social media. Finally, they talk about their favorite books, parenting, and dance (including Allison’s role as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance”!)
Jamie Lee Curtis, JUST ONE MORE SLEEP: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait . . . and Wait . . . and Wait
Zibby interviews award-winning actress, New York Times bestselling author, and repeat MDHTTRB guest Jamie Lee Curtis about JUST ONE MORE SLEEP, an endearing picture book with bold and humorous artwork that explains why waiting can be wonderful—and can give you a reason to cheer all year round. Jamie talks about the significance of celebrations in the lives of children (and her own) and then reveals where this story came from (it involves the pandemic, her 5-year-old neighbor Betty, and a lot of Christmas anticipation). The two also joke about a potential podcast spin-off (“Grandmas Who Have Time to Read Books”– ha!) and discuss Jamie’s previous roster of amazing self-help books for children.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, MAMA'S SLEEPING SCARF
Guest host Alisha Fernandez Miranda interviews bestselling author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie about her first children's book, MAMA'S SLEEPING SCARF, a tender story about a little girl’s love for her mother’s scarf. Chimamanda reflects on the challenges of parenting, from instilling manners to managing social media exposure. She also shares her experiences as a writer, including taking a break after motherhood and working on a new novel after a decade. She concludes with advice for aspiring writers, highlighting the importance of regular writing, revisiting one's work, and learning from reading.
Terri Libenson, SURPRISINGLY SARAH
Terri discusses the book's unique format, which explores two "what-if" scenarios from the perspectives of characters Sarah and Leo, involving a school dance and a love triangle. She shares how she blends personal experiences with imagination and explains her writing process, which involves drafting in a Word document, indicating artwork in red type, and then adding sketches and final artwork. Zibby's children, who are fans of the series, ask Terri about character names, book titles, and potential future books. Terri shares personal details, like her Turkish heritage, and then reveals the possibility of her series being adapted into a movie or TV show.
Cindy Chupack, WE WAITED FOR YOU: Now We're a Family
Zibby chats with Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and director Cindy Chupack about WE WAITED FOR YOU, a beautiful picture book that celebrates the moment a child and parent form a family. The two discuss Cindy's literary journey and the impact her 2004 essay collection, THE BETWEEN BOYFRIENDS BOOK, had on readers, including Zibby herself. Cindy also reflects on her divorce, the challenges of infertility, and the emotional journey of adopting her daughter. She even describes a recent painful breakup, which she humorously considers as material for future writing. The conversation touches on themes of love, resilience, and the therapeutic power of storytelling.
Introducing SOUND DETECTIVES from LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton presents SOUND DETECTIVES – a funny, engaging, and thought provoking podcast that invites elementary school-aged kids to explore the magic and mystery of sound.
Breaking News – Across the globe, sounds are mysteriously going missing! Waves aren’t crashing, crickets aren’t chirping, and the familiar jingle of the ice cream truck is a distant memory. Follow Detective Hunch (Vinny Thomas) and his new sidekick Audie the Ear (Jess McKenna) as they solve sound mysteries and track down the nefarious Sound Swindler ... all with a little help from LeVar Burton himself!
Equal parts fun and informative, SOUND DETECTIVES encourages listeners to engage with the sound mysteries that surround us, while unlocking the door to people and cultures around the globe. Join the team on this semi-improvised comedy caper, and help return the mystery sounds before the world falls silent!
Sara Shepard, PENNY DRAWS A BEST FRIEND
Sara Shepard, the New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars series, speaks to guest host Julie Chavez about Penny Draws a Best Friend, a humorous and heartfelt middle-grade series about Penny, a fifth grader who is navigating friendships, finding her people, and lots of worries. Sara reveals she was just like Penny growing up and shares stories of her anxiety, then and now. She also talks about her lifelong love of doodling, which her Pretty Little Liars editors noticed and encouraged her to use in children’s books!
Dave Eggers, WE BECAME JAGUARS
In this special weekend re-release, Zibby speaks to New York Times bestselling author and literary legend Dave Eggers about We Became Jaguars, a breathtaking picture book about a child and a grandmother who transform into jaguars and journey into the undiscovered world of nature. Dave describes the ins and outs of the publishing process, how he began writing picture books, and the Young Editors Project, which allows young children to help workshop picture books before they’re published.
Julia Cook, HERMAN JIGGLE, JUST BE YOU!
Award-winning children’s book author Julia Cook joins Zibby to discuss Herman Jiggle, Just Be You, a heartwarming tale about overcoming insecurities and learning to accept and love oneself. Julia shares how she came to publish 140 books–it all started when she couldn’t quite figure out how to teach children! She also discusses her most memorable books; the mistakes she’s made in a couple of them; recent trends in anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation for children and adolescents; and her best parenting (and just life) advice.
Natalie Portman, NATALIE PORTMAN'S FABLES
In this special weekend re-release, Zibby interviews Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, activist, and New York Times bestselling author Natalie Portman about Natalie Portman's Fables, a children's book with playful, witty, and insightful retellings of three classic fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse. It is paired perfectly with Janna Mattia's charming illustrations.
Kevin and Danielle Jonas, THERE'S A BEACH IN MY BEDROOM
Zibby speaks to international rockstar Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle Jonas, both repeat guests on MDHTTRB, about There’s a Beach in My Bedroom, a colorful new picture book about turning a disappointing canceled beach day into an even more fun day at home. Kevin and Danielle talk about their collaboration with each other and their illustrator, their exciting summer book tour, and typical beach days in their family (they are big Jersey Shore-ers!). Kevin also talks about his upcoming tour (with back-to-back shows at Yankee Stadium!) and juggling fatherhood with his busy schedule.
Meena Harris, KAMALA AND MAYA'S BIG IDEA
In this special weekend re-release, Zibby interviews lawyer and entrepreneur Meena Harris about Kamala and Maya's Big Idea, a beautiful and empowering picture book about two sisters who work together with their community to make changes in their playground, inspired by a true story from the childhood of the author's aunt, Vice President Kamala Harris!
"An inspirational reminder to choose courage over fear. A must-read for little girls around the world." —Elizabeth Warren
“I love this book—the power of persistence and being bold is one of the most important lessons we can teach young people.” —Megan Rapinoe
Justin Roberts, I'LL BE YOUR POLAR BEAR
Zibby interviews 4-time Grammy nominee Justin Roberts about I’ll Be Your Polar Bear, a warm, heartfelt picture book about the lengths parents will go to comfort and protect their children. Justin reveals this book was inspired by a lullaby he wrote and then shares his fascinating career trajectory–from Montessori preschool teacher and divinity studies graduate student to 16 albums, Grammy nominations, and several books based on songs. He also describes the book editing process, his wonderful collaboration with his illustrator Chuck Groenink, and his next book Giant-Sized Butterflies On My First Day of School.
Luvvie Ajayi Jones, LITTLE TROUBLEMAKER MAKES A MESS
Guest host Julie Chavez interviews New York Times bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones about Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess, a funny, sweet, and brightly illustrated children’s book about a bighearted girl with the best of intentions. Luvvie shares her book’s inspiring message (even kids who make messes are loved!), describes her collaboration with the talented Joey Spiotto (who used photos of Luvvie as a child to draw the protagonist!), and explains how she infused her Nigerian culture into the story. Finally, she reveals how she got into writing (it involves an extremely popular advice column in college) and what she is working on next!
Amerie, YOU WILL DO GREAT THINGS
Zibby is joined by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and book club founder Amerie to discuss You Will Do Great Things, a magical picture book about a young boy’s imagination and the unexplored worlds it takes him to. Amerie talks about her lifelong love of books, from a childhood spent at the military base library, to stacking shelves at Georgetown, to reading Harry Potter on her tour bus. Then, she describes how she got into writing (and became obsessed with it), how her son inspired her to write this book, and why diverse representation is so important in children’s literature. Finally, she introduces us to Amerie’s Book Club. (By the way, her April pick is If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery, who has been on MDHTTRB!!)
Stuart Gibbs, WHALE DONE
Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling children’s author Stuart Gibbs about Whale Done, the eighth book in the iconic FunJungle series. Stuart describes his love of animals, his job at a zoo studying capybaras, and his decision to write about an exploding whale in Malibu. He also talks about his popular Spy School series and (accidentally) reveals where the next book will take place! Finally, he talks about writing as an escape, which helped after his wife’s passing, and reveals he spends a lot of time in the worlds he has imagined and put on paper.
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, GOOD NIGHT, SISTER
In a special in-person interview (LA edition!), Zibby speaks to New York Times bestselling author and repeat MDHTTRB guest Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt about Goodnight, Sister, a beautiful and gentle bedtime story that celebrates the power and comfort of sisterhood (and stuffed animals). Katherine reveals she wrote the book as a tribute to her younger sister Christina, who was bolder and braver than she was growing up. Katherine talks about how different the publishing process is for picture books (she has also written three self-help books!), and how much better-equipped she is to write one now that she has children and understands their preferences. She also shares her passion for animal rescue and her best advice for aspiring children’s authors.
(Oh, and reporter Mary McNamara observed the interview and wrote about it in an incredible LA Times article!!)
Aashna Shah, DYNAMIC DIYA: Dyslexia is her Superpower
Zibby interviews Aashna Shah, a high school student and the first Indian American Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen, about Dynamic Diya - Dyslexia is her Superpower, one of the three children's books she has written about learning disabilities (all of which she has been diagnosed with!). Aashna talks about her experiences in the pageant and describes how she is using her voice to break the stigma of learning disabilities and fight for legislative change in Florida. She also shares how she navigated the tricky self-publishing process and found a wonderful illustrator from India, ultimately turning her own struggles into beautiful picture books.