MATTHEWCWINNER

Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Seghal are the authors of Festival of Colors, a new picture book celebrating Holi, the traditional Hindu spring festival. In this conversation Kabir and Sue talk about the celebration as a representation of true Indian culture. They share the harmony and respect for others that's at the heart of Holi and Kabir and Sue lift up the colors as the star character of the story.

Andrew Shaffer, author of What Kind of Queen?: A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria (Harry N. Abrams), co-authored with Kyle Casey Chu and illustrated by Cindy Lozito, joins Matthew to talk about focusing the script when there’s so much content to cover.

Andrew Hacket, author of In This Classroom (Red Comet Press), illustrated by Arthur Lin, joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again.

Lil Miss Hot Mess, author of Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen's Guide to Color (Running Press Kids), illustrated by Olga De Dios, joins Matthew to talk about bickering about the things we fundamentally agree on.

Carole Lindstrom, author of Red River Rose (Bloomsbury Children's Books) and The Gift of the Great Buffalo (Bloomsbury Children's Books), illustrated by Aly McKnight, joins Matthew to talk about the truth that all things don’t end the way we wish.

Matthew Cordell, author and illustrator of 102 (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the power of curiosity and always wanting to see new things.

Alicia D. Williams, author of Nani and the Lion (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books), illustrated by Anna Cunha, joins Matthew to talk about protecting our joy through what we cultivate and what we believe.

Steph Littlebird, author illustrator of You Are The Land (Nancy Paulsen Books), joins Matthew to talk about overcoming doubt and remaining hopeful.

Steve Light, author illustrator of Gus & Sully All Week Long (Candlewick), joins Matthew to talk about distilling ideas to their most accessible and truest forms for our youngest readers.

Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien, author and illustrator of Fireworks (Clarion Books), join Matthew to talk about becoming a mirror for feelings and experiences in their ode to a summer day.

Kaz Windness, author illustrator of Worm and Butterfly are Friends Always (Simon Spotlight), joins Matthew to talk about constantly dealing with loss and change.

Introducing the winners and honors of the Sydney Taylor Book Award (2026), presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, joins Matthew to talk about finding and sticking to your places.

Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), co-authored by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, joins Matthew to talk about never giving up because those that came before us never gave up.

Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), joins Matthew to talk about creating an entryway to discussion.

Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), joins Matthew to talk about the voices of people fighting to protect our world, our rights, and our people.

Jessie Sima, author illustrator of Snow Kid (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the constant journey each of us takes to become ourselves.

Laurel Snyder, author of The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (Clarion Books), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, joins Matthew to talk about lowering all the barriers and modeling yourself on something you love.

Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Aaron Becker, author and illustrator of We Go Slow (Atheneum Books for Young Readers), join Matthew to talk about the wise ones who know to take time.

Valerie Bolling, author of A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change (Charlesbridge), illustrated by TeMika Grooms, joins Matthew to talk about a person worth writing about.