Messages of Hope: September 2025

Here at the Children’s Book Podcast, where we are purveyors of hope and in community with those cultivating hope for children of all ages. In this new miniseries of indefinite length, I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. 

No matter where you are. No matter what’s going on around you. No matter what is pulling your attention or competing for space in your mind. May these next few minutes offer you rest, peace, and hope.

Hope Ep. 24 - September 6 2025

Tami Charles, author of Together, United (Orchard Books), illustrated by Bryan Collier, shares what is giving her hope today: that children are already leading the way. And that if we follow their lead, there’s so much light ahead.

Listen along:

About the Book: Together, United by Tami Charles; Illustrated by Bryan Collier. Published by Orchard Books.

With an inspirational message of unity comes the profound final installment of the All Because You Matter trilogy from powerhouse author Tami Charles and award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier!

A lyrical and astounding proclamation of unity and love, this stunning picture book serves as a reminder and a clear declaration that together, we are all part of something much greater. Courageous and bold, this final follow-up to the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter and acclaimed We Are Here is a message of optimism: that alone we are strong, but together we are unstoppable!

Tami Charles’ powerful and rhythmic text reminds young readers of their brilliance as individuals and the immense power they hold when their voices come together as one. Breathtaking illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, evoke the beauty and wonder of how we are all connected together in the world and our ability to change it for the better. Together, United is a community touchstone and a reminder that the best way to a better future is to create it together… united.

Transcript:

Tami: "What's giving me hope today?

I love seeing the way children show up for one another with open hearts and minds, their boldness to make a new friend or to learn a new skill. But especially when I see a kid spot injustice and instinctively say, "Hey, that's not fair!"

I see hope in classrooms where kindness is a subject that's taught right alongside reading and math.

I see it in young readers who carry the messages of books into their everyday lives.

I wrote Together, United with them in mind because I believe that unity is a daily intentional practice in today's youth.

They are already leading the way. That's what keeps me going, knowing that if we follow their lead, there's still so much light ahead."

For a full transcript, episode takeaways, quotes, and more, visit https://deepcast.fm/podcast/the-childrens-book-podcast

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Hope Ep. 25 - September 13, 2025

Jen Barton, author of Forest Bath (Magination Press), illustrated by Felishia Henditirto, shares what is giving her hope today: the resilience of nature.

Listen along:

About the Book: Forest Bath by  Jen Barton; Illustrated by Felishia Henditirto. Published by Magination Press.

By slowing down, focusing on their senses, and noticing the environment around them, kids can learn how to practice mindfulness and to appreciate the value of the natural world just outside their door―wherever they are!

What if bathtime meant skipping the tub and slipping into the woods instead? What if scrubbing your back meant scratching an itch with a tree branch, and getting behind your ears meant finding your favorite flower to tuck in your hair?

In this clever story, a child turns the idea of bathtime upside down by exploring the neighborhood park with her mother, practicing the Japanese concept of forest bathing. Join them as they inspect mushrooms, squish spongy moss, splash in puddles, and more, all playfully described with familiar bathtime words. Gorgeous illustrations capture the richness and calm the woods supply.

Includes a reader's note with more information on forest bathing as well as ideas and activities.

Transcript:

Jen: "I think the resilience of nature is what's giving me hope right now.

Like when you find unwanted dandelions growing along the street or in the sidewalk. Or like when I see that spot in my garden where I tossed last year's, scrubby old tomatoes. You know the ones that get nibbled by something or split before you can pick them? But when the soil warms the next season, there they are.

These persistent little green tips, sprouting with exuberance and tenacity, poking through the dirt with purpose and what actually looks like joy. That seems hopeful to me.

And every day I watch these throwaway seeds that weren't special or tended or loved in any way, and it's like they're doing it anyway despite it all. Stretching those little arms and legs, reaching for the sun, growing taller and stronger, just pushing through, getting on with their important business, getting on with life, and that feels hopeful."

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Hope Ep. 26 - September 20, 2025

Ann Hazzard, PhD, Marianne Celano, PhD, and Marietta Collins, PhD, co-authors of Something Happened to Our Mom:  A Story about Parental Addiction (Magination Press), illustrated by Rita Tan, share what is giving them hope today: finding hope and inspiration in those moments of connection with one another, especially with kids.

Listen along:

About the Book: Something Happened to Our Mom:  A Story about Parental Addiction by Ann Hazzard, PhD, Marianne Celano, PhD, and Marietta Collins, PhD; Illustrated by Rita Tan. Published by Magination Press.

Can a family heal after addiction touches their lives? In this heartfelt story, two siblings begin to understand what happened to their mom--and how love and support can help them move forward.

Something Happened to Our Mom is a compassionate picture book that gently introduces children to the topic of parental addiction. When Claire and Emmett notice changes in their mom after a car accident, they feel confused and scared. But with honesty, support, and time, they begin to understand what addiction means--and that they are not alone.

Key Features:

• Helps children understand addiction in age-appropriate, emotionally safe ways

• Encourages empathy, emotional awareness, and open family conversations

• Perfect for ages 5-9--ideal for family reading, classrooms, therapy, and support groups

• Created by Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association--trusted experts in children's emotional development

Transcript:

Ann: "I am Anne Hazzard, and my latest book is Something Happened To My Mom, A Story about Parental Addiction. I'm joined today by my co-authors, Marianne Ano and Marietta Collins. Together we've written five Something Happened, stories each revolving around a community problem that impacts families. Maryanne recently found a great quote about remaining hopeful in the face of challenging circumstances.

Marietta: Hi, I'm Marietta, and the quote is from Arthur Ash. Folks in my generation know that he was a pioneering African American tennis player who won three grand slam titles in the sixties and seventies.

Marianne: I'm Marianne, and the quote is, start where you are. Use what you have, do what you can.

Ann: It is easy to feel disheartened in the face of big problems such as climate change, racism, and challenges to democracy and freedom of speech.

But Ash reminds us to think and act locally. In our conversations with kids and parents, we still find lots of curiosity, compassion, and positive energy. We try to lean into those everyday windows of opportunity to make whatever small impacts we can. We remind ourselves that those encounters add up. We hope that you too can find hope and inspiration in those moments of connection with others, especially with kids."

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Hope Ep. 27 - September 27, 2025

Jane Yolen and Peter Tacy, co-authors of Gracie Feeds the Birds (Magination Press), illustrated by Frances Ives, share what is giving them hope today: the readiness to hope and to be grateful.

Listen along:

About the Book: Gracie Feeds the Birds by Jane Yolen and Peter Tacy; Illustrated by Frances Ives. Published by Magination Press.

Can a handful of birdseed teach kids about kindness? Gracie thinks so--and she's got a gentle way of showing it.

From beloved author Jane Yolen and educator Peter Tacy, Gracie Feeds the Birds is a quiet, heartfelt story that helps children understand the power of gratitude, empathy, and noticing the world around them. On a crisp fall morning, Gracie thanks each bird, squirrel, and even her skeptical dog--not because she expects anything in return, but because it feels good to be kind. This nature-based picture book is the perfect addition to storytime and classroom read-alouds.

Key Features:

• Nature-based story that nurtures empathy, mindfulness, and emotional awareness

• Encourages children to find beauty in small moments and practice gratitude

• Perfect for ages 5-8--ideal for classrooms, counselors, and family reading

• Created by Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association--trusted leaders in children's emotional development

Transcript:

Jane: "Hi there. I am author Jane Yolen

Peter: And I am Jane's co-author Peter Tacy. And I'm the co-author of Gracie Feeds the Birds. Gracie Feeds the Birds celebrates something we can all see in little children, which is the readiness to hope and to be grateful.

Jane: I see hopefulness in children when I don't see hopefulness elsewhere. So I love to talk to children."

Be well. Read on. And don’t lose hope.