Quarto Author Chats

Barry Timms, author of Love Grows Everywhere, shares the inspiration behind the story and invites readers to feel vulnerable as they connect to their own ever-expanding senses of love. Learn more about Love Grows Everywhere and purchase your copy here.

In Science Art and Drawing Games for Kids, you'll find an amazing collection of more than 35 hands-on art activities that make learning about science fun! Make science fun by listening to our chat with Science Art and Drawing Games for Kids author Karyn Tripp! Learn more about Science Art and Drawing Games and purchase your copy here. Visit Karyn Tripp online here.

Stuff yourself full of literary hilarity with Huw Lewis-Jones, author of the delicious picture book Croc o'Clock! Have a listen as we talk to him about his funny debut book with Quarto! Learn more about Croc o'Clock and purchase your copy here.

Travel with Heather Alexander around the United States with Only in America, a state-by-state compendium of weird laws, quirks, one-offs and unusual records only to be found in the wonderfully wacky US of A. Listen to our chat with Heather! Learn more about Only in America and purchase your copy here. Visit Heather Alexander online here.

Angela McAllister stops by to talk about A Bedtime Full of Stories, the latest in the World Full of series! Look forward to bedtime with this richly illustrated treasury of 50 bedtime stories from around the world, each the perfect length to read aloud. Have a listen! Learn more about A Bedtime Full of Stories and purchase your copy here.

Having a period is an incredible thing! Own Your Period author Chella Quint stops by to talk about celebrating what the body can do and how to provide young people with everything they need to be prepared… and empowered. Learn more about Own Your Period and purchase your copy here. Visit Chella Quint online here.

Claire Cock-Starkey stops by the podcast to talk about Lore of the Wild, a treasure trove of superstitions, ancient wisdom, and enchanting folktales! Listen to Claire talk about how traditional nature folklore helps us understand nature from a new perspective! Learn more about Lore of the Wild and purchase your copy here. Visit Claire Cock-Starkey online here.

Flora Delargy stops by to talk about her author-illustrator debut Rescuing Titanic! Flora reveals her personal connection to the story of the Carpathia and what she has coming up next in the Hidden Histories series. Learn more about Rescuing Titanic and purchase your copy here.

Barbara Taylor, author of Inside Animals, talks about paring down endless amounts of information into bite-sized pieces for readers and how she works hard to ensure that kids know nonfiction books don't have all the answers -- there's room in the future for kids to find answers, too! Learn more about the Inside Animals and purchase your copy here.

Philip Bunting, author most recently of The World's Most Pointless Animals, talks about redefining the word "pointless" and how we can look more closely at existing species to see how animals have evolved over time to fit specific ecological niches. Learn more about the The World's Most Pointless Animals and purchase your copy here. Visit Philip Bunting online here.

Good Girls Don't Make History is an important graphic novel that amplifies the voices of female legends from 1840 to the present day, and today we got a chance to talk to one of the authors, Elizabeth Kiehner, about it! A powerful and important examination of some key figures in the ongoing fight for equality, Good Girls Don't Make History's accounts of bravery, perseverance and courage are truly inspiring for readers of any age. Learn more about the Good Girls Don't Make History and purchase your copy here.

Vita Murrow joins us to talk about her new series True Stories of Animal Heroes, including Fluffles, Onyx, Talala, and Sterling. Listen to Vita share her creative process for capturing heartwarming stories about real-life animal heroes! Learn more about the True Stories of Animal Heroes series and purchase your copies here. Visit Vita Murrow online here.

Author-illustrator Claire Alexander joins Quarto Kids Cast today to talk about the Ploofer series, comprised so far of A Little Bit Different and A Little Bit of Courage. Listen in as we talk to Claire about exploring big emotions with little kids. Learn more about the Ploofer series and purchase your copies here.

Best-selling author and rewilding pioneer Isabella Tree joins us to talk about her debut children's book When We Went Wild! When We Went Wild is a heartwarming, sustainably printed picture book about the benefits of letting nature take the lead, inspired by real-life rewilding projects. Learn more about When We Went Wild and purchase your copy here.

In our latest episode, Jane Wilsher, the author of The Encyclopedia of Unbelievable Facts, discusses her process for asking (and answering!) 500 perplexing questions you may never even have thought to ask and the research that goes into creating an engaging, jam-packed nonfiction book for kids. Learn more about The Encyclopedia of Unbelievable Facts and purchase your copy here.

In today's episode of Quarto Kids Cast we talk to Jessie Ford, creator of Sugar Snap Studio, about not one but FIVE books! All of these books are from the ABC For Me series, which explores mindful concepts by pairing each letter of the alphabet with a word that promotes big dreams and healthy living. Learn more about the ABC For Me series and purchase your copies here. Visit Jessie Ford at Sugar Snap Studio online here.

In an extra special episode of Quarto Kids Cast, the author and the editor of Race Cars: A children's book about white privilege talk to each other about the importance of undoing bias and talking about racism and white privilege as early as possible with children. The debut author and illustrator, Jenny Devenny, is a LCSW and psychotherapist, and editor Charnaie Gordon is a Diversity and Inclusion Expert, an author, blogger, podcast host, and digital creator. Learn more about Race Cars and purchase your copy here. Visit Jenny Devenny online here. Visit Charnaie Gordon online here.

We are so excited to talk to Christine Van Zandt about A Brief History of Underpants! A Brief History of Underpants explores the evolution of fashion's most unmentionable garment. If there’s one thing most people have in common, it’s that we all wear some sort of underwear, but do you know the history of underwear? Learn more about the A Brief History of Underpants and purchase your copy here. Visit Christine Van Zandt online here.

We are so excited to invite Liz Lee Heinecke back to the podcast to talk about her second book in The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series, Biology for Kids! This engaging guide offers a series of snapshots of 25 scientists famous for their work with biology, from ancient history through today, and Liz gives some insight into paring down all of the world's biologists and their experiments into a digestable (and doable!) book for kids. Learn more about the The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series and purchase your copy of Biology for Kids here. Visit Liz Lee Heinecke online here.

Today we're talking to two guests, both co-authors of The Story of Series. After five books, the most recent of which is The Story of Climate Change, Catherine Barr and Steve Williams pretty much have their process down to a science, and here they share their process of exploring all sorts of subjects and content for young readers. Learn more about The Story of series and purchase your copy here. Visit Catherine Barr and Steve Williams online here.

Abbey Williams, author of An ABC of Families, is today's guest, and she's here to talk about the power of board books to connect children and caregivers, especially when children can see themselves and their families represented. Learn more about An ABC of Families and purchase your copy here. Visit Abbey Williams on Instagram here.

Today we're talking to Zoë Tucker, author of the new Friends Change the World series. The first two books, The Supremes and The Beatles published earlier this year, and with two more coming out this fall and more on the way, there is literally no subject off-limits when it comes to friendship! Learn more about the Friends Change the World series and purchase your copy here. Visit Zoë Tucker online here.

 Los Angeles–based book and comic book author Troy Benjamin stops by to talk about THE WAKANDA FILES!An in-world book from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Wakanda Files—compiled by request of Shuri (Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War) as part of her quest to improve the future for all people—is a collection of papers, articles, blueprints, and notes amassed throughout history by Wakanda’s War Dogs.

Today we get Emily Hawkins and Jessica Roux talking about their first book together, A NATURAL HISTORY OF FAIRIES!This enchantingly illustrated natural history of fairies, compiled in the 1920s by the botanist Professor Elsie Arbour for her niece, is now unveiled for readers of today. Featuring a gold foil–embossed cloth cover, a ribbon marker, and sprayed gold edges, this gorgeous volume is filled with colorful sketches and precise notes detailing the secret life of fairies and their important role in the natural world.

Mely Martínez stops by to talk about her tasty cookbook THE MEXICAN HOME KITCHEN!The long-awaited, bestselling cookbook from Mely Martínez, The Mexican Home Kitchen compiles the traditional home-style dishes enjoyed every day in Mexican households, with influences from states like Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Veracruz, Puebla, Estado de México, and Yucatán.

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara breaks down the Little People, BIG DREAMS series on today's episode of Quarto Author Chats.Discover the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. Told as a story, with a facts and photos section at the back, this sweet series for kids celebrates triumph over adversity through some of history’s favorite characters.Now with more than 2.2 million copies sold worldwide, the series continues to grow and expand, introducing children around the world to artists, trailblazers, and dreamers who each made a big impact in the world around them.

Melissa Burmester and Jaclyn Lindsey, authors of BE KIND: A YEAR OF KINDNESS, ONE WEEK AT A TIME, stop by to talk about spreading kindness.Produced in partnership with the nonprofit organization kindness.org, Be Kind emboldens you to try an act of kindness every week for a year, benefiting others and yourself while deepening connections in your community big and small.

Emily Silva, author of SUNRISE GRATITUDE, talks about finding mindfulness in a chaotic world.Start every day with Sunrise Gratitude, a collection of 365 guided meditations accompanied by lush illustrations and photographs of nature that will guide your mind to a place of calm awareness and purpose—the perfect companion to Moonlight Gratitude.

Author and historian Bob Batchelor tells the compelling story of how Rookwood became the most famous company making art pottery in the United States.Published to coincide with Rookwood's 140th anniversary, this beautiful, collectible, fully illustrated volume tells the rich story of this female-founded, female-owned great American art pottery company.

Author-illustrator Aura Lewis and author Evan Sargent discuss the importance of modernizing our understanding of The Constitution, a document at the bedrock of US Politics.With the 2020 Presidential election around the corner, there has never been a better time to take a closer look at the Constitution. Inquisitive minds will have their questions vividly answered – and new ones raised – by a mix of striking illustrations and clear, engaging text in We the People: The United States Constitution Explored and Explained.

Bryan Ford discusses bread-making from around the world on the podcast, focusing on the importance of having fun over creating the perfect loaf of bread.Ford's recipes include step-by-step instructions and photographs of all of the mixing, shaping, and baking techniques you'll need to know, with special attention paid to developing flavor as well as your own instincts. New World Sourdough offers practical, accessible techniques and enticing, creative recipes you'll want to return to again and again

Actress, playwright, author, and former television presenter Cerrie Burnell stops by Author Chats to talk about her stunning, inclusive, and diverse book I AM NOT A LABEL.In I Am Not a Label, meet 34 artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists with disabilities, from past and present. From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences, and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them.

Travel around the world from the comfort of home with books from some star authors!  Kate Siber, author of National Parks of the USA and the forthcoming 50 Adventures in the 50 StatesGabrielle Balkan, author of The 50 States seriesMegan C Hayes, author of The Happiness Passport: A world tour of joyful living in 50 words and The Serenity Passport: A world tour of peaceful living in 30 words

Unplugged & Organic Nature Play for Families panel featuring Rachel Jepson Wolf, Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Karen Madigan, and Nick Neddo Karen Madigan and Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, co-authors of Nature Play Workshop for FamiliesNick Neddo, creator of The Organic Artist for KidsRachel Jepson Wolf, author of The Unplugged Family Activity Book

Shawna Coronado, author of many books including NO-WASTE ORGANIC GARDENING, talks about the healing powers of gardening and the importance of following your bliss.In No-Waste Organic Gardening, author Shawna Coronado guides you toward a more sustainable landscape with dozens of tips, tricks, and solutions that save you time and money—all while saving the planet, too! A revision of Shawna's previous title,101 Organic Gardening Hacks, this new book tackles waste-reducing gardening in a clever, accessible way. 

Stephanie Rose, author of GARDEN ALCHEMY, stops by to talk about the regenerative properties of plants and how gardening can act as a method of therapy and healing.Garden Alchemy is a hands-on guide for do-it-yourself gardeners who want to turn their garden into gold using natural recipes and herbal concoctions (while saving both time and money!). This gardening recipe and project book is packed with over 80 ideas to naturally beautify your garden, using organic methods that regenerate your soil and revitalize your plants. By following the processes that are closest to nature, it brings the gardener in sync with the garden, allowing plants to thrive with less effort and less cost.

Dig deeper into ADVENTURES IN ENGINEERING FOR KIDS with author Brett Schilke! Explore the future through problem solving, design thinking, and engineering in a science-fact world that most parents and kids don’t yet know exists!This adventure takes readers on an epic journey: humans are leaving Earth, arriving at a new planet, and creating the first settlement there, City X. It’s a journey of historic proportions, to a fledgling city on a distant planet, where humanity has a chance to start fresh and design a future that works for everyone. In settling another planet, humans discover a host of challenges, much like those faced on Earth: Challenges related to issues of energy, environment, transportation, security, food, safety, and health. Empowered by design thinking and advanced technology, their problems are to be solved by a vast team of young designers on Earth (your children!).

Every meal is better with BBQ! Impress your friends, family, and co-workers with recipes from Boston's popular Smoke Shop restaurant. Join Andy Husbands and Will Salazar as they share their secrets in THE SMOKE SHOP'S BACKYARD BBQ.Start off with a classic Backyard Barbecue featuring pulled pork, Twice-Smoked Pulled Chicken, deliciously simple brisket, and New Memphis Ribs. With a selection of the Smoke Shop's favorite sides, drinks, and desserts. It might seem like all you ever needed

There's so much to do after dark! Kate Hodges stops by the podcast to tell us about some of the activities families can do together after the sun goes down from her book ON A STARRY NIGHT: FUN THINGS TO MAKE AND DO FROM DUSK UNTIL DAWN.The sun has gone down, but that doesn’t mean that family fun has to come to an end. On A Starry Night is an inspiring collection of 52 things to do, make and play when there’s very little or no natural light, and the evenings feel long and empty.  There’s something incredibly alluring about playing after dark for kids – it feels grown-up, exciting, and a little bit scary.

Jessica Sanders, author, advocate, and social worker, stops by to talk about body positivity and self-love with her debut LOVE YOUR BODY: YOUR BODY CAN DO AMAZING THINGS...What if every young girl loved her body? Love Your Body encourages you to admire and celebrate your body for all the amazing things it can do (like laugh, cry, hug, and feel) and to help you see that you are so much more than your body. Love Your Body introduces the language of self-love and self-care to help build resilience, while representing and celebrating diverse bodies, encouraging you to appreciate your uniqueness.

Kitchen Pantry Scientist extraordinaire Liz Lee Heinecke stops by the podcast to talk about the first book in the Kitchen Pantry Scientist series, CHEMISTRY FOR KIDS!Replicate a chemical reaction similar to one Marie Curie used to purify radioactive elements! Distill perfume using a method created in ancient Mesopotamia by a woman named Tapputi! Aspiring chemists will discover these and more amazing role models and memorable experiments in Chemistry for Kids, the debut book of The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series.

Jennifer McCully, creator of THE GROWN UP'S GUIDE TO PAINTING WITH KIDS, gives listeners the inside scoop on how making art can be a family event where everyone has a fun and creative time!Kids of all ages will love pouring paint. You can help too, ensuring family togetherness for hours as you and your children learn to create colorful, abstract art together with The Grown-Up’s Guide to Painting With Kids. Now you can learn the fun, trendy paint pouring technique—and teach your kids to do it too! 

On Earth Day we are joined by authors Megean Weldon of AN ALMOST ZERO WASTE LIFE and Linda Ly of THE NO-WASTE VEGETABLE COOKBOOK to talk about how we can all live more sustainably and take a more discerning look at how we eat.

Teen sisters Isabel and Caroline Bercaw of Da Bomb stop by to talk about their newest book, GOOD CLEAN BEAUTY: 100 NATURAL RECIPES FOR A GLOWING, BEAUTIFUL YOU. And they reveal some secrets about how they manage to juggle being students, entrepreneurs, authors, and more!Good Clean Beauty: Over 100 Natural Recipes for a Glowing, Beautiful You gives readers over 100 super simple beauty and skin care recipes made from common ingredients found in the kitchen pantry. Using only natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, almond oil, essential oils, and oats, you'll know exactly what you're putting onto your face and body. 

GARDENER'S GUIDE TO COMPACT PLANTS author and Quarto editor Jessica Walliser joins us on National Gardening Day to talk about ways in which everyone can celebrate the gardens we cultivate! 

Organic, family-oriented gardener CaliKim stops by the podcast to talk about her book ORGANIC GARDENING FOR EVERYONE: HOMEGROWN VEGETABLES MADE EASY - NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED and walks our host through easy steps everyone can take to start their own garden.Loaded with practical advice and step-by-step guidance, Organic Gardening for Everyone takes a very personal and friendly approach to a subject that can be intimidating. It is a first-class primer on organic vegetable gardening, and an inspirational story about how anyone can balance the rigors of gardening with the demands of a modern, family-oriented lifestyle.

A feminist, author, activist, and all-around brilliant person, Jamia Wilson expertly explores the difficult questions kids ask in our latest podcast episode about Jamia's latest book BIG IDEAS FOR YOUNG THINKERS!What is justice? What is freedom? What is bias? ... And who gets to have big ideas? This book teaches children to think critically and discuss ideas in a world that needs bright young thinkers. Drawing on influences from ancient Greeks right up to modern-day American writers, the idea of philosophy – and who gets to have big ideas – is reimagined.

Take your watercolor painting to the next level! Listen to our chat with Ana Victoria CAlderón about her newest COLOR HARMONY FOR ARTISTS and get some fresh new ideas.With Color Harmony for Artists: How to transform inspiration into beautiful watercolor palettes and paintings every artist, from beginner to advanced, will be inspired to embrace the creative possibilities of color and paint!

Interested in becoming a more confident parent? Have a listen to our chat with Jennifer Miller about her book CONFIDENT PARENTS, CONFIDENT KIDS.Confident Parents, Confident Kids lays out an approach for helping parents—and the kids they love—hone their emotional intelligence so that they can make wise choices, connect and communicate well with others (even when patience is thin), and become socially conscious and confident human beings.

We're ringing in 2020 by talking to debut children's book author Tiffany Jewell about THIS BOOK IS ANTI-RACIST!Who are you? What is racism? Where does it come from? Why does it exist? What can you do to disrupt it? Learn about social identities, the history of racism and resistance against it, and how you can use your anti-racist lens and voice to move the world toward equity and liberation.

Ring in the holiday season the best way possible -- with food and books! Maegan Brown, author of BEAUTIFUL BOARDS, stops by to talk about her debut cookbook.Visually exciting and deliciously enticing, The BakerMama's snack boards move beyond (and include) classic cheese and charcuterie and are comprised of easy-to-find fresh and prepared foods, arranged in beautiful, artful, and whimsical ways (think a football shape for watching the game and a turkey shape for celebrating Thanksgiving). The variety of foods on each board are great for a group, big or small, and will bring people together through snacking, all while introducing kids to foods they might not normally try. Plus, you can make the boards ahead of time, so you can actually sit down and spend time with your loved ones. In this book, you will find boards for every occasion.