Episodes

  • In today's Forecast episode, Chrissie is sharing the 7 kidlit books releasing in November 2024 that she is most excited about.

    Picture Book

    Rocket Puppies by William Joyce (11/5)

    Short Chapter Books

    Drag and Rex: Sweet and Silly by Susan Lubner, illustrated by Blythe Russo (11/5)Frank and the Big Mistake by Martha Brockenbrough, illustrated by Jon Lau (11/12)

    Graphics

    Gnome and Rat: First Snow by Lauren Stohler (11/5)The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris (11/5)The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho, illustrated by Deb JJ Lee (11/12)The Squadi by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Joanna Cacao (11/12)

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more. Visit librarychrissie.substack.com to subscribe.

  • In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares 9 kidlit books she read and loved during the month of October.

    FEATURED TITLES

    Short Chapter Books

    The Woofmore Is Not Haunted by Lori Haskins Houran and Donna Gephart, illustrated by Josh ClelandDrag and Rex: Sweet and Silly by Susan Lubner, illustrated by Blythe RussoA Day with Mousse by Claire LebourgBeti and the Little Round House by Atinkuke, illustrated by Emily HughesLone Wolf Goes to School and Lone Wolf Gets a Pet by Kiah Thomas, illustrated by K. Fai Steele

    Middle Grade

    The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night by Steven BanburyThe Fairy Tale Fan Club by Richard Ayoade, illustrated by David Roberts

    Audiobooks

    The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris, narrated by Ethan Hawke

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more. Visit librarychrissie.substack.com to subscribe.

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • In this booklist episode, Chrissie shares 10 books she read as a child that had a formative impact on her as a reader.

    FEATURED BOOKS

    Picture Books

    Eloise by Kay ThompsonWilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie VivasGrandfather Twilight by Barbara BergerMr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow, illustrated by Maurice SendakThe Wolf's Chicken Stew by Keiko Kasza

    Chapter Books / Middle Grade

    Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back by Shel SilversteinDog Called Kitty by Bill WallaceWhen Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith KerrThe Toilet Paper Tigers by Gordon KormanTerror at the Zoo by Peg Kehret

    RESOURCE MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

    Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen on Substack: Looking at Picture Books

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Forecast episode, Chrissie is sharing 8 new release books for kids that she's excited about.

    FEATURED TITLES

    Picture Books

    Mr. Lepron's Mystery Soup by Giovanna Zobali, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio (10/1)The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please (10/1)Milo the Knight by Gregoire Laforce, illustrated by Charlotte Parent (10/15)Santa's First Christmas by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sydney Smith (10/22)Pig Town Party by Lian Cho (10/29)Umami by Jacob Grant (10/29)

    Graphic Novels

    Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (10/8)Dog Trouble by Kristin Varner (10/29)

    RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

    Looking at Picture Books: Substack by Mac Barnett and Jon KlassenLibrairie Drawn & Quarterly on Instagram

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares 10 standout children's books she read during the month of September.

    Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

    Read Alouds, Ranked on Chrissie's SubstackChrissie Writes, No. 21 - Chrissie's free monthly kidlit newsletter

    FEATURED TITLES:

    Short Chapter Books

    Catwings Return and Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings by Ursula K. Le GuinThe Zebra's Great Escape by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Sarah OgilvieWelcome to the Woofmore by Donna Gephart and Lori Haskins Houran, illustrated by Josh Cleland

    Graphic Novels

    Bog Myrtle by Sid SharpBunny vs. Monkey: Machine Mayhem by Jamie SmartThe Unlucky Kid by Bob HoltTwig Friends by Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood

    Middle Grade

    Read At Your Own Risk by Remy LaiMinecraft: The Island by Max Brooks, narrated by Jack Black (audiobook)

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this deep dive episode, Chrissie shares reflections on what it means for kid readers to be brilliant consumers of great art.

    Video mentioned in the episode:

    Mac Barnett reel on "La porta segreta," April 11

    Featured Book:

    THE SPIDER IN THE WELL by Jess Hannigan

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this deep dive episode, Chrissie shares 6 ways picture books can give kid readers agency on the page:

    The Far Side fast forwardWords vs. picturesThe "I made you blink..."The sound partyThe "Oh no you didn't..."The love/hate ending

    FEATURED TITLES, in the order discussed on the show:

    I Want My Hat Back by Jon KlassenThe Rock from the Sky by Jon KlassenI Do Not Eat Children by Marcus CutlerSam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and Jon KlassenGuess Again by Mac Barnett and Adam RexGo and Get with Rex by David LaRochelle and Mike WohnoutkaFluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion by Stephen W. Martin and Dan TavisChester Van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme by Avery Monson and Abby HanlonPretty Ugly by David Sedaris and Ian FalconerI Just Ate My Friend by Heidi McKinnonThe Skull by Jon KlassenPepper & Me by Beatrice AlemagnaCircle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

    RESOURCE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

    Jon Klassen with Taylor Sterling on Moonbow

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Forecast episode, Chrissie shares the ten kidlit books releasing during September 2024 that she is most looking forward to.

    FEATURED TITLES:

    Picture Books:

    Attack of the Scones by Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney (9/3)Barnaby Unboxed by the Fan Brothers (9/3)Mr. Fox's Game of No! by David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka (9/10)

    Middle Grade:

    Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Tim Miller (9/3)The Sherlock Society by James Ponti (9/3)A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Halli by Jasmine Warga (9/10)Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (9/10)

    Graphics:

    Taxi Ghost by Sophe Escabasse (9/3)Twig Friends by Andrew McDonald (9/3)Uprooted by Ruth Chan (9/10)

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In today's reading raves episode, Chrissie is sharing the kidlit books she read and loved during August 2024.

    FEATURED BOOKS

    Short Chapter Books

    The Verts by Delphine DurandCatwings by Ursula K. Le Guin

    Middle Grade

    The Swifts by Beth Lincoln

    Graphic Novels

    Bunny vs. Monkey: The Impossible Pig by Jamie SmartLet's Go, Coco! by Coco FoxNina Peanut by Sarah BowieSave Our Forest! by Nora Dasnes

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Library Life episode, Chrissie is sharing 5 small things she's looking forward to trying in her elementary school library this year:

    Chrissie's Five Small Things:

    Weekly routine with the AAC boardWeekly routine with the mood meterHugimals as a universal interventionMarkers that don't dry outThe 100 Checkout Club

    Resources and products mentioned in the episode:

    RULER social-emotional curriculumBook: Permission to Feel by Marc BrackettHugimals weighted stuffed animalsBic Magic Markers

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Forecast episode, Chrissie shares the 10 kidlit books releasing during August 2024 that she is most looking forward to.

    FEATURED TITLES

    Picture Books

    Mas. Menos! by Rhode Montijo (8/6)The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston (8/6)Pizza for Birds by Bob Shea (8/13)The Great Expedition by Peter Carnavas (8/20)Review by Mac Barnett in the NYTThe Ship in the Window by Travis Jonker and Matthew Cordell (8/20)Makers by Young Vo (8/27)

    Graphics

    An Unlikely Pair by Bob Scott and Vicki Scott (8/6)Let's Go Coco: A (Sorta) True Story by Coco Fox (8/13)The Legend of Tiger and Tail-Flower by Lee Gee Eun, translated by Aerin Park (8/13)

    Middle Grade

    Read At Your Own Risk by Remy Lai (8/13)

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares her favorite kidlit she read during July 2024.

    FEATURED TITLES
    Short Chapter Books

    Welcome to Scare School by Jarrett Lerner

    Middle Grade

    A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine WargaThe Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer CholdenkoThey Call Me No Sam! by Drew Daywalt and Mike LoweryVanished! and Trapped! by James Ponti

    Adult Nonfiction (that kids might like too if they've watched the PBS adaptation of ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL)

    The Wonderful World of James Heriot by James Heriot et. al (audio)

    Graphic Novels

    Slice of Mallow, Vol. 1 by Adam ForemanJurassic Jeff: Space Invader by Royden LeppBunny vs. Monkey: Supersonic Aye-Aye and Bunny vs. Monkey: Rise of the Maniacal Badger by Jamie Smart

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • On today's Deep Dive, Chrissie is answering one of the questions she is most frequently asked: what makes a picture book "work?"

    In the episode, she describes a picture book matrix measuring axes of how didactic a book is and how much agency it gives the kid reader.

    To view a graphic of the matrix, visit Chrissie's Instagram page @librarychrissie.

    To get a deeper look at the matrix with lots of examples, sign up to become a paid subscriber on Chrissie's Substack and look for this Friday's post.

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Booklist episode, Chrissie shares her 10 favorite read alouds from the library last school year.

    **NOTE: There are audio quality issues with this episode. Chrissie needs a new microphone, but she wasn't aware of the issue with this recording until after it was finished. Thank you for your understanding!

    FEATURED TITLES

    Chez Bob by Bob SheaDim Sum Palace by X. FangDuel by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron BagleyGuess Again! by Mac Barnett and Adam RexPretty Ugly by David Sedaris and Ian FalconerSam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and Jon KlassenSi. No! by Rhode MontijoTen-Word Tiny Tales by Joseph CoelhoThe Monster Mac and Cheese Party by Todd ParrThe Night Gardener by Terry Fan and Eric Fan

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this episode, Chrissie shares a selection of favorite reads from 2024 (so far) across categories.

    FEATURED TITLES

    Picture Books

    Pretty Ugly by David SedarisThe First Week of School by Drew BeckmeyerThe Teeny Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris

    Middle Grade

    The Underdogs of Upson Downs by Craig Silvey

    Graphic Novels

    Monti and Leo: A Newcomer in Pocketville by Sylvie KantorovitzSky and Ty: Howdy, Partner! by Steve BreenPoetry Comics by Grant Snider

    Adult Fiction

    Piglet by Lottie HazellIntermezzo by Sally Rooney

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Forecast episode, Chrissie shares the ten kidlit books releasing during July 2024 that she is most looking forward to.

    Resources for Discovering New Release Books:

    Week-by-week "Coming Soon" sliders on the Barnes & Noble websiteThe On-Sale Calendar from Publisher's Weekly

    FEATURED BOOKS

    Picture Books

    Millie Fleur's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin, out 7/2That Always Happens Sometimes by Kiley Frank and illustrated by K. Fai Steele, out 7/2Little Ghost Makes a Friend by Maggie Edkins Willis, out 7/16Sweet and Sour by Brian Yanish and illustrated by Stacy Ebert, out 7/30

    Short Chapter Books

    Felix Powell, Boy Dog by Erin Entrada Kelly, out 7/16Welcome to Scare School by Jarrett Lerner, out 7/16

    Graphic Novels

    Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas, out 7/16Wagnificent by Bethany Murguia, out 7/23Save Our Forest by Nora Dasnes, out 7/30The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln, out 7/30

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Reading Raves episode, Chrissie shares the kidlit she read and loved during June 2024.

    FEATURED BOOKS

    Short Chapter Books

    Ava Lin, Best Friend! by Vicky FangBibsy Cross and the Bad Apple by Liz Garton Scanlon

    Graphics

    Monti and Leo: A Newcomer in Pocketville by Sylvia KantorovitzOkay, Andy! by Maxwell Eaton IIISummer Vamp by Violet Chan KarimThe New Girl by Cassandra Calin

    Middle Grade

    Framed! by Jame Ponti (audio)

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In today's episode, Chrissie share 10 things that saved her life in the library this year. Listen for reflections on:

    Mindful minute using the Headspace appRead aloud ruthlessnessPlus plus blocksDeciding once about what to colorBook tastingsWeedingLibrary LeadersBook repair10 minute teacher walks

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this bite-size deep dive episode, Chrissie shares some quick reflections on what really matters in summer reading this year.

    Want more tactics and research to support your reflections on summer reading? Check out Episode 2 of the show, Chrissie's Summer Reading Manifesto.

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.

  • In this Forecast episode, Chrissie is sharing the 10 kidlit books releasing in June 2024 that she is most excited for.

    FEATURED BOOKS

    Picture Books

    Are You Small? by Mo Willems (6/10)The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer (6/25)

    Early Reader

    Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi (6/4)

    Short Chapter

    Ava Lin, Best Friend! by Vicky Fang (6/4)Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho (6/11)

    Middle Grade

    They Call Me No Sam! by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Mike Lowery (6/4)Perry Homer Ruins Everything by Beth Vrabel (6/18)Ratty by Suzanne Selfors, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu (6/18)

    Graphics

    Reggie: Penguin in Charge by Jen de Oliveira (6/4)The New Girl by Cassandra Calin (6/4)

    Be sure to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow the show on Instagram @bookdelightpod, follow Chrissie on Instagram @librarychrissie, and subscribe to Chrissie's kidlit newsletter at librarychrissie.substack.com.

    If you want to support the show, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. For $7/month, you are helping to pay the costs of the show and receive exclusive content like extra booklists, roundups of kidlit books that have received starred reviews, reviews of books Chrissie did not like, and more.