Episode 3 – Kathi Appelt

How did a single question open the door to a lifelong career in children’s literature?

In this episode of My First Book Story, Meredith Davis talks with celebrated children’s author Kathi Appelt about the journey that led to her first published picture book, Elephants Aloft. Kathi shares how becoming a mother introduced her to the world of picture books, how reading aloud to her sons sparked a creative awakening, and how an unexpected conversation with a former professor changed everything. From writing to teaching, this conversation offers a generous, honest look at how perseverance, curiosity, and serendipity shaped the beginning of an extraordinary career.

Books mentioned

• Elephants Aloft (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Elephants-Aloft-Kathi-Appelt/dp/015225384X)

• Bayou Lullaby (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Lullaby-Kathi-Appelt/dp/0688128564)

• Watermelon Day (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Watermelon-Day-Kathi-Appelt/dp/0805023046)

• A Red Wagon Year (Amazon – https://www.kathiappelt.com/board-books/a-red-wagon-year)

• The Underneath (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Underneath-Kathi-Appelt/dp/1416950591)

• Keeper (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Kathi-Appelt/dp/1416950613)

Links

• Kathi Appelt (https://www.kathiappelt.com)

• Meredith Davis (https://meredithldavis.com)

• Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (https://www.scbwi.org)

• Episode Webpage (https://meredithdavis.substack.com/p/kathi-appelts-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis