On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Huda Al-Marashi about her newest release: HAIL MARIAM.

This middle grade novel is a heartfelt and humorous interfaith and coming of age story that follows Mariam as he navigates the challenges of being the only Muslim student at her Catholic school. It balances faith, family and friendship and is everything you hope for in a middle grade novel.

Come listen as we talk about Huda’s personal experiences that connect to the themes of the book, the balancing act the main character faced and the ways she learned and grew throughout the arc of the story and the promise of curiosity and conversation this book will offer readers and those around them. It’s the perfect book for a caregiver-child book club!

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/23/sparking-curiosity-conversation-hail-mariam-with-huda-al-marashi/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Steph Littlebird about her newest picture book: YOU ARE THE LAND.

This stunning picture book is a moving love letter to indigenous community and culture and is Steph’s debut as an author-illustrator. The format of the book is exquisite and conveys such beauty, emotion and connection.

Come listen as we talk about the role that art has played in Steph’s life since childhood, how this book originated from her work with adults and the powerful call to action the book invites us to consider.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/16/beauty-emotion-connection-you-are-the-land-by-steph-littlebird/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sandra Magsamen about her newest board book: 100 WORDS TO SAY I LOVE YOU.

This delightful board book celebrates 100 words of love in all kinds of locations and situations and reminds us that love is around us, especially perfect for this Valentine’s Day episode release!

Come listen as we talk about the poetic structure of this beautiful book, the expansive definition of love celebrated on the pages and the tsunami of love Sandra hopes will arrive (it will!) as caregivers and young readers interact with the text. This is a book for everyone as we can never have enough love in the world, especially now.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/14/a-tsunami-of-love-100-words-to-say-i-love-you-by-sandra-magsamen/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit