Episode 4 - Chris Barton

How did a toddler, a smoke alarm and an obituary lead to Chris Barton’s first published book?

Find out in this episode of My First Book Story, where Meredith Davis talks with award-winning author Chris Barton about The Day-Glo Brothers, illustrated by Tony Persiani. Chris shares how his son’s interest in the story of how he installed a smoke alarm in their house, a story he requested over and over, sparked his writing journey. A newspaper obituary planted the seed for his debut nonfiction picture book that received 23 rejections until one crucial connection through SCBWI eventually led to publication. From cutting 4,000 words to learning how Day-Glo ink actually works, Chris generously shares his story with wit and wisdom.

Books mentioned

• The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Day-Glo-Brothers-Switzers-Bright-Brand-New/dp/157091673X)

• The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Dinosaurs-Waterhouse-Hawkins-Caldecott-Honor/dp/0439114942)

• Shark vs. Train (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Shark-vs-Train-Chris-Barton/dp/0316007625)

• Can I See Your I.D.?: True Stories of False Identities (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Can-See-Your-I-D-Identities/dp/0803733100)

Links

• Chris Barton (https://chrisbarton.info)

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

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

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

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

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

Episode 2 - Kari Lavelle

How did five years of rejection eventually lead to a ten-editor auction and a first book deal?

In this episode of My First Book Story, Meredith Davis talks with picture book author Kari Lavelle about the winding, emotional journey that led to her first published book, We Move the World. Kari shares how motherhood reignited her creativity, how years of revision and rejection shaped her voice, and how an unexpected auction launch changed her career trajectory. From imposter syndrome to breakthrough moments, this conversation offers an honest look at one woman’s story breaking into children’s publishing.

Books mentioned

• We Move the World (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/We-Move-World-Kari-Lavelle/dp/0062916858)

• Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Ode-Grapefruit-James-Jones-Found/dp/059337276X)

• Butt or Face? series (Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWVTNT9Y?binding=hardcover&qid=1769308952)

Links

• Kari Lavelle (https://www.karilavelle.com)

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

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

• The Log Line Substack (https://logline.substack.com)

• Episode Webpage (https://meredithdavis.substack.com/p/kari-lavelle-on-my-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review so more people can discover these stories.

Episode 1 — Liz Garton Scanlon

How do life disruptions, beginner’s luck, and creative play lead to a published book?

In this episode of My First Book Story, Meredith Davis talks with award-winning author Liz Garton Scanlon about the surprising chain of events that led to her first picture book, A Sock Is a Pocket for Your Toes. Liz shares how motherhood, losing her home in a devastating flood, and encouragement from fellow writers opened the door to creativity and possibility.

Books mentioned

• A Sock Is a Pocket for Your Toes (Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/006053890X)

• All the World (Caldecott Honor - Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1416985808)

• Bibsy Cross series (Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Liz+Garton+Scanlon+Bibsy+Cross)

• The Dog Who Had Kittens (Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399233872)

Links

• Liz Garton Scanlon (https://www.lizgartonscanlon.com)

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

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

• Episode Webpage (https://open.substack.com/pub/meredithdavis/p/liz-garton-scanlons-first-book-story)

Theme music by Nate Davis

Produced by Clay Davis

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review so more people can discover these stories.

Welcome to My First Book Story, the podcast where children’s author Meredith Davis interviews successful writers about their journeys to publishing their very first book.

Whether you’re still dreaming of your debut, working on your next contract, or chasing an entirely different creative goal, these short, inspiring interviews will encourage you to keep going.

From decade-long persistence to overnight breakthroughs, each guest’s path to publication is unique — but every story ends with a book in readers’ hands.