<p>Happy Monday!</p><p>I have some exciting news!</p><p>I’ve always wanted to write a picture book and the over 200 episodes of my KidLit Love podcast have solidified that desire and lit a spark in my writing. The kidlit community is the BEST community and each author I’ve interviewed has provided such beautiful motivation for my own dream.</p><p>And now, Boyds Mills has gifted me a scholarship to bring that dream to life!</p><p>I’m honored to share that I’ve received the Richard H. Bell scholarship! This scholarship fund honors Dick Bell, the former chairman of the Highlights companies, president of Highlights for Children, and a former teacher and school administrator. I’m truly honored to continue his legacy.</p><p>I’m so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to share parts of my journey here. Thanks for being part of it!</p><p>Stephanie</p><p><strong>Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉</strong></p><p>Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed:</p><p>🎉EVEN STEVEN by Carrie Finison and illustrated by Daniel Wiseman (<a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/47Ue86V">Amazon</a> / <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780593859001">Bookshop</a>)</p><p>This bright and delightful picture book introduces readers to Steven, a young boy who likes everything even. But while some things can be fair, they may not be even. And while some things can be even, they may not be fair. This book approaches differing needs, equity, and accessibility in the best way: an appealing story.</p><p>🎉 FLY FISHING WITH PAPA by Christopher Robbins (<a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/3QhrGmN">Amazon</a> / <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798893960082">Bookshop</a>)</p><p>This picture book is brimming with loving care. It captures the bonding experience of a child and grandfather on a fly fishing trip, highlighting conservation and the joy of nature. It’s the simple things that matter most and this book gets it. </p><p>On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Aisha Saeed about her newest middle grade novel: HAFSA’S WAY.</p><p>In this gripping middle grade novel (a stand alone companion to AMAL UNBOUND and OMAR RISHING), Hafsa pushes back against her family’s expectations and in the process, discovers her own power. She may be young, but Hafsa will forever stay in my heart as a reminder to keep my dreams front and center.</p><p>Come listen as we talk about the connections among her trio of middle grade books, the multiple entry points for readers, including family and friendship, animal rights and climate change and her hope for readers that focuses on always holding onto hope and onto your dreams.</p><p>Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!</p><p>AMAL UNBOUND by Aisha Saeed (<a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4u9AvP0">Amazon</a> / <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780399544699">Bookshop</a>)</p><p>OMAR RISHING by Aisha Saeed (<a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/4szg1xC">Amazon</a> / <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780593108604">Bookshop</a>)</p><p>HAFSA’S WAY by Aisha Saeed (<a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/3N8kYOU">Amazon</a> /<a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9780593529379"> Bookshop</a>)</p><p>Here’s where you can find Aisha online:</p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" href="https://aishasaeed.com/">https://aishasaeed.com/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/aishacs/">https://www.instagram.com/aishacs/</a></p><p>I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!</p><p><strong>KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷</strong></p><p>Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide:</p><p>🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….<a target="_blank" href="https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit">including courses and coaching sessions with me!</a></p><p><p>Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work!</p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">kidlitlove.substack.com</a>