Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors Podcast

Episode Show Notes: Joseph L. Licari — affectionately known as Joe — is a children's book author whose work includes the enchanting Mia's Marvelous Farm Adventure. In this episode, Joe shares what it means to him to be a children's author: engaging young minds through joyful, curiosity-driven storytelling that makes learning feel like an adventure rather than a chore. Joe opens up about his upbringing on Long Island, where a mix of urban life and nearby farms shaped the way he sees the world — and planted the seeds for Mia's story. His character Mia is a composite of his three daughters, carrying their spirit of curiosity and wonder into every page. Alongside her whimsical mouse companions, Mia's adventures become a vehicle for both fun and genuine learning, showing young readers the value of friendship along the way. Joe also speaks candidly about today's shifting educational landscape, where rigid curricula can leave little room for creative exploration — and why he believes stories are one of the best ways to fill that gap for kids and parents alike. The conversation turns practical as Joe walks through his path in self-publishing: the marketing decisions, the value of school visits for building real connections with young readers, and why he considers thorough editing and strong illustration non-negotiable for earning the trust of parents and educators. He closes with encouragement for aspiring authors to lean into their creativity and stay the course on their own literary journey. Key Takeaways Joe Licari emphasizes the importance of creating engaging, educational content for young readers. Mia's Marvelous Farm Adventure focuses on making learning fun through storytelling. Networking and community involvement — especially school visits — are essential for aspiring authors navigating publishing. Curiosity is central to Joe's philosophy; he encourages parents to help foster a lifelong love of reading in their kids. Quality matters: careful editing and skilled illustration build the trust of parents and educators. Links Mentioned Amazon — Mia's Mouses: https://tinyurl.com/yskjzsa8 Amazon — Mia's Marvelous Farm Adventure: https://amazon.com/dp/B0DYPJ5VYX Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephlicariauthor/ Author's Website: https://www.miasmouses.com Companies Mentioned Amazon Ingram Fiverr Archway Publishing Simon and Schuster

Episode Overview In this episode, we sit down with Mary Jo Huff, a distinguished children's book author and early childhood educator whose lifelong love of storytelling has shaped generations of young readers. With four published books to her name — and another already in progress — Mary Jo shares the story behind her journey from classroom storyteller to published author, and how her years of teaching continue to inform every book she writes. We dig into her newest release, "The Predictable Persimmon," a story rooted in folklore, community, and her personal experience at the annual persimmon festival in Mitchell, Indiana. Along the way, Mary Jo opens up about her creative process, the realities of self-publishing, and what it takes to write stories that don't just entertain kids but actively invite them to learn, sing, and play along. Whether you're a parent, educator, or an aspiring children's book author yourself, this conversation is full of heart, practical wisdom, and a reminder of why storytelling matters so much in early childhood. What You'll Hear in This Episode How Mary Jo's years as an early childhood educator — engaging kids daily through storytelling and song — led to her first published book, "Chicken Fun" The origin story of "The Predictable Persimmon" and how a small-town festival became the heart of a children's book Her trip to the annual persimmon festival in Mitchell, Indiana, where she collected the stories and recipes that shaped the book Why Mary Jo builds interactive elements into her stories to foster creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning A look inside her writing process — planning, research, character development, and working closely with illustrators The role editors and feedback play in refining a manuscript The challenges and rewards of self-publishing in today's literary landscape Why community and perseverance matter just as much as talent for aspiring authors How Mary Jo has built lasting connections with young readers over the course of her career About Mary Jo Huff Mary Jo Huff is an accomplished children's book author and early childhood educator. Her writing draws directly from years spent in the classroom, where storytelling and song were daily tools for connecting with children. That foundation led to her debut book, Chicken Fun, and has continued through three more titles, including her latest, The Predictable Persimmon. Learn more about Mary Jo and her books: 🔗 storytellin.com Featured Book "The Predictable Persimmon" A story woven from folklore, festival traditions, and Mary Jo's own experiences at the persimmon festival in Mitchell, Indiana — blending storytelling with educational content in a way that invites kids to engage, not just listen. Connect & Subscribe If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow book lover or aspiring author. And be sure to visit Mary Jo at storytellin.com to explore her full collection of books. Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors is dedicated to introducing children's book readers to the authors behind the stories — and helping aspiring authors navigate the writing, publishing, and marketing journey.Takeaways: Mary Jo Huff's extensive experience as an early childhood educator significantly influences her approach to children's literature. The Predictable Persimmon integrates interactive elements, such as recipes and storytelling, to engage young readers more effectively. Huff emphasizes the importance of community in her work, seeking inspiration and collaboration from fellow authors and educators. Her publishing journey illustrates the challenges of marketing and distribution faced by self-published authors in a competitive landscape. Mary Jo actively participates in events such as the Persimmon Festival, fostering connections with her audience and promoting her books. She advocates for the value of fun and engagement in children's literature, aiming to create memorable experiences for her readers. Links referenced in this episode: storytellin.com

Mary-Jean Harris, the esteemed author of "Pixie Dusted Ottawa," graces our podcast today to elucidate the inspiration and creative process behind her enchanting children's book. At the heart of this episode lies the intent to cultivate a sense of wonder and exploration in children, as Mary-Jean aims to inspire young readers to engage with their surroundings in Ottawa through the delightful adventures of her fairy protagonist, Calla. We delve into the thematic elements of the narrative that encourage imagination and creativity, while also highlighting the significance of local landmarks and businesses that enrich the story's whimsical journey. Additionally, Mary-Jean shares her experiences in the realm of self-publishing and the intricacies of marketing her literary works, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that accompany the authorial journey. Join us as we explore the confluence of storytelling and community in this captivating conversation. The dialogue explores her motivations, literary inspirations, and the profound connection she seeks to establish with her young readers. Mary-Jean articulates her vision of creating a narrative that not only entertains but also serves as a guide for children to discover the hidden gems of Ottawa. The discussion also traverses the practical aspects of being a self-published author, including the trials of marketing and distribution. Mary-Jean candidly shares her experiences with local bookstores, events, and the challenges of transitioning from a performer in children’s entertainment to a published author. The episode is rich with practical advice for emerging writers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, creativity, and the joy of storytelling. Through her engaging narrative, Mary-Jean invites listeners to reflect on the power of literature in shaping the imaginations of the younger generation, making a compelling case for the enduring relevance of children's books in today's society. At the heart of this episode lies the intent to cultivate a sense of wonder and exploration in children, as Mary-Jean aims to inspire young readers to engage with their surroundings in Ottawa through the delightful adventures of her fairy protagonist, Calla. We delve into the thematic elements of the narrative that encourage imagination and creativity, while also highlighting the significance of local landmarks and businesses that enrich the story's whimsical journey. Additionally, Mary-Jean shares her experiences in the realm of self-publishing and the intricacies of marketing her literary works, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that accompany the authorial journey. Join us as we explore the confluence of storytelling and community in this captivating conversation. Takeaways: The podcast features Mary-Jean Harris, author of 'Pixie Dusted Ottawa', discussing her journey. Mary-Jean emphasizes the importance of inspiring creativity and adventure in children through her stories. The conversation reveals the challenges of marketing children's books and the need for persistence in promotion. Mary-Jean stresses the significance of engaging local businesses to enhance book visibility and sales. The episode highlights the unique approach of integrating children's books with existing business ventures. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their creativity and remain committed to their writing aspirations. Links referenced in this episode: http://www.ottawaprincessparties.com/ Companies mentioned in this episode: Pixie Dusted Ottawa Fairy Tale Princess Parties Amazon IngramSpark Indigo

The Audiobook Wizard: How Richard Rieman Is Making Children's Literature Accessible for All Guest: Richard Rieman, "The Audiobook Wizard" Episode Summary Richard Rieman has pioneered a transformative approach to children's literature: enhanced audiobooks that include audio descriptions of illustrations. His work is rooted in a deep commitment to inclusivity, especially for children who are blind or visually impaired. In this conversation, we trace Richard's journey — including how his years volunteering in the blind community opened his eyes to a significant gap in the audiobook market — and dig into why audio descriptions can transform the way everychild experiences an illustrated book, not just those with visual impairments. We also talk shop: the surprising commercial upside of enhanced audiobooks, why the audiobook market as a whole is booming, and why now is the moment for children's authors to seriously consider investing in this format. What We Cover Richard's path to becoming "The Audiobook Wizard" How volunteering in the blind community sparked the idea for enhanced audiobooks What audio descriptions are, and how they bring illustrations to life for listeners Why enhanced audiobooks benefit blind and low-vision children — and appeal to a much wider audience of young listeners The growth of the audiobook market and what it means for authors today How enhanced audiobooks can become a meaningful part of an author's marketing strategy The bigger picture: inclusivity as a driver of innovation in children's literature Call to Action If you're a children's book author, this episode is your nudge to explore enhanced audiobooks as part of your publishing and marketing strategy — for the young listeners who need them, and for the many more who will love them. Key Takeaway Enhanced audiobooks aren't just an accessibility tool — they're a creative opportunity. Richard's work shows how designing for inclusion from the start can open up new audiences, new revenue streams, and a deeper connection between authors and readers of all abilities. Additional Takeaways: Richard Rieman, known as the Audiobook Wizard, enhances children's audiobooks through audio description, enriching the experience for visually impaired children. The podcast emphasizes the significance of audio description in children's literature, as it bridges the gap between sighted and blind readers, ensuring inclusivity. Richard's journey into children's books began with his desire to support the blind community and address the lack of accessible illustrated content in audiobooks. Listeners are encouraged to explore the AudioBook Wizard Shop, which offers tools and services aimed at helping authors create and market enhanced audiobooks effectively. Links referenced in this episode: audiobookwizard audiowizard.com enhancedaudiobooks.org Companies mentioned in this episode: Audiobook Wizard Enhanced Audiobooks Amplify Audiobooks Pro Audio Voices Links referenced in this episode: audiobookwizard audiowizard.com enhancedaudiobooks.org Companies mentioned in this episode: Audiobook Wizard Enhanced Audiobooks Amplify Audiobooks Pro Audio Voices

Episode 100: Celebrating a Milestone in Storytelling This episode marks a huge milestone — our 100th episode of Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors! We look back at how it all began, the guests who've shaped this community, and what's coming next. Where It All Started The podcast began with a simple idea: everyone has a story worth telling, especially those who dream of becoming children's book authors. It started with a personal story — writing an adventure with my granddaughter, Kyra, and a bear named kaboose. That single story opened the door to a bigger mission: showing that writing a children's book isn't reserved for a select few — it's something anyone with a story in them can do. Over 100 episodes, we've talked with a wide range of authors, each sharing their own path through the world of children's literature — the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between. Redefining Legacy We also dig into what "legacy" really means for an author. It's often thought of as something you leave behind — but we make the case that legacy doesn't have to wait. You can watch it happen in real time, in the way your words reach young readers today. Community, collaboration, and shared experience are at the heart of that idea. No author is on this journey alone — and our guests and listeners have proven that again and again. Thank You To everyone who's tuned in, shared their story, or supported this show over the last 100 episodes — thank you. This community exists because of you. What's Next: A Two-Volume Book Series We're taking everything we've learned from 100 episodes and turning it into a two-volume guide for aspiring children's book authors: Volume 1: It's As Easy as Your A, B. Cs: Writing and Publishing a Remarkable Children's Book (late fall 2026) — A roadmap from first idea to finished manuscript. Volume 2: The X, Y, Zs if Authorship: Distrbuting, Selling, and Marketing Your Remarkable Children's Book. A guide to distribution and marketing, helping your story find its readers. Here's to the next 100 episodes — and to every story still waiting to be told. Takeaways: The genesis of this podcast was inspired by the author's desire to share stories, particularly those that resonate with children, and reflect personal experiences. Throughout 100 episodes, we have explored the journeys of numerous children's book authors, illustrating the diverse paths one can take in this creative endeavor. A central theme discussed is that every aspiring author possesses a story worth telling, highlighting the importance of embracing one's narrative. The podcast emphasizes that seeking community support and collaboration is essential for authors navigating their publishing journeys. The journey of writing and publishing a children's book is multifaceted, requiring both creativity and a strategic approach to marketing and outreach. The forthcoming two-volume book series aims to consolidate the insights gained from the podcast, providing a comprehensive resource for aspiring children's book authors. Companies and Authors mentioned in this episode: Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors Podcast Kaboose the Rocky Mountain Bear Judy McGee Alison Thompson Sunny Steps Kevin Lestrage Billy Finds Bigfoot Joy Lanier Big Feels Kodey Bogart Darcy Gyant Rusty Austin Luz Dang, Sweet Playdate Club Steve Bradshaw Brave at 19 Marlee Kostiner Garden Wolf Publishing Catherine Clark Felts Inner Peace Press Karim Abound Papa Rick Harris Sue Murley Shirley Murley Tanya Acquista Money Time Pennygirl's Rescue Pennygirl Comes Home