Kidlit Happy Hour

Arts #135, Books #46

Join New York Times bestselling and award-winning children’s book author Joanna Ho, and children’s book author Caroline Kusin Pritchard as we dive into storytelling - the craft, the industry, the creative life - with fellow kidlit authors, publishing professionals, and folks outside the children’s book world. Storytelling happens in so many spheres beyond books, and we will draw insights and connections from everywhere to improve our craft and lives as writers. Grab a drink, cozy up and explore storytelling with creative minds inside children’s publishing and beyond.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

heyjamiejo

Writerly Validation

I love this podcast so much. The advice the real, the struggle of writing is real and the openness and vulnerability of both the hosts and guests is so rare. Grab a drink, sink into a cozy couch and listen as great writers talk about life, and process, and everything in between.
Wookiehumper

Great podcast

Love all the guests and the hosts are amazing and insightful.
Indigecooker

What’s needed to support emerging authors

This podcast is full of insights to think about-ideas that one can then practice in their craft of writing. Loving all the guests AND the hosts are funny and down to earth❤️ A great pair. I especially loved listening to the episodes with Nic Stone and Cynthia Leitich-Smith.
ToddRam

My Favorite Kidlit Podcast!

If you’re looking for a super fun podcast about storytelling and writing for kids (or for anybody,) this is it! Joanna and Caroline are gifted writers who are super curious about what they can learn from all sorts of creatives. Every episode is inspiring, grounded in love and respect for kids, and overflowing with joy. Who doesn’t need more joy?
Entertaining and inspiring!

Joyful and inspiring with so much depth and authenticity

I love listening to Caroline and Joanna’s conversations—with each other and with the incredible lineup of guests they’ve already hosted! This is such a joyful, inspiring, personable podcast that doesn’t shy away from deep and hard topics and questions. I really appreciate that balance—which is hard to pull off! And I’d really love to go to happy hour with these two lovely hosts!
Brinda’s Bookshelf

Chemistry Makes the Show!

As a newly agented kidlit writer (dare I say “author?”), I absolutely appreciate the insight into craft, storytelling, emotion, and hardships that Joanna, Caroline, and their guests provide. Their questions and observations are so insightful - I’m learning so much! I can tell they put in hard work to make this a valuable contribution to the industry!
Robert C Trujillo

New new

Hey just started listening! Met Johanna but haven’t met Caroline yet. I love hearing from kidlit creators and I love the fact that you give them space to talk, speak, and pause! Juiced to hear more. -Rob
Amstr

Rich and rewarding conversations about children’s lit

Caroline and Joanna aren’t afraid to go deep with their guests about storytelling, writing for children, and being human. I always come away with something insightful.
ccninth

Great podcast!

I love this podcast; it’s my new favorite. I love the way Joanna and Caroline show such curiosity and empathy and intelligence and humor in each episode! The guests have been so inspiring.
LizKrock

The best dynamic duo

I adore Caroline and Joanna! Not only do they share wonderful content online, I absolutely love their dynamic in these interviews and think it’s awesome that they have such a variety of guests on their show!
grrlpup

keeping it real in kidlit

Just listened to the episode with Maggie Tokuda-Hall, and I loved the mix of fun, writing process, guiding principles, and telling it like it is about life in the publishing industry and life in general. Looking forward to catching up on more episodes!
Maria Oka

Fun AND Thought Provoking!

Oh goodness, I just listened to the first five episodes in one day. Oops! Gotta get back to my writing now. But this podcast is just so much fun and there are such great conversations, it was hard to pull myself away. Caroline and Joanna are funny and passionate and their guests have been amazing. Would highly recommend to kid lit writers or anyone who cares about story. There is so much humor, compassion, and learning here. Love.
Abowlersdraws

Accessible and Inspiring!

This is such a gem! Caroline and Joanna’s curiosity about, and passion for storytelling creates an accessible and fun gateway into kidlit. Despite both being successful and established authors, they’ve maintained the beginner’s mindset and their conversations invite the listener to do the same. Really inspiring stuff regardless of if you’re a Caldecott winner, a novice, or just a human with a love of stories. Can’t wait to see where they go from here!
TJ Bug

Fun and Insightful!

So far this podcast has been so much fun but it also dives right into the struggles and joys of creating stories for kids. In Episode 2 Dan Santat shares some amazing insights that really got my brain humming, and I love the overshare section of the podcast. Joanna and Caroline have truly created a cozy environment for kid lit nerds to learn and laugh!
Pinkchristine

New Kidlit Podcast Joy!

Excited for this new kidlit podcast and to follow along on Joanna and Caroline’s podcasting journey! These two best friends are so lovely to listen to, a joyful first episode.
Anne_MW53

Like hanging out with two friends!

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this podcast so yes, I’m a little biased - but I love it! The two hosts are obviously close friends and have an easy rapport that’s delightful to hear. I loved hearing their anecdotes and can’t wait for the interviews they have coming up. This is already a must-listen for me!

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