PR From The Heart
Children’s Books Spotlight Series
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #283: Patricia Newman | Beatrice And The Nightingale
We often imagine miracles happen outside of us, but the greatest miracle is the passion within us waiting to be shared. In Episode #283 of PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series, Sibert Honor recipient Patricia Newman joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to talk about her new book, Beatrice and the Nightingale. She shares the true story behind cellist Beatrice Harrison’s legendary 1924 BBC broadcast with a wild bird, the importance of uncovering history’s hidden changemakers, and how parents can encourage children to give their unique gifts a confident, public voice.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #282: Stephanie Calmenson | How To Say You’re Sorry
For a child who has hurt someone, “I’m sorry” can feel like an enormous phrase to say out loud. In Episode #282 of PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series, award-winning author Stephanie Calmenson joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to discuss her new book, How to Say You’re Sorry. She shares how losing a teaching position led to a life-changing mentorship with The Magic School Bus creator Joanna Cole, why true forgiveness cannot be rushed, and practical advice for helping kids make sincere amends and build healthier friendships.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #281: Dan Saks | On Our Bikes
As summer coasts into its final stretch, children are squeezing in every last ride—discovering the freedom, breeze, and independence that comes on two wheels. In Episode #281 of PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series, musician and best-selling author Dan Saks joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to talk about his debut picture book, On Our Bikes. He discusses adapting songs from his popular Noodle Loaf podcast, the developmental power of early childhood music education, supporting grassroots “bike buses,” and practical ways families can slow down and build safer, connected neighborhoods together.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #280: Aron Nels Steinke | The New Student & Speechless
Walking into a new classroom can feel like stepping onto a stage after the curtain has already risen. In Episode #280 of PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series, Eisner Award-winning author and former teacher Aron Nels Steinke joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to talk about capturing the funny, frantic reality of school life. He opens up about The New Student (the finale of the Mr. Wolf’s Class series), his standalone graphic novel Speechless, navigating creative rejection, and practical ways to make reading a vibrant part of family life.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #279: Dr. Julie McDonnell | Bailey & Buttons Series
Before children learn life’s biggest lessons, they’re shaped by thousands of everyday moments. In Episode #279 of PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series, award-winning children’s author and retired educator Dr. Julie McDonnell shares how her Bailey and Buttons Series helps children build resilience, confidence, and compassion by viewing life’s challenges through a more hopeful lens. Join John Masiulionis and Little Forrest for an inspiring conversation about storytelling, literacy, emotional growth, and the lasting impact of picture books on young readers and families.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #278: E.C. Sherman, PhD | Friesian And Friends Series
The most important friendship a child will ever build starts within. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Eileen Sherman shares how Zeus and Ziggy: First Ride helps young readers develop self-trust, emotional awareness, and the confidence to navigate life’s challenges with strength and heart.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #277: Amelie Anastasia | Shelter Dogs
Sometimes, the biggest change begins with the smallest act of kindness. In this inspiring episode, young author Amelie Anastasia shares how her book Shelter Dogs is giving rescue animals a voice, encouraging families to adopt, and empowering kids to lead with compassion and purpose.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #276: Dr. Suzy Gray | Lily And The Fairy Cake & Teddy The Bear
The words children hear—and the ones they tell themselves—can shape their entire future. In this inspiring episode, educator Jennifer Louise shares how her book Pearl helps kids transform adversity into strength, embrace hope, and begin rewriting their story with confidence and belief.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #275: Jennifer Louise | Pearl
The words children hear—and the ones they tell themselves—can shape their entire future. In this inspiring episode, educator Jennifer Louise shares how her book Pearl helps kids transform adversity into strength, embrace hope, and begin rewriting their story with confidence and belief.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #274: Kate Allen Fox | Summer Solstice Wish & Go Play
Summer invites children to slow down, explore, and follow their curiosity—and Kate Allen Fox is capturing that magic through storytelling. In this inspiring episode, she shares how Summer Solstice Wish and Go Play encourage families to embrace unstructured play, meaningful connection, and the joy of discovering the world just beyond their front door.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #273: Martha Jane Bonine | A Magical Summer Day: An Antartica Tale
What if courage began with one small step? In this inspiring episode, Antarctic Ambassador and author Martha Jane Bonine shares how her debut book encourages children to embrace new experiences, build confidence through reading, and discover the power of curiosity and connection.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #272: Joan Schoettler | A Doctor At Heart
What does it mean to follow your heart when the odds are stacked against you? In this inspiring episode, Joan Schoettler shares the story of Vivien Thomas—a trailblazer whose perseverance, brilliance, and compassion reshaped medicine and continues to inspire children to dream beyond limitations.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #271: Emily Sun Li | Mr. Chow’s Night Market
What if asking for help was one of the first things children learned—not the last? In this inspiring episode, author Emily Sun Li explores how vulnerability, storytelling, and cultural connection can empower kids to see support as strength and build confidence through community.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #270: Dr. Bob Archuleta | Christine’s Magical Smile
After the loss of his daughter, Dr. Bob Archuleta turned grief into purpose—carrying forward her legacy through storytelling, compassion, and care. In this powerful episode, he shares how Christine’s Magical Smile inspires children to embrace kindness, express emotions, and discover the quiet strength found in even the simplest gestures.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #269: Ethan Minton | E-Train Talks
Many children are told to wait until they’re older to make a difference—but Ethan Minton is proving that purpose starts now. In this inspiring episode, the teen founder of E Train Talks shares how literacy, leadership, and representation in books can empower kids to build confidence, find their voice, and create real-world impact at any age.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #268: Helen Kemp Zax | Little Bunny’s To-Do List
What if everyday tasks felt more like an adventure than a chore? In this episode, Helen Kemp Zax joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to share her book Little Bunny’s To-Do List. Through creativity, rewards, and storytelling, this conversation explores how parents and caregivers can help children build motivation, resilience, and joy—turning daily routines into meaningful moments of progress and celebration.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #267: Mel Rosenberg | Emily Saw A Door
Feeling out of place can shape how children see themselves—but the right story can gently shift that perspective. In this episode, Mel Rosenberg joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to share his book Emily Saw a Door. Together, they explore how children can learn to face rejection without losing confidence, trust their inner voice, and recognize that every closed door can lead to a new path toward belonging.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #266: Nathalie Alonso & John Parra | ¡Viva Valenzuela!
When children feel pressure to fit in, stories that celebrate individuality can change everything. In this episode, Nathalie Alonso and John Parra join John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to share their book ¡Viva Valenzuela!: Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles, inspired by baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela. This conversation explores identity, resilience, and how stories rooted in culture and history help children feel seen, valued, and empowered to stand out.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #265: Judy Campbell-Smith | Baseball for Breakfast
When children hear stories about fairness, courage, and belonging, they begin to see themselves as participants in shaping the world around them. In this episode, Judy Campbell-Smith joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to discuss her book Baseball for Breakfast: A (Mostly) True Story. The conversation explores how baseball—often called America’s Pastime—creates shared moments for families while opening important discussions about Black History, community, and the role supportive adults play in helping children grow into compassionate and confident storytellers.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #264: Doreen Klein Robinson | A Place to Pray
When children face big emotions and change, faith and reflection can provide a steady anchor. In this episode, Doreen Klein Robinson joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to share how her book A Place to Pray teaches kids to pause, breathe, and pray. Inspired by the fire at Middle Collegiate Church in NYC, the conversation explores empathy, resilience, and community while showing how children’s literature shapes values, belonging, and safe spaces.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #263: Tameka Fryer Brown | Prayer Is
Children discover who they are through the stories that surround them. In this episode, award-winning author Tameka Fryer Brown joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to share her book Prayer Is, offering families meaningful ways to introduce prayer, honor Black history, and help children feel seen, grounded, and proud of their legacy—plus a preview of her upcoming release More Than Enough.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #262: Rebecca Almeida | Being Kind Is Cool
Kindness is a currency every child can spend. In this episode, award-winning author and educator Rebecca Almeida joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to share her journey from the classroom to the KidLit community, discuss her debut book Being Kind Is Cool, and preview Being Mindful Is Cool—teaching empathy, belonging, and compassion to today’s youth.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #261: Micky & Ami Dolenz | Lalu Toot Toot
Courage in children often grows quietly, especially when their self-expression is misunderstood. In this episode, Micky Dolenz and his daughter Ami Dolenz join John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to share their book Lalu Toot Toot, the healing power of music and creativity, and how art helps kids find their authentic rhythm. The conversation also previews Micky Dolenz: 60 Years of The Monkees, celebrating a legendary musical legacy.
Children’s Books Spotlight Series Ep. #260: Don Tate | Prince: A Little Golden Book® Biography
Music has a way of reaching children where words alone cannot. In this episode, award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate joins John Masiulionis and Little Forrest to share his journey, the release of Prince: A Little Golden Book Biography (written by Nikki Shannon Smith), and why accurate storytelling, Black history, and music as a unifying force matter deeply for young readers—plus a preview of his upcoming book with Abrams Kids.
CONTACT US
Copyright © 2026 PRFromTheHeart.com ❤ | Website Design by Leng & Co.