🎬 In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, Tracy Blom chats with rising star Owen Himfar about his debut acting role in the feature film The Short Game. Owen shares what it was like stepping onto set for the first time, how he prepared for the role, and what he’s learned from the experience.
⭐ Tune in for an inspiring look at chasing your dreams, staying humble, and finding joy in storytelling from a young actor on the rise!
🎧 Listen now on YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
#BooksKidsCreations #OwenHimfar #TheShortGame #ChildActor #Inspiration
In this inspiring episode of Books, Kids & Creations, award-winning author and host Tracy Blom sits down with Colonel Chris Hadfield — astronaut, fighter pilot, author, and the first Canadian to walk in space.You may know him as “the most social media savvy astronaut ever to leave Earth” (Forbes), from his viral zero-gravity performance of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, or from his best-selling books and hit shows on NatGeo and the BBC. But today, he shares something deeply human: how to stay grounded in an overwhelming world.From commanding the International Space Station to writing his new thriller Final Orbit, Hadfield reflects on perspective — how seeing Earth from space reminds us of our smallness in the vast universe — and how taking small steps every day is the real key to achieving your biggest dreams.We also dive into his latest novel, Final Orbit, a pulse-pounding continuation of The Apollo Murders series, exploring Cold War tensions, espionage, and the true story of Tsien Hsue-Chen, the brilliant scientist once exiled from America who went on to found China’s space program.🚀 Topics Covered:Lessons from life in spaceThe power of daily progressThe story behind Final Orbit✨ Tune in for a conversation that blends science, storytelling, and soul.Pick up a copy of the book today and follow Colonel Hadfield's Book Tour: https://chrishadfield.ca/books/
How did Louis Henry Mitchell get to Sesame Street? The spark that started his creative journey began when he was just six years old, and saw Jim Henson on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was in that moment he realized that a person was behind creating his favorite characters, and if they could do it, why couldn't he?Today, Louis directs and oversees all aspects of character art for Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind Sesame Street. He's designed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons and floats, directed Sesame Street Muppet photo shoots, and created iconic characters we've come to love. In this interview we discuss his amazing career and his debut book, QREATIVE EVOLUTION: How to Question Everything to Find Your Creative Fulfillment. (Out Now!)To buy the book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJFYVDSX?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZNBE089W6YQ1V4ZGABF0&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZNBE089W6YQ1V4ZGABF0&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZNBE089W6YQ1V4ZGABF0&bestFormat=true&previewDoh=1To learn more about Louis: https://qreativeevolution.com/about-louis/Photo Credit Julian Waas
Catharina Steel on The Vanishings: beta readers, editing, and building braver fantasy characters.
We dig into the world of fantasy writing with Australian author Catharina Steel—from beta readers and writing coaches to our beloved “Deleted Scenes” folders. We also explore how nature fuels ideas and practical ways to strengthen character arcs for kidlit and fantasy.
What you’ll learn
Getting useful feedback from beta readers (and what to ask them)
When a writing coach helps
Why a “Deleted Scenes” folder is a writer’s best friend (and when to resurrect a cut)
Turning setting into story: using nature to deepen mood, stakes, and character growth
Resources & links
• The Vanishings — https://books2read.com/u/bM8DlX
• Catharina Steel — https://catharinasteel.com/
Learn more about your host, Tracy Blom at www.theblomdotcom.com
Imagine taking the leap from practicing attorney to wanting to start a literacy non-profit. Seems pretty scary right?
Well, that' exactly what Kyle Zimmer did in 1992 just before co-founding First Book.
Fast forward to 2025, First book serves 6.5 million children each year through its network of more than 600,000 members – teachers, practitioners, and other dedicated adults who are working and volunteering in the lives of kids in need. Since its founding in 1992, First Book has distributed 250 million books and educational resources, with a retail value of more than $2 billion. Today, First Book is growing – to support 1 million more educators and reach all 27 million children in need.
About Kyle:Kyle Zimmer is the Co-founder, President, and CEO of First Book, an award-winning, nonprofit social enterprise furthering educational opportunities for children in low-income communities across the United States. First Book currently serves 6.5 million children each year through its network of more than 600,000 members – teachers, practitioners, and other dedicated adults who are working and volunteering in the lives of kids in need. Since its founding in 1992, First Book has distributed 250 million books and educational resources, with a retail value of more than $2 billion. Today, First Book is growing – to support 1 million more educators and reach all 27 million children in need.Donate, support, and learn more by visiting https://firstbook.org/support-us/
In this episode, I chat with gardener and author Christy Wilhelmi about her new book, High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening. Whether you're planting on an acre or a porch, her book is a goldmine of organized planting plans, tasty recipes, and helpful resources to help you grow more food in less space. A must-listen for anyone interested in gardening smarter!
To learn more about Christy, read her blog, or buy her books visit: https://christywilhelmi.com/
Former Google product designer Vicky Fang talks about turning a passion for tech and robotics into stories for kids!
In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant author and illustrator Vicky Fang, whose creative books spark curiosity and laughter while introducing kids to the world of STEM, robotics, and innovation. With a background in engineering and a passion for storytelling, Vicky shares how her career in tech inspired her to write the books she wished existed for her own kids—fun, diverse, and full of smart characters solving real-world problems.
From picture books to chapter books, Vicky’s work blends education and entertainment, empowering the next generation of thinkers and tinkerers. Tune in as we talk about her journey from product designer to children’s book creator, the power of representation in STEM, and what inspires her most as a mom, maker, and storyteller.
🔗 Learn more about Vicky at vickyfang.com
📚 Featured books include Layla and the Bots, I Can Code, and Invent-a-Pet
Calling all JAWS fans!!
In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, I sit down with Christopher Shaw Myers to talk about the incredible new book he’s written about his uncle, Robert Shaw, and the impact of legacy and storytelling across generations.
🎬 With the 50th anniversary of JAWS upon us, Christopher reflects on growing up in the shadow of a legend—and how he’s using his voice to honor not just Robert Shaw, but his mother’s lasting influence as well.
This is a powerful conversation about the importance of preserving stories, inspiring others, and sharing the magic of creativity through generations.
🎧 Hit play and join us for a conversation filled with heart, history, and sharks.
Book Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Shaw-Actors-Life-Beyond/dp/0806544325/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=FtgRA&content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&pf_rd_r=YN1RP7AZ46Z8CWQ1YD18&pd_rd_wg=PA6PO&pd_rd_r=06d06fe9-9768-43fc-a6db-df781b1defe2&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d
In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, host Tracy Blom interviews wildlife photographer and author Ursula Clare Franklin about her captivating new book, Mission Penguin.Ursula shares how her passion for wildlife photography led her on an unforgettable mission to photograph all 18 species of penguins in the wild. From the Galápagos Islands to the icy shores of Antarctica, her journey is as inspiring as it is visually stunning.What began as a personal tribute turned into a powerful story of grief, healing, and transformation—proving that sometimes, great loss can spark even greater purpose.This interview dives into:🐧 Behind-the-scenes of wildlife photography📚 The author’s journey to publication💛 How grief can lead to growth and creativity🌍 Penguin conservation and climate awarenessIf you enjoy author interviews, wildlife stories, or books that blend personal growth with adventure, this episode is for you.About the author:Ursula Clare Franklin is a wildlife photographer living in Somerset. Originally from Yorkshire, she developed a keen interest in photography as a child and has enjoyed combining this with her love of nature ever since. Ursula’s husband was a great supporter of her photography and her love of penguins, always encouraging her to do something with her images. Following his death in 2012, she embarked on Mission Penguin and began to share and exhibit her photos more widely.
New Episode!
Author Stephanie Booth joins Books, Kids & Creations to talk about her powerful new novel Libby Lost and Found — the story of a bestselling fantasy writer facing early-onset Alzheimer’s and the 11-year-old superfan who helps her finish her final book.
With a rich background in publishing, digital media, and even MTV’s True Life, Stephanie brings her storytelling expertise to the page in a story that speaks to both children and the adults who guide them. Listen now!
Buy the book: https://www.stephanieboothwrites.com/.../libby-lost-and.../
Diana Renn is a fantastic author, creating environmental mysteries that both kids and adults can enjoy. Her latest book, the Owl Prowl Mystery is like Sherlock Holmes for environmentalists and is a real HOOT.
The first book in the series, Trouble at Turtle Pond was named a 2023 Green Earth Book Award Honor Book and has been longlisted for the Massachusetts Book Award. Her three YA mysteries, Tokyo Heist, Latitude Zero, and Blue Voyage, all published by Viking/Penguin Random House, feature international intrigue and globetrotting teens. Diana is also a co-author of False Idols, an episodically-released international thriller for adults, published by Realm (formerly Serial Box) and Adaptive Books. A nonfiction writer as well, Diana received a 2022 Massachusetts Cultural Council Fellowship Award as a finalist in creative nonfiction. Her essays, articles, and short fiction have appeared in Flyway:Journal of Writing and Environment, Publisher’s Weekly, WBUR’s Cognoscenti, The Huffington Post, Pangyrus, Brain Child, Literary Mama, The Writer, Writer’s Digest, YARN (Young Adult Review Network), The Indiana Review, Cricket Magazine for Children, and elsewhere. She has authored and edited numerous textbooks, taught writing at Boston University, Brandeis University, and Grub Street, and is an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach.
Diana grew up in Seattle and now lives outside of Boston with her family.
🌟 Author Spotlight: Wendy Perkins! 🌟
We’re thrilled to share an exciting interview with Wendy Perkins, a talented author and creative powerhouse who has enchanted readers and animal lovers alike! 🐾✨
📚 Beyond her captivating books (which you can explore here 👉 Wendy Perkins on Amazon), Wendy has an incredible story to share about her time working with the San Diego Zoo!
From crafting award-winning content for ZOONOOZ, the Zoo’s member/marketing magazine, to creating delightful and educational materials for the San Diego Zoo Kids website, Wendy’s creativity brought the magic of wildlife to life for millions. 🦁🐒 She’s written everything from blogs and event descriptions to hands-on crafts and engaging kids' articles. 🌍💡
📅 In this interview – we chat about her journey as a writer, her inspiring time with the San Diego Zoo, and how animals have influenced her storytelling. Plus, we dive into her books and the creative process behind them! 🎙️
Do you love cookies so much that you'd build a time machine to bypass waiting for them to cook in the oven? Author / illustrator Jessie Sima sits down with Tracy to talk about their new book Cookie Time.
About Jessie:
Jessie Sima is an author and illustrator of picture books. They grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey and now write and draw in a creaky house in New York State. When not making books, Jessie can be found reading graphic novels, watching spooky movies, and playing outside with dogs.
Jessie is the author and illustrator of:
Not Quite Narwhal
Harriet Gets Carried Away
Love, Z
Spencer's New Pet
Jules vs. the Ocean
Hardly Haunted
Perfectly Pegasus
Weather Together
Cookie Time
Check out more of Jessie's work here https://www.jessiesima.com/books.html
On this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, host Tracy Blom sits down with Australian hip-hop journalist Simone Jordan to discuss her journey as an author and her love for hip-hop, which started at a very young age.
Simone's new memoir, Tell Her She's Dreamin', is packed with passion and shows the ups and downs that led to her becoming Australia's most successful hip-hop journalist, with a career spanning print, radio, TV, and digital media.
At 23, Simone founded Urban Hitz, the country’s highest-selling rap and R&B publication. Later, in New York City, she served as the content director of The Source, the iconic ‘Hip-Hop Bible’ that inspired her reporting and social consciousness.
Simone is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, dedicating her career to mentoring young women and guiding the next generation of talent through her consulting agency, The Dream Collective, and her work with Media Diversity Australia and Diversity Arts Australia.
Her debut book, Tell Her She’s Dreamin’, won the 2021 Richell Prize.
Buy the book here www.amazon.com/Tell-Her-Shes-Dre…ous/dp/0733649750
It's All Guapo All the Time! Guapo's Great Rescue and Guapo's Giant Heart are two charming books inspired by a REAL rescue steer named Guapo. These books teach important lessons about rescuing animals, caring for others, and forming friendships in unexpected ways. Listen to this incredible interview with author Janet Zappala, who is changing lives and inspiring others everywhere she goes. About Janet Zappala An award-winning broadcast journalist, garnering six Emmy awards and 14 Emmy nominations (her work, featuring the man of 1000 voices, Mel Blanc, won her a Golden Mike award in Los Angeles), Janet is co-author of the award-winning Guapo's Adventures picture book series. Guapo's Giant Heart is the recipient of the 2022 Moonbeam Silver Medal and 2022 Story Monsters Approved Picture Books awards. Her newest picture book release, Guapo's Great Rescue, was recently honored with the 2024 Family Choice Award. Said Janet, "We are thrilled that our message of empathy and goodness resonated with all 12 judges and are grateful for their unanimous vote of support in promoting these essential values to young readers." To order these amazing books visit Janet's site https://www.janetzappala.com/ To Learn More about Guapo and his giant heart visit https://guapostales.com/
A mermaid in the bathtub a unicorn in the barn—these are just some of the magical problems young Chloe must solve in Bryan Chick's newest book, The Wayfinders. Bryan Chick is the author of The Secret Zoo Series which has sold almost a million copies and been translated into numerous foreign languages. His two newest series, The Super Sports Society (Andrews McMeel Publishing) and Wayfinders (Blackstone Publishing), were just released in 2024. He has spoken to thousands of children around the world, and is able to spin up worlds and stories that will inspire children for ages. Check out his work here https://bryanchick.com/books/wayfinders/ Visit Books Kids & Creations on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BooksKidsandCreationspodcast/
Ever want to listen to how a NYT best-selling children's author writes and comes up with story ideas? Well, this is the interview for you!
Patrick Carman is a bestselling children’s author with over four million books in print, including perennial favorites Skeleton Creek, Atherton, 39 Clues, Floors, Fizzopolis, and The Land of Elyon. Mr. Carman’s books have been translated into 26 languages.
He's visited over 2,500 schools and writes books that kids around the world enjoy. Not only is he an amazing author, but he also owns an animation company that creates fun-filled videos that pair with his books.
In this interview, Tracy sits down with Patrick to discuss his newest book, BONKERS: The Terror in Jenny's Armit, published by Blackstone Publishing.
You will LOVE this book. It is fast-paced, funny, and a real page-turner.
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Terror-Jennys-Armpit-Bonkers/dp/B0CMBXXC1H/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Tracy Blom goes to Hocking Hills to interview the legendary glass a, Jack Pine at his one-of-a-kind studio! Jack grew up in Southern Ohio and studied art at the Columbus College of Art and Design. He refined his skills at the famous glass houses of Seattle. Drawn to nature and inspired by its organic forms, he returned to his Southern Ohio roots to perfect his art in the woods of Hocking Hills. Jack Pine Glass Studio is located in the heart of the Hocking Hills state parks of Ohio. When you visit their studio, you can watch glass blowing up close and witness blobs of molten glass turned into beautiful pieces of artwork. Demonstrations are going on daily and the gallery is open for shopping. To learn more: https://www.jackpinestudio.com
WHAT IS THE JOIDES RESOLUTION? The JOIDES Resolution (JR) is a research vessel that drills into the ocean floor to collect and study core samples. Scientists use data from the JR to better understand climate change, geology, and Earth’s history. It is a part of the International Ocean Discovery Program and is funded by the National Science Foundation. For the past month and a half, science communicator Erin Winick has been aboard the Joides Resolution, taking part in a scientific ocean expedition. During this interview, Erin provides a glimpse into life aboard the ship and discusses how the work they are doing will help define what the Earth looked like millions of years ago. Part of the work that Erin does involves providing tours for schools, museums, educators, or groups who would like to see what life aboard the ship is like. To learn more or book a video tour, visit: https://joidesresolution.org/
Do you like nature, lore, and magical creatures? If so, then you will want to read Olly & the Spores of Oak Hill!! About the Book Olly and his new friend, Ember, fight off school bullies, greedy mall developers, and nosey townspeople to protect their secret – that there’s a community of nature-loving creatures that have peacefully lived under Oak Hill for hundreds of years. When Oliver (Olly) Appleton’s grandfather dies in a suspicious accident, his family decides to move to Littleton, Massachusetts, to care for the family estate. Once there, they discover they need to protect their land from a greedy mall developer, Henry Dalton. Sitting atop Oak Hill, the estate sits in an enchanted wooded sanctuary known for unusual activities and superstitions involving mythical creatures – rumors passed down since the Nipmuc people roamed the land. When Olly and his new friend, Ember, run into trouble with school bullies, the creatures known as Spores step in to protect them. Through their adventures, Olly and Ember build friendships with members of the Spore community and discover a common goal. They must work together quickly to protect Oak Hill from Henry Dalton or lose their homes forever. About the Author: Glenn Somodi is an American author who writes his stories in the short space between lying down and dreaming. The stories are written over many nights, replayed, and rewritten in his head for enjoyment. His mission is to find anyone who enjoys reading the stories as much as he enjoys creating them. He is a proud graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He is also partner at EYEMG.com, LLC in Akron, Ohio, a website development company. Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Olly-Spores-Hi... Author Website: https://glennsomodi.com/