Ashleigh Barton is the best-selling author of multiple picture books and middle-grade fiction novels. In this episode, she joins Jade Arnold to share her Between the Bookshelvespitch for her latest release, How to Sail to Somewhere, as well as her Freddie Spector, Fact Collector and Solomon Macaroni series, along with her picture book titles.

Ashleigh delves into the themes of grief and growth in How to Sail to Somewhere and explores why it’s so important for young readers to encounter difficult topics in age-appropriate ways through the safe space of a novel. She alsotakes us behind the scenes of her non-fiction picture books, unpacking the creative process of turning real-world facts into engaging, accessible stories for young readers.

For educators and PRC Coordinators, Ashleigh shares her insights into sparking curiosity and a love of reading in students, reminding us that the best books aren’t justentertaining—they help young readers navigate the world around them.