In this enlightening episode of the Book Faire Podcast, we dive into the world of children's literature with author and illustrator Christy Mandin. Host Anthony explores the creation of 'Millie Fleur Saves the Night,' a unique YA literature work that embraces themes of darkness and ecological awareness, particularly addressing the issue of light pollution. Christy discusses the challenges of illustrating such themes and the critical role her protagonist, Millie Fleur, plays as a disruptor in modern children's literature. They also delve into pressing topics such as recent book bans in libraries, highlighting the importance of literature in fostering knowledge empowerment and community change among young readers. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how children's and YA literature are evolving to tackle complex social and environmental issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:23 Exploring the Moon Garden

04:12 Artistic Challenges in Nighttime Illustration

10:22 Navigating Editorial Feedback

14:14 Personifying the Dark

19:14 Millie Fleur's Mission to Save the Night

21:58 The Ecological Message Behind the Story

24:25 Connecting with the Inner Child

36:26 Texas School Libraries Under Scrutiny

39:57 Controversies Surrounding Mobile Library Services

42:42 Community Voices on Children's Literature

Keywords

Christy Mandin, Millie Fleur, children's literature, book bans, library policies, ecological themes, storytelling, darkness, light, disruption