Chris chats with author Sara H Fowler to discuss her debut book ‘Castle of Knots’. When a beautiful young princess is trapped within a castle of knots---a mighty fortress covered in brambles, tangled weeds, and underbrush---a brave knight, also known as Mom, must cross the Valley of Dollies and Laundry Lake to take on the impossible task of freeing the princess...just in time for school.

Sara talks about how this idea came about and how she embedded themes of a fairy tale and adapted it to fit with the story of a mother helping brush her daughter’s tangled hair. She Lao talks about what inspired her to become an author and how her years of teaching helped develop her writing skills,

You can purchase your copy of ‘Castle of Knots’ via Amazon: https://a.co/d/dkg4pfa

You can find Sara on Instagram via this link: https://www.instagram.com/sara.h.fowler_author?igsh=dXdqZXEwZjRyczF1

This week, Chris chats with author Jennifer Nestor to talk about her debut picture book ‘Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality’. During the chat they discuss the importance of celebrating individuality and how we all must embrace and love who we are.

Chris also recommends other picture books that celebrate individuality.

You can purchase a copy of ‘Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality’ via Amazon. https://a.co/d/3WCa89i

You can learn more bout Jennifer by going to her website: https://www.jennestorauthor.com/

In this episode of the *Picture Book Podcast*, host Chris Marland explores the role picture books play in promoting anti-racism and acceptance. He discusses several impactful books that address themes of diversity, unity, and empathy, highlighting how they can shape young readers' understanding of the world.

Here is the complete list of all the books Chris mentions in this episode

1. Here We Are
Author:Oliver Jeffers
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

2. Begin Again
Author: Oliver Jeffers
*Illustrator:* Oliver Jeffers

3. People Need People
Author: Benjamin Zephaniah
Illustrator: Nila Aye

4. Let's All Say Yes
Author: Nia Roberts
Illustrator: Nia Roberts

5. The Other Side
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

6. This is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World
Author: Matt Lamothe
Illustrator: Matt Lamothe

7. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
Authors: Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
Illustrator: Hatem Aly

8. Momma, Did You Hear the News?
Author: Sanya Whittaker Gragg
Illustrator: Kim Holt

9. Come With Me
Author: Holly M. McGhee
Illustrator: Pascal Lemaître


Here’s a bit more detail about the books in case you need it for your podcast:

Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers: This book beautifully introduces young readers to the concept of our world and the people who inhabit it, emphasizing acceptance and understanding of diverse cultures.

Begin Again by Oliver Jeffers: Though not specifically about anti-racism, this book includes elements that discuss acceptance and the interconnectedness of all humans.

People Need People by Benjamin Zephaniah, illustrated by Nila Aye: This book is a poetic exploration of how we rely on one another, showcasing diverse interactions across various ethnicities.

Let's All Say Yes by Nia Roberts: This book focuses on accepting differences, using simple illustrations to convey that love and friendship can transcend color.

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis: A story about two girls from different racial backgrounds who find friendship across a physical and metaphorical fence, promoting unity and understanding.

This is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World by Matt Lamothe: This book highlights the cultural differences and similarities between children around the world, fostering an appreciation of diverse lifestyles.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly: This story portrays the strength and pride in cultural identity, emphasizing resilience against prejudice.

Momma, Did You Hear the News? by Sanya Whittaker Gragg, illustrated by Kim Holt: This book addresses the challenging topic of racial bias and safety for Black children, aiming to educate young readers about real-world issues.

Come With Me by Holly M. McGhee, illustrated by Pascal Lemaître: This book shows how small acts of kindness and understanding can make the world a more inclusive and compassionate place.