Weekly KidLit Love Update: July 17, 2025
DK Ryland & Michael Wang
Happy Thursday!
Summer is in full swing in upstate New York and it is HOT! Thank goodness for some good air conditioning and even better books to read inside while enjoying it. =)
This week, I chatted with DK Ryland and Michael Wang. Each recently launched very different picture books into the world and each are incredibly enjoyable in their own way. One invites readers into an interactive reading experience and the other invites readers into the world of plants and doing what we love. They are both delightful!
Keep scrolling to find out more about the authors, the books and the delightful conversations inside the episodes….plus a few other books that found their way onto my bookshelf perfect for summer reading.
Happy reading!
Stephanie
Some Books to Love🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉
Here are a few books that I read and reviewed and want to share:
🎉Elena Camps by Juana Medina
This book is PERFECT for Summer reading! It’s the second book in the series and Elena, the big purpley elephant is having trouble assembling her tent…something we likely can all relate to. With a little help from a bright red bird, Elena figures it out and is ready to camp. This early reader is perfect to take on your next camping trip. Plus….Juana will be on the podcast soon to talk all about it!
🎉Bibsy Cross and the Time Capsule by Liz Garton Scanlon
I adore the Bibsy Cross series and am a bit sad to see the series end. In this final installment, Bibsy’s class is tasked with creating their own time capsules, but she’s not so sure it’s a good idea. But Nanaberry comes--not just for a visit, but for good—and helps Bibsy see the project in a new light, showing her that she can preserve her memories without letting them go. It’s a lesson for young readers and adults, too. I chatted with Liz about her previous books in the series and you can listen right here.
🎉Kindness Rocks by Megan Murphy
Oh, this book is everything. Based on The Kindness Rocks Project, it details exactly what happens when one person pays a good feeling forward. Person to person, kindness grows and readers’ hearts grow alongside them, too. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go paint a few rocks. This is the perfect book to spark a summer project.
🎉In Our Solar System by Jenny Sundstedt
This gorgeously illustrated book is for the reader who adores space and wants to learn more. Each spread has a lyrical poem to draw the reader in and factual information to teach them a thing or three. =) It’s sure to inspire summer sky-watching together.
🎉Papa's Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg
This beautiful picture book was an instant New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestseller is a charming book about unconditional love and features same-sex parents with heart, humor and homecoming joy. Chasten will be on the podcast soon to talk all about it, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
🎉They Work: Honey Bees, Nature's Pollinators by June Smalls
I dislike bees, but I adore this book. First, there’s the text that draws readers in and then there’s more detail for those who want to go deep. The gorgeous illustrations remind me of the beauty of all creatures, even those I try to avoid. =)
New Podcast Episodes 🎙️📖🎧📚🎉🔊🎤
Interacting with Readers: Giraffe’s Book is Missing a Story by DK Ryland
On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with DK Ryland about her newest picture book: Giraffe’s Book is Missing a Story.
It’s the sequel to her debut picture book, Giraffe is Too Tall for This Book and it invites readers into an interactive experience along with 6 furry friends to face the blank page together.
Come listen as we talk about DK’s journey to illustrating and writing, the interactive nature of the book that is sure to invite students into the page and the fun end pages that made us smile.
Here are the books mentioned in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!
Giraffe’s Book is Missing a Story by DK Ryland (Amazon / Bookshop)
Giraffe is Too Tall for This Book by DK Ryland (Amazon / Bookshop)
Here’s where you can find DK online:
Website: https://dkryland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkryland/
I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!
A Passion for Plants: LEIF’S GIFT with Michael Wang
On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Michael Wang about his debut picture book: LEIF’S GIFT.
This gorgeous picture book is about a boy named Leif who’s green thumb has turned his bedroom into a jungle. When important things go missing in the overgrowth, Leif must find a way to make his plants a little less and maybe share a little more.
Come listen as we talk about the personal inspiration behind the book, Michael’s love for plants and what they do for the Earth, the varied themes that will likely emerge from reading the book and some extra bells and whistles available for readers online, too.
Here are the books mentioned in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!
LEIF’S GIFT by Michael Wang (Amazon / Bookshop)
Here’s where you can find Michael online:
Website: https://michaelwangstories.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelwangstories
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantgroovy
I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!
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They both sound wonderful! I love the thought of an interactive book -- so fun!