Breaking the "Knitting Grandma" Mold & Building Better Stories

In this episode of Picture This, host Adam Lehrhaupt catches up with award-winning author and former teacher Nancy Viau. Nancy is on a mission to modernize how we see grandparents in kidlit and, more importantly, how we teach the "dreaded" writing block.

From the "Somebody Wants, But, So, Then" formula that helps even the most reluctant 5th grader find their plot, to the secret science of why "Tic-Tac-Toe" sounds better than "Toe-Tac-Tic," this conversation is packed with literacy tips and high-energy inspiration for your next writing workshop.

✨ What Teachers & Librarians Will Learn:

• The "Somebody Wants, But, So, Then" Formula: A concrete, 5-step scaffolding tool that scales from Pre-K (with finger plays) to high school novels.
• A New Look at Grandparents: Why Nancy's new book Hanging Out with Graham (releasing Jan 15!) challenges the "sedate/passive" grandmother stereotype to reflect the active, vibrant grandparents of today.
• The Science of Sound: A deep dive into alliteration, onomatopoeia, and the "IAO" vowel rule (why we say Big Mac but never Mac Big).
• Rhyme vs. Meter: Why rhyming is the "hardest way to write" and how teachers can help kids understand the flow and syllables behind the words.
• The "Folded Paper" Workshop: How to use post-it notes and a simple 8-page dummy to teach students about the "physics" of a picture book and the power of the page turn.

🔑 Key Topics & Time Stamps:

• 03:40: Engaging the "Littles": Making books synonymous with fun through finger plays.
• 06:20: The Formula: Breaking down Somebody, Wants, But, So, Then.
• 11:07: Using onomatopoeia and energy words to make stories jump off the page.
• 15:05: The "Picture" Test: Understanding accented vs. unaccented syllables.
• 19:07: Representation Matters: Why modern grandmothers don't just sit and knit.
• 24:40: Adam’s "Spiteful Drawings": A lesson on why kids (and authors) push against creative boundaries.
• 32:42: The One-Word Challenge: How a single word changes the trajectory of a story.
• 36:45: Story Sparks: Using nature and travel to clear the head and ignite ideas.

📚 Featured in this Episode:

• The New Book: Hanging Out with Graham by Nancy Viau (Schiffer Kids, Jan 15).
• Nancy’s Book Bag: Her One Regret (Thriller) and the 40-year-old family version of The Night Before Christmas.
• Adam’s Book Bag: Looking for recommendations on second-tier holiday books (shoutout to Arbor Day!).

🔗 Connect with Nancy Viau:

• Website: NancyViau.com
• Instagram: @NancyViau1
• Threads: @NancyViau1

🔗 Connect with Adam Lehrhaupt:

• Website: AdamLehrhaupt.com
• Instagram: @Lehrhaupt

In this engaging conversation, Patricia Newman, a master of nonfiction writing, shares her insights on the intricacies of crafting nonfiction for children. She discusses the importance of research, the challenges of maintaining historical accuracy, and the techniques she employs to engage young readers. Patricia emphasizes the significance of connecting with educators and the role of concise writing in storytelling. The discussion also touches on the various styles of nonfiction and the creative inspirations that drive her work.


Takeaways

• Patricia Newman has a background in both writing and education, which informs her approach to nonfiction.
• Nonfiction should be based on real events, people, and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of accuracy.
• Writing concisely is crucial in picture books to convey complex ideas effectively.
• Engaging young readers involves presenting relatable characters and real-world problems.
• Collaboration with educators helps create relevant curriculum connections for her books.
• Research is essential, especially when dealing with historical events and figures.
• Different styles of nonfiction cater to various audiences and purposes, including narrative and browsable formats.
• Creative inspiration often comes from personal interests and the desire to learn about new topics.
• The writing process can involve multiple drafts to refine ideas and language.
• Empowering children through stories of civic role models can inspire them to make a difference in their communities.

Sound bites

"Birds will use anything."
"I can't make up dialogue."
"I always went overboard."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nonfiction and Personal Connections
04:49 Defining Nonfiction: Purity and Creativity
09:39 Crafting Picture Books: The Art of Conciseness
16:03 Engaging Educators: Connecting Literature to Real-World Issues
20:37 The Process of Writing: From Idea to Execution
26:24 Unraveling Myths: Tesla and Edison
27:25 The Challenge of Historical Accuracy
31:28 The Importance of Expert Consultation
35:23 Exploring Nonfiction Structures
39:30 Creative Sparks and Inspirations

In this episode of Picture This, Adam Lehrhaupt engages listeners in a reflective conversation about the podcast's past episodes, guest contributions, and the importance of listener feedback. He emphasizes the need for audience input to shape future content, aiming to create episodes that address real challenges faced by educators. Adam invites listeners to share their thoughts on what they want more of, whether it's quick activity ideas, author interviews, or behind-the-scenes stories, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging tone.


Takeaways

• Listener feedback is crucial for shaping future episodes.
• The podcast has featured 22 interviews with various educational professionals.
• Topics covered include STEM projects, anxiety, grief, and classroom activities.
• Adam seeks to know which episodes resonated most with listeners.
  • He is open to experimenting with the format of the show.
  • Listeners are encouraged to share their ideas and suggestions.
• The goal is to help educators teach with more joy and less stress.
• Future episodes may include more interviews and ways to bring picture books to life.

Sound bites

"I want to experiment with the show."
"Tell me what you want me to make."
"Happy reading."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Podcast
02:42 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Guest Contributions
05:14 Seeking Listener Feedback and Future Directions

Contact Adam: Visit AdamL.Rocks

Episode Summary: The Art of Beautiful Flaws

In this historic first for the Picture This podcast, host Adam Lehrhaupt sits down with both the author and the illustrator of the spectacular new picture book, A Knot Is Not a Tangle—National Book Award finalist Daniel Nayeri and acclaimed author/illustrator Vesper Stamper!

Dive deep into a truly collaborative creative process, from the first spark of the idea to the final watercolor brushstroke. Daniel and Vesper share their passion for research (from ancient Persian rugs to natural dying techniques) and offer profound insights for educators on navigating perfectionism, accepting mistakes, and fostering a love for the process of creation in the classroom.

✨ What Teachers & Librarians Will Learn:

• The Persian Flaw: Discover the ancient practice in rug weaving that intentionally introduces a single, beautiful imperfection and why this concept is a powerful tool for teaching Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). *
• Creative Resilience: Hear Vesper’s methods for mentoring art students who are facing "predisappointment" and Daniel’s thoughts on why perfectionism can lead to creative paralysis.
• Beyond the Blurb: A candid discussion on book reviews, what reviewers often miss (especially the exquisite illustration details!), and how to handle creative feedback.
• The Joy of Craft: Why traditional mediums like watercolor are punk rock and why connecting with the tactile, slow process of creation is essential for both students and master artists.

🔑 Key Topics & Discussion Points (Time Stamps):

• 01:37: The rarity of the Author-Illustrator collaboration (and why this one was A1 on the list!)
• 03:54: Vesper’s deep research process: tiles, patterns, and the Iranian countryside.
• 07:55: Why writers and illustrators hate (and love) reading book reviews.
• 11:50: Understanding Knot Density and the theological meaning of the Persian Flaw.
• 25:32: Classroom Activity: The power of shared creation and collaborative breaking (Kintsugi).
• 32:35: Why focusing solely on "self-expression" can cause anxiety in young artists.
• 41:59: Daniel's Story Spark: The wisdom of the Italian fable Glowrush.
• 48:11: Vesper’s slow-burn process: Why the sketchbook is the key to tending the fire of creativity.
• 54:36: Adam’s Brilliant Classroom Activity: Using the game Tsuro to create a collaborative (and imperfect!) class rug design.

📚 Featured Book & Guests

• The Book: A Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri (Author) and Vesper Stamper (Illustrator)
• Daniel Nayeri: [Daniel Nayeri’s Website] | [Daniel's Instagram]
• Vesper Stamper: [Vesper Stamper’s Website] | [Vesper's Instagram] | [Vesper's Substack]

🔗 Connect with Adam Lehrhaupt

• Website: adamlehrhaupt.com
• Instagram: @Lehrhaupt

Unlock creativity and engagement in children's literature! 📚 In this episode of Picture This, host Adam Lehrhaupt chats with filmmaker and creative writer Blake Hamilton, the co-creator of All the Wonders, a project dedicated to celebrating children's books through dynamic multimedia content and fun projects.

Learn why standard storytelling often falls short and how Blake and Adam are pioneering new ways to capture young imaginations. They dive deep into the challenges of marketing children's books, the surprising role of music in inspiring young writers, and practical ways teachers can use technology to deepen students' understanding of literature.

What You Will Learn:

• The origin of the All the Wonders project and its mission.
• Why a multimedia approach is essential for modern education.
• Actionable strategies for encouraging creativity in the classroom.
• Insights into bringing a sense of wonder and awe back into stories.

Connect with us:

Find Blake's project and explore more content:

• All the Wonders Website: allthewonders.com

See what host Adam Lehrhaupt is up to:

• Adam Lehrhaupt's Website and links: AdamL.Rocks
• Instagram: @Lehrhaupt

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Creative Collaboration

01:56 The Birth of All the Wonders

04:46 Creating Multimedia Content for Children's Literature

10:36 Exploring Underrated Children's Books

16:17 The Future of All the Wonders

20:23 Encouraging Creativity in Education

38:03 Creativity Through Music and Storytelling

Keywords: children's literature, multimedia content, creative writing, education, storytelling, children's books, All the Wonders, creativity, teaching, engagement.

What happens when an object like a book becomes part of your identity? 📚

Adam Lehrhaupt sits down with award-winning author/illustrator Rahele Jomepour-Bell (Books Big Adventure), an assistant professor at the Kansas City Art Institute, to explore the profound role of art and culture in children's literature.

Rahele shares her powerful personal journey—from growing up in Iran during wartime to finding solace in books and color—and how that shapes her breathtaking, detail-rich illustrations today. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking to foster diversity, creativity, and visual literacy in the classroom.

💡 Key Takeaways & Classroom Tips

• The Power of Object: Why books, textiles, and everyday objects can become integral to a child's cultural identity.
• Visual Literacy: How illustrators can visually demonstrate concepts like motion and sound in a way authors can't (great for classroom activity ideas!).
• Diversity as a Conscious Choice: The importance of making deliberate decisions to include marginalized voices and perspectives in your work and reading lists.
• School Visit Programs: How illustrators can use a simple shape or concept to create unforgettable, engaging presentations for all grade levels.
• Creative Inspiration: Bringing the detailed beauty of Persian rugs and other cultural touchstones into storytelling.

⏰ Episode Chapters

• 00:01:03 | The Creative Process behind Books Big Adventure
• 00:04:40 | What Libraries Do with Old Books (The Red Truck Inspiration)
• 00:10:06 | Classroom Activity: Taking a Book on an Adventure
• 00:12:54 | Finding Art and Identity in Iran (Growing Up with Limited Color)
• 00:16:14 | School Visit Ideas for Illustrators (Visual Literacy)
• 00:22:15 | Creating a Thumbnail Sketch for Your Presentation
• 00:28:19 | Expressing Yourself Through Cultural Books
• 00:33:09 | Diversity is a Choice: Being Conscious in Creating and Reading
• 00:39:15 | Upcoming Project: The Sweetest Lemon

🌟 Connect & Resources

Want to work with Rahele or explore her beautiful art?

• Find Rahele Jomepour-Bell's Art: Follow her on Instagram and website! (Instagram @Rahele_studio, website rahelestudio.com)
• Book Adam Lehrhaupt: Learn more about author visits at AdamL.Rocks 👈
• New Book Alert: Look out for Rahele's new book, The Sweetest Lemon, coming next year!

Keep reading, keep creating, and keep resisting!

Are your author visit resources working as hard as you are? 😅

Adam Lehrhaupt sits down with former assistant principal and founder of The Book Links, Stephanie Fitzpatrick, to discuss the vital link between authors and educators. Stephanie shares her expert approach to creating curriculum guides that are not only accessible but genuinely energize students and turn a single book into a year's worth of lessons!

If you're an author who needs to create more value for schools, or a teacher looking for engaging, ready-to-use resources, this episode is a blueprint for success.

💡 Key Takeaways & Classroom Tips

• Maximize Your Books: The importance of revisiting one book throughout the year for different lessons ("I can keep coming back to it.").
• Interactive Learning: How to integrate movement and technology (like Google Slides) to boost student retention and engagement.
• Author of the Month: Stephanie’s successful program for boosting student reading engagement.
• Curriculum Design: The essential elements that make a resource actually useful and accessible for teachers.
• Reluctant Readers: Creating resources that are specifically designed to excite and engage the most reluctant students.

⏰ Episode Chapters

• 00:03:22 | Connecting Authors and Educators (The Author of the Month Program)
• 00:11:09 | Creating Engaging Curriculum Resources
• 00:17:55 | Utilizing Technology in Education (Google Slides, etc.)
• 00:23:36 | Interactive Learning and Integrating Movement
• 00:30:44 | Story Sparks and Creative Engagement

🌟 Connect & Resources

Want to work with Stephanie to create stunning resources for your book, or find resources for your next lesson?

• Stephanie Fitzpatrick's Company (The Book Links): Learn about curriculum design and collaboration here! (TheBookLinksLLC.com)
• Adam Lehrhaupt's School Visit Info: Book an engaging author visit at AdamL.Rocks 👈
• Free Downloads: Check Adam and Stephanie's sites for downloadable activity guides based on this episode!

Keep reading, keep teaching, and keep collaborating!

Paul Czajak on Picture Books, Creative Prompts, and the Magic of Revision | Picture This Podcast

Join host Adam Lehrhaupt as he welcomes his good friend, author Paul Czajak, known for beloved books like the Monster and Me series and Trees Make Perfect Pets. Paul shares his incredibly unique journey from a decades-long career as a chemist to a passionate children's author, driven by a desire to make readers laugh and root for the underdog.

In this insightful episode, Paul and Adam dive deep into the creative process, emphasizing why the first draft is rarely good and why revision is where the magic truly happens (with one story taking seven years to perfect!).

Key Takeaways & Writing Sparks You'll Love:

• The Power of Guardrails: How strict word counts and clear constraints can actually free up a student’s (or author's) creativity.
• Monster Prompts: Paul shares his go-to writing prompt for school visits "Monster needs to bake" and how it guides kids to explore conflict and resolution.
• Growing a Book Tree: A fantastic idea for turning student stories into a visual, growing classroom project.
• Brand New Sentences: A simple, powerful exercise that proves to kids they can create something brand new that no one has ever heard before.
• Music as Inspiration: Discover which song line inspired Paul's published book, A Peculiar Haunted House, and how to flip a story's perspective for a better result.
• Picture Book Deep Dive: Paul highlights his favorite picture book for demonstrating how rules (like meter in rhyme) can be broken with purpose.

Whether you're a writer looking for revision motivation, or an educator seeking innovative ways to inspire young storytellers, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt conversation.

Find Paul Csajak:

• Website: PaulCzajak.com (Link: https://www.paulczajak.com/)
• Instagram: @PaulCzajak (Link: https://www.instagram.com/paulczajak)

Find Adam Lehrhaupt:

• Website: AdamL.rocks (Link: https://www.adaml.rocks/)

(Don't forget to check the activity guides on Adam's website for writing exercises inspired by this episode!)

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Paul Czajak & The "Monster Needs to Bake" Writing Prompt

1:02 From Chemist to Children's Author: Paul's Unique Path to Picture Books

2:22 Finding the Creative Spark & Why You Have to Start Writing

3:43 The Power of "Just Write It Down" and The First Story

5:01 Idea vs. Story: Using Fears and Worries as a Writing Prompt

6:59 The Importance of Creative Guardrails (Word Count & Constraints)

10:02 Overcoming Writer's Block: Just Get the Hand Moving

11:35 The Magic of Revision: Five Minutes a Day

13:29 7 Years of Revision: The Long Road to a Published Book

16:17 The Book Tree and Inspiring Creative Projects

17:49 Detailed Breakdown of the "Monster Needs to Bake" Prompt

20:57 Activity 2: "What Do You See?" (Creating Brand New Sentences)

22:49 Activity 3: Illustrating the Text (Understanding the Artist's Process)

24:25 Adam's Book Bag: Paul's Favorite Book for Analyzing Rhyme and Meter

26:49 Story Sparks: Using Music for Creative Inspiration

30:53 Kill Your Darlings: How to Flip a Story's Perspective

32:23 Wrap Up & Where to Find Paul Czajak