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The Blooming Books Podcast

Lauren Piland
17 episodes   Last Updated: Apr 29, 25
Hi, I’m Lauren, a mom, former teacher turned children’s book author and your host who joins special guests each episode as we share our top kid lit picks for sparking hard conversations, the easy way. Yep, that means everything from tackling bullying and out-of-control anger, to celebrating diversity, inclusion, and leading with kindness, plus so much more. My whole mission of my own children's book series, Blooming Rose, is to provide social and emotional support tools for in and out of the classroom - and this podcast is my way to expand that mission even further. So, stay tuned as we dive into each week's topic on The Blooming Books Podcast.

Episodes

Ambition is not something that can be taught, or can it?? On this week’s episode we chat with author Paige Murray and illustrator Kristen Humphrey, on how they bring their inspirational stories to life, and encourage the next generation of dreamers! Podcast Segments: Intro & Guest Welcome (:00) Topic Intro & Book Chat (8:53) How to Connect with Paige & Kristen (26:19) Book Links: all books are linked on our website: BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast Rosie’s Wild Ride, by Paige Murray, illustrated by Kristen Humphrey Blooming Rose Blasts Off!, by Lauren Piland, illustrated by Kristen Humphrey The Magical Yet, by Angela DiTerlizzi coming soon… Rosie’s Ranch Rescue, by Paige Murray, illustrated by Kristen Humphrey Blooming Rose Finds Her Jam!, by Lauren Piland, illustrated by Kristen Humphrey Connect with our Guests: connect with Paige - @bootsandbiscuits on Facebook & Paige Murray on Instagram + bootsandbiscuits.com connect with Kristen - @krisillus on Instagram + portfolio at Astound.us Connect with our Host: books, resources + podcast - BloomingRoseKids.com connect on social - @bloomingrosekids on fb, insta & youtube
The wonderful world of art can be intimidating for some, but with this week’s guest, Cynthia Jackson, the artist behind Dash Blossoms, we make a splash on why encouraging your kids, and yourself, to embrace your creative side, and beautiful mistakes, can lead to helping regulate emotions. Podcast Segments: Intro & Guest Welcome (:00) Topic Intro (3:48) Book Picks (14:19) How to Connect with Dash Blossoms (21:55) Book Links: all books are linked on our website: BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast Beautiful Oops, by Barney Saltzberg I’m Not Just a Scribble, by Diane Abler Charlie Picasso chapter series, by Diane Abler Find Your Way, by Cassie Stephens Hello, My Name Is, by Cynthia Jackson Dash Blossom’s Floral Line, Shading and Tracing, by Cynthia Jackson (available exclusively at Humble Grounds Coffee in Fulshear, TX) Connect with our Guests: connect with Dash Blossoms - @DashBlossoms on Facebook & Instagram + DashBlossoms.com Connect with our Host: books, resources + podcast - BloomingRoseKids.com connect on social - @bloomingrosekids on fb, insta & youtube
Assuming abuse, neglect and trauma would never creep into your home or community can be a vital mistake. On this episode, we chat with Society Prosper Founder and President Megan Langham on how her organization is helping to heal, teach and advocate for the youngest victims of trauma. Podcast Segments: Intro & Guest Welcome (:00) Topic Intro (5:50) Book Picks (20:30) How to Connect with Society Prosper (22:45) Book Links: all books are linked on our website: BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast Sam’s Invisible Shield, by Vicki Gardiner A Terrible Thing Happened, by Margaret M. Holmes Body Boundaries Make Me Stronger, by Elizabeth Cole Connect with our Guests: connect with Society Prosper - @SocietyProsper on Facebook & Instagram + SocietyProsper.org Connect with our Host: books, resources + podcast - BloomingRoseKids.com connect on social - @bloomingrosekids on fb, insta & youtube
How can we teach our kids to connect to the breath in their lungs, the emotions in their mind, and the sun shining on their face? On this episode, we talk about the importance of mindful living, even for us adults and our parenting, and how we can introduce, practice and model this deeper sense of presence, gratitude, and in turn, JOY in our kids. Podcast Segments: Guest Welcome, Annie Grassi (:00) Topic Intro (12:17) Annie’s Book Picks (37:12) How to Connect with Annie (53:06) Guest Welcome, Maria Castellucci Moore (54:54) Maria’s Book Series (57:35) How to Connect with Maria (1:16:00) Book Links: all books & resources are linked on our website: BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast The World Needs The Wonder You See, by Joanna Gaines The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy Mindful Games for Kids by Kristina Marcelli-Sargent Vivienne in Paris by Maria Castellucci Moore Sofia in Rome by Maria Castellucci Moore Art Has Heart, drawing prompt activity 5 Sense Scavenger Hunt, mindful nature activity Connect with our Guests: connect with Annie - @unrefinedjoypodcast on Instagram connect with Maria - @mariamooreauthor on Instagram & Facebook + mariacastelluccimooreauthor.com Connect with our Host: books, resources + podcast - BloomingRoseKids.com connect on social - @bloomingrosekids on fb, insta & youtube
We hear first hand from Counselor Chelsey on the top 3 issues challenging our students & kids these days. Along with book picks and a link to her bounty of amazing SEL resources, parents & teachers you do not want to miss this one! Podcast Segments: Intro + Guest Welcome (:00) Topic 1: Anxiety & Book Picks (8:50) Topic 2: Empathy & Book Picks (15:06) Topic 3: Grief & Book Picks (24:22) #WinoftheWeek + How to Connect (36:50) Links: all books are linked on our website: BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast Hey Worrier, by Karen Young Worry Says What, by Allison Edwards Hey, Little Ant, by Hannah & Phillip Hoose The Judgmental Flower, by Julia Cook The ABCs of Grief, by Jessica Correnti I Miss You, by Pat Thomas The Remember Balloons, by Jessie Oliveros The Memory Keepers, by Sarah Allison Connect with our Guest: connect on social - on Instagram & Facebook @CounselorChelsey sign up for Chelsey’s SEL Book resource guide here: CounselorChelsey.com Connect with our Host: books, resources + podcast - BloomingRoseKids.com connect on social - @bloomingrosekids on fb, insta & youtube
With family therapist Amy Oxener of AP Counseling, we peel back the layers of childhood anxiety including separation, social and the general worries we all face everyday. Podcast Segments: Intro + Guest Welcome (:00) Topic Intro (5:34) Books Picks (19:47) #WinoftheWeek + How to Connect (25:18) Book Links: all books are linked on our website: BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast “Wilma Jean the Worry Machine” by Julia Cook “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn “The Whatifs”by Emily Kilgore “Blooming Rose Finds Her Jam!” - releasing Spring 2025 Connect with our Guest: connect on social - @APCounselingGroup on Instagram and Facebook online - apcounselinggroup.com Connect with our Host: books, resources, blog + podcast - BloomingRoseKids.com connect on social - @bloomingrosekids on fb, insta & youtube
Are there ways to more smoothly navigate separation, divorce and blending families with our kids? Children’s book author Renee Bolla discusses her journey blending her own family, the inspiration behind her book and all of the ups and downs in between! Podcast Segments: Intro + Guest Welcome (:00) Topic Intro (7:27) Books Picks (14:34) #WinoftheWeek + How to Connect (24:07) Book Links: all books are linked on our website: BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast “The Truth About Stepmoms” by Renee Bolla “A Family is a Family is a Family” by Sara O’Leary “Why Do Families Change?” by Jillian Roberts Connect with our Guest: connect on social - @reneebollaauthor on Instagram online - reneebollaauthor.com Connect with our Host: books, resources, blog + podcast - BloomingRoseKids.com connect on social - @bloomingrosekids on fb, insta & youtube
How is social media affecting a whole generation of kids? Behavior Analyst Anna Sturgeon of Shine Behavior Services joins me as we chat about this new world of social development, her advice on guiding kids as young as preschool, and our favorite books on this topic to read with your kids! Podcast Segments: Intro + Guest Welcome (:00) Topic Intro (6:32) Books Picks (30:04) SEL Resource Highlight (34:58) #WinoftheWeek + How to Connect (35:28) Book Links: all books are linked on our website: BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast "Polly and The Screen Time Overload" by Betsy Childs Howard "The Power in Words" by Meaghan Axel "A Smart Girl's Guide: Digital World" of the American Girls series by Carrie Anton and Stevie Lewis "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt *for parents & educators Connect with our Guest: connect on social - @Shine_Behavior on Instagram, @ShineBehaviorServices on Facebook or by visiting ShineBehaviorServices.com Connect with our Host: books, resources + podcast - BloomingRoseKids.com connect on social - @bloomingrosekids on fb, insta & youtube
How can we teach our kids to connect over ways we’re all similar, while also embracing what makes us unique? On this episode, we dive into a chat on celebrating diversity with children’s book author and publisher Danielle Marietta. Podcast Segments: Intro + Guest Welcome (:00) Topic Intro (7:11) Books Picks (19:56) #WinoftheWeek + How to Connect (27:15) Book Links: all books are linked on our website: BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast “The Hollyday After” by Danielle Marietta “Truth Tales: The Air Fair-He” by Danielle Marietta “Mr. Maloof” by Danielle Marietta “Bubble Sea” by Danielle Marietta “Girls Like Me” by Valerie Thompkins “Boys Like Me” by Valerie Thompkins “I Am Me” by Tristan Towns and Lacey Howard Connect with our Guest: connect on social - @daniellemariettabooks on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok publishing - @booksandthingspub on Insta + booksandthingspublishing.com Connect with our Host: books, resources + podcast - BloomingRoseKids.com connect on social - @bloomingrosekids on fb, insta & youtube
Welcome to Season 2 of The Blooming Books Podcast! Children's Author & Host Lauren Piland does a brief discussion on the foundation of SEL and offers a peek into our inspiring guests, topics & book picks coming up on our second season. Catch up on Season 1 before we dive in on September 13 - and as always, more information including book links, resources & topics can be found at BloomingRoseKids.com/podcast. We can't wait to share this season of important SEL topics and book picks on The Blooming Books Podcast - where fun & feelings collide!