Advertise on podcast: Books, Kids & Creations with Tracy Blom

In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, Tracy sitsdown with debut author, Elysia Rourke to discuss her new middle grade book, Whale Fall. (Nancy Paulsen Books, Sept. 2026) We talk all things whales—including how they communicate,the way they see colors, how they function in families and of course what Whale Fall actually is. Whale Fall occurs when a whale dies and sinks to the oceanfloor. As it falls, its body becomes a source of nourishment for the creatures around it, becoming part of a living ecosystem as it returns to the ocean. Rourke’s writing follows the story of an orca who longs to be the matriarch storyteller of her family but finds herself in captivity, away from her pod, and longing to return. This book is powerful, moving, and a great read for youngreaders and adults.   Buy the book here: Barnes and Noble: WhaleFall | Barnes & Noble® Other Platforms via Elysia’s Website: Books | Elysia Rourke About the book: Whale, a young orca, dreams of becoming the matriarch and storyteller of her own pod one day, just like her grandmother. But her dream becomes a nightmare when she is captured by the Two-Legs and taken to a sea pen far from her ocean home. Whale’s only solace through the years of her tank life arethe memories of her pod and her grandmother’s stories of Great Mother and how whales came to be. She still misses her own pod terribly and tries not to give up hope of seeing them again. But also she tries to find joy in the here and now and in the comfort of her adopted whale family.As Whale grows older and her lungs begin to fail, she longs for the promise of Whale Fall, where the Great Mother will at last reunite her with her family—her body becoming one with the ocean. About the Author: Elysia Rourke was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario andstarted scribbling down short stories and (very) short novels as a preteen.When not writing, Rourke can be found reading, painting, and completing jigsawpuzzles. She has a weakness for London Fogs and eggs benedict, though notalways together. She currently lives in Almonte, Ontario with her husband,Chris, and their rescue German Shepherd mix, Ridley. Whale Fall is her debutnovel.

Did you know there is hidden treasure right in your home town? There is! And everyday people like you and me are using geocaching to find them. Geocaching is like using a digital treasure map to locate items that have been hidden. There are websites dedicated to these hometown treasure hunts, which is also the topic of this week's podcast. In this interview, Tracy sits down with author Abbi Lee to talk about the latest book in the Geocache Club Series: Hometown Treasure Hunt. The book follows sixth graders, Sixth graders Layton and Sherry as they start a geocache club at their school and transform a hiking trail into a geocaching adventure.Buy the book: https://abbileebooks.wordpress.com/pu...Want to take part in the geocaching fun? Visit the Official Geocaching Website: https://www.geocaching.comAbout the Author: Abbi Lee is a treasure hunter at heart, except instead of gold, she collects stories. As the author of the Geocache Club trilogy, she weaves adventure, mystery, and a dash of history into tales that keep young readers turning pages. Outside of reading and writing, Abbi enjoys cooking, baking, geocaching for hidden treasures, and going on adventures with her husband and two daughters. Abbi has been published in multiple magazines and is an active member of the Kansas Authors Club and the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators.

On this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, I sit down with Dr. Emma Chapman—astrophysicist, author, and science communicator—to talk about her fascinating journey from studying Egyptology to exploring the universe through radio astronomy.Emma shares how discovering a physics book completely changed the direction of her life. What drew her from archaeology to astrophysics was the realization that looking at stars is like looking back in time—something she loved so much about studying ancient civilizations.We talk about her beautiful new book, The Echoing Universe, which she calls a “love letter to radio astronomy.” Emma has a gift for making complex ideas like black holes, light, radio waves, and space communication feel accessible and exciting for everyone.She explains how radio waves act like a kind of superpower—traveling vast distances through space without being disrupted by clouds or rain. Whether we’re observing stars light years away or communicating with missions like Artemis near the moon, radio waves make it possible.One of my favorite examples she shares is Venus: through a regular telescope, it looks like a planet covered only in clouds—but through radio astronomy, we can see its hidden surface, including volcanoes and an entirely different landscape.Emma also talks about the writing process behind the book. What she thought would take just a few weeks turned into a full year of research, travel, interviews, and discovery. She fully immersed herself in the world of radio astronomy, using the book as an opportunity to ask questions, learn deeply, and connect with brilliant people along the way.The Echoing Universe releases on May 19th and it is her hope that readers will come away from the book feeling a refreshed sense of awe and wonder for the cosmos. I know I did!Buy the book! https://www.amazon.com/Echoing-Univer...

In this heartfelt episode of Books, Kids & Creations, I sit down with author–illustrator Katerina Spaeth to talk about her beautiful new picture book, Dedushka: Memories of My Grandpa and Ukraine—a tender tribute to her childhood in Kharkiv and the grandfather who helped shape her life.Katerina shares precious memories of growing up in Ukraine in the 1990s, and how the everyday magic of her relationship with her Dedushka became the emotional backbone of this book. Through soft gouache paintings, embroidery textures, and wide-eyed prose, she honors the joy, love, and resilience of Ukrainian family life. Buy the book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dedushka-katerina-spaeth/1146186689

Gobble Gobble! In this interview Tracy sits down with author-illustrator duo Wendi Silvano and Lee Harper, the inspiring creators of the Turkey Trouble Series. We talk about creating lovable characters, the artistic process, and what it is like working together on such a fun series. This book is a fun read, no matter what time of year it is! https://www.amazon.com/Turkey-Trouble-Wendi-Silvano/dp/0761455299/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Xzi0IApcWPXkFdeWO78cHh5ZB-plkc-ULEpa_8mfiVjD3RJOHcJARXbz9mEMVME3NbbaIsGMXGYeOgLtlMYmBev8MzWMFOF1YF_okfldajyhd6w1q5lyP5hsBdwKR8Ihi3rLid7IaOcchVXjkFN8kRODEQO2xVH-byGAQ9S0AbfaskfsXsUK8xc11lkqcMN1zcGV3ds2dnUS6lvr6ZtcXZmLzEthVoH8v3N56rXwMQk.70eTAGTuUsUP_fIjHglOu6JpCvDnMcFaoAMQCRSvmSE&dib_tag=se&keywords=turkey+trouble&qid=1763430598&sr=8-1

🎬 In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, Tracy Blom chats with rising star Owen Himfar about his debut acting role in the feature film The Short Game. Owen shares what it was like stepping onto set for the first time, how he prepared for the role, and what he’s learned from the experience. ⭐ Tune in for an inspiring look at chasing your dreams, staying humble, and finding joy in storytelling from a young actor on the rise! 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. #BooksKidsCreations #OwenHimfar #TheShortGame #ChildActor #Inspiration

In this inspiring episode of Books, Kids & Creations, award-winning author and host Tracy Blom sits down with Colonel Chris Hadfield — astronaut, fighter pilot, author, and the first Canadian to walk in space.You may know him as “the most social media savvy astronaut ever to leave Earth” (Forbes), from his viral zero-gravity performance of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, or from his best-selling books and hit shows on NatGeo and the BBC. But today, he shares something deeply human: how to stay grounded in an overwhelming world.From commanding the International Space Station to writing his new thriller Final Orbit, Hadfield reflects on perspective — how seeing Earth from space reminds us of our smallness in the vast universe — and how taking small steps every day is the real key to achieving your biggest dreams.We also dive into his latest novel, Final Orbit, a pulse-pounding continuation of The Apollo Murders series, exploring Cold War tensions, espionage, and the true story of Tsien Hsue-Chen, the brilliant scientist once exiled from America who went on to found China’s space program.🚀 Topics Covered:Lessons from life in spaceThe power of daily progressThe story behind Final Orbit✨ Tune in for a conversation that blends science, storytelling, and soul.Pick up a copy of the book today and follow Colonel Hadfield's Book Tour: https://chrishadfield.ca/books/

How did Louis Henry Mitchell get to Sesame Street? The spark that started his creative journey began when he was just six years old, and saw Jim Henson on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was in that moment he realized that a person was behind creating his favorite characters, and if they could do it, why couldn't he?Today, Louis directs and oversees all aspects of character art for Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind Sesame Street. He's designed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons and floats, directed Sesame Street Muppet photo shoots, and created iconic characters we've come to love. In this interview we discuss his amazing career and his debut book, QREATIVE EVOLUTION: How to Question Everything to Find Your Creative Fulfillment. (Out Now!)To buy the book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJFYVDSX?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZNBE089W6YQ1V4ZGABF0&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZNBE089W6YQ1V4ZGABF0&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZNBE089W6YQ1V4ZGABF0&bestFormat=true&previewDoh=1To learn more about Louis: https://qreativeevolution.com/about-louis/Photo Credit Julian Waas

Catharina Steel on The Vanishings: beta readers, editing, and building braver fantasy characters. We dig into the world of fantasy writing with Australian author Catharina Steel—from beta readers and writing coaches to our beloved “Deleted Scenes” folders. We also explore how nature fuels ideas and practical ways to strengthen character arcs for kidlit and fantasy. What you’ll learn Getting useful feedback from beta readers (and what to ask them) When a writing coach helps Why a “Deleted Scenes” folder is a writer’s best friend (and when to resurrect a cut) Turning setting into story: using nature to deepen mood, stakes, and character growth Resources & links• The Vanishings — https://books2read.com/u/bM8DlX• Catharina Steel — https://catharinasteel.com/ Learn more about your host, Tracy Blom at www.theblomdotcom.com

Imagine taking the leap from practicing attorney to wanting to start a literacy non-profit. Seems pretty scary right? Well, that' exactly what Kyle Zimmer did in 1992 just before co-founding First Book. Fast forward to 2025, First book serves 6.5 million children each year through its network of more than 600,000 members – teachers, practitioners, and other dedicated adults who are working and volunteering in the lives of kids in need. Since its founding in 1992, First Book has distributed 250 million books and educational resources, with a retail value of more than $2 billion. Today, First Book is growing – to support 1 million more educators and reach all 27 million children in need. About Kyle:Kyle Zimmer is the Co-founder, President, and CEO of First Book, an award-winning, nonprofit social enterprise furthering educational opportunities for children in low-income communities across the United States. First Book currently serves 6.5 million children each year through its network of more than 600,000 members – teachers, practitioners, and other dedicated adults who are working and volunteering in the lives of kids in need. Since its founding in 1992, First Book has distributed 250 million books and educational resources, with a retail value of more than $2 billion. Today, First Book is growing – to support 1 million more educators and reach all 27 million children in need.Donate, support, and learn more by visiting https://firstbook.org/support-us/

In this episode, I chat with gardener and author Christy Wilhelmi about her new book, High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening. Whether you're planting on an acre or a porch, her book is a goldmine of organized planting plans, tasty recipes, and helpful resources to help you grow more food in less space. A must-listen for anyone interested in gardening smarter! To learn more about Christy, read her blog, or buy her books visit: https://christywilhelmi.com/

Former Google product designer Vicky Fang talks about turning a passion for tech and robotics into stories for kids! In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant author and illustrator Vicky Fang, whose creative books spark curiosity and laughter while introducing kids to the world of STEM, robotics, and innovation. With a background in engineering and a passion for storytelling, Vicky shares how her career in tech inspired her to write the books she wished existed for her own kids—fun, diverse, and full of smart characters solving real-world problems. From picture books to chapter books, Vicky’s work blends education and entertainment, empowering the next generation of thinkers and tinkerers. Tune in as we talk about her journey from product designer to children’s book creator, the power of representation in STEM, and what inspires her most as a mom, maker, and storyteller. 🔗 Learn more about Vicky at vickyfang.com📚 Featured books include Layla and the Bots, I Can Code, and Invent-a-Pet

Calling all JAWS fans!! In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, I sit down with Christopher Shaw Myers to talk about the incredible new book he’s written about his uncle, Robert Shaw, and the impact of legacy and storytelling across generations. 🎬 With the 50th anniversary of JAWS upon us, Christopher reflects on growing up in the shadow of a legend—and how he’s using his voice to honor not just Robert Shaw, but his mother’s lasting influence as well. This is a powerful conversation about the importance of preserving stories, inspiring others, and sharing the magic of creativity through generations. 🎧 Hit play and join us for a conversation filled with heart, history, and sharks. Book Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Shaw-Actors-Life-Beyond/dp/0806544325/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=FtgRA&content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&pf_rd_r=YN1RP7AZ46Z8CWQ1YD18&pd_rd_wg=PA6PO&pd_rd_r=06d06fe9-9768-43fc-a6db-df781b1defe2&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d

In this episode of Books, Kids & Creations, host Tracy Blom interviews wildlife photographer and author Ursula Clare Franklin about her captivating new book, Mission Penguin.Ursula shares how her passion for wildlife photography led her on an unforgettable mission to photograph all 18 species of penguins in the wild. From the Galápagos Islands to the icy shores of Antarctica, her journey is as inspiring as it is visually stunning.What began as a personal tribute turned into a powerful story of grief, healing, and transformation—proving that sometimes, great loss can spark even greater purpose.This interview dives into:🐧 Behind-the-scenes of wildlife photography📚 The author’s journey to publication💛 How grief can lead to growth and creativity🌍 Penguin conservation and climate awarenessIf you enjoy author interviews, wildlife stories, or books that blend personal growth with adventure, this episode is for you.About the author:Ursula Clare Franklin is a wildlife photographer living in Somerset. Originally from Yorkshire, she developed a keen interest in photography as a child and has enjoyed combining this with her love of nature ever since. Ursula’s husband was a great supporter of her photography and her love of penguins, always encouraging her to do something with her images. Following his death in 2012, she embarked on Mission Penguin and began to share and exhibit her photos more widely.

New Episode! Author Stephanie Booth joins Books, Kids & Creations to talk about her powerful new novel Libby Lost and Found — the story of a bestselling fantasy writer facing early-onset Alzheimer’s and the 11-year-old superfan who helps her finish her final book. With a rich background in publishing, digital media, and even MTV’s True Life, Stephanie brings her storytelling expertise to the page in a story that speaks to both children and the adults who guide them. Listen now! Buy the book: https://www.stephanieboothwrites.com/.../libby-lost-and.../