Understanding Home in a Changing World: A Conversation with Matt de la Peña and Loren Long

In this heartwarming episode of The Growing Readers
Podcast, Bianca Schulze welcomes Newbery Medal-winning author
Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long to discuss
their new collaboration,
Home.


Building on the success of their #1 New York Times bestseller
Love, the creators share intimate memories of their own
childhoods and explore what home truly means beyond physical
structures. Through thoughtful conversation, they reveal the
creative process behind their lyrical text and evocative
illustrations that celebrate the many forms of home—from family
relationships to the natural world. The discussion highlights
their commitment to inclusivity in storytelling, the emotional
power of illustration, and how reading together creates its own
sense of home and security for children. Perfect for parents,
educators, and anyone interested in how picture books can help
children process their place in our changing world.





Discussion Topics:


What defines "home" beyond physical structures

How the pandemic influenced the creation of 'Home'

The art of exploring feelings versus delivering messages in
children's books

The collaborative process between award-winning author and
illustrator

How diverse settings in the book reflect varied experiences
of home

The power of sensory details in creating emotional
connections

The journey from concept to finished book as a companion to
'Love'

The role of nature in understanding our sense of belonging

How illustrations enhance the emotional impact of
storytelling

Why reading together creates a lasting sense of security for
children

The importance of celebrating everyday wisdom in children's
literature

How books can help children process change in their world






Transcription: You can read the transcription on
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book
Review⁠⁠⁠


Order Copies of Home on
⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or
⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠


For more information about Matt de la Peña,
visit https://mattdelapena.com/


For more information about Loren Long, visit
https://lorenlong.com/





Keywords: home, children's books, Matt De La
Peña, Loren Long, memories, emotional connections, illustrations,
storytelling, family, illustration, empathy, children's
literature, collaboration, emotional connection, nature, security