Interview: Family, Belonging & Imagination with Author/Illustrator Jessica Love

Welcome friends! We’re so glad you’re here for this heart-filled episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast.

This week, Todd is joined by returning kid guest Carmine and special guest Jessica Love, the award-winning author and illustrator of Julián Is a Mermaid and A Bed of Stars. Together, they explore creativity, imagination, and the many ways family members show love and support for each other.

Jessica shares the inspiration behind Julián Is a Mermaid, including how pictures can tell powerful stories with very few words and why Julián’s relationship with his abuela (his grandma) is at the heart of the book. Carmine asks thoughtful questions about being an author, storytelling, and pretending, leading to joyful conversations about mermaids, kitty cats, and chicken nuggets.

The conversation then turns to A Bed of Stars, a story about a child and parent camping together in the desert and wondering about the vast universe. Jessica talks about creating the book while pregnant with her son and discusses how stories can help kids feel less small in a big world.

This episode celebrates self-expression, imagination, and the many ways families help children feel safe, loved, and understood. Perfect for kids ages 2–11 and for listening together as a family.

In This Episode, Kids Will:

Learn how stories and pictures work together to share big ideasExplore what family love and support can look likePractice curiosity by asking thoughtful questionsFeel encouraged to draw, imagine, and create their own storiesGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Conversation By Asking:

What stories or pictures make you feel safe and understood?Who helps you feel loved when you want to be yourself?What do you like to imagine when you’re falling asleep?About Our Guest:

Jessica Love is an author, illustrator, and theater artist best known for Julián Is a Mermaid, which received the Stonewall Book Award and international acclaim. She is also the author of Julián at the Wedding and A Bed of Stars. A feature-length animated adaptation of Julián Is a Mermaid is currently in development with Cartoon Saloon.

About Little Kids, Big Hearts:

Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.

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Credits:

Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd.

Produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod.

Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.

🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website for episode resources:

https://playsparkler.org/podcast