EPISODE · Mar 17, 2026 · 24 MIN
How do lifelong friends transform into a children's book about diversity?
from Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson · host JoAnn M. Dickinson Author
How does an author turn lifelong friendships into a children’s book series about diversity and inclusion?Author, professor, and researcher Dr. Kimberly A. Matthews shares how her first children’s book was inspired by her real-life friends, reimagined as kindergarten classmates on their first day of school.What began as one story grew into a series celebrating cultural representation, diverse backgrounds, and the powerful common bond of friendship.This meaningful kindergarten story highlights the importance of inclusive children’s books, social-emotional learning, and helping kids understand that while we may look different, our first-day-of-school nerves, excitement, and desire to belong are universal.https://secretingredient.fyi/_________________________________________________I’m JoAnn Dickinson, an award-winning children’s book author who has successfully self-published 16 books in just 4years, and now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned along the way. This channel is dedicated to helping aspiring children’s book authors, illustrators, and indie publishers bring their stories to life through real conversations about writing, self-publishing, marketing children’s books, and everything in between. LET'S CONNECT: LINKTR.EE: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor 🌐 Visit my website: https://joannmdickinsonauthor.com 📺 YOUTUBE“Watch full episodes on YouTube andSubscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1
What this episode covers
How does an author turn lifelong friendships into a children’s book series about diversity and inclusion?Author, professor, and researcher Dr. Kimberly A. Matthews shares how her first children’s book was inspired by her real-life friends, reimagined as kindergarten classmates on their first day of school.What began as one story grew into a series celebrating cultural representation, diverse backgrounds, and the powerful common bond of friendship.This meaningful kindergarten story highlights the importance of inclusive children’s books, social-emotional learning, and helping kids understand that while we may look different, our first-day-of-school nerves, excitement, and desire to belong are universal.https://secretingredient.fyi/_________________________________________________I’m JoAnn Dickinson, an award-winning children’s book author who has successfully self-published 16 books in just 4years, and now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned along the way. This channel is dedicated to helping aspiring children’s book authors, illustrators, and indie publishers bring their stories to life through real conversations about writing, self-publishing, marketing children’s books, and everything in between. LET'S CONNECT: LINKTR.EE: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor 🌐 Visit my website: https://joannmdickinsonauthor.com 📺 YOUTUBE“Watch full episodes on YouTube andSubscribe” https://www.youtube.com/@JoAnnMDickinsonAuthor?sub_confirmation=1
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How do lifelong friends transform into a children's book about diversity?
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