Mary McCluskey on Helping Children Build Resilience Through Stories, Art, and Emotional Growth

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes author, psychotherapist, and educator Mary McCluskey to discuss her award-winning children's books, The Leader of the Parade and Bubbles, Balloons, and Birds.Drawing on more than two decades of experience as a therapist, Mary shares how her books help children navigate emotions, trauma, diversity, grief, and resilience through imaginative storytelling. She also reveals the deeply personal inspiration behind the series—honoring her mother, an artist living with Alzheimer's disease, by incorporating her original artwork into the books, while collaborating with her daughter to bring the characters to life.The conversation explores the psychological theories of Alfred Adler and Pierre Janet, the importance of connection in children's emotional development, the challenges young people face in today's digital world, and how literature can foster empathy, healing, and hope. Mary also discusses her work supporting children affected by war, including the Ukrainian edition of Bubbles, Balloons, and Birds, and previews her upcoming historical middle-grade novel inspired by Frédéric Chopin and George Sand.Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or simply passionate about children's literature, this episode offers thoughtful insights into the power of stories to help young readers grow, heal, and thrive.This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!