In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I sit down with author and educator Maria Cedolini Thompson, whose book Mistakes Are Gifts was inspired by a powerful real-life moment in her classroom.

When a new student was afraid to participate out of fear of making a mistake, Maria knew it was time to create a story that would help all children see mistakes differently. Mistakes Are Gifts teaches young readers that our brains grow when we learn from our missteps—and that mistakes are a vital part of learning, not something to be ashamed of.

We talk about Maria’s passion for creating books that teach life lessons in supportive, relatable ways. From emotional growth to classroom confidence, her stories are perfect for sparking meaningful conversations at home or in school.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or fellow author, this episode is filled with heart, practical wisdom, and powerful reminders about the value of resilience and growth.

Additional Resources from Maria Cedolini Thompson:

To support the brain research and growth mindset concepts discussed in this episode, Maria recommends the following short videos and TED Talks for educators, parents, and students:

• Your Brain is Like a Muscle

• Mistakes Help You Grow

• The Power of Yet

• Keep Trying!

• The Magic of Mistakes

• Carol Dweck – The Power of Believing You Can Improve

• Jo Boaler – How You Can Be Good at Math

💬 “Your brain is like a muscle. Every time you make a mistake, a synapse fires in your brain, creating new pathways. If you’re not making mistakes, your brain isn’t growing. Challenges help it grow!” – Maria Cedolini Thompson

🎬 Class Dojo Growth Mindset Series for Kids (2–3 min videos):🎓 TED Talks for Parents and Educators:

• Carol Dweck – The Power of Believing You Can Improve

• Jo Boaler – How You Can Be Good at Math

🎧 Listen now on Spotify🌐 Learn more at joannmdickinsonauthor.com

🌐Mariacedolinithompson.comFollow Maria @mariadolinithompson

YouTube: @MariaThompson

Follow and watch for new episodes every week!

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I chat with self-published author Liliana Tommasini, creator of the empowering Octavia Can Do It series. Liliana shares her journey into writing children’s books that celebrate courage, curiosity, and confidence in young readers.

We also discuss her upcoming release, Oslo's Surprise Adventure, which is launching on August 26, 2025. A charming new addition inspired by real-life wonder and imagination.

Liliana publishes through Miriam Laundry Publishing, a hybrid publishing company known for helping authors bring meaningful, empowering stories to life. She now also serves as an author coach, supporting new writers through their own publishing journeys.

Tune in to hear how Liliana’s storytelling empowers kids to believe in themselves.

🎧 Follow us weekly for a glimpse in Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson.

🌐 Learn more about the host at: ⁠joannmdickinsonauthor.com⁠ 🌐YouTube

IG @joann.dickinson.author

LilianaTommasini.com

@lilianatommasini

MiriamLaundryPublishing.com

In this episode of Beyond the Book, I sit down with self-published author Douglas Berry, whose life has been anything but ordinary.

From growing up on a chicken farm to serving 20 years in the U.S. Air Force—and even trying out for the Cincinnati Reds—Doug shares how his journey shaped the stories he now writes for children.

We talk about his books A Day at the Beach with Jasper and Friends, Farmer Jasper, The Night I Spent in a People House, and his upcoming sci-fi-inspired story Guardian of the Galaxy, which draws from his own military experiences.

Doug's heart, humor, and message that "it’s never too late to start writing" make this an inspiring episode for readers, writers, and anyone who loves a good story.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify📺 Watch the full video on YouTube
Follow Doug on IG @warthog462🌐 www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com

In this Episode of Beyond the Book, I had the absolute honor of interviewing Heidi Brooks, a passionate author and grandmother whose stories are rooted in love, family, and inclusivity.

Heidi opens up about how her journey into self-publishing was inspired by her grandson and other family members with Down syndrome. We talked about how representation matters in children’s books and how she brings laughter and heart into her stories.

From Missy Moo and the Great Fart Mishap to Noodles, Noodles Everywhere, Gator Grey Getaway, and The Adventures of Bronx, each of Heidi’s books is inspired by her grandchildren and real-life moments that celebrate uniqueness, humor, and belonging.

Whether you’re an author, grandparent, or simply love meaningful stories for kids, this episode is filled with warmth, real talk, and heartfelt inspiration.

Learn more about Heidi Brooks at Books | Heidi Brooksand follow her @mrs._bs_books

In this episode of Beyond the Book, I sit down with Harleigh Manske, the talented author and illustrator of Doppy Saves the Bees and Doppy Saves the Turtles.

Harleigh opens up about her journey as an author, illustrator, and entrepreneur, and how creativity became a form of healing.

We also discuss the world of self-publishing, sharing the behind-the-scenes challenges, the launch process, and what it truly takes to bring a children’s book to life independently.

Whether you're an aspiring author, an illustrator, or someone who loves heart-filled stories, this episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and insight. We hope it leaves you with some meaningful takeaways from our self-publishing journey.

Tune in and join the conversation—this one’s full of heart!

IG: @joann.dickinson.author(624) JoAnn M. Dickinson - YouTubewww.joannmdickinsonauthor

Welcome to Beyond the Book, a podcast that explores the heart of children’s literature and the learning it inspires.

Hosted by self-published author and educator JoAnn M. Dickinson, this show invites parents, educators, and children’s book creators into meaningful conversations about storytelling, education, and the creative minds behind the pages.

Each week, JoAnn sits down with authors, illustrators, editors, and teachers to uncover how books support SEL, STEM, literacy, and real-world learning.

Subscribe now and get ready to go Beyond the Book. First full episode coming soon!