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Confetti Moments

Confetti Moments

By Courtney Hinshaw

Avid picture book lover and teacher Courtney Hinshaw shares with you some of her favorite confetti moments: all things picture books, reading tips, conversations with book loving people, and her heart. If it gives Courtney a Confetti Moment, she will Open The Magic!
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Episode 10: Break the FEAR barrier with Picture Books— Bethany Barton

Confetti MomentsFeb 24, 2020

00:00
31:58
Episode 98: Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

Episode 98: Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

What a treat it was to be able to chat with this dynamic duo who brought us All Are Welcome. Today we will be talking about their newest book, All Are Neighbors. These women are as enthusiastic about picture books as I am, and it was an honor to get to know them better. You can connect with Alex on Instagram and her website. You can connect with Suzanne on Instagram and her website

Feb 13, 202339:35
Episode 97: Debbie Murphy

Episode 97: Debbie Murphy

This week I had the pleasure of meeting Debbie Murphy to talk about her new book, Jackie and the Mona Lisa. It is about Jackie Kennedy and her love of the arts and how she encouraged a country to learn more about the arts. It is a unique biography picture book that I know you will love. You can connect with Debbie through her website and Instagram

Feb 06, 202335:31
Episode 96: Nick Solis
Jan 30, 202342:35
Episode 95: Heidi Woodward Sheffield

Episode 95: Heidi Woodward Sheffield

In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with author and illustrator Heidi Woodward Sheffield. She is the author/illustrator of Brick by Brick for which she won the 2021 Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award. Brick by Brick is a book that celebrates the warm bond between a little boy and his dad as they work hard to achieve their dreams. 

You can find Heidi on Instagram and her webpage

Jan 23, 202324:37
Episode 94: Angela Burke Kunkel

Episode 94: Angela Burke Kunkel

This week I had the pleasure of talking with author Angela Burke Kunkel who is the author of Digging for Words. This book is based on the life of José Alberto Gutiérrez, a garbage collector in Bogotá, Colombia who started a library with a single discarded book found on his route. I hope you enjoy this conversation.

You can connect with Angela on Instagram and her webpage.  

Jan 16, 202331:41
Episode 93: Celebrating Failures with Debut Author Andrea Burns

Episode 93: Celebrating Failures with Debut Author Andrea Burns

Welcome, Confetti Moments listeners! I am so excited to chat with debut picture book author–and my close friend–Andrea Burns.

How do you approach your failures?

After failing her driving test, not making dance teams, and failed socially while in high school, Andrea didn’t think much of her own failure.

We live in a world where everything is about perfectionism. Andrea is bringing the honesty about failure to light.

While working in the classroom, Andrea saw her students be super hard on themselves, in both the classroom, in the gym, and amongst friends, whenever they failed or missed the mark.

Her kids freaked out if they failed or lose. Some would hold on to their failures for hours, days, weeks, or even longer.

How can we teach kids to learn from their mistakes and failures and move beyond them?

In her debut picture book, Failure Friday, Andrea says we should embrace failure head on instead of letting it control our lives.

Our chat today focuses all about failure, mindsets, and how we decide to react to them. I can’t wait for you hear my chat with Andrea Burns!

Be sure to connect with Andrea on her Twitter and her Instagram.

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate link for the books discussed in this week’s episode. Just click to purchase.

Failure Friday by Andrea Burns

Meanwhile Back on Earth by Oliver Jeffers

Something Wild by Molly Ruttan

Loud Mouse by Cara Mentzel and Idina Menzel

The Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Oliver Pope

Eloise at the Plaza by Kay Thompson


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Ramonarecommends.com

Magic Wear Shop

Oct 13, 202227:43
Episode 92: National Open the Magic Day with Courtney Hinshaw
Sep 25, 202216:10
Episode 91: Saranya Raghavan
Sep 12, 202236:06
Episode 90: Sally Lloyd Jones
Sep 05, 202234:18
Episode 89: Stephen Briseño
Aug 29, 202237:15
Episode 88: Anastasia McKenna

Episode 88: Anastasia McKenna

You are in for such a treat this week. I can't wait for you to meet Anastastia McKenna who is a former teacher turned Storytime reader at The Twig Book Shop in San Antonio, TX. If you want to learn about the most engaging way to read a story, you are in the right place. She is the most enthusiastic story teller that I have ever met. She does weekly story times but also has taken her show on the road and does story time in schools and at libraries. She loves to help people find just the right book that will bring reading to life for them. You will love your time spent hearing all of her tips and tricks about reading stories and picking just the right book. This episode is sure to make you laugh! 

You can connect with Miss Anastasia on Instagram and TikTok and Twitter

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books mentioned in this episode. Just click to purchase.

A Bear, A Bee and A Honey Tree

Let's Go for a Drive


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Ramonarecommends.com

Magic Wear Shop

Aug 22, 202201:06:48
Episode 87: Chris Barton

Episode 87: Chris Barton

On this week’s episode you will meet Austin-based children’s author Chris Barton. He is the author of some of my favorite nonfiction biography picture books. You will be interested to learn about Chris’ journey to becoming a picture book author. We share the same belief that picture books are the first stories that teach children to love reading and create a much-needed tactile reading experience. He loves to tell stories about how things in the world came to be. You will learn about the research that goes into writing a nonfiction picture book. His two newest books: How To Make a Book (About My Dog) and Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates are perfect examples of his immense skills. We had a great time discussing our shared understanding that picture books are for people of all ages. You will learn so much from this episode, and I can’t wait for you to get to know Chris.

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books mentioned in this episode. Just click to purchase.

How To Make a Book (About My Dog)

Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates

The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch

Whoosh: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions

Worser (Middle Grade Novel)

The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins

What Do You Do With a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors


Ways to connect with Chris: Instagram and Twitter and Website

This One’s Dedicated to … (podcast with his wife)


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Magic Wear Shop

Ramonarecommends.com

Aug 15, 202251:27
Episode 86: Annie F. Downs

Episode 86: Annie F. Downs

Today’s “Back to School” episode is a dream come true for me. I got to interview one of my favorite people —Annie F. Downs. I first “met” Annie when I began listening to her podcast: “That Sounds Fun” during the pandemic. Annie is a former teacher turned podcaster, producer and author. She lives in Nashville, TN and gets to interview some of the most fascinating people.

This episode will comfort you and inspire you as you start a new school year as a teacher or a parent. We had so much fun talking about things that make back to school season so special. She has a great perspective on the life of a teacher, and she shares some of the lessons she learned. Her new book is called "Chase the Fun," and she talks about how to make this a goal every day. You will learn about her hobbies, her dreams, and her secrets to chasing the fun. After listening to this episode, you will feel like Annie is a new friend. Her genuine spirit and authentic perspective on life is very refreshing. She will make you laugh and cry. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode. It was one of my favorites. 

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books mentioned in this episode. Just click to purchase.

What Sounds Fun to You? 

Chase The Fun: 100 Days to Discover Fun Right Where You Are

Bronco and Friends: Mission Possible

Ways to connect with Annie: Instagram and Facebook


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Ramonarecommends.com

Magic Wear Shop

Aug 08, 202258:37
Episode 85: Trudy Ludwig
Jun 06, 202237:25
Episode 84: Ella Schwartz and Dow Phumiruk
May 30, 202232:47
Episode 83: Kirsten Larson
May 23, 202222:05
Episode 82: Tami Charles
May 16, 202239:21
Episode 81: Lisa Robinson
May 09, 202231:48
Episode 80: Margaret Greanias
May 02, 202224:01
Episode 79: Shelley Johannes

Episode 79: Shelley Johannes

Today is a special treat- It is my birthday and believe it or not, it is also my guest Shelley Johannes’ birthday! Can’t believe it. She is the author and illustrator of the Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker series and the More Than Sunny picture book. She was originally an architectural designer and never imagined that she could be an author and illustrator, too. She discusses the special combination of words and images that picture books offer and how it is a unique reading experience with magical results. She shares the inspiration for her picture book and where she gets her ideas for writing. You will love learning about her creative process. I was inspired by her carefree approach to life. Please connect with Shelley on Instagram and Twitter and reach our for an author visit!

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books mentioned in this episode. Just click to purchase.

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker

More than Sunny

This Joy! 

The Upside Down Hat

A Story is to Share

Fraidy Zoo

The Vanderbeekers Series 


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Ramonarecommends.com

Magic Wear Shop

Apr 25, 202238:37
Episode 78: Charlotte Offsay
Apr 18, 202215:37
Episode 77: Scott Rothman
Apr 11, 202254:31
Episode 76: Benson Shum
Apr 04, 202233:57
Episode 75: Giles Andreae
Mar 28, 202259:02
Episode 74: Beth Anderson
Mar 21, 202244:42
Episode 73: The Pumphrey Brothers

Episode 73: The Pumphrey Brothers

This week you get to hear the genius behind The Pumphrey Brothers book-making process. Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey are authors of the books The Old Truck and The Old Boat and the upcoming Somewhere in the Bayou. You will enjoy hearing the brothers recall their journey to becoming collaborative picture books authors/illustrators. They also talk about the connection between their reading lives as children and their current professional work. You can connect with them through their individual Instagram accounts (linked in their names above) or their shared website: thepumphreybrothers.com. You will be happy to know that they do both virtual and in-person school visits. It was a joy to get to know these men, and I hope you enjoy our chat, too. 

Below are Amazon affiliate links to the books mentioned in this episode. 

The Old Truck

The Old Boat

Somewhere in the Bayou

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

Three Billy Goats Gruff


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends (Instagram)

Ramonarecommends.com

Magic Wear Shop

Mar 14, 202239:34
Confetti Moments for bookful people!

Confetti Moments for bookful people!

Confetti Moments is a podcast hosted by picture book expert Courtney Hinshaw of Ramona Recommends. Each week Courtney interviews different authors, illustrators or other bookful people who share her love and appreciation for picture books. 

Mar 13, 202201:47
Episode 72: Andrea Wang author of Watercress
Mar 07, 202233:57
Episode 71: Book Love with Melissa Perisco of In Our Library

Episode 71: Book Love with Melissa Perisco of In Our Library

This is the last episode in my Book Love series. I am happy to introduce you to Melissa Perisco. She is a Pre-K through 5th grade Library Media Specialist who you can find at In Our Library on Instagram. We talk about her journey to becoming a librarian and her favorite books that give her a Confetti Moment. She shares about the personal impact of picture books that focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Melissa models vulnerability that will inspire you. This is a very moving episode that will speak to your heart and make you want to grab your favorite picture book for comfort. Thank you for listening to this very special episode.

Below are Amazon affiliate links for the books and authors listed in this week's episode. 

Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates

After The Fall

What If, Pig?

Negative Cat

High 5 Habit:Take Control of your Life with One Simple Habit

Ann Martin author page

Josh Funk-author page

Jory John-author page

Bob Shea-author page

Dan Santat- Mental Health Episode


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Ramonarecommends.com

Magic Wear Shop

Feb 28, 202252:12
Episode 70: Book Love with Rosie D'Urso of Library Mom Books

Episode 70: Book Love with Rosie D'Urso of Library Mom Books

Welcome back to another episode in our Book Love series. This week you have the treat of meeting Rosie D'Urso of Library Mom Books. She is a former collegiate lacrosse player turned librarian. Rosie is the ultimate Book Enthusiast. We have an amazing conversation about the power of teachers, the hope that books provide and how a confetti moment can change a kid’s life. Rosie also shares some of her librarian expertise with regards to family library visits and all the amazing things that libraries provide to communities. You will also learn some of her favorite books and authors and her favorite flavor of ice cream. You can find all her amazing resources on her website librarymom.com Enjoy this inspiring episode!

Below you will find the Amazon affiliate links for the books and authors mentioned in this episode. 

The Dot 

Pretty Perfect Kitty Corn

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Velveteen Rabbit

Tuesday

David Wiesner

Samantha Cotterill

Yuyi Morales

Courtney's Favorite Ice Cream Scoop


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {Instagram}

Ramonarecommends.com

Magic Wear Shop

Feb 21, 202248:53
Episode 69: Book Love with Eliana Bishop from Kid Lit is Magic

Episode 69: Book Love with Eliana Bishop from Kid Lit is Magic

Today, we continue with the Book Love series. I am happy to introduce you to Eliana Bishop of the Bookstagram: Kid Lit is Magic. She is in the corporate world but loves picture books as much as I do. You will learn about how becoming a mom grew her true love of reading, and she found that picture books helped her to connect with her son and others in the Instagram world. We talked a lot about the value of having books that reflect your community and culture. She shares what books have really given her a sense of belonging and have allowed her to share some of her heritage and culture with your son. I know that you will enjoy getting to know Eliana. 

The following books are mentioned in today's episode. Please use the Amazon affiliate link to buy books. 

Island Born

The Bear and the Piano

David Litchfield Books 

Mo Willems Books 

The Remember Balloons


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Ramonarecommends.com

Magic Wear Shop

Feb 14, 202242:21
Episode 68: Book Love and Secret Covers with Aimee Smith
Feb 07, 202236:08
Episode 67: 22 Tips for How to Create a Reader in 2022 with Courtney Hinshaw

Episode 67: 22 Tips for How to Create a Reader in 2022 with Courtney Hinshaw

This week I am excited to share 22 tips for how to create a reader in your home or class in 2022! The tips are both practical and creative. I know, firsthand, the impact that picture books can have in a person’s life. I want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to gain a love of learning through the Confetti Moments that happen when you read a picture book!. You will also get a sprinkling of new books coming out in 2022 that I am really looking forward to reading! This is a jam-packed episode.

The following are the list of books from this episode. Click the links to shop my Amazon lists using my affiliate links.

Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf- Publication Sept. 2022

Friends are Friends Forever- Jan 2022

Eyes that Speak to the Stars- Jan 2022

Blips on a Screen-April 2022

Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion-April 2022

Tilda Tries Again- March 2022

The River- March 2022

She Persisted in Science- March 2022

Nervous Nigel- June 2022

Pink is Not a Color- June 2022

Ice Cream Face- June 2022

Action: How Movies Began- June 2022

Brave Every Day- June 2022

Thursday- June 2022

Marcel’s Masterpiece: How a Toilet Changed the History of Art- Aug. 2022

Pizza: A Slice of History- Aug. 2022


Wordless Picture books Podcast Episode

March Madness Podcast Episode (Product will release on Tuesday)

National Days (Podcast Episode and Blog Post)


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Ramonarecommends.com

Magic Wear Shop

Jan 31, 202238:05
Episode 66: Valentine's Day Books with Courtney Hinshaw
Jan 24, 202217:48
Episode 65: My Story with Courtney Hinshaw
Jan 17, 202250:43
Episode 64: SEL-Anxiety and Worry with Courtney Hinshaw
Jan 10, 202228:07
Episode 63: National Days with Courtney Hinshaw
Jan 03, 202219:40
Be Back in 2022
Dec 06, 202103:22
Episode 62: Wordless Picture Books with Hanna Stroud
Nov 29, 202141:12
Episode 61: Sita Singh

Episode 61: Sita Singh

This week I am proud to introduce you to former architect turned author, Sita Singh. She is excited to share about her debut picture book, Birds of a Feather. You learn the story behind how the book came to be and her passion for bringing more diversity to children's literature. She also shares her insights into all the ways picture books influence and appeal to readers of all ages. One of my favorite moments was hearing her childhood stories about growing up in India and finding her love of reading early in life through her parents' influence and the local library. Her journey to becoming a picture book author is worth the listen. Sita is a natural storyteller who has so much to offer all listeners. You don't want to miss this episode!

You can follow Sita on Instagram and Twitter 

Below are the books mentioned in this episode with Amazon affiliate links for purchasing. 

Birds of a Feather —Click here to watch a book trailer of the book.

I Talk Like a River

Dear Girl,: A Celebration of Wonderful, Smart, Beautiful You! 

Dumpling Day


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Magic Wear Shop

Ramonarecommends.com

Nov 22, 202138:53
Episode 60: Colby Sharp
Nov 15, 202145:08
Episode 59: The Smart Cookie with Pete Oswald
Nov 08, 202128:05
Episode 58: Friends Talk with Courtney Hinshaw and Andrea Burns

Episode 58: Friends Talk with Courtney Hinshaw and Andrea Burns

This week my book buddy, Andrea from @bookishburnsss, and I got together to chat all about books and so much more. You will learn about our favorite monthly book event called Check It Out. Click here to register for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving-Themed Check It Out. We also discuss our favorite Thanksgiving foods and opinions on Black Friday shopping. We had so much fun talking about all the books that are coming out in the next few months. We offer up some ideas about adding SEL books to your class and life. I hope you enjoy a peek into our lives and friendship.

Kobi Yamada Confetti Moments Episode

November Coming Soon Book List with Amazon Affiliate Links

December Coming Soon Book List with Amazon Affiliate Links

Mile High Reading (book recommendation website)


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Magic Wear Shop

Ramonarecommends.com

Nov 01, 202130:00
Episode 57: The Crayons' Journey with Drew Daywalt

Episode 57: The Crayons' Journey with Drew Daywalt

Oh what a treat this interview was! I am so happy for you to meet former screenwriter turned picture book writer, Drew Daywalt. You will enjoy hearing the origin story for The Day the Crayons Quit and how long it took to get that fantastic book published. Drew shares his literary journey that has some interesting twists and turns and is ultimately rooted in his family’s influence in exposing him to wonderful stories. Drew has excellent advice for both people who don’t like to write and for aspiring writers and illustrators. You get to hear about all the future Crayon books that are coming. Lastly, Drew shares his passion for SEL books and the universal appeal they have. I know you will learn so much from this amazing interview with Drew who is such a kind and genuine person. Enjoy!

You can find all things Drew at drewdaywalt.com

Books mentioned in this episode with Amazon affiliate links to order: 

The Day the Crayons Quit

The Day the Crayons Came Home

Sleepy, The Goodnight Buddy

What Was I Scared Of? 

Smart Cookie


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Magic Wear Shop

Ramonarecommends.com

Oct 25, 202155:44
Episode 56: Starfish: Lisa Fipps
Oct 18, 202147:01
Episode 55: Mental Health with Dan Santat
Oct 11, 202151:23
Episode 54: Sharing is Caring with Samantha Berger
Oct 04, 202139:43
Episode 53: Dream Big with Kobi Yamada
Sep 27, 202133:60
Episode 52: National Open the Magic Day- Saturday Sept. 25

Episode 52: National Open the Magic Day- Saturday Sept. 25

In this episode, I discuss the story behind National Open the Magic Day. You will learn all the details about how to celebrate this special day with me and others who want to share in our common love of picture books and the magic that happens when we read. I also share about the special author panel interview that I got to do with some of the authors and illustrators of the six National Open the Magic Day featured books. I have created a handout that has questions and activities for each book. Click here to download it. I hope that you have plans so celebrate National Open the Magic Day. You can click here to fill out a Google Form to share what you are doing. There is also a certificate you can download to commemorate your participation. Thanks for listening!

Here are Amazon affiliate links to the six featured books for National Open the Magic Day

I am Courage                         A Walk in the Words                    A Friend Like You 

What If, Pig?                          Kindness is a Kite String              Survivor Tree


Open The Magic,

Courtney Hinshaw

-------Come hang out!--------

@ramonarecommends {instagram}

Magic Wear Shop

Ramonarecommends.com


Sep 20, 202119:25
Episode 51: "I Am Courage" with Susan Verde
Sep 13, 202148:01