The Voice That We Hear Inside with Katherine Applegate
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In this heartfelt episode of The Children's Book Podcast, host Matthew Winner welcomes back Newbery Award-winning author Katherine Applegate to discuss her latest novel, Wombat Waiting—a moving story of a stray dog named Wombat who waits for her person amid the ruins of a wildfire. Drawing inspiration from real-life tales like Hachiko and Greyfriars Bobby, Applegate crafts a poignant narrative that explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the quiet courage of waiting. The conversation deepens into broader societal issues, with Applegate expressing profound hope in librarians who stand up for the freedom to read, even at great personal cost. She reflects on her own journey as a slow, meticulous reader who reads every word, and how that shaped her writing style—particularly her use of verse to create lyrical, accessible stories. Applegate also shares her deep empathy for animals, explaining how writing from their perspective fosters compassion and helps children navigate complex emotions. Ultimately, the episode is a powerful testament to the transformative role of books in helping readers—and writers—become better humans.
Books are safe spaces to practice being a better human by exploring difficult emotions and moral dilemmas.
Librarians are essential guardians of freedom to read and deserve widespread support and protection.
Writing in verse allows for lyrical pacing, emotional depth, and accessibility—especially for reluctant or slow readers.
Embracing your 'weirdness' is not a flaw but the source of creativity and magic.
Animals in stories serve as powerful empathy drivers, helping children process powerlessness and connection.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing Wombat Waiting and the Power of Loyalty
“She hears a voice, just some kind of magical, she calls it the echo of wolf song, this voice in her head that says that way and that way unfortunately is toward the fires.”
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Wombat: Hachiko and the Waiting Dogs
“I wanted Wombat to embody that intense loyalty and dedication. But the strange thing is she has not yet met her person. So it's a little bit different.”
Librarians as Heroes: Standing Up for the Freedom to Read
“America's greatest institution is our public library system. Without question.”
The Craft of Writing: Why Verse and Micro-Chapters Work
Applegate discusses her preference for verse and short chapters, explaining how they create space for reflection, emotional pacing, and accessibility—especially for slow or reluctant readers. She reveals her own identity as a 'read every word' reader, which informs her writing style.
Animals as Empathy Drivers: Writing from the Animal Perspective
Applegate reflects on her lifelong love of animals and how writing from their point of view fosters empathy in young readers. She discusses the ethical complexities of zoos and the importance of responsible animal care, advocating for AZA-accredited institutions.
“America's greatest institution is our public library system. Without question.”
“She hears a voice, just some kind of magical, she calls it the echo of wolf song, this voice in her head that says that way and that way unfortunately is toward the fires.”
“Books sort of let you practice being better human beings. They allow you to experience secondhand really, really hard things and practice and ask yourself, how would I handle that?”
Host
Guest
Katherine Applegate
person
Wombat Waiting
book
Matthew Winner
person
Hachiko
person
Charlotte's Web
book
Luann James
person
The One and Only Ivan
book
The Animorphs
book
Public Library Association
organization
Greyfriars Bobby
person
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