Beth Golay

And Just Right is written for ages four to eight years old.

Talk to me about writing for different age groups.

Did you have to pivot in any way?

You mentioned how your novels, they're shorter, but they pack a powerful punch.

And I saw on your website that your books are described collectively as thin but thick with complexity.

And you were able to achieve that in this picture book as well.

Was that because of the illustrative nature of the book?

Did that help to pack that punch?

So you've been a teacher in New York public schools for how many years?

You know, I read that your stories are inspired by your experiences and those of your students.

How do your students influence you with your writing?

I had the pleasure of reading the physical book, looking at the book, which is so important for a picture book because illustrations convey so much more than the words can on the page.

But I also read it while listening to the audio book that you narrated.

Wow.

And so I'm wondering, what can an audio narration add to the book for the reader, especially if it's narrated by the person who wrote it?

You did great.

Oh, thank you.

Do you have a hope for what readers, young and old, will take away from this book?

Well, the book is Just Right.

Tori Maldonado, thank you so much for joining us today.