In this episode of Mindworks in Conversation, Emily Akins—editorial director at Hallmark and creator of The Beginning of Your Life Book Club and Substack—explore the enduring magic of picture books and their surprising emotional power for readers of all ages.
Emily Akins, Editorial Director at Hallmark, shares the inspiration and journey behind her project The Beginning of Your Life Book Club — a blog and podcast exploring the joy and transformative power of children’s picture books. She discusses the parallels between greeting cards and picture books, both of which combine words and images to foster deep connection. Emily reflects on the role shared reading plays in building lasting relationships, sparking imagination, and creating emotional touchstones for both children and adults. She also explores trends in children’s publishing, the importance of diversity in storytelling, and how picture books can foster empathy and connection across ages and life stages.
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The magic of shared reading – how reading together builds lasting emotional bonds between adults and children.
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Parallels between greeting cards and picture books – both depend on the right balance of words, images, and pacing.
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Nostalgia and memory – how certain books create powerful emotional imprints that carry through life.
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Picture books beyond childhood – their use in adult and professional settings, including healthcare, to inspire reflection and connection.
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Trends in children’s publishing – slow progress toward more diverse voices and inclusive stories.
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Technology and access – weighing the tactile experience of print books with the accessibility of digital formats.
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Graphic novels and visual storytelling – expanding their recognition as powerful literary and artistic forms.
