What happens when a rare and misunderstood allergy changes your life? For Erin Sherry, it became the start of a powerful new chapter.

In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I sit down with Erin V. Sherry — educator, mom, and author of Alpha-Gal Gal Takes on the World — to talk about how her difficult journey with Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) led to an empowering children’s book that transforms a medical diagnosis into a superhero story.

We discuss:

• The long and confusing road to diagnosis

• How Erin turned her personal experience into a story for children

• The inspiration behind Alpha-Gal Gal

• How her teaching background shaped the book

• Navigating the self-publishing process

• And the impact her book is having on allergy families, educators, and kids around the world

Whether you're a parent, teacher, allergy warrior, or aspiring children's book author, this conversation will leave you inspired to turn your challenges into something beautiful.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow for more author interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at storytelling and publishing!

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Order your copy of Alpha-Gal Gal

Jennifer Nestor on Empowering Young Readers!

In this uplifting episode, I sat down with children’s author and communications professional Jennifer Nestor shares the powerful inspiration behind her debut picture book Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality.

What started as a story of self-discovery became a much-needed message of mental health, courage, and acceptance—especially for young readers facing anxiety or pressure to fit in. Jennifer opens up about:

• Why she wrote Jane to celebrate individuality and emotional strength

• How her school visits use hands-on learning and storytelling to inspire confidence

• Partnering with her illustrator, an art teacher, to create a jungle filled with color and heart

• The personal feedback that affirmed her mission as an author

• A sneak peek into the next book in the Jane series!

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or aspiring author, this episode is a beautiful reminder that what makes us different is also what makes us powerful.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify

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Behind the Scenes with a Rhyming Pro in Children’s Publishing!

In this episode of "Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson."

I sits down with her longtime editor and rhyme expert, Robin Katz, to talk all things children’s book editing, from structure and metering to fun facts and emotional beats.

Robin is the founder of Word Wiz Editing and specializes in helping authors craft engaging, developmentally appropriate stories for young readers.

With a background in rhyming texts, metered verse, and educational content, she’s helped bring countless children’s books to life—including JoAnn’s own Rylee, Amelia Ophelia, and Lou’s Zoo series.

We talk about:

✔️ Why rhyme is harder than it looks

✔️ What makes a manuscript kid-friendly

✔️ How Robin helps authors simplify educational content for young readers

✔️ Wearing multiple hats: from fact-checker to sounding board

✔️ Tips for self-published authors looking for the right editor

✔️ The difference between editing for kids vs. adults

✔️ And which of JoAnn’s books was her favorite to edit!

Whether you’re a self-published author, illustrator, or aspiring editor, this episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes magic.

Who's New At Lou's Zoo children's book, was mentioned in this episode, won Best Cover by Best Independent Book Awards, and book of the year by The Golden Wizard Book Prize. My books are available on my website (autographed copies) or on Amazon.

🎧 Don't miss an episode! Follow us: Beyond the Book with JoAnn M. Dickinson | Podcast on Spotify

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