Storytelling in Early Childhood Education: Using Songs and Puppets to Engage Young Learners

Episode Overview

In this episode, we sit down with Mary Jo Huff, a distinguished children's book author and early childhood educator whose lifelong love of storytelling has shaped generations of young readers. With four published books to her name — and another already in progress — Mary Jo shares the story behind her journey from classroom storyteller to published author, and how her years of teaching continue to inform every book she writes.

We dig into her newest release, "The Predictable Persimmon," a story rooted in folklore, community, and her personal experience at the annual persimmon festival in Mitchell, Indiana. Along the way, Mary Jo opens up about her creative process, the realities of self-publishing, and what it takes to write stories that don't just entertain kids but actively invite them to learn, sing, and play along.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or an aspiring children's book author yourself, this conversation is full of heart, practical wisdom, and a reminder of why storytelling matters so much in early childhood.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• How Mary Jo's years as an early childhood educator — engaging kids daily through storytelling and song — led to her first published book, "Chicken Fun"
• The origin story of "The Predictable Persimmon" and how a small-town festival became the heart of a children's book
• Her trip to the annual persimmon festival in Mitchell, Indiana, where she collected the stories and recipes that shaped the book
• Why Mary Jo builds interactive elements into her stories to foster creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning
• A look inside her writing process — planning, research, character development, and working closely with illustrators
• The role editors and feedback play in refining a manuscript
• The challenges and rewards of self-publishing in today's literary landscape
• Why community and perseverance matter just as much as talent for aspiring authors
• How Mary Jo has built lasting connections with young readers over the course of her career

About Mary Jo Huff

Mary Jo Huff is an accomplished children's book author and early childhood educator. Her writing draws directly from years spent in the classroom, where storytelling and song were daily tools for connecting with children. That foundation led to her debut book, Chicken Fun, and has continued through three more titles, including her latest, The Predictable Persimmon.

Learn more about Mary Jo and her books: 🔗 storytellin.com

Featured Book

"The Predictable Persimmon" A story woven from folklore, festival traditions, and Mary Jo's own experiences at the persimmon festival in Mitchell, Indiana — blending storytelling with educational content in a way that invites kids to engage, not just listen.

Connect & Subscribe

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow book lover or aspiring author. And be sure to visit Mary Jo at storytellin.com to explore her full collection of books.

Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors is dedicated to introducing children's book readers to the authors behind the stories — and helping aspiring authors navigate the writing, publishing, and marketing journey.Takeaways:

• Mary Jo Huff's extensive experience as an early childhood educator significantly influences her approach to children's literature.
• The Predictable Persimmon integrates interactive elements, such as recipes and storytelling, to engage young readers more effectively.
• Huff emphasizes the importance of community in her work, seeking inspiration and collaboration from fellow authors and educators.
• Her publishing journey illustrates the challenges of marketing and distribution faced by self-published authors in a competitive landscape.
• Mary Jo actively participates in events such as the Persimmon Festival, fostering connections with her audience and promoting her books.
• She advocates for the value of fun and engagement in children's literature, aiming to create memorable experiences for her readers.

Links referenced in this episode:

• storytellin.com