My name is Emily Akins. I am an Editorial Director at Hallmark where I've worked - and loved my job - for 17 years. I have the great honor of being the 2018 recipient of Hallmark's "Barbara Marshall Award," which grants one member of our creative community a 6-month sabbatical to pursue personal work. I chose to explore the transformative power of children's literature and the magic of picture books. 

I spent my sabbatical reading, traveling, interviewing, writing, researching, recording, producing, learning ... and of course, reading books with my kids every day - Clara (age 7) and Julia (age 9). The culmination of my project is a 12-episode podcast available now wherever you get your podcasts. Take a moment to listen and I hope you enjoy what you hear.