New Books Network: A Life in Children's Books – Mallory Loehr (Sept 15, 2025)

Overview

In this warm and insightful episode, Mel Rosenberg, host of the Children's Literature Channel on the New Books Network, interviews Mallory Loehr (President, Random House Children's Books). They discuss Mallory’s unique path through children’s publishing, personal history, editorial philosophy, and the contemporary challenges and joys of bringing stories to young readers. Blending personal anecdotes, industry insights, and encouragement for aspiring creators, their conversation offers a behind-the-curtain look at the world where children’s books are dreamed, crafted, and brought to life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Names, Identity, and Family Heritage

• Discussion of Mallory’s full name and its family history.
  • The correct pronunciation is “Lore,” like “folklore” ([03:03]).
  • The spelling derives from German, and most Americans with her spelling are related. "I always say you pronounce it like folklore, because that seems to be on brand. Right?" (Mallory, 03:03).
  • Mallory is a family tradition, passed down for generations, even given to her daughter.
• Names and authorship.
  • Writers' names feel significant; many of the authors Mallory works with have notable middle names ([06:02]).
  • Mel shares a humorous segment about AI suggesting he take “Edge” as his middle name ([06:52]).

2. Path to Publishing: Childhood, Books, and Early Ambitions

• A mobile childhood as a Foreign Service kid.
  • Lived in Mexico, Libya, India, Thailand, and multiple US locations ([14:34]).
  • Books and libraries became constant companions: "When you're a child who moves a lot, books are your friends and the characters in books are your friends." (Mallory, 15:37)
• Early reading favorites.
  • Deep attachments to British classics, e.g., Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and Tintin in French.
  • Fantasy quickly became her genre of choice, influenced by her mother’s own studies ([17:04]).
• Noticing publishers from a young age.
  • Mallory recalls reading spines and publisher logos as a child, hinting at her future career ([19:42]).

3. Career Journey and Editorial Philosophy

• Early work experience:
  • Jobs at a library and a children’s bookstore.
  • Literary agency work, then entry at Random House; mentorship with legendary editor Kate Clemo ([25:46]).
• Writing career:
  • Authored many children’s books, often directly for the publisher as part of her role—favorites include books on unicorns, dragons, and Greek myths ([26:39–27:59]).
  • On receiving editorial feedback: "I was really...let me take this feedback in and let me really think about it." (Mallory, 27:59)
• Editing approach:
  • Advocates for editors to guide rather than dictate changes: "The best thing that editors can do is show you where in the text you can improve it and not tell you how to improve it." (Mel, 28:28).
  • Describes the editor-author relationship as uniquely intense and collaborative.

4. Leadership at Random House Children's Books

• President’s responsibilities:
  • Mallory oversees a complex, multi-imprint group; her days are filled with meetings, now with additional corporate scope ([08:33]).
  • Works closely with Penguin Children’s Books president Jen Loja—“Birds of a family” ([09:38]).
• On the weight of influencing children’s reading:
  • "My true goal...is to make readers." ([11:52])
  • Stresses the importance of diversity and representation in the catalogue.
  • Success is measured in readers, not just units sold; library sales have immeasurable impact ([13:16]).

5. Signature Authors and Stories of Discovery

• Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House):
  • Details the development and success of the series; describes the editor’s advocacy and partnership as pivotal—"I was not just a passionate editor. I was also very much like...every second grade classroom should have these books." (Mallory, 34:10)
• Emily Winfield Martin:
  • Found her via Etsy as an early adopter, reached out and built a close friendship ([47:01]).
  • Encourages creators: “You never know as an editor...who's going to find you and who is going to support you.” (Mallory, 48:01)

6. Contemporary Challenges and the Future of Children's Books

• Book bans and access:
  • Book banning is a major concern in the US; Penguin Random House is actively defending author rights and access ([38:42]).
• Screen time and attention spans:
  • Competition for kids’ time is not new; however, publishing has weathered such challenges before ([39:14]).
• AI’s role in publishing:
  • Mallory accepts AI as an evolving tool. Any use “starts with human, ends with human” ([43:37]).
  • Historical tech shifts (typewriters to computers) didn’t end storytelling; AI is similar—“We’re in the moment and we’re all figuring it out together” ([45:02]).
• On self-publishing and perseverance:
  • Self-publishing is a valid path; some self-published authors later join traditional publishers ([48:58]).
  • “Storytelling is vital to humanity. So don't stop writing...never give up.” ([49:38]).

7. Life Lessons, Advice, and the Heart of a Child

• On being a child at heart:
  • “I feel like I'm a 12 year old at heart...it's just the cusp [between childhood and adulthood].” (Mallory, 50:55)
• On relationships with writers:
  • True editorial support is finding the right match between author and editor; persistence is key ([48:44]).
• On the miracle of acceptance:
  • "There is this miracle when somebody understands you and says yes, I'm going to publish that story." (Mel, 49:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You pronounce it like folklore, because that seems to be on brand...”
  – Mallory Loehr ([03:03])

• “When you’re a child who moves a lot, books are your friends and the characters in books are your friends.”
  – Mallory Loehr ([15:37])

• “My true goal...is to make readers.”
  – Mallory Loehr ([11:52])

• “Every second grade classroom should have these books. They bring you into history, they teach you all these things, but it’s an adventure.”
  – Mallory Loehr ([34:10])

• “If you're a writer, if you are somebody, you can't not write. You're a writer, and you just need to find that person who gets you.”
  – Mallory Loehr ([48:44])

• "Storytelling is vital to humanity. So don't stop writing. I think that's my biggest message...never give up."
  – Mallory Loehr ([49:38])

• On being a child at heart: “I feel like I'm a 12 year old at heart...it's just the cusp [between childhood and adulthood].”
  – Mallory Loehr ([50:55])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro and name discussion: 01:36–06:00
• International childhood and early reading: 14:34–19:42
• First steps in publishing: 24:22–26:39
• Editorial philosophy and author relationships: 27:59–31:25
• Work with Mary Pope Osborne and Emily Winfield Martin: 33:10–38:11, 46:28–48:01
• State of children's publishing (AI, book bans, the future): 38:42–45:02
• Advice for writers, the value of persistence: 48:44–49:38
• On being a child at heart: 50:33–51:25

Final Reflections

This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by children’s literature, publishing, or creative persistence. Mallory Loehr’s blend of humility, pragmatism, and deep passion for stories shines throughout, offering encouragement to writers, editors, and readers alike. The episode underscores the enduring power of literature to build bridges—for wandering children, aspiring creators, and the communities they grow to lead.