All Episodes

August 28, 2025 31 mins

In this heartwarming episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I sit down with debut author Christine Devane, a former elementary school teacher turned children’s book writer, to talk about her journey from shy child to published author.

Christine shares how growing up in North Andover, Massachusetts, surrounded by books, family, and a collection of lucky elephants, shaped her love for storytelling. After 13 years of teaching, she knew the magic of story time and wanted to create a book that would resonate with both shy and outgoing kids. Her debut picture book, Elephant Beach, is the result, a story about a quiet girl, a group of joyful elephants, and the unexpected friendships that form when we open up.

We discuss her teaching experience, how elephants inspired her both in life and in literature, and her goal of helping introverted children feel seen, accepted, and celebrated.

Whether you're a teacher, parent, or fellow children's book creator, this episode will leave you smiling, and maybe dreaming of your own Elephant Beach.

Thanks for watching Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson!
Don’t forget to like and follow so you never miss a new episode packed with inspiring author stories and creative journeys!


Christine Devane:

www.christine-devane.com

IG: @stined13

Additional links mentioned in this episode:

www.SCBWI.com

www.archwaypublishing.com


👇 Let’s stay connected:

Visit my website: www.joannmdickinsonauthor.com

Instagram: @joann.dickinson.author

Facebook: @joanndickinsonauthor

X (Twitter): @JoAnnDAuthor

Subscribe to my YouTube channel!


🎥 Record your own podcast with Riverside: Try it here https://riverside.sjv.io/K0YKeN



Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.