Episode Description:

In partnership with PBS SoCal and other local PBS stations, PBS Books presents a conversation hosted by PBS SoCal’s Maria Hall-Brown with author Max Greenfield to discuss his latest book “Good Night Thoughts” as the 2024 Library of Congress National Book Festival author featured this week by PBS Books.

This lovely picture book is a simple but complex message about acknowledging anxiety without succumbing to it that will appeal to so many little ones (and adults) out there who find that nighttime is when their thoughts carry the most weight.

The 24th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, August 24, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

About the Book:

Written by Max Greenfield, Illustrated by James Serafino

What do we do when we can’t fall asleep? The child in this story has racing thoughts–funny, silly, and scary–that are running on a cycle they can’t stop. It’s only when they begin to think to themselves: Do any of these thoughts have merit? Am I in any danger right here and now? that they are finally able to settle down.

This lovely picture book is a simple but complex message about acknowledging anxiety without succumbing to it that will appeal to so many little ones (and adults) out there who find that nighttime is when their thoughts carry the most weight.

Guest Biography:

Max Greenfield

Max Greenfield is an American actor and author of several illustrated children’s books. He is known for his roles as Schmidt in “New Girl” and Dave Johnson in “The Neighborhood.” In the past three years, he has published the picture books “I Don’t Want to Read This Book,” “This Book Is Not a Present” and “I Don’t Want to Read This Book Aloud.” Featured at the 2024 National Book Festival, Greenfield’s new picture book, “Good Night Thoughts,” is a bedtime story about acknowledging anxiety.