From Classroom to Bookshelf: Lillian Pagano on Writing Bao Bao the Baby Panda
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a lifelong educator decides to become a storyteller. On this episode of Adventures in the Heart, I sat down with Lillian Pagano — a retired teacher turned debut children’s book author — to talk about her heartwarming new picture book, Bao Bao the Baby Panda, and the winding, joyful path that led her there.
A Teacher’s Heart, A Storyteller’s Calling
Lillian’s love for inspiring children didn’t start with a manuscript — it started with decades in the classroom. That passion for connection is woven into everything she does, and it shows in one particular story she shared during our conversation: a school principal who rediscovered her own excitement for teaching after sitting in on one of Lillian’s presentations. It’s a small moment, but it says everything about the ripple effect a good story — and a good storyteller — can have. Teachers inspire students, but sometimes, if we’re lucky, they inspire each other too.
Where Bao Bao Came From
The real origin story of Bao Bao the Baby Panda is one of the most touching parts of our conversation. While tutoring young children in China, Lillian built genuine, lasting relationships with her students and their families. Those relationships became the emotional foundation of her book — a story that celebrates childhood adventure while quietly bridging cultures for young readers.
It’s a great reminder for any aspiring author listening: the best stories often aren’t invented from nothing. They’re discovered in the relationships and experiences we already have, just waiting for the right shape.
Writing Characters Kids Actually Care About
We also talked craft. Lillian is a firm believer that relatable characters and engaging plots are what spark a child’s imagination — and what turn a one-time read into a lifelong love of books. It’s not enough for a story to simply teach a lesson; kids need to feel something for the characters first. That emotional hook is what makes the lesson stick.
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The Publishing Journey — Triumphs Included
Lillian didn’t shy away from the harder parts of the conversation either. She opened up about her publishing journey with Miriam Laundry Publishing, the challenges that came with bringing a manuscript to a finished, published book, and just how much community support and accountability mattered along the way. Writing a book is one thing — finishing it, polishing it, and getting it into readers’ hands is a whole different marathon.
Her advice for anyone standing at the start of that marathon? Believe in yourself, keep showing up, and don’t underestimate the power of a writing community to keep you going when the process gets hard.
What’s Next for Lillian
As she looks ahead to her second book, Lillian’s biggest takeaway for aspiring authors is simple but powerful: your story matters, and the world needs it. Perseverance and self-belief aren’t just nice ideas — they’re the actual engine behind getting a book from an idea in your head onto a shelf where a child can fall in love with it.
Listen to the Full Episode
If you’re an aspiring children’s book author, a teacher, or just someone who believes in the quiet power of a good story, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Lillian’s full journey — from classroom to Bao Bao the Baby Panda — on Adventures in the Heart.
Adventures in the Heart of Children’s Book Authors podcast is dedicated to introducing children’s book readers to the authors behind their favorite stories. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.