Daily Inspiration: Meet Bianca Schulze

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Schulze

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I never expected to become an author or advocate for children’s literature, especially since I was a reluctant reader as a kid. But growing up in Sydney, Australia, I was lucky enough to have a mom who always had her nose in a book, showing me that reading could be pure joy. Having plenty of books around the house helped, too—it was like being surrounded by possibilities waiting to be discovered.

In 2008, while working as a bookseller in Washington, DC, I took a leap of faith and started a blog: The Children’s Book Review. What began as a passion project to share the books I loved in the bookstore has grown into something I never imagined—a place that helps connect kids with books they love, turning them into kids who love reading for pleasure ( a skill with numerous lifelong benefits).

After years of reviewing countless books and getting to know many incredible authors, I finally gathered the courage to write my own stories. When my DON’T WAKE THE DRAGON series got picked up and eventually translated into 20 languages—well, that was a dream I hadn’t even dared dream as a child! And there was my non-fiction book, 101 BOOKS TO READ BEFORE YOU GROW UP, which still feels surreal being chosen as an Amazon Editors’ pick for Best Nonfiction for Kids.

These days, I’m settled between Boulder and Denver with my incredibly supportive husband and our three amazing kids, who keep me on my toes. Life is beautifully full—I’ve expanded The Children’s Book Review to include The Growing Readers Podcast, which lets me have meaningful conversations with readers and writers alike. I’ve learned firsthand that sometimes, it just takes one book to spark a lifelong love of reading. So, no matter what I’m doing, finding the right book for a child—that incredible moment when their eyes light up—is what keeps me going.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been very fortunate that my work centers around something that brings me such genuine joy—there’s something magical about helping children discover books they’ll love and creating stories that spark their imagination. Even the challenging days feel worthwhile when you’re passionate about what you do.

That said, like many parents working in creative fields, finding the right balance between work and family life has been my biggest ongoing challenge. When you run your own platform and write books, there’s always one more email to answer, one more manuscript to edit, or one more opportunity to explore. Plus, creativity doesn’t always stick to a 9-to-5 schedule—those story ideas that pop up just as I’m falling asleep don’t always align with dedicated writing/work time!

I’m constantly working to find that sweet spot between being present for my children and husband while nurturing my professional dreams. Some days, I manage it better than others, but I’ve learned that perfect balance might not exist—and that’s okay. Instead, I focus on making the most of both worlds, often finding that my family life enriches my work and vice versa. My children have become my best inspiration for stories, and their honest feedback is invaluable!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wholeheartedly believe in the magic of connecting children with books they’ll love. Through The Children’s Book Review, I’ve been fortunate to create a space where families and educators can explore the wonderful world of children’s literature together. What matters most to me isn’t following rigid reading lists but helping each child find those special books that will spark their imagination and love of reading.

Hosting The Growing Readers Podcast has been such a gift, too—it’s opened up amazing conversations with authors, illustrators, and literacy experts who share their wisdom about nurturing young readers. I love how these chats often meander beyond just books into discussions about creativity, growing up, and the sheer joy of getting lost in a good story. Books really do have the power to save lives. If you don’t believe me, listen to the podcast—ha!

And then there’s writing my own books, which has been an unexpected adventure that still feels surreal sometimes. The DON’T WAKE THE DRAGON series and 101 BOOKS TO READ BEFORE YOU GROW UP came from my heart’s desire to create the kind of engaging, interactive books I wish I’d had as a reluctant reader. These books are a part of me, and seeing children giggle as they try not to wake the dragon—or hearing about their excitement to tackle their reading bucket list—those moments are pure magic. Having been that kid who struggled to find joy in reading, I understand deeply how important it is to create stories that capture young hearts and minds.

All I can say is that working with other creators through The Children’s Book Review (and beyond) has added so much richness to my life. There’s nothing quite like the sense of community that comes from supporting fellow authors and illustrators as they bring their own stories into the world. What fills my heart most is hearing from families whose children have discovered their love of reading through a recommended book or one I wrote. Those moments remind me why this work matters—because somewhere out there, a child is opening a book and finding their own magical doorway into the world of reading.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
You know, that’s such a tricky question because different memories bubble up depending on when you ask me! Sometimes, I think about my family’s yearly ski trips that sparked my lifelong love of skiing (and eventually led me to move to the United States (specifically Colorado) when I was 21). Other times, I find myself smiling about sitting on the school playground with my friends, all of us huddled around a Where’s Waldo? book (you probably know him best as Wally), determined to find that striped sweater in the crowd.

The funny thing about favorite childhood memories is that they’re a bit like favorite books—the “best” one changes with your mood and what’s happening in your life. Ask me again tomorrow, and I might tell you about something completely different! I think that’s what makes childhood memories so special—they’re not just single moments frozen in time but pieces of a story that keep revealing new meanings as we grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.biancaschulze.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancaschulzewriter/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancaschulze/
• Other: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/

Image Credits
Susan English