In this episode, we sit with writer Kevin Doyle to discuss his children’s book The Worms That Saved the World. Joining from Cork, Ireland, Kevin shares his background and explains that he wanted children’s books with a political angle influenced by his left-wing interests. The book imagines a hopeful alternate ending to a real-life campaign in which earthworms organize, set ground rules, and win back their land, emphasizing collective power, solidarity, and mutual aid. He advises listeners to show solidarity, stand up for targeted community workers, practice everyday kindness, and organize together.
00:00 Welcome to Liberation is Lit + Meet Kevin Doyle
01:45 From Chemist to Writer: Why Political Kids’ Books Matter
03:31 The Real Cork Land Fight That Inspired the Story
06:34 Imagining a Win: Turning Activism Into a Hopeful Ending
08:39 Making Organizing Kid-Friendly: Mutual Aid, Conflict & Staying Positive
11:32 Why Earthworms? Tiny Creatures, Big Environmental Power
13:55 Stories as Environmental Education (Beavers, Compost & Curiosity)
17:08 Self-Publishing the Book When Publishers Said No
19:45 Staying Grounded: Writing the Stories That Aren’t Being Told
24:15 Advice for Community Impact: Solidarity, Kindness & Organizing Together
27:43 Where to Find the Book + Closing Thanks
Kevin’s Book:
The Worms That Saved the World
Other Books Mentioned
Where to Find Kevin
kevindoyle.ie
