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By sounding a warning before the catastrophe comes, it might motivate some readers to find ways to take action to mitigate the very worst of it.
Today we have an exclusive preview of the third book in Caitlin Rose Boyle's charming middle-grade series about Frankie Fairy and the critters of the forest.
Erasure poetry renders one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s final speeches into a picture book with art by E.B. Lewis. Learn more about the book from Alice herself and learn how to make your own erasure poem!
Ten years ago Jason Reynolds wrote Soundtrack. Now a decade later, it comes to us entirely as an audiobook. I talk with Jason and his producers about the logistics of such a huge project.
A Newbery winner switches gears and writes a work of older nonfiction for her young readers. Today we answer why, and discover just how cool Joey Guerrero truly was.
We're starting the week with an announcement and preview of 101 Dalmations: Lucky's Guard, an early-reader graphic novel coming from Papercutz in September.
Maine is where Robert McCloskey plied his trade. It's where Miss Rumphius planted all those lupines. And it's where we head today for chowder, thick sweaters, and the occasional Whoopie Pie.
Sara Pennypacker's books always pack a punch, but her latest goes into previously uncharted territory. We talk with her and then get to see a Jon Klassen cover like you've never seen him before.
"Here are paintbrushes and wastebaskets and thought." Elisha Cooper talks structure, color, rhythm, and love, as how they pertain to his latest book.
Full of righteous rage and a strong drive for justice and inclusivity, Maeve's story is an inspiring look at activism.
Things are afoot! I get to interview one of my favorite authors about a series so jaw-droppingly good that it's the cult classic your kids WISH they knew about. High fantasy? You don't know the half of it.
Teen librarian Karen Reflects on thoughts about teen pregnancy and women's rights throughout the years as a teen librarian and as the mother to teen girls
Sci-fi superhero Flash Gordon is back - and she's a girl! This new graphic novel is coming from Papercutz in July.
Are there books you've always wanted to read but never have? Discover this new story craft podcast that confronts story structure and writing through the lens of its hosts' "Shame Shelf".
Arms! Tentacles! Real estate in the board book format! I'm talking with two picture book-turned-board book creators about how you create a title for the littlest of readers.
A global disaster on an epic scale all thanks to a single volcanic eruption? It's not science fiction, it's history, and today I get to grill Nicholas Day about his deep dive into the world of 1816.
Optimism fosters a sense of collective action and shows that no effort is too small.
How does one make the leap from picture books to a middle grade fictionalized graphic novel memoir? I intend to find out by talking with Arree Chung about his latest.
It's probably not wholly accurate to say that representation of trans and nonbinary characters seems more important than ever (again, it's always been important), but wow, does it sure feel extra necessary these days.
A great book told in two standout voices that takes young people and their interactions in the world seriously. A really good read.
"I was reading Maimonides (yes, I know how that sounds), the greatest Jewish philosopher of the Middle Ages, and realized he tackled the same issues in the 1100s." A talk about a book with much to say to all of us today.
A behind-the-scenes glimpse at humanity's very beginnings in a picture book form! I talk with Nikkolas Smith about the incredible The History of We.
Author Rune Kier Nielsen discusses climate change and encourages young people to be engaged with the discussion of their future
That's it. I'm through messing around. This is so legitimately creative and original that I'm going to have to insist that you put everything down and come over here to see this. Seriously.
"It was a revelation to realize I could just write whatever I wanted down, and the images would magically appear inside the readers’ heads! Does everybody know about this!?" Vera Brosgol discusses her first middle grade novel!
I talked with Jing Jing Tsong about her excellent 2024 graphic novel Fake Chinese Sounds. In the episode Jing Jing talks about how the book was inspired by a real-life event, and how she went about turning that event into her author/illustrator debut. Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
This is your chance to find out how Jonathan Auxier writes every possible ending to his books to find the right one, why he doesn't reread his books, and why he rescinded his book 24 hours before sending it to the printer!
Teen librarian Karen Jensen reflects on the suffering of children and recently proposed changes to child labor laws
With book bans and challenges happening at a horrifyingly consistent rate, we need this day more than ever.
Pearl's story is one of deep sadness, yes, but more importantly, it's one of great hope. How wonderful that today's young readers get stories like this. An essential and fantastic read.
This former Simpsons writer is delving into picture books with titles like My Dad Is a Unicorn and My Mom Is a Mermaid. But how easy is it for a TV writer to make this switch?
Today we release the winners of the Blueberry Awards and show off a list of the winners acceptance videos. Do you want baby coyotes? We HAVE baby coyotes!
A terrior pilots a mech suit to save the world in this new Papercutz graphic novel by David Pepose.
A discussion with a scholar, translators, an artist, and and editor about the illustrious Gianni Rodari, his life, his legacy, and his works.
A discussion with a scholar, translators, an artist, and and editor about the illustrious Gianni Rodari, his life, his legacy, and his works.
In the News: New Executive Order proposed to end IMLS funding and a call to support your local public library
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
I get the chance to premiere the Pumphrey brothers' latest picture book? AND it's a follow up to The Old Truck and The Old Boat? AND it's got this crazy beautiful gold foil on the cover?
I am lucky enough to be the host site for the NEXT book by X. Fang! We discuss Broken, a tale of guilt, sorrow, and, ultimately, redemption.
Cover Reveal and Conversation: Caroline Perry Discusses I Am Not Happy in All Its Hilarious Cuteness
A mercurial marsupial insists it's more than just a happy face. Today we're talking with author Caroline Perry about her work helping wildfire relief in L.A., as well as her latest (adorable) picture book release.
Rounding up 2025 books from past Caldecott Medal and Honor winners!
In this week's Sunday Reflections, teen librarian Karen Jensen reflects on how the concept of DEI relates to her personal and professional life and the concept of the Imago Dei
An amazing amalgamation of thoughts, themes, and ideas that could have ended up an unholy mess and, instead, work. Today, I talk with Kyle Lukoff about his Jewish/trans/epic fantasy latest.
Protecting younger siblings everywhere? This super spy graphic novel aims to do just that. A talk with the creators of this newest comic creation.
Even as we need to keep telling the painful truth of book bans, we also need to take extra care to celebrate and elevate the unique gifts that each book offers.
"I hope this book will illuminate the tragic consequences of xenophobia and racism. I’m really hoping that the massacre is a piece of history we learn from, and not one that we relive."
The new Caldecott Medalist on The Yarn podcast!
"...size is one of the first mysteries to confront us when we’re children. It’s still a mystery." Laura Amy Schlitz joins us in conversation as we reveal the cover of her latest book, The Winter of the Dollhouse.
Sunday Reflections: I’m Just a Mother Wanting Her Daughters to Have More Rights Than I Did, Not Less
A reflection on Women's History Month, being a mother of daughters, and the looming specter of Project 2025
What do you get when you mix Chinese fables and the Cooper's Hill cheese race? You get a cover reveal and conversation you'll never forget, that's what!
I love a good grumpy kid in a book. And in this sodden and fun outing, rain plays an important role. I talk it all out with the creators of SOGGY LIKE CUSH CUSH.
Now there are debuts and there are debuts. And when I tell you that Stefanie Foster Brown lucked out in the debut department? You'll see what I mean. Today, we're revealing the cover of her first picture book and talking with her and illustrator Keisha Morris.
Tear This Down is a book that I hope will spark lively discussions about topics that are front-and-center in today’s news: women’s rights, voting rights, and social justice.
"His writing stood alone, brilliant and wise, kind and so immediate." Barbara McClintock tells us today how she came to illustrate Tomie dePaola's paean to his beloved dog.
Art Baltazar is winding up his creator-owned trilogy Yahgz, and we've got the details!
The creators of Hollow return with a new Washington Irving-inspired queer romance, The Woman in White.
This look at community, protest, art, and feminism is an excellent read that will leave readers cheering for Freya's determination to create change.
Did you see? Did you see? The Ezra Jack Keats Awards were announced today! You can take a peek at the brand new winners in a press release at the end of this post. But before we get to any of that, what exactly ARE the Ezra Jack Keats Awards?
Were you a fan of OLIVETTI last year? If you liked talking typewriters then you're gonna love talking apartment buildings. We discuss Allie Millington's anthropomorphized latest.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
I have a nice chat with Brendan Wenzel about the debt we owe to the star above in his latest. Also, and I won't lie, the term "poop debut" makes it into our conversation.
You know, sometimes you just want to do a cover reveal for Lane Smith, amiright?
The subtitle of today's book is "Finding Calm During School Lockdown Drills." Today Stephanie and I discuss them, and why she chose to write a picture book for kids anxious about them.
Writing a graphic novel that explores identity, family, friends, language barriers and all within the context of Mexicali is no easy thing. A deep dive into a complex new comic.
Are you ready for the best children's book-to-film festival on record? Do you want to see Holes set at a girls finishing school with swordfights (what?)? Then read on!
A near perfect toddler/preschooler storytime book, we talk today with Shawn Harris about bees, the waxiness of crayons, and more.
What new series blends magic, action, and heritage alongside a celebration of Ghanaian culture? Meet the latest Scholastic Branches series and the man behind the stories.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares the disturbing erasure of government websites
Because sometimes you just want to do a post about a tiny firefighting dragon.
Because sometimes you just want to do a post about a tiny firefighting dragon.
Though it's not out until September 16th, I absolutely had to let you know about the incredible latest from Scott Campbell today. As the publisher says it's, "Frog and Toad meets Bill and Ted"!
Today we have an exclusive announcement and preview of a new, pun-filled buddy comedy for young readers.
I can’t believe it either. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is our guest on the latest episode of The Yarn podcast, talking about her new book, True Gretch (Young Adult Edition). Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
"Small yet spiky, stubborn, and unpredictable. They’re the underdogs of the animal world." Today Stephanie Graegin talks hedgehogs and her brand new picture book full of tiny stories.
"Small yet spiky, stubborn, and unpredictable. They’re the underdogs of the animal world." Today Stephanie Graegin talks hedgehogs and her brand new picture book full of tiny stories.
Here's a quick look at the graphic novels that were honored in the Youth Media Awards.
Once the Caldecott winners have been announced, I want to know what you think.
This is what I’d like to pass along to young readers: No one is perfect. Every one of us has our flaws, but we can grow and change, make a difference and achieve great things.
Bid on original art, exclusive signed books, author visits, and much more!
This well-written look at one farm girl's eventful few months reminds us that we all have stories and challenges and that unexpected events and connections teach us things, even if they're lessons and truths we'd rather not know.
While depression can be debilitating - I definitely don’t want to minimize its seriousness - it’s important for readers to meet role models who successfully manage their mental health and manage to achieve their familial and career ambitions.
You can watch the announcements of the 2025 Newbery, Caldecott, and many more from the comfort of your own (possibly homemade) computer.
An interview with the creators of a graphic novel that explores the linguistic insecurity that so many American-born Hispanics who don’t speak Spanish face today.
Deeply affecting and beautifully written, this look at the lengths women will go to to protect and aid one another is a necessary and exceptional read.
Yesterday, Diamond Comics Distributors, a pillar of the comics retail system, filed for Chapter 11 bankrupcy. Here's a look at the implications for readers and publishers.
How do you write a picture book about a man who made picture books? A deep dive into the creation of the one and only JIM! (a.k.a. James Marshall).
I am absolutely in love with Mafalda and soon, my friends, you will be too. Translated into English for the first time, I talk with the people who have given her life here in the States.
Today, we talk with Lauren and Susan on the book, where it came from, its design, and how you develop a book with this kicker of a combo of art and heart.
From subverting the general expectations of what butterflies "should" look like to the delights of a true collaboration, join these three picture book creators as they explain how they work together.
On the last day of 2024, Colby Sharp and I got on a call to look back at the year in children’s literature. This episode of The Yarn podcast is always one of my favorites (and not just because I get a chance to talk about things like The Great British Baking Show). We talk […]
Each year I track the children's book creators we lost during the year. In 2024 we saw some truly great friends go away. Here's my list.
Mike Kunkel's Herobear and the Kid, a longtime favorite and award-winning kids' comic, has found a new home at Papercutz.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
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