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Dark Horse unveils a new volume in its middle-grade Minecraft series.
Distilling a Story Down to Its Very Essence. María Dolores Águila Talks About The Sea of Lemon Trees
"I live in a sea of lemon trees." In a time when Mexicans and Mexican-American suffer at the hands of our government, we talk about this National Book Award nominee and a historical moment of one injustice rectified.
"I live in a sea of lemon trees." In a time when Mexicans and Mexican-American suffer at the hands of our government, we talk about this National Book Award nominee and a historical moment of one injustice rectified.
What do you do when you can't trust the adults around you? Jennifer L. Holm and I discuss her latest book and talk a little xenotransplantation here and a little love of doggies there.
An icon gets his picture book bio day in the sun. Alice Faye Duncan joins us today to talk about her latest creation and to reveal its cover too.
Writing any picture book about an "issue" like divorce is a daunting prospect. Fortunately this new entry in the field is up to the challenge.
"His uncompromising approach to making art, his refusal to back away from his principles and political engagement." The time has never been better to learn more about Tomi Ungerer.
Open doors and hospitality is the name of the game today as we talk about the agency of turning the page in a book with two renowned picture book creators.
A dog's true best friend stars in its own show in this ludicrous and wonderful picture book readaloud. I interview its creator (dog lovers - this one's for you).
Come for the wacky promotional video for one of the greatest graphic novels of 2025. Stay for the celebrity picture book cameo at the very end.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
It may be a one-of-a-kind picture book, at least in the history of American publishing. A picture book about a mayoral candidate put out by a major publisher? How did this happen?
An inspiring story and a powerful look at what is happening not just to Yuli but in real-life classrooms all around our country. A good addition to high school collections.
Seems to me the more books we can devise that confront racism, the better. But how do you confront a hate crime in a picture book? Today's title does precisely that.
A childhood manuscript makes good. ND Stevenson discusses the origins of his debut middle grade fantasy while I fall over myself trying to get you to read it.
Apologies to everyone in my life is going to be so sick of me asking if they've heard of Tambora and the climate shock that followed. Tambora might be my whole personality now.
A picture book character returns to us in a middle grade novel. Though it's not out until March 2026, we talk with Carole Lindstrom into her new foray into older fiction for kids.
A picture book character returns to us in a middle grade novel. Though it's not out until March 2026, we talk with Carole Lindstrom about her new foray into older fiction for kids.
Not only has the creator of Strange Planet written a bedtime book, but it's chock full of science, humor, and some seriously sweet backmatter for the younger set. We talk!
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Wherein I am taken to task for referring to beloved stuffed animals as "inanimate objects" by the inimitable (and very correct) Katherine Applegate.
A dual interview with two women deeply connected to the great novel TUCK EVERLASTING. If you ever loved the book, you're not going to want to miss this...
A dual interview with two women deeply connected to the great novel TUCK EVERLASTING. If you ever loved the book, you're not going to want to miss this...
A dual interview with two women deeply connected to the great novel TUCK EVERLASTING. If you ever loved the book, you're not going to want to miss this...
Get a sneak peek at CHAMPION, which comes out on September 2.
Bonus content! Why interview just one author when you can interview a slew? Today we speak with a host of different nonfiction creators of children's books to figure out how they make their difficult topics child appropriate.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Grief and humor mixing and melding in middle grade is a delicate thing to establish. We talk with author Joanne Levy on how to make this very secret sauce.
"I knew the book had to be accessible for children. I also wanted it to have a point of view, to be specifically Black (as much as I could manage in 100 poems), and to be honest." Traci N. Todd talks about her latest poetry collection.
In the mood for some menudo? I get to ask Erika Meza about one of her latest, and we touch on everything from gay grandparents to the chaos and buzz of a family weekend.
How does what we put on our plate intersect with climate change? How can we think about our diet in a way that is kinder for the earth and ourselves?
"I understand the value of escapism for kids, but I also understand the value of representation." Craig Kofi Farmer goes deep with his latest book on what toxic mentorship can do to a kid.
“Anything less is not good enough for a child.” Those would be the words of the irascible editor, Ursula Nordstrom. Now she's getting a middle grade nonfiction book on her life, and author Nancy Hudgins is here to tell us more.
Were you aware that ghosts are the hot trend of 2025? Not sure what that says about the state of the world today, but it does give me an excuse to talk to the creator of the ghost with the most.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
We continue our ode to science fiction this week with the delightful Rebecca Stead in discussion about her latest title, tails and all.
Is there life on Mars? Who cares! It's the Moon we're focusing on today, in this ribald conversation about one of my (already) favorite middle grades of 2026.
I always needed the girl I tried to leave. Every word we write shapes a chance to see the world and ourselves in new ways.
Got a-hankering for more Penderwicks? Then get the next best thing! Jeanne Birdsall has an all new book out and it involves libraries, fairies, and terrible terrible parents.
Captain Underpants will have a manga adaptation, coming in April 2026.
So Dan writes me the other day, and he tells me that he has this new book called The Picasso Curse out September 2nd and, "I think it’s the best thing I ever wrote." And if you're an intrepid reporter like me? That's a scoop.
"After publishing A First Time for Everything I’ll admit I was a little burned out and wanted to shift back into doing something silly and appealing to kids." Dan Santat discusses his latest (very silly) graphic novel series.
This is, truly, essential reading.
"He is everything in the shape of fun!" High praise for one of our first children's book creators. We discuss Edward Lear, and how he encouraged us to play. NOT to conform.
"He is everything in the shape of fun!" High praise for one of our first children's book creators. We discuss Edward Lear, and how he encouraged us to play. NOT to conform.
Authors Chris Baron, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Shana Youngdahl, and Caroline Starr Rose talk about community, hope, courage, and wildfires.
Proof positive that sometimes the best books for kids come from the unlikeliest of sources about the unlikeliest of people.
Told in verse, this powerful and compassionate look at bravery, grief, climate change, and activism puts readers right in the heart of the action.
Nanaboozhoo stories, Carl Jung’s ideas on dream psychology, and struggles with depression and anxiety all inform this stunning (and fun) picture book of the ultimate rez dog trickster.
A video and discussion! Erin discusses how she and Phil work together, how they have "the world's nicest fans", and why she can never show the corners of a room in an Amos book
Corinna Luyken joins us today! We talk aesthetics and vibes and the mental anguish a parent endures when their kid refuses to allow their hair to be brushed (or cut!).
Someone's raising money for trans and nonbinary youth and creators? Get on this, people!! It's happening today!
A boy who wants to be a superhero travels through Hong Kong's Kowloon Walled City wearing a cat mask in a new graphic novel coming this fall from Nakama Press.
A graphic novel focusing on book bans and discussions of Iran? Can you think of more timely topics? I reveal the cover of Jarrett Dapier's latest and he tells an honestly gripping story of its origins.
"Thrill and adventure are not just for dads!" We're talking today with debut illustrator Ishita Jain about a Kirkus starred Neal Porter picture book with a lot to say about moms and motorcycles.
How do you create the ultimate lupine cynic? This early reader series holds the answer, so we're going to grill the creators to see what makes Lone Wolf tick.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
What is the best Juneteenth picture book ever made? Today we discuss a serious contender with both the author and illustrator. What better way to celebrate the day?
Any interest in a picture book described by its illustrator as "Wizard of Oz set in a graveyard"? I talk with the creators about a book with the sweetest Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse you ever did encounter.
Any interest in a picture book described by its illustrator as "Wizard of Oz set in a graveyard"? I talk with the creators about a book with the sweetest Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse you ever did encounter.
Papercutz will publish Punk Taco, the award-winning graphic novel by the father and son team of Adam and Makana Wallenta.
An actual teen walks us through a low-tech way to make your own stickers, great for programming or makerspaces
Out in September 2025, Daniel Miyares brings a glorious, hand-painted graphic novel to the middle grade market. Today I get to excerpt sections of it and talk to him about its origins.
Writing children's books? There's no set deadline to publish your first. We talk with Mel Rosenberg about his first picture book at age 74 and his unique path to publication.
Its publisher calls it "Clue meets Knives Out for the younger set" which isn't too far off. I talk with Dianne Salerni about writing mysteries and why you should never bury a treasure with a group of friends.
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.
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