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"The mode of operation in writing about one’s past is searching for the hidden patterns. They are there in the first place but only the hindsight examination avails them to you." Eugene Yelchin recounts his teenaged years in Russia and we discuss what doing that entails.
Lullabies for the Insomniacs strings together the countless lonely sleepless nights I spent as a teenager, stranded in the turbulence of my mind and emotions.
Lullabies for the Insomniacs strings together the countless lonely sleepless nights I spent as a teenager, stranded in the turbulence of my mind and emotions.
I chat with Fuse #8 Production blogger Betsy Bird about her latest picture book.
Bold and brassy (but never bratty) the iconic pig reaches her 25th year, and we've her editor and publisher on hand for a quick Q&A.
"We have all made some kind of pilgrimage in our lives; we are all in transit, searching for the best path to a life full of opportunities and shared happiness." A talk with the author and the translator of a seminal work.
Leo Da Vinci: Renaissance Kid takes the real Leonardo and his work as inspiration for an imaginative adventure story.
How does an able-bodied person write about a person with disabilities and do it without their own assumptions and discomfort getting in the way? A talk with the author of an incredible new chapter book bio.
A transgender teen struggles with a self-portrait assignment in this introspective and meditative look at gender and identity originally published in the Netherlands.
"I really wanted to do a story about people playing across abilities – the way my kids and their friends play. Deal with the logistics later, the first step is the imagination. Adventuring for the sake of adventure." We talk with Howie Shia.
For the Inevitable Tough Moments: A Talk with Kevin Maillard and Rafael López about And They Walk On
"Death is very confusing to the living, and stories can help us navigate the strange displacement in the wake of bereavement." A talk about a necessary book for a modern age.
"She had so much hope for saving this planet. We mustn’t disappoint Jane." We talk today with Jane Goodall's picture book biographer Patrick McDonnell about her life and legacy.
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen talks about graphic medicine, a concept developed by librarian Matthew Noe that discusses using comics and graphic novels to talk about health and medicine
Want to start your own children's book magazine? Why not talk to someone who has? SHELF is a remarkable new addition to periodical collections everywhere, and we talk to its founder.
Here's a look at the graphic novels that publishers have been acquiring, and when we can expect to see them.
Folks, I think it's fair to say that the Persian myths on your library shelves are in serious need of an upgrade. Happily, one is here, and we're talking about it today.
Visit a land that's more like, "a tale from folklore, rather than in a magical fictional setting." We talk Pumpkin Kings (and their living wards) with Steven Banbury.
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.
Today we've got breaking news about a new S.T.E.A.M. series from Papercutz.
Would you like to hear a story? A true one? One told by Laurie Halse Anderson? Discover the tale of how Abigail Adams inoculated her family against smallpox, and see the repackage of Anderson's Fever 1793.
In 1838, sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimké were the best-known, most hated women in the United States. My book tells why.
Memory and nostalgia in a Hmong home in St. Paul fuels this enticing picture book. I talk with the creators to learn more about nostalgia and the role architecture plays in our memories.
As Jeff Kinney's 20th Wimpy Kid book comes out today I reminisce about his early days and then we chat about buses, bookstores, and more.
"For decades, I’ve published middle-grade books, but this time, the picture book format chose me. Picture books break down BIG feelings and ideas in quick, easy ways. The format helped me break down my big feelings." We talk with Torrey Maldonado about ALL the feels!
In need of a picker upper? How about a book for kids that documents how Field Museum scientists do fieldwork to save the Amazon rainforest? A talk and a trailer premiere.
Today we have an exclusive announcement and preview of a new graphic novel featuring two sisters, a treasure hunt, and plenty of pancakes.
Do you want the original Dog Man, chock full of authentic Aztec myths and a healthy dose of humor? Then are you in luck today!
Do you want the original Dog Man, chock full of authentic Aztec myths and a healthy dose of humor? Then are you in luck today!
"I was gobsmacked by the new research of awe—how it can change the way you think and feel, lessening our anxieties and making us more generous and kind. And I knew I had to write a book for kids..."
"I was gobsmacked by the new research of awe—how it can change the way you think and feel, lessening our anxieties and making us more generous and kind. And I knew I had to write a book for kids..."
Idris Goodwin joins us to talk about his new book, KING OF THE NEURO VERSE.
Dark Horse unveils a new volume in its middle-grade Minecraft series.
Dark Horse unveils a new volume in its middle-grade Minecraft series.
"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.
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.
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.
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