“I’m proud that we dealt with the darkness of the Depression head-on in this book; I just wish it felt less timely.” A frank discussion of Passover, a beautiful children’s book, and the state of the world today.
Interrogating the Passover Guest: A Susan Kusel and Sean Rubin Interview
January 19, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Just Try It: An Interview with Mara Rockliff
January 18, 2021 by Leave a Comment
“At the risk of sounding basic, I don’t think it’s possible to overrate the mango.” I interview Mara Rockliff about her latest picture book biography and we end up talking fruit!
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, ill. Anita Jeram
January 18, 2021 by 2 Comments
There is a certain type of picture book that can be best described as a Love It or Loathe It title. Today we tackle one of those very books.
Kingston and the Magician’s Lost and Found: An Interview with Three Authors at Once!
January 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Today we talk with Harold Hayes, Craig S. Phillips, and Theo Gangi about street magic, historical figures, and their upcoming fantasy novel for kids Kingston and the Magician’s Lost and Found.
Review of the Day: Escape at 10,000 Feet by Tom Sullivan
January 14, 2021 by Leave a Comment
From what I can tell, this title is going to make a lot of kids into fans of exciting works of history. That is, if they can wrench this book away from their grown-ups. Because if there’s one thing I know, an enticing unsolved mystery is good but a fantastically rendered unsolved mystery is irresistible.
Stand Aside, Summer Reading. Winter Reading Takes the Stage
January 13, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Summer Reading seems far away now. Why not shake things up with a Winter Reading program instead? Four students conjured up a program for you, and are allowing me to post it today. Take a gander and get some ideas!
Gary Paulsen: Videos, Conversations, and a Brand New Book
January 12, 2021 by 2 Comments
Tonight I talk with Gary Paulsen live. Before that, listen to him talk about his latest book, Gone to the Woods.
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: 2021 Caldecott Contenders
January 11, 2021 by 6 Comments
We discuss potential Caldecott winners on the podcast. I love all three of these books down to the cold cockles of my shriveled little heart. I seriously believe that each one of these books has a very good chance at some kind of Caldecott love in 2021.
Review of the Day: The Rock From the Sky by Jon Klassen
January 8, 2021 by 2 Comments
Here we have animals and hats and mysterious goings on. Read it cover to cover and you’re just swept up in a book that cultivates a singular sense of comic timing and tone policing that never falters or strays. It is, in fact, Klassen’s best book to date. Period.
Root Magic Interview with Eden Royce
January 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Last year I just didn’t read enough fantasy novels to my liking. This year? I’m making up for lost time. And what better way to kick everything off than with a debut that really gets you thinking?
Cover Reveal of Ann Clare LeZotte’s Sequel to Show Me a Sign: Set Me Free
January 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Today it is my honor and privilege to present to you an interview with Ann Clare LeZotte, as well as a cover reveal for the sequel to Show Me a Sign . . . Set Me Free.
An Unspeakable Interview: Talking with Carole Boston Weatherford About the Tulsa Race Massacre
January 5, 2021 by 5 Comments
“I do not think that young readers are too tender for tough topics.” I talk with Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper about their nonfiction picture book on the Tulsa Race Massacre.
A Look Back: The Swag of 2020
January 4, 2021 by 5 Comments
In a weird year I look back at the even weirder swag of 2020.
In Memorium: Remembering Those Lost in 2020
January 1, 2021 by 2 Comments
Each year we look back not just as what was accomplished in the previous year but also who died. Here are the creators and promoters of children’s literature that we remember.
31 Days, 31 Lists: 2020 Picture Books
December 31, 2020 by 3 Comments
Today I end with the biggest, longest list of them all. Picture books galore!
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