Today I talk with author Traci N. Todd to discuss her new picture book biography of Nina Simone and the art of reducing a life to its essentials.
NINA: A STORY OF NINA SIMONE – An Interview with Author Traci N. Todd
September 14, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Where in the World is Angus Yuen-Killick? The Coming of Red Comet Press
March 16, 2021 by
Many of us have fantasized about starting our own boutique publishing company. What if you actually did it, and had loads of experience to boot? Angus Yuen-Killick has done precisely that! I pepper him with questions to explain how it all works.
Humanizing Nonfiction Writers: An Interview with Melissa Stewart
February 2, 2021 by
“Many people seem to think that writing nonfiction is simple and straightforward—just do some research and then cobble together a bunch of facts. But nothing could be further from the truth.” Melissa Stewart lays bare the true story behind writing true stories (and facts!).
Cover Reveal and Interview: What’s Catherine Gilbert Murdock Up To These Days?
November 4, 2020 by
When Catherine Gilbert Murdock won a Newbery Honor for her title The Book of Boy it was the surprise win I needed. Since its publication she’s been quiet, working on a new book. A book set in the past. A book illustrated by Caldecott Award winner Paul O. Zelinsky. A book . . . with cats.
Ramona and Her Art: An Interview with Anna Katz on A Compendium of Quimby Illustrations
October 28, 2020 by
Is there such a thing as international Ramona fan art? How do Ramona’s themes apply to 2020? And why put together a book of Ramona illustrations? I sit down with author Anna Katz and pepper her with questions just like these.
Andreao and Elliotto Presento Sharko and Hippo: A Comic Interview
October 14, 2020 by
Two yuksters yuk it up. If you’re a fan of hijinks, the Marx Brothers, and general silliness, you’re probably not going to want to miss this illustrated interview between the creators of Shark & Hippo.
Spread a Little Sunshine: A Classic Returns and an Interview with Barbara Bemelmans
October 13, 2020 by
“I never remember him sitting around in his pajamas with no plans for the day.” I interview Barbara Bemelmans, daughter of Ludwig Bemelmans (creator of Madeline), about the republication of a near forgotten classic.
Above the Rim: An Interview with Jen Bryant and Frank Morrison
September 29, 2020 by
At a time when athletes take a stand by sitting or kneeling down, this biography of Elgin Baylor, the first NBA to boycott games, has rarely been so timely. I talk with its creators about the quiet man that effectively changed the sport of basketball.
Space Operas and Feline Martial Arts: An Interview with Yehudi Mercado
September 23, 2020 by
In a publishing market where I can count all the Latinx comic creators for kids on one hand, artists like Yehudi Mercado are more needed than ever. Now he has two books out in 2020 with more on the way, and I just gotta ask the guy one thing: Star Wars or Star Trek?
Cover Reveal & Interview Extravaganza: Stroller Coaster, illustrated by Raúl the Third & Elaine Bay
September 15, 2020 by
Are you ready for a ride? Raúl the Third and Elaine Bay have illustrated the 2021 title Stroller Coaster, and set it in a town that’s, “equal parts El Paso and Boston with a bit of Toon town thrown in for a splash of impossibility.” Check out the cover and read an interview about creating a book for pint-sized speed demons.
Return of the Classics: An Interview with Don and Audrey Wood
September 14, 2020 by
“They’re not arguing. They’re writing.” Two classics by Don and Audrey Woods are out this year, remastered entirely. An unflinchingly honest look at publishing in the past, republishing today, and the logistics of remastering a beloved classic or two.
Deadpan, Page Turns, Storytelling & Digestion: An Interview with Adam Rex
September 3, 2020 by
Unlike most artists, Adam Rex alternates between writing & illustrating his own books and having others illustrate for him. After I saw two different 2020 titles, both equal in brilliance, I knew I had to ask the man a few questions.
Fauja Singh Keeps Going: An Interview with Scholar and Activist Dr. Simran Jeet Singh
August 12, 2020 by
When a 100-year-old athlete in a turban popped up in an Adidas ad, Dr. Simran Jeet Singh immediately wanted to know more. In the end, he wrote a picture book biography of the world’s oldest marathon runner. We talk ageism, Sikh representation in picture books, and more.
Girls Who Build: An Interview with Katie Hughes
August 11, 2020 by
With so many parents (like myself) facing a near future of continued remote learning, a book that encourages home construction projects with girls in mind is undeniably enticing. I talk with creator Katie Hughes about where the book came from and how she envisions its use.
Why Does He Draw Like He’s Running Out of Time? R. Sikoryak Discusses Constitution Illustrated
August 4, 2020 by
Who can draw a mean imitation of Bone, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Calvin & Hobbes, Garfield, Dog Man, and so many many more? Who harbors a deep-seated love of Muppet Babies? I interview R. Sikoryak about his latest, greatest, endeavor.
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