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The graphic novelist strives to emulate kids’ storytelling styles in his books, about Cuban American siblings who use a little magic to fight monsters.

The #DisruptTexts cofounder shares how her childhood experiences shaped her identity as a reader and how she cultivates an enduring passion for reading among students.

I always say when I’m talking to prospective clients that writing has made me a better agent. And I believe it’s true, wholeheartedly.

The post Life as a Literary Agent and an Author: The Good and the Bad and Everything in Between, a guest post by Katelyn Detweiler appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

"Our young will live in better times together in acceptance of the way things really are if we give them the truth. But we must teach them truth in ways they can comprehend. There is no greater gift than truth." - Floyd Cooper

The post In Memorium: Floyd Cooper appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The kid lit world remembers award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper.

Today we discuss Africa Town, a book about the last slave ship to come to the American shores and how the legacy of that ship is embodied in African Town, a community that still exists to this day and was founded by former slaves after the Civil War.

The post African Town: A Cover Reveal and Interview with Charles Waters and Irene Latham appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Girls. With swords. Slaying the gods they created. What could be better? I interview Sangu Mandanna about her new middle grade heroine.

The post Kill Your Darlings: A Sangu Mandanna Interview About Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Not content to muck with people's perceptions of butterflies, Rosemary Mosco returns to discuss her latest book and why venus flytraps didn't make the cut.

The post Flowers Are Pretty…Weird! A Talk with Rosemary Mosco About Those Flowers You Wouldn’t Invite to a Dinner Party appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Why children's writers are sometimes the first ones to sing for the unsung? I discuss Meghan P. Browne's upcoming picture book bio Dorothy the Brave with her and reveal its cover.

The post Dorothy the Brave Cover Reveal: A Q&A With Meghan P. Browne appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Stand aside, water cycle! There's a new cycle in town and it's darn smoky. I speak with author Henry L. Herz about his upcoming title I AM SMOKE.

The post I Am Smoke: A Cover Reveal and Q&A with Author Henry L. Herz appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

SLJ spoke with the accomplished author about her musical background, the power of pop music, and the connective possibilities of fandom.

The New York Times bestselling author helps readers become aware of issues facing endangered species in the middle grade adventure series opener The Islanders, coauthored with Angela May.

As summer arrives, three new YA authors tell SLJ about the characters in their books and share what they plan to do for fun this season.

From biographies of Olympians to fictional mysteries and romance, get young readers excited for the Tokyo Games competition and drama with these titles.

"...sometimes, it’s okay to make a scene." We're talking with author Emma Otheguy today about immigration, her own family history, and her brand new middle grade novel out in 2022. It's a cover reveal day!

The post Cover Reveal and Interview: SOFÍA ACOSTA MAKES A SCENE with author Emma Otheguy appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today we interview Ms. Jordannah Elizabeth about her sweeping anthology of Black women that made their mark on our musical history. Come for the interview AND the cover reveal!

The post SHE RAISED HER VOICE: A Cover Reveal and Interview with Jordannah Elizabeth appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Author and teacher Torrey Maldonado asked friends and fellow authors, "What does Juneteenth mean to you?"

From viral video hit series to book deal to young reader's edition, Emmanuel Acho's Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man is doing well. I have a comfortable Q&A with him about the last of these.

The post Unconventional Conversations with a Black Author: Emmanuel Acho Discusses His Young Reader’s Edition appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"I feel like our two most recent books both have a bit of resonance with the pandemic." I talk with Eric & Terry Fan about their latest book, its antecedents, and maybe its larger implications too.

The post It Fell From the Sky: An Interview with The Fan Brothers appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

While talking to author Lydia Sigwarth of the new book DEAR LIBRARIAN we read four submissions from people who think that their librarian is the best.

The post Celebrating the Librarians That Work So Very Hard: A Dear Librarian Interview with Lydia Sigwarth appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Mahnaz Dar has been promoted to senior editor of professional reading and reference review. Ashleigh Williams has been named associate editor of chapter books and middle grade reviews.

Author Natasha Tarpley discusses the awesomely rendered, photographic sensation THE ME I CHOOSE TO BE and why we need it now more than ever.

The post Photography Informs Black Pride: Natasha Tarpley Discusses The Me I Choose to Be appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

In honor of two legendary picture book giants, Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert.

The post Remembering Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The children's literature world is mourning the loss of The Very Hungry Caterpillar author and illustrator who leaves behind dozens of books, a museum, and generations of readers and creators influenced by his work.

A Broadway director has written an African American history that celebrates and honors enslaved ancestors. I discuss Your Legacy with Schele Williams.

The post Your Legacy: A Talk With Broadway Director Schele Williams About the Enslaved in Children’s Literature appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Photography and difficult skunks are the name of the game. I talk with legends Jeanne Birdsall and Jane Dyer about their newest venture and teeny tiny props.

The post The Rare Teaflet & Roog Dual Interview: Jeanne Birdsall and Jane Dyer Tell All appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Fairy tale motifs, the rise of a current moment, Puerto Rican pride, fear, and the overwhelming support of family and friends ALL come together in this 2022 picture book. I talk with NoNieqa Ramos.

The post Beauty Woke: Puerto Rican Pride and Fairy Tale Twists in an Interview with NoNieqa Ramos appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

I discuss the new picture book Oddbird with its creator Derek Desierto and premiere the book trailer.

The post Trailer Reveal & Interview: A Peek at Derek Desierto’s ODDBIRD appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

If you go looking for trouble then trouble is what you get. I talk with author Sarah Prineas about her newest, gooiest hero: a shapeshifter with puppydog eyes that lives up to their name: Trouble.

The post Trouble Is a Friend of Mine: An Interview with Sarah Prineas About her Latest Science Fiction Endeavor appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Divorce Bollywood style. Today I talk with author Supriya Kelkar about musicals, culture, her new book That Thing About Bollywood, and what she'd select as her theme song for every time she walked in a room.

The post Bollywood, Theme Songs, Top 5 Films, and More: Supriya Kelkar Discusses THAT THING ABOUT BOLLYWOOD appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Three books about the survivor tree of NYC are out in 2021. I discuss with Sean Rubin how his book, This Very Tree, relates to the nature of trauma and trauma recovery.

The post This Very Tree: A Talk with Sean Rubin About the Survivor Tree in NYC appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

K.C. Boyd describes how her positive mindset in the face of adversity is rooted in ongoing work, including advocacy for school libraries at the national level.

Cats in space? Comics for kids younger than 9? Felines named after breakfast foods? It's time to interview Drew Brockington about his latest series and all that it entails.

The post Prickly Pussycat Predicaments: A Talk with Waffles and Pancakes Creator Drew Brockington appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Katherine Battersby is the author of CRANKY CHICKEN, an early chapter book chock full o' poultry, and she was kind enough to allow me to premiere her cover and talk to her about the whole kerschmozzle.

The post Petulant Poultry Alert: The Cranky Chicken Cover Reveal and Interview with Katherine Battersby appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"The overall feeling is just one of communal joy and familial tending, which feels particularly powerful and poignant in the wake of the past year of anti-Asian violence. We need more stories of Asian female joy." Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang discuss their remarkable, upcoming The Big Bath House.

The post The Big Bath House Interview: A Book For “body-loving parents, rebel reviewers and vanguard author-librarians” appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"The overall feeling is just one of communal joy and familial tending, which feels particularly powerful and poignant in the wake of the past year of anti-Asian violence. We need more stories of Asian female joy." Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang discuss their remarkable, upcoming The Big Bath House.

The post The Big Bath House Interview: For “body-loving parents, rebel reviewers and vanguard author-librarians” appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today I talk shop about one of the latest, and most beautiful picture book biographies you would ever have the chance to see with its creators.

The post Bringing Unsung Heroes to Light: Talking about The People’s Painter with Cynthia Levinson and Evan Turk appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The free, virtual event features author conversations between Christina Soontornvat and Steve Sheinkin, James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein, and Malinda Lo and Daniel Nayeri, as well as creator panels and a closing keynote from Traci Sorell.

A transcript of my discussion with Anastasia Higginbotham about her latest book What You Don't Know: A Story of a Liberated Childhood. Alert: May contain Billy Porter.

The post The Rare Live Interview: Anastasia Higginbotham & I Talk “What You Don’t Know” appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Erin Entrada Kelly, author of the Newbery medal-winning novel Hello, Universe, raved about Cookie Hiponia Everman’s debut novel saying it is "Simply beautiful. The kind of book that holds you close and won't let go." The two authors sat down to talk about Cookie’s book, the Philippines, writing, and more.

Picture books, puppies, and preternaturally attractive cats. It's interview time with Elisha Cooper about his latest title Yes & No. Hope you like pets!

The post Cats and Dogs . . . Together? Talking with Elisha Cooper About the Sublime Yes & No appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Inspired by her young library patrons, Beverly Cleary wrote the stories of regular kids and created generations of readers.

Are you ready for the cute? Are you ready for the kitty? Are you ready for the unicorn? Then sit right here with me while I ask Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham about their latest collaboration.

The post An Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn Interview with Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

A steadfast advocate for cultural values and new perspectives, this Hawaii librarian enriches the lives of her high school students and her community.

Throughout the pandemic, Amanda Jones brought the world to her students. In person or virtually, her library is a hub of exploration.

"Ugh, the gymsuits!" Author Helaine Becker and artist Dow Phumiruk reveal the secrets behind the informational picture book that delves deep into the history of Title IX (and all that that entails).

The post Gimme Gimme That Sweet Title IX: Helaine Becker + Dow Phumiruk Discuss An Equal Shot and All That That Entails appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

A read-aloud of Kyle Lukoff's book about a transgender boy in elementary school led to parental complaints and the school calling in counselors for the students who listened to the story. 

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.

The post Where in the World is Angus Yuen-Killick? The Coming of Red Comet Press appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Chicago time! I interview viral sensation Dwayne Reed and get a peek at life with his scholars, his writing, and his love for The Windy City.

The post Extra Extra! Viral Video Sparks Middle Grade Debut! A Q&A with Dwayne Reed of Simon B. Rhymin’ appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

You're in for a treat today. Eugene Yelchin's memoir of his boyhood growing up behind the Iron Curtain is as funny as it is gutting. I talk with the man about how he managed to own a pair of Baryshnikov's blue jeans and reveal his new cover.

The post The Genius Under the Table: A Cover Reveal and Q&A with Eugene Yelchin appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Friends and fans gathered on Twitter this week, after learning of the death of Norton Juster, at 91, author of the beloved 60-year-old fantasy, The Phantom Tollbooth. 

When Amina's Voice by Hena Khan was released in 2017 it had oodles of charm. Today the sequel, Amina's Song, is out nationwide, so I sat down with its author to discuss all manner of things.

The post Amina Returns! A Q&A with Hena Khan About AMINA’S SONG appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Thanks to COVID we've seen an uptick in home haircuts. As such, it's the perfect time to take a deep dive into a book about a kid with a love of barbering. I talk with author J. Dillard about one of the more enjoyable books of the year.

The post J.D. and the Great Barber Battle: A J. Dillard Interview appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Editor Susan Barba discusses the "paradoxically pleasurable parsimoniousness" of author/illustrator M.B. Goffstein, on the re-release of two of her works.

The post “The possibility of a generous frugality”: Re-releasing M.B. Goffstein – An Interview with Susan Barba appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today, it is my great honor to present to you an interview and exclusive excerpt from the upcoming Christian McKay Heidicker novel, SCARY STORIES FOR YOUNG FOXES: THE CITY, the companion to the 2020 Newbery Honor recipient Scary Stories for Young Foxes.

The post Scary Stories for Young Foxes: The City – An Exclusive Excerpt appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

I took one look at today's title and it was instant love. Butterflies. Grossness. What could be better? An interview with author Rosemary Mosco.

The post Butterflies Are Pretty . . . Gross: A Q&A with Rosemary Mosco appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Dusti Bowling is up to her old tricks. "Old tricks" means writing more middle grade novels. And this one has a doozy of a plot and a magnificent cover. Check it out for yourself.

The post Across the Desert: Dusti Bowling Cover Reveal and Q&A appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

With a heavy focus on families, history, expectations, and secrets, this love story will leave readers satisfied.

The post Book Review: A Pho Love Story by Loan Le appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Looks like we have a cover reveal worth checking out. Now find out if Baby Cakes returns, what animal Mike Wohnoutka prays David LaRochelle won't put in a book, and what's in store for the intrepid duo.

The post Cover Reveal and Interview Extravaganza! See The Dog: Three Stories About a Cat with David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today, Matthew Van Fleet joins us to talk logistics, process, Bavarian ant farms, and why getting a hamster to run on a wheel is harder than it sounds.

The post The Deft Board Book Talents At Work In PET: A Matthew Van Fleet Interview appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Lesléa Newman and Susan Gal join us to answer some of my questions about their Sydney Taylor Book Award winner Welcoming Elijah, its process, and where they're headed next.

The post The 2021 Sydney Taylor Blog Tour: A Talk with Lesléa Newman and Susan Gal about Welcoming Elijah appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Black History Month can mean something as simple as remembering the ones who came before. Today I talk with the women behind one of the most talked about nonfiction picture book memoirs of the Spring 2021 season.

The post We Wait for the Sun: A Dual Interview with Katie McCabe and Raissa Figueroa appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"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!).

The post Humanizing Nonfiction Writers: An Interview with Melissa Stewart appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Inspired by the death of Trayvon Martin, One of the Good Ones tells the story of a young activist whose death in police custody makes national news. To honor her death, the activist’s two sisters go on a road trip following the Green Book guide for Black travelers.

40 influential Latinas are presented in this magnificent hand-painted book. Hear about the sheer amounts of research Juliet Menéndez engaged in and learn something new.

The post LATINITAS by Juliet Menéndez: A Deep Dive Into Heroes Past and Present appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Hope you like trees because today you're getting a bird's eye view. Author Lita Judge answers my questions and reveals a video for her latest dendrophile accomplishment.

The post Wisdom of Trees: An Interview and Video Reveal for the Latest from Lita Judge appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Educators can teach Amanda Gorman's inauguration poem "The Hill We Climb" and share Gorman's story with students.

The children's literature world was shocked by the unexpected death of author Kathleen Krull, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Also in this edition of News Bites, Ibram X. Kendi makes a deal with Netflix; opportunities for funding; and more.

"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.

The post Interrogating the Passover Guest: A Susan Kusel and Sean Rubin Interview appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"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!

The post Just Try It: An Interview with Mara Rockliff appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

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.

The post Kingston and the Magician’s Lost and Found: An Interview with Three Authors at Once! appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

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?

The post Root Magic Interview with Eden Royce appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

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.

The post Cover Reveal of Ann Clare LeZotte’s Sequel to Show Me a Sign: Set Me Free appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today we are thrilled to have Nikki Grimes join us for an interview about her wonderful new book LEGACY: WOMEN POETS OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE.

The post Rescuing and Celebrating Black Women’s Voices, an interview with Nikki Grimes appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

"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.

The post An Unspeakable Interview: Talking with Carole Boston Weatherford About the Tulsa Race Massacre appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Some educators abandon teaching the Bard's work, while others update and enhance Shakespeare curricula.

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.

The post In Memorium: Remembering Those Lost in 2020 appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Who is the kid lit nerdiest of them all? Putting their knowledge to the test, Betsy and Travis square off in this romp through Newbery/Caldecott history.

The debut author spoke with SLJ about releasing her first book during a pandemic, writing novels as a tween, and the key to balancing stories of loss with plenty of love.

I ask my old buddy Cheryl Klein a slew of questions about her latest picture books and the state of things today.

The post A Year of Everyday Wonders and a Talk With Cheryl Klein appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today I interview author/illustrator Abi Cushman. Hope you like process! If ever you have found yourself curious about the process of integrating die-cuts into your art, wonder no longer . . .

The post Animals Go Vroom! Cover Reveal and Interview with Ms. Abi Cushman appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

I have the infinite pleasure of interviewing Ms. LeUyen Pham about her latest authored/illustrated picture book Outside, Inside, as well as premiering its trailer.

The post Outside, Inside: The LeUyen Pham Interview and Trailer Reveal appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Author Fan Face-off pits a middle grade superfan against the author of one of their favorite books to see who knows more about the title.

Nikola Tesla! Inventor. Genius. Pigeon Lover? I talk with Azadeh Westergaard about her upcoming biography of the man and his dual love of alternating currents and city birds.

The post Cover Reveal and Interview with Azadeh Westergaard – The Life Electric: The Story of Nikola Tesla appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

I speak with author Jane Kurtz and Ellenore Angelidis about their nonprofit Open Hearts Big Dreams.

The post Worldwide Literacy Efforts: A Talk With Jane Kurtz and Ellenore Angelidis appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today, author Leslie Brody and I discuss Louise Fitzhugh, the times in which she lived, her genius life (and too soon death), and the coded, comforting messages she left in her books for the LGBTQIA+ kids out there.

The post Sometimes You Have to Lie (but not in this interview): A Talk With Author Leslie Brody appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Matthew Cordell stops by to talk about his latest picture book BEAR ISLAND and to discuss the grief and hope that went into its creation.

The post We’re Going on a Bear Island Hunt: Matthew Cordell Talks Grief and Hope and Bears appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

On January 20, Jill Biden will be the latest educator to become First Lady. How much of an impact can she have on the national conversation and policy?

The illustrator of Best Books 2020 selection All Because You Matter by Tami Charles expanded on that picture book's theme of youthful wonder for the cover of the December issue.

Recently it occurred to me that when it comes to bilingual picture books, there is a kind of art to their design. Today I speak to editor-at-large Louise May about her approach to the form.

The post Working in Translation: An Interview with Editor-at-Large Louise May appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

If you wanna talk picky eating, "texture violations" and parents attempting to bend their children to their "foodie will", today's interview and cover reveal with Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic is for you!

The post Interview and Cover Reveal of The League of Picky Eaters by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

My book is about a Jewish-Polish girl named Esther—the eldest in her family—who begs her father to let her be the first of the children to go to Cuba and help him get the rest of the family to the island as conditions are worsening for the Jews on the eve of WWII.

If we cannot get to the sunshine, the sunshine shall come to us! Author Margarita Engle debuts her latest picture book and speaks frankly about how the pandemic has affected every part of her work.

The post Exclusive Cover Reveal & Interview with Margarita Engle: A SONG OF FRUTAS appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today, it is my infinite pleasure to not only display for you the PREQUEL to that book, but to speak to Ms. Dusti Bowling herself about Aven, writing mysteries, early chapter books, and spin-offs, spin-offs, spin-offs!

The post Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine: A Dusti Bowling Interview and Cover Reveal appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

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.

The post Cover Reveal and Interview: What’s Catherine Gilbert Murdock Up To These Days? appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The authors offer different takes on the literary canon in their keynote addresses. Read about that and other Summit highlights. 

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.

The post Ramona and Her Art: An Interview with Anna Katz on A Compendium of Quimby Illustrations appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Is a lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and brown children everywhere, reminding them of how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will.

The 2020 SLJ Summit finished with a  personal, thought-provoking conversation between Cullors and Tennessee school librarian Erika Long.

Who illustrated her first book? What does her new puppy look like? What's she working on now?And how will she spend her MacArthur grant money? (Spoiler Alert: It's an incredible answer) I talk to Jacqueline Woodson about all manner of things.

The post In Which the Blogger Conducts an Interview with a MacArthur Fellow (Hint: It’s Jackie Woodson!) appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.