
‘The best poem is the one that starts with ‘and”: Mk Smith Despres Visits The Yarn
Author Mk Smith Despres takes us behind the scenes of their poetic picture book THERE'S THAT SUN AGAIN.
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My Week of Celebrating Children’s Books in Alaska
COLBY: Our latest episode is a little different from what you are used to listening to on The Yarn. Instead of interviewing a children’s book creator about their latest book, I share what it was like spending my spring break in Alaska working in schools. I hope you’ll give it [...]

The Making of a Sequel: JUST ONE WAVE
Travis: In the latest episode, Colby and I talk about the making of Just One Wave, the summertime sequel to my author/illustrator debut, Just One Flake. You can find it at these locations: McLean & Eakin | Bookshop | Amazon I share the inspiration for the book, how the art was made, and why [...]
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FAKE CHINESE SOUNDS: An Interview with author/illustrator Jing Jing Tsong
A conversation with FAKE CHINESE SOUNDS author/illustrator Jing Jing Tsong.
Arree Chung Talks about his Debut Graphic Novel: Don’t Cause Trouble
COLBY: I had a whole lot of fun talking to Arree Chung about his new (and first ) graphic novel, Don’t Cause Trouble. I hope you enjoy our conversation! Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
Newly Crowned Caldecott Medalist Rebecca Lee Kunz Interview
COLBY: When Chooch Helped was awarded the Caldecott Medal I was in shock. Not because I didn’t love the book, but because I hadn’t heard of it! The first thing I did was find a copy to read (I loved it!). The second thing I did was reach out to Rebecca to see if I […]
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Behind the scenes of CABOOSE with Ruth Chan and Travis Jonker
Travis talks with Ruth Chan about CABOOSE.
Big Gretch Visits The Yarn!
COLBY: When I saw that my governor had a young adult version of her book, I thought two things. Reading the book was pretty intense for this Michigander. I knew about all the wild things that have happened in our state the last handful of years, but thinking about them through the lens of a […]
Our 2025 Preview Episode!
Looking ahead to children's literature in 2025 . . .
Taking a Look Back: Our 2024 Year-in-Review Episode
Travis: Colby Sharp and I got on a video call to talk about children’s literature in 2024. A lot happened. In this special extended episode, we discuss our favorite books, memorable moments, the joys of pickleball, and many other topics. We hope you enjoy this episode: Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes […]
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Recent Comments
Apr 30, 2025
Chris on My Week of Celebrating Children’s Books in Alaska
"I am sitting here with tears in my eyes because I am from Alaska, but no longer live there, and the enthusiasm and care ..."
Jan 24, 2025
Alan Gratz on Our 2025 Preview Episode!
"We can probably make one of your 2025 interview wishes come true. By which I mean Questlove, of course. Shoot me an emai ..."
Apr 14, 2024
Kelly Van Kirk on LOUDER THAN HUNGER: LIVE w/ John Schu
"We just finished reading Operation: Happy! ..."
Jan 29, 2023
Travis Jonker on Looking Ahead: Our 2023 Preview
"Wow - thank you, Constance! That is so nice of you to do! ..."
Jan 21, 2023
Constance G. Pappas on Looking Ahead: Our 2023 Preview
"Hello, I too, LOVE The Yarn. It makes me a better librarian and I love the banter. From Show 180: Here's the list of bo ..."
Jan 20, 2023
Travis Jonker on Looking Ahead: Our 2023 Preview
"Thanks for listening, Pia - you're right, we should add a list of the books we talked about for these episodes! I'll add ..."
Jan 18, 2023
Pia on Looking Ahead: Our 2023 Preview
"Hi Travis and Colby, I love your podcast. Full of very interesting guests and discussions about books. However I find y ..."
Jan 3, 2023
Dana Silver on Taking a Look Back: Our 2022 Year in Review Episode
"This was an incredible episode. I am a literacy coach and would love to compile all of your recommendations from this ep ..."
Jan 2, 2023
Travis Jonker on Michaela Goade on BERRY SONG and Getting The Caldecott Call for WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS
"Thanks for listening! We don't really have show notes, I'm sorry to say ..."
Jan 2, 2023
Travis Jonker on Taking a Look Back: Our 2022 Year in Review Episode
"Thank you! That was a long one! ..."
Jan 2, 2023
Nancy on Michaela Goade on BERRY SONG and Getting The Caldecott Call for WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS
"Thank you Michaela!! Love your books! We sold soo many copies of The Water Protectors on our bookstore in Munising Michi ..."
Jan 2, 2023
Leslie Wilson on Taking a Look Back: Our 2022 Year in Review Episode
"Happy to report I listened to the entire episode and loved it! ..."
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