All Episodes

August 24, 2026 by Colby Sharp

Rex Ogle on His New Book Absent

COLBY: During the American Library Association Annual Conference in June, I got a chance to hear Rex Ogle talk about his new book Absent. It was captivating. As soon as I got home, I scheduled an interview with him for The Yarn. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and I hope you check out his […]

August 14, 2026 by Travis Jonker

WHILE WE’RE HERE: Behind the Scenes with Caldecott Honor Winner Micha Archer

Travis: WHILE WE’RE HERE, illustrated by Micha Archer and written by Anne Wynter, is one of the most stunning picture books of the year. It was a joy to sit down with Micha to learn all about how the beautiful collage illustrations were made. We hope you enjoy this episode: Subscribe below to catch every […]

July 27, 2026 by Travis Jonker

SPEED ROUND w/ Candace Fleming, Zeke Peña, Jasmine Warga, and Rebecca Stead

Travis: It’s been a while since our last Speed Round episode, and today the series is back with a bang as Candace Fleming, Zeke Peña, Jasmine Warga, and Rebecca Stead answer rapid fire questions. We hope you enjoy this episode. Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher

More Recent Posts

Chanel Miller-The Moons Without Stars-unraveled

July 22, 2026 by Colby Sharp

COLBY: I had the BEST time interviewing Chanel Miller about her latest book The Moon Without Stars. Most of my interviews the last six years have been conducted virtually since COVID, so it was really nice to be able to sit across a table from Chanel for our conversation. I felt like it provided a […]

The Origins of HEARTDRUM w/ Cynthia Leitich Smith and Rosemary Brosnan

June 30, 2026 by Travis Jonker

Travis: Colby talked with Cynthia Leitich Smith and Rosemary Brosnan about the indigenous-focused imprint they co-created: Heartdrum. The talk about the origins of the project and what the future holds. We hope you enjoy this episode. Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher

Aaron Reynolds Takes Us Behind the Scenes of The Jasper Rabbit Universe!

June 21, 2026 by Travis Jonker

Travis: I had a great time talking with author Aaron Reynolds about the entire Jasper Rabbit universe – beginning with Caldecott Honor winner Creepy Carrots! (and its sequels), to the new Creepy Tales chapter book series. We hope you enjoy this episode: Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher

Nancy Hudgins, Ursula Nordstrom, and BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU

May 31, 2026 by Travis Jonker

Travis: It was a pleasure talking with Nancy Hudgins about her biography of Ursula Nordstrom. In this episode Nancy takes us behind the scenes of the life and work of this legendary children’s book editor. We hope you enjoy this episode. Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher

N. West Moss Visits The Yarn to Talk Birdy

May 28, 2026 by Colby Sharp

COLBY: For the latest episode of The Yarn I got a chance to chat with debut middle grade author N. West Moss about her book Birdy. Her joy and excitement about entering the world of middle grade warmed my soul. I hope you enjoy the episode! Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: […]

Philip Stead Tries Something New . . .

April 30, 2026 by Travis Jonker

A middle grade novel! A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic is out now and has already received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Booklist. I sat down with Philip back in October, as he had just put the finishing touches on the book. We talk about his path […]