S:7 E:18 Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz, Steven Joseph & Andy Case on Kids, Creativity & Chaos

What happens when a cranky humorist and a tech-savvy illustrator team up with some rebellious poodles and launch them into space? You get Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz — the latest wild ride from author Steven Joseph and illustrator Andy Case. In this episode, the duo dives deep into their colorful, noodle-fueled universe. They talk about the imaginative process behind their newest book, from musical jailbreaks to intergalactic dance battles and zany characters like Coolio the Grand Rudel. But it's not just about the laughs. Steven and Andy explore the deeper themes woven into their story, including creativity, environmentalism, teamwork, and even the importance of museums and public spaces for inspiring young minds. We also get a peek behind the curtain into their one-of-a-kind working relationship—think less "formal author and illustrator" and more "creative soulmates on a rocket ship." Plus, Andy talks about the real-world educational challenges kids face today, especially the growing imagination deficit from too much screen time. And yes, there's a full original soundtrack. Because why shouldn't a book about dancing poodles come with a banger of an album?