Picturebooking - interviews with authors and illustrators
by Nick Patton
Learn about children's books from the people who make them with in-depth interviews with children's book authors and illustrators for people who believe that art and literature can have a profoundly positive impact on a kid's life.Picturebooking is here to serve those who want to understand what it takes to create these stories. And engaging with Picturebooking will help you get inspired, feel connected and take action toward making a difference through picture books.
Episodes
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What Story Should I Tell?
I have three story ideas, and I need your help deciding which one to develop. In this episode, I pitch three stories that have been bouncing around in my head: The Museum of Stories — When robots replace children's messy stories with perfect ones, three siblings must find a way to stop them. The...
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Picturebooking: Back? Or Bury?
See the count and join the story → After more than 200 interviews with children's book authors and illustrators over nine years, I walked away from Picturebooking. Now I'm thinking about what Picturebooking could become next. I'll create things with and for kids, talk honestly about the business…
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The end
Welcome to the end of Picturebooking's fall episodes. We will be taking a break for a while, but before we go, we would like to leave you with some helpful creative advice and an excellent list of books to check out the next time you visit the library. Enjoy!
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NoNieqa Ramos – Best Believe
Author and educator NoNieqa Ramos talks about her picture book Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good, illustrated by Nicole Medina—a story written in rhythmic verse that portrays three inspiring changemakers, Evelina Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera. Your…
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Lane Smith – Stickler Loves the World
Award-winning author-illustrator Lane Smith talks about his picture book Stickler Loves the World—a story that reminds us to appreciate the everyday wonders we often ignore. Your host for this episode is Nick Patton. https://picturebooking.com/lane-smith-stickler-loves-the-world...
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Vashti Harrison – Big
Author-illustrator Vashti Harrison talks about her picture book Big—a story that traces a child's journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. Your host for this episode is Shawna J. C. Tenney. https://picturebooking.com/vashti-harrison-big...
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Bob Shea – Chez Bob
Author-illustrator Bob Shea talks about his picture book Chez Bob—a hilarious story about a restaurant for birds found on an alligator's NOSE! Your host for this episode is Shawna J. C. Tenney. https://picturebooking.com/bob-shea-chez-bob https://bookshop.org/a/14436/9780316483117...
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Minh Lê – Real to Me
Acclaimed author Minh Lê talks about his picture book Real to Me, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa—a story about two best friends (one of whom is imaginary) who are inseparable until the day when one of them unexpectedly disappears. Then Lê tells us about his graphic novel, Enlighten Me…
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Leah Hayes – I Touched the Sun
Author-illustrator Leah Hayes talks about her picture book I Touched the Sun—a wondrous story about a young boy's journey to meet the Sun. Your host for this episode is Nick Patton. https://bookshop.org/a/14436/9781592703906 http://www.leahhayes.com/
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Kari Lavelle – Butt or Face
Author Kari Lavelle talks about her picture book Butt or Face?—a delightfully cheeky challenge: examine a close-up photo of an animal, and then guess whether you're looking at the top or the...um...bottom. Your host for this episode is Nadia Salomon....
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Picture•book•ing - A new start
After a summer away from your feed, today is a new start to the picturebooking podcast. Here is a sneak peek at our fall season of episodes! Enjoy.
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Ed Vere – The Artist
Features host Shawna J.C. Tenney, the award-winning author-illustrator Ed Vere, and his latest book, "The Artist." Podcast Website: https://picturebooking.com/ Feature Book Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/14436/9780525580874 Guest Website: http://www.edvere.com/ Host Website:...
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Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki – Seen and Unseen
Host Nick Patton chats with author Elizabeth Partridge and illustrator Lauren Tamaki about their 2023 Sibert Medal-winning picture book, "Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams's Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American Incarceration."
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Becky Scharnhorst – How to Get Your Octopus to School
Host Nadia Salomon chats with author Becky Scharnhorst about her latest picture book, HOW TO GET YOUR OCTOPUS TO SCHOOL, a sweet, silly back-to-school story about an octopus who would rather play hide-and-seek than give school a chance. During their conversation, Becky talks about using the...
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Pete Oswald – The Noise Inside Boys
Host Shawna J.C. Tenney chats with #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald about his latest author-illustrator picture book, THE NOISE INSIDE BOYS, a personal story that explores the complex emotions experienced during a day at the beach. During their conversation, Pete explains how...
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Meera Sriram – Garden In My Hands
Host Nadia Salomon chats with author Meera Sriram about her latest picture book, GARDEN IN MY HANDS, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat, a story celebrating the custom of applying henna through a mother and daughter who share family memories. During their conversation, Meera explains why she prefers…
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Lauren Castillo – This is a Story
Host Nick Patton chats with Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Lauren Castillo about her latest picture book; THIS IS A STORY by John Schu, a love letter to libraries and librarians. They discuss how John's sparse text allowed Lauren to add her illustrated storyline about a family's trip…
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Carole Boston Weatherford – You Are My Pride
Host Nick Patton chats with award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford about the picture book YOU ARE MY PRIDE, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, a powerful story written in the voice of Mother Africa, reminding us of our timeless bond. They discuss how to approach writing from such a unique...
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Jan Lower – The Brilliant Calculator
Host Nick Patton chats with author Jan Lower about the picture book The Brilliant Calculator—the fascinating story of America's first female electrical engineer and her groundbreaking invention helped electrify America. Plus, they discuss determination and the need to fulfill our ambitions. Astra...
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Nadia Fisher – Illustrating Daddy
Host Nadia Salomon chats with illustrator Nadia Fisher about two picture books, DADDY DRESSED ME, by Michael Gardner & Ava Gardner, and DADDY & ME, SIDE BY SIDE, by Pierce Freelon. They talk in-depth about the process of illustrating children's books and Nadia's journey as a self-taught illustrator.
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Norene Paulson – Nila's Perfect Coat
In this episode, host Nadia Salomon has a fascinating conversation with author Norene Paulson about her latest book, "Nila's Perfect Coat." As a former teacher, Norene has a gift for crafting stories that tackle social and emotional topics in a relatable way for kids of all ages. In "Nila's…
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Baptiste Paul – Climb On!
In this episode, host Nick Patton interviews author Baptiste Paul about his latest book "Climb On!". Baptiste is a Caribbean-born author passionate about sharing stories that reflect the experiences of marginalized communities. His latest book, "Climb On!", celebrates Black joy in nature and...
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Jacob Grant – No Fair
Host Nick Patton chats with author-illustrator Jacob Grant about the picture book No Fair—a big-hearted story about fairness and the relationship between a father and his son. These library guys talk about the magic of books, fairness in life, Iggy Pop, and being a dad. Plus, they discuss the…
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Chris Barton – Moving Forward
Host Nadia Salomon chats with author Chris Barton about the picture books MOVING FORWARD, illustrated by Steffi Walthall, and GLITTER EVERYWHERE, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat. They talk about change and how change is never about one person but a team. And that it happens slower than you might...
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Jane Smith – Naked Butt
Host Nick Patton chats with author-illustrator Jane Smith about the picture book Naked Butt Busts Out! Learn about this hilarious tale about being yourself and get inspired to metaphorically strip yourself bare and say, "Hey, world, here I am, this is me, and I'm doing this awesome thing." Win a...
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Maya Fidawi - Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar
Host Nick Patton chats with illustrator Maya Fidawi about the picture book Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar, written by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani. Learn about the intense, beautiful Iranian culture through this fun, playful picture book that takes a symbol that could separate and shows how that...
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Stuart Hausmann – Linus
Host Nick Patton chats with author-illustrator Stuart Hausmann about the picture book Linus. A book about being yourself and inspiring change in others. Hausmann talks about how a fine art career morphed into picture books through the library. Plus, how collaborative is making a picture book? And...
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Doug Salati – Caldecott Medal for Hot Dog
Host Nick Patton chats with award-winning author-illustrator Doug Salati about his picture book and winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal, HOT DOG. They talk about drawing inspiration from your life and why picture books offer an opportunity to tell a different type of story. Plus, how elements like...
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Angela Dalton – To Boldly Go
Host Nadia Salomon chats with author Angela Dalton about the picture book TO BOLDLY GO, illustrated by Lauren Semmer. When you think of Star Trek, do you think about civil rights? After reading today's featured book, you will. Plus how a fictional character can have a real-world impact. And then…
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Jeanne Willis – Hom
Host Nick Patton chats with award-winning author Jeanne Willis about the picture book Hom illustrated by Paddy Donnelly. What would you do for a friend? And what price would you pay to protect someone you love? Plus, have you ever wondered what happened to that kid in school who lied all the…
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Ratha Tep - World's Greatest
Host Nick Patton chats with author Ratha Tep about the picture book Wally the World's Greatest Piano-Playing Wombat, illustrated by Camilla Pintonato. They discuss what healthy competition means. And the mindset that is needed to turn competition into a positive, beneficial experience. You have…
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Charise Mericle Harper – I Cannot Draw A Horse
Host Nick Patton chats with award-winning author-illustrator Charise Mericle Harper about the picture book I Cannot Draw A Horse. For being a book about a skateboard-riding, horse-obsessed cat, this title is practically non-fiction. Plus, a discussion about what you need – to do what you think…
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Kailei Pew – I See Color
Host Valerie Bolling chats with author Kailei Pew about her upcoming picture books, The Monster Above the Bed and I See Color. This is a fantastic chat about mentoring and knowing what success is to you. Plus, a fabulous study for understanding the audiences you want to learn from and serve.
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Shauntay Grant – My Fade Is Fresh
A quick introduction to Shauntay Grant's picture book My Fade Is Fresh, illustrated by Kitt Thomas.
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Brian Biggs – I Can't Draw
Host Nick Patton chats with illustrator Brian Biggs about the picture book I Can't Draw by Stephen W. Martin. I Can't Draw is a celebration of drawing and the joy of having fun making art. Plus, advice on what a parent should do to encourage a kid who shows interest in drawing. And a discussion...
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Paddy Donnelly – Dodos Art Not Extinct
A quick introduction to Paddy Donnelly's picture book Dodos Are Not Extinct!
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Kelly Starling Lyons – My Hands Tell A Story
Host Valerie Bolling chats with author Kelly Starling Lyons about her picture book, My Hands Tell A Story. This book celebrates how hands hold the memories of a meaningful life. It's a fun chat about finding your purpose and place. Learn about the benefits of saying Yes to opportunities and…
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Ana Aranda – Our Day of the Dead Celebration
Host Shawna J. C. Tenney chats with author-illustrator Ana Aranda about her picture book, Our Day of the Dead Celebration. It's a fun chat about family, culture and belonging. Ana challenges you to learn about the people you haven't met that shaped the family that you love. Plus, the process and...
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Malcolm Mitchell – To Succeed, You Must Read
Host Valerie Bolling chats with Super Bowl Champion, author & CEO of Share the Magic Foundation, Malcolm Mitchell. Mitchell shares his passion for books and youth literacy in this inspiring episode. Plus, a conversation around feeling like an impostor even after success. And an open discussion...
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Stacy McAnulty – Blood! Not Just a Vampire Drink
Host and today's book illustrator Shawna J.C. Tenney chats with author Stacy McAnulty about the picture book Blood! Not Just a Vampire Drink. This hilarious non-fiction picture book features two vampires and a 100% blood-free smoothie shop. Today's talk is a rare picturebooking episode featuring…
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Kristin Wauson – Mr. Thatcher's House
Host Shawna J.C. Tenney chats with author-illustrator Kristin Wauson about the picture book Mr. Thatcher's House. This story is about a rabbit working to build the perfect house, but it never seems like home. Plus, how to use lighting to help tell your story. And why you should stop trying to…
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Janet Sumner Johnson – Braver than Brave
Host Shawna J.C. Tenney chats with author Janet Sumner Johnson about the picture book Braver Than Brave. This story is about a girl named Wanda finding the confidence to be her own kind of brave. Plus, How Chris Evans inspired the social media campaign for today's book. And you will learn the…
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Blythe Russo – Sloth Sleeps Over
Host Shawna J.C. Tenney chats with author-illustrator Blythe Russo about the picture book Sloth Sleeps Over. This heartwarming friendship story is about Sloth's first sleepover. She thinks sleepovers are all about sleeping, but her friend wants to stay up all night! Plus, you've heard past guests...
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Rebecca Gardyn Levington – Brainstorm!
Nick Patton chats with author Rebecca Gardyn Levington about the picture book, Brainstorm!, illustrated by Kate Kronreif. Brainstorm! depicts the creativity inside us through a shower of funny phrases, a whirlwind of adjectives and verbs and a downpour of enormous ideas. Plus, why you should…
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Troy Wilson – Hat Cat
Host Nick Patton chats with author Troy Wilson about the picture book, Hat Cat, illustrated by Eve Coy. Hat Cat is a profound and tender story about love, loss and trust. Nick and Troy discuss their first experience with death and the strangeness of devastating news on bright warm days. Days that...
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Jyoti Rajan Gopal – American Desi
Host Nadia Salomon chats with author Jyoti Rajan Gopal about the picture book, American Desi, illustrated by Supriya Kelkar. American Desi is a poetic story that celebrates being bicultural. On today's show, they discuss straddling multiple worlds and choosing to embrace all their fantastic colors!
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Julio Torres – I Want To Be A Vase
Author, Julio Torres, discusses I Want To Be A Vase, illustrated by Julian Glander. This book features a plunger who wishes to defy his shape and become a vase. Julio Torres is a comedian, the creator of the HBO special My Favorite Shapes, and has written for Saturday Night Live. He's also one of...
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Zibby Owens and Holly Hatam – Princess Charming
Award-winning podcaster Zibby Owens teams up with New York Times bestselling illustrator Holly Hatam to create the picture book Princess Charming. Zibby and Holly discuss their views on talent and persistence.
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Mac Barnett – The Great Zapfino
New York Times bestselling author, Mac Barnett, returns to the Picturebooking Podcast to discuss The Great Zapfino, illustrated by Marla Frazee. Mac tells us the inspiration behind the story and why Marla Frazee was the perfect person to bring Zapfino's story to life.
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Van G. Garrett – Kicks
Guest host Nadia Salomon chats with award-winning poet Van G. Garrett about the picture book, Kicks, illustrated by Reggie Brown. Kicks is an essential read for sneaker fans of all ages. Nadia and Van discuss the relationship between music and writing in this "Van-tastic" conversation!
About this show
Learn about children's books from the people who make them with in-depth interviews with children's book authors and illustrators for people who believe that art and literature can have a profoundly positive impact on a kid's life.Picturebooking is here to serve those who want to understand what it takes to create these stories. And engaging with Picturebooking will help you get inspired, feel connected and take action toward making a difference through picture books.
Hosted by
Nick Patton