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The Yarn

October 6, 2025 by Travis Jonker

Now on The Yarn Podcast: SUNDUST Author/Illustrator Zeke Peña!

Back in June I talked with author/illustrator Zeke Peña all about his stunning new picture book Sundust. Zeke’s path to picture books was unique, and the result is a book that feels completely fresh (and a book I’m keeping an eye when award season rolls around). Here’s the episode: Subscribe below to catch every episode […]

September 26, 2025 by Travis Jonker

Now on The Yarn Podcast: Nicholas Day

I’m always fascinated with how narrative nonfiction books are made, so it was such a pleasure to have author Nicholas Day on The Yarn podcast. He won a Sibert medal for his last book – The Mona Lisa Vanishes – and in this episode he takes us behind the scenes of his latest: A World […]

September 2, 2025 by Travis Jonker

Now on The Yarn Podcast: Barbara O’Connor

At long last, the great Barbara O'Connor is on The Yarn podcast.

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A Yarn Interview Nine Years in the Making: Sophie Blackall on FINDING WINNIE

August 18, 2025 by Travis Jonker

An interview from 2016 that's never been released . . . until now.

SPEED ROUND with Our 2025 Newbery Winners!

July 29, 2025 by Travis Jonker

Last month I interview all the 2025 Newbery winners (Ruth Behar, Chanel Miller, Lesa Cline-Ransome, Kate O’Shaughnessy, and Erin Entrada Kelly) the the ALA conference in Philadelphia. It was a great time. In the latest episode of The Yarn podcast, the group answers some rapid-fire speed round questions.

How Candace Fleming Made an Award Winner

July 9, 2025 by Travis Jonker

Candace Fleming’s book The Enigma Girls won a 2025 Sibert Honor. In the latest episode of The Yarn, Fleming takes us behind the scenes of how it was made. It’s always interesting to talk with nonfiction authors, and Fleming is one of the best ever.

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Now on The Yarn: JOVITA WORE PANTS w/ Molly Mendoza and Aida Salazar

June 5, 2025 by Travis Jonker

The duo behind the Caldecott Honor winning book visit The Yarn

It’s a Newbery Extravaganza! The Yarn LIVE at ALA Annual 2025

June 3, 2025 by Travis Jonker

Add this to your ALA Annual calendar!

Now on The Yarn Podcast: Pablo Cartaya

June 2, 2025 by Travis Jonker

At long last, bestselling author Pablo Cartaya visits The Yarn podcast to talk about his latest book, A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation. In this episode, Pablo gets real about parenthood, living up to your family legacy, and how he moves forward when life gets in the way of writing. Subscribe below to catch every […]

Now on The Yarn Podcast: Mk Smith Despres

May 14, 2025 by Travis Jonker

I talked with teacher/author/poet Mk Smith Despres about their recent picture book There's That Sun Again.

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