MORE 'AUTHORS' POSTS

How SPEAK became a Graphic Novel: 3 Questions with Laurie Halse Anderson

Travis Jonker, February 20, 2018 | Authors



I recently finished the graphic novel adaptation of Laurie Halse Anderson’s modern YA classic Speak. Boy is it well done. It’s illustrated by Emily Carroll. I’m always curious about how a novel becomes a graphic novel so I asked Laurie a few questions about it. Me: Hi Laurie. How did the idea to adapt the book […]

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The Importance of Challenging Yourself (and Snacks): 3 Questions with Nikki Grimes

Travis Jonker, February 1, 2018 | Authors



I was given the opportunity to ask children’s literature legend Nikki Grimes a few questions. This was a chance I jumped at. Travis: What was it like winning the Wilder Award? What’s it been like since? Nikki Grimes: Earth-shaking. It took me a while to find my feet. It’s one award I never imagined winning. […]

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The First Rule of Q&A: An Interview with Celia C. Pérez

Travis Jonker, July 18, 2017 | Authors



Who is Celia C. Pérez? Maybe you’ve seen/heard about (including here) her debut middle grade novel: The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez | August 22, 2017 | Viking When I learned that she is also a librarian and longtime zine maker, I knew I had to chat with her. So we did […]

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Books on Film: In the Studio with a Pop-Up Master

Travis Jonker, October 24, 2016 | Authors, Books on Film



Matthew Reinhart is the guy who pretty much makes every pop-up book not made by Robert Sabuda. The guy is a paper engineering wizard. Science Friday recently interviewed Reinhart in his studio with fascinating results. In this video you will learn: The basic pop-up folds and how they are used. How Reinhart approaches each pop-up […]

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The Most Terrifying Children’s Lit Jack-o’-Lantern Ever

Travis Jonker, October 23, 2016 | Authors



If you really want to send chills down the spine of trick-or-treaters this year, there’s only one jack-o’-lantern guaranteed to scare ’em all:

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5 Questions with John Bemelmans Marciano

Travis Jonker, April 12, 2016 | Authors



I recently talked to John Bemelmans Marciano about his new series with illustrator (and reigning Caldecott Medal winner) Sophie Blackall. Travis: Why witches? Why Benevento? What was the spark that let to this new series? John: While in Naples in the early 2000s, I came across a paragraph in a guidebook about a nearby town […]

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‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#6)

Travis Jonker, September 4, 2015 | Authors, Twitter Bios



Previously… ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#1) ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#2) ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#3) ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#4) ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#5) Sure you may know […]

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‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#5)

Travis Jonker, June 6, 2015 | Authors, Twitter Bios



  Previously… ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#1) ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#2) ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#3) ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#4) Sure you may know your children’s authors and illustrators, but can you name […]

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Hey! A Day with Shea in 10(ish) Images

Travis Jonker, May 21, 2015 | Articles, Authors



https://vine.co/v/eKF6EpjDbii Author/illustrator Robert “Bob” Shea visited my school yesterday and I am here to bring you the sights and sounds. Actually, just the sights. And wordy descriptions of the sights. But they were good sights. First sight: This here is certified Shea Day plaid. Rumor has it that Mr. Shea enjoys a good tartan. I […]

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‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#4)

Travis Jonker, May 12, 2015 | Authors, Twitter Bios



Previously… ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#1) ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#2) ‘And You Shall Know Me by My Twitter Bio’ (#3) Sure you may know your children’s authors and illustrators, but can you name them from reading their Twitter bios? Test your skills below. All […]

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