The Yarn takes listeners behind the scenes of children's literature. Each episode features an author or illustrator talking about how they create books for young readers.
Listeners of The Yarn that love the show mention: kidlit, kid lit, school librarian, children s books, inspirational podcasts, middle grade, authors and illustrators, librarians, favorite authors, children's, elementary, 5th, classroom, readers, educators, students, you'll love, teachers, behind the scenes, lovers.
The Yarn podcast is an absolute gem for anyone who loves children's literature. Hosted by school librarian Travis Jonker and fifth-grade teacher Colby Sharp, this podcast provides a deep dive into the world of kidlit through interviews with authors and illustrators. As a teacher-librarian myself, I have found The Yarn to be an invaluable resource for learning more about the books, their creators, and gaining insights into the writing and illustrating process. Each episode is quick, informative, and insightful, making it easy to listen to while multitasking or sharing with students in the classroom.
One of the best aspects of The Yarn podcast is the quality of the interviews. Travis and Colby ask thought-provoking questions that allow authors and illustrators to share their inspirations, challenges, and creative processes behind their works. The episodes strike a perfect balance between interviewees' time to speak and hosts' input, providing in-depth answers that give listeners a closer look inside favorite children's books. Additionally, each season brings something new and exciting to the podcast. The "Unraveled" series was exceptional as it explored different aspects of a single book from multiple perspectives.
Another great aspect of The Yarn is its accessibility for both educators and parents. As an elementary educator or parent looking to inspire a love of reading in children, The Yarn offers valuable insider information about favorite authors that can be shared with young readers. It helps create a connection between readers and creators by revealing behind-the-scenes details that enhance the reading experience.
While it's difficult to find any major flaws in The Yarn podcast, one potential downside could be its length. Some listeners may prefer longer episodes with more extensive discussions. However, considering the time constraints faced by many educators and parents, the shorter format ensures that valuable insights are delivered concisely without sacrificing quality.
In conclusion, The Yarn podcast is an absolute must-listen for anyone who loves children's literature. Travis and Colby have created a podcast that engages listeners, provides valuable insights into the world of kidlit, and celebrates the authors and illustrators who bring these stories to life. Whether you are an educator, librarian, parent, or simply a fan of children's books, The Yarn is sure to become one of your favorite podcasts.
In this episode, author Aida Salazar and illustrator Molly Mendoza take us behind the scenes of their Caldecott Honor winning book JOVITA WORE PANTS: THE STORY OF A MEXICAN FREEDOM FIGHTERThis episode is sponsored by NOSY CROW, and their innovative STORIES ALOUD program, which gives readers instant access to professionally produced and narrated versions of their books. Look for the STORIES ALOUD QR code on the back of Nosy Crow books to give it a try.Click here for an audio sample, from the book WHO ATE STEVE?
In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Pablo Cartaya takes us behind the scenes of his new middle grade novel, A HERO'S GUIDE TO SUMMER VACATION.This episode is sponsored by NOSY CROW, and their innovative STORIES ALOUD program, which gives readers instant access to professionally produced and narrated versions of their books. Look for the STORIES ALOUD QR code on the back of Nosy Crow books to give it a try.Click here for an audio sample, from the book WHO ATE STEVE?
In this episode, author Mk Smith Despres takes us behind the scenes of their poetic picture book THERE'S THAT SUN AGAIN, illustrated by Julie Benbassat.
In this special episode, Colby Sharp shares his experience of traveling to Alaska to talk about children's books.
In this episode, Travis takes us behind the scenes of his picture book JUST ONE WAVE, the summertime sequel to JUST ONE FLAKE.
In this episode, author/illustrator Jing Jing Tsong takes us behind the scenes of her graphic novel debut, FAKE CHINESE SOUNDS.
In this episode, author/illustrator Arree Chung takes us behind the scenes of his graphic novel DON'T CAUSE TROUBLE.
In this episode, artist Rebecca Lee Kunz takes us behind the scenes of her Caldecott Medal winning book, CHOOCH HELPED (written by Andrea L. Rogers
In this episode, Ruth Chan and Travis Jonker take us behind the scenes of their new picture book, CABOOSE.
In this episode, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer takes us behind the scenes of her book, TRUE GRETCH (Young Adult Edition).
In this episode, Colby and Travis look ahead to the new year in children's books.
In this special extended episode, Colby and Travis discuss the year that was in children's literature.
In this episode, comics creator Jerzy Drozd takes us behind the scenes of his graphic novel THE INSCRUTABLE DOCTOR BAER AND THE CASE OF THE TWO-FACED STATUE.
In this episode, Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith take us behind the scenes of their picture book SANTA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS.
In this episode, Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris take us behind the scenes of their bestselling graphic novel series THE FIRST CAT IN SPACE, including the latest installment, THE WRATH OF THE PAPERCLIP.
In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Gayle Forman takes us behind the scenes of her middle grade novel NOT NOTHING.
In this episode, debut author/illustrator Jess Hannigan takes us behind the scenes of her picture book SPIDER IN THE WELL.
In this episode, author/illustrator Ruth Chan takes us behind the scenes of her debut graphic novel memoir, UPROOTED.
In this episode, Travis Jonker takes us behind the scenes of THE SHIP IN THE WINDOW, illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Matthew Cordell.
In this episode, award-winning author Lisa Fipps returns to the show to take us behind the scenes of her new middle grade novel in verse, AND THEN, BOOM!
In this episode, Newbery Honor winning author Gennifer Choldenko (AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS) takes us behind the scenes of her middle grade novel THE TENTH MISTAKE OF HANK HOOPERMAN.
Part two of a special LIVE episode featuring the 2024 Newbery Honor winners: Erin Bow, M.T. Anderson, Daniel Nayeri, Pedro Martín, and Nasuġraq Rainy Hopson. Rapid-fire SPEED ROUND questions!
Part one of a special LIVE episode featuring the 2024 Newbery Honor winners: Erin Bow, M.T. Anderson, Daniel Nayeri, Pedro Martín, and Nasuġraq Rainy Hopson.
In this episode, author Dan Gutman looks back on 20 years of his popular MY WEIRD SCHOOL series.
In this episode, author Abby Cooper takes us behind the scenes of her middle grade novel TRUE COLORS.
Rapid-fire Q&A with Peter Brown, Dashka Slater, Chris Baron, and Jarrett Lerner.
In this episode, author/illustrator Supriya Kelkar takes us behind the scenes of her nonfiction picture book, AND YET YOU SHINE: THE KOHINOOR DIAMOND, COLONIZATION, AND RESISTANCE.
In this episode, author Kate Messner takes us behind the scenes of the ambitious new chapter book series she is co-writing with multiple authors, THE KIDS IN MRS. Z'S CLASS.
In this episode (recorded LIVE at BookBug in Kalamazoo, Michigan), author and children's literature advocate John Schu takes us behind the scenes of his New York Times bestselling book LOUDER THAN HUNGER.
In this episode, author Amy Noelle Parks takes us behind the scenes of her middle grade novel, AVERIL OFFLINE.
In this episode, engineer, television host, science content creator, and author Emily Calandrelli takes us behind the scenes of her new nonfiction book, Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next Level : 50 Bigger, Bolder Science Experiments to Do with the Whole Family
In this episode, comedian, actor, and author Jesús Trejo takes us behind the scenes of his debut picture book, PAPÁ'S MAGICAL WATER-JUG CLOCK.
In this episode, award-winning author Ruth Behar takes us behind the scenes of her middle grade historical fiction book, ACROSS SO MANY SEAS.
In this episode, author/illustrator Abby Hanlon takes us behind the scenes of her chapter book DORY FANTASMAGORY: CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU.
In this episode, Colby and Travis look ahead to the new year in children's books.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
In this special extended episode, Colby and Travis discuss the year that was in children's literature.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
In this episode, author Christina Wyman takes us behind the scenes of her debut middle grade novel, JAWBREAKER.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
In this episode, Pedro Martín takes us behind the scenes of his graphic novel, MEXIKIDThis episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
In this episode, creators Jessixa and Aaron Bagley take us behind the scenes of their debut graphic novel, DUEL.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
In this episode, author Dashka Slater takes us behind the scenes of her book, ACCOUNTABLE: THE TRUE STORY OF A RACIST SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT AND THE TEENAGERS WHOSE LIVES IT CHANGED.This episode is sponsored by THE JOY OF READING, written by Terri Lesesne and Donalyn Miller.
In this episode, Travis takes us behind the scenes of his author/illustrator debut, JUST ONE FLAKE.This episode is sponsored by THE JOY OF READING, written by Terri Lesesne and Donalyn Miller.
In this episode, author/illustrator Peter Brown takes us behind the scenes of his bestselling WILD ROBOT series, including the latest book, THE WILD ROBOT PROTECTS.This episode is sponsored by THE JOY OF READING, written by Terri Lesesne and Donalyn Miller.
In this episode, award-winning author/illustrator Lane Smith takes us behind the scenes of his latest book, STICKLER LOVES THE WORLD.This episode is sponsored by THE JOY OF READING, written by Terri Lesesne and Donalyn Miller.
In this episode, author Chris Baron takes us behind the scenes of his middle grade novel THE GRAY.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
In this episode, author and illustrator Jarrett Lerner takes us behind the scenes of his illustrated novel-in-verse, A WORK IN PROGRESS.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
Part two of a special LIVE episode. Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo answers speed round questions, and is joined by editor Andrea Tompa to announce a new book: FERRIS.This episode is sponsored by LEADING LITERATE LIVES: HABITS AND MINDSETS FOR REIMAGINING CLASSROOM PRACTICE, written by Stephanie Affinito. Visit Hein.pub/LeadingLiterateLives to learn more and order a copy.
Part one of a special LIVE episode. Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo talks about the 20th anniversary of THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX.This episode is sponsored by LEADING LITERATE LIVES: HABITS AND MINDSETS FOR REIMAGINING CLASSROOM PRACTICE, written by Stephanie Affinito. Visit Hein.pub/LeadingLiterateLives to learn more and order a copy.
Rapid-fire Q&A with Laurel Snyder, Lauren Castillo, Brad & Kristi Montague, and M.T. AndersonThis episode is sponsored by THE JOY OF READING, written by Terri Lesesne and Donalyn Miller.
In this episode author Aubrey Hartman takes us behind the scenes of her debut middle grade novel, THE LION OF LARK-HAYES MANOR.This episode is sponsored by THE JOY OF READING, written by Terri Lesesne and Donalyn Miller.
Our first-ever all speed round episode! Rapid-fire Q&A with Marla Frazee, Doug Salati, Dan Santat, Amina Luqman-Dawson.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
In this episode, author Laurel Snyder takes us behind the scenes of her upper middle grade novel THE WITCH OF WOODLAND.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
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