Picture•book•ing - interviews with authors and illustrators
240 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 73 ratingsLearn 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.
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Episodes
The end
November 15, 2023 21:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBWelcome 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!
NoNieqa Ramos – Best Believe
October 25, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBAuthor 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 host for this episode is Nadia Salomon. https://picturebooking.com/nonieqa-ramos-best-believe https://bookshop.org/a/14436/9781728460444 https://www.nonieqaramos.com/ https://www.nadiasalomon.com...
Lane Smith – Stickler Loves the World
October 18, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBAward-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 https://bookshop.org/a/14436/9780593649831 https://www.lanesmithbooks.com/
Vashti Harrison – Big
October 11, 2023 08:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBAuthor-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 https://bookshop.org/a/14436/9780316353229 https://www.vashtiharrison.com/ https://www.shawnajctenney.com/
Bob Shea – Chez Bob
October 04, 2023 08:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBAuthor-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 https://www.bobshea.com/ https://www.shawnajctenney.com/
Minh Lê – Real to Me
September 27, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBAcclaimed 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, illustrated by Chan Chau. Your host for this episode is Nadia Salomon. https://picturebooking.com/minh-le-real-to-me https://bookshop.org/a/14436/9780593377499 http://minhlebooks.com/ https://www.nadia...
Leah Hayes – I Touched the Sun
September 20, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBAuthor-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/
Kari Lavelle – Butt or Face
September 13, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBAuthor 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. https://picturebooking.com/kari-lavelle-butt-or-face https://bookshop.org/a/14436/9781728271170 https://www.karilavelle.com/ https://www.nadiasalomon.com/
Picture•book•ing - A new start
September 06, 2023 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBAfter 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.
Ed Vere – The Artist
May 31, 2023 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBFeatures 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: https://www.shawnajctenney.com/
Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki – Seen and Unseen
May 24, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 40.9 MBHost 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.”
Becky Scharnhorst – How to Get Your Octopus to School
May 17, 2023 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBHost 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 octopus's real-life characteristics to develop her character. Plus, they discuss pursuing dreams and goals while dealing with anxiety. And why you should open that drawer of old manuscripts every once i...
Pete Oswald – The Noise Inside Boys
May 10, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 27.2 MBHost 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 he found inspiration for this book from Mr. Rodgers and why watercolors were the perfect medium to tell a story about emotions.
Meera Sriram – Garden In My Hands
May 03, 2023 08:00 - 59 minutes - 47.4 MBHost 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 to write for a picture book audience and how she believes she is a better writer when she doesn't write every day.
Lauren Castillo – This is a Story
April 26, 2023 08:00 - 47 minutes - 37.7 MBHost 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 to the library and a librarian's ability to connect readers with books they'll love.
Carole Boston Weatherford – You Are My Pride
April 19, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 25.2 MBHost 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 perspective, the stunning illustrations E.B. Lewis created, and how teaching has impacted Carole's writing.
Jan Lower – The Brilliant Calculator
April 12, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 40.1 MBHost 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 Publishing House is today’s episode sponsor.
Nadia Fisher – Illustrating Daddy
April 05, 2023 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBHost 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.
Norene Paulson – Nila's Perfect Coat
March 29, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBIn 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 Perfect Coat,” Norene tells the story of a young girl who learns an important lesson about the difference between wanting and needing. The book aims to normalize thrift store shopping for children who m...
Baptiste Paul – Climb On!
March 22, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 33.9 MBIn 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 encourages readers to explore and appreciate the natural world around them. In this interview, Baptiste shares how he pursued his passion for writing despite challenges and offers advice to aspiring ...
Jacob Grant – No Fair
March 15, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBHost 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 joys of transitioning from a love of picture books pre-kids to experiencing them with your children.
Chris Barton – Moving Forward
March 08, 2023 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBHost 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 want. So it's essential to take the long view of the work we need to do to be the society we deserve. Plus, why you need to understand your subject deeply to explain it simply.
Jane Smith – Naked Butt
March 01, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 6.11 MBHost 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 copy of Jane's new book, "Naked Butt Busts Out," by subscribing to the picturebooking newsletter at picturebooking.com/listen. Today's show is sponsored by our picturebooking partner, Jane Smith.
Maya Fidawi - Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar
February 22, 2023 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBHost 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 same symbol can bring us together. Plus, the importance of making something beautiful in the middle of challenging circumstances.
Stuart Hausmann – Linus
February 15, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBHost 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 how do you balance a creative life with your day job?
Doug Salati – Caldecott Medal for Hot Dog
February 08, 2023 09:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBHost 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 color and the use of wordless spreads helped tell this award-winning story.
Angela Dalton – To Boldly Go
February 01, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBHost 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 a frank conversation about what it means to launch your Harper Collins published book during the Union Workers' strike.
Jeanne Willis – Hom
January 25, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 29.9 MBHost 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 time? Maybe they became a writer? And speaking of writers, do you know why working as a copywriter is excellent training for picture book writing?
Ratha Tep - World's Greatest
January 11, 2023 09:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBHost 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 to listen to the world's greatest picturebooking podcast episode ever!
Charise Mericle Harper – I Cannot Draw A Horse
December 28, 2022 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBHost 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 you can't. Then, you'll learn why taking away your options can open up your creativity.
Kailei Pew – I See Color
December 14, 2022 09:00 - 45 minutes - 32 MBHost 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.
Shauntay Grant – My Fade Is Fresh
November 30, 2022 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.33 MBA quick introduction to Shauntay Grant's picture book My Fade Is Fresh, illustrated by Kitt Thomas.
Brian Biggs – I Can't Draw
November 16, 2022 09:00 - 43 minutes - 30.5 MBHost 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 about how Brian created a book with four different illustration styles and made it all work together.
Paddy Donnelly – Dodos Art Not Extinct
November 02, 2022 08:00 - 3 minutes - 2.19 MBA quick introduction to Paddy Donnelly's picture book Dodos Are Not Extinct!
Kelly Starling Lyons – My Hands Tell A Story
October 19, 2022 05:21 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBHost 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 writing across genres. Plus, a quick yet essential lesson on how to read picture books.
Ana Aranda – Our Day of the Dead Celebration
October 05, 2022 08:00 - 36 minutes - 51.2 MBHost 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 the smells of making traditional illustrations. Wait, you add food to what? And why?
Malcolm Mitchell – To Succeed, You Must Read
September 21, 2022 08:00 - 55 minutes - 25.6 MBHost 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 about how we teach our kids and the resources we provide schools.
Stacy McAnulty – Blood! Not Just a Vampire Drink
September 07, 2022 08:00 - 46 minutes - 19.1 MBHost 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 a chat between the author and the illustrator! They talk about the vital ingredient needed for a young reader to pick up any book, fiction or non-fiction. And what the correct ratio is between fa...
Kristin Wauson – Mr. Thatcher's House
August 24, 2022 08:00 - 36 minutes - 17.9 MBHost 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 make your digital drawing look traditional. Is the solution next to your sketchbook? Finally, we'll examine some fears and hopes of a first-time author-illustrator.
Janet Sumner Johnson – Braver than Brave
August 10, 2022 08:00 - 39 minutes - 16.3 MBHost 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 main difference between a successful writer and one who is not. No "chicken exit" for this episode! Enjoy.
Blythe Russo – Sloth Sleeps Over
July 27, 2022 08:00 - 48 minutes - 20.1 MBHost 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 talk about leaving space in their writing for the illustrations, today book was created by doing the opposite. And then what does it mean to have a tight, polished dummy book? We'll give you the...
Rebecca Gardyn Levington – Brainstorm!
July 13, 2022 08:00 - 52 minutes - 24.4 MBNick 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 start your creative project for yourself but finish for an audience. And then we ask, what's a word bank, and how can you use it when creating your stories? Also, what should you be doing before bed to...
Troy Wilson – Hat Cat
June 29, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 25.4 MBHost 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 their world shifted, and yet nothing in the world changed. This episode is ad-free and uncut. Thank you to the members of the Picturebooking Club on Patreon.
Jyoti Rajan Gopal – American Desi
June 15, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 26.9 MBHost 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!
Julio Torres – I Want To Be A Vase
June 01, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 12.6 MBAuthor, 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 the masterminds behind Los Espookys, HBO’s Spanish-language comedy about a group of horror enthusiasts.
Zibby Owens and Holly Hatam – Princess Charming
May 18, 2022 08:00 - 31 minutes - 13.7 MBAward-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.
Mac Barnett – The Great Zapfino
May 04, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 23.4 MBNew 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.
Van G. Garrett – Kicks
April 20, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 22.4 MBGuest 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!
Chelsea Lin Wallace – A Home Named Walter
April 06, 2022 08:00 - 53 minutes - 21.7 MBGuest host Nadia Salomon chats with debut author Chelsea Lin Wallace about the picture book, A Home Named Walter, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu. Walter has to heal his broken heart when the family he loves moves away. This inspiring talk will give you a new perspective on your creative life. Wallace explains why creatives can't and shouldn't try to climb a ladder towards success.
Julie Hedlund – Over, Bear! Under, Where?
March 23, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 47.8 MBGuest host Nadia Salomon chats with award-winning author Julie Hedlund about the picture book, Over, Bear! Under, Where?, illustrated by Michael Slack. Over, Bear! Under, Where? is filled with humor, friendship, and punny wordplay. Hedlund is the founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge and brings her insight into the craft of writing to this episode. Enjoy!