The Yarn

The Yarn

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.

Episodes

May 30, 2026 18 mins

In this episode, author Nancy Hudgins takes us behind the scenes of her nonfiction debut, BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children's Books.

Subscribe to Sharp Read on Substack
Join thousands of children's lit supporters reading Colby's weekly dispatches from the classroom.

Subscribe to 100 Scope Notes on Substack
A bi-weekly deep dive into the world o...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, author N. West Moss takes us behind the scenes of her debut middle grade novel BIRDY

Subscribe to Sharp Read on Substack
Join thousands of children's lit supporters reading Colby's weekly dispatches from the classroom.

Subscribe to 100 Scope Notes on Substack
A bi-weekly deep dive into the world of picture books, delivered to your inbox.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, author/illustrator Philip Stead takes us behind the scenes of his first middle grade novel, A POTION, A POWDER, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
April 12, 2026 35 mins

In this episode, Caldecott Medal winning author/illustrator Dan Santat takes us behind the scenes of his graphic novel series, SASHIMI.

Subscribe to Sharp Read on Substack
Join thousands of children's lit supporters reading Colby's weekly dispatches from the classroom.

Subscribe to 100 Scope Notes on Substack
A bi-weekly deep dive into the world of picture books, delivered to your inbox.

Disclaimer: This ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, bestselling author Sara Pennypacker takes us behind the scenes of her latest historical fiction novel, THE LION'S RUN.

Subscribe to Sharp Read on Substack
Join thousands of children's lit supporters reading Colby's weekly dispatches from the classroom.

Subscribe to 100 Scope Notes on Substack
A bi-weekly deep dive into the world of picture books, delivered to your inbox.

Disclaimer: ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, Newbery Honor-winning author Jasmine Warga takes us behind the scenes of her latest middle grade novel, THE UNLIKELY TALE OF CHASE AND FINNEGAN.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Welcome to a special crossover episode with Fuse 8 n' Kate! For their 400th episode, Betsy and Kate invited Colby Sharp and Travis Jonker to debate the longest Caldecott Medal book of all time: THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET. Is it a classic? Is it a picture book? The group ponders these big questions.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, Caldecott Honor winning artist Elisha Cooper takes us behind the scenes of his latest picture book, THE RARE BIRD.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
January 17, 2026 17 mins

In this episode, author Kelly Yang takes us behind the scenes of her new podcast with Kate DiCamillo: StoryKind.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
January 2, 2026 29 mins

In this episode, Colby and Travis look ahead to the new year in children's books.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this special extended episode, Colby and Travis discuss the year that was in children's literature.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, Newbery Medal winner Rebecca Stead takes us behind the scenes of her novel, THE EXPERIMENT.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this special extended episode, Betsy Bird takes us behind the scenes of her hugely influential children's literature blog, A Fuse #8 Production.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode writer, librarian, and FUSE #8 PRODUCTION blogger Betsy Bird takes us behind the scenes of her picture book POP! GOES THE NURSERY RHYME, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Derrick Barnes takes us behind the scenes of his latest middle grade novel, THE INCREDIBLY HUMAN HENSON BLAZE.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this Halloween episode, author Katie Kennedy takes us behind the scenes of her middle grade nonfiction book, DID YOU HEAR WHAT HAPPENED IN SALEM? THE WITCH TRIALS OF 1692.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 28, 2025 21 mins

In this episode, Zeke Peña takes us behind the scenes of his author/illustrator debut picture book, SUNDUST.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, award-winning author Nicholas Day takes us behind the scenes of his latest narrative nonfiction book for middle grade readers: A WORLD WITHOUT SUMMER: A VOLCANO ERUPTS, A CREATURE AWAKENS, AND THE SUN GOES OUT.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
August 31, 2025 16 mins

In this episode, author Barbara O'Connor takes us behind the scenes of her bestselling middle grade novel WISH, and upcoming companion book DREAM. 

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

We've been keeping this one under wraps for NINE years. An interview with Sophie Blackall in 2016 about her Caldecott Medal winning book, FINDING WINNIE (written by Lindsay Mattick). 

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The MeatEater Podcast

    Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella brings an in-depth and relevant look at all outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation, and wild foods. Filled with humor, irreverence, and things that will surprise the hell out of you, each episode welcomes a diverse group of guests who add their own expertise to the vast world of the outdoors. Part of The MeatEater Podcast Network.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices