Author: Megan Ciskowski

Mami King: An Interview with Illustrator Kristin Sorra

Ma Mon Luk left China and everything he knew behind to seek his fortune in the Philippines. Desperate to earn a living—and the approval of the parents of the woman he loved—he created a chicken noddle soup he called mami—”ma” for his name and “mi” for noodles. Peddling it as a street vendor, he earned enough money to open his own restaurant and returned to China to find his true love waiting. Mami King: How Ma Mon Luk Found Love, Riches, and the Perfect Bowl of Soup by Jacqueline Chio-Lauri and illustrated by Kristin Sorra tells his story.

Today illustrator Kristin Sorra joins us to share how she created such rich art for this picture book. Read on to find some initial sketches and to download the free activity guide!

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Nature Spy Guide: An Interview with Author Shelley Rotner

With spring on the horizon, children will be exploring the outside world. Encourage close observation and foster connection with nature with Nature Spy Guide by Shelley Rotner. With simple text and photos featuring kids in nature, this book invites children to search for colors, shapes, and more in the world around them.

Today author and photographer Shelley Rotner shares what inspired her to write this book, how she incorporated all five senses, and more! Read on to download the free activity guide.

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The Color of Sound: An Interview with Author Emily Barth Isler

In The Color of Sound violin prodigy Rosie desperately wants the chance to experience a “normal” life and refuses to play her instrument for a summer. Upset, her mother sends her to her grandparents’ house where she meets another girl her age hanging out on the property. The girl is familiar, and Rosie quickly pieces it together: somehow, this girl is her mother, when her mother was twelve. Rosie begins to understand her mother, herself, and her love of music in new ways.

Today author Emily Barth Isler joins us to talk about her inspiration for this middle grade novel, her experience with synesthesia, and more! Read on to download the free discussion guide and watch the official book trailer.

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If I Were a Fungus: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Gaia Stella

Fungus is everywhere: cities, mountains, on food, and in deserts. Fungi are found around the globe, yet we know very little about them. Scientists even have a hard time defining what they are because they’re so contradictory.

If I Were a Fungus by Gaia Stella is a playful and informative introduction to the fantastic world of fungi for the youngest of readers. Today Gaia joins us to describe her fascination with fungi and how they continue to surprise her. Read on to see initial sketches and illustrations!

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