Author Interviews – Page 2

Zeyna Lost and Found: An Interview with Author Shafaq Khan

Set in 1970, Zeyna Lost and Found follows twelve-year-old Zeyna, a British Pakistani girl caught between two worlds—and two continents. What begins as an awkward family trip to Pakistan quickly spirals into a high-stakes search when Zeyna’s parents mysteriously vanish, leaving only cryptic clues and whispers of a jewel heist behind. With her annoying little brother and a whip-smart cousin by her side, Zeyna embarks on a quest that’s as much about uncovering secrets as it is about discovering where she truly belongs.

In today’s blog post, we’re thrilled to welcome debut author Shafaq Khan to talk about her inspiration for the story, writing for middle grade readers, and what it means to grow up between cultures. Keep reading to download the free discussion guide.

Author Interviews

No More Gnomes: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Beth Mills

In Beth Mills’ hilarious new picture book, No More Gnomes, Herbert’s legendary manners are pushed to the brink when Ms. Goat (yes, a goat) starts filling the yard—and Herbert’s life—with an ever-growing army of rude, gnome-sized nightmares. It’s a story of politeness under pressure, lawn ornament invasion, and one boy’s noble quest to say no nicely.

Today author-illustrator Beth Mills joins us to talk about the inspiration behind the book, how she named the garden gnomes, and what illustrations she loves the most. Let’s dig in.

Author Interviews

Displaced: An Interview with Author Patrick Ochieng

Displaced is a story of everyday courage and unexpected community through the eyes of fourteen-year-old Kim. Post-election violence forces Kim and his family to flee their home in suburban Kenya. While staying in a camp for displaced persons, he struggles to adapt to his new reality. Kim gradually befriends other displaced kids, and they hatch a plan to secure a reliable water supply—along with some hope—for the camp.

Today author Patrick Ochieng joins us to talk about his experience writing this middle grade novel, his favorite lines, and stories that inspire him. Read on to download a free discussion guide and engage kids after turning the last page.

Author Interviews

Nafu Wants Food: An Interview with Author Subi Bosa

Set in a fantasy land inspired by the architecture of Burkina Faso, West Africa, Nafu Wants Food by Subi Bosa is a graphic novel perfect for developing readers. Nafu is Mongo Village’s resident monster and protector, so the villagers happily give Nafu all the food they want. But after greedily gobbling up the last of it, Nafu heads into the desert in search of new and exciting things to eat. Instead, Nafu gets lost, their limbs fall off, and they start to shrink more and more each day. Can Nafu find their way home, or will someone make a meal out of Nafu?

This fable-like story is heavily influenced by African folklore and explores generosity, selfishness, and what it means to be a protector. Author and illustrator Subi Bosa joins us today to share his love of graphic novels, his journey to becoming an illustrator, and more. Read on for an exclusive sneak peek into the story!

Author Interviews

Trumpets of Death: A Herald of Change and Growth

For many, the forest is a place of refuge. In the new graphic novel, Trumpets of Death by debut author Simon Bournel-Bosson, the rolling hills and dense trees become a place of transformation and maturity. Read on to take a sneak peek at this stunning and contemplative exploration of intergenerational conflict and humanity’s broken bond with nature.

Author Interviews

JoJo: An Interview with Author Annette M. Clayton

You asked for fun and fabulous and we’re here to deliver! Introducing the new chapter book series JoJo by Annette M. Clayton and illustrated by Carolina Vázquez. Each story follows JoJo Jupiter, who loves glitter, fashion, and the pop singer Ruby Red. And spending time with her besties is a must!

Today author Annette M. Clayton joins us on the Lerner blog to share her inspiration for the series, why she chose to write chapter books, and more!

Author Interviews

The Library in the Woods: A Picture Book’s Journey

by Carol Hinz, Associate Publisher

Although picture books are not long in terms of page count, they often take multiple years to make. Today I’d like to share a peek behind the scenes at the journey of The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and R. Gregory Christie.

Author Interviews

Dino-School: An Interview with Author Lisa Wheeler

The bell rings, the doors fly open, and in come the dinos! Diplo, Compy, the Twins and more return to the page in Dino-School by Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott. Whether they’re decorating the classroom, celebrating the 100th day of school, or racing across the schoolyard during Field Day, the dinos of Room 3 are always busy.

Today author Lisa Wheeler joins us to share her love of the Dino series, her process of writing this cheerful picture book, and her hopes for all the incoming students as they start the new year.

Author Interviews

Ivy Newt: An Interview with Derek Keilty

Meet the mind behind Ivy Newt in Miracula, a whimsical new chapter book series blending humor, adventure, and heart. Ivy Newt, a young witch, and her shape-shifting friend, Tom, find themselves caught up in perilous adventures, but they always end up making friends, helping others, and defeating bullies. The fast-paced plot gallops along with lots of twists and turns, danger, and humor.

Today, Ivy Newt creator Derek Keilty joins us to share how childhood favorites like Roald Dahl’s The Witches and JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit inspired him to create the enchanting world of Miracula. From playful character names and powerful messages of kindness to the magic of morning writing sessions (and a little dog named Duke), he opens up about his process, passions, and the joy of turning young readers into lifelong book lovers.