Author Interviews – Page 3

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.

Author Interviews

Speaking on Climate: An Interview with Author Rune Kier Nielsen

The climate crisis won’t wait—are you eager to speak up and inspire change? Speaking on Climate is a rousing guide that breaks down the common pitfalls of climate rhetoric and how you can avoid them through creating effective speeches that will motivate audiences to make meaningful change.

Today author Rune Kier Nielson joins us to share his inspirations, discuss impactful speeches, and give advice to aspiring climate activists.

Author Interviews

Sometimes the Girl: An Interview with Jennifer Mason-Black

What do relationships, art, and the truth have in common? Sometimes they are messy. Eighteen-year-old Holi learns this firsthand in Sometimes the Girl when she gets a short-term job sorting through the attic of an acclaimed elderly author. There in the attic, Holi discovers secrets that change the way she sees her own life and writing as she grapples with choices that will redefine her own path.

Today author Jennifer Mason-Black shares her story as a writer, backgrounds behind her characters, and more. Read on to download the free discussion guide!

Author Interviews

The Black Mambas: An Interview with Kelly Crull

Join a patrol in The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by Kelly Crull. This anti-poaching team is unlike any other: they carry no weapons. Instead, they keep animals safe with frequent patrols and a keen eye for footprints, snares, and other clues that poachers are nearby. These courageous women work in a nature reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park.

Author and photographer Kelly Crull traveled to South Africa to see firsthand how the Black Mambas are making a difference. Today he joins us to share some of his stories from the bush and from his own patrol with the anti-poaching unit.

Author Interviews

We Are the Scrappy Ones: An Interview with Illustrator Kirbi Fagan

We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussig is an anthem of belonging, celebrating the wide range of disabled children and affirming their worth, just as they are. Luminous illustrations by Kirbi Fagan portray a diverse cast of characters living, learning, and playing. Settle in for a warm, joy-filled book that celebrates and affirms disabled children.

Today illustrator Kirbi Fagan joins us to share how she created the art for the book, her personal journey while working on the project, and more.

Author Interviews

The Big Tournament: An Interview with Illustrator Mathilde Van Gheluwe

Embark on a thrilling, delicious journey in The Big Tournament! Magda, a twelve-year-old chef earns a place in the prestigious Intergalactic Cooking Tournament with her exceptional dishes. The stakes of this tournament are much higher than a trophy: Nectar—a world-healing substance—is on the line. But during the tournament, Magda uncovers a galaxy-spanning conspiracy, and now it’s up to her to thwart an intergalactic political plot. Can this messy yet kind-hearted young chef whip up a recipe to save the galaxy?

Today illustrator Mathilde Van Gheluwe joins us to share the origins of this uniquely inventive and exhilarating sci-fi world, the technical challenges of its creation, and more. Keep reading for an exclusive preview!

Author Interviews

The Pecan Sheller: An Interview with Author Lupe Ruiz-Flores

Set in 1930s San Antonio, The Pecan Sheller follows thirteen-year-old Petra whose aspirations are put on hold after her father’s death leaves her caring for younger siblings and supporting her struggling stepmother. Forced to leave school, Petra endures grueling conditions as she works in a pecan-shelling factory. When tragedy strikes due to the unhealthy environment and slashed wages, Petra and her coworkers go on strike—risking everything for the hope of a better future.

Today author Lupe Ruiz-Flores joins us to share what inspired this book, her personal connection to this history, and insights into her writing process and personal interests. Read on to download the free discussion guide!

Author Interviews

Sharks Unhooked: An Interview with Author Patricia Newman

Some people are scared of sharks, but not Cristina Zenato. Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger is the true story of how one woman is exploring the ocean, helping our ecosystem, and forming incredible bonds with animals beneath the rolling surf. Cheerful illustrations by Becca Hall round out this riveting picture book with a strong environmental message.

Today author Patricia Newman joins us to share how she discovered Cristina’s story, her own snorkeling experience, and more. Read on to watch the official book trailer!

Author Interviews

Design Thinking: An Interview with Author Fred Estes

Got a problem that needs solving? All you need is six steps and a little creative thinking. Design Thinking: A Guide to Innovation by Fred Estes is a examines each step—notice and reflect, empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—and provides case studies to illustrate how design thinking can create a more human-centered, equitable world.

Today author Fred Estes joins us to share why design thinking is important in the modern world, how he selected which stories and projects would appear in the book, how to use Design Thinking in the classroom, and more!