Author Interviews – Page 4

Dreams to Ashes: An Interview with Author Livia Blackburne and Illustrator Nicole Xu

Dreams to Ashes: The 1871 Los Angeles Chinatown Massacre is a powerful nonfiction picture book full of both heartbreak and hope. In the late 1800s LA was more small town than city, with a total population under six thousand. Newspapers routinely published anti-Chinese rhetoric, and when a conflict broke out between two mutual aid societies, a mob gathered in response. The ensuing overnight massacre left eighteen Chinese men dead as their dreams for their future turned to ashes.

New York Times bestselling author Livia Blackburne and illustrator Nicole Xu bring this essential moment in American history to picture book readers. Today both are here to share their experience crafting the story for a young audience.

Author Interviews

I’m a Dumbo Octopus: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Anne Lambelet

Jump into an underwater tour of the whole cephalopod class with Grimpy the dumbo octopus! He knows all about what makes these saltwater-dwelling, many-armed invertebrates so special. But when Grimpy gets caught up in everything his kind of octopus can’t do, the other cephalopods decide to show him why it’s great to be a dumbo.

I’m a Dumbo Octopus : A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods is filled with special cephalopod characters like cuttlefish, nautiluses, octopuses, and squids. Debut graphic novelist Anne Lambelet joins us today to share how she began her journey as an author and illustrator, why marine life fascinates her so much, and more! Keep reading for a sneak peek into the book.

Author Interviews

The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie: An Interview with Author Radhika Sanghani

What if you always had to tell the truth? Author Radhika Sanghani explores this question in the humorous and heartfelt middle grade novel The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie. Priya frequently bends the truth to keep her friends, family, and gymnastics coach happy. But when she gets her beloved late grandmother’s bangle stuck on her wrist, she finds herself incapable of telling a lie.

Today Radhika joins us to share the inspiration behind the story, her favorite characters, and more. Keep reading to find a free downloadable discussion guide!

Author Interviews

Kahoʻolawe: An Interview with Author Kamalani Hurley

In the middle of the great Pacific Ocean sits a little island. Her name is Kanaloa Kaho‘olawe. This is the smallest Hawaiian island, sacred to Native Hawaiians. Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People shares the island’s history from its formation long ago to its present-day restoration as a protected site, highlighting hope, resilience, and aloha ‘āina (deep love of the land).

Today we are joined by author Kamalani Hurley as she speaks on the inspiration for the book, surprising research, and more! Read on to find a pronunciation guide and pictures from the book launch at Native Books in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Author Interviews

And, Too, the Fox: An Interview with Illustrator Gaby D’Alessandro

Step into the whimsical and thought-provoking world of And, Too, the Fox, the stunning new poetry picture book by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón and celebrated illustrator Gaby D’Alessandro.

Known for her bold, nature-inspired artwork, Gaby D’Alessandro takes us on a visual journey that blurs the line between poetry and storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Gaby shares her creative process, the inspiration behind her collaboration, and how she brought the enigmatic fox and its poetic world to life. Whether you’re a fan of her work or new to her artistry, this conversation offers a glimpse into the making of a book that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the soul.

Author Interviews

The Doll Test: An Interview with Illustrator David Elmo Cooper

Narrated by dolls, The Doll Test: Choosing Equality is a book-length poem by acclaimed author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by David Elmo Cooper which focuses on the pivotal research of Black psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark. In the so-called “doll test,” they presented Black and white baby dolls to children and asked them questions to determine racial perception and preference. The research showed that segregation caused Black children to develop a sense of inferiority and self-hatred. Kenneth later testified before the US Supreme Court as part of Brown v. Board of Education, helping to bring an end to legal segregation.

Today illustrator David Elmo Cooper joins us to share his process for creating the art for this one-of-a-kind picture book. Read on to find a free educator guide and David’s original sketches!

Author Interviews

Here Goes Nothing: An Interview with Author Emma K. Ohland

Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is a timeless comedy and the inspiration behind Emma K. Ohland’s new YA novel Here Goes Nothing. In this hilarious coming-of-age story, eighteen-year-old Beatrice isn’t a fan of her neighbor Bennie. But when Beatrice’s sister starts dating Bennie’s friend and throws them into frequent contact, Beatrice must wrestle with complicated feelings and questions about her identity.

Today Emma K. Ohland joins us today to share why she wrote a retelling, other sources of inspiration, and more! Read on to find two free educator resources

Author Interviews

A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: An Interview with Author Rebecca E. Hirsch

For the fans of science, history, and gothic horror, A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds entertains and informs with profiles on nature’s deadliest plants. The gorgeously intricate illustrations by Eugenia Nobati set the tone for a wild journey into the fascinating histories of these plants as implements of medicine, warfare, and foul play.

Today scientist and author Rebecca E. Hirsch shares how she first became interested in Mother Nature’s ghoulish garden, how she chose the plants to include, and much more. Read on to find a free Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards-aligned educator guide to accompany the book!

Author Interviews

The Mistakes That Made Us: An Interview with Authors Charles Waters and Irene Latham

Everyone makes mistakes! The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets collects poems of various forms from twenty brave poets who share real-life blunders they made as young people…and what happened next. With gorgeous illustrations from Mercè López, each poem gives readers a look into the beautiful and sometimes painful process of growing up.

Today, authors Charles Waters and Irene Latham join us on the Lerner blog to tell readers why they chose to curate this anthology and why poetry was the best way to tell these stories. Keep reading to see a video from some of the contributors!