Author Interviews – Page 5

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!

Author Interviews

The Red Car to Hollywood: An Interview with Author Jennie Liu

Step into the vibrant, drama-filled era of early Hollywood in The Red Car to Hollywood, where 16-year-old Ruby Chan is in a tough spot following the revelation of her secret relationship with a white boy to her traditional Chinese parents. Her parents hire a matchmaker in an effort to protect their reputation, but Ruby is determined to thwart their plans. She befriends 19-year-old film star Anna May Wong, who defies Chinese conventions and challenges stereotypes. Inspired by Anna May, Ruby seeks to forge her own path amidst danger and betrayal while discovering how others perceive her and how she sees herself.

Today author Jennie Liu joins us to delve into the inspirations behind the book, spotlight her main characters, and explore the challenges of writing and research during the pandemic. Keep reading to download the free discussion guide!

Author Interviews

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.