The Yarn
Travis Jonker and Colby Sharp
The Yarn takes listeners behind the scenes of children's literature. Each episode features an author or illustrator talking about how they create books for young readers.
- 35 minutes 43 seconds#259 Dan Santat - SASHIMI Unraveled
In this episode, Caldecott Medal winning author/illustrator Dan Santat takes us behind the scenes of his graphic novel series, SASHIMI.
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A bi-weekly deep dive into the world of picture books, delivered to your inbox.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.13 April 2026, 12:00 am - 19 minutes 31 seconds#258 Sara Pennypacker - THE LIONS' RUN Unraveled
In this episode, bestselling author Sara Pennypacker takes us behind the scenes of her latest historical fiction novel, THE LION'S RUN.
Subscribe to Sharp Read on Substack
Join thousands of children's lit supporters reading Colby's weekly dispatches from the classroom.
Subscribe to 100 Scope Notes on Substack
A bi-weekly deep dive into the world of picture books, delivered to your inbox.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.22 March 2026, 7:00 pm - 19 minutes 31 seconds#257 Jasmine Warga - THE UNLIKELY TALE OF CHASE AND FINNEGAN Unraveled
In this episode, Newbery Honor-winning author Jasmine Warga takes us behind the scenes of her latest middle grade novel, THE UNLIKELY TALE OF CHASE AND FINNEGAN.
7 March 2026, 7:00 pm - 41 minutes 46 seconds#256 THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET - A Fuse 8 n' Kate Crossover Episode!
Welcome to a special crossover episode with Fuse 8 n' Kate! For their 400th episode, Betsy and Kate invited Colby Sharp and Travis Jonker to debate the longest Caldecott Medal book of all time: THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET. Is it a classic? Is it a picture book? The group ponders these big questions.
25 February 2026, 5:00 pm - 27 minutes 37 seconds#255 Elisha Cooper - THE RARE BIRD Unraveled
In this episode, Caldecott Honor winning artist Elisha Cooper takes us behind the scenes of his latest picture book, THE RARE BIRD.
7 February 2026, 5:00 am - 17 minutes 38 seconds#254 Kelly Yang - StoryKind
In this episode, author Kelly Yang takes us behind the scenes of her new podcast with Kate DiCamillo: StoryKind.
17 January 2026, 10:00 pm - 29 minutes 10 seconds#253 Colby & Travis - 2026 Preview
In this episode, Colby and Travis look ahead to the new year in children's books.
2 January 2026, 10:00 pm - 1 hour 1 minute#252 Colby & Travis - 2025 Children's Literature Year in Review
In this special extended episode, Colby and Travis discuss the year that was in children's literature.
23 December 2025, 8:00 pm - 24 minutes 19 seconds#251 Rebecca Stead - THE EXPERIMENT Unraveled
In this episode, Newbery Medal winner Rebecca Stead takes us behind the scenes of her novel, THE EXPERIMENT.
7 December 2025, 5:00 pm - 42 minutes 10 seconds#250 Betsy Bird - A FUSE #8 PRODUCTION Unraveled
In this special extended episode, Betsy Bird takes us behind the scenes of her hugely influential children's literature blog, A Fuse #8 Production.
22 November 2025, 9:00 pm - 11 minutes 56 seconds#249 Betsy Bird - POP! GOES THE NURSERY RHYME Unraveled
In this episode writer, librarian, and FUSE #8 PRODUCTION blogger Betsy Bird takes us behind the scenes of her picture book POP! GOES THE NURSERY RHYME, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi.
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