The Yarn

By 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.... more

4.8

121121 ratings

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FAQs about The Yarn:

How many episodes does The Yarn have?

The podcast currently has 264 episodes available.

The Yarn episodes:

June 21, 2026 #263 Aaron Reynolds - CREEPY CARROTS and Beyond
In this episode, author Aaron Reynolds takes us behind the scenes of the bestselling Jasper Rabbit universe - from Caldecott Honor winner CREEPY CARROTS and picture book follow-ups, to the new Creepy Tales chapter book series. Aaron talks about his inspiration for the series, and how illustrator Peter Brown brought it all to life.
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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.

...more
38min
May 31, 2026 #262 Nancy Hudgins - BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU Unraveled
In this episode, author Nancy Hudgins takes us behind the scenes of her nonfiction debut, BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children's Books.
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.

...more
19min
May 24, 2026 #261 N. West Moss - BIRDY Unraveled
In this episode, author N. West Moss takes us behind the scenes of her debut middle grade novel BIRDY
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.

...more
24min
April 26, 2026 #260 Philip Stead - A POTION, A POWDER, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC Unraveled
In this episode, author/illustrator Philip Stead takes us behind the scenes of his first middle grade novel, A POTION, A POWDER, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC.
...more
39min
April 13, 2026 #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.
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.

...more
36min
March 22, 2026 #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.

...more
20min
March 07, 2026 #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.
...more
20min
February 25, 2026 #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.
...more
42min
February 07, 2026 #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.
...more
28min
January 17, 2026 #254 Kelly Yang - StoryKind
In this episode, author Kelly Yang takes us behind the scenes of her new podcast with Kate DiCamillo: StoryKind.
...more
18min

FAQs about The Yarn:

How many episodes does The Yarn have?

The podcast currently has 264 episodes available.

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