The Yarn

By Travis Jonker and Colby Sharp

What's The Yarn about?

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.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Yarn episodes:

04.27.2024
#211 Kate Messner - THE KIDS IN MRS. Z'S CLASS Unraveled
In this episode, author Kate Messner takes us behind the scenes of the ambitious new chapter book series she is co-writing with multiple authors, THE KIDS IN MRS. Z'S CLASS.
04.13.2024
#210 John Schu - LOUDER THAN HUNGER Unraveled LIVE!
In this episode (recorded LIVE at BookBug in Kalamazoo, Michigan), author and children's literature advocate John Schu takes us behind the scenes of his New York Times bestselling book LOUDER THAN HUNGER.
03.31.2024
#209 Amy Noelle Parks - AVERIL OFFLINE Unraveled
In this episode, author Amy Noelle Parks takes us behind the scenes of her middle grade novel, AVERIL OFFLINE.
03.13.2024
#208 Emily Calandrelli - STAY CURIOUS AND KEEP EXPLORING Unraveled
In this episode, engineer, television host, science content creator, and author Emily Calandrelli takes us behind the scenes of her new nonfiction book, Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next Level : 50 Bigger, Bolder Science Experiments to Do with the...
02.25.2024
#207 Jesús Trejo - PAPÁ'S MAGICAL WATER-JUG CLOCK Unraveled
In this episode, comedian, actor, and author Jesús Trejo takes us behind the scenes of his debut picture book, PAPÁ'S MAGICAL WATER-JUG CLOCK.
02.16.2024
#206 Ruth Behar - ACROSS SO MANY SEAS Unraveled
In this episode, award-winning author Ruth Behar takes us behind the scenes of her middle grade historical fiction book, ACROSS SO MANY SEAS.
01.28.2024
#205 Abby Hanlon - DORY FANTASMAGORY: CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU Unraveled
In this episode, author/illustrator Abby Hanlon takes us behind the scenes of her chapter book DORY FANTASMAGORY: CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU.
01.13.2024
#204 Colby & Travis - 2024 Preview
In this episode, Colby and Travis look ahead to the new year in children's books.
12.22.2023
#203 Colby & Travis - 2023 Children's Literature Year in Review
In this special extended episode, Colby and Travis discuss the year that was in children's literature.
12.08.2023
#202 Christina Wyman - JAWBREAKER Unraveled
In this episode, author Christina Wyman takes us behind the scenes of her debut middle grade novel, JAWBREAKER.
11.28.2023
#201 Pedro Martín - MEXIKID Unraveled
In this episode, Pedro Martín takes us behind the scenes of his graphic novel, MEXIKID
11.16.2023
#200 Jessixa & Aaron Bagley - DUEL Unraveled
In this episode, creators Jessixa and Aaron Bagley take us behind the scenes of their debut graphic novel, DUEL.
10.29.2023
#199 Dashka Slater - ACCOUNTABLE Unraveled
In this episode, author Dashka Slater takes us behind the scenes of her book, ACCOUNTABLE: THE TRUE STORY OF A RACIST SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT AND THE TEENAGERS WHOSE LIVES IT CHANGED.
10.08.2023
#198 Travis Jonker - JUST ONE FLAKE Unraveled
In this episode, Travis takes us behind the scenes of his author/illustrator debut, JUST ONE FLAKE.
09.23.2023
#197 Peter Brown - THE WILD ROBOT PROTECTS Unraveled
In this episode, author/illustrator Peter Brown takes us behind the scenes of his bestselling WILD ROBOT series, including the latest book, THE WILD ROBOT PROTECTS.
09.09.2023
#196 Lane Smith - STICKLER LOVES THE WORLD Unraveled
In this episode, award-winning author/illustrator Lane Smith takes us behind the scenes of his latest book, STICKLER LOVES THE WORLD.
08.18.2023
#195 Chris Baron - THE GRAY Unraveled
In this episode, author Chris Baron takes us behind the scenes of his middle grade novel THE GRAY.
08.04.2023
#194 Jarrett Lerner - A WORK IN PROGRESS Unraveled
In this episode, author and illustrator Jarrett Lerner takes us behind the scenes of his illustrated novel-in-verse, A WORK IN PROGRESS.
07.20.2023
#193 Kate DiCamillo - THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX (Pt. 2)
Part two of a special LIVE episode. Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo answers speed round questions, and is joined by editor Andrea Tompa to announce a new book: FERRIS.
07.02.2023
#192 Kate DiCamillo - THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX (Pt. 1)
Part one of a special LIVE episode. Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo talks about the 20th anniversary of THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX.
06.26.2023
#191 SPEED ROUND! Laurel Snyder, Lauren Castillo, Brad & Kristi Montague, M.T. Anderson
Rapid-fire Q&A; with Laurel Snyder, Lauren Castillo, Brad & Kristi Montague, and M.T. Anderson
06.12.2023
#190 Aubrey Hartman - THE LION OF LARK-HAYES MANOR Unraveled
In this episode author Aubrey Hartman takes us behind the scenes of her debut middle grade novel, THE LION OF LARK-HAYES MANOR.
05.28.2023
#189 SPEED ROUND! Marla Frazee, Doug Salati, Dan Santat, Amina Luqman-Dawson
Our first-ever all speed round episode! Rapid-fire Q&A; with Marla Frazee, Doug Salati, Dan Santat, Amina Luqman-Dawson.
05.14.2023
#188 Laurel Snyder - THE WITCH OF WOODLAND Unraveled
In this episode, author Laurel Snyder takes us behind the scenes of her upper middle grade novel THE WITCH OF WOODLAND.
04.30.2023
#187 Jon Agee - MY DAD IS A TREE Unraveled
In this episode, author/illustrator Jon Agee takes us behind the scenes of his latest picture book, MY DAD IS A TREE.
04.16.2023
#186 Brad & Kristi Montague - THE FANTASTIC BUREAU OF IMAGINATION Unraveled
In this episode, husband and wife collaborators Brad & Kristi Montague take us behind the scenes of their picture book, THE FANTASTIC BUREAU OF IMAGINATION. This episode is sponsored by Candlewick Press, and the picture book THIS IS A STORY, written...
04.15.2023
#186 Brad & Kristi Montague - THE FANTASTIC BUREAU OF IMAGINATION Unraveled
In this episode, husband and wife collaborators Brad & Kristi Montague take us behind the scenes of their picture book, THE FANTASTIC BUREAU OF IMAGINATION. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, THE LITERACY STUDIO, written by...
03.26.2023
#185 Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey - LINK & HUD Unraveled
In this episode, children's literature collaborators (and brothers) Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey take us behind the scenes of their books THE OLD TRUCK and LINK & HUD: HEROES BY A HAIR.
03.12.2023
#184 Amina Luqman-Dawson - FREEWATER Unraveled
In this episode, 2023 Newbery Medalist Amina Luqman-Dawson takes us behind the scenes of her middle grade novel, FREEWATER.
02.25.2023
#183 Dan Santat - A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING Unraveled
In this episode, Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat takes us behind the scenes of his graphic novel memoir, A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING.
02.12.2023
#182 Doug Salati - HOT DOG Unraveled
In this episode, author and illustrator Doug Salati takes us behind the scenes of his 2023 Caldecott Medal-winning book, HOT DOG.
01.29.2023
#181 Marla Frazee - IN EVERY LIFE Unraveled
In this episode, author and illustrator Marla Frazee takes us behind the scenes of her latest picture book, IN EVERY LIFE - a book that was 25 years in the making.
01.18.2023
#180 Colby & Travis - 2023 Preview
In this episode, Colby and Travis look ahead to the new year in children's books.
12.29.2022
#179 Colby & Travis - 2022 Children's Literature Year in Review
In this special extended episode, Colby and Travis discuss the year that was in children's literature.
12.19.2022
#178 Michaela Goade - BERRY SONG (+ WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS) Unraveled
In this episode, picture book maker Michaela Goade takes us behind the scenes of her author/illustrator debut, BERRY SONG, and talks about her experience winning the 2021 Caldecott Medal for WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS (written by Carole Lindstrom).
11.30.2022
#177 Donalyn Miller - Making a Reading Plan
Colby Sharp and Donalyn Miller (co-authors of THE COMMONSENSE GUIDE TO YOUR CLASSROOM LIBRARY) discuss reading plans and how they can encourage students become more independent readers.
11.23.2022
#176 Kyle Lukoff - TOO BRIGHT TO SEE Unraveled
In this episode, author Kyle Lukoff takes us behind the scenes of his Newbery Honor winning middle grade novel, TOO BRIGHT TO SEE.
10.30.2022
#175 R.L. Stine (Pt. II) STINETINGLERS Unraveled
In this episode, legendary horror writer R.L. Stine talks about his life and career. Stine also takes us behind the scenes of his latest short story series, STINETINGLERS. This is part two of a two-part episode.
10.09.2022
#174 R.L. Stine (Pt. I) STINETINGLERS Unraveled
In this episode, legendary horror writer R.L. Stine talks about his life and career. Stine also takes us behind the scenes of his latest short story series, STINETINGLERS. This is part one of a two-part episode.
09.26.2022
#173 Derrick Barnes - VICTORY. STAND! Unraveled
In this episode, author Derrick Barnes takes us behind the scenes of the graphic novel VICTORY. STAND!, which tells the story of American runner Tommie Smith and his fight for civil rights.
09.11.2022
#172 Katherine Applegate - ODDER Unraveled
In this episode, Newbery Medal-winning author Katherine Applegate takes us behind the scenes of her latest book, ODDER.
08.20.2022
#171 Amy Sarig King - ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES Unraveled
In this episode, author Amy Sarig (A.S.) King takes us behind the scenes of her latest book, ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES.
08.11.2022
#170 Meg Medina & Christina Soontornvat - What's New, Newbery Authors? (Pt. 2)
Part two of a special LIVE episode. Meg Medina (2019 Newbery Medalist) and Christina Soontornvat (2021 Newbery Honoree x2) talk about their writing process and answer speed round questions.
07.31.2022
#169 Meg Medina & Christina Soontornvat - What's New, Newbery Authors? (Pt. 1)
Part one of a special LIVE episode. Meg Medina (2019 Newbery Medalist) and Christina Soontornvat (2021 Newbery Honoree x2) talk about their Newbery experiences and their new books.
07.18.2022
#168 Sophie Blackall - FARMHOUSE Unraveled
In this episode, two-time Caldecott Medal winning author/illustrator Sophie Blackall takes us behind the scenes of her latest picture book, FARMHOUSE.
06.23.2022
#167 Bob Shea & Brian Won - ADURABLE Unraveled
In this episode book creators Bob Shea and Brian Won take us behind the scenes of their new board book series ADURABLE.
06.10.2022
#166 Donalyn Miller - THE JOY OF READING Unraveled
In this episode, Colby talks with writer, speaker, Nerdy Book Club co-founder, Book Whisperer, and former teacher Donalyn Miller about her book THE JOY OF READING, co-written with the late Teri Lesesne.
05.30.2022
#165 Ben Zhu - DESSERT ISLAND Unraveled (+ Gallery Nucleus)
In this episode, author/illustrator Ben Zhu takes us behind the scenes of his picture book debut, DESSERT ISLAND. Ben also talks about the creation of Gallery Nucleus.
05.22.2022
#164 Rebekah Lowell - THE ROAD TO AFTER Unraveled
In this episode, author/illustrator Rebekah Lowell takes us behind the scenes of her novel-in-verse, THE ROAD TO AFTER.
05.02.2022
#163 Grant Snider - ONE BOY WATCHING Unraveled
In this episode, author/illustrator/cartoonist Grant Snider takes us behind the scenes of his picture book, ONE BOY WATCHING. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book Read the World: Rethinking Literacy for Empathy and Action in a Digital Age...

What's The Yarn about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Yarn episodes:

#211 Kate Messner - THE KIDS IN MRS. Z'S CLASS Unraveled

#210 John Schu - LOUDER THAN HUNGER Unraveled LIVE!

#209 Amy Noelle Parks - AVERIL OFFLINE Unraveled

#208 Emily Calandrelli - STAY CURIOUS AND KEEP EXPLORING Unraveled

#207 Jesús Trejo - PAPÁ'S MAGICAL WATER-JUG CLOCK Unraveled

#206 Ruth Behar - ACROSS SO MANY SEAS Unraveled

#205 Abby Hanlon - DORY FANTASMAGORY: CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU Unraveled

#204 Colby & Travis - 2024 Preview

#203 Colby & Travis - 2023 Children's Literature Year in Review

#202 Christina Wyman - JAWBREAKER Unraveled

#201 Pedro Martín - MEXIKID Unraveled

#200 Jessixa & Aaron Bagley - DUEL Unraveled

#199 Dashka Slater - ACCOUNTABLE Unraveled

#198 Travis Jonker - JUST ONE FLAKE Unraveled

#197 Peter Brown - THE WILD ROBOT PROTECTS Unraveled

#196 Lane Smith - STICKLER LOVES THE WORLD Unraveled

#195 Chris Baron - THE GRAY Unraveled

#194 Jarrett Lerner - A WORK IN PROGRESS Unraveled

#193 Kate DiCamillo - THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX (Pt. 2)

#192 Kate DiCamillo - THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX (Pt. 1)

#191 SPEED ROUND! Laurel Snyder, Lauren Castillo, Brad & Kristi Montague, M.T. Anderson

#190 Aubrey Hartman - THE LION OF LARK-HAYES MANOR Unraveled

#189 SPEED ROUND! Marla Frazee, Doug Salati, Dan Santat, Amina Luqman-Dawson

#188 Laurel Snyder - THE WITCH OF WOODLAND Unraveled

#187 Jon Agee - MY DAD IS A TREE Unraveled

#186 Brad & Kristi Montague - THE FANTASTIC BUREAU OF IMAGINATION Unraveled

#186 Brad & Kristi Montague - THE FANTASTIC BUREAU OF IMAGINATION Unraveled

#185 Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey - LINK & HUD Unraveled

#184 Amina Luqman-Dawson - FREEWATER Unraveled

#183 Dan Santat - A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING Unraveled

#182 Doug Salati - HOT DOG Unraveled

#181 Marla Frazee - IN EVERY LIFE Unraveled

#180 Colby & Travis - 2023 Preview

#179 Colby & Travis - 2022 Children's Literature Year in Review

#178 Michaela Goade - BERRY SONG (+ WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS) Unraveled

#177 Donalyn Miller - Making a Reading Plan

#176 Kyle Lukoff - TOO BRIGHT TO SEE Unraveled

#175 R.L. Stine (Pt. II) STINETINGLERS Unraveled

#174 R.L. Stine (Pt. I) STINETINGLERS Unraveled

#173 Derrick Barnes - VICTORY. STAND! Unraveled

#172 Katherine Applegate - ODDER Unraveled

#171 Amy Sarig King - ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES Unraveled

#170 Meg Medina & Christina Soontornvat - What's New, Newbery Authors? (Pt. 2)

#169 Meg Medina & Christina Soontornvat - What's New, Newbery Authors? (Pt. 1)

#168 Sophie Blackall - FARMHOUSE Unraveled

#167 Bob Shea & Brian Won - ADURABLE Unraveled

#166 Donalyn Miller - THE JOY OF READING Unraveled

#165 Ben Zhu - DESSERT ISLAND Unraveled (+ Gallery Nucleus)

#164 Rebekah Lowell - THE ROAD TO AFTER Unraveled

#163 Grant Snider - ONE BOY WATCHING Unraveled

Other shows like The Yarn: