The Yarn
Travis Jonker and Colby Sharp
Overview
Episodes
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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.
Recent Episodes
APR 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.
38 MIN
APR 12, 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 SubstackJoin thousands of children's lit supporters reading Colby's weekly dispatches from the classroom.Subscribe to 100 Scope Notes on SubstackA 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...
35 MIN
MAR 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 SubstackJoin thousands of children's lit supporters reading Colby's weekly dispatches from the classroom.Subscribe to 100 Scope Notes on SubstackA 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...
19 MIN
MAR 7, 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.
19 MIN
FEB 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.
41 MIN
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