• #263 Aaron Reynolds - CREEPY CARROTS and Beyond
    Jun 21 2026

    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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    37 mins
  • #262 Nancy Hudgins - BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU Unraveled
    May 31 2026

    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.

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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
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    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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    18 mins
  • #261 N. West Moss - BIRDY Unraveled
    May 24 2026

    In this episode, author N. West Moss takes us behind the scenes of her debut middle grade novel BIRDY

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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.

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    23 mins
  • #260 Philip Stead - A POTION, A POWDER, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC Unraveled
    Apr 26 2026

    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.

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    39 mins
  • #259 Dan Santat - SASHIMI Unraveled
    Apr 13 2026

    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.

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    36 mins
  • #258 Sara Pennypacker - THE LIONS' RUN Unraveled
    Mar 22 2026

    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.

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    20 mins
  • #257 Jasmine Warga - THE UNLIKELY TALE OF CHASE AND FINNEGAN Unraveled
    Mar 7 2026

    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.

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    20 mins
  • #256 THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET - A Fuse 8 n' Kate Crossover Episode!
    Feb 25 2026

    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.

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    42 mins