The Yarn
Travis Jonker and Colby SharpThe 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.
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 259 | Founded | 11 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsEducationBooks | |||
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Latest Episodes
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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Join thousands of children's lit supporters reading Colby's weekly dispatches... more
In this episode, bestselling author Sara Pennypacker takes us behind the scenes of her latest historical fiction novel, THE LION'S RUN.
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Join thousands of children's lit supporters reading Colby's weekly dispatches... more
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.
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 p... more
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- Thank you
As a listener from Spain, I never miss an episode of The Yarn. Travis and Colby bring such genuine love, curiosity, and care to every conversation about books, authors, and the craft of writing. The way you celebrate stories and the people who create them, makes a real difference far beyond borders. Thank you for your dedication to the children’s book community and for constantly growing my reading pile. Colby, I also love your book talk videos on YouTube; they’re such a joy to watch! How I wish... more
Apple Podcasts5pori00
Spain3 months ago - Love this podcast!
The book joy is flowing in the short and sweet episodes! Such great conversations. Thanks!
Apple Podcasts5DDebrovner
United States5 months ago - Thanks from the public library!
This podcast makes me a better children’s librarian for my public library kids. It helps me discover books I haven’t read yet, which I then read and suggest to patrons. I also recommend The Yarn to the public school teachers I work with. This improves our relationship, which is already strong thanks to our shared commitment to children and books. I consider Colby and Travis partners in my work. Thanks!
Apple Podcasts5Library MaryUnited Statesa year ago - Best kidlit podcast
The Yarn is my favorite podcast about children’s books. I learn about many new books along with books that have been out a while but slipped past me. Thank you, Travis and Colby, for all of the interviews and insights you share with listeners!
Apple Podcasts5AMO545United Statesa year ago - Best Kid Lit Podcast
I stumbled upon The Yarn podcast in December of 2020, when our library was only doing curbside service and I was terribly missing the kids and their parents and hooking them up with books. It was a “pandemic highlight” for me—I listened to Travis and Colby as they reviewed the books of that year, and practically cried tears of joy! i’ve since kept up with it, and have listened to many of the back episodes, sometimes more than once (Gary Paulsen). Travis and Coby interview authors and illustrator... more
Apple Podcasts5Losing SteadilyUnited States2 years ago
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Yarn
What is The Yarn about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show spotlights authors and illustrators who create books for young readers, offering intimate conversations about the craft of storytelling, illustration, and publishing. Episodes frequently unpack creative processes, research methods, and the collaboration between writers and artists, often weaving in themes like empathy, history, and classroom relevance. Short-form interviews and behind-the-scenes discussions make it a practical listen for educators, librarians, and book lovers seeking timely recommendations, trends in children's literature, and insights into how standout works come to life. A notable strength is the breadth of guests—from debut picture-book creators to established authors—paired with thoughtful, accessible dialogue... more
Where can I find podcast stats for The Yarn?
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How many listeners does The Yarn get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Yarn?
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How many subscribers and views does The Yarn have?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Yarn?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Yarn:
1. Letters from an American
2. Creative Pep Talk
3. Pantsuit Politics
4. All There Is with Anderson Cooper
5. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
How many episodes of The Yarn are there?
The Yarn launched 11 years ago and published 259 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Yarn?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Yarn?
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What guests have appeared on The Yarn?
Recent guests on The Yarn include:
1. Sara Pennypacker
2. Jasmine Warga
3. Betsy Bird
4. Derrick Barnes
5. Katie Kennedy
6. Zeke Peña
7. Nicholas Day
8. Barbara O'Connor
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.