Sheila Heti and Esmé Shapiro, A GARDEN OF CREATURES
Zibby is joined by bestselling author Sheila Heti and acclaimed illustrator Esmé Shapiro to discuss A Garden of Creatures, a tender new picture book that reflects beautifully on death and what happens after it. Sheila and Esmé talk about the personal losses that brought them together and inspired this project, the artistic vision behind the color palette and illustrations, and the positive response they have received from parents. The two also share their fascinating journeys into the art world, the children’s books that changed their lives, and their best advice for aspiring authors.
Hena Khan, ZARA'S RULES FOR RECORD-BREAKING FUN
Zibby interviews award-winning children’s author Hena Khan about Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun, the first book in a humor-filled middle-grade series about neighborhood antics starring Zara, a young Muslim girl and the queen bee of it all! Hena talks about the childhood memories that inspired the story (it involves dreams of breaking a Guinness World Record and a tragic hula hoop incident) and her ultimate goal of adding diversity to children’s literature (she is Pakistani American and Muslim, and never saw herself in books growing up!). She also discusses her writing, publishing, and touring experiences (and the impacts of the pandemic and imposter syndrome on it all).
Diane Kruger, A NAME FROM THE SKY
Zibby spoke to actor Diane Kruger (star of “National Treasure!”) about her new children’s book A Name From the Sky, illustrated by Christa Unzner. (Did you know “Diane” was actually a rare name in Diane’s childhood town in Germany?) The two discussed unique names, writing — and reading — children’s books, the power of discovering your voice, and even Diane’s father’s alcoholism.
Idina Menzel & Cara Mentzel, LOUD MOUSE
Broadway and film star Idina Menzel and teacher and author Cara Mentzel join Zibby to discuss their new picture book, Loud Mouse. The three talk about the inspiration for the story, how Idina and Cara managed to reconnect during the pandemic after busy schedules kept them apart, and the best lessons the sisters have learned from one another that they want to pass down to their readers. Idina and Cara also share the premise for their next book together and their tips for reconnecting with your long-distance sisters or friends.
Dylan Dreyer, MISTY THE CLOUD: Friends Through Rain or Shine
Former CBS News correspondent and guest host Julianna Goldman interviews NBC News and Today Show meteorologist Dylan Dreyer about her Misty the Cloud picture book series. Dylan shares the original idea that inspired her to create Misty, how she incorporates real weather facts into each story, and what it is like working at the Today Show. Julianna and Dylan also talk about the importance of introducing young girls to STEM subjects and what she's been reading recently.
Kerry Docherty, SOMEWHERE, RIGHT NOW
Kerry Docherty joins Zibby to talk about her new picture book Somewhere, Right Now, which was inspired by the range of emotions we all felt during the Covid lockdown. The two discuss Kerry's background in mindfulness and how she wove her teachings into the book, as well as why she decided to shift from her own small business to help her family start Faherty Brand which is one of Zibby's favorite brands. Kerry also shares the significance of her role as Chief Impact Officer at the company and the major changes happening in her life. Shop the store here!
Michelle Figueroa, A GOOD THING HAPPENED TODAY
"It's a reference book for kids to get ideas as to how they can make the world a kinder place." Journalist Michelle Figueroa joins Zibby to discuss Good News Movement and its corresponding book, A Good Thing Happened. Michelle explains why she decided to start a news organization focused on sharing exclusively good news and the importance of packaging these stories for young kids. Send in your own good news to @GoodNews_Movement on Instagram!
Erin Napier, THE LANTERN HOUSE
Star of HGTV's Home Town Erin Napier joins Zibby and her husband Kyle to discuss her picture book, The Lantern House. Erin explains why she's not joined by her husband and co-star Ben and shares why she was set on working with her illustrator and friend, Adam Trest, on this children's book. The three also talk about the house flipping projects that get Erin the most excited, what she's currently reading, and how she and Ben found their way into house flipping in the first place. Shop Erin and Ben's brand, Laurel Mercantile Co., here!
Mike White, MELLYBEAN AND THE GIANT MONSTER
Zibby is joined by author and illustrator Mike White (along with two other special guests) to discuss his Mellybean series. Mike shares the story of how he adopted his real-life dog, Melly, and how she inspires him to be more optimistic and outgoing every day. The four also talk about the person who inspired Mike to get into illustration and storytelling, how working on the series helps him work through his mental illnesses, and where the series could go next.
Christina Geist, BUDDY'S NEW BUDDY
New York Times bestselling author Christina Geist returns to talk with Zibby about her latest picture book, Buddy's New Buddy. The two discuss the story of how Christina first began writing books for children, how long she wants to follow Buddy and Lady, and where her illustrator leaves Easter eggs for sharp-eyed readers throughout all three books. Christina also shares the two recent times she felt insecure in new situations and how they inspired her to have more compassion for young kids.
Alice Faye Duncan, OPAL LEE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE
"We have these predestined moments in life that shape us. They determine the whole trajectory of what we will achieve." Zibby is joined by lifelong librarian and children's book author Alice Faye Duncan to talk about her latest book, Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, which shares the story of the grandmother of Juneteenth. The two discuss the main lesson Alice wants to teach young readers about historic heroes who are still alive today, as well as why she has decided to leave teaching after twenty-nine years. Alice also excitedly shares which project she is working on next about a blues fable set in the Mississippi Delta and why she was exceptionally conscious about picking its illustrator.
Evangeline Lilly, THE SQUICKERWONKERS, ACT 2: THE DEMISE OF LORNA THE LAZY
Actress Evangeline Lilly returns to talk about her latest addition to the Squickerwonkers series, The Demise of Lorna the Lazy. Evangeline tells Zibby about how although she has created a series that is a dark twist on Dr. Seuss' books, she herself is not a fan of dark stories. The two also discuss their respective work ethics, why Evangeline has such difficulty writing a memoir despite having 35 years of journals, and what she believes is the most important impact storytelling can have on young children.
Jane O'Connor, GOOD JOB, GEORGE!
Zibby is joined by children's book editor and author of the Fancy Nancy series, Jane O'Connor, to talk about her latest picture book, Good Job, George! The two connect over their shared editor and discuss how Jane's granddaughter inspired her new series, why there may be a crossover between her George and Nancy stories, and the variety of projects she is working on next.
Kelly Rowland & Jessica McKay, ALWAYS WITH YOU, ALWAYS WITH ME
"Toni Morrison said if there's a book that you want to read, write it. That's exactly what has happened here." Zibby is joined by Grammy Award-winning member of Destiny's Child Kelly Rowland and educator Jessica McKay to discuss their new picture book, Always with You, Always with Me. The writing duo share how they became friends by bonding over their shared experiences as working mothers as well as how their dynamic created the basis for this story. They also talk with Zibby about leaving magic traces for their kids while they're gone, the misconceptions that come with being a mother who happens to be famous, and why they hope this book will ease some elements of mommy guilt. Check out Zibby's book recommendations for all types of moms to celebrate Mother's Day!
Aaron Blabey & Pierre Perifel, THE BAD GUYS
Zibby is joined by bestselling author Aaron Blabley and filmmaker Pierre Perifel for a special sneak peek 5-minute interview about the new The Bad Guys movie. The three chat about the small changes between the books and the movie, what it's like to direct animated characters, and what was the last thing that made them feel tail-wagging good. Kids, listen in to this one!!
Zibby Owens & Holly Hatam, PRINCESS CHARMING
Zibby is joined by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator and illustrator of their new children’s book Princess Charming, Holly Hatam to celebrate its publication day!!! Zibby tells the story of how this book came to be and Holly shares how although she always knew she wanted to be an illustrator, it wasn't until her son was born that she finally committed to making her dreams come true. The two discuss the ways in which their kids inspire their work, what Holly does to create her signature collage-style illustrations, and how they plan on celebrating the publication of Princess Charming! Buy your own copy here!
Kristin Chenoweth, WHAT WILL I DO WITH MY LOVE TODAY?
Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth joins Zibby to talk about her new picture book, What Will I Do with My Love Today?, which was inspired in part by her beloved dog, Thunder. The two discuss why Kristin decided to incorporate heavy themes like loss, adoption, and perseverance in the face of adversity, as well as how the pandemic played a role in the story. Kristin also shares her favorite passage and the responsibility artists have to put their work out into the world.
Kevin & Danielle Jonas, THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM
Kevin and Danielle Jonas join Zibby to talk about their first picture book, There's a Rock Concert in My Bedroom, which was inspired by their two daughters. The three discuss their similar dinnertime rituals, why Kevin and Danielle love working together so much, and how they approach their daughters' growing interest in music. Kevin also shares the small token he takes on stage every night to remind him of his family, and what Alena and Valentina think of their dad being a Jonas Brother.
Adam Mansbach & Camila Alves McConaughey, JUST TRY ONE BITE
Zibby is joined by the duo behind the new picture book Just Try One Bite, Adam Mansbach and Camila Alves McConaughey, to talk about their collaboration as well as their personal projects. Adam shares what it was like to write his prose poem, I Had a Brother Once, about his late brother, why it took him so long to write, and what it has been like since he completed it. Camila also discusses how and why she started Women of Today, an online community that connects women with the intention of helping everyone find exactly the support they need. The three also talk about their respective relationships with sugar and food overall, and how that inspired the messaging of this picture book.
Seth Meyers, I'M NOT SCARED, YOU'RE SCARED
Comedian and host of Late Night Seth Meyers joins Zibby to talk about his new picture book, I'm Not Scared, You're Scared. The two talk about their shared editor at Flamingo, the ways in which being a big reader and writer has helped Seth at every stage of his career —notably at Saturday Night Live— and how the pandemic has only strengthened his relationship with books. Seth also shares his wife's connection to the Holocaust and the impact it still has on their family today.