The Yarn

106
Books #200

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.

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Recent Reviews
  • Library Mary
    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!
  • AMO545
    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!
  • Losing Steadily
    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 illustrators with great honesty and warmth. I feel like I’m sitting in a comfortable room and listening to the best stories of people’s lives. And yes, Travis and Colby, I will always listen to your end of the year review from the start all the way to the finish!
  • LizSweetwater
    Wow! If you love to read this will make a smile tickle your face
    I really enjoyed listening to Gary Paulsen who died two years ago. He has he had a huge heart. I’m 67 now and for 20 years or more I’ve been reading children’s and why a fiction and nonfiction as well as written for adults. When people say they don’t read kids books I say … no Mark Twain? I really like Patterson and Applegate and so many of these writers thank you for doing the show! I really like the elephants too. Liz
  • Kristina Lucia
    An amazing podcast
    This podcast is such a delight to listen too! The conversations are really amazing. It is a real treat to hear directly from the authors and illustrators how their book first came to life!
  • Sara P Hudson
    My favorite podcast
    I love listening to Colby and Travis discuss books and conduct interviews. I always learn something and always find books for my TBR pile.
  • mia ann manor
    Mr sharp
    I love how after interviews people then comes to class then tells us what they talked about how it went.
  • Bossofthebulls
    One of my favorite podcasts
    Colby and Travis are the best at what they do.
  • Carter Arbuckle
    A must listen to for KidLit readers
    As a teacher-librarian The Yarn deepens my love for kidlit. I feel like I learn so much more about the books themselves, their authors and illustrators. Listen to this podcast - @StacyFord77
  • 2WOOOF
    Love listening
    If you love children’s books you need to listen to The Yarn. The interviews are so insightful. I listen and share with the readers in my school. @flicsummit
  • Co, Mo Teacher
    Great Listen for Teachers AND Students!
    I have been listening to the is podcast since it has started. I love that they are quick, informative, and insightful. I am in a 1-1 classroom so I have shared some of the episodes with students. They love learning more about their favorite authors. Introduces me to new authors and celebrates those favorites that we love! @thelensthinkers
  • @TealLibrarian
    Wonderful way to review on the go
    I love The Yarn. As a teacher-librarian-mama it’s a great way for me to keep up with what’s good in the world of children’s books while getting (m)other things done! Thank you for your wonderful work! @teallibrarian
  • Teacher Webb
    A great podcast for educators, authors, illustrators and book lovers
    The Yarn makes my drive to work much more fun. I love listening to Travis and Colby interview guests and hear from creators about their latest projects. The unraveled series was exceptional and I can’t wait to see what they bring next! @Teacher_AWebb
  • Brutalisis
    Just the best, that's all!
    I love kidlit podcasts in general but I love The Yarn the most so far. I find the ratio of interviewee to Travis/Colby time just right. Great questions and then plenty of time for in depth answers.
  • TamaraJai
    The Inside Scoop
    As an elementary educator, inspiring a love of reading is at the core of my mission. Among the tried-and-true strategies I use to grow passionate readers and writers, providing kids with the inside scoop about their favorite authors is one of the most effective. I couldn't do that without Travis & Colby’s podcast, The Yarn. They always have exactly the right interview with the hottest middle grade and picture book authors. Thanks, guys! @msjaimes
  • JLHM
    Perfect for the classroom
    Yarn is amazing for the classroom. As an English teacher and a book lover I have listened to Yarn in the car with my children and in the classroom with my students. Can't wait to see what new episodes come out! @TeacherLady702
  • almemoore
    Love kidlit? This is a must listen podcast!
    School librarian Travis Jonker and 5th grade teacher Colby Sharp have created one of the best kidlit podcasts I’ve ever listened to! The episodes are short but meaningful, funny & serious, and gives the listener a closer look inside of favorite children’s books. They unravel the ‘Who what, where, when, whys, and how’ and these podcasts are perfect for sharing with you favorite young readers! - Angie Moore, K4 school librarian Find me on Twitter! @almemoore
  • K4renS
    My Must Read List Keep Growing
    With so many children and YA books available there is no way I can keep up with them all, especially ones that I need for my elementary library. Enter "The Yarn"! I've come to rely on Travis and Colby's author talks and perspectives that are short and too the point. Well worth your time investment and don't be surprised if your "to read" list doesn't grow too!--@K4ren_Stein
  • Anitra Rowe Schulte
    Great book stories in nice short format
    Podcasts can be such a big time investment. I love The Yarn because they get right down to it. Colby and Travis intro the guests and then let them do what they do best: Tell stories. It's wonderful to get such authentic pieces in under 30 minutes. @anitraschulte (Twitter)
  • AllisonRenner
    Love this!
    I just discovered the Yarn and downloaded all I could. Short, inspirational podcasts are so easy to listen to. I love getting book recommendations, or hearing more about some of my favorites! Such an engaging listening with my kids or students, too! @HIFABooks
  • @shender503
    A Gift For Teachers
    This podcast is like Christmas for this middle grade/YA book-loving 5th gr. teacher! I enjoy learning more about the world of kid lit and having fun tidbits to share with my students. I have learned that authors are very kind, generous people and The Yarn helps us connect with them.
  • Megan Truax
    Behind-the-Scenes with Kid Lit Favorites
    The Yarn is a must-listen podcast for anyone who loves sharing books with kids! Travis and Colby's interviews with children's literature authors and illustrators help teachers and librarians share behind-the-scenes information about favorite books with their students.
  • AgentLori
    This podcast is a must!
    Teacher? Librarian? Publisher? Editor? Writer? Illustrator? Must. Must. Must. Listen! (You'll love it!)
  • @cekster
    Inspiring!
    So loved hearing the story behind the story. These are inspirational podcasts. Thank you.
  • Coach Hays
    A Kidlit Staple
    If you are a fan of kidlit, then The Yarn podcast is for you. I've gained a deeper understanding of some of my favorite authors and their writing process while learning about many new kidlit authors. Add this to your list of regular podcasts and you will not regret it. Colby and Travis do the work and do it right. @coachhays64
  • Lukebless
    Behind the scenes with your favorite authors
    There's nothing that draws you into a story more than hearing from the author. The Yarn shares with you the back story on your favorite books and authors. I love sharing these interesting quips with my students. A must listen for MG teachers, parents, and librarians! My favorite episodes: Orbiting Jupiter and the Sunnyside Up season. I always get excited when the next episode drops! @jillbless
  • @azajacks
    Become a #kidlit insider
    I love the peek behind the scenes of each book on the podcast, and I love getting a glimpse into the author/illustrator/s thought processes. It's like being a #kidlit insider. @azajacks
  • Benstar Runner
    leslie
    As an elementary school librarian, I love the variety of choices. This year I 'm going to share them with an after school club. Can't wait.
  • BeckySchneeks
    Great Resource for Teachers, Students, and Book Enthusiasts
    The Yarn has a casual way about it. You feel as though you are getting to know the authors and moderators through the discussions. The unique format changes from season to season. @MrsSchneekloth
  • MissBrennan33
    Like Kid Lit? You'll LOVE this podcast.
    As a 5th grade teacher, I love listening to this podcast and hearing from many of my favorite children's and middle grade authors. Getting to hear from authors and illustrators about their inspiration for characters, illustrations, plots is insight that you can't find anywhere else. I love sharing what I learn from this podcast with my students! @missbrennan33
  • @schmidtkristas
    Thank you!
    This podcast is amazing! As a book lover it is incredible to hear from authors themselves the backstory and process they have in writing beloved books. There are so many points and pieces that I think, "Oh! I need to share this with my kids!" Thank you Colby & Travis for being bold and creating this insight into the authors' world for all of us!
  • Vocab Gal
    Awesome for readers, writers, librarians and educators
    I love this podcast-such amazing insights into the best children and ya books and short enough to knock out while doing the dishes! A must listen!
  • WriteThatSymphony
    Rough, interesting interviews
    I was very unsure about the pilot--if you are too, don't give up, just move on to another episode. Different altogether. Short bits of interviews with various authors, centered on craft for the most part (Which is interesting! Due to minimalist episode descriptions, you won't know the focus until you listen to an episode.) Most I've listened to you only hear the author, not the interview questions. That would push students' ability to make inferences, but might make it tough to share in class. Hearing authors read from their works is always fun, and gives you a glimpse into new books/authors to explore! I'm sure this will grow and change as a great idea for a podcast.
  • K. Glaser
    Awesome kid lit podcast!
    Love love love this podcast. The interviews are interesting and entertaining and enlightening. My only wish is for a weekly, or even daily, podcast!
  • Colby Sharp
    Thanks for listening!
    A big thank you to everyone that has listened to The Yarn. We love you all.
  • Jodie @ Growing Book by Book
    A Must Listen for Book Lovers
    If you love to know all about the behind the scenes details that go into making a book, this is the podcast for you! It’s such a unique look at books for kids and I can’t wait to see which episodes will be next.
  • LibLaura5
    A “must listen” for kid-lit lovers
    Fascinating behind the scenes look at the many stories behind the making of one book. Looking forward to many more seasons of this podcast!
  • edutechguy
    A DREAM for educators who love books!
    The Yarn is so unique...so genuine. Colby and Travis are the perfect hosts to take us on a journey deep into the world of children's literature!
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