Tag Archives: bibliofiles

Family, Art & Words: The Legacy of Toni and Slade Morrison’s Children’s Books

Posted on by

Just posted! A special edition BiblioFiles with Dr. Dana and co-host Dr. Jennifer Garcon, Librarian for Modern & Contemporary Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Over the course of a decade, Toni & Slade Morrison wrote nine children’s books together. Today, we are honored to present a Zoom panel discussion with the five artists who brought the Morrisons’ words to life with their beautiful, intriguing, and heartfelt illustrations. We welcome Joe Cepeda, Pascal Lemaître, Giselle Potter, Sean Qualls, and Shadra Strickland. Enjoy!

Follow this link to the BiblioFiles interview

Images courtesy of the artists

The BibiloFiles Presents: Jacqueline West

Posted on by

Just posted! An interview with multiple award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline West.

If the names Horatio, Leopold and Harvey (excuse me, Agent 1-800) elicit feelings of delight, and the name McMartin gives you shudders of fear, then you are already familiar with West’s acclaimed Books of Elsewhere series. If you have not read them, polish up your spectacles and get ready for an epic five book journey.

When that series concluded, West continued to write for middle grade readers with The Collectors, its sequel A Storm of Wishes, and The Story Pirates Presents: Digging Up Danger. She’s also authored two young adult novels – Dreamers Often Lie, and Last Things.

West’s most recent novel is Long Lost, a story within a story about two sets of sisters from different times, connected by a book that mysteriously writes itself, revealing a terrible secret about the small town of Lost Lake, and bringing the past back to life.

Jacqueline West is undeniably a master crafter of suspense, spookiness, intrigue, adventure, and unique forms of magic. Reading through her catalog of books in preparation for this interview, however, I realized that she is also the master of thresholds. Her characters constantly cross them, physically and mentally, alone or together, both in fantasy and reality. And it’s a testament to her incredible writing abilities that each crossing feels special, intimate, meaningful, and significant.

Follow this link to the BiblioFiles interview

Image courtesy of Jacqueline West

The BiblioFiles Presents: Betsy Bird Interviews Team Tolo

Posted on by

Team Tolo4_2Just posted! A special edition BiblioFiles with guest host Betsy Bird. She interviewed the creative team for Tolo, an original chose your path virtual adventure released by the Cotsen Children’s Library.

You are Tolo, a mouse and apothecary’s apprentice. When sickness strikes the distant village of Mossden, you must make a treacherous mountain crossing with the cure. From ice chutes to surprise attacks, the decisions are yours as you navigate the dangers and obstacles in your path.

Tolo is illustrated by David Deen, who grew up sketching the monsters and beasts in his brother’s Dungeons & Dragons manuals and reading fantasy books. After earning a BA in Art from the University of North Texas, David worked as a computer game artist before embarking on his freelance illustration career.

Tolo is written by Cotsen’s own Dana Sheridan! And since Dr. Dana can’t interview herself, we’re delighted to further introduce our guest host, Betsy Bird.

In addition to being a super librarian, Betsy Bird hosts two podcasts, has a popular blog called A Fuse #8 Production for School Library Journal, and reviews for Kirkus and the New York Times. Betsy is also the author of two picture books, co-author of Wild Things: Acts of Mischief in Children’s Literature, and editor of the middle grade anthology Funny Girl. Her most recent release is Long Road to the Circus, a children’s novel illustrated by Caldecott Award winning artist David Small.

Follow this link to the BiblioFiles interview

Photos courtesy of Betsy Bird, David Deen, and Dana Sheridan