I connected with Varsha Bajaj through her books long before we became friends online. I have read every one of them and shared them with kids. It’s an honor to celebrate Varsha at Cynsations as she welcomes her new novel, Roar (Nancy Paulsen Books, May 2026).
Your forthcoming middle-grade book,
Effective immediately, Cynsations is on spring hiatus. Read the posts from our most recent series here:
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Sweet, Sweet Memory by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Tonya Engel (Nancy Paulsen Books,
By AJ Eversole
Excited to chat with kidlit author Ginger Reno (Cherokee) today. Her debut novel, Find Her (Holiday House, 2025), was an Edgar Award Nominee and won the Oklahoma Book Award. Today she talks about her debut picture book, Spirit Shadow,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Ginger Reno on Rekindling Connections & Spirit Shadow »
By Mitu Malhotra
Today I am excited to welcome author-illustrator Deborah Marcero to Cynsations to talk about her seventh picture book, The Great Escape (Penguin Random House/Putnam, February 2026). Reading The Great Escape took me back to the moment in time when I first met Deborah during an exceptionally cold Vermont winter.
Continue Reading Author-Illustrator Interview: Deborah Marcero Shares Her Creative Process »
Congratulations to Liara Tamani on the publication of This Ain’t Our First Rodeo (Greenwillow, Feb. 3, 2026). From the publisher’s website:
This ain’t Josie’s first rodeo. Her parents own several fancy restaurants in Houston, and they just opened a new one right outside the stadium. Josie is expected to stay inside the restaurant and help,
Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Author Liara Tamani on Inspiration & MFAs »
Today, I am excited to welcome to Cynsations Alison Green Myers, author of the middle grade novel This Way to Happy (Dutton Books for Young Readers, 2025), and Alexandra Villasante, author of the young adult novel Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025),
Continue Reading Authors Interview: Alison Green Myers & Alexandra Villasante on Sophomore Novels »
By AJ Eversole
For more than twenty five years, Cynthia Leitich Smith has shaped the landscape of children’s and young adult literature through her own award winning books and through her tireless advocacy for Native voices. I’ve had the privilege of seeing that impact up close as a contributor to Legendary Frybread Drive-In (Heartdrum,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Cynthia Leitich Smith – The Most Awesomest Auntie »
By Suma Subramaniam
I met Pooja Makhijani a few years ago through an online South Asian children’s book group, and we’ve stayed friends ever since. Pooja is an incredible baker. She taught me how to make naan. When I heard about her forthcoming picture book celebrating bread, I couldn’t wait to cheer for her and share it with the world.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Bread, Love, and the Art of Showing Up with Pooja Makhijani »
By AJ Eversole
I’m happy to introduce award-winning author, Nikki Grimes, and her co-author, with her debut picture book, Stacy Wells! They were happy to talk about their process, their creativity, and how their diverse perspectives came together to create the gorgeous new picture book Stronger Than, illustrated by E.B.
Continue Reading Co-Authors Interview: Nikki Grimes & Stacy Wells Collaborate on Stronger Than »