“You know what?” Erica S. Perl is the author of the wonderfully silly, begging-to-be-read-aloud picture book, Chicken Butt, as well as the sequel, Chicken Butt’s Back. Kirkus Review calls Chicken Butt “an unhinged piece of slap-happy rhyming rocket-propelled artwork the romp is a powerful piece of cacophony, more frenetic by the moment.” Perl’s other titles for young readers include Dotty, a gently told, perceptive story about school days and imaginary friends and Ninety-Three in My Family, a lively rhyming story that is part tall tale and part counting book. Her books tap deep into what’s funny, what’s real, family, friends, and growing up.
Erin Entrada Kelly is the author of chapter books for kids of all ages, including Hello, Universe — winner of the 2018 Newbery Medal. Her books explore coming of age with sensitivity and honesty, dealing with issues such as bullying, building friendships, and feeling like an outsider. In this interview, Erin talks about giving voice to quiet characters, different ways to be mighty, celebrating Filipino culture, the importance of diversity in children’s books, letting kids choose what they want (and love) to read, and much more.
