In this, our second interview, I talk to Melissa Stoller about her new book Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart, Anita Bagdi (Illustrator), published by Gnome Road (2025). It's a story of two friends who were inseparable until one moved away. They keep their friendship alive through letters, but when they meet again, their interests have changed and they have trouble finding an eventual away to rekindle their friendship. Most of us adults (me included) have experienced this occurrence, but picture books about the topic are rare. After all, how do you explain it to a five year old? Melissa does a terrific job. We talk about the ups and downs of her career, and where ideas for stories seem to come out of nowhere, or everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.