You May Contribute A Verse

In This Podcast with Andrew Hacket

16 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Hacket is back to discuss his book In This Classroom and his ongoing Leonardo DiCaprio-style work with Red Comet Press! His is the ultimate cha...

The Sad Moment that Started It All with Jessica Milo

02 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Here's to Cowboy!  Jessica Milo is here. We talk (way too late) about her debut book My Pony Wonder, how she came up and with whom, and most importan...

Rachel Michelle Wilson's A Communicator

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How to pee your pants, the Rachel Michelle Wilson way! Rachel was a delight and if you don't know her work, you do now. She's got hustle, she's got sk...

Quiet Activism with Joan Marie Galat

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's Joan Marie Galat day! We've been waiting a long time for this one. Joan writes because she's curious, she's dedicated, and she cares deeply about...

Une Episode Avec Andrea Caulfield

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's author and educator Andrea Caulfield on the podcast today! Andrea is World Language Curriculum Specialist for Denver Public Schools and is quadri...

There's a Stan Yan in the Basement

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Otherwise known as The Many Misfortunes of Stan Yan's Internet Connection, which we managed around quite successfully, I'd say! Join us for a chat wit...

Ocean's Heart, Land's Heart with Jilanne Hoffman

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jilanne Hofmann is back (here's her first episode)! She has some updates from several things we discussed in our first chat, namely that now The Ocean...

Literary Manager Lindsey Aduskevich, After All These Years

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's not every day we get to hear fresh thoughts from a literary agent/manager in her first four months of agenting. Lindsey Aduskevich joins us today...

Winsome Bingham on Friday!

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winsome writes. Winsome reads. Winsome cares. And Winsome Bingham speaks. About her editorial voice, her lyricism, her Reycraft family, her views on h...

Right Moves and Mistakes with Jason Griffin

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Michaelangelo to Bob Ross to Akira Kurosawa to Jason Griffin pipeline is strong. Master Collaborator and accomplished visual artist Jason Griffin ...

Jess Yoon's Jeong

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jess Yoon stands on business. And she's doing way more than sitting in her little room, typing away. She's tapping into her inner child to great effec...

Abominable Steph Lau!

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Now with 100% more consternation! Or less. Not sure where we landed on consternation. Steph Lau has gotten some good experiences over the years. Some ...

AI Incidents and Control Freaks with Jan (J.E.) Thomas

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We make it so today with author Jan (J.E.) Thomas, author of The AI Incident and Control Freaks. Lots of good habit discussion, some Star Trek, and ex...

It's Not A Book Until It's A Book with Matt Forrest Esenwine

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's second-timer is our last-timer of 2025! Matt Forrest Esenwine graces us once again with his delightful, radio-ready voice for a soothing exit ...

Karyn Friedman-Everham Captivates!

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Karyn Friedman-Everham (Josh's agent sibling - hi, Joyce!) has a fascinating story that's a little bit backwards from how most of us approach our debu...

Allison and Rafael Rozo's Great Big World

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's been almost five years and THIS is our first episode that includes a singalong? Today it's Rafael and Allison Rozo day! Check out Diego Fuego the...

Close Your Eyes and Jump with Alicia Meyers!

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've known Alicia Meyers since we were all three kidlit babies back in pandemic days when we had no idea what we were doing! Josh still doesn't know ...

Ainissa Ramirez's SPARK!

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ainissa Ramirez has something in common with the subject of her debut picture book, Jim West, inventor of the microphone: the passion, the drive, and ...

Nathan Christopher Works Well Under Pressure...

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

...but doesn't work otherwise? We take issue with that part. But either way: enjoy this conversation with PB Workshop-creator, writer of When Santa Wr...

Surrender to Lydia Lukidis!

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lydia Lukidis is here! She is a wealth of knowledge and experience and has brought all her passion for Garfield and Seinfeld to bear in her latest boo...

Danielle Sharkan and Uniting Against Things That Are Bad

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle Sharkan is our guest this week! On her writing journey, debuting with some heavy topics, eggplants (or aubergines?), and more!  Danielle deb...

Darrin Macleod, Out of the Fungeon

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darrin MacLeod (of Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod!) is here. We explore their collaboration, how The Grunions came to be, and Darrin's history as a traveling, w...

Steena Hernandez is Here to Do the Thing

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's Steena Hernandez day! Show up and do the thing, claim your agency, and bring your A-game. Steena's debut book Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers is ...

Jyoti Rajan Gopal is Here with You

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Since we first recorded this episode, our guest Jyoti Rajan Gopal has had two books published, and that should tell you a great deal about her hustle ...

Words Matter a Lot to Cedar Pruitt

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Where's the fire? Cedar Pruitt is here and it's been a long time coming! Her book FIRE FLIGHT: A WILDFIRE ESCAPE was out in early 20...

This One’s for The Daydreamers with Meg Auchenbach

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is Meg Auchenbach, author illustrator of If You Are An Artist! We talk about what it actually looks like when an editor asks for more ...

Girl Cheese with Rushie Ellenwood

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Content advisory: Portland, rainbows, girl cheese, gender expansiveness, A Song for Nolan, Rushie Ellenwood, and big energy! (And Vicki Johnson)   En...

Ana Siqueira La Valiente!

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ana Siqueira is a beacon of dedication and inspiration! Her latest books VERA LA VALIENTE and STICKY HERMANA come out in August and October 2025, resp...

Don't Toy with Sue 'Sue-permoon' Lancaster

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sue Lancaster is here to enrich your ears with her voice and your eyes with her books... and her magazine, The Toy! Check out last year's Supermoon (f...

Jenna Elyse Johnson's Kidlit Joy

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's Brenna, Jenna, and Josh. Oh my. Jenna Johnson joins us today for discussion of her debut books EVERY BODY MOVE! (out in September 2025, and a sin...

You, Me, Danielle Turmaud, the Writing Journey, and Being Bravely Vulnerable (A Crossover Episode!)

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cross into uncharted realms! It's a podcast head-to-head-to-head as we talk to Danielle Render Turmaud, picture book author, therapist, and h...

My So-Called Niche Clue with Katie Venit

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I don't think we've ever talked about Jared Leto on the podcast before. Or the board game Clue for that matter. Katie Venit is here with the niche hit...

Bonni Goldberg on Duality, Identity, and... Arting

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode gets philosophical! As you listen, stand up, spread your arms wide, and tell yourself you are a writer (if you in fact identify as such)!...

The P Word with Brittany Pomales!

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Proudly portraying professionalism per perennial plans, presenting: Prittany Pomales... I mean Brittany! It Started with a P just released in April! (...

Vicky Fang Entertains, Educates, and Enlightens

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our response to meeting Vicky Fang? Charmed, I'm sure.  Check out Vicky's chapter book series Ava Lin, the latest installment, Ava Lin, Super Duper H...

Judy Campbell-Smith's Sweet Spot

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Judy Campbell-Smith is here! Check out her books Baseball for Breakfast (coming 2026), Ice Cream Everywhere, and AJ's Neighborhood, AND make sure and ...

Carrie Finison’s Origin Story Or How She Got Her Powers

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is picture book author Carrie Finison make sure to check out her newest release, Pigs Dig A Road illustrated by Brian Biggs to see her...

Bitsy Kemper's Open House!

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know Bitsy Kemper? You should. She's fastidious, fanatical, and fantastic. If you've never seen it before, check out her List O'Publishers and ...

The Idea Doesn’t Care Who Has It With Alastair Heim

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versy is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, f...

A Picture Book Sandwich with Carter Higgins!

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Carter Higgins, author, illustrator, motion designer, librarian, great thinker, is here! You have probably read her books already because they're grea...

Erika Cohen Lyons Knows Who She Is

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versy is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, f...

Adria Goetz's Treasure Hunt

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If any editors are listening, Adria Goetz loves you! Adria stays open. She reads your queries. She tracks editor interest (even poop jokes). She's tho...

Chiara Colombi Can’t Stop Herself

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is Chiara Colombi, author of Rocket Ship, Solo Trip and the follow-up Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams both illustrated by Scott Magoon. We ...

Kirk Reedstrom, the King of Second-Guessing

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Zany hijinks ensue with Kirk Reedstrom! News flash, we had this conversation six months before publishing it, and wouldn't you know it, it's dated bec...

Beep, Bop, Boop It’s Phaea Crede

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versy is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, f...

Everything but the Kat Chen Sink!

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A yoga instructor's guide to demon hunting? Not this time. It's Kat Chen and her Play with Me series! A hoot indeed. Thank you to Joyce Sweeney for ho...

Showing up With Brian LaRossa

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest today is Brian LaRossa editor at Scholastic. We talk about lowering the barrier to entry, mentorships and imposter syndrome. At its core the...

Reading a Cartoon with Justin Colon and James Rey Sanchez

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Lucky you if you happen to listen to this episode the day it's released because it's also publication day for Justin Colon and James Rey Sanchez's Imp...

The Amazing Power of Girls with Maria Marianayagam

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest for this conversation was Maria Marianayagam, kidlit author, known for her STEM and girl power books. We talk preempts, option clauses and s...

Kidlit for Kamala! with Martha Brockenbrough

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bedrooms, bathrooms, and bookshelves. All other people's places we should be staying out of unless invited. Especially if you're a fascist. Martha Bro...

Up, Up, Ever Up With Anita Yasuda

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest for this conversation is Anita Yasuda. We chat about her start in the educational market, her journey to an agent and her new book UP, UP, E...

Kindness is Easy with Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All it takes is one person to believe in your work for you to break through this crazy industry. And all it takes is several hundred persons to listen...

Boss Notes with Sylvie Frank

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest for this conversation is, the amazing and delightful Sylvie Frank, editorial director at Disney Hyperion. We chat behind-the-scenes at Disne...

Chickens, Birds, Bees and Compost with Melody Plan

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest today is Melody Plan, author of Inside the Compost Bin illustrated by Rong Pham and Vinh Nguyen. We talk birds and animal care, how Melody g...

Like A Good Neighbor, Stay Over There with Steph Henson

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest Steph Henson is great! As summer wanes and the school year waxes, we catch up with Steph on her recent release No School, My Rules with Tiel...

Inside the Prolific Mind of Laura Gehl

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest for this conversation was Laura Gehl author of Robot Shabbat, Snow Is..., Saving Delicia and many more. We chat about being prolific, how sh...

T.F. Sabin, the Tom Brady of Picture Books

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In which Josh says 'inspirational' a lot because he was excited about the conversation. Author T.F. Sabin is great and we can't wait for you to hear a...

Everything Everywhere All At Once With Maddie Frost

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest for this conversation was Maddie Frost–friend of the pod, artist behind Versey the podcast mascot and author illustrator of Smug Seagull, ...

Writing for Little Me with Chloe Ito Ward

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Life hacks and tangents and accidental nonfiction, oh my! Lots of potential episode titles in this one. Our conversation with Chloe Ito Ward is here! ...

Desperation and Bookshelves with James McGowan

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The vibes are strong with James McGowan! Agent, author, YouTuber, and great guest!    -------   DON’T MISS AN EPISODE! Sign up for our newsletter...

One of Three Josh Funks

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Papa J Funk is here and he's taking no questions. Luckily for us, Josh Funk IS taking questions!   -------   DON’T MISS AN EPISODE! Sign up for ou...

Falling Out The Window with Jacob Sager Weinstein

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versy is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, f...

Remembering Katey Howes

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The world lost one of the brightest lights in the kidlit sky last week with the passing of author Katey Howes.  Today we're remembering Katey and hon...

Don't Forget to Love It with Charles Santoso

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versy is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, f...

The Sweet Spot with Brenna Jeanneret (and bonus Betsy!)

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pants vs Cake. Pantsing vs archaeology. The Mental Snack Drawer. Flax Eggs. Blogs on Saturday. The meh shelf. Betsy Bird pops into the co-host chair a...

Oh No, the Adam Rex is Here

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A generous helping of Adam Rex awaits you. No cause for alarm, the episode title is merely a play on the title of one of Adam's three 2023 book releas...

Trust and Heart with Andrew Hacket

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versy is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, f...

Just the Facts with Jessica Stremer

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Well that aged poorly. We recorded this in October and were very sneaky about dancing around things that haven't been announced yet. But go and check ...

Behind the Scenes with Tielmour Press

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versy is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, f...

The Joys of Booking with Gennie Gorback and Audrey Perrott!

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our second-ever two-guest episode extravaganza happens now, featuring our buddies Gennie Gorback and Audrey Perrott! These two powerhouse pals have pr...

Marisa Cleveland The Ultimate Matchmaker

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versy is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, f...

Unmasking Perfect Man with Troy Wilson

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I've never seen Perfect Man and Troy Wilson in the same room together. Have you? Could they be the same...? Troy's on the podcast this week, true beli...

Susan Johnston Taylor in Surprising Shades!

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versy is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, f...

Steph Campisi’s Year of Being Shameless

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Steph Campisi sells caravans by the seashore. So you can camp easy. Enjoy this first chat of 2024 with Steph sounding erudite, Brenna sounding energet...

Death by Confetti: An Interview With Brian Gehrlein

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Team Versey is Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster, Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

Pedro and Daniel and Federico Erebia and Pepito the Squirrel!

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An XL-sized episode gift for the holidays follows! Our chat with Federico Erebia about his debut novel Pedro and Daniel (and WAY beyond) is so great. ...

A Cure For Rock Brain with Jilanne Hoffmann

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

Come Play Four Square with Cardinal Rule Press!

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The one where Josh embarrasses himself. On purpose. We talk to Maria Dismondy and Adam Blackman of Cardinal Rule Press this week about how CRP came to...

Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains With Laurel Snyder

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

Oh Wait, This is a Writing Podcast? with Rebecca Gardyn Levington

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"There's a big contract, there are a lot of words in it, and none of them rhyme..." Ah, the perennial conflict with us picture book writers looking to...

Rocket Fuel and Rejection with Malcolm Newsome

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

Chelsea Lin Wallace’s Rhyme and Reason

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We recorded this during a break in Josh's workday. Please ignore his work phone buzzing incessantly in the background! Chelsea Lin Wallace is incredib...

A Few Beautiful Minutes With Kate Allen Fox

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

Tara Lazar Is Not A Jerk

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The one where Josh makes Tara Lazar cry with his questions, and the state of the publishing industry makes us all cry. Tara's Flat Cat, illustrated by...

Let’s Get Nuts With Steph Lucianovic

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is You May Contribute A Verse!   I’m Brenna Jeanneret. Kidlit author, and co-host of this podcast, duh! I’m joined by my co-host, Josh Monke...

Sometimes I Podcast with Jess Townes

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The title of this episode is, of course, a play on our guest Jess Townes's latest book Sometimes I Cry, due out in September (2023, for those of you i...

From Rejection to NYT Best-Selling Author With Pat Zietlow Miller

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

Claire Taylor’s Little Thoughts

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Little Thoughts Issue 6 is officially open for submissions, and this episode is officially open for your ears to consume! Our guest this week is Clair...

An Interview with Jess Hernandez Who Did NOT Forget the Unicorns!

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

Ms. Wauson’s House with Kristin Wauson

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kristin Wauson is Josh's Disney hookup. Want to know more? Better listen! Also, Kristin Wauson's debut picture book Mr. Thatcher's House is wonderful!...

The Moo and The Hoo of Publishing with Audrey Perrott

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

Sparkles Suit Anne Appert!

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's conversation is with - according to their website - artist, author, aunt, and alliterator Anne Appert. And yes I had to re-record all thos...

The Many Glittery Layers of Drag Story Hour with Jonathan Hamlin

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

Once Upon a Time, There Was a Tara Trudel

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Once upon a time (whoa-oh), we had a chat with Tara Trudel (wait a minute, wait a minute, there must be more to the story). Tara's take on music, ente...

Ame Dyckman Writes the Wacky!

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

No written intro can do this week's conversation with Ame Dyckman justice! If we style ourselves a celebratory and joyous (and educational) kidlit pod...

Nothing But Heart with Monica Acker

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

I Think Jessica Whipple Is Enough

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk to an author and poet whose two books releasing in 2023 cover subjects so incredibly worthy of investigation and exploration. As of ...

Be Your Own Hero with Elisa Boxer

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

#ASKKIDLIT with Alison Weiss

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m Brenna Jeanneret, children’s lit author, mother, rock climber, outdoors person, and podcaster joined by Josh Monken, children’s lit author, ...

All Roads Lead Back to Cranberries with Lisl Detlefsen

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We sit down this week for a fantastic chat with author Lisl Detlefsen, whose book Farm Boots releases from Feeding Minds Press in a scant couple of we...