Zibby is joined by Sean Williams to talk both about his picture book Girl Dad as well as his organization, The Dad Gang. Sean shares The Dad Gang's mission to shatter stereotypes about Black fatherhood, how their non-profit wing empowers fathers around the country, and where the company is expanding next. The two also discuss how Sean's close relationship with his daughters inspired his new children's book and the main message he hopes other fathers talk away from it. Check out @TheDadGang on Instagram!
Kerry Docherty, SOMEWHERE, RIGHT NOW
Kerry Docherty joins Zibby to talk about her new picture book Somewhere, Right Now, which was inspired by the range of emotions we all felt during the Covid lockdown. The two discuss Kerry's background in mindfulness and how she wove her teachings into the book, as well as why she decided to shift from her own small business to help her family start Faherty Brand which is one of Zibby's favorite brands. Kerry also shares the significance of her role as Chief Impact Officer at the company and the major changes happening in her life. Shop the store here!
Michelle Figueroa, A GOOD THING HAPPENED TODAY
"It's a reference book for kids to get ideas as to how they can make the world a kinder place." Journalist Michelle Figueroa joins Zibby to discuss Good News Movement and its corresponding book, A Good Thing Happened Today. Michelle explains why she decided to start a news organization focused on sharing exclusively good news and the importance of packaging these stories for young kids. Send in your own good news to @GoodNews_Movement on Instagram!
Erin Napier, THE LANTERN HOUSE
Star of HGTV's Home Town Erin Napier joins Zibby and her husband Kyle to discuss her picture book, The Lantern House. Erin explains why she's not joined by her husband and co-star Ben and shares why she was set on working with her illustrator and friend, Adam Trest, on this children's book. The three also talk about the house flipping projects that get Erin the most excited, what she's currently reading, and how she and Ben found their way into house flipping in the first place. Shop Erin and Ben's brand, Laurel Mercantile Co., here!
Mike White, MELLYBEAN AND THE GIANT MONSTER
Zibby is joined by author and illustrator Mike White (along with two other special guests) to discuss his Mellybean series. Mike shares the story of how he adopted his real-life dog, Melly, and how she inspires him to be more optimistic and outgoing every day. The four also talk about the person who inspired Mike to get into illustration and storytelling, how working on the series helps him work through his mental illnesses, and where the series could go next.
Christina Geist, BUDDY'S NEW BUDDY
New York Times bestselling author Christina Geist returns to talk with Zibby about her latest picture book, Buddy's New Buddy. The two discuss the story of how Christina first began writing books for children, how long she wants to follow Buddy and Lady, and where her illustrator leaves Easter eggs for sharp-eyed readers throughout all three books. Christina also shares the two recent times she felt insecure in new situations and how they inspired her to have more compassion for young kids.
Alice Faye Duncan, OPAL LEE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE
"We have these predestined moments in life that shape us. They determine the whole trajectory of what we will achieve." Zibby is joined by lifelong librarian and children's book author Alice Faye Duncan to talk about her latest book, Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, which shares the story of the grandmother of Juneteenth. The two discuss the main lesson Alice wants to teach young readers about historic heroes who are still alive today, as well as why she has decided to leave teaching after twenty-nine years. Alice also excitedly shares which project she is working on next about a blues fable set in the Mississippi Delta and why she was exceptionally conscious about picking its illustrator.
Jane O'Connor, GOOD JOB, GEORGE!
Zibby is joined by children's book editor and author of the Fancy Nancy series, Jane O'Connor, to talk about her latest picture book, Good Job, George! The two connect over their shared editor and discuss how Jane's granddaughter inspired her new series, why there may be a crossover between her George and Nancy stories, and the variety of projects she is working on next.