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Gene Luen Yang is a celebrated writer, artist, and educator whose works have left an indelible mark on the world of comics and literature. Renowned for his thought-provoking storytelling and insightful exploration of cultural, social, and identity themes, Yang has captivated audiences of all ages. Through his groundbreaking graphic novels, including "American Born Chinese," "Boxers & Saints," and his work on iconic characters like Superman and the Green Turtle, Yang intertwines the art of storytelling with powerful messages that resonate deeply with readers. As a MacArthur Fellowship recipient and National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Yang's contributions extend beyond his compelling narratives, as he passionately advocates for diversity, representation, and the transformative potential of comics in education. His impact as a storyteller and advocate continues to inspire and shape the literary landscape, inviting readers into richly woven narratives that challenge perceptions and foster empathy.

Gene Luen Yang is about to release his next graphic novel, Lunar New Year Love Story, a young adult romance. For this story, Yang Man teamed up with uber-talented and celebrated award-winning illustrator LeUyen Pham. An incredibly smart move because her artwork absolutely makes this book. It is gorgeous.

You can support the show by checking out StudioJJK.com/shop, where you can purchase autographed books or commission artwork. You can also visit your local library and check out one of my books or a book by one of my guests!

Support Origin Stories by visiting StudioJJK.com/shop. And use code PODCAST to receive 10% off your order!

Aaron Blabey is the best-selling author and illustrator behind massive hits like THE BAD GUYS, PIG THE PUG, and THELMA THE UNICORN. I was able to sit down with Aaron at Scholastic headquarters for the launch of his newest book—CAT ON THE RUN–which is the first in a trilogy. Get to know how Aaron went from childhood in rural Australia to where he is now!

To support the show, please visit StudioJJK.com/shop.

Support Origin Stories by visiting StudioJJK.com/shop. And use code PODCAST to receive 10% off your order!

Amongst the literary luminaries I have been blessed to befriend in this writerly life is Eric Carle. It almost feels silly to deliver an introduction for him—is unique style and unmistakable illustrations have become a cornerstone of children's literature.
Eric's most famous creation, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," is a true masterpiece and a cherished book in countless homes and classrooms around the world.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Eric in 2012 in the grand hall of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Museum in Amherst, MA. I recently came across this interview on a backup drive and wanted to share it with you. We lost Eric in 2021, but his work and genius will forever be with us.

Let's get to know Eric Carle's origin story!

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I miss my friend Tomie dePaola. In celebration of the US Postal Service issuing a Strega Nona stamp in his honor, I wanted to share this interview that I conducted with Tomie in the early 20-teens. Tomie's friendship is actually intertwined with the love story between me and Gina. When we started dating in 2006, she had her childhood copy of STREGA NONA with her in her Boston apartment. That book meant the world to her. About a month after dating Gina, I met Tomie at a conference. We were both out at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators annual out in Los Angeles. Tomie and I became fast friends, and I bought the big Art of Tomie book and had it signed to both Gina and me. That was a big step -- a hardcover book signed to the both of us? But by then, I knew. And when Gina saw that i had the book signed to the both of us, well...she knew I knew.

Over the years, Gina and I cherished our time with Tomie. He even dedicated a Strega Nona book to us! And it was a Christmas book as well, a holiday that both Tomie and Gina went over the top for.

I hope that you enjoy this trip down memory lane. How I wish I could see his sparkle once again, but man do I feel so lucky to have this recording featuring his infectious laugh.

So on this special on-between episode of Origin Stories, let's get to know Tomie DePaloa's origin story!

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Mike Curato made a name for himself with beautiful picture books like his Litle Elliot series—heartwarming stories with beautiful illustrations reminiscent of Chris van Allsburg.  In the fall of 2020, Mike published FLAMER, a semi-autobiographical tale about a mixed-race teen coming to terms with his sexuality while at scout camp. It is a raw, unflinching, and authentic look at a coming-of-age story. I was asked to blurb FLAMER, I wrote "This book will save lives." It is so important for our young people to see their stories reflected in literature. Amongst the mini accolades FLMAER received was a Lambda Literacy Award, whcih celebrates books from the LGBTQ+ community. I’m proud to bring you my pal Mike Curato's Origin Story!

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I'm so excited to be bringing you Molly Knox Ostertag's Origin Story! Molly is so incredibly talented. She switches her creative time between graphic novels and animation. And it's fascinating to what overlaps and what is very different between those two mediums.

Molly started her graphic novel career with THE WITCH BOY, and if you haven't read that book and the subsequent sequels, it's about this boy named Astrid. Astrid lives in this contemporary magical world in which boys do warlock stuff, and women do witch stuff. But Astrid knows he was meant to be a witch and he has witch powers, and I don't want to give away anything about the book. You have to read it for yourself! Also, Molly Osertag's other book, THE GIRL FROM THE SEA, like THE WITCH BOY, is a contemporary fantasy that centers queer characters who have magical powers. I first met her some years ago when her first book was debuting at Comic-Con and she's a delight and she's an incredible talent, and here she her Origin Story!

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In today's episode, I talk to Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm—siblings and co-creators of the bestselling, award-winning and trail-blazing Babymouse And Squish graphic novel series. I can't understate just how important their work is to the current-day landscape of graphic novels for young readers. Babymouse: Queen of the World was published in December of 2005—it was one of the very first kids' comics put out by one of the major trade publishers.

Jenni, Matt, and I go way back, but I was so excited to learn more about their history. Let's get into Jenni and Matt's Origin Story!

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On today's episode, we'll get to know graphic novelist Nate Powell!

Nate is a highly-acclaimed writer/artist of critically acclaimed books such as Any Empire, Swallow Me Whole and Save It for Later: Promises, Parenthood, and the Urgency of Protest. Nate Powell is an Eisner Award-winning comics artist from Little Rock, Arkansas, who focuses on telling stories featuring young people facing difficult situations. In addition to Nate's multiple Eisners and countless literary awards—Nate took home the 2016 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, alongside his collaborators Representative John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, for March: Book Three.

Let's learn all about Nate Powell's Origin Story!