Beep Boop Blog

There seems to be a small genre forming of picture books about the intersection of fabric and spaceflight! I previously interviewed author Elise Matich about her fascinating book about Jean Wright, Sew Sister. Then there’s my own book, Almost Underwear. And now, to my excitement, astronaut Dr. Karen Nyberg has written a beautiful new book with my friend Ann McCallum Staats (also featured here before). I caught up with them to learn more:

Me: Congratulations on A QUILT OF STARS: Astronaut Karen Nyberg Stitches a Dream (Familius, Sept. 2026)! What a great story, I love seeing the creative side of astronauts! What inspired the two of you to write this book?

Karen: This is a story I’ve been wanting to share for a long time. It’s deeply personal, but it also has a larger theme of connectedness. Living on the International Space Station and looking down at the Earth we all share had a profound impact on me.

Ann and I first connected when she included a chapter about me in a book for an older audience. Later, we saw an opportunity to work together on a book focused on the Astronomical Quilts! Block Challenge, a story I had been wanting to tell. We knew we wanted to share it with younger readers who would be curious about space and could also relate to the intersection of art and science. A picture book seemed like a natural fit, especially because the illustrations could add so much to the story.

Ann: I came across Karen’s story when I was doing research for a previous book called High Flyers: 15 Inspiring Women Aviators and Astronauts, a young adult book. I admired the way Karen worked so determinedly to become an astronaut, despite her humble roots (She comes from a tiny town where nobody expected her to achieve such a lofty dream!). When I wrote her chapter in High Flyers, it was more about the astounding hurdles she overcame to become an astronaut versus the story of the quilt project she started in space. Still, the idea of sewing a quilt square while living on the International Space Station and then inviting the world to participate in a community quilt project intrigued me. When we connected later after High Flyers came out, Karen and I talked about this part of her story. We envisioned writing a picture book that would target younger readers and focus on the connection between gazing down at a patchwork Earth and inviting the world to contribute to a community quilt.

Me: Your book covers a lot of ground, from youthful inspiration to inspiring others. Were there parts of the story you wanted to include but couldn’t quite fit (but can learn more about elsewhere)?

Karen: There’s a lot about other people, especially my family, that doesn’t fit in A Quilt of Stars. My son was three years old when I was offered the opportunity to live and work on the International Space Station for 166 days. I knew it was important to go, but I also worried about leaving my young son for so long. There wasn’t room in the book to include all the ways I tried to maintain that mother-son bond while I was in space. One of those was the dinosaur I sewed for him. At the time, he was obsessed with dinosaurs, and making it was one small way for me to stay connected to him from so far away.

There are also so many individual stories behind the quilt project that we couldn’t possibly include. Each block came from a person or group somewhere in the world who chose to be part of this shared project. That sense of connection was one of the things that made the experience so meaningful to me. The finished quilts brought together people, places, and cultures in a very tangible way, and there’s much more to that story than we could tell in a picture book.

Ann: When I wrote about Karen in High Flyers, there was room to discuss more of her childhood and then her step-by-step journey to finally get accepted into NASA’s astronaut program. There’s a ton of inspiration in learning about the grit and tenacity it took to achieve this lifelong dream (NASA first opened their doors to women in 1978, and this is when Karen first announced to her family that she wanted to become an astronaut.). Including all the obstacles and hard work it took to travel to the stars is too much for a picture book, especially since the focus is on the metaphor of our pieced-together world once Karen was already in space.

Me: The illustrations by Alida Massari are stunning! Did you see the art as it was being developed? Any spreads that wowed you the most?

Karen: We saw early sketches along with the color palette for the book. I was especially drawn to the palette Alida chose, and I really enjoyed seeing how the illustrations developed.

It’s hard to choose favorites, but one is the spread of me as a little girl looking out over the lake and dreaming about space. I actually grew up on a lake in Minnesota, so that one feels especially personal to me. I also really like the spread with photos of my family attached to the wall of the Space Station. Seeing our two current dogs included in those photos was a sweet surprise, even though they obviously weren’t around when I was in space! Throughout the book, I also like the way the illustrations bring science and art together, two things that have always been important parts of my life.

Ann: As with most of my illustrated books, the publisher took the lead on choosing the illustrator. It wasn’t until she’d completed her sketches that Karen and I were able to sit down and see Alida’s vision and what she had done. Fortunately, we were absolutely thrilled with the results. One of my favorites is the very first spread that shows Karen as a little girl looking up at the stars. To me, this image indicates possibility, the beginnings of a dream that at first seemed impossible. I also love the illustration of Karen in the cupola gazing down on Earth. Here she’s seeing a quilt-like world below where there are no visible borders or wars or other human-made problems. It’s a lead-up and a metaphor to the quilt project later in the book, a symbol of how we are all individuals but have a shared humanity.

Me: Careers in both the arts and science can be quite competitive. What advice do you have for students who want to follow their dreams in the sciences or the arts – or both?!

Karen: I always encourage young people to choose a path that genuinely interests them. Becoming an astronaut was a very big goal, and I knew there was no guarantee I would ever get there. I chose engineering because I enjoyed math and science and knew it could lead to a career I would be happy with even if I never became an astronaut.

Whatever path you choose, if you enjoy what you’re doing, you’re more likely to put in the time and effort it takes to get better at it and stick with it when things get difficult. And I definitely don’t think you have to choose between science and art. Both have always been important parts of my life.

Ann: I love how this story combines science and art. I think that creativity is so important to success. When young people follow their dreams, they should include the opportunity for art and imagination, even if it doesn’t appear to be directly related. Both science and art involve innovation and tapping into the ‘what if’ part of the brain. Besides that, both science and art are fun—I think that Karen’s story of combining the two is a powerful motivator for the rest of us.

Me: It looks like you’re doing a number of events, apart or together. Tell us about where readers can meet you in the next month or two.

Ann: We’re doing a number of local events, but also several things around the country, too. In the DC area, we kick things off at the National Children’s Museum on September 26 at 10:00 a.m. In October we’ll be at the Air & Space Museum on October 30 at 10:30. We’ll also be in Miami at the Frost Museum on Oct. 9 where they’re projecting images from the book onto the planetarium ceiling. Then we head to Houston November 13-14. There we’ll start at the International Quilt Festival, which is where the actual 28 king-size quilts were displayed when Karen first came back to Earth. We’ll be at the Johnson Space Center the next day. The last together-event for 2026 is in Seattle at the Museum of Flight on December 19.

We both also have some independent appearances. For example, in November I’m doing two events in British Columbia, Canada, November 21 and 22. Locally, I’ll be at Barnes & Noble Fairfax on October 3 at 11:00 to 2:00 and then at Scrawl Books on October 24 at 10:30. In December I’m scheduled to be at the Sparklemart Festival in Greenbelt, Maryland, on the 6^th.

We have more events in the works as well, so stay tuned!

Finally, we also want to share the book trailer which gives a better sense of what the book is about. P.S. It includes an original song as well as space photos from Karen’s personal collection! Link is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-Xkc05M5k0

Me: Thank you so much for chatting. Wishing your book much success!

To learn more, please visit Children’s Book Author | Ann McCallum Books and Karen Nyberg – Astronaut. Artist. Earth Advocate.

I’m always on the lookout for books that bring nature and animals to kids in new and captivating ways, so I was beyond excited to discover author Katy S. Duffield‘s new picture book. The cover alone makes it a must-have. I caught up with Katy to learn more:

Me: Congratulations on WE ARE THE KEYSTONES (Beach Lane Books, Sept. 2026)! It’s so important, especially in these times when so much wildlife is threatened, to point out the myriad ways everything is connected, and your book does it beautifully. What inspired you to write about keystone species?

Katy: Thanks for your kind words about the book! When I was working on my book about wildlife crossings, CROSSINGS: EXTRAORDINARY STRUCTURES FOR EXTRAORDINARY ANIMALS (illus. Mike Orodán, S&S/Beach Lane), I ran across some information about keystone species. I was familiar with keystones, but what I read at that time piqued my interest enough that I added “keystone species” to my Ideas List. I have such a big place in my heart for animals, and I have become fascinated by the interconnectedness in nature (and also how humans and nature intersect), that I knew it was a topic I wanted to explore. A while after that, my agent mentioned keystone species, so I decided to jump in and see if I could figure out the best way to write about them.

Me: Are you an outdoors person? What animals do you best like to observe and interact with?

Katy: I am absolutely an outdoors person. I love camping, hiking, walking, and gardening—and also just hanging out on our back porch. I’m a hobby photographer, and you can often find me outside taking photos of deer, foxes, birds of all kinds (but especially those in the hawk family!), bees, butterflies—just about anything really. My recent passion is monarch butterflies. Just today, I was outside observing and photographing monarch caterpillars and watching mama monarchs lay eggs on the milkweed. It is fascinating and something I never tire of doing—even in the Arkansas heat and humidity! I am blessed to live in a place where I have so much “nature” right in my backyard.

Me: Hannah Sayler’s illustrations are immersive and beautiful! Did you know about her work before your collaboration? What was it like seeing her help bring your story to life?

Katy: I told a friend recently that I hit the illustrator jackpot with Hannah! When my editor at Beach Lane told me Hannah would be illustrating, I hollered, “I LOVE PACKS!” I did know of Hannah’s amazing work. Her book PACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS (written and illustrated by Hannah) is one of my favorite nonfiction books ever. But as excited as I was about the idea of her illustrating, when I got to see the actual KEYSTONES art, I was absolutely blown away. I mean, could it be any more stunning? I can’t choose a favorite spread, but the grizzly bear, the cassowary, and the alligator would be in my Top Five! Hannah has this distinct, ethereal style like no one else. It’s breathtaking. And that cover? Seriously? Everyone who sees it just gushes. I have another friend who told me she wished she could have a rug made from the cover design. 🙂

Me: How did you get into writing books for kids?

Katy: For most of my life, I’ve been a voracious reader. Books have brought me so much joy, so at some point I began to wonder if I could write books that would bring joy to others. Even as an adult, I loved children’s literature, so that’s the area I pursued. I first wrote stories and articles for children’s magazines (I still miss print magazines!). Then I wrote for educational publishers, but what I always most wanted to write was picture books. So, when I thought I was ready, I jumped in and eventually sold my first picture book in 2003.

Me: Can you share what you’re working on next?

Katy: I can’t share too many details, but I have a lyrical nonfiction picture book in the works. This one is STEM-related, but isn’t about animals. I also have another manuscript that’s making the rounds that is set on North American prairies. And, as always, I’m tinkering with a few new ideas—and yes, one is definitely about animals. 🙂

Me: Thank you so much for chatting, Katy. Wishing your book much success!

To learn more, please visit Katy Duffield – Children’s Book Author

One CATegory of books that’s great to stock up on at the beginning of the school year are books that approach eduCATional concepts in fun ways. One series that’s been doing that for years now is Ann Marie Stephens‘ CAT books. When I learned book 5 in her series was coming out, I CAughT up with Ann (these CAT phrases are hard!) to learn more:

Me: Congratulations on your rollicking new picture book, CATapult! A Story of Movement and Position (Astra Young Readers, Summer 2026)! It’s a great addition to your series that introduces key math concepts using engaging stories. What inspired you to create this book?

Ann Marie: CATapult! is the last story in a series of five books. I wrote CATastrophe!, the first book, and then my publisher asked me to write four more. The challenge was to have the word CAT in each title, as well as a focus on math and an actual storyline, all based around the theme of the title word. When I settled on CATapult! as a title, I began thinking of ways for kitties to use a catapult. I was also open to Jenn (the illustrator) incorporating her thoughts on this. I knew the action needed to be wild (because that’s how the kitties are!) and somewhat fast-paced, as a catapult can take something from here to there rather quickly. Once I settled on the idea of a kitty pop concert, the planning, practicing, and chaos ensued.

Me: Jenn Harney’s bold and fun illustrations really bring the group of adorable cats (and the math concepts) to life. What has it been like collaborating with Jenn on the CATastrophe Tales?

Ann Marie: Jenn has been the perfect illustrator for this series. I imagine she feels like she created enough cats to last a lifetime! From the very first book, she figured out how to capture facial expressions and child-like behavior in our cat characters. I taught elementary school for 31 years and have seen many of those same personalities Jenn masterfully portrayed. I love how she made each cat unique. Kids love to choose their favorite, usually based on what kind of kitty they have at home. I’m particularly happy with the beautiful colors she chose throughout. Jenn is pawsome!

Me: You taught for 31 years! As a longtime teacher myself (27 years so far) I like to ask other educator/authors how they balance teaching and book creating (and all the things that come with it). What was your experience?

Ann Marie: Before I added the pursuit of publishing to my life in 1995, I always saw the word “balance” as a kind of 50/50. Then when I started juggling teaching with authoring, I realized that ratio was going to have to fluctuate. When it was time for report cards, parent teacher conferences, or back to school week, writing had to take a backseat. But when I started getting book deals and deadlines, I had to find ways to squeeze the writing in out of necessity. I sometimes wrote on my short lunch break, brainstormed during boring meetings (while I pretended to listen), and even did what I call “Stoplight writing” on my 45 minute commute to work. This is where I’d choose a certain phrase, plot point, or word to revise. I’d play with it in my head until I hit one of my long red lights. Then I’d jot down my ideas on a printed copy of the story that sat in the passenger seat. I worked through all kinds of drafts this way! Overall, I think it’s about using the time you have even if it’s only the 20 minutes you end up with for lunch.

Me: Any advice for writers (especially educators) trying to break into children’s books?

Ann Marie: You must be in it for the long haul. For most authors, getting published is not fast and when it is, it still doesn’t mean it’s constant. You might have great momentum and think you’re on a roll when a dry spell hits or it’s holiday time or worse – summer, when editors take their well-deserved vacations. Instead of waiting for the book deals, keep writing. Instead of saying you don’t have time, find every minute you can. Folding laundry? Brainstorm. Sitting in a doctor’s waiting room? Edit your manuscript. Once you send a story off to editors or your agent, start another one. Better yet, work on more than one at a time. I find I’m not always ready for each story. One day, I might not feel funny enough to finish my humorous story. Another day, I might be feeling extra lyrical and ready to crank out some gorgeous lines. This helps keep writer’s block at a distance. Lastly, never stop writing because you get rejected. Every rejection solidifies your commitment to your work.

Me: Can you share what you’re working on next?

Ann Marie: I’m excited to have two board books on the way. Both are coauthored with my friend, Sue Fliess. We have SO MANY BOOKS (in October) and BABY BOOT CAMP (in 2027.) I am also working on three picture books, an early chapter book, and a YA novel in verse with a talented friend. My agent is shopping a board book series, a picture book series, and an early reader series too. As always, I remain hopeful that an editor will see my work, fall in love with it, and make an irresistible offer. Romanticizing the process makes it possible to stay hopeful, prolific, and positive. I’ll never give up.

Me: Thank you so much for chatting, Ann Marie. Wishing your book much success!

To learn more, please go to Ann Marie Stephens, Children’s Books Author

Just as a new feline companion has come into our life (a stray cat we rescued and are fostering this summer) a book came across my desk about all the joys (and trials) of adopting a furry friend. I caught up with author Jonathan Graziano to learn more:

Me: Congratulations on your heartwarming new picture book, MILTON MAKES A MOVE (Margaret K. McElderry Book/S&S, August 2026)! It’s a lovely follow up to your books about Noodle. What inspired you to write about Milton?

Jonathan G: Milton has come such a long way since I first began fostering him. He was so skittish and anxious the first few days he was with me, and then I watched him slowly become more comfortable and confident. Seeing his transition inspired me to think about just how brave this little dog had to be to get over whatever his past life may have been. I couldn’t help but relate to him in a lot of ways as I’ve also gone through a lot of change which required a great deal of bravery. After making that connection with his story on my own, I thought for sure others would resonate as well.

Me: Dan Tavis’s endearing illustrations really bring Milton to life. And I love all the fun details, from baby chicks to gnomes on airplanes. What has it been like collaborating with Dan on this and your other books?

Jonathan G: Aren’t all his little details and characters just amazing? He is such a remarkable talent and I count myself truly fortunate to have him as the illustrator of all of my books. I can write whatever story I want—kids are going to explore the illustrations on a page much moreso than pay attention to what I’ve written (at least, that’s how I was as a kid!). Knowing Dan has such a keen imagination and gift for telling stories through little images is such a comfort for me as these books get delivered to people’s homes. They’re going to love the book!

Dan Tavis

Me: We adopted an older cat and he became a dear part of the family for almost ten years. What do you say to encourage people to bring older animals or rescues into their lives, especially when the temptation is to get puppies and kittens?

Jonathan G: I was once told older pets are the best to adopt “because they come preprogrammed”. I fell in love with that sentiment and have found myself with old dogs ever since. I understand wanting a younger pet to maximize time, but I encourage people to think about quality versus quantity when it comes to pets. They bring so much joy just by existing regardless of their age, why not help the ones who really need homes? Bringing a pet in who’s either never known a home or has lost a family for whatever reason makes every moment extra special. Truly!

Me: What do you think Milton’s reaction will be to becoming a beloved literary figure?

Jonathan G: If he finds out while he’s resting on his pillow on the couch, he’ll be thrilled. If he finds out when he’s not resting on his pillow, he won’t care!

Me: Can you share what you’re working on next?

Jonathan G: Currently Milton and I are planning a slew of events to help promote his new book and meet people who are excited to read his story! It’ll never hit me that I am an author, I don’t think 🙂

Me: Thank you so much for chatting, Jonathan. Wishing your book much success!

To learn more, please go to  Jonathan Graziano | Simon & Schuster.

At this year’s Gaithersburg Book Festival, I was privileged to get to meet graphic novelist Tim Probert, who was presenting the latest in his LIGHTFALL series. For those who missed out, I caught up with Tim to learn more:

Me: Congratulations on the release of book 4 of your epic graphic novel series, LIGHTFALL: A PLACE BETWEEN (HarperAlley, April 2026)! Fans are going to love this exciting new installment. What inspired you to create this series?

Tim: Thank you! I hope people enjoy the latest book. I have always loved fantasy stories, especially ones with big worlds that slowly unfold. Lightfall came out of wanting to make my own take on that type of story, with lots of secrets, lost histories and relatable characters at the center. It’s been fun to explore more and more of the world of Irpa and keep taking the characters to new places.

Me: Irpa is a beautiful, detailed world. How do you go about designing characters and settings that fall within the fantasy tradition yet also feel fun and fresh?

Tim: It can be tricky! There are so many great fantasy characters and settings out there already, it’s impossible not to be influenced by it all. When I’m designing things, I try to stop every once in a while and ask myself if I’ve seen this before. Sometimes I may pivot to something else entirely, or find a way to put a new spin on it. I usually do a ton of exploratory sketches when I’m designing, so I have lots of options. I also feel like drawing spurs on new ideas for me, so I like to try out lots of stuff. It’s hard to be completely original, so I try my best to make everything feel fresh and from my own perspective.

Me: Any tips for writers or illustrators hoping to break into graphic novels?

Tim: I think the best thing to do is to start making comics. Don’t be precious about your ideas and hold onto them for the perfect moment. Just get started. Everything you make is practice and will help you improve your skills, whether it’s drawing or writing or color. Make work you care about! It will show and people will notice.

Me: What do you like to do when you’re not at your drawing board?

Tim: I do love to get some outdoor time when I’m not drawing, whether it’s a hike or a walk in the woods or something. Other than that, bookstores and record shops are some of my favorite places to go. A cup of coffee with a book and a record on the stereo, that’s a pretty happy place for me.

Me: Can you give any hints about what we can expect in book 5? Any other projects you care to share?

Tim: I’m still in the writing stage, so I don’t have too much to share. But I can say I’ve got some fresh new locations and characters for this one, and lots of new obstacles for Bea and Cad to overcome. I am starting to work on some other projects as well, but it’s early days on those. Hopefully I’ll have more to share soon!

Me: Look forward to it! Thank you so much for chatting, Tim. Wishing your book much success!

To learn more, please go to Tim Probert – Books.