💬 Submit questions: https://StudioJJK.com/podcasts🛒 Support the show: https://StudioJJK.com/shop 📕 Support Grace: https://bookshop.org/lists/grace-linCelebrated, multi-award winning author/illustrator Grace Lin shares her journey from childhood to becoming an icon of children's literature! Grace discusses the impact of her upbringing, the challenges of navigating cultural identity, and the importance of representation in literature. Grace reflects on her art school experience at Rhode Island School of Design, the significance of awards, and the courage to embrace her creative voice after personal loss. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the value of community and hard work in achieving success in the creative field.Follow along this journey to get insight into my career as an author and illustrator of books for young readers. I am the creator of the LUNCH LADY graphic novels and won a few awards for my graphic memoir HEY, KIDDO.▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬02:52 The Role of Art and Storytelling in Coping05:47 Early Writing Experiences and Influences08:44 Navigating Parental Expectations and Cultural Identity11:59 Art School Journey and Challenges14:46 The Breakthrough with 'The Ugly Vegetables'17:36 Transitioning to Longer Works and Recognition24:24 Navigating Cultural Representation27:26 Embracing Personal Narratives30:25 The Impact of Awards and Recognition35:11 The Pressure of Expectations40:14 The Importance of Promotion and Community👨🏻‍💻Learn more about JJK and his books:https://studiojjk.com🗯Request information on JJK's keynotes and assemblies for schools, libraries, and institutions:https://studiojjk.com/keynotes🍎Download free resources for your classroom:https://studiojjk.com/freeresources✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️​​​​​​​​​​​​Jarrett J. Krosoczka, known since boyhood as "JJK," is the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than forty books for young readers, including his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, select volumes of the Star Wars™: Jedi Academy series, and Hey, Kiddo, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Krosoczka creates books with humor, heart, and deep respect for his young readers—qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on the bookshelves of homes, libraries, and bookstores over the past twenty years. In addition to his work in print, Krosoczka produced, directed, and performed in the full-cast audiobook adaptations of his graphic novels. The Hey, Kidoo audiobook garnered both Audie and Odyssey Awards for excellence in audiobook production. The Lunch Lady audiobook cast is led by Kate Flannery (The Office) and is rounded out by famed audiobook narrators and real kid actors! Krosoczka has been a guest on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, has been profiled in The New York Times, was featured on Good Morning America, and has delivered three TED Talks, which have accrued millions of views online. Krosoczka has garnered millions of more views online via the tutorials he has produced for YouTube and TikTok. As well as working on his books' film and television adaptions, Krosoczka has also written for The Snoopy Show (Apple TV+) and served as a consultant for Creative Galaxy (Prime Video), and appeared in live segments for the show.Realizing that his books can inspire young readers beyond the page, Krosoczka founded School Lunch Hero Day, a national campaign celebrating school lunch staff. A consummate advocate for arts education, Krosoczka also established the Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships, which fund art classes for underprivileged children in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.Krosoczka lives in western Massachusetts with his spouse, their three children, pugs Ralph and Frank, and a French bulldog named Bella Carmella.

How do you move beyond a difficult childhood?💬 Submit questions: https://StudioJJK.com/podcasts🛒 Support the show: https://StudioJJK.com/shopFollow along this journey to get insight into my career as an author and illustrator of books for young readers. I am the creator of the LUNCH LADY graphic novels and won a few awards for my graphic memoir HEY, KIDDO.

💬 Submit questions: StudioJJK.com/podcasts

🛒 Support the show: StudioJJK.com/shop

Chris Van Allsburg is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator best known for beloved classics like The Polar Express, Jumanji, and The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. His imaginative storytelling and distinctive illustrations have earned him two Caldecott Medals and status of icon in children's literature. This interview is from 2013.

💬 Submit questions: https://StudioJJK.com/podcasts🛒 Support the show: https://StudioJJK.com/shop

Answering listener questions about being an author, illustrator, and a creative professional.

💬 Submit questions: https://StudioJJK.com/podcasts

🛒 Support the show: https://StudioJJK.com/shop

📕 Support Jamar: https://bookshop.org/lists/jamar-nicholas

In this episode of the Origin Stories podcast, graphic novelist Jamar Nicholas shares his journey from a vibrant childhood in Philadelphia to his aspirations of becoming a cartoonist. He reflects on the influences of his family, particularly his mother, and the challenges he faced in high school and art school. Jamar discusses the importance of resilience, the impact of his peers, and the reality of dropping out of college while still pursuing his passion for art. His story is one of determination, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams against the odds. Jamar and Jarrett explore the complexities of the creative journey, discussing the importance of overcoming doubt, the role of self-motivation, and the significance of mentorship.

Trying out a new thing -- solo episodes in-between eps with guests. Let me know what you think? What would you like to know? Submit your questions to me via StudioJJK.com/podcasts

📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop

As I gear up for new interviews, enjoy the audio from this panel that I moderated for Scholastic Graphix featuring Raina Telgemeier, Scott McCloud, Gale Galligan, and Jamar Nicholas!

📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop

📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop

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!

📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop