There are some common symbols in cartoons and illustrations that we all know and understand. In American media, however, we don’t seem to have all agreed on X’s over the eyes. Drunk? Dead? Unconscious? Is this image a comedy or tragedy? [Snowmen at Night, 2002]
Well placed snowball, or horrifying snowman on snowman crime? You be the judge. [Snowmen at Night, 2002]
Trying to work out the logistics of this one. Kids make snowmen but snowmen also have… moms? [Snowmen at Night, 2002]
Cocoa + snowmen = please do not think too hard about that cocoa’s ultimate fate. [Snowmen at Night, 2002]
"This isn't an Olaf situation or anything." Spring may be upon us but winter won't give up so easily! As such, we're doing a deep dive on the podcast into one of the top selling snowman books out there in the States. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/03/09/f...
For anyone who has ever been to Mardi Gras World, this spread is going to feel awfully familiar. [The Invention of Hugo Cabret, 2007]
This guy? Tobey Maguire. No question. [The Invention of Hugo Cabret, 2007]
Woody Harrelson or Ben Kingsley? We leave it to you, the listener, to decide. [The Invention of Hugo Cabret, 2007]
What truly makes a picture book? If a Caldecott committee deems it so, is that enough? We asked our guests @colbysharp.bsky.social & @100scopenotes.bsky.social for a "big book" and they delivered! A special book for our 400th episode! #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/23/i...
This is the one part that throws us off. Angel? Fairy? Soul? What’s your best guess on this small winged child? [Honey, I Love, 2003]
So the original Honey, I Love came out in ‘78. This edition was released in 2003. We were fairly sure it was set during that year as well… and then we saw this car. Hooboy. [Honey, I Love, 2003]
We hate to be the ones to tell you this, but your babydoll? Yeah. It doesn’t trust you one iota. [Honey, I Love, 2003]
Pure joy with a distinct Ariel-esque twist. [Honey, I Love, 2003]
There’s an art to perfectly presenting those awkward moments when your adult teeth are coming into your mouth and everything is “going all over the place.” [Honey, I Love, 2003]
In a dual celebration of Black History Month and Valentine's Day, I figured the logical connection came in the form of Eloise Greenfield's Honey I Love. But which version? #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/16/f...
Who thunk it better? [Not a Box, 2007]
Quadruple negative alert! So it IS a box then? [Not a Box, 2007]
Far be it from us to side with the snarky narrator, but they may actually have a point about dousing your cardboard box in water. [Not a Box, 2007]
You think YOU’RE good at pretending? Try getting your ears to blow in the wind when you’re entirely stationary. THAT is commitment, my friends. [Not a Box, 2007]
This read brought to you by Regina George. [Not a Box, 2007]
"It's just a book about a creative bunny." Due to a snafu, on the podcast we review today's book a little earlier than we should have. Was it worth bending the rules? You'll have to listen to find out. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/09/f...
Credit Kate with figuring out that these photos really do adhere to one per decade in this book. Clever Wiesner. [Flotsam, 2006]
There is, admittedly, some comfort in knowing that even aliens can’t quite control their kids either. [Flotsam, 2006]
Nobody gives side-eye like a seahorse. They’re the side-eye masters. [Flotsam, 2006]
Aside from the fact that Wiesner draws a delightful octopus or two, can we point out the clever inclusion of the upside down moving van in the background (thereby explaining where the furniture came from)?[Flotsam, 2006]
Digital prints are 29 cents each, eh? Kate looked into what that would cost today. Walgreens? They charge… 29 cents each. We kid you not. Inflation is dead. Long live inflation. [Flotsam, 2006]
Chekov’s microscope. If you see it in a Ziplock… sorry… Zip-eez bag in Act One, it’s gonna get used by Act 3. And for the record, if anyone wants to make an Instagram account dedicated to faux brand names in picture books, we’re all for it. [Flotsam, 2006]
Always love it when a creator’s previous star makes a cameo in one of their other books. Though we should note that Kate is still weirded out by the implications behind blue-eyed pigs. [Flotsam, 2006]
You know the rules. If you place a tiny note full of names amongst the detritus of your publication page, Kate’s just gonna pounce on that. Looks like David snuck in his wife, kids, and friends in this cramped corner. [Flotsam, 2006]
Today, it's all about the fish. Fish and photography, baby. Flotsam turns 20 years old this year, so on the podcast we finally have a chance to determine if it's a modern day classic or not. #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/02/f...
