BFF_logo1.png

the Book Friends Forever Podcast

Children's book publishing’s secrets are revealed as we listen in on fascinating, unguarded, insider discussion from two uniquely qualified best friends: award-winning author/illustrator Grace Lin, and one of NYC’s top editors, Alvina Ling. Go behind the scenes of kid lit and catch a glimpse of the lives of the best-selling author and editor, and the relationship between them.

Episode# 261: Chop Suey! Publishing News

Episode# 261: Chop Suey! Publishing News

Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they discuss a bunch of publishing news, including publishing imprint closures, new imprints, moves, and changes. The talk about the firing of a literary agent due to social media, soft censorship, Authors Against Book Bans, and Barnes & Noble. And then Alison Morris shares some big news involving herself, and gives some book recommendations.

How have you been?

Grace realizes she will never do a graphic novel! That would require doing so much art on the computer. Illustrating on the computer is not as pleasant. Alvina is feeling uplifted and hopeful about politics as well. Alvina had a wonderful neon-themed birthday party!

Publishing News

Algonquin and Workman Young Readers layoffs, Authors Against Book Bans officially launches, (Read about it here in Publisher’s Weekly), a panel on “Soft Censorship of LGBTQIA+ Content and Its Chilling Effect on the Children’s Book World,” Orbit Horror Imprint called “Run for It”, and a Barnes & Noble come back.

Alison Morris

Alison Morris is leaving First Book after 11 years with the company. Alison will still be able to come on the podcast and share her book knowledge! Here’s what she recommends reading!

Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri and illustrated by Matt Rockefeller

 

I like Your Chutzpah: And Other Words You’ll Like by Suzy Ultman

 

Teeny Tiendas: The Fruit Shop and The Flower Shop by Lourdes Heuer and Zara Gonzalez Hoang

 

Gratefuls

Grace is grateful to be a part of a the Northampton community to be included on a building mural and that Chinese Menu is a New England Book Award Finalist for the Middle Grade category! Alvina and Alison are grateful for the change in political atmosphere.


THANK YOU!

Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Alex at Pacyworks Studio for producing and editing this podcast. Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and tell a friend about us. (Use the hashtag #bookfriendsforever.)

You can find Alvina @Planetalvina on Twitter and TikTok and @Alvinaling on Instagram and Threads, @alvinaling on BlueSky

You can find Grace @Pacylin on Instagram and Threads, @authorgracelin on Facebook, @gracelinauthor on TikTok.

You can find Alison @kidlitgirl on Instagram and @AlisonLMorris on Twitter.

Please join our Patreon! For just $1 an episode sign up for the Book Friends Forever Patreon!

Please keep tagging and messaging us on social media using the hashtag #bookfriendsforever! OR email us at bookfriendsforever@gmail.com! Please let us know if you have any topic ideas!

Episode #262: Retirement!

Episode #262: Retirement!

Episode #260: Our Present and Future Selves!

Episode #260: Our Present and Future Selves!