What do you do when your parents bring home a loud, smelly, bald, brother!?

How RUDE!

At least, that's what Sophie thinks!

Sophie is the protagonist dog in author/illustrator Brian Anderson's latest Sophie graphic novel releases!

Brian stops by the show today to discuss his background in writing/illustrating, the origins of the Sophie book, and what's next.

Enjoy!

About Brian Anderson

In addition to being the creator of DOG EAT DOUG, Brian Anderson is the author of several children’s books, including The Conjurers trilogy (Rise of the Shadow, Hunt for the Lost, and Fight of the Fallen), as well as the picture books Nighty Night, Sleepy Sleeps, The Prince’s New Pet, and Monster Chefs. He lives in North Carolina with his family, which includes a herd of rescued dogs and cats.

Brian has also partnered with “Reading is Fundamental” to explore ways comics and graphic novels can help their mission to ensure every child can read.

About Sophie

Based on the much-loved webcomic, “Dog Eat Doug,” Sophie is a hilarious new graphic novel series, a sendup of family life from the perspective of one snarky dog who wants nothing more than to have everything—without ever having to share. Full of mini adventures, pop culture spoofs, sharp jokes, adorable illustrations, and a sneaky dose of heart, Jurassic Bark and Frankenstein’s Hound are the perfect introduction to these characters and their world. Just right for the pet-obsessed among us no matter the age, while simultaneously appealing to the kids who love to giggle at Big Nate, Dog Man, Garfield, and Snoopy.

Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

We're back AND we're bringing a magical creature with us!

Is that a cat? No, it's a unicorn? WRONG, it's UNICO!!!

Yes, we know we took a bit of a summer break but we're back with some new episodes starting with this fabulous interview with author Samuel Sattin discussing his latest book "Unico: Awakening".

Joe and Samuel get into a great discussion about writing graphic novels, adapting a beloved manga series for a new generation of children, and what's on the horizon.

Enjoy!

About Samuel Sattin

Samuel Sattin is an American writer. His books include the multi-volume Unico series for Scholastic Graphix, the Eisner Award-nominated Buzzing, Side Quest, The Silent End, and (as co-author) both A Kids Guide to Anime and Manga and The Essential Anime Guide: 50 Iconic Films, Standout Series, and Cult Masterpieces. He has also adapted the Academy Award-nominated films WolfWalkers, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells to the graphic novel format. He graduated with an MFA in comics from the California College of the Arts and works as a studio writer for Schulz Creative Associates, aka Snoopy Central. Samuel resides with his wife in San Francisco.

About Unico: Awakening

An adventure across space and time awaits! A young unicorn named Unico awakens on earth with none of his memories. As he works to unravel the mystery of who he is and where he comes from, he soon realizes he is being hunted by gods and monsters. With the help of new friends, Unico will need to unlock his full power and save the world in this original manga adventure.

Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

What do you do if you're tryiong to reverse-engineer a popular children's book?

How about, if your goal is to create a series to help reluctant readers?

You might follow the path of today's guest, Dan Gutman, when he created the "My Weird School" series over 20 years ago!

Dan created the phenomenal book series to help solve for reluctant readers and create something he wish existed back when he was a reluctant reader himself!

Joe and Dan get into a conversation about creating a book series from scratch, how to help reluctant readers, and some advice for those young aspiring writers in our households.

Enjoy!

About Dan Gutman

New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Dan Gutman has written more than 190 books for readers from kindergarten through middle school. Dan’s My Weird School series includes 100+ titles, and has sold more than 35 million copies globally over the past 20 years. Dan also is the author of the best-selling Genius Files series, the Baseball Card Adventure series, and many more.

Dan’s books have been named Junior Library Guild Selections and Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, and have been awarded numerous state book awards, including: The California Young Reader Medal, the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, and the Iowa Children’s Choice Award, among others. When he’s not writing books, Dan loves to ride his bike, play pickleball, throw Frisbees, and explore New York City where he lives with his wife Nina. To find out more, follow Dan on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

About the 'My Weird School' series

With more than 100 titles and 35 million copies sold, Dan Gutman’s My Weird School series follows the day-to-day life of wisecracking A.J., his loyal pals Ryan and Michael, and his archenemy, smarty-pants Andrea, as they face a set of wacky teachers at Ella Mentry School—the weirdest school ever.

Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: