An Interview with Colby Sharp

In 'James and the Giant Peach', Roald Dahl tells the story of James Henry Trotter, a young boy whose life is turned upside down after his parents are killed by a rhinoceros. James is forced to live with his abusive aunts, Spiker and Sponge, until a mysterious old man gives him magic crystals that accidentally cause a giant peach to grow. Inside the peach, James meets a group of oversized, friendly insects: a grasshopper, a spider, a ladybug, a centipede, an earthworm, and a silkworm. Together, they escape the aunts and embark on a fantastical journey across the Atlantic Ocean, facing various challenges such as sharks, Cloud-Men, and other obstacles. The story highlights themes of resilience, friendship, and the power of imagination, ultimately leading James to a happier life in New York City.

In 'I Want My Hat Back', a bear searches for his missing hat by asking various animals in the forest if they have seen it. The story unfolds with the bear's polite inquiries and the animals' negative responses, until he realizes the hat's location and takes drastic action. The book is notable for its understated humor, visual wit, and a dark ending that has sparked discussion about its appropriateness for children. It achieved significant commercial success and received several awards, including the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book and being named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year.

This interactive book brings the classic tale to life with pop-ups and flaps, engaging young readers in the story of three goats outsmarting a troll. The book is designed to entertain and educate children through interactive elements.

The book 'Dogman' by Bob Paski is set in a burnt-out part of a sprawling city, where the protagonist faces a threatening snowstorm. The narrative likely explores themes of survival, resilience, and possibly supernatural or mysterious elements given the title.

The Captain Underpants series, written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey, follows the adventures of two fourth-grade pranksters, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, who live in Piqua, Ohio. The boys create a comic book character named Captain Underpants, who becomes real when they hypnotize their principal, Mr. Krupp. The series is known for its silly humor, outrageous plots, and the friendship and loyalty between George and Harold. The books have been translated into more than 25 languages and have sold over 80 million copies worldwide. The series includes 12 main books, two activity books, colored versions, and several spin-offs.

The Go-Giver tells the story of Joe, an ambitious young man who learns the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success from a series of mentors introduced by the enigmatic Pindar. These laws—Value, Compensation, Influence, Authenticity, and Receptivity—emphasize the importance of giving and adding value to others' lives. By shifting his focus from getting to giving, Joe experiences unexpected returns and achieves greater success in both his business and personal life.

In 'Big', Vashti Harrison tells the story of a young Black girl whose perception of the word 'big' changes as she grows. Initially, 'big' is a term of praise, but it soon takes on hurtful dimensions. The book uses powerful visuals to depict the impact of others’ opinions on the girl, leading to a journey of healing and self-love. The story is deeply personal, reflecting Harrison’s own childhood experiences and addressing issues of body image, microaggressions, and the importance of empathy.

In this iconic children's book, Max, dressed in his wolf suit, causes chaos at home and is sent to bed without supper. His bedroom transforms into a jungle, and he sails to an island where he encounters the Wild Things. Max tames the creatures and becomes their king, but eventually returns home, missing his mother's love. The book is praised for its honest treatment of children's emotions, particularly anger and the need for parental love. It has been adapted into a movie and an opera and remains a beloved classic in children's literature.