Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo, a bestselling author renowned for her Grishaverse series, teams up with John Picacio, a celebrated illustrator and Hugo Award winner. They dive into their collaborative picture book, The Invisible Parade, exploring themes of grief and memory through the lens of Día de Muertos. The duo discusses their friendship, the emotional journey depicted through color, and the importance of storytelling for both kids and adults. They share personal insights into rituals for remembrance and the book's impact on readers processing loss.

Leigh Bardugo, bestselling author known for her hit series like Shadow and Bone, joins the chat to explore the intricacies of fantasy and YA literature. She shares insights on how genre shapes identities for teen readers and the importance of immersive worlds. Bardugo discusses her new picture book, touching on themes of grief and cultural heritage. The conversation dives into the role of complex emotions in YA, the marketing of romances, and why female-targeted fantasy often includes difficult subjects. It's a thought-provoking look at storytelling's power.