Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Annie Was Warned by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
In spite of the fact that Ed Young recently passed away and, traditionally, when a master of the picture book form passes away, we do one of their books on the show, I decided to keep him on the backburner while we do our first Halloween picture book of the season. And I am VERY excited about this because today’s book came out in 2003, which means we can finally do it on this podcast (we have a 20 year rule on books we consider). It wasn’t Krosoczka’s first picture book but it certainly was early. With its glow-in-the-dark letters on the cover and funny birthday/Halloween premise, I submit to you today Annie Was Warned. It’s out-of-print but NOT in our hearts, and I would contest that we should bring it back.
Listen to the whole show here on Soundcloud or download it through iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, PlayerFM, or your preferred method of podcast selection.
Show Notes:
We absolutely love that figuring out who these two shadowy silhouettes are is as easy as simply glancing at the nearby framed photographs.
Kate just called this hair, “Ramona Flowers from Scott Pilgrim but in the world of Hey, Arnold!” which is SO Millennial-specific, that I’m keeping it in the show.
We suspect that these are all shout-outs to different people. My current working theory is that “Jane” is Jane Dyer or something.
BEHOLD the most late-90s bracelets of all time!! How glorious are these?
Kate was instantly charmed by this feline. “This cat is me. I am this cat. This is my tattoo. It’s got a tongue sticking out, it’s got a blank stare…” It’s a pretty good tattoo, you have to admit. “Bleah?” This cat lives rent-free in our hearts.
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Unlike Trina Schart Hyman, Jarrett decided that maybe he shouldn’t put anyone’s actual name on any of these tombstones (and an explanation of what I mean can be found here).
The controversial move: Candy corn on a cake. Are you pro or con?
Filed under: Fuse 8 n' Kate
About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Kirkus, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on BlueSky at: @fuse8.bsky.social
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Have you met Mr. Krosoczka? I met him at a library conference 14 years ago when I was very pregnant and very much wanted “Punk Farm” on my to be born baby’s bookshelf.. but had no cash. We arranged for me to mail him my book and he’d mail it back and I mailed book and paid return postage and he mailed me a book of stamps back along with my book. And I very much contend he’s one of the nicest authors I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
Oh yes. I know Jarrett well. Agree with you. Nicest guy. His success couldn’t happen to a nicer one.