Season 6
“Kevin Henkes & Laura Dronzek: A Conversation” | July 24, 2025
Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek are two of the most remarkable, beloved writers and illustrators working in children’s books today. Working both together and separately, they have created dozens of well-known and acclaimed books — and show no signs of slowing down! In a rare interview, Kevin and Laura share their creative process and how finding an “emotional truth” is at the heart of all their stories. View the transcript here.
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Kevin Henkes
Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and an illustrator and is the recipient of the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for his lasting contribution to literature for children. He received the Caldecott Medal for “Kitten’s First Full Moon;” Caldecott Honors for “Waiting” and “Owen;” Newbery Honors for “Olive’s Ocean” and “The Year of Billy Miller;” and Geisel Honors for “Waiting” and “Penny and Her Marble.” His other books include “The World and Everything in It,” “A House,” “A Parade of Elephants,” “Chrysanthemum,” and the beloved “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse.”
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Laura Dronzek
Laura Dronzek is a fine artist who, in addition to having her work displayed at the Madison Children’s Museum, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Gardiner Art Gallery, has illustrated several children’s books including “Birds” by Kevin Henkes, “Moonlight” by Helen V. Griffith, and “Rabbit’s Gift” by George Shannon, among many others.
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