Our Best Books coverage continues with illustrator P.J. Lynch and Kirkus' Mahnaz Dar.

In celebration of Kirkus' Best Books of 2022, we’re highlighting an author from each of our Best Books lists—that’s fiction, nonfiction, picture books, middle grade, and YA—followed by a special conversation with that section’s editor.

This week it’s all about picture books, as illustrator P.J. Lynch joins us to discuss Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost (Candlewick, Nov. 8), one of Kirkus’ Best Picture Books of 2022.

Kirkus: “Lynch visually subverts several of the poem’s customary narrative interpretations, depicting a young, light-skinned rider astride a dappled gray horse. While the poem’s line ‘He gives his harness bells a shake’ implies a horse-drawn wagon, Lynch supplies a bell-trimmed bridle instead. Such innovations shift the poem’s authorial voice away from that of the venerable poet, adding a fresh layer of mystery to the purpose of this traveler’s journey.…Lovely pictures newly elucidate this renowned, euphonious work” (starred review).

Lynch and host Megan Labrise discuss the Stopping by Woods book launch at Dublin’s oldest bookstore, Hodges Figgis; the thrill of seeing an artist at work; the extra-special model he chose for the poem’s rider; his first time hearing the poem; what it’s like to illustrate other authors’ stories (versus your own); the delight of depicting snowflakes; what he loves best about creating books for young readers; and much more.

And young readers’ editor Mahnaz Dar takes us through this year’s list and sublists.

Mahnaz’s picks:

Two Dogs by Ian Falconer (Michael di Capua/HarperCollins)

Creepy Crayon! by Aaron Reynolds, illus. by Peter Brown (Simon & Schuster)

No! Said Custard the Squirrel by Sergio Ruzzier (Abrams Appleseed)

Big Cats by Tyus D. Williams, illus. by Chaaya Prabhat (Neon Squid/Macmillan)

The Sun Is Late and So Is the Farmer by Philip C. Stead, illus. by Erin E. Stead (Neal Porter/Holiday House)

Paradise Sands by Levi Pinfold (Candlewick Studio)

Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez with Lissette Norman, illus. by Teresa Martínez (Roaring Brook Press)

Abuelita and Me by Leonarda Carranza, illus. by Rafael Mayani (Annick Press)

Thanks to our advertisers:

History According to SAT by Elizabeth Breau, Ph.D.

Flyin' Kai by Duncan P. Forgey

The Newlyweds’ Window by Mukana Press

Fully Booked is produced by Cabel Adkins Audio and Megan Labrise.