The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast Judy Moody Creator Megan McDonald Talks New Books: Bunny and Clyde On the Lam & Fairy Door Diaries
In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes beloved author Megan McDonald to discuss two of her newest series: Bunny and Clyde On the Lam and Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Hobgoblins. Megan shares how growing up in a book-filled Pittsburgh home with four older sisters shaped her love of reading—and how those childhood adventures inspire the mischief and heart in everything she writes.
From creating Judy Moody to finding fresh voices in animal outlaws and fairy folklore, Megan reveals why she trusts kids with big words, the real Bonnie and Clyde research behind an unforgettable amusement park scene, and how a tiny fairy door in Minneapolis sparked an entire series rooted in British Isles lore. Whether you're a parent seeking chapter books that hook young readers, an educator looking for stories full of humor and heart, or a Judy Moody fan curious about what's next, this conversation is a joyful celebration of imagination and the power of story.
Read the transcript on The Children's Book Review .
Highlights:
- From Bookmobile to Bestseller: How growing up in Pittsburgh shaped Megan's path to writing
- Breaking the Chapter Book Mold: Why Judy Moody changed the format—and why short novels are "real books"
- Bunny and Clyde's Origin: How the idea of "good kids trying to be bad" became a hilarious series
- The Abandoned Amusement Park: Real outlaw research and Scott Nash's genius Hall of Mirrors illustration
- The Fairy Door That Started It All: How a tiny fairy door and a bookstore eavesdrop inspired the Fairy Door Diaries
- Trusting Young Readers: Why Megan never underestimates kids' ability with language and humor
- "Eliza, Is That a True Story?": The magic of believing that ends every Fairy Door Diaries book
Notable Quotes:"Children as readers come to books so eager and open-minded. And I think we tend to underestimate kids' ability a lot." —Megan McDonald
"Going back to the page and going back to reading a book is my refuge and escape." —Megan McDonald
Books Mentioned:
- Bunny and Clyde On the Lam by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Scott Nash: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Hobgoblins by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Flower Fairies by Megan McDonald: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Scott Nash: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- Charlotte's Web by E.B. White: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- Lone Wolf by Kiah Thomas: Amazon or Bookshop.org
About Megan McDonald:Megan McDonald is the author of the hugely popular Judy Moody and Stink series, the Judy Moody and Friends series, and the chapter book series Bunny and Clyde. Her newest series, the Fairy Door Diaries, explores fairy folklore for young readers. She earned a BA from Oberlin College and an MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, she now lives in Sebastopol, California.
Credits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Megan McDonaldProducer: Bianca Schulze