Leila Sales, "The Museum of Lost and Found" (Harry N. Abrams, 2023)

Feb 13, 2026

Leila Sales, author and editorial director known for acclaimed children’s and YA fiction, talks about steering a Jewish children’s imprint and what she seeks in picture books. She explains why plot and character matter even in short works. She also shares the origins and themes of The Museum of Lost and Found and offers practical advice for aspiring picture book creators.

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ADVICE

Prioritize Clear Story Structure

Focus on story: give characters clear wants, obstacles, and agency to pursue goals.
Build suspense, even in low-stakes picture books, so readers wonder how the character will solve the problem.

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ADVICE

Match Story Complexity To Format

For board books and very young readers, accept simpler, atmospheric structures without heavy conflict.
Match narrative complexity to format constraints and audience attention spans.

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ADVICE

Use Bold, Unexpected Resolutions

Use unexpected, delightfully risky choices in plotting to surprise readers, as in I Want My Hat Back.
Ensure the character's want is clear and let the resolution be surprising yet consistent with the story's logic.

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Leila's New Role at Kar-Ben

00:50 • 3min

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What Kar-Ben Is Looking For

03:29 • 2min

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Story, Plot, and Character in Picture Books

05:27 • 3min

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Board Books and Less Conflictful Tales

08:11 • 2min

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Leila's Editorial Background

09:46 • 3min

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On Writing Versus Publishing to Market

Writing for Yourself Versus the Market

18:31 • 10min

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Leila as an Author and Her Process

Origins of The Museum of Lost and Found

31:57 • 5min

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Plot, Themes, and Ending of the Museum Book

37:21 • 5min

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Advice for Aspiring Authors

42:37 • 6min

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Leila's Wish List and Global Jewish Stories

Angelina Ballerina follows the adventures of a young mouse passionate about ballet, who practices tirelessly and overcomes challenges to join a dance class and pursue her dream. Inspired by author Katharine Holabird's daughters dancing around the house, the book captures the joy of dance, determination, and childhood imagination. First published in 1983, it launched a beloved series with millions of copies sold worldwide.

Ferdinand

Munro Leaf

Published in 1936, The Story of Ferdinand tells the tale of a young bull who refuses to conform to societal expectations of aggression and violence. Unlike his peers who engage in head-butting games, Ferdinand finds contentment sitting under a cork tree and smelling flowers. When selected for a bullfight in Madrid, Ferdinand's gentle nature prevails even in the arena, ultimately allowing him to return home and continue his peaceful life. The story has become a timeless classic celebrating nonviolence, individuality, and the courage to be different.

#30809

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama Red Pajama tells the story of Baby Llama's bedtime fears and how Mama Llama's love and reassurance help him feel safe. The book uses rhyming verse and expressive illustrations to convey the emotional journey of a child at bedtime. It is a comforting tale that explores themes of fear, love, and parental presence.

The Museum of Lost and Found

Leila Sales

#19088

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

I Want My Hat Back

Jon Klassen

In 'I Want My Hat Back', a bear searches for his missing hat by asking various animals in the forest if they have seen it. The story unfolds with the bear's polite inquiries and the animals' negative responses, until he realizes the hat's location and takes drastic action. The book is notable for its understated humor, visual wit, and a dark ending that has sparked discussion about its appropriateness for children. It achieved significant commercial success and received several awards, including the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book and being named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year.

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The last kids on Earth

Max Brallier

#27114

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The Snowy Day

Ezra Jack Keats

This celebrated classic, published in 1962, tells the story of Peter, a young boy who experiences the magic of his first snowfall. The book beautifully depicts Peter's small adventures in the deep snow, including making snowmen, snow angels, and attempting to bring the snow inside. It is notable for being the first modern children's book to feature an African-American protagonist and has been praised for its simple yet powerful storytelling and innovative illustrations. The book has been shared by generations of readers and remains a must-have for every child's bookshelf.

#38091

Corduroy

Don Freeman

Corduroy is a classic children's picture book written and illustrated by Don Freeman. The story follows a teddy bear named Corduroy who lives in a department store and is eager to be taken home by a child. One day, a young girl named Lisa spots him but her mother declines to buy him due to a missing button on his overalls. That night, Corduroy embarks on a journey through the department store to find the missing button. Although he doesn't succeed, Lisa returns the next day with her own money and buys him. At home, she sews a new button on his overalls, and they form a strong bond. The book emphasizes themes of friendship, acceptance, and the importance of loving someone despite their flaws.

#13288

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Madeline

Ludwig Bemelmans

Published in 1939, 'Madeline' is a beloved children's book written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. The story follows Madeline, a seven-year-old girl who lives in a Parisian convent with eleven other girls under the care of their teacher, Miss Clavel. The narrative is told in rhyming verse and features vivid illustrations of Parisian landmarks. The plot revolves around Madeline's appendicitis and her subsequent hospital visit, which sparks a chain of events where her friends also claim to be in pain. The book is known for its charming portrayal of childhood adventures and the unique character of Madeline, who embodies bravery and curiosity.

Leila Sales wears many hats. She is the author of eight critically acclaimed novels for children and young adults, including This Song Will Save Your Life and Once Was a Time. Leila is also the editor of award-winning and bestselling fiction and nonfiction books for readers of all ages. Most recently, she is Editorial Director at Kar-Ben Publishing, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group. Leila has also managed classic children’s publishing properties including Corduroy, Angelina Ballerina, Ferdinand, The Snowy Day, and others. In our wonderfully candid interview we discuss her new role at Kar-Ben and her wish list, her own career as an author, and what makes a great picture book. We also discuss her recent book, The Museum of Lost and Found (illustrated by Jacqueline Li, Abrams, 2023).

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