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.

You can listen to new episodes of Fully Booked every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts and Spotify or at kirkusreviews.com/podcast.