Thalia Kids' Book Club: Sara Pennypacker and Marla Frazee's Clementine series

I went into this thinking it’d be a dry Q&A about the Clementine series, but Symphony Space’s production turned it into a warm, behind-the-scenes glimpse into creativity. The narration feels like eavesdropping on two old friends sharing stories over coffee—light, conversational, and packed with anecdotes about the books’ origins. Pennypacker and Frazee banter about the challenges of writing a character who’s lovable despite her constant trouble-making, and it’s impossible not to grin when Frazee admits she drew Clementine as a “wild-haired whirlwind” because that’s exactly how they envisioned her. My only gripe? The runtime is so short that it feels like the conversation could’ve gone deeper. A few more minutes of their insights would’ve made this feel less like a teaser and more like a feast. Still, the pacing is brisk, the energy infectious, and the production crisp—no muffled mic cracks or awkward pauses, just two creators in sync. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to collaborate with someone whose art matches your words, this is a quick, joyful listen. Just don’t be surprised if it leaves you wanting more Clementine chaos.