Read What Your Kids Are Reading with Nick Bruel

From Reading Inspires by Reading Is Fundamental by Reading Is Fundamental

March 17, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 16

About this episode

Erin Bailey interviews Nick Bruel about his journey as an author and illustrator, emphasizing the importance of reading what your kids read.

In this episode, host Erin Bailey talks with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Nick Bruel, creator of the Bad Kitty series. Nick shares his path from bookseller at Books of Wonder to published author, his creative process using pen, pencil, and watercolor, and how early reading experiences—from Go, Dog, Go to the obscure Fat Cat —shaped his career. The conversation explores his intentional approach to reaching reluctant readers through illustrated chapter books with built-in nonfiction sections, the importance of libraries as spaces of choice, and visual literacy in graphic storytelling. Nick's advice for parents: read what your kids are reading. His inspiration? Reading fuels writing—analyzing what works (and what doesn't) in every book makes you a better creator. About Nick: Nicholas Tung Ming Bruel is an American author and illustrator of children’s books, most notably the Bad Kitty series. The first book in the series, Bad Kitty, is an alphabet-themed picture book, and expanded series includes both picture books and chapter books, as well as a guide to drawing comics. His books have been New York Times bestsellers. Books: Bad Kitty Goes to the Beach : Bad…

People in this episode

Host: Erin Bailey

Guest: Nick Bruel

Topics covered

children's literature
illustration
reading engagement
creative process
visual literacy

Keywords

Nick Bruel
Bad Kitty
children's books
reading
illustration
libraries
visual literacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Times

Products: Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Brush Tip

Books & works: Bad Kitty, Go, Dog, Go, Fat Cat, Bad Kitty Goes to the Beach, Hunger Games