From caterpillar to butterfly, 'Papilio' grows up in a new picture book Papilio is a picture book told in three parts about three stages of a butterfly's life (there are really four stages but egg time is pretty boring). It's also written and illustrated by three friends. Samantha Balaban
How Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star Author Ricky Riccardi says Armstrong's innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist helped set the soundtrack of the 20th century. His book is Stomp Off, Let's Go. Originally broadcast Jan. 30, 2025. Terry Gross
A 'Failed Child Star' looks back on life in Argentina and Hollywood Tamara Yajia grew up Jewish in Argentina, intent on becoming a child star. But just when her break was coming along, her family emigrated to California. Her new memoir is Cry for Me, Argentina. Terry Gross
Author Hala Alyan discusses her new memoir, 'I'll Tell You When I'm Home' NPR speaks with Palestinian American author and poet Hala Alyan {HAHL-uh ahl-YAHN} about her new memoir, "I'll Tell You When I'm Home," in which she shares the experience of motherhood via surrogacy. Leila Fadel
Performing Madonna at Hebrew school was pivotal for this 'Failed Child Star' NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Tamara Yajia about her memoir, Cry for Me, Argentina: My Life as a Failed Child Star and growing up with her unconventional family in the U.S. and Argentina. Ailsa Chang
'Hamilton' producer Jeffrey Seller traces his journey from 'Theater Kid' to Broadway Seller has been a key behind-the-scenes figure for some of Broadway's biggest hits including, Hamilton and Rent, but he got his start on a much smaller scale. He looks back in a new memoir. Terry Gross
Meg Medina's new young adult novel finds hope in the afterlife In Meg Medina's new novel, a young girl becomes a sea ghost and must learn to find meaning in the afterlife. She talks to NPR's Scott Simon about "Graciela in the Abyss." Scott Simon
Michelle Obama on how she defines her own story NPR's Rachel Martin is joined by Michele Obama to play the Wild Card game, in which guests randomly select questions from a deck of cards. Rachel Martin
'Make It Ours' traces Virgil Abloh's unconventional path to luxury fashion Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic Robin Givhan explains how the late designer challenged tradition and opened doors — and why she believes his unique voice left such a mark on the fashion world. Tonya Mosley
'Say no to power peeing' and other good tips from a pelvic floor physical therapist Your pelvic floor supports organs like your bladder, bowels and reproductive system. Strengthen it with exercises and mantras (like "squeeze before you sneeze") from physical therapist Sara Reardon. Marielle Segarra