Trick or Treat with Karen Yin + Treat Inside!

Hi, to all you charming readers, writers, and creators out there! ✨ Today, we’re serving up a Witch-tastic treat by celebrating author Karen Yin and her delectable picture book, Nice to Eat You!

When a sneaky witch lures a group of children to her house, her verbal gaffes keep them guessing at every turn. Are the kids in for a snack—or are they the snack?! This Hansel & Gretel-inspired tale can't be missed!

Want to know more about Karen and her new book PLUS want to know what treat she's passing out? Read on...if you dare! 🖤🎃

Q: Hi Karen - Thanks for joining SeasonsOfKidLit.com's Trick-or-Treat Party! We’re thrilled to have you back and hear all about you and your book, perfect for the season - Nice to Eat You. What inspired your story, and can you share a little about its path to publication?

A: I’m delighted to be back with Seasons of Kid Lit to talk about my newest picture book, Nice to Eat You. This story began as a silly idea: What if a coven of witches was really a coven of sandwiches? I conjured up other witchy wordplay possibilities and let the ideas simmer. One night, during a bout of insomnia, I pulled out my notes and wrote the entire story in 2 hours while cackling quietly to myself, of course. Weeks later, the manuscript went on submission and piqued the interest of three editors. One said she was “totally charmed by this dark, delicious story” and made an offer two months later. I may have screamed a little. I thought this would be my fastest acquisition, but my fifth book to sell, The Conscious Style Guide: A Flexible Approach to Language That Includes, Respects, and Empowers, holds the record: 18 days. The publishing journey will never cease to be full of surprises, much like unwrapping a piece of candy.

Oh WOW! We creators know how long this process takes. Hearing how quick it can take too is wickedly-wonderful!

Q: What will readers enjoy most about your book? Why is it a perfect fit for the fall/Halloween season?

A: Nice to Eat You is the most bewitching Halloween book you will read—ever. (Would I lie to you?) The illustrations by Carolina Coroa reek of adorable children and scrumptious treats—or is it adorable treats and scrumptious children? Forget the sweet old lady’s forked tongue and enjoy the feast of silly wordplay. The only danger is getting hungry from reading about frosted cupcakes and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. Did I mention the cats? Find the cute cats! Keep looking, dear. You won’t suspect a thing.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being a kidlit creator? What’s the most challenging part?

A: I get to invent stories and make art for a living! I get to commune and grow with other artists. I get to send my deepest imaginings into the world and change it. What’s challenging is all the stuff I’m expected to do that takes time away from my art, like posting, promoting, and performing.

Q: What other books of yours can we check out ASAP or keep our eyes peeled for?

A: In So Not Ghoul, written by me and illustrated by Bonnie Lui, a little Chinese American ghost wants nothing more than to wear fashionable sheets and chains like her ghoulmates instead of her great-great-great-great-great-ghost-grandmother’s not-so-great Chinese gowns. Come for the puns, and stay for a heartwarming story with silly proverbs and a ghost cat! (Can you tell I like cats?)

Thanks for sharing! Readers, if you want to take a closer look at Karen's interview with us about So Not Ghoul, click here.

Q: Would your character rather hand out tricks or treats to Halloween visitors and why?

A: Definitely treats. But you know that game Duck Duck Goose? When you visit the sweet old lady who lives deep in the forest, she will be playing Treat Treat Trick—a game you will not and cannot win.

Q: What is your favorite Halloween candy that you’d love to see in your goodie bag, and what candy would you immediately swap (or toss)?

A: Hand over all your Twix, please, and hold the Twizzlers! (Kindly ignore the accidental alliteration.)

We always appreciate alliteration! ;)

Q: Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our readers?

A: A TREAT: A signed copy of Nice to Eat You, U.S. & Canada residents only.

Thanks for such a spell-tastic treat, Karen! And thanks again for stopping by. It was a real treat having you here with us.

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter Karen's giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by, and 2) share her post on social media. Share a wicked-cool GIF, too!

*Special Reminder: Those who like, leave a comment on, and share all posts will be entered into a drawing and be eligible to win:

• One (1) of five (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Editor Lynne Marie and Author Heather Macht and/or

• Books from Heather's Treat Bag (see below)!

Winners will be drawn and announced on 10/18. Head back to the blog then for the official announcement!

About Karen Yin:

Karen Yin is the author of picture books for children, including Whole Whale and So Not Ghoul, and a word book for grownups, The Conscious Style Guide: A Flexible Approach to Language That Includes, Respects, and Empowers. When Karen is not playing with words, she is busy making faces, promises, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Find her at KarenYin.com.

For more about Karen, check out the below links:

Website: KarenYin.com

Newsletter: mail.karenyin.com

Social media handles:

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karenyin.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karensoffice/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenyin/

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REMINDER: The 2026 SOKL Book Awards Contest is LIVE! For more, visit:  2026 Book Awards | SeasonsOfKidlit