Arts and Culture

“A Spoonful of Frogs” was written by Casey Lyall and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Vera Brosgol. Angela Whited says she’s already read this book at story time at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, and the book was a hit with listeners of all ages.

Fireweed Community Woodshop teaches hundreds of woodworking classes every year for beginners and experts looking for a welcoming, non-judgmental space.

Full of the beauty and drama she used to bring to life the Shakespearean story of “Hamnet,” Maggie O’Farrell turns to Renaissance Italy in her new novel, “The Marriage Portrait,” where she paints a picture of a resilient young girl trying to avoid being killed by her new husband.

Art Hounds recommend the music of The Ensemble Aras in a concert featuring Minnesota musicians. Lanesboro’s History Alive! stages a combination pop-up play and walking tour, and a Minneapolis book launch features well-known authors and a comedian.

Elizabeth Strout's latest is a chronicle of a plague year — and also of the main character's growing insights into herself, her family, and their changing relationships during this period.

In the first of our six-part series, NPR's Bob Mondello explains how the theater that most Americans see is being transformed.

This Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas will feature a conversation with Maggie O’Farrell, whose new book “The Marriage Portrait,” is set in 16th century Italy. That’s not unlike Lauren Groff’s 2021 hit, “Matrix,” which plays out in medieval France. So for this week’s deep cut, enjoy Groff talking with MPR News host Kerri Miller at last year’s Talking Volumes.

Peter Geye’s new novel tells the story of an athlete who is pushed by a grim medical diagnosis to reveal a secret past he might soon forget.

According to PEN America, a growing number of local political and advocacy groups have focused their attacks on books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and characters of color.

"American Born Chinese" by prolific cartoonist Gene Luen Yang was the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award back in 2006. Disney released a first look at an 8-episode series based on the novel, starring Michelle Yeoh, among other big-name actors.