Author Ann Patchett explores introverts and extroverts in new kids book 'The Verts'

Author Ann Patchett talks about her new children's book — called "The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts" — with Here & Now's Lisa Mullins.

Though she's known for her award-winning novels for adults, Patchett says she decided it would be a lot more fun to write for kids.

Patchett owns Parnassus Books, a bookstore in Nashville, and loves to help people find new books and authors to read. She recommends a few of her favorite recent kid's books.

"Sophie Blackall is the genius of our time. She has a recent picture book out called 'Ahoy!' which is about imaginative play," Patchett says. "It’s about a kid who’s stuck at home and pretends that he’s on a ship and drags his mom into the whole imaginative play. It is such a great picture book."

"For early readers, Kate DiCamillo has a new one out. Kate DiCamillo just is the best in every category," Patchett says. "'Orris and Timble'" is about a rat and an owl that become friends. And if you think about 'Frog and Toad,' it’s that level of a very early chapter book that a kid could read on her own."