Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Rajani LaRocca, Shannon Hitchcock and Amie Darnell Specht are on this episode of #ReadingWithYourKids to celebrate the power of story. We begin the episode by welcoming Rajani LaRocca back to the show. She is celebrating her new middle grade fantasy novel, Sona and the Golden Beasts. Rajani explained the setting and characters, including Sona who discovers an injured wolf pup and goes on a quest to save her mentor.

Jedlie asked Raj...

Three fascinating guests on this epsiode of Reading With Your Kids. First up is Jennifer Nestor, author of  "Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality". This book  uses animal characters to help a young girl embrace her unique traits. Jane Smith's book "Teddy's Bear Takes a Tumble" shows a boy caring for his stuffed bear like his caring father cares for him, passing kindness through generations. Both authors emphasized the import...

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured conversations with several authors celebrating books and literacy. Jenna James discussed her Mozzarella book series, which draws inspiration from her travels between Ireland and Italy. The stories follow cheese-named characters on adventures throughout the world in search of happiness. James emphasizes exposing children to other cultures through her bilingual books and interactive act...

This episode of #ReadingWithYourKids features author and animator Sean Charmatz and Rawandan author and publisher Gasani Mutesi, Sean Charmatz joins us to celebrate his Bubble Cat series of picture books. Sean discusses how his character Bubble Cat learns strength, confidence and resilience despite appearing fragile. He reflected on how becoming a father influenced his storytelling perspective.

We met Gasana Mutesi at the Internati...

This is a fun episode of Reading With Your Kids. We first chat with Bob Shea and Jarvis, author & illustrator of the #ChildrensBook "Oh, Are You Awake?". They discuss their creative process, from initially connecting online in 2019 to illustrate the story, despite never meeting. Jarvis shares enjoying the freedom of illustration in children's books compared to more realistic work. They emphasize writing simply to entertain themselv...

This episode of Reading With Your Kids we meet Stephanie Barber and Renee Greene Murphy. Stephanie Barber introduces us to the reading.com mobile app. Stephanie explains that the app uses phonics-based lessons and decodable books to teach children to read at home. Jed questions how the app approaches traditional phonics instruction, and Stephanie responds that it focuses on collaborative learning between parents and children. They ...

On this episode of "Reading with your Kids" we meet children's authors Alysson Bourque and Meredith Davis. First up is Alysson Bourque to celebrate her new children's book "Alleycat and the Sunday Scaries". She talked about how the book helps kids overcome fears by learning resilience from Alleycat and her friends. Alysson shared her journey from writing the series inspired by her own kids, to self-publishing success and being pick...

Today's episode of Reading with Your Kids features powerful conversations with authors Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and Deborah Friedman. Kimberly discussed her New York Times bestselling book "The Night War", set during the 1942 Velodrome d'Hiver roundup in Paris where over 13,000 Jews were detained. She explained why it's important for children's books to teach the history of the Holocaust in an age-appropriate way. Deborah Friedman...

This episode of Reading with Your Kids features an interview with the one and only Raffi!  International children's recording artist Raffi returns to the show to celebrate his new album "Penny Penguin," which was inspired by his observations of birds like penguins. He enjoyed collaborating with the Good Lovelies on many songs, praising their strong work ethic and creativity. Music educator and author Frank Coates presented his debu...

This episode of Reading with Your Kids Welcomed talented author - illustrators Ashley Belote and Pan Cooke. Ashley Beloit is on to celebrate her picture book "Don't Wash Winston." She shared the inspiration behind the story of a boy afraid to put his teddy bear in the washing machine. Host Jed Doherty related this to his own experiences with his daughter's beloved stuffed animal.

Ashley discussed her career path studying children's...

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured several children's book authors discussing their work. Kathleen Long Bostrom talked about her book "Daddy, Tell Me a Story," which was inspired by reading with her own kids. She emphasized the importance of empowering children through storytelling and letting them solve problems in books. Christina Dixon discussed her book "I Am the Moon," which came from questioning with her son abou...

This episode of Reading With Your Kids featured discussions about entrepreneurship and business with teenagers Finley Scurlock and Jason Liaw, authors of the book "Down to Business." The authors shared their experiences interviewing over 50 entrepreneurs for the book and encouraged other teens to pursue their passions. They credited their success to taking risks at a young age.

The speakers discussed how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are ent...

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured fascinating discussions about science, books, and education. Jennifer Swanson, our dean of all things STEM & STEAM, shared her work exploring an ancient underwater forest off the coast of Alabama through her new book The Lost Forest. She emphasized the importance of sparking curiosity in children through hands-on learning. Serena Li then discussed the mission of Duck Duck Books to tea...

Today's episode of Reading With Your Kids celebrates the importance of inclusivity and diversity in children's literature. Crystal Foote discussed her book "Inclusivity Superheroes," which features characters with unique abilities to promote acceptance of differences. She hopes it will help teach children lessons about diversity at a young age. Jed Doherty shared a personal story of how embracing inclusivity allowed him to meet his...

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured conversations with two authors of middle grade novels. Stephanie Brick discussed her book "The Secret Doors of Cannondale," about an outcast girl who discovers secret portals to magical worlds. Brick drew inspiration from her childhood love of exploring secret passageways and hideouts. She and Jed Doherty talked about how co-reading books can help kids build resilience through discuss...

Matthew Paul Turner is on Reading With Your Kids to celebrate his children's book "You Will Always Belong." He explained that the book encourages children to feel a sense of self-acceptance and belonging. Matthew emphasized that loving oneself is important for truly loving and accepting others. He discussed previously feeling called to provide his own children with a healthy introduction to God through children's literature.

Matt...

On this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast we have the pleasure of meeting authors Chiara Columbi and Heather Duke.  Chiara Colombi, discussed her debut picture book Rocket Ship Solo Trip. She drew inspiration from her love of space and desire to foster science interest in her kids. The book taps into emotions of new experiences.

Jedlie shared memories of storytelling for his kids and its impact. He stressed developing e...

On this episode of Reading with Your Kids we celebrate healthy habit and diversity with Dr Rachel Wellner and Erin Danelle Russell. Dr. Rachel Wellner is the author of the Doctoroo #PictureBook series. Doctoroo is a marsupial doctor who travels the world helping animals and children. Dr. Wellner tells us she created Doctoroo to teach kids important health lessons in an engaging way. The books take readers on magical medical adventu...

Parents, don't miss this episode of Reading With Your Kids! Sue Atkins, a BBC parenting expert, emphasizes modeling hopeful behavior for kids and guiding their technology use. She returns to promote her book club featuring books addressing child anxiety.

 She discusses delaying smartphones for kids to protect mental health, instead prioritizing family activities. Parents are encouraged to reflect on their own phone usage and mindfu...