Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two inspiring guests who are making a difference in the lives of children. First, Jed chats with Ciara O'Neal, the author of the children's book "Pedro the Pirate." Ciara shares her personal experience as a former foster / now adoptive parent and how that inspired her to write a story about a foster child learning to trust and embrace new friendships. Jed and Ciara take a dive deep into the challenges and joys of foster parenting, with Ciara emphasizing the importance of providing a stable, loving environment for these children. They also discuss the vital role of school librarians, with Ciara and Jed reminiscing about the impact their own librarians had on their childhoods. Next, Jed welcomes back Adina Oberman, a children's author and publicist for Familias Publishing. Adina shares the company's mission to create books that bring families closer together, including their new regional series featuring New York City. Adina explains how

In this episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with two talented children's book authors, Alice Faye Duncan and Adib Khorram. Alice shared her brand new book, "I Gotta Sing," which is a delightful story about a baby who sings with barnyard animals to avoid bath time. She infused the book with the joy and energy of African American spirituals and Delta Blues, creating an interactive and engaging experience for young readers. Alice spoke passionately about the importance of bringing joy and happiness to children through her writing. She believes that each of us has a responsibility to spread joy and positivity, especially in a world that can sometimes feel heavy and overwhelming. The vibrant illustrations in "I Gotta Sing" perfectly capture this spirit of joy and movement, making it a book that kids (and their parents) will want to read again and again. We also got to know Adib Khorram and his new book, "Bijan Always Wins," which explores the competitive nature of childhood. Adib drew inspiration from his own

In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty chats with three children's book authors about their latest works. First up is Kimberley Lovato, who discusses her new picture book "Pisa Loves Bella." The story follows the story of Bella, the beloved tower in Pisaa who learns to embrace her unique qualities after hearing unkind words about her appearance. Lovato shares how her own experiences with teasing inspired the book's themes of kindness, empathy, and the impact of words on children. Next, Jed speaks with Frank Payne about his "Webster the Beagle" book series. Payne's latest installment, "Webster the Beagle and his Adventures at the River," focuses on the therapy dog's encounters with various river-dwelling creatures like ospreys, crabs, and oysters. Payne explains how he uses these animal interactions to educate young readers through fun facts and illustrations. Finally, Jed interviews debut middle-grade author Lindsay Hobson about her spooky novel "The Girl in the Window." Hobso

In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with Heidi Chance, a retired human trafficking detective, to discuss the alarming issue of sex trafficking and how parents can protect their children. Chance shares her firsthand experiences investigating these crimes, highlighting the evolving nature of the problem, with traffickers targeting younger and younger victims, often through online grooming and manipulation. The conversation delves into the tactics used by traffickers, who leverage social media and technology to identify and exploit vulnerable children. Chance emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and kids, encouraging them to have difficult but necessary conversations about online safety, recognizing "tricky people," and the dangers of sharing personal information or inappropriate content. Jed and Chance also discuss the role of law enforcement in addressing human trafficking, and Chance's efforts to educate both the public and fellow office

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with three talented children's book authors who are using their creative talents to inspire young readers. First, we chatted with Marie Tang, the author of the new children's book "Baba's Peach Tree." Marie shared how the story was inspired by her personal experiences living in China and witnessing the sacrifices made by migrant workers to provide for their families. The book explores themes of cultural dynamics, family roots, and the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives. Next, we spoke with Tricia Gardella, the author of the "Mouse Traveler" book series. Tricia's books follow a mouse named Max who travels to different national parks, introducing young readers to the wonders of America's natural treasures. Tricia discussed her passion for national parks and her goal of preserving them for future generations, as well as her creative process for bringing these stories to life. Finally, we were joined by Nicola Worswick, the author and il

In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty welcomes back author Rob Renzetti to discuss the second book in his spooky middle-grade trilogy, "The Twisted Tower of Endless Torment." Renzetti shares his excitement for writing the sequel, explaining how he had a clear vision for the series even before the first book was published. Renzetti talks about the challenges of meeting the publisher's deadlines, but how he ultimately decided to release the books in the summer to coincide with the Halloween season, as the stories have a delightfully creepy vibe. Jed and Renzetti bond over their shared love of horror movies and how they've used spooky content to connect with their kids. The conversation then shifts to Renzetti's background in animation, including his time at the prestigious CalArts program and his early career working on shows like "Batman: The Animated Series." Renzetti offers advice for aspiring authors and illustrators, emphasizing the importance of creating content that you personally

In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty welcomes a diverse group of authors to discuss their latest children's books and share insights on literacy, education, and the power of storytelling. First up is Karol Hernandez, who celebrates her vibrant picture book "I Am Lachiva, the Colorful Bus of the Andes." Karol shares the cultural significance of the iconic Chiva buses in Colombia, describing their bright colors, unique designs, and vital role in rural transportation. She also discusses the challenges of translating a rhyming book into Spanish and the importance of authenticity in her work. Next, Dawn Young joins the conversation to talk about her book "Little Cub's. Big List,. Fun with Sight Words." As a former teacher, Dawn emphasizes the importance of making learning engaging and fun for young readers. She shares creative ways for parents to help their children practice sight words, from games and activities to hands-on experiences. Jin Wang then introduces her illustrated memoir "Bor

In this captivating episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with two remarkable guests who are using their unique talents to make a difference in the world. First, we hear from Kao Kalia Yang, a Hmong American author whose debut middle-grade novel, "The Diamond Explorer," takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and cultural identity. Kalia shares the powerful story of her family's harrowing escape from Laos during the Vietnam War, and how her father's resilience and love of storytelling inspired her own writing. She delves into the themes of her book, which follows a young Hmong boy named Malcolm as he navigates the complexities of class, race, and finding his place in the world. Kalia's words are both heartbreaking and hopeful, as she highlights the importance of representation and the transformative power of literature for young readers. Next, we meet Naomi Schaefer, the former "boss clown" of the nonprofit organization Clowns Without Borders. Naomi explains how this i

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had  delightful conversations with two talented kid's book authors and illustrators - Kim Hillyard and Alycia Pace. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, from the power of picture books to inspire emotional intelligence and mental well-being, to the importance of kindness and community in children's stories. Kim Hillyard shared the exciting journey of creating her debut picture book, "Mabel and the Mountain," which follows a tiny fly's determination to climb a huge mountain. Kim spoke about the confidence she gained in simplifying her illustrations, and how the book's themes of resilience and self-belief can help young readers. Jed and Kim also explored the emotional impact of picture books, and how sharing vulnerable moments with children can be a powerful bonding experience. Alycia Pace then joined the conversation to discuss her new board book, "How to Put a Dinosaur to Bed." Alycia explained how the book aims to help children empathize

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of speaking with several talented kid's book authors and illustrators. First up were sisters Janet Lord and Julie Paschkiss, who collaborated on the picture book "Crick Crack Crow." Janet wrote the story, while Julie brought the mischievous crow to life through her vibrant illustrations. The siblings discussed their creative process and the special connection they share as co-creators. Next, Jed welcomed John Krause, author of the Pudge Amazon middle-grade book series. Krause shared how his childhood nickname "Pudge" inspired the main character, a resourceful and adventurous young boy. The Pudge Amazon books explore themes of friendship, self-identity, and problem-solving, with Krause drawing from his own experiences as an introverted kid. Finally, Jed spoke with Paula Banks, author of the "Dream Big, Peyton's Hip Hop Adventure" picture book series. Banks created the confident and creative character of Peyton as a way to live out her

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of speaking with two talented kids' book authors and illustrators - Carter Higgins and Ryeigh A Starr. Carter Higgins joined us to celebrate her delightful picture book "Round and Round the Year We Go," which celebrates the changing seasons and the joy of reading with kids. Carter shared how her experience as a school librarian influenced her approach to creating books that feel like a cozy story time experience. We also had the chance to chat with Ryleigh A Starr, the author behind the Australian Animals Children's Book Series. Ryleigh's series features unique Aussie creatures like koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses, as well as the diverse landscapes of Australia. Ryleigh's passion for reading and storytelling shines through, as she's developed an engaging subscription model that delivers 30 new stories each month, complete with read-along videos to help struggling readers. Both Carter and Ryleigh emphasized the importance of school and public lib

Hey there, book lovers! We've got a juicy episode for you today, packed with fruity fun and heartwarming family moments. First up, we chatted with Mike Boldt about his new picture book "Cantaloupe and Honeydew Ride a Bike." It's a sweet story about two melon pals learning to pedal their way through life's challenges. Mike shared some behind-the-scenes scoop on his creative process, including how he came up with the idea of personifying these fruity friends. He even spilled the beans on his unique illustration technique, combining real fruit photos with hand-drawn expressions. Pretty cool, right? But wait, there's more! We also had Tracy C Gold on the show to talk about her touching book "Call Your Mother." This one's a real tear-jerker, folks. Tracy's book celebrates the special bond between mothers and children, from babyhood all the way to becoming a parent yourself. We dove into some deep stuff too, like how to support kids with artistic dreams and the importance of practice over perfection. Both authors s

Hey there, book lovers and tech enthusiasts! Today's episode is a real eye-opener about how technology is revolutionizing reading for everyone, especially kids with learning differences. We kicked things off with Ayan Kishore from Benetech, who's doing amazing work with Bookshare. Imagine a free online library with over 1.3 million books, all accessible to kids who struggle with traditional reading. We're talking text-to-speech, customizable fonts, and even refreshable Braille displays. It's not just cool tech – it's life-changing stuff that's boosting reading comprehension for kids with dyslexia and other challenges. Next up, we chatted with Dr. Adeia Theodore about her heartwarming book "I Would Love You Still." She reminded us how crucial it is to show our kiddos unconditional love, even when they're driving us bonkers. Plus, she dropped some knowledge about the long-term benefits of reading to our little ones – better vocabularies, school readiness, you name it! Last but not least, Jason Broughton from th

Hey there, book lovers! Today we've got a real treat for you - two amazing authors talking about their fascinating new children's books. First up is Gabriella Aldeman, chatting about her bilingual book "Squawk of Spanish." This heartwarming story follows Max, a kid struggling to speak Spanish despite his bilingual household. Gabriella dives into the challenges of translating the book, the importance of embracing imperfection in language learning, and how to help kids gain confidence in speaking another language. She even shares some personal anecdotes about her own family's bilingual journey. Then we've got 17-year-old Michael Hoffen, who's just released "Be a Scribe" - a book based on a 3,500-year-old Egyptian text! Michael talks about how he got into translating hieroglyphics at just 14 (mind-blowing, right?), and shares some super cool facts about ancient Egyptian culture and language. Did you know our alphabet is actually derived from hieroglyphs? Mind. Blown. Both authors touch on some universal themes t

Hey there, podcast fans! Get ready for an exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids featuring not one, but two awesome guests. First up, we've got Jerry Kolber from Atomic Entertainment, the mastermind behind the hit kids' podcast "Who Smarted?". Jerry dishes on how they're making learning fun for kids and parents alike with their daily 15-minute episodes covering everything from science to pop culture. But wait, there's more! We also chat with YA fantasy author M.B. Mooney about his epic new book "Shield of the King". Mooney takes us into the world of Elowin, a young elf navigating a complex world where heroes aren't always what they seem. It's a story that'll get teens and parents talking about some big ideas in a totally engaging way. Both guests share some great insights on creating content that sparks curiosity and critical thinking in kids. We dive into the challenges of finding heroes in today's divided world and how fantasy can help us explore tough topics. Plus, there's some fun chat about world-bui

In this heartwarming episode of "Reading With Your Kids," we dive into the world of Kids' books that tackle important social issues. First up, we chat with Shannon Anderson about her new book "B is for Belonging." Shannon shares how this alphabet book explores the concept of belonging versus fitting in, inspired by Brené Brown's work. She emphasizes the importance of creating a classroom environment where kids feel safe to be themselves and take creative risks. Shannon also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming books, including "I Love Blueberries" and "Speak Up with Your Beak Up." We discuss the evolving landscape of education and the need for innovation in teaching methods. Next, we welcome Angela DeGroot, author of "Not Pop Pop." This touching story, based on real-life observations, follows a young boy who mistakes a homeless man for his grandfather at the library. Angela explains how the book gently introduces kids to the concept of homelessness and encourages empathy.   We explore the power of small ac

Hey there, book lovers! This episode of Reading With Your Kids was jam-packed with awesome insights about fostering a love of reading beyond the classroom. We chatted with Becca Sexton, a teacher librarian who shared some eye-opening facts.  Becca and Jed swapped stories about how school librarians changed their lives, and emphasized the importance of giving kids access to books and letting them choose what they want to read. They also touched on the power of pleasure reading and how it can turn kids into lifelong bookworms. We also heard from Sarah Versher, author of "Magnificent and Different," a children's book celebrating friendships with people who are different. Sarah shared her experiences teaching around the world and how it inspired her writing. The episode wrapped up with a listen back to a chat with Lizette Serrano from Scholastic. Lizette reminded us why summer reading is so crucial for kids' development and well-being. Throughout the episode, our guests emphasized the importance of making reading

Hey there, book lovers! We've got a real treat for you in this episode of Reading with Your Kids. We sat down with not one, but two awesome children's book authors! First up, we chatted with Joe Gatto - yep, that Joe from Impractical Jokers! He's swapped pranks for pages with his new book "Where's Bearry." Joe spilled the beans on how his son's stuffed animal drama inspired the story, and why he thinks reading with kids is so darn important. Then we caught up with local author Gia Susi, who's tackling some big topics in her book "When the World Feels a Little Scary." Gia shared her journey from teacher to writer, and how she's using her book to spread a little more love in the world. We dove into everything from the joys of bedtime stories to the wild ride of self-publishing. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or just someone who loves a good kids' book, this episode's got something for you. So grab a cup of coffee and tune in - it's storytime for grown-ups! Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithy

This Fourth of July episode of "Reading with Your Kids" celebrates American values and diversity through children's literature. Host Jed Doherty interviews author Bob McKinnon about his new book "America's Dreaming," which addresses the challenges faced by new students in schools and promotes inclusivity. McKinnon discusses his initiative to donate 100 "Welcome Wagons" to schools, fostering a sense of belonging for the 5 million kids who change schools annually. The episode also features Laura W. Carter and Anna Doherty, the author-illustrator team behind "A Steminist Force." This STEM-focused children's book highlights women's contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Carter, a high school teacher in Huntsville, Alabama, shares her inspiration for the book and discusses the importance of exposing young girls to STEM careers. Doherty, the illustrator, provides insights into the creative process and the significance of incorporating art into STEM education. The duo also teases their u

In this enlightening episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores neurodiversity through children's literature. The show features two segments focused on dyslexia and ADHD, providing valuable insights for parents, educators, and children alike. The first segment welcomes Lynn and Jon Greenberg, the mother-son team behind "Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure." Jon shares his personal journey with dyslexia, emphasizing how proper diagnosis and tailored education helped him overcome challenges. The Greenbergs discuss the importance of early intervention, advocating for children's needs, and fostering creativity in neurodivergent learners. In the second segment, Elly Both joins from Singapore to discuss her book "A Kids Book About ADHD." Both, diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s, explains how her late diagnosis inspired her to write a book helping children understand and embrace their unique brain differences. She emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity and self-understanding i