Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Victoria Smith returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book "Priscilla and Tux", the third book in her Tuxedo Baby series. She discusses the plot of the new book, which focuses on sibling love between Tuxedo Baby and his new sister Priscilla. Tux wants to be called Tux now that he has a sister. The story follows Priscilla bringing Tux to show and tell at school. Jed and Victoria discuss some of the themes in the books like learning limitations and accepting who you are. They also talk about Victoria's experience visiting classrooms to discuss the books. Victoria shares how the classroom experience differs from her 29 years of teaching. They discuss some changes in education over the decades like smaller class sizes. Victoria emphasizes the important role of the teacher in shaping the classroom experience. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Sally Alexander returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest books: "The Missing Cats" and "The Wild Turkeys." The series follows the adventures of Caitlin and her Ragdoll cat, Rio, who gained superpowers after the world lost its colors. Each book presents standalone adventures while maintaining an overarching storyline. "The Missing Cats" involves a mystery about missing blue-eyed cats, drawing inspiration from lost pet notices in the suburbs. Sally emphasizes teamwork and friendship as themes throughout the series. The upcoming book, "The Wild Turkeys," is inspired by a group of wild turkeys invading a town. Sally introduces the idea of animals gaining unique powers due to the color loss event, bringing a tribe of turkeys seeking help to Caitlin and Rio. This book promises a unique Thanksgiving tale, blending unpredictable elements like a snowstorm and a turkey causing chaos. The conversation delves into creativity, vulnerability, and the importance of allowing oneself to fail and ta

The conversation between Jed Doherty and Meg Stafford explores the enriching experiences of travel and its impact on personal growth, family dynamics, and the connections between parents and children. Meg shares anecdotes about her daughters' transformative journeys to Nepal, Bhutan, Colombia, and beyond. These experiences encouraged independence, mindfulness, and cultural understanding, shaping her daughters' perspectives and life choices. They discuss the importance of travel in broadening horizons, fostering openness, and strengthening family bonds. The conversation touches on the significance of co-reading Meg's book, "Who Will Accompany You," as a catalyst for familial discussions, inspiring curiosity, and planning future adventures. Meg emphasizes the mutual learning between parents and children during travel experiences, highlighting the value of being vulnerable, adaptable, and connected in unfamiliar environments. The conversation concludes with Meg sharing her upcoming travel plans and inviting list

Gareth Higgins is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his book "Cory in the Seventh Story Place," Gareth tells us this book was inspired by conversations on 'us versus them' mentality and unnecessary conflicts. Rooted in Gareth's experiences in Northern Ireland, he and his co-author aimed to address dehumanization and marginalization, especially for bullied or marginalized children. In their conversation on the podcast Gareth and Jedlie highlight the impact of words, advocating against the belief that names can't hurt. They discuss how societal conflicts often stem from a lack of belonging and fairness rather than just ideological differences. They touch upon the Northern Ireland conflict, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, non-violence, and understanding. Both Gareth and Jedlie agree that Love, to them, means extending oneself for others' sake, promoting courage, selflessness, and building a bigger table without harming anyone. They stress the need to start conversations about love and bel

Kelly Anne Manuel, an uncommon author,is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her remarkable journey in creating 31 children's books in a mere six months. Her prolific burst of creativity astonished the host, especially considering the typical years-long process of traditional publishing. Kelly's background in child development and diverse professional experiences laid the groundwork for her writing journey. She revealed her writing process, emphasizing the natural flow of creating nursery rhymes. Kelly shared how achieving internal quiet by silencing self-doubting voices enabled her to hear her true creative voice. Her advice to aspiring authors was simple: use free resources like Canva and Istock to create, self-publish, and fulfill your creative visions. Regarding her books, Kelly pointed to platforms like Pro Audio Voices for audio versions and Vimeo for videos. She highlighted the accessibility and affordability of her creations, promoting them passionately to reach a wider audience. Click h

Scott Emmons, the creator of Brainytops Press, is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his innovative line of coloring and activity books. Brainytops Press books blend rhyming stories with engaging activities, aiming for an interactive experience that goes beyond typical coloring books. Scott shared insights about the challenge of merging storytelling with activities, facing occasional pushback, but generally receiving positive responses when people experience the books firsthand. He highlighted titles like "Dinosaur Day," "Unicorn Party," "The Magnificent Monsters of Creeping Isle," "Where Does Pizza Come From?," "Cheer Up Christmas Pup," and "Abel Town," with the latter supporting an organization aiding adults with intellectual disabilities. Scott's journey from writing humor at Hallmark to working on StoryBots projects nurtured his knack for rhymed verse, influencing the fun and engaging nature of Brainytops books. His creative verses, such as those describing quirky monsters, reflect the humo

Author & retired school librarian Ronni Diamondstein is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #Debut #ChildrensBook, "Jackie and the Books She Loved." The book explores the life of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, focusing on her love for literature and how it influenced her and her family. Diamondstein shared her journey from a teacher to an author, highlighting the importance of persistence in pursuing one's passion. She also discussed the Chappaqua Children's Book Festival, which she co-founded and where she had the opportunity to be an author, connecting with young readers and adults alike. Click here to visit Ronnie's website - https://ronnidiamondstein.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Barbara Brown is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her delightful #Childrens #PictureBook  "I Am Musical Adventures with Waffles." Barbara tells us she wrote the book to encourage kids to embrace their musicality. She highlights the importance of nurturing kids' musical interests and having open conversations about the music they enjoy. She also shares her background in ethnomusicology and the significance of recognizing and celebrating diverse musical cultures. Barbara plans to turn "Adventures of Waffles" into a series, exploring various aspects of music and how people of all backgrounds experience it. Click here to visit Barbara's website - www.adventuresofwaffles.com  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

In a delightful conversation, author Veronica Santaguida and illustrator Veronika Gruntovskaya come together on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their book "The Girl with the Big Voice." The story follows a little girl named Emma, who is criticized for her big, confident voice. It's inspired by the experiences of the author and her children. Veronica and Veronika's collaboration showcases the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and respecting others while celebrating life and work-life balance in Montreal's culture. They emphasize the value of allowing young illustrators the freedom to create, appreciating the beauty in a mess, and the power of art to help us feel.  Click here to visit the Girl With The Big Voice website - Www.bloomingdahliapublishing.com  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Mike Purewall returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new #ChildrensBook "Boban from Saltan." Mike tells us his  book is focused on teaching children about the world, the body, and nature through humor and whimsical rhymes. The book encourages kids to appreciate the little things in life and practice gratitude. The host and Mike also discussed the importance of living gratefully and the benefits it brings. Mike shared his journey from a corporate career to becoming a children's book author and emphasized the need to step out of one's comfort zone for personal growth. They also talked about the changing sense of humor in kids, influenced by technology and media. Mike expressed the importance he places on reading with his children and shared that his family has a no-screen rule during the week. Click here to visit Mike's website - www.mikepurewall.com  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Beth Kephart is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her book "Good Books for Bad Children," which pays tribute to Ursula Nordstrom, a pioneering children's book editor. Kephart highlights how Nordstrom shaped the world of children's literature by championing unconventional stories and embracing diversity. She shares anecdotes about Nordstrom's relationships with authors like Maurice Sendak and her unwavering commitment to children's books. Kephart also emphasizes the importance of teaching children to appreciate the creative and collaborative process behind the books they love. The conversation explores Nordstrom's impact and legacy in the world of children's literature. Click here to visit Beth's website - http://bethkephartbooks.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Kate Alice Marshall returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate  her new #MiddleGrade #Novel, "Extra Normal." Kate tells us the book follows Charlie Greer, the oldest child in a family of paranormal investigators, who lacks supernatural powers. When suspicious neighbors move in across the street, Charlie must unravel the mystery without her parents finding out. Inspired by "The X-Files" and "The Conjuring," the story explores themes of family, responsibility, and identity. Kate's love for middle-grade fiction stems from its exploration of self-discovery and emotion, making it a compelling age category for her writing. She also shares her interest in researching various topics for potential future projects, including caving and Antarctica. Click here to visit Kate's website - https://katemarshallbooks.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Author Rachel Renee Russell and her daughter, illustrator Nikki Russell are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the latest title in their popular "Dork Diaries," series.  Rachel tells us that "Tales from the Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure." is the 15th bok in the series and shares how the series was inspired by her daughter Nikki's experiences growing up, facing bullying and teasing. The mother - daughter team emphasize the importance of encouraging kids to embrace their uniqueness and remind them that things will get better. The series, which is  available in 42 languages, appeals to reluctant readers with relatable characters and humor. The creators also express their desire for a theatrical release of a Dork Diaries movie. Click here to visit the Dork Diaries website - www.dorkdiares.com  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Denise Kiernan is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book, "We Gather Together," Denise tells us this book delves into the history and evolution of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. Denise highlights the role of Sarah Josepha Hale, a widowed mother of five, in advocating for a national day of Thanksgiving celebrated on the last Thursday of November. This tradition, which we now know as Thanksgiving, began during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln accepted Hale's request. However, it wasn't officially designated a federal holiday until World War II. Kiernan emphasizes the importance of gratitude and unity during challenging times, making #Thanksgiving a time for reflection and appreciation. Click here to visit Denise's website - https://www.denisekiernan.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Arianne Costner is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "Confessions of a Class Clown," her latest #MiddleGrade #Novel. She tells us she drew inspiration from her experience as a seventh-grade English teacher, where she encountered class clowns. The story centers around Jack, a class clown who seeks validation and online popularity while navigating the challenges of finding true friendships. The book delves into themes of social media, emphasizing the importance of healthy online behavior. Arianne believes it can spark important conversations between parents and children about social media literacy and online relationships. Her aim is to represent the depth within class clowns and their struggles. Click here to visit Arianne's website - www.Ariannecostner.com  Click here to visit our website - www.ReadingWithYourKids.com 

Rob Long and Andrew Dolberg are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "The Great Weather Diviner: The Untold Origin of Punxsutawney Phil." The pair insights about their middle-grade fantasy novel and tells us the book reimagines the story of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, in a fantasy world filled with anthropomorphic animals. The story carries a strong environmental message as it delves into the consequences of nature turning against the inhabitants of Punxsutawney. Long and Dolberg also discuss their writing process and plans for a series of books set in the same universe, emphasizing their commitment to delivering an important message about climate change in an engaging way for young readers. Click here to click on Rob and Andrew's website - https://greatweatherdiviner.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Sarah Thomas Mariano is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #Debut #PictureBook "I Will Love You Forever and Always." Sarah tells us she has a background in social work and that her book was inspired by her work in therapy with children and families. The book uses animal characters to convey universal themes of love and emotional attachment, providing parents with a tool to discuss the concept of unconditional love with their children. Sarah emphasized the significance of helping parents find the words to express their love and connect with their kids. Click here to visit Sarah's website - https://www.peakprofessionalgroup.com/sarah-thomas-mariano-lcsw  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Mitali Perkins returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book, "Holy Night and Little Star." The book is a retelling of the nativity story from the perspective of the galaxies. It focuses on a character named Little Star, who is hesitant to embrace change but eventually learns the beauty of accepting new things. Perkins emphasizes the importance of reading with children and using imagination to deepen one's faith. The conversation delves into forgiveness, the freedom to say no, and the significance of living one's faith in everyday life. Click here to visit Mitali's website - https://www.mitaliperkins.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Meredith Rusu is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook "There's a Yeti in My Tummy. " Meredith tells the book explores how kids can have powerful emotions, portrayed in the story as a yeti bursting out of them. Meredith emphasizes the need to embrace and find joy in the chaos of childhood, as kids navigate their unique experiences and emotions. She also highlights the importance of accepting and understanding children's individuality. The interview touches on her experiences in adapting various books and her excitement about her own book series. Click here to visit Meredith's website - https://meredithrusu.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Dr. Rekha Rajan, a multi-talented author, musician, and educator. She returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #Debut #Childrens #PictureBook, "Can You Dance Like a Peacock?" Dr Rekha explains that the book was inspired by her children during the COVID-19 pandemic and their love for mimicking animal movements. The book features various animals and their unique dances, encouraging young readers to get up and move while learning. Dr. Rekha emphasizes the importance of incorporating arts into education, as it fosters creativity and critical thinking skills. She also shares her experiences with her children's involvement in the arts and how it positively impacted their confidence and social interactions. Click here to visit Dr Rekha's website - www.RekhaSRajan.com  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com