Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a delightful journey through the magical realm of children's literature, featuring two incredible authors who are reimagining storytelling for young readers. First up is Brett Bean, creator of the innovative hybrid chapter book "Muck and Honey: Tree House Trouble." Bean shares his unique approach to bridging the gap between picture books and traditional chapter books, perfectly designed for children aged 6-9. Drawing inspiration from his own children, Bean crafts a story that celebrates creativity, problem-solving, and the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. The conversation explores the challenges of modern parenting, particularly the overwhelming screen time children experience today. Bean offers insights into encouraging creativity and meaningful interactions with kids, emphasizing the power of simple, engaging activities that spark imagination. Next, the episode welcomes Neil Sharpson, author of

Ever wondered how to make government exciting for children? In this delightful episode of "Reading with Your Kids," author Daniel Bernstrom reveals how a classroom cookie competition can teach kids the ins and outs of state legislation. In his new book, "The Cookie Vote," part of the Mr. Tiffins Classroom series, Bernstrom transforms the complex world of government into a fun, digestible story that children can understand and enjoy. The book follows a classroom as they navigate the legislative process, proposing and debating their very own state cookie. What makes this book special is its ability to break down complicated civic concepts into kid-friendly language. Bernstrom compares a bill to a recipe, showing children how laws are crafted, debated, and potentially passed. The story highlights important lessons about collaboration, compromise, and civic engagement. The episode doesn't just focus on the book's content. Bernstrom and host Jed Doherty dive into broader conversations about empowering children to

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids our host Jed Doherty sits down with author / illustrator Angie Kang to celeebrate her debut Picture Book Our Lake. Imagine a picture book that tackles big feelings in the most beautiful way possible. Angie Kang, who's super talented and has this incredible art background, created a story about two brothers dealing with losing their dad. But here's the cool part - it's not sad in a heavy way, it's actually kind of hopeful. The whole book started as a random poem Kang wrote after reflecting on a painting. Her husband was like, "Hey, this could be an awesome kids' book!" And boom - "Our Lake" was born. The illustrations? They're seriously gorgeous. We're talking museum-quality artwork that'll make you want to stare at each page. What's really special is how Kang tells the story. She uses barely any words, letting the pictures do most of the talking. There's even this cute little hidden red bird that represents the dad. It's like a secret message in the artwork that kids

In an engaging interview about her latest book, "The Myth of Monsters: The Gods' Revenge," author Katherine Marsh reveals the magic of bringing Greek mythology to life for young readers. Marsh, a longtime mythology enthusiast, has crafted a unique series that bridges ancient stories with contemporary middle school experiences. The book follows the descendants of Greek mythological monsters, exploring complex social dynamics through a fantastical lens. Marsh explains that her approach goes beyond simple storytelling, using mythology as a powerful tool to help children navigate challenging social situations, friendships, and personal growth. Drawing from her background in Latin and lifelong love of mythological tales, Marsh emphasizes the importance of multiple story versions and creative interpretations. She believes that myths offer children a way to understand complex emotions and social challenges through imaginative storytelling. Key highlights of Marsh's approach include: Combining mythological elements

Award-winning children's book author Shannon Anderson is transforming agricultural education and storytelling with her groundbreaking series of picture books that inspire young readers to explore food production, perseverance, and growth mindset. Her latest book, "I Love Blueberries," follows the successful path of her previous hit, "I Love Strawberries" - a book that overcame 10 years of rejections to become a national sensation. The book was featured on Ryan Reynolds' bedtime stories show and received multiple awards, including the National Book of the Year Award. In "I Love Blueberries," protagonist Joe Lee and her friend Margot embark on an innovative agricultural adventure, using hydroponic techniques to grow blueberries. The book seamlessly integrates multiple educational elements: Agricultural life cycles STEM learning principles Entrepreneurial problem-solving Determination and personal growth A former teacher turned full-time author, Anderson is passionate about making complex topics access

What if the key to your child’s overall health, behavior, and even success in school was right under your nose—literally? In this fascinating episode, Dr. Ben Miraglia, a leading expert in airway-focused pediatric dental care, joins us to talk about how proper jaw development, nasal breathing, and tongue posture are critical to your child’s health. Through his groundbreaking program, Tooth Pillow, Dr. Miraglia is helping families identify and address the root causes of orthodontic and behavioral challenges before they become bigger problems. Dr. Miraglia explains how crowded teeth, snoring, restless sleep, and even attention issues can all be traced back to poor breathing habits and underdeveloped jaws — and how early intervention (ages 3–12) can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child really needs braces—or what signs to look for that might point to deeper health issues—this episode is a must-listen.       We also hear from author Leah Cypess who is celebrating her new  early chap

In this heartfelt episode of Reading With Your Kids, we’re joined by the incredibly thoughtful Lindsay Bonilla, author of the beautifully powerful picture book The Hole. Inspired by the tragic loss of a friend’s child, Lindsay opens up about her journey of creating a story that gently guides children and families through the hard-to-talk-about feelings that come with grief and loss. We talk about why it's so important to have honest conversations with kids about death, and how picture books can offer a safe, age-appropriate space to begin those conversations. The Hole follows a young child navigating life after losing a sibling — and shows us that even when we can’t make things “all better,” we can help kids feel seen, supported, and maybe just a little bit lighter. Lindsay shares the personal moments that shaped her storytelling, the healing power of silence, and the profound impact a simple sentence like “I don’t feel good, but I think I feel better” can have on a hurting heart. If you’re a parent, teacher,

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two inspiring guests - Tamron Hall and Terry Grahl.  Tamron Hall is the star of the Tamron Hall Show and the author of the new children's book, "Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid." Tamron shared the heartwarming story behind the book, which follows a young boy exploring his new home in Harlem, New York. She emphasized the importance of curiosity, empathy, and community in parenting, and how the book aims to inspire kids and adults alike to embrace new experiences. We also spoke with Terry Grahl, the founder of Enchanted Makeovers, a nonprofit that transforms shelters into nurturing spaces for women and children. Terry shared the powerful story of how Enchanted Makeovers began with a simple request to paint a wall, and has since grown into a movement focused on serving others with love and compassion. Terry discussed the organization's various programs, like the Capes for Kids initiative and the doll adoption project, w

If you're a fan of spooky middle grade stories, you'll want to check out this episode of Reading with Your Kids! We had the pleasure of chatting with two talented authors - Maria Scrivan and Lindsay Currie about their latest creepy-cool books. First up, Maria Scrivan gave us the scoop on her graphic novel series "Nat a Chance." This is the 6th book in the series, and it follows a character named Nat who doesn't think she's an athlete...until she gets roped into doing a triathlon with her bestie. Maria shared how the story is inspired by her own experiences overcoming self-limiting beliefs about her athletic abilities.  The coolest part? Maria uses humor and heart to tackle heavy topics like fear and self-doubt. She wants kids to know it's okay to be scared sometimes, as long as you have the courage to face your fears. Plus, the graphic novel format makes the story super accessible and engaging. Next, we heard from Lindsay Currie about her new middle grade horror novel "It's Watching." This book has a seriousl

Hey there fellow book lovers! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two talented authors - Tamara Girardi and Veera Hiranandani. First up, we talked to Tamara about her brand new board book "Why Mommy? Why?", the sequel to her popular "Why Daddy? Why?" book. Tamara shared the process of creating these books, explaining how she carefully chooses every word to celebrate the special bond between parents and kids. She also gave us a peek into her future plans, including grandparent-themed books coming in 2027. Tamara emphasized the importance of encouraging kids' natural curiosity through questions. She noted that while young kids are full of questions, that inquisitive nature can sometimes get stifled as they get older. Tamara hopes her books will inspire families to embrace those "why" questions and use them as learning opportunities. We also chatted with Veera about her new picture book "Many Things at Once." Veera drew from her own multicultural upbringing to craft

Great News! The Reading With Your Kids Podcast Has Been Named #2 on Feedspot.com 60 Best Book Podcast List! Hey there, fellow book lovers! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two amazing authors who are bringing some seriously awesome stories to life. First up, we caught up with Tim Wright, the mastermind behind the Toby Baxter book series. Toby's latest adventure, "I Heart River Home," is all about this 13-year-old hero learning what it means to love - in all its messy, wonderful forms. From dealing with a school bully to navigating his first crush, Toby's journey is one that's sure to resonate with middle-grade readers and their parents alike. Tim shared how he's weaving important life lessons about forgiveness and empathy into these fantastical tales, and why he believes reading together as a family is so crucial. We also got the scoop on what's in store for Toby in future books - spoiler alert, there's more excitement, laughs, and heart-warming moments to come!

The Reading With Your Kids Podcast has been named the # 2 in Feedspot.com's 100 Best Children's Book Podcast List! The "Reading with Your Kids" podcast is a must-listen for parents looking to spark their child's imagination and love of learning. In this episode, host Jed Doherty has engaging conversations with two creative entrepreneurs making a difference in kids' lives. First, Jed chats with author Marilyn Sadler about her delightful new picture book "It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun." Marilyn shares the story of Connor O'Connor, a leprechaun who struggles to accept what makes him unique. It's a heartwarming tale about self-discovery that kids and parents are sure to enjoy. Marilyn also discusses her impressive career, including writing and producing children's TV shows like the "Xenon Girl of the 21st Century" series, which is now being developed into a live-action Disney show. She even shares the serendipitous way the original "Xenon Girl" book was discovered. Jed and Marilyn also dive into the challenges

If you're looking for an inspiring new children's book that teaches important lessons about resilience, kindness, and courage, you'll want to check out "Brave Buzzy Bee." In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty chats with the delightful co-authors, Rima Fakih and Theresa Alhayek, about how this charming picture book came to be. Rima and Theresa's collaboration started when Theresa's previous book, "Dream Big Little Princess," caught Rima's eye. Rima, a busy mom, former Miss USA and UN influencer, was inspired to write her own children's book, and she reached out to Theresa. The two hit it off immediately, bonding over their shared experiences of raising large families and even having preemie babies on the same day! As Rima and Theresa describe their writing process, it's clear they have a wonderful, supportive partnership. They worked together remotely, going back and forth on every word to craft the perfect rhyming story about the brave little buzzy bee. And when an editor suggested flipp

Wow, what an inspiring chat with Deborah Farmer Kris! This parenting expert really knows her stuff when it comes to helping kids (and us grown-ups!) keep things in perspective.  Deborah started out as a K-12 teacher, but soon realized her true passion was parent education. She saw how modern families often lack the support networks that used to be more common, and wanted to find new ways to share practical parenting wisdom. That's why she created the "all the time" children's book series - picture books that tackle important topics like emotions, with tips for caregivers in the back. But the real eye-opener was learning about Deborah's upcoming book, "Raising Awe Seekers." Turns out, the emotion of awe has some amazing benefits for kids' development, like boosting curiosity, academic success, and even generosity. Deborah shared all kinds of fascinating research on where we can find awe in everyday life - from nature and music, to simply witnessing acts of kindness.  We also had a listen back to a conversation

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids Jed Doherty had enlightening discussions with two experts dedicated to supporting children in the foster care system. In speaking with children's book author Natasha Tripplett, Jed learned about her new picture book "Planted with Love," which draws from Tripplett's own experiences as a foster care social worker and her family's decision to foster her sister long-term. Tripplett emphasized the importance of making foster children feel seen, valued and worthy of love, even when they display challenging behaviors.  Jed also connected with foster care veteran Dr John DeGarmo, who has fostered over 60 children, adopting 3. DeGarmo shared that while fostering is a major commitment, there are many ways the community can support these families beyond just becoming foster parents themselves. He urged faith-based organizations in particular to get involved, as the foster care crisis represents a key "mission field" right in people's own backyards. DeGarmo suggested providing me

On the latest episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two talented children's book authors - Lela Nargi and Riley Cross.  Lela Nargi joined the show to celebrate the release of her new picture book, "The Lonely Goose." Jed and Lela discussed the unique bond between Canada geese, and how Lela's story explores themes of love, loss, and resilience in the animal kingdom. Lela shared her passion for wildlife and nature, and how she hopes the book will inspire families to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, even in urban environments. Later, Jed welcomed Riley Cross to the program to talk about her new middle-grade novel, "The Swamp of Doom." Riley explained how she collaborated with her own kids to design the quirky characters, including a half-alligator, half-shark creature named Alacarte. The two discussed the importance of encouraging creativity and imagination in both children and adults, and how Riley's background as a high school language arts

If you're a parent or grandparent looking for a delightful new picture book to share with your little ones, you'll want to check out "Moving Day" by Teri Roach Drobnick. In this charming debut, Teri takes readers on a whimsical journey as a Victorian house in San Francisco embarks on a big move across town. As Jed and Teri discuss, the story was inspired by a real-life event where a 139-year-old house was painstakingly relocated to make way for new development. Teri was captivated by the news and quickly got to work crafting a kid-friendly narrative from the house's perspective. With her daughter's own resistance to moving fresh in her mind, Teri was able to tap into the emotional turmoil a home might feel during such a big transition. What really makes "Moving Day" special, though, is the collaboration between Teri and her talented illustrator, Jennifer Black Reinhardt. The two connected over Instagram, and Jennifer's vibrant, hand-drawn artwork perfectly complements Teri's lyrical text. In a touching tribut

This episode of Reading with Your Kids is all about celebrating some truly exceptional people and their stories. First up we meet Kevan Chandler, the driving force behind the nonprofit "We Carry Kevan." Kevan shares an incredible story about how he and his friends carried him in a backpack during a trip to Europe, and how that sparked the creation of their organization. They make these special backpacks to help families of kids with disabilities get out and explore the world together. It's all about building community and friendship, which is so inspiring. Next, we chat with Lindsey Larson about her picture book "Meeting Exceptional Friends." Lindsey wrote this book to help teach kids about human differences and the importance of acceptance. She's got some great insights on how books can empower children and foster understanding, even for parents and caregivers. Throughout the episode, we dive into the challenges of traveling and integrating with a disability, and the power of asking questions and inviting pe

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids we dove into a much heavier topic than usual - talking to our kids about online adult content. I know, not the most fun conversation, but Greta Eskridge, the author of "It's Time to Talk to Our Kids About P*rn," really drove home why it's so crucial that we don't shy away from this. The reality is, kids are getting exposed to hardcore, violent content at shockingly young ages, often completely by accident. And that can have some really messed up effects on their brains and development.  Greta gave some great tips on how to approach this with our kids - keeping it simple, making sure they know they can come to us if they see something sketchy, and emphasizing that it's not their fault. And she also talked about the rise of sextortion, where kids are being blackmailed with compromising photos, and how important it is to educate them on that too. Then we switched gears a bit and talked about AI - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Our guest, Kerry Gallagher, broke down how

Get Ready to Crack Open the Tradition of Cascarones with Author Sarah Fajardo! If you're looking to add a little extra fun and cultural flair to your family's reading time, you'll love learning about the vibrant tradition of cascarones from children's book author Sara Fajardo. In this delightful episode, Sara takes us on a journey through the history and origins of these confetti-filled eggshells, tracing their roots all the way back to China before making their way to Mexico and beyond. As a dual immersion teacher and Peruvian-American, Sara shares her personal connection to the cascarone tradition, recounting cherished memories of her family's Carnaval celebrations back in the Andes. She explains how this playful custom eventually made its way to the United States, where her own mother reintroduced it to their family, sparking Sara's lifelong love for the unique tradition. We also hear from Dave Bush, who is using multimedia elements to bring a new kind of storytelling experience to life with his web novell