Reading With Your Kids Podcast

On this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of speaking with three talented children's authors - Jackie Cano, Emily Jenkins, and Abigail Samson.  Jackie Cano shared the heartwarming story behind her book "Sabella Can Sew." Inspired by her own daughter, Jackie wanted to teach kids that they can overcome obstacles and try new things, even if they're challenging at first. She spoke about her own journey of learning to sew and how it sparked a love of the craft in her daughters. Jackie also discussed the unique sacrifices military families make, emphasizing the importance of community support. Next, Jed chatted with Emily Jenkins about her middle grade novel "All the Best Dogs." Set in a Brooklyn dog park, the book follows a group of diverse 6th graders and their canine companions. Emily explained how the book tackles serious issues like family troubles and anxiety, while also providing plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. She offered great advice for aspiring writers, encou

In this episode, Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with acclaimed singer-songwriter Jason Gray about his debut children's book "Sparrows." Jason shared the heartwarming story behind the book, which follows a young girl named Ellie who is learning to overcome her speech impediment and bullying.  Jason explained how the book's themes of faith, compassion, and finding inner strength were inspired by his own life experiences growing up with a speech handicap. He beautifully described how music first helped him connect with God's love, and how he hopes "Sparrows" can provide that same sense of comfort and encouragement to young readers. Jed commented on how the book's relatable protagonist and subtle spiritual elements make it an accessible read for families of all faith backgrounds. Jason emphasized his goal of creating stories that are "fun and accessible" and help foster a love of reading in kids. We then had the chance to speak with up-and-coming children's book author DK Ryland, whose debut picture boo

On this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two passionate creators making waves in the children's book world.  First up was Richard Reiman, also known as the "Audiobook Wizard." Richard shared his mission to make children's books accessible to all, including those with visual impairments or other disabilities. He described how he adds rich audio descriptions to children's picture books, allowing blind and low-vision kids to fully experience the stories and illustrations.  "It's a whole different experience," Richard explained. "We have professional describers who work with us to paint a vivid picture with words." He's even assembled an all-blind cast for an accessible version of The Wizard of Oz, bringing diverse representation to a classic tale. Richard also touched on the challenges of getting major publishers on board, but shared his optimism that change is coming, especially as more indie authors embrace accessibility in their crowdfunding campaigns. Next

In this uplifting episode, host Jed Doherty chats with two authors about their powerful new books that celebrate underdogs and shine a light on mental health challenges. First up is James Stafford, the author of "Unbelievable Underdogs and Rebellious Role Models." James shares how his book features 26 captivating stories of sports heroes from around the world who defied the odds and achieved remarkable feats. From the shocking 2015 Rugby World Cup upset by Japan to the inspiring tale of Paralympic athlete Kathleen Thomas, these tales are sure to motivate young readers. James explains how he deliberately structured the book in short, illustrated chapters to engage even the most reluctant readers. He wanted to showcase the universal appeal of underdog stories and how they can inspire us to overcome our own struggles, whether in sports or in life. Next, Jed welcomes KM Selvidge, author of the children's book "Kloe's New Start." KM opens up about her personal connection to the story, which is inspired by growing

If you're a fan of the beloved Dork Diaries series, you're in for a real treat! In this episode, host Jed Doherty sits down with the dynamic duo behind the books - Rachel Renee Russell and her daughter Nikki Russell.  Rachel and Nikki share the incredible journey of Dork Diaries, which has now reached 16 books and been translated into 45 languages across 52 countries. Jed even shares a fun story about stumbling upon the series in a bookshop in Ireland - talk about global reach! The two dive into the inspiration behind the latest book, "Tales from a Not So Bratty Sister," which explores the antics of Nikki's younger sibling Brianna. Turns out, Nikki's own childhood mischief, like drawing on the walls with Sharpies, helped shape the storyline.  As the series has evolved, Nikki's illustrations have become more detailed and refined, with plans to transition to full-color in the future. The trio also discuss the importance of reflecting diversity in their characters and the exciting potential for a live-action Dor

The Chicago Toys And Game Fair is happeing this weekend! Visit www.ChiTag.com and use the promo code READ to save big on tickets! If you're looking for a children's book that will spark your kid's imagination and love of reading, you'll want to check out "American Stonehenge: The Adventures of Jimmy and Andrew" by Mike Goldstein. In this delightful interview, Goldstein shares the inspiration behind his new fantasy series and how he's making history and geography fun for young readers. Goldstein explains that the book follows a young boy named Jimmy and his 3,000-year-old telepathic dog, Andrew, as they embark on an adventure to a mysterious archaeological site in Washington that resembles the famous Stonehenge. But this isn't your typical history lesson - the story seamlessly blends the present-day adventure with flashbacks to Andrew's past lives in places like ancient Egypt and early England.  What really sets this book apart are the stunning illustrations. Goldstein spent two years ensuring each chapter had

Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at this year's most exciting family event - The Chicago Toy & Game Fair! November 9 & 10. Visit www.chitag.com and use the promo code READ to save big on tickets! In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had engaging conversations with two guests who are making a big impact in children's literature.  First, Jed spoke with Dr. Anna Housley Juster about her new picture book "How to Train Your Amygdala." As the former Sesame Street Content Director, Anna has a deep understanding of how to communicate complex topics to young readers. In the book, the amygdala - the part of the brain responsible for the "fight or flight" response - is personified as a character who learns strategies to manage anxiety and stay calm.  Anna explained that with childhood anxiety on the rise, it's crucial to teach kids practical tools like controlled breathing, muscle relaxation, and visualization to soothe an overactive amygdala. By making the science acces

Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair - November 9 & 10. Use the promo code READ at checck out to save big on tickets! Hey there, fellow book lovers! In this jam-packed episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with some amazing authors who are shaking up the KidLit  world. First up, we met Brad and Kristy Montague, the creative minds behind the delightful book "Failabration." This book was inspired by a real-life party the Montagues hosted, where successful people shared their stories of failure. As Brad and Kristy explained, failure is a crucial part of growth and learning, and they wanted to create a safe space for people to embrace their missteps. Their infectious enthusiasm for celebrating imperfection is sure to inspire kids and parents alike. Next, we welcomed sisters Raegan Kelly and Brittany Stroever, the authors of the "Behavior Savior" series. These clever siisters came up with the idea for their books after using a creepy elf to enc

Hey Families! Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair - November 9 & 10. Use promo code READ to save big on tickets! On the latest episode of the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of speaking with two talented authors about their new children's books that explore important cultural themes. First up was Violet Duncan, author of the middle-grade novel "Buffalo Dreamer." Violet shared how the book was inspired by the recent discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential schools in Canada, which deeply impacted her and her family. She emphasized the importance of educating all children, not just Indigenous kids, about the history and trauma of the residential school system.  Violet explained that "Buffalo Dreamer" focuses on the aftermath of the residential school experience, following a character who runs away and finds a safe haven. She wanted to highlight the strength and resilience of Indigenous people, while also providing a windo

Join The Reading With Your Kids Podcast At The Chicago Toy & Game Fair - November 9 & 10. Use the promo code READ to save big on tickets! On the latest episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with three inspiring guests - author Shannon Stocker, her daughter Cassidy, and children's book writer Amulya Veldanda Vadali. The conversation covered some heavy but important topics, all delivered with warmth and authenticity.   Shannon joined Jed to discuss her new young adult novel "Stronger at the Seams," which tackles themes of chronic illness, disability, and self-advocacy. As Shannon explained, the book was initially written as middle grade but was revised to reach an older teen audience - a group that's often underserved when it comes to these types of meaningful, relatable stories. Shannon and Jed dove into the prevalence of childhood cancer and other serious conditions, emphasizing the need for kids to see themselves reflected in literature.  Cassidy

Looking For A Family Event You and Your Kids Will Love? Be sure to join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the 2024 Chicago Toy & Game Fair, Nov. 9 & 10! Please visit www.ChiTag.com and use the promo code READ to save on tickets! If you're a fan of middle-grade fantasy with a unique cultural twist, you'll love chatting with author JC Cervantes about her latest book, "The Daggers of Ire." JC is no stranger to the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, and it was a delight to have her back on the show to dive into the magical world she's created. "The Daggers of Ire" follows the story of Esme Santiago, a young witch struggling to harness her powers. When all the witches in her town, including her own family, are stolen by a witch hunter, Esme and her best friend Thiago embark on a quest to find the four original witches and save the day. But with no one having seen these legendary figures in centuries, it's an impossible task. As JC explains, crafting this magical system and origin story from a Latino per

Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, November 9 & 10. Go to www.ChiTag.com and use the pormo code READ to save on tickets! In this delightful episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty chats with the dynamic duo behind Bitty Boa - Lulu Cheng and Lacey Benard. These former elementary school teachers have embarked on a fascinating journey, creating Chinese bilingual books and toys that celebrate culture and language. Lulu and Lacey share the unexpected origins of Bitty Boa, which started with a late-night text about a "no-time hobby" and blossomed into a thriving business. They explain the differences between Mandarin, Cantonese, and simplified Chinese, and passionately discuss the importance of representation and keeping cultural languages alive in families.  As Lulu and Lacey navigate the challenges of publishing, translating, and designing their products, they've been met with an overwhelming outpouring of support from their growing community. Their 14 boar

Join The Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the 2024 Chicago Toy & Game Fair, November 9 & 10. Use the promo code READ at checkout to save on tickets! Hey there, fellow book lovers! If you're looking for some heartwarming and inspiring stories from the world of children's books, you've come to the right place. On this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with three amazing authors who are making waves in the industry. First up, we met Rachel Loftspring, the author of "Mila the Maker and the 200 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle." Rachel shared how this delightful picture book was inspired by her own family's experiences with managing big emotions. We learned how Mila, the young protagonist, navigates the ups and downs of puzzle-making and ultimately discovers a powerful strategy for dealing with frustration. Rachel's passion for helping families grow closer through reading really shone through, and we were inspired by her work as a fertility law attorney, assis

Hey there fellow book lovers! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two talented children's authors - Bruce Hale and Anne Marie Riley Guertin.  First up, Jed welcomed  Bruce Hale, the author of the delightfully goofy "Outer Space Mystery Pizza Club" book series. Bruce shared the fun premise behind these illustrated chapter books, which follow a brother and sister chasing their mischievous dog through a portal to an alien planet. As a former reluctant reader himself, Bruce explained his passion for writing silly, action-packed stories that hook kids and get them excited about reading.  Bruce also gave us a sneak peek at his upcoming project, "The Troublemakers Club" - an illustrated novel featuring animal characters who decide to cause some good-natured mayhem around their school. Sounds like a blast! Next, Jed chatted with local author Anne Marie Riley Guertin about her latest releases, including the rhyming Halloween-themed picture book "Hide and Seek M

Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair - November 9 & 10. Use promo code READ at check out to save on tickets! On the latest episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of speaking with two talented children's book authors and illustrators - Jacob Grant and Wade Hudson.  Jacob Grant shared the inspiration behind his delightful new picture book "Umami," which follows a penguin who ventures out to try all kinds of exciting new foods. Jacob drew from his own experiences as a parent, noting how his kids' diverse tastes - from spicy-loving to ultra-bland - informed the story. He also discussed his family's creative background, including his grandmother's artistic talents and his mother's work as an art educator.  Jacob expressed his preference for creating both the story and illustrations for his own books, though he also enjoys the challenge of illustrating for other authors. He gave us a sneak peek at his upcoming project "Turtle Slept In

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed Doherty chats with children's book author Jodi Meltzer about her latest release, "Your Face Lights Up the World." Jodi shares the inspiring story behind this certified great read, which focuses on themes of self-esteem and self-acceptance. Jodi explains how this book was a departure from her previous works, which were rooted in grief. This time, she let her imagination run free, resulting in a heartwarming tale about fraternal twins Harper and Hunter. When Hunter makes an insensitive comment about Harper's freckles, it sets her on a journey of self-discovery, learning to embrace the unique features that make her special. As a former news anchor, Jodi understands the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards, especially for young girls. She's passionate about encouraging readers, both young and old, to see the beauty in their own imperfections. Jodi emphasizes the importance of having open conversations with kids about the unrealistic expectations perpetuat

If you're passionate about education and supporting underserved communities, you'll love this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast. Jed Doherty sits down with Summer Schneider, the head of school at Legacy College Prep, a charter school in the South Bronx that's making a big difference in the lives of its students. Summer shares the inspiring mission of Legacy College Prep - to ensure all students have access to opportunities after high school, whether that's college or other paths like trade schools or the military. She explains the unique autonomy and flexibility that charter schools have, which allows them to tailor their curriculum and approach to best serve their students. One of the biggest challenges facing Legacy College Prep is the high number of students who are performing two or more grade levels behind when they enroll. But Summer and her team are laser-focused on building reading habits and providing extra support to help these students catch up and thrive. Beyond academics, Summer also

Hey there, reading fans! If you're looking for a fun-filled family weekend, you won't want to miss the upcoming Chicago Toy and Game Fair. Our good friend Mary Couzins, the founder of this amazing event, joined us on the show to give us all the exciting details.  But that's not all - we also had the pleasure of chatting with author Leokatia George about her Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup book series. Leokatia shared the inspiring true story behind the main character, Trumpet, a critically endangered Mexican gray wolf who was a surprise addition to the Wolf Conservation Center's breeding program. The Chicago Toy and Game Fair is back and better than ever on November 9-10 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. This is the largest toy and game fair in North America, and it's packed with hands-on fun for the whole family. From interactive play zones to exciting competitions, there's something for everyone. One of the coolest parts is the Young Inventor Challenge, where kids get to showcas

Looking for a fun family activity? Be sure to join us at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, Nov. 9 & 10 in Rosemont, IL. Use the promo code READ to save on tickets. Hey there, fellow podcast fans! . We had the pleasure of chatting with Margot Bisnow, the author of the book "Raising Entrepreneurs." Margot shared some really insightful tips on how parents can nurture their kids' entrepreneurial spirit, even if they don't necessarily want to start a business. It's all about fostering those essential skills like curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to take risks. And speaking of taking risks, we heard an incredible story from Millie Florence, the author of the middle-grade fantasy "Beyond Mulberry Glen." Millie originally self-published the book when she was just 15 years old, and now it's being re-released by a traditional publisher. Talk about an inspiring journey! Millie's passion for writing and her ability to create these whimsical, imaginative worlds is truly remarkable. Click here to visit our webs

Join The Reading With Your Kids Podcast At The Chicago Toy & Game Fair - November 9 & 10 At The Donald E Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd Rosemont, IL 60018 Use The Promo Code READ At Check Out To Save! The Reading with Your Kids podcast recently welcomed two talented children's authors to discuss their latest works - Brad Mason, author of the "Charlie Chaloosy" series, and Morenike Oyenusi, whose new book is titled "The Primary Colors." Brad Mason kicked off the conversation by introducing the latest installment in his "Charlie Chaloosy" series, "Charlie Chaloosy Refuses to Snoozy." As host Jed Doherty learned, this charming story follows young Charlie's adventures as he struggles with - and eventually embraces - the value of nap time. Brad shared that his focus is on tapping into universal childhood experiences that kids can easily relate to. One of the standout elements of Brad's books is his commitment to encouraging young readers to tap into their own creativity. He includes interactiv