Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty chats with debut children's book author Madison Caputi about her heartwarming picture book, Tiki Tim. Caputi shares the inspiration behind her story, which follows a young boy named Kai who befriends a magical tiki totem come to life. The two embark on a series of adventures that celebrate the beauty of Hawaii and the importance of friendship. Doherty and Caputi also discuss the author's own experiences growing up in Hawaii and traveling to other tropical destinations, noting the awe-inspiring natural landscapes that can sometimes be taken for granted. Caputi explains how her childhood memories and love of design ultimately led her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing and publishing children's books. The conversation then shifts to the challenges of making new friends, especially for young people, and how Caputi hopes her story will encourage empathy and bravery. Doherty and Caputi also explore the hybrid publishing model Caputi chose, highlightin