Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Latest Episodes:

That's How The Cookie Chronicles Crumble Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

Get ready for a delightful dive into the world of storytelling with Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, the dynamic duo behind the beloved Ben Yokoyama book series! In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, the creative couple shares the story behind their final installment, "Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny." Matthew, a self-proclaimed easily confused writer, and Robbi, a talented illustrator with a design background, have crafted a unique approach to children's books. Their series follows Ben, a literal-minded third-grader who gets hilariously tangled up in misinterpreted fortune cookie fortunes. This final book takes Ben and his best friend Janet on a cross-country road trip filled with typical Swanson-Behr hijinks. What makes their books special is the incredible collaboration between Matthew and Robbi. They're complete opposites - Matthew is deadline-driven and goal-oriented, while Robbi loves starting her day with an ice cream sundae and pushing deadlines to the last minute. Their complementary styles create magic on the page, resulting in beautifully illustrated books that help reluctant readers fall in love with storytelling. The couple's creativity extends beyond books. They spent an entire year traveling across the country in a bus, visiting Title One schools and giving away books through their Busload of Books nonprofit. Their mission? To bring books and creativity to underserved communities. Their four children are a source of constant inspiration and entertainment. From their daughter Alden to their son Auggie, each child reflects a unique blend of Matthew and Robbi's personalities. While this might be the end of the Ben Yokoyama series, the couple is excited about future projects, including a standalone novel called "Life on the Moon." Their passion for storytelling, collaboration, and connecting with young readers shines through in every word and illustration. It's a conversation that's part interview, part comedy routine, and completely heartwarming - a true celebration of creativity, family, and the joy of reading. We als welcome our Dean of All Things STEM & STEAM, Jennifer Swanson, back to the show to celebrate her latest book, "Three Weeks in the Rainforest." Jennifer shares the fascinating story behind her book, which explores a woman-led scientific team from the Field Museum conducting a rapid inventory in the Amazon. Inspired by an exhibit she discovered while visiting her daughter at Northwestern, Jennifer delved into the world of scientists who meticulously study biodiversity while working closely with indigenous communities. The conversation highlights Jennifer's lifelong passion for science, tracing back to her childhood science club and her ability to see scientific wonder everywhere. She vividly describes her interviews with scientists like Dr. Leslie de Souza, an ichthyologist who casually walks into waters inhabited by piranhas and anacondas. Beyond the book's content, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of nurturing children's curiosity, encouraging parents and educators to listen to kids' questions and help them explore answers, not just through the internet, but through resources like libraries. Her infectious enthusiasm for science shines through, making the complex world of scientific research accessible and exciting for young readers.

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Family, Language & Growing Up Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores the power of multicultural children's literature through conversations with two remarkable authors who celebrate family, language, and personal growth. First, Mari Bellas shares her delightful picture book "Tio Ricky Doesn't Speak English," a touching story that highlights the important role children play as family translators. The book beautifully captures the experience of bilingual families, showing how language can be a bridge of understanding and love. Mari's passion stems from her own multicultural background, raising bilingual children and creating representation in children's literature. The episode then shifts to Meredith Rusu's inspiring book "When Auggie Learned to Play Chess," a touching narrative about a young boy finding confidence through learning chess with his father. Rusu's story is deeply personal, inspired by her father-in-law's immigration journey and the intergenerational connections formed over a chessboard. Both authors emphasize the importance of diverse storytelling, showing how children's books can:

Build cultural understanding

Celebrate family connections

Encourage language learning

Boost children's confidence

Create windows into different experiences

Listeners will be inspired by the authors' personal stories of cultural identity, family bonds, and the transformative power of storytelling. Whether you're a parent interested in bilingualism, a lover of children's literature, or someone who appreciates heartwarming family narratives, this episode offers something special. The conversation goes beyond simple storytelling, exploring themes of resilience, communication, and the magic that happens when families share experiences across languages and generations. Parents, educators, and book lovers will find this episode both educational and deeply touching, reminding us that every story has the potential to connect, teach, and inspire.

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Adoption, Honesty & Family Sep 23, 2025

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A Heartwarming Exploration of Adoption and Honesty in Children's Literature In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty delves into the transformative world of children's literature with two remarkable authors who are changing narratives about family, truth, and love. Allison Olson, an adoptive parent and adopted child herself, shares her groundbreaking book series "Surrounded by Love," which revolutionizes how adoption stories are told. With a mission to create inclusive, positive representations of adoption, Olson's books celebrate the love between birth families and adoptive families. Her innovative approach highlights the importance of open adoption, where 90% of modern adoptions now allow communication between birth and adoptive families. Switching gears, Pedro Iniguez brings a unique perspective with his debut picture book "The FIB," a clever story about a young boy whose small lie grows into a monster. Drawing from his background in horror writing, Inigas crafts a compelling moral tale that teaches children about the consequences of dishonesty in a fun, engaging way. Both authors demonstrate the power of children's literature to normalize complex experiences. Olson's books show that families come in all shapes and sizes, while Iniguez' uses metaphor to explore difficult topics like truth-telling. Their work goes beyond entertainment, offering valuable life lessons and promoting empathy. The episode explores profound themes: the beauty of adoption, the importance of representation, and the delicate art of storytelling for young minds. Listeners will be inspired by these authors' commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive children's books that reflect the diverse experiences of modern families. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply love children's literature, this episode offers fascinating insights into how books can shape understanding, celebrate diversity, and teach important life lessons. Don't miss this heartwarming, thought-provoking conversation that proves children's books are about so much more than just bedtime stories.

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Peter H Reynolds Is Celebrating International Dot Day Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with acclaimed author Peter H. Reynolds to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his transformative book, "The Dot." Located in the charming town of Dedham, Massachusetts, Reynolds shares the heartwarming story behind his beloved children's book that has sparked creativity in millions of children worldwide. "The Dot" tells the story of Vashti, a young girl who discovers her artistic potential through the encouragement of a compassionate teacher. Reynolds explains how the book has grown into an international phenomenon, with International Dot Day now celebrated in 190 countries and over 34 million dots created. The book's core message emphasizes the importance of creativity, confidence, and making one's mark on the world. Reynolds candidly discusses his own creative journey, tracing back to a pivotal moment with a math teacher who encouraged him to use art in storytelling. This single conversation set him on a path to becoming an author, illustrator, and founder of Fable Vision, demonstrating the profound impact a supportive educator can have on a child's life. In a delightful segment, the conversation also introduces Howard Pearlstein, another children's book author with a unique approach. Pearlstein has created an innovative "Emotion Book" series, including "The Shy Book" and "The Worried Book," which help children navigate complex feelings through engaging, character-driven narratives. His books provide simple, actionable strategies for kids to understand and manage emotions like shyness and worry. The episode beautifully highlights the power of storytelling in children's emotional and creative development. Both Reynolds and Pearlstein showcase how books can be transformative tools for understanding oneself and the world. Listeners are invited to explore more about these authors' work through their websites and upcoming events, including International Dot Day celebrations and book readings across the country.

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Beyond Specialization Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

In a groundbreaking conversation about childhood development, author David Epstein reveals why pushing kids into early specialization might be doing more harm than good. His book "Range," now adapted for young readers, challenges traditional thinking about success and personal growth. Epstein argues that children benefit tremendously from exploring multiple interests rather than narrowing their focus too quickly. Drawing from research across sports, science, and personal development, he demonstrates that a broad range of experiences creates a more robust foundation for future success. The discussion highlights a critical problem in modern parenting: the intense pressure to excel in specific activities from an incredibly young age. Whether it's travel sports teams for seven-year-olds or hyper-structured academic programs, these approaches can actually limit a child's potential rather than enhance it. We also speak with Brazilian-American author Ana Sequeira about her new children's book "Vera la Valente is Scared," which explores the nuanced concept of bravery through the story of a young girl confronting her fear of roller coasters. Drawing from her personal experiences as a multilingual educator and mother, Sequeira shares how the book teaches children that true courage isn't about fearlessness, but about understanding and respecting one's own limits. With a background in writing both in Portuguese and Spanish, Anna emphasizes the importance of cultural representation, language learning, and helping children feel proud of their heritage, all while weaving humor, imagination, and gentle life lessons into her storytelling.

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What If Your Locker Was A Wormhole To The Past? Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a delightful exploration of two remarkable children's books that spark imagination and address childhood experiences. First, author Sherri L. Smith introduces her speculative middle-grade novel, "Candace, the Universe and Everything." The book follows Candace, an eighth-grader navigating friendship challenges and a mysterious locker with an intriguing portal. Smith shares her writing journey, explaining how the story emerged from understanding how friendships evolve and the universal experience of feeling left out during adolescence. With a background in writing for comics like The Simpsons and licensed characters, Smith brings a unique perspective to storytelling. Her novel explores the "what if" concept, blending science fiction elements with relatable coming-of-age experiences. She's passionate about creating stories that help children understand complex emotional landscapes. The episode then shifts to Paul Mayer's heartwarming picture book, "The Big Yellow Adventure." As Vice President of Marketing at Dattco Transportaion, Mayer created this book to help children overcome anxiety about riding the school bus for the first time. The story follows Lily, a nervous kindergartener who discovers the joy of her first bus ride with the help of a friendly driver and a new friend. Mayer collaborated with Optimus Healthcare to ensure the book's content was age-appropriate and supportive. The book is available for free download in both English and Spanish, with a special coloring book version to engage young readers. Both authors demonstrate the power of children's literature in addressing emotional challenges, sparking imagination, and creating meaningful connections between parents and children. Listeners can find both books online and explore more about these incredible storytellers who are making a difference in children's lives, one page at a time.

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Lynn Smith Inspires Kids To Just Keep Going Sep 16, 2025

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In this inspiring episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two remarkable authors who are transforming how children approach challenges and learning. Lynn Smith, a former CNN news anchor, introduces her children's book "Just Keep Going," a heartwarming story about a mouse navigating big feelings and overcoming fears. Drawing from her experience coaching executives, Smith reveals how she developed a method to help people—and children—push through their "brain bully" of self-doubt. The book follows a mouse's journey through the forest, encountering friends who teach him practical techniques for managing anxiety, like deep breathing and visualization. Smith's motivation stems from her desire to help children learn resilience early, preventing the self-doubt many adults struggle with. Complementing Smith's approach, Shannon Anderson shares her books "Y Is For Yet?" and "Mindset Power," which dive deep into growth mindset principles. Anderson explains how teaching children to view mistakes as "growth spurts" can fundamentally change their approach to learning and challenges. Both authors emphasize critical parenting and teaching strategies:

Praise effort, not innate ability

Teach resilience

Encourage children to view challenges as opportunities

Help kids understand that learning is a process

Key takeaways include:

Mistakes are learning opportunities

Neuroplasticity means our brains can always improve

Short-term, specific goals help build confidence

Resilience can be learned and practiced

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in personal development, this episode offers valuable insights into helping children (and adults) develop a positive, growth-oriented mindset.

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Where Only Storms Grow Sep 14, 2025

Show notes

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two remarkable stories that celebrate courage, creativity, and the power of trying new things. Listeners are treated to inspiring conversations with authors Alyssa Colman and Emily Raymond, who share their unique approaches to children's literature. Alyssa Colman's middle-grade novel "Where Only Storms Grow" transports readers to the challenging era of the Dust Bowl, offering a poignant look at family, hope, and resilience. Set in 1935, the book follows twins Howe and Joanna Stanton as they navigate the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Colman's meticulous research brings to life the devastating dust storms that reshaped American agriculture, creating a powerful narrative that teaches young readers about historical challenges and the importance of community. In a delightful contrast, Emily Raymond and her mother Gail Striegel present "Danny the Goat Does Not Like Pears," a charming picture book that explores the universal childhood experience of being afraid to try new things. Inspired by Emily's childhood memories of hiding vitamins, the book follows a goat who goes to extraordinary lengths to avoid eating pears, ultimately learning a valuable lesson about stepping out of one's comfort zone. Both stories share a common thread of hope, community, and personal growth. They demonstrate how children's literature can tackle complex themes in accessible, engaging ways. The authors discuss the importance of libraries as community spaces and the joy of connecting with young readers. For parents looking to spark meaningful conversations with their children, these books offer excellent starting points. Whether discussing historical resilience, overcoming food fears, or the importance of trying new experiences, these stories provide rich opportunities for family dialogue. This episode reminds us that great children's books are more than just entertainment—they're powerful tools for understanding the world, building empathy, and inspiring young minds to embrace challenges with courage and creativity.

Living Bridges Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Dive into a World of Wonder: Three Incredible Children's Books That Spark Imagination In this exciting episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty explores three remarkable children's books that will captivate young readers and parents alike. First up is "Living Bridges" by Sandhya Acharya, a fascinating non-fiction picture book about an extraordinary engineering marvel in Meghalaya, India. These living bridges are created by carefully braiding tree roots, connecting communities across rivers in a breathtaking display of human ingenuity and nature's power. The book follows a young boy learning this incredible tradition from his uncle, teaching children about sustainability, community, and our connection to the natural world. Next, Namrata Jain introduces her Namaste series, a trilogy of books inspired by traditional Indian poetry called Dohas. Each book focuses on a different poet and teaches valuable life lessons through engaging stories. From Kabir Das's wisdom about not procrastinating to Tulsidas's insights on the power of kind words, these books are packed with timeless messages that resonate with both children and adults. Rounding out the episode is Madelyn Simon's "Poppy's Sweet Sibling Story," a delightful tale set in the Mungo Bungo jungle. This charming book follows two toucan siblings who learn the importance of trying new things and supporting each other. With vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming message about overcoming self-doubt, the book encourages children to embrace their potential. These books offer more than just entertainment—they're windows into different cultures, valuable life lessons, and the power of imagination. Whether you're looking to spark curiosity about global traditions, teach important values, or simply enjoy a great story, these books are sure to become family favorites. Parents and educators, get ready to embark on incredible reading adventures that will inspire, educate, and delight young minds!

Keeping The Light Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Get ready for a heartwarming journey into children's literature with Ali Gilkeson, the New York Times bestselling author who's lighting up bookshelves everywhere! In this delightful episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with Ali to explore her latest children's book, "Keeping the Light."

Following the success of her debut book "My Lighthouse," Ali returns with another enchanting tale featuring her young protagonist Finn. This time, Finn takes on the role of lighthouse keeper, learning a powerful lesson about judgment, kindness, and keeping hope alive for everyone - no matter who they are.

Ali's transition from touring musician with Rend Collective to children's author is a testament to the magic of following your passion. She shares candid insights about balancing family life, creativity, and the challenges of life on the road. Her approach to writing is refreshingly inclusive - these books aren't just for Christian families, but for kids and families everywhere.

The conversation takes delightful detours through Ali's Irish roots, the nostalgia of the 1980s, and the importance of intergenerational connections. Her storytelling goes beyond entertainment, offering meaningful lessons about self-discovery, community, and embracing one's unique magic. Parents and kids alike will love Ali's commitment to creating stories that spark imagination and teach important life lessons.

But the literary magic doesn't stop there! The episode also features Maria O'Connor, an Australian author making her debut with "Magical Dreams and Sewing Machines." Maria's middle-grade novel offers a nostalgic peek into the 1980s, following 14-year-old Elena's journey of self-discovery through the lens of fashion and family. Drawing from her own experiences, Maria creates a touching narrative about finding one's inner magic and navigating the challenges of teenage life.

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