Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Embracing The Unusual Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

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If you're a parent, grandparent, or anyone who loves sharing stories with the little ones in your life, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen! Host Jed Doherty sits down with two talented authors - Shaun David Hutchinson and Marie Nichols - to dive into the power of imagination, identity, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. First up, we chat with Shaun David Hutchinson about his new middle-grade novel, "A Home for Unusual Monsters." Shaun shares his passion for writing stories that merge the absurd and the weird with real life, creating characters that readers can truly connect with. He talks about the inspiration behind his strong-willed protagonist, Sam, and how his own upbringing shaped her dynamic personality. But the real magic happens when Shaun opens up about the importance of seeing beyond surface-level assumptions and embracing different perspectives. He reminds us that hurt people often hurt people, and that understanding where someone is coming from can be the key to fostering empathy and connection. Next, we welcome Marie Nichols, the author of "We're Going to the Dinosaur Forest." Marie's heartwarming picture book celebrates the special relationship between a grandson and his beloved grandmother. As Marie explains, her own experiences with her grandchildren were the driving force behind this delightful story. She beautifully captures the unique bond that can form when grandparents embrace the "dares" of a child's imagination. Throughout the conversation, Jed and his guests explore the power of intergenerational storytelling, and how sharing memories and adventures can create lasting connections. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode is sure to inspire you to pick up a book and start reading with the kids in your life.

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The Joy of Grandparenting: Justice Alan Page Shares His Heartwarming Experiences Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

Justice Alan Page and his daughter Kamie joined us for a delightful conversation about their latest children's book, "Baking Up Love." This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between a young girl and her grandfather as they bake cupcakes together. Justice Alan Page has certainly accomplished a lot in his life. He is a member of the NFL Hall Of Fame, a former Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But he shared that the true joys come from the time he spends with his grandchildren. "There is nothing else like it in the world," he said, describing the "exponentially more fun, more warm, more heartwarming" experience of being a grandparent. Kamie chimed in, explaining how her dad engages with his grandkids in all sorts of activities, from book clubs to board games. This intergenerational connection is at the core of "Baking Up Love" and the family's other children's books, which they create as a fundraiser for the Page Educational Foundation. Established by Justice Alan and his wife Diane in 1988, the foundation provides scholarships and mentorship to students of color in Minnesota. Kamie shared how the program's "Page scholars" don't just receive funding, but also give back by volunteering with younger students in their communities. It's a beautiful cycle of paying it forward. Throughout the conversation, the Pages emphasized the importance of reading, creativity, and quality time with loved ones - whether they're grandparents, parents, or even "grand friends" in the community. Their passion for empowering youth and celebrating family shines through in both their philanthropic work and their delightful children's books. If you're looking to inspire the young readers in your life, be sure to check out "Baking Up Love" and the other titles from Justice Alan Page and Kamie Page. It's a tasty treat for the whole family! We also hear from Angela Andrieux, the driving force behind the Mylio Photos app, a great way to store and organize your cheerished family memories.

Click here to learn more about the Page Education Foundation - https://www.page-ed.org/

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Unleashing Inner Superpowers, Navigating Middle School Friendships & Autism Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Get ready for an inspiring episode of Reading with Your Kids! We're chatting with the talented authors behind two exciting new middle-grade books - Lydia Wayman and Cristina Rouvalis, the co-authors of "Snoopers and Sneakers," and Scott Feld, the author of "DAX to the Max: Blah Blah Blobs vs. the Power Pods." First up, Lydia and Cristina take us inside their delightful novel "Snoopers and Sneakers." This heartwarming story follows two very different sixth-grade girls - one who's autistic and cat-obsessed, the other a "dethroned social butterfly" - as they team up to clear their beloved teacher's name. Lydia shares how her own experiences as an autistic person inspired the character of Jane, while Cristina reveals how their real-life friendship mirrored the book's odd-couple dynamic. We also dive into the important themes of middle school social dynamics and the challenges of invisible disabilities. Lydia offers valuable insights into living with autism, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. It's clear this book will spark meaningful conversations between parents and kids about embracing differences and standing up for what's right. Then, Scott Feld joins us to discuss his empowering new book "DAX to the Max." He introduces us to the "Blah Blah Blobs" - those negative thoughts that hold us back - and the "Power Pods" that help kids overcome their fears and unlock their inner superpowers through positive thinking and visualization. Scott's infectious enthusiasm shines through as he shares interactive reading experiences and the personal journey that inspired this uplifting story. Whether you've got a middle-grade reader at home or just want to be inspired yourself, this episode is a must-listen. Dive in and get ready to cheer on the characters - and the authors behind them - as they prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible!

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Empowering Teens to Create Their Own Reality Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

In this jam-packed episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with some fascinating authors about empowering young people to live their best lives. First up was Dr. Ran Anbar, a pediatric pulmonologist who discovered the incredible mind-body connection after working with a patient who could literally think himself into an asthma attack. This led Dr. Anbar on a journey to learn about the power of positive self-talk, inner wisdom, and tools like self-hypnosis. He shares these insights in his book "The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to be Healthy, Happy, and Confident." Dr. Anbar explains the five keys to a good life - sleep, exercise, diet, social connections, and finding purpose - and how teens can use positive thinking to achieve them. He even demonstrates the surprising physical effects of words, showing how saying "I'm strong" can actually make your arm more resistant to being pushed down. Next, Jed spoke with Wayne McDaniel about his beautifully illustrated children's book "Children of the Great Light." This non-denominational spiritual story teaches universal lessons about the divine light within all of us, and the importance of sharing our unique gifts to help others. Wayne is donating all profits to charities that support orphans and foster children, making this a truly heartwarming project. Finally, we take a listen back to a past interview Jed had with Stenetta Anthony about her picture book "A Home for Sally," which follows the journey of a special needs puppy searching for a forever family. Stenetta was inspired to write this story after noticing a lack of representation for disabled animals in adoption campaigns, wanting to share a message of inclusion and belonging. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and positivity, perfect for parents looking to nurture the mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing of the young people in their lives. Tune in to be inspired!

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From Fibs To Forests Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Calling all nature-loving bookworms! In this captivating episode, we dive into the world of children's literature that celebrates our deep connection to the earth. Join Jed as he chats with two talented authors, Kate Shooltz and Becky Bell, who are using their creative powers to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. First up, we meet Kate, the brilliant mind behind the picture book "Kate the Earthling." Kate shares her personal journey of discovering the concept of "biophilia" - the innate human love for the natural world. She explains how this passion has blossomed into her stunning biophilic artwork and her mission to help kids (and adults!) reconnect with the great outdoors. Whether it's sparking curiosity with a backyard bird feeder or embarking on nature-filled field trips, Kate offers practical tips for parents looking to nurture their little ones' appreciation for the planet. And with her vibrant, imaginative illustrations, "Kate the Earthling" is sure to captivate young readers and ignite their sense of wonder. Next, we dive into Becky Bell's enchanting tale, "The Gnomes of Fibberton." This whimsical story explores the consequences of fibbing, as mischievous gnomes keep track of children's lies and whisk them away to the dreaded land of Fibberton. Becky shares how she crafted this clever allegory to encourage honesty and responsibility in a fun, engaging way. Touching on the importance of consequences in children's literature, Becky reminds us that kids are more resilient than we think. By weaving imaginative narratives with valuable life lessons, she's empowering young readers to make thoughtful choices and cultivate strong moral compasses. So get ready to be inspired, informed, and entertained as we uncover the magic of nature-centric children's books. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a lover of great storytelling, this episode is a must-listen!

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Embracing Dreams & Building Community Feb 02, 2025

Show notes

Hop on board as we chat with the delightful duo behind the charming children's book "Theodore, the Sloth Who Wants to Race"! JL McCreedy and her husband Sam join us from the beautiful country of Italy to share the heartwarming story behind their sloth-tastic tale. It turns out Theodore the sloth wasn't just a silly idea - he was actually born out of a low point in JL and Sam's own lives. As they were feeling frustrated with their own dreams and ambitions, comparing themselves to a determined-yet-slow-moving sloth sparked their creativity. With Sam's veterinary expertise on these unique creatures, the couple quickly penned the first draft, but the real challenge was bringing Theodore to life through illustration. JL openly shares her self-doubts and insecurities about her artistic abilities, but with Sam's encouragement, she taught herself to draw and the rest is history! Their conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and not letting perceived limitations hold you back from pursuing your passions. Beyond the book, we learn about JL and Sam's fascinating global adventures, living and working everywhere from Germany to China. Their travels have undoubtedly influenced their storytelling, which often celebrates community, tradition, and the special spaces we call home.

We also chat with Seina Wedlick, author of Space For Everyone. "Space for Everyone" celebrates the importance of community and family traditions centered around the kitchen table. As Seina explains, the book follows a young girl who is anxious about moving to a new home, worried she'll lose the sense of belonging her family's large, welcoming table has always provided. Through the story, Seina highlights the everyday moments and memories made around the table - sharing meals, drinking tea, doing homework - that create a lasting sense of home, no matter where you live. Seina drew inspiration from her own family's experiences, including the special role their own expansive table played in their lives as they moved between different countries. By focusing on this relatable, universal experience, Seina hopes the book will encourage kids to reflect on what spaces and keepsakes feel most like "home" to them.

Click here to visit JL's website - https://jlmccreedy.com

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Navigating the Challenges of Social Media and Self-Esteem in Kidlit Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores a diverse range of children's books that aim to inspire, empower, and connect young readers. First up Jed welcomes back author Monica Mancillas to discuss her new middle grade romcom, "Taco Tuesday." Monica shares how the book's dual-perspective narrative explores the challenges and emotions of 12-year-olds, as the main characters, Julian and Dulce, navigate the complexities of moving, family dynamics, and budding relationships. The conversation delves into the unique considerations of writing for different age groups, from picture books to young adult fiction, and how Monica's own experiences have shaped her literary style. The episode then shifts to Lori Keating's young adult novel, "Butterfly Inc.," which tackles the allure of fame and the importance of inner beauty. Lori discusses the inspiration behind the story, rooted in her concerns about the pressure her own daughter faced regarding social media and physical appearance. The discussion explores the challenges of navigating the digital landscape and the strategies parents can employ to build their children's self-esteem and resilience. Finally, we take a listen back to our conversation with American Idol contestant Christina Christian Cewe. Christina shares her debut picture book, "I Believe in Me, Do You Believe in You?" Christina's personal experiences, including her time on American Idol, inform the book's message of self-belief, hard work, and overcoming obstacles. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of confidence and the role it plays in achieving one's dreams. Throughout the episode, the guests provide valuable insights and practical advice for parents, educators, and young readers, highlighting the importance of diverse, empowering, and emotionally resonant children's literature.

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Hearing The Heart, Solving The Maze Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Get ready for an inspiring and heartwarming episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast! Today, we're chatting with two incredible authors who are using their talents to make a real difference in the lives of young readers. First up, we'll be talking to Hannah Jessen Conway about her beautiful new picture book, "Love Sounds Like." Hannah's story is a personal one - it was inspired by the journey of her own son who was born profoundly deaf. As Hannah shares, learning of her son's hearing loss was a major adjustment, but it also sparked an incredible idea. "Love Sounds Like" explores the many ways we can experience love beyond just sound - through our senses of sight, touch, smell, and taste. It's a powerful message, beautifully brought to life through Hannah's lyrical writing and the stunning illustrations. But this book isn't just for families with deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Hannah wanted to create something that would resonate with all kids, celebrating the diverse ways we can connect and show affection. Next, we'll be joined by Kjartan Poskit, the author of the interactive "Mega Math Maze" activity book. Kjartan has been writing math-focused books for decades, with a unique approach that makes the subject fun and engaging. His new book challenges young readers to navigate intricate mazes - but there's a catch. The only way to complete the mazes is by solving math problems along the way, putting their times tables knowledge to the test. Whether you have a math whiz at home or a kiddo who struggles with numbers, Kjartan's innovative style is sure to capture their imagination. He's on a mission to show that math can be an adventure, not a chore - and judging by the global feedback he's received, he's definitely succeeding. So join us for an uplifting conversation about the power of inclusive storytelling, the joy of learning, and the incredible impact that passionate authors can have. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

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Building Blocks Of Language Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

If your kids struggle with time management and staying on task, you'll want to tune in to this insightful conversation with Mindy Hudon, the author of the new middle-grade graphic novel "Kodi's Adventure: How I Learned to Defeat the Time Snatcher." As a speech-language pathologist specializing in executive function skills, Mindy has a unique perspective on the challenges kids face when it comes to planning, organization, and time management. In this episode, she shares how she created the character of the "Time Snatcher" to represent the distractions and obstacles that can derail kids, especially those with ADHD or other neurodiverse conditions. Mindy explains the importance of executive function skills, which involve the frontal lobe of the brain and are crucial for everything from completing tasks to regulating our thoughts and behaviors. She emphasizes that these skills continue developing until around age 25, and often lag behind in kids with special needs. That's where Mindy's expertise as a speech therapist comes in - she's dedicated to helping kids and families overcome these hurdles. Later in the episode, we hear from Lavelle Carlson, the author of the picture book "Quirky, the Quirky Cow: The Cuckoo Concert." As a fellow speech-language pathologist, Lavelle shares her own journey into the field and the rewards of helping children develop their unique strengths and abilities. Throughout the conversation, both Mindy and Lavelle discuss the importance of interactive reading, the power of analog clocks, and the ways they've used their expertise to create resources and support for families. Whether you have a child who battles the "Time Snatcher" or you're simply looking to nurture executive function skills, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights you won't want to miss. Get ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even pick up a new book for your family!

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Fight Hate, Make Art Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with two talented authors who are bringing extraordinary stories to life! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with Maria Van Lieshout, the author and illustrator of the YA graphic novel "Song of a Blackbird," and Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw, the creator of the captivating picture book "The Super Volcano." First, Maria shares the fascinating backstory behind "Song of a Blackbird." She explains how discovering her grandparents' hidden history during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam sparked her passion for this project. Listeners will be moved by Maria's journey of uncovering her family's experiences and how that led her to write about the heroic role of artists in the resistance. Jed and Maria also dive into the unique format of the graphic novel, discussing how the combination of words, illustrations, and historic photographs creates a powerful and accessible way to share this important story with young readers. Maria hopes the book will inspire families to have meaningful conversations about topics like democracy, media literacy, and the lasting impact of trauma. Later, Suzanne joins the conversation to take us on a virtual tour of the incredible Yellowstone National Park through the lens of "The Super Volcano." Suzanne reveals how her own students inspired her to bring the wonders of this geological marvel to life in her vibrant, innovative picture book. Listeners will be amazed to learn about the bubbling, sizzling landscape hidden beneath Yellowstone and Suzanne's creative approach to engaging young readers. Whether you're a fan of graphic novels, picture books, or just great storytelling, this episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired and eager to share these remarkable works with the readers in your life. Tune in now to hear from Maria and Suzanne - two authors who are doing incredible things to ignite curiosity and empathy in young minds.

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