Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Unlocking the Power of Vocabulary Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

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If you're a parent looking to give your kids a major boost in reading and overall academic success, this episode is a must-listen. We sit down with the one and only Dr. Joe Lockavitch, a reading expert with over 35 years of experience and a doctorate from Boston University. Dr. Joe shares some truly eye-opening insights about the critical role of vocabulary in a child's development. Did you know there's a "million word gap" between kids who are read to daily versus those who aren't? That gap in language exposure can have a huge impact on a child's future. But it's not just about reading more - Dr. Joe explains how the quality of your interactions with your kids matters just as much. He shares fascinating research showing a stark contrast in the positive-to-negative ratio of conversations in different households. Guess which kids tend to thrive? Beyond the numbers, Dr. Joe offers practical tips you can use at home. He emphasizes the importance of making reading fun and relating it to your child's interests. Even if they struggle, don't underestimate their abilities - with the right approach, you can help them excel. And we're not just talking about little kids. Dr. Joe has incredible success stories of transforming the reading skills of older, struggling students. The key is tapping into their learning styles and providing material that challenges them. Whether you have a reluctant reader or an advanced bookworm, this episode is packed with insights that can unlock your child's full potential. Get ready to "unlock the power of vocabulary" and watch your kids soar!

We also take a listen back to our conversation with Ha Dinh, auhor of Where Wildflowers Grow.

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Elephants, Empowerment & Extraordinary Adventures Jan 05, 2025

Show notes

Get ready to dive into the wonderful world of children's books. Our guest, R.G. de Rouen, shares the inspiring story behind his new picture book "Mother to Elephants" - a lyrical tale about the legendary Daphne Sheldrick and her groundbreaking work rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants in Kenya. You'll be amazed to learn about the incredible intelligence and family bonds of these gentle giants. Rico takes us on a virtual safari, describing the thrill of observing elephants in the wild and the valuable lessons they teach about community, connection, and welcoming strangers. We also chat with author June Smalls about her beautiful book "She Leads the Elephant Matriarch," which celebrates the leadership of these matriarchal creatures. There's something for everyone in this episode. You'll discover tips for traveling and bonding with your kids through nature exploration and reading. Plus, you'll be inspired by the powerful messages of female empowerment and the importance of encouraging girls to pursue STEM fields and leadership roles.

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I Move A Lot & That's OK Jan 03, 2025

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If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a part of a military family, this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast is a must-listen. We had the pleasure of chatting with Shermaine Perry-Knights, the author of the "I Move a Lot, and That's Okay" children's book series, and she shared some truly eye-opening insights. Shermaine, who comes from a military family herself, wrote these books to help kids navigate the challenges of frequent moves and adjusting to new environments. As she explained, military children often change schools 6-9 times between kindergarten and graduation - that's a lot of upheaval! But Shermaine's stories don't just focus on the difficulties; they also highlight the incredible benefits of a multicultural upbringing. Through her main character, Grace, readers get to experience the excitement of moving to a new country, learning a new language, and making new friends. But they also see the heartbreak of losing a beloved toy and the struggle to fit in. It's a relatable journey that touches on real-world issues like bullying, grief, and the importance of empathy. While Shermaine's "I Move a Lot, and That's Okay" series explores these themes, the "Rescue Quest" middle-grade book series, written by author Michelle Reeves, blends emotional storylines with the fantastical world of Minecraft. By setting part of the adventure in the beloved video game, Reeves is able to engage even the most reluctant readers and spark their creativity. Whether you're a military family looking for representation, or simply a parent who wants to foster more understanding and compassion in your child, these book series are must-reads. Both Shermaine and Michelle's warmth and wisdom shine through on every page, and you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by our service members and their loved ones. So why not dive into these captivating stories today? Your kids (and you!) are sure to be captivated by the adventure, the characters, and the powerful messages about resilience, friendship, and the beauty of embracing change.

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New Year, New Perspectives: Celebrating Neurodiversity and School Bus Safety in 2025 Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

As we kick off the new year, this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast is packed with valuable insights and heartwarming stories that will have you seeing the school bus in a whole new light. First, we chat with Valerie Higley, a seasoned school bus driver who's bringing her real-world expertise to life in her new children's book, "Shaman Rides the School Bus." Valerie shares the inspiring tale of Shaman the goat, who's navigating the ins and outs of riding the big yellow bus for the first time. But this book is about so much more than just a fun story - it's a crucial tool for teaching kids the importance of school bus safety, from staying out of the "danger zone" to crossing the street the right way. Valerie's passion for keeping kids safe is palpable, and you'll be amazed by all the little details you never knew went into ensuring a smooth, incident-free ride to school each day. As a veteran bus driver herself, she knows firsthand how quickly things can go wrong, so getting this message into the hands of young readers is her mission. We also hear from Arleen McCarthy, a New York City schoolteacher whose debut children's book, "My Friend John," is sparking important conversations about neurodiversity and acceptance. Arleen's own brother has Tourette Syndrome, and she's on a mission to spread awareness and empathy through this heartwarming tale of friendship. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who wants to make the world a little bit kinder, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to be inspired, educated, and maybe even shed a few happy tears as we kick off 2025 the right way - by putting kids first and celebrating what makes us all unique.

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Best of 2024 Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

Get ready for an all star end oof the year episode of Reading with Your Kids! We had a really impressive lineup of guests, starting with 13-year-old author Orion Jean. Orion wrote a book called "Race to Kindness" about a young boy who uses kindness to inspire his community. Orion is wise beyond his years - he talked about how kindness can make a big impact, even in small conversations. It was awesome to hear how he's already making a difference through projects like donating toys, meals, and books. Next up was comedian Joe Ghetto, who wrote a new children's book called "Where's Bearry?" about his son losing a favorite stuffed animal. Joe shared how the story became a fun way for him to bond with his kids through reading. He had a great perspective on how writing for kids is a different creative process than his comedy work, but he really enjoyed the challenge. We also heard from author Rajani LaRocca about her new fantasy book "Sona and the Golden Beast." Rajani created this rich, Indian-inspired world and the story deals with some heavy themes around colonialism. But she balanced that with relatable characters and emotions that draw you in. I loved how she talked about putting her characters through tough situations to see how they'd handle it. And we met 15-year-old DeMarco Avant, who wrote a book called "Teenage Boss" to teach financial literacy to other teens. DeMarco has already accomplished so much, like taking college classes in high school. But he was refreshingly honest about still making mistakes with money sometimes. Finally, bestselling author Kendare Blake joined us to discuss her new YA book "Warrior of Legend." This is the conclusion to her "Hero Maker" duology, which is connected to her previous "Three Dark Crowns" series. Kendare shared how she loves putting her characters through challenging situations to see how they respond. Overall, this episode was a great mix of creativity, wisdom, and inspiration from authors at all different stages of their careers. I always love hearing the stories behind the books and how the writers put their hearts into their work.

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Unleash Your Inner Lego Master Dec 29, 2024

Show notes

Get ready to explore the amazing world of LEGO and STEM with our guest, the one and only Jennifer Swanson - the Dean of all things STEM and STEAM! In this fun-filled episode, Jennifer shares the scoop on her new book, "LEGO Amazing Earth," which lets kids design their own ecosystems using everyone's favorite building blocks. We also hear from Sasha Gooray, the driving force behind the Joyful Learning Center. Sasha shares her passion for helping K-8 learners turn challenges into joyful success through personalized tutoring and a focus on developing life skills. She discusses the importance of making learning fun and engaging, and how her own experience homeschooling her daughter inspired her mission. Later, we welcome back author - illustrator Nic Yulo to discuss her new picture book, "Out of the Blue." Nic explains how the story of a quiet, overlooked girl who finds a connection with a bioluminescent octopus aims to spark curiosity about the wonders of the ocean. Whether you're a LEGO lover, a science enthusiast, or just want to ignite your child's imagination, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights. So grab your bricks, get ready to read, and let the learning and creativity flow! Reading with your kids has never been this much fun.

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Live At The Writer's Loft Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

What a fun time I had at the Writer's Loft holiday book festival in Hudson, MA! It was great to meet so many talented children's book authors and learn about their latest projects. Janet Costa Bates was there celebrating her picture book "Time for Bed, Old House" - a sweet story about a grandpa who helps his grandson settle down for a sleepover. Janet shared how meaningful it was when a mom told her that her biracial son saw himself represented in the book's main character. Representation in kids' books is so important, and it's awesome to see more diversity. I also chatted with Helen Kampion about her book "Rolling on Down the Line" - a fascinating look at Lady Bird Johnson's 1964 civil rights tour of the South. Helen and her co-author were inspired by Lady Bird's courage in making this trip despite death threats, in order to promote the new Civil Rights Act. Sounds like an empowering story for young readers. Over at the "Cryptid Academy" table, author Howard Woolke told me all about his fantasy series featuring mythical creatures like golems, genies, and sphinxes attending a secret school. I love the idea of blending real-world mythology into an engaging school story. And Ellen Cohen shared the premise of her mystery novel "Searching for Lucky Number 3002" - a boy trying to uncover the truth about his donor-conceived background. Such an interesting topic to explore through fiction and give kids a window into different family structures. So many great books and wonderful authors at this event. I'm already looking forward to reading more from these talented writers and hopefully having them back on my "Reading with Your Kids" podcast soon!

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Bringing Humor, Magic & Heart To Children's Books Dec 26, 2024

Show notes

Get ready for an inspiring episode filled with heartwarming stories from children's book authors! We're chatting with Tammy Gerhard, Ria Agawall, and Russell J. Fellows, each bringing their unique perspectives and passion for creating engaging, meaningful books for young readers. First up, we meet Tammy, the author of "Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs" and the upcoming "I Love My Community Activity Book." Tammy shares the powerful message behind her books - that we can disagree with others, yet still show them love and kindness. As the owner of Silk City Coffee Shop, Tammy has created a warm, inclusive space that brings the community together, proving you can run a successful business while prioritizing people over profits. Next, we're introduced to the impressive Ria Agawall, a 16-year-old author whose debut picture book, "The Hungry Granola Bar," is captivating readers of all ages. Ria's inspiring journey to publication is a testament to the power of perseverance and the support of loved ones. We learn about Ria's diverse interests, from Bollywood dance to a potential career in medicine or business, showcasing the versatility of young, talented authors. Rounding out the episode is Russell J. Fellows, the author of the enchanting "Children of the Ancient Heroes" series. Russell shares how this magical adventure was born out of his love for reading with his own children, and how their input and his wife's editing expertise helped shape the story. Russell's dedication to creating a cohesive fantasy world and his collaborative approach to writing are sure to resonate with aspiring authors.

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A Very Hot Chocolatey Christmas Dec 24, 2024

Show notes

Alright folks, buckle up because we've got one wild Christmas tale for you! It all starts with the youth group from a local parish getting together to plan their annual holiday service project. But when they decide to visit the nursing home, things take an unexpected turn. Cal's grandma goes missing from the home, and the whole gang springs into action to try and find her. Meanwhile, a crazy accident happens on a nearby bridge, with a school bus ending up partially submerged in the river. Cal and his friend Michaela jump in to help, and soon find themselves in a harrowing situation clinging to a pole in the freezing cold water. Just when it seems like all might be lost, the cavalry arrives in the form of the youth group and a daring helicopter rescue! Grandma even shows up with some hot chocolate to warm everyone up. Through it all, we see the group put aside their differences and come together to help those in need, proving that the Christmas spirit is alive and well. It's a heartwarming story full of unexpected twists and turns, with relatable characters you can't help but root for. You'll laugh, you'll gasp, you might even shed a tear or two. But most of all, you'll be reminded of the true meaning of the season - community, compassion, and the power of coming together, no matter what. Trust me, this is one Christmas tale you won't soon forget!

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Empowering Stories Of Adoption Dec 22, 2024

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Get ready to be inspired! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into the powerful world of adoption, hearing from two incredible guests who are using their personal experiences to make a difference. First up, we welcome Lorri Antosz Benson, an author who has an incredible adoption story of her own. Lorri shares the heartbreaking yet ultimately joyful journey of placing her child for adoption decades ago. But this wasn't just any adoption - Lorri's daughter later reached out to reconnect, and the two families have formed an unbreakable bond. Lorri's books, including her latest children's title "Adopted Heroes," celebrate the amazing accomplishments of famous individuals who were also adopted. Next, we chat with nature photographer and children's book author Cheryl Johnson. Cheryl's passion for the great outdoors shines through as she describes how her love of photography led her to start writing books that inspire kids to get outside and explore the wonders of nature. From backyard critters to exotic rainforest creatures, Cheryl's stunning visuals and engaging stories are opening young eyes to the incredible diversity all around us. Whether you're personally touched by adoption or simply want to encourage a love of learning in the next generation, this episode is packed with heartwarming tales and valuable insights. Lorri and Cheryl remind us that with creativity, compassion and a bit of courage, we all have the power to make a lasting impact. So get ready to be uplifted and empowered - this is one conversation you won't want to miss!

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