Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Basketball Town Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

Scott Rothman returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his latest children's picture book, "Basketball Town." In this book, readers meet Maxwell, an avid basketball lover who dreams of the sport day and night. One day, Maxwell wakes up in Basketball Town, where everything is basketball-themed. He has an exciting adventure and learns that to succeed in basketball and find his way home, he must practice and work hard. During the conversation, Scott discusses the importance of practice in becoming proficient at something, emphasizing that it's crucial to let children explore their passions and encourage them to practice if they genuinely love an activity. Reading with children is highlighted as a powerful bonding experience and a foundation for future success. The interview also touches on the balance between making practice enjoyable and not overloading kids with criticism. Scott shares his personal experiences as both a writer and a parent, underscoring the significance of quality time spent engaging with children through sports and reading.

Click here to visit Scott's website – https://www.scottrothmanwriter.com/

Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

A Beautiful Story, Jesus and St Nick Sep 10, 2023

Show notes

Sarah French is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her children's book, "A Beautiful Story: Jesus and St. Nick." Sarah, an author and TV news anchor, shares her inspiration for writing the book, which stems from her desire to find a Christmas story that combines the birth of Jesus with the true story of St. Nicholas. She wanted to teach her children about the origins of Christmas traditions like hanging stockings, which are tied to St. Nicholas's generosity. Sarah emphasizes the importance of teaching kids about giving and how they can be like Santa by thinking of others during the Christmas season. She describes her experience of taking her children to a homeless shelter and filling shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse as a way to show them the joy of giving. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating the digital age and helping kids discern reliable information from misinformation. Sarah highlights the role of local news in providing trustworthy information and staying connected with the community. The host and Sarah discuss the value of local news and its role in reporting on community events and issues. They also touch on the challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI, which can manipulate videos and voice recordings, making it essential to rely on trusted sources. Sarah shares her experience of writing the book while juggling her responsibilities as a news anchor and a mom. She encourages others to pursue their passion projects and writing, even if it means dedicating just a few minutes a day. The podcast episode concludes with a discussion of the impact of local news and the importance of active listening and open-mindedness in today's world.

Click here to visit Sarah's website – https://www.sarahsfrench.com/books

Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Cora And The Moon Sep 09, 2023

Show notes

Author and illustrator Alex Clark is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his children's picture book, "Cora in the Moon." It tells the story of Cora, a precocious young girl who loves dancing and has a magical nighttime adventure when the moon takes her on a journey to space, where she meets other friends who have also been taken to the moon. When she returns, she's left wondering if it was all just a dream. During the interview, Alex shared his fascination with the moon, which has captivated humans, especially children, for generations. He reminisced about the moon landing and how it inspired a sense of wonder and imagination. He also talked about the unique experience of stargazing in rural areas where the night sky is free from city lights. Alex's creative journey and artistic style were discussed, highlighting his background in graphic design and illustration. He emphasized the importance of encouraging children to explore their creativity and pursue careers in the arts, showcasing various opportunities available in the creative industry beyond traditional art forms. The host, Jed Doherty, also touched on the impact of technology and the digital age on children's creativity. They discussed how modern children are often exposed to a wide range of content through digital devices but may miss out on the communal experience of everyone watching the same thing at the same time, like the moon landing. Alex Clark shared his personal motivation for creating art, including his eye condition, histoplasmosis, which could potentially lead to blindness. This motivation drives him to create as much as he can before any potential vision loss occurs.

Click here to visit Alex's website – https://www.alexmclarkart.com/

Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Rise And Shine With Yobe Qiu Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast we are honored to have an opportunity to give you a preview of a great new podcast created by our friend Yobe Qiu. called Rise and Shine with Yobe Qiu, the podcast gives listeners a chance to meet some of the top leaders in early Childhood Education. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply passionate about these topics, this podcast is designed to inspire, educate, and empower you. In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Stacey, the owner of Island Kids in Northport, New York, as our special guest. With 24 years of experience in the early childhood education industry, Stacey's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Her center has grown from just three classrooms to an impressive 13 classrooms, serving the needs of the community. Stacey's dedication and commitment to providing high-quality childcare are truly inspiring.

Click here to visit Yobe's website - www.byyobeqiu.com

Click here to visit Yobe's Podcast page - https://sites.libsyn.com/485094

Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

ADHD Self Esteem Blues Sep 06, 2023

Show notes

Caroline Bliss Larsen and Dr. Raun Melmed return to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their book, "Marvin's Monster Diary Number Five: ADHD Self-Esteem Blues." The book is part of the Marvin's Monster Diary series, aimed at helping children with ADHD learn how to manage their emotions, attention, and behavior. Marvin, the main character, is a monster who deals with ADHD but also has a regular kid's life, attending school, having a family, and participating in sports and music. The series focuses on Marvin's journey in understanding and managing his ADHD by using tools and strategies he develops with guidance from adults in his life. Dr. Raun emphasizes the importance of addressing not only the symptoms of ADHD but also the impact it has on a child's self-esteem and overall well-being. He believes that recognizing and addressing a child's individual strengths and weaknesses is crucial for their development. The discussion touches on the role of parents in supporting children with ADHD and the significance of providing them with tasks and responsibilities to boost their self-esteem. Specific and genuine praise for a child's efforts and achievements is highlighted as a way to help them feel good about themselves. Caroline Bliss Larsen reflects on her experience working with Dr. Raun on the series and how it has influenced her perspective on self-esteem and mental health. She emphasizes the importance of praising the process rather than just the outcome, encouraging children to appreciate their efforts, even when things don't go as planned. Dr. Raun discusses the genetic and neurobiological factors related to ADHD and reassures parents that it is not something they caused. He advises against labeling children and instead encourages understanding their unique profiles to provide tailored support.

Click here to visit Dr Raun's website - www.melmedcenter.com

Click here to visit Caroline's website - www.carolineblisslarsen.com

Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Click here to visit Matt McMann's website - https://mattmcmann.com

Click here to find Loukas and the Game of Chance on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3PtpO7u

Miles Lewis, Track Star Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

Kelly Starling Lyons is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book "Miles Lewis TrackStar" aimed at young readers in grades 1 through 5. Kelly highlights the importance of chapter books that deal with themes such as STEM, family relationships, friendship, and overcoming challenges. She emphasizes that these books can serve as a bridge between children's independent reading and family reading experiences. Kelly also talks about the significance of portraying characters who are proud of their intelligence, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the diversity of experiences and talents within different cultures. She believes that books can serve as both mirrors and windows for children, allowing them to see themselves and learn about others. The conversation delves into Kelly's personal journey as a writer, influenced by her family's love for storytelling and her desire to empower children to tell their own stories. She discusses her contributions to the "She Persisted" series, which celebrates trailblazing women, and her books about Coretta Scott King and Dorothy Height, highlighting the importance of recognizing lesser-known heroes. Overall, Kelly Starling Lyons encourages families to share the joy of reading and storytelling, fostering connections and conversations that can empower children to believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference in the world.

Click here to visit Kelly's website - https://kellystarlinglyons.com/

Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Reggie, Kid Penguin Sep 03, 2023

Show notes

In this engaging episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes Jen de Oliveira, the talented author and illustrator behind "Reggie Kid Penguin." The lively conversation revolves around Reggie, the lovable anthropomorphic penguin, and his entertaining adventures portrayed through comics. Jen introduces Reggie as the star of her debut comic series, emphasizing that it's a collection of short stories that capture the essence of everyday childhood experiences. From preparing for picture day to curious mischief, Reggie's escapades are relatable and heartwarming. The discussion takes an intriguing turn as they explore the distinction between comic books and graphic novels. While the terminology has evolved, Jen emphasizes that Reggie can be aptly described as a comic due to its storytelling through comic art. Jed and Jen delve into the creative process, discussing how Jen streamlined Reggie's design for ease of illustration. They touch upon the challenges of crafting stories within the constraints of comic strips and graphic novels, highlighting the importance of page-turning beats. The conversation extends to the changing landscape of education, where Jen shares her insights into the challenges faced by today's children, from remote learning during the pandemic to environmental concerns like wildfires and lockdown drills. The value of comics in reading is a crucial point of discussion. Jen emphasizes that comics and graphic novels offer a unique blend of visual and textual storytelling, enhancing children's comprehension and enjoyment. Visual literacy is a topic that resonates with both host and guest, as they recognize the significance of children being able to interpret and appreciate visual storytelling, especially in an era dominated by social media.

Click here to visit Jen's website - https://reggiecomic.com/about-2/

Click here to visit our webssite - www.readingwithyourkids.com

WEPA! Sep 02, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast, host Jed Doherty interviews J de la Vega, the author of the book "WEPA." The conversation touches on various topics, including J's journey as a writer, the inspiration behind "WEPA," and the importance of meeting children where they are in terms of their unique needs and energy levels. The episode begins with Jed Doherty introducing J de la Vega, highlighting her role as a parent and an author, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of both roles. They discuss J's book "WEPA" and its origins, with J sharing how frustration with rejection letters led her to create the story in just 15 minutes. Jed Doherty expresses excitement about "WEPA" and how social media played a crucial role in connecting J de la Vega with a publisher who fell in love with her artwork and the book's concept. They discuss the significance of timing and luck in the publishing industry. The conversation delves into the heart of the story of "WEPA," focusing on the main character, Mia, who has ADHD. J de la Vega explains how the term "WEPA" (which usually lacks an English translation) represents energy and magic in the story. Mia's journey is explored as she grapples with societal expectations and learns to embrace her unique energy. Jedy shares a personal anecdote about his son's experience with a change in school environments, highlighting the importance of recognizing and accommodating a child's individual needs. The conversation then shifts to the challenges faced by neurodivergent children and the need to adapt educational and social environments to support them. J de la Vega emphasizes the importance of meeting children where they are and helping them channel their energy positively. Jed and J discuss the role of labels and the need to see the whole person beyond any diagnostic labels. They highlight the significance of adapting to a child's strengths and interests, providing examples from their own experiences. The episode also touches on the importance of networking and putting oneself out there as a creative professional. J encourages aspiring authors to take chances and build connections to promote their work.

Click here to visit J's website - http://www.authorjdelavega.com/books

Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Building A Dream Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Darshana Khiani returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook Building A Dream. Darshana tells us this book is an unforgettable tale of persistence and problem-solving, based on the amazing true story of a Thai soccer team who made their own place to play. In Thailand's Phang Nga Bay, atop a network of stilts, floats the village of Koh Panyee—where a group of boys loved soccer but had nowhere to practice. Where could they find space to dribble, juggle, shoot, and score? The boys looked out at the water and started gathering tools. Even while their neighbors laughed, they sawed wood, hammered nails, and tied barrels together. The team worked for weeks to build Koh Panyee's first floating field—a place to practice, and a place to transform their community. With engaging soccer scenes and atmospheric images of southern Thailand, this inspiring book follows a group of boys who became a team long before they had jerseys or even a field. Plank by plank, they built their dream.

Click here to visit Darshana's website - https://darshanakhiani.com/books/building-a-dream/

Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Guardians Of The Garden Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

Lindsay Gizicki returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Guardians Of The Garden. Lindsay tells us that we will meet two children who playfully guard their mother's garden from cheeky critters that steal their fruits and vegetables. But their arch enemies—the squirrels—prove to be the biggest tricksters of all. For all the backyard dreamers. Lindsay also wants us to know that 10% of the proceeds from this book will go to the Detroit non-profit, Rescue MI Nature Now, Inc.

Click Here To Visit Lindsay's website - https://www.hankarooreadings.com/

Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

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