This is a fun episode of Reading With Your Kids. We first chat with Bob Shea and Jarvis, author & illustrator of the #ChildrensBook "Oh, Are You Awake?". They discuss their creative process, from initially connecting online in 2019 to illustrate the story, despite never meeting. Jarvis shares enjoying the freedom of illustration in children's books…

This episode of Reading With Your Kids we meet Stephanie Barber and Renee Greene Murphy. Stephanie Barber introduces us to the reading.com mobile app. Stephanie explains that the app uses phonics-based lessons and decodable books to teach children to read at home. Jed questions how the app approaches traditional phonics instruction, and Stephanie r…

On this episode of "Reading with your Kids" we meet children's authors Alysson Bourque and Meredith Davis. First up is Alysson Bourque to celebrate her new children's book "Alleycat and the Sunday Scaries". She talked about how the book helps kids overcome fears by learning resilience from Alleycat and her friends. Alysson shared her journey from w…

Today's episode of Reading with Your Kids features powerful conversations with authors Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and Deborah Friedman. Kimberly discussed her New York Times bestselling book "The Night War", set during the 1942 Velodrome d'Hiver roundup in Paris where over 13,000 Jews were detained. She explained why it's important for children's bo…

This episode of Reading with Your Kids features an interview with the one and only Raffi! International children's recording artist Raffi returns to the show to celebrate his new album "Penny Penguin," which was inspired by his observations of birds like penguins. He enjoyed collaborating with the Good Lovelies on many songs, praising their strong …

This episode of Reading with Your Kids Welcomed talented author - illustrators Ashley Belote and Pan Cooke. Ashley Beloit is on to celebrate her picture book "Don't Wash Winston." She shared the inspiration behind the story of a boy afraid to put his teddy bear in the washing machine. Host Jed Doherty related this to his own experiences with his da…

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured several children's book authors discussing their work. Kathleen Long Bostrom talked about her book "Daddy, Tell Me a Story," which was inspired by reading with her own kids. She emphasized the importance of empowering children through storytelling and letting them solve problems in books. Christina Di…

This episode of Reading With Your Kids featured discussions about entrepreneurship and business with teenagers Finley Scurlock and Jason Liaw, authors of the book "Down to Business." The authors shared their experiences interviewing over 50 entrepreneurs for the book and encouraged other teens to pursue their passions. They credited their success t…

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured fascinating discussions about science, books, and education. Jennifer Swanson, our dean of all things STEM & STEAM, shared her work exploring an ancient underwater forest off the coast of Alabama through her new book The Lost Forest. She emphasized the importance of sparking curiosity in children thro…

Today's episode of Reading With Your Kids celebrates the importance of inclusivity and diversity in children's literature. Crystal Foote discussed her book "Inclusivity Superheroes," which features characters with unique abilities to promote acceptance of differences. She hopes it will help teach children lessons about diversity at a young age. Jed…

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured conversations with two authors of middle grade novels. Stephanie Brick discussed her book "The Secret Doors of Cannondale," about an outcast girl who discovers secret portals to magical worlds. Brick drew inspiration from her childhood love of exploring secret passageways and hideouts. She and Jed Doh…

Matthew Paul Turner is on Reading With Your Kids to celebrate his children's book "You Will Always Belong." He explained that the book encourages children to feel a sense of self-acceptance and belonging. Matthew emphasized that loving oneself is important for truly loving and accepting others. He discussed previously feeling called to provide his …

On this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast we have the pleasure of meeting authors Chiara Columbi and Heather Duke. Chiara Colombi, discussed her debut picture book Rocket Ship Solo Trip. She drew inspiration from her love of space and desire to foster science interest in her kids. The book taps into emotions of new experiences. Jedlie s…

On this episode of Reading with Your Kids we celebrate healthy habit and diversity with Dr Rachel Wellner and Erin Danelle Russell. Dr. Rachel Wellner is the author of the Doctoroo #PictureBook series. Doctoroo is a marsupial doctor who travels the world helping animals and children. Dr. Wellner tells us she created Doctoroo to teach kids important…

Parents, don't miss this episode of Reading With Your Kids! Sue Atkins, a BBC parenting expert, emphasizes modeling hopeful behavior for kids and guiding their technology use. She returns to promote her book club featuring books addressing child anxiety. She discusses delaying smartphones for kids to protect mental health, instead prioritizing fami…

This episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast features conversations with Michelle Nelson-Schimdt and Leah Cypess. Michelle returns to the show to share about how her career and income as an author declined significantly in the past year, leaving her with a negative bank balance. She discussed how she had tied her identity too closely to her c…

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured several guests discussing literacy and children's books. Monica Mancillas returned to celebrate her new book "Sing It Like Celia," which tells the story of a 12-year-old girl dealing with her mother's disappearance through joining a band and learning about salsa music. Mancillas discussed drawing from…

This episode of Reading with Your Kids features conversations with two fascinating authors. Our first guest is Ann Suk Wang, author of the picture book "The House Before Falling Into the Sea." She discussed how the book was inspired by her mother's experiences as a child during the Korean War. Her mother and grandparents took in refugees fleeing co…

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids we meet authors John Schu and Amy Freidl. John Schu shared about his Middle Grade novel in verse "Louder Than Hunger," which explores his personal experiences with mental illness including anorexia as a teenager. He discussed the importance of creating a story that provides hope and tools to help readers ov…

This episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast features conversations with several authors about their children's books and the topics of reading, imagination, cultural identity, and mental health. Nedda Lewers discussed her middle grade fantasy novel "Daughters of the Lamp," which follows a 12-year-old Egyptian American girl discovering her fa…

On this episode of Reading With Your Kids we welcome authors Kristin Peach, Rae Augustine and Tom Tracy. Kristen Peach talked about her book series Tales from Slacksville, focusing on the book "Slacksville's Worst Superheroes." She described creating silly characters like Speed Person and Samsung Man. Ray Augustine discussed their debut middle grad…

Looking For A Fun & Thrilling Book To Read With Your Kids? This episode of Reading With Your Kids features three amazing authors you will be so glad to know. Our first guest is Brad Mason, author of the book "Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy." Brad discussed how he was inspired to write the book after being challenged by a friend. He talked a…

Super episode of Reading With Your Kids featuring four fascinating authors & illustrators. Susanna Lloyd and Patti Donnelly celebrated their book "Here Be Dragons," an interactive story where the text and illustrations tell different narratives. They described developing the hapless knight character and subverting stereotypes. Other authors discuss…

Leticia Ordaz and her son Bronx Baeza are on #ReadingWithYourKids to celebrate their new children's book Super Peanut and the Big Bully. Bronx came up with the idea for the book when he was 5 years old after witnessing bullying in his school. The book tells the story of Super Peanut, who is Bronx, and his encounter with Grulow, a boy who is seen as…

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured conversations with two fascinatingauthors. Dr. Tony Keith discussed his memoir "How the Boogey Man Became a Poet," sharing his experience navigating college as a first-generation student and coming out. He emphasized the importance of education and integrating hip hop culture into teaching. Kathleen D…

Today's episode of Reading With Your Kids features two guests who share stories of imagination and loss. Author Andrew Hackett discussed his trio of books coming out this spring. In "Ollie the Acorn and the Mighty Idea," a boy eats an acorn hoping to transform and face his bully, embarking on a journey of self acceptance. "Curly Locks" follows a gi…

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids we welcome authors Julie Whitney and Nancy Tupper Ling. We begin with Julie who discussed her new book "Astra and Hollywood," the sequel to her first book about a lonely airplane named Astra. She talked about Astra making her way to Hollywood and meeting new airplane friends. Julie also discussed the proces…

This episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast featured two authors celebrating new books. The first guest was Yobe Qiu, who discussed her debut chapter book called The Missing Red Envelopes. She explained the cultural significance of red envelopes in Asian traditions and told the story of two sisters collecting envelopes for Lunar New Year. Th…

This episode of #ReadingWithYourKids featured two guests discussing self-publishing children's books. Jay Miletsky shared his experience successfully self-publishing over 600,000 copies of his books. He emphasized treating book publishing like a business by understanding costs, profit margins, and marketing strategies. The second guest, Larry Daley…

Jessica Stremer is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate two new children's books - Lights Out about the light pollution movement to help migrating birds, and The Great Barrier Reef about the USS Risky aircraft carrier that was intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef. She explains how lights distract and endanger birds during mi…

Jessa McLean is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new children's book series called "The Lonely Series." She discusses her first book, "The Lonely Side of the Christmas Tree," which tells the story of the side of the Christmas tree that faces the wall and doesn't get decorated from its perspective. She aims to use these books to…

Michelle Knudson and Kevin Hawkes are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their new children's book, Luigi, the spider who wanted to be a kitten. Michelle shares how the story was inspired by a real spider she met while staying in a friend's country home. Kevin discusses the challenge of illustrating a spider in a way that would make …

O'Brien McMahon is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new picture book "How You Become You." He discusses how the book aims to provide guidance for both children and parents on figuring out who you are and what you love. It presents a framework of trying new things, reflecting on your experiences, and finding ways to pursue your …

Jessica Gold and Brian Werts are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Jessica's children's book "The Winner at Being Me." Jessica discusses how the book explores children finding their hidden talents. Brian shares how he brought the characters to life through illustration. Jed reflects on challenges raising two different children and t…

Claire Noland is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the release of her new children's book "Nancy Best Had a Dress." She discusses the story, which takes place during the Great Depression and features illustrations by Angela Hawkins. Claire talks about how the book can spark conversations about sustainability and reusing materials. H…

Erica Richmond is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the release of her debut children's book, Pixie and the Bees. She discusses how the story came from her own experience with anxiety, which she describes as feeling like buzzing bees inside her body. Erica shares strategies she uses to manage anxiety, such as exercise, breathwork, a…

Barbara Dee is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new middle grade novel Unstuck. She discusses how the novel explores the challenges a 7th grader named Lila faces with family turmoil as her older sister resists college and the loss of her best friend. Barbara emphasizes using humor to make serious topics more palatable for middl…

Katie Kennedy is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her books "US Presidents Decoded" and "US Constitution Decoded". She discusses how the books use primary sources like letters and documents to help readers understand American history. Kennedy explains key concepts like primary, secondary, and tertiary sources to the host. They disc…

Anandamayi Baker is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her award winning #ChildrensBook Bee Coming Strong. The book tells the story of a tiny little bee and her journey of overcoming bullying and low self-esteem with the help of her queen bee. Baker was inspired to write the book after observing how disconnected children have become …

Connie Schultz is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut children's picture book, Lola and the Troll. The book addresses the themes of bullying and self-esteem through the story of a little girl named Lola who is bullied by a neighborhood troll. With the help of her friend Mrs. B, Lola learns to embrace her uniqueness. Schultz …

Micha Archer is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new children's book "What's New Daniel". She discusses the challenges of writing picture books with very few words and having to choose each word carefully. Micha Archer also talks about the importance of listening to children and understanding their perspectives in order to writ…

Cynthia Harmony is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new children's picture book "A Flicker of Hope". She discusses how the book tells the parallel stories of a young girl in Mexico named Lucia who waits for her father to return from working in the fields, and the annual migration of monarch butterflies between Canada and Mexico…

Three great authors join us on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast today, Pam Gittleman , E J Stelter and Lauren Chander-McCluskey. Pam is the author of Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times. She tells us international children's recording artist Raffi used some of Pam's poems as lyrics for his songs. E J Stelter tells us about her wonderful book Poppys Fi…

Dinah Johnson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote. Johnson discussed how the book tells the story of Ida B. Wells' activism leading up to the 1913 Women's March in Washington D.C. fighting for women's right to vote. Doherty and Johnson discussed how shocking it was that women…

We have two great guests on the episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast. Firs we speak with teenage author Mmanasi Vegnesna about her debut #ChildrensBook Maya's Tiny Warriors. Manasi tells us Tiny Warriors is a children's book on immunology. She believes it is important for STEM education and health awareness. Timo Kuilder is on the podcast t…

Mia Armstrong and her mom Cara are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Mia's new #PictureBook I Am A Masterpiece. Host Jed Doherty interviews Mia and Cara about the book, which tells Mia's empowering story of growing up with Down syndrome and aims to inspire inclusion and acceptance. Mia shares that Down syndrome is her "superpower" a…

Gideon Sterer and Charlie Mylie are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their beautiful #PictureBook Treehouse Town. The author Gideon describes the magical world of treehouses in the woods where kids and animals live in harmony. Both Gideon and Charlie discuss how treehouses represent a place for imagination and creativity for both c…

Kate Korsh is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new children's book series "On a Brammo Goop Sideways Magic." She discusses how she got the idea for an underwear fairy character while showering and wanted to create a story celebrating girls' bodies and humor. Kate shares details about the first book in the series, including how …

Dr Charnetta Williams is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new children's book Penelope and the Power of Positivity. She discusses how the book teaches the importance of a growth mindset and believing in yourself through challenges with the help of phrases like "I can't yet." Dr. Williams drew inspiration for the book from helpi…

Kerry Gallagher is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to discuss keeping kids safe online and artificial intelligence. Kerry is an education director at Connect Safely, an internet safety nonprofit, and assistant principal at a boys' school. She talks about using AI tools like chatbots safely and discusses the benefits of AI, such as planning vac…