Kris Tarantino is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new picture book Be My ValentineSLIME. She discusses how the book was inspired by her own experiences feeling invisible or excluded by people who lacked kindness. She talks about developing the story idea of loveable monsters who don't understand love, with the character of Snoodle teaching friendship and kindness. Tarantino explains working with her editor and agent to strengthen the story through revisions like developing secondary characters.  It was an enjoyable conversation where Tarantino shared the creation of her debut picture book aimed at teaching valuable lessons to kids. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Be My ValenSLIME

Reading With Your Kids is all about encouraging parents to read with their kids, and cook with their kids, and do activities with their kids, and experience tv, movies and music together. In other words, our podcast is all about helping parents build stronger relationships with their kids.

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This episode of Reading With Your Kids features three very impressive kids and one fantastic mom. First, 13-year-old Orion Jean celebrates his new book "Race to Kindness" and inspires listeners with his message of spreading kindness. Orion discusses founding his organization Race to Kindness after being named Time Magazine's Kid of the Year. Next,  Kalili Powers and her mom Mei celebrate their children's book "It's Not That Spicy", which introduces readers to Asian cuisines. They share their experiences overcoming fears of spicy food and embracing different cultures through food. The episode also features 9-year-old author Amelie Anastasia, who wrote her first book at age 8 and is fundraising for a wildlife sanctuary. Throughout, the guests emphasize the importance of representation in children's books and inspiring curiosity about other cultures. The kids showcase their passion for writing, helping others, and making a positive impact on communities through small acts of kindness. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Three Great Kids & One Amazing Mom!

This episode of Reading with Your Kids explores important topics in education through insightful conversations with Tina Shepardson & Lynnette MaWhinney. Tina Shepardson shares the true story behind her book "The Sorry Seeds," about apologizing to her first grade teacher. She reflects on shifts in parent-teacher relationships and the need to trust educators working daily with students. The discussion examines challenges facing teachers with strict lesson plans limiting creativity and connections with students. Tina emphasizes building rapport with children through open-ended questions and storytelling to encourage reflection on actions. Lynette MaWhinney celebrates her graphic novel chronicling the remarkable life and achievements of Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, who conducted influential research on racial bias despite facing gender and racial barriers. Lynnette discusses writing the graphic novel format to engage both youth and educators. Lynnette's graphic novel highlights Clark's significant yet overlooked contributions to desegregating schools and advocating for students.  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Embracing Creativity in Education: Supporting Teachers and Engaging Students

Ali Gilkeson & Diana Lopez are on Reading With Your Kids to talk about how music, magic & myths can inspire creativity in kids! We first speak with Chhristian recording artist Ali Gilkerson about her debut children's book "My Lighthouse". Ali tells us this song is based on the popular song by her band Rend Collective. The book tells the story of a boy named Finn who learns to appreciate his home in a lighthouse through an adventure. Ali discussed writing the book to share with her kids and spark conversations about themes of guidance and faith. Ali also shared Ali memories of touring the country with her band Rend Collective while raising three kids on the road. Dianna Lopez returns to the sshow to celebrate discuss her new middle grade novel "Los Monstros, Rooster and Dancing Diablo." She tells us that the middle grade age range from 8-14 is a time of great change physically and emotionally for kids. Her book follows a character named Rooster, who is the son of a devil known as the Dancing Diablo. Rooster goes on a journey to find missing children in the town of Tres Leches. Dianna drew from her experience as a middle school teacher to craft relatable stories for this age group.   Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

How Music, Magic & Myth Inspire Creatiivity In Kids

On this episode of Reading With Your Kids we discuss alternative approaches to ADHD and brain development in children with Dr Connie McReynolds. Dr Connie is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with families. She shared her journey developing a new assessment and treatment model for ADHD. She found that 85-90% of clients had underlying auditory or visual processing issues, rather than surface symptoms addressed by traditional interventions. McReynolds uses quantitative EEG assessments to identify specific brain processing challenges. Her neurofeedback program then trains those areas through biofeedback games, strengthening neuronal pathways over 20-30 sessions. This non-invasive brain training has helped children with ADHD, anxiety, PTSD and other conditions.  Dr Connie emphasized advocating for children facing educational challenges. Parents should question authoritative figures and seek alternative treatments if their child is struggling. Author David Covell also joined us to celebrate his book Gather Round. He believes outdoor activities like camping were great ways to help kids develop problem-solving skills and reducing anxiety. Covell shared his process writing succinct, emotionally resonant stories that invite discussion. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Solving The ADHD Riddle

This episode of Reading With Your Kids focused on promoting children's mental health and well-being. Guest Alison McGrath discussed her picture book "Walter and the Worry Test," which teaches kids skills from cognitive behavioral therapy to manage worries and anxiety. She explained that negative thoughts can impact feelings and behaviors if left unchallenged. While childhood anxiety is rising, many schools still lack resources like counselors to help kids develop social-emotional skills and feel safe. Author and librarian Robert Broder shared the inspiration for his book "Reading Together," looking back on transitioning from early readers to chapter books with his daughter. This experience of sharing stories together was formative for building their relationship. Broder went on to co-found the children's publisher Ripple Grove Press with his wife after brainstorming the idea while traveling for work. Both Robert and Jed praised public libraries as invaluable community hubs providing far more than books. They offer technology access, workshops, and a safe space for all. While libraries have evolved with technology, their role serving people of all backgrounds remains essential.  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Be My ValenSLIME

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