Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids we dive into the Inspiring World of Inclusive Children's Literature If you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about creating a more understanding and accepting world, this episode is a must-listen. Join Jed Doherty as he sits down with two talented children's authors, Jayme Branaghand Farial English, to explore the power of storytelling in promoting empathy and supporting neurodiverse learners. First, we meet Jayme Branagh, the author of "Squirrel's Four Square Solution." Jayme shares the backstory of her book, which introduces characters with neurodivergent traits, like ADHD. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing these behaviors and providing tailored strategies to help kids thrive, rather than relying solely on medication.  As a seasoned elementary school counselor, Jayme offers invaluable insights into the challenges and successes of inclusive education models. She candidly discusses the need for more resources and training to truly support all students, while also highlighting the transformative impact of empowering neurodiverse kids and their families. Next, we dive into Farial English's debut picture book, "Charlie and Sophie's Great Escape." Farial's heartwarming tale is inspired by her own border collie pups and their real-life adventures. But the book also serves as a poignant tribute to her beloved dog, Charlie, who passed away too soon. Farial's passion for capturing the joy and challenges of pet ownership shines through, reminding us that even in grief, the love we share can leave a lasting legacy. Whether you're an educator seeking fresh ideas, a parent navigating the joys and complexities of raising a neurodiverse child, or simply someone who believes in the power of inclusive storytelling, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and maybe even reach for the tissues as you explore the transformative world of children's literature that celebrates diversity in all its forms.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with children's book authors Ruth Spiro and Carole Gerber! These talented writers are sharing their passion for spreading messages of kindness, community, and environmental appreciation through their delightful books. First, we chat with Ruth Spiro about her new picture book "One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story." Ruth explains how this book explores the universal concept of "tikkun olam" - repairing the world through small acts of goodness. She emphasizes that this isn't just a "Jewish" idea, but a fundamental human value found across cultures. Ruth's lyrical storytelling and the stunning illustrations bring this message to life in a way that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. We also dive into Carole Gerber's beautiful new book "A Tree for Me," which follows a father and son on a nature walk, discovering the wonders of different trees. Carole shares how her own childhood memories of exploring the outdoors with her dad inspired this heartwarming tale. She beautifully captures the magic of sharing a love of nature with the next generation. Both authors share their journeys to becoming successful children's book writers, proving it's never too late to pursue your passions. They also offer insights on the importance of reading aloud with kids, creating special family memories, and using books to build community and understanding. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who appreciates the power of storytelling, you'll be inspired by the creativity and heart-warming messages in this episode. Discover new books to share with the young readers in your life and learn how authors like Ruth and Carole are making a difference one small spark at a time.

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In this episode of Reading With Your Kids host Jed Doherty had a chance to  catch up with he queen of whimsy, Sheri Fink. Sheri told us all about her latest children's book, Magenta. This 17th book from Sheri is truly special - it features elaborate illustrations and a mesmerizing holographic rainbow gold cover that dances in the light.  Sheri shared the creative process behind Magenta's stunning visuals, explaining how she collaborated with her printer to bring her vision to life. "I wanted something really special, not just a basic gold foil," Sheri told us. After seeing samples, they landed on the magical holographic effect that makes the cover seem to shimmer. The story of Magenta follows a lost kitten who discovers a magical cottage and gets enchanted with powers by a young sorceress. Sheri's whimsical tales always spark kids' imaginations, and Magenta is no exception. She loves helping young readers imagine themselves in fantastical situations and learn valuable life lessons. Sheri also opened up about how becoming a mom has changed her writing process. Instead of marathon sessions, she's had to become a "sprinter," efficiently using short windows of time to write. But she's found that this has made her an even better author.

Next, we chatted with sister duo Sharmilla Fassbender and her sister Sharminey Selvanathan about their uplifting picture book, Fantastically Me. This celebration of self-love and authenticity is so important in today's world of social media and constant comparison. Shaminey explained that the book's message is simple: "Life is better when you're yourself, authentically yourself." She and Shamilla want to empower kids to be proud of who they are, not try to be someone else. The sisters have a wonderfully collaborative writing process, taking turns drafting the rhyming text and combining their ideas in a shared document. And they see their meetups as joyful family time, enjoying the "chaos" of parenting young kids. Both Sheri and the Fantastically Me authors are creating books that celebrate individuality and inspire young readers. It was a pleasure chatting with these talented, passionate writers.

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Ahoy, mateys! This episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast is a treasure trove of inspiration and adventure. We're setting sail with two incredible guests who are using their passions to inspire the next generation of readers and STEM enthusiasts. First up, we've got the one and only Jennifer Swanson, our "Admiral of Adventure" and the "Dean of all things STEM and STEAM." Jennifer is here to tell us all about her brand new book, "Up Periscope," which shines a light on the incredible story of Ray Montague - a pioneering female engineer who revolutionized ship design for the Navy. Jennifer's infectious enthusiasm for science and engineering is sure to spark curiosity in kids (and adults!) of all ages. But the adventure doesn't stop there! We're also joined by the legendary Captain Kidd Carson, the mastermind behind the "Captain Kidd Carson's Bookaneerss" literacy program. Keith's passion for reading was ignited by his own daughter's love of books, and now he's on a mission to make reading fun and engaging for kids through the power of pirate tales. With his custom-built pirate ship mobility scooter and treasure trove of pirate-themed books, Keith is bringing the high seas to classrooms and libraries everywhere. Whether you're a landlubber or a seasoned sailor, this episode has something for everyone. Dive in and discover the magic that happens when you combine literacy, STEM, and a healthy dose of swashbuckling adventure. So grab your eye patch, hoist the sails, and get ready to set sail on a journey of learning and discovery!

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On this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of speaking with three talented children's authors - Jackie Cano, Emily Jenkins, and Abigail Samson.  Jackie Cano shared the heartwarming story behind her book "Sabella Can Sew." Inspired by her own daughter, Jackie wanted to teach kids that they can overcome obstacles and try new things, even if they're challenging at first. She spoke about her own journey of learning to sew and how it sparked a love of the craft in her daughters. Jackie also discussed the unique sacrifices military families make, emphasizing the importance of community support. Next, Jed chatted with Emily Jenkins about her middle grade novel "All the Best Dogs." Set in a Brooklyn dog park, the book follows a group of diverse 6th graders and their canine companions. Emily explained how the book tackles serious issues like family troubles and anxiety, while also providing plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. She offered great advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to focus on developing their skills rather than relying on natural "talent." Finally, Jed spoke with 13-year-old author Abigail Samson about her debut book "The Magical World of Candy Topia." Abigail shared how the fantastical story, about a girl named Kate who goes on a journey to save a candy-filled planet, was inspired by her siblings. Jed was impressed by Abigail's maturity and resilience, as she discussed the mix of excitement and anxiety she feels about the positive feedback her book has received. This episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen for parents and kids alike, offering heartwarming stories, valuable insights, and inspiration from these talented children's authors.

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In this episode, Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with acclaimed singer-songwriter Jason Gray about his debut children's book "Sparrows." Jason shared the heartwarming story behind the book, which follows a young girl named Ellie who is learning to overcome her speech impediment and bullying.  Jason explained how the book's themes of faith, compassion, and finding inner strength were inspired by his own life experiences growing up with a speech handicap. He beautifully described how music first helped him connect with God's love, and how he hopes "Sparrows" can provide that same sense of comfort and encouragement to young readers. Jed commented on how the book's relatable protagonist and subtle spiritual elements make it an accessible read for families of all faith backgrounds. Jason emphasized his goal of creating stories that are "fun and accessible" and help foster a love of reading in kids. We then had the chance to speak with up-and-coming children's book author DK Ryland, whose debut picture book "Have You Seen My Acorn?" is generating buzz. DK shared how her background as a professional softball player and wildlife filmmaker in Africa has influenced her "fun and subversive" storytelling style. DK spoke passionately about the importance of exposing kids to a variety of activities and allowing them to explore their interests, rather than pushing them to specialize in one sport or hobby from a young age. Her own multifaceted creative journey is an inspiring example of this philosophy in action. Overall, this episode is a delightful exploration of the power of children's literature to entertain, educate and empower young readers. Both Jason and DK's insights are sure to resonate with parents and book lovers alike.

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On this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two passionate creators making waves in the children's book world.  First up was Richard Reiman, also known as the "Audiobook Wizard." Richard shared his mission to make children's books accessible to all, including those with visual impairments or other disabilities. He described how he adds rich audio descriptions to children's picture books, allowing blind and low-vision kids to fully experience the stories and illustrations.  "It's a whole different experience," Richard explained. "We have professional describers who work with us to paint a vivid picture with words." He's even assembled an all-blind cast for an accessible version of The Wizard of Oz, bringing diverse representation to a classic tale. Richard also touched on the challenges of getting major publishers on board, but shared his optimism that change is coming, especially as more indie authors embrace accessibility in their crowdfunding campaigns. Next, Jed chatted with debut picture book author Barbara Thompson about her charming story, Have You Seen My Sock? Barbara shared how the book, featuring a determined young boy searching for his favorite dinosaur sock, was inspired by her own experiences as a single mom and the antics of her grandson, Mason. "It was almost like having a full-time job, going to college all over again," Barbara said of the self-publishing process. But the thrill of holding the finished book made it all worthwhile. She even hopes to collaborate with children's hospitals to share the story with young readers facing health challenges. Both Richard and Barbara's stories highlight the power of children's books to entertain, educate and inspire readers of all abilities. It's a heartwarming reminder of the magic that can happen when passionate creators bring their visions to life.

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In this uplifting episode, host Jed Doherty chats with two authors about their powerful new books that celebrate underdogs and shine a light on mental health challenges. First up is James Stafford, the author of "Unbelievable Underdogs and Rebellious Role Models." James shares how his book features 26 captivating stories of sports heroes from around the world who defied the odds and achieved remarkable feats. From the shocking 2015 Rugby World Cup upset by Japan to the inspiring tale of Paralympic athlete Kathleen Thomas, these tales are sure to motivate young readers. James explains how he deliberately structured the book in short, illustrated chapters to engage even the most reluctant readers. He wanted to showcase the universal appeal of underdog stories and how they can inspire us to overcome our own struggles, whether in sports or in life. Next, Jed welcomes KM Selvidge, author of the children's book "Kloe's New Start." KM opens up about her personal connection to the story, which is inspired by growing up with a sibling dealing with mental illness. She discusses the challenges families face and the importance of open communication, support, and believing in yourself. Through the eyes of the main character Kloe, the book explores the stigma, isolation, and self-doubt that can come with having a family member affected by mental health issues. But it also highlights the power of friendship and finding your inner strength. Both authors hope their books will foster important conversations and provide windows into experiences that are often misunderstood. Whether you're a sports fan or looking to better support loved ones, these inspiring stories are a must-read.

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If you're a fan of the beloved Dork Diaries series, you're in for a real treat! In this episode, host Jed Doherty sits down with the dynamic duo behind the books - Rachel Renee Russell and her daughter Nikki Russell.  Rachel and Nikki share the incredible journey of Dork Diaries, which has now reached 16 books and been translated into 45 languages across 52 countries. Jed even shares a fun story about stumbling upon the series in a bookshop in Ireland - talk about global reach! The two dive into the inspiration behind the latest book, "Tales from a Not So Bratty Sister," which explores the antics of Nikki's younger sibling Brianna. Turns out, Nikki's own childhood mischief, like drawing on the walls with Sharpies, helped shape the storyline.  As the series has evolved, Nikki's illustrations have become more detailed and refined, with plans to transition to full-color in the future. The trio also discuss the importance of reflecting diversity in their characters and the exciting potential for a live-action Dork Diaries movie. But it's not just the Dork Diaries world that takes center stage. Jed also welcomes children's author Jordan Hayes, who shares the heartwarming story behind her new book, "The Magic Pen." Jordan's passion for reading and literacy shines through as she emphasizes the incredible benefits of parents reading with their kids. From building vocabulary to fostering lifelong bonds, Jordan's insights are a must-hear for any parent or educator. She even offers practical tips on creating reading-focused communities within schools to help close the achievement gap. Whether you're a Dork Diaries devotee or simply someone who loves the magic of reading, this episode is a delightful listen packed with inspiration, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

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If you're looking for a children's book that will spark your kid's imagination and love of reading, you'll want to check out "American Stonehenge: The Adventures of Jimmy and Andrew" by Mike Goldstein. In this delightful interview, Goldstein shares the inspiration behind his new fantasy series and how he's making history and geography fun for young readers. Goldstein explains that the book follows a young boy named Jimmy and his 3,000-year-old telepathic dog, Andrew, as they embark on an adventure to a mysterious archaeological site in Washington that resembles the famous Stonehenge. But this isn't your typical history lesson - the story seamlessly blends the present-day adventure with flashbacks to Andrew's past lives in places like ancient Egypt and early England.  What really sets this book apart are the stunning illustrations. Goldstein spent two years ensuring each chapter had a full-page, hand-painted illustration opposite the text, creating an immersive reading experience for families. He was adamant about this unique layout, wanting kids and parents to be able to read and explore the visuals together. Becoming a first-time children's book author wasn't easy, but Goldstein's passion for storytelling and getting kids excited about learning shines through. He even started his own publishing company to bring his vision to life. And the hard work has paid off - the book is receiving rave reviews from readers of all ages and faiths. So if you're looking to ignite your child's curiosity about history and culture, be sure to pick up a copy of "American Stonehenge." With its engaging narrative and gorgeous illustrations, this book is a must-read for any family who loves adventure, reading together, and exploring the world.       Maria Antonia also joined us to celebrate her new picture book "The Christmas Elephant" is a delightful story that's sure to capture the hearts of families everywhere. Inspired by her own niece's love for elephants, the book follows a young girl named Ellie who dreams of dressing up as an elephant for her church's nativity play. But her older sister Piper, who's directing the play, isn't having it - "there were no elephants in Bethlehem!" Despite the challenges, plucky Ellie finds a way to save the day when the baby Jesus prop goes missing. Maria drew from her own experiences directing Christmas plays to bring this heartwarming tale to life, and she even included some fascinating elephant facts in the back. Whether your family celebrates the holiday or not, "The Christmas Elephant" is a charming read that celebrates the power of imagination, family, and the magic of the season.

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