Get ready for a delightful dive into the world of children's books! In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," we had the pleasure of chatting with two talented creators who are bringing their unique visions to life. First up, we met Martin Stewart, the author of the Bridget van de Puff book series. Bridget is a fearless, gadget-loving character who's about to steal your heart. Martin shared how this spunky protagonist emerged fully formed in his mind, and how he worked to craft the perfect story for her. We also got to hear from the brilliant illustrator, David Haben, who brought Bridget and her wild inventions to vivid life on the page. Their collaborative process was a true delight to learn about. But the fun doesn't stop there! We also had the chance to speak with Susan Polk Van Dusen, the author behind the "What's So Special About a Tree" picture book series. Susan's books are a beautiful tribute to her late father, an artist whose stunning paintings are the foundation for these charming, rhyming tales. Hearing about how Susan honored her dad's legacy by sharing his art with young readers was truly heartwarming. Whether you're a fan of whimsical adventures, nature-inspired stories, or the magic that happens when authors and illustrators come together, this episode has something special for you. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and maybe even shed a happy tear or two. After all, the power of storytelling to bring families closer is what "Reading with Your Kids" is all about. So grab your little ones, snuggle up, and get ready for a literary adventure!

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Mistakes? Bring 'em on! In this delightful episode, Jed Doherty chats with author and illustrator Eliza Kinkz about her charming new picture book, "MISTACO" - a celebration of imperfections and the beauty of embracing our flaws. Eliza shares how the book was inspired by her own experiences growing up, where she struggled to open up about her mistakes. She wanted to create a "safe space" for families to share their slip-ups without judgment. And what better way to do that than with a silly, taco-themed character named "MISTACO" - a nod to the Spanglish words Eliza grew up with. As an artist, Eliza's vibrant, chaotic style is the perfect match for this playful story. Jed praises her use of "joy, color, and chaos" - qualities that Eliza says were heavily influenced by the legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. It's a style that perfectly captures the unpredictable, messy nature of childhood. But "MISTACO" isn't just about the laughs. Eliza and Jed dive deep into the importance of teaching kids (and adults!) to embrace their mistakes. They share personal stories of how parental reactions can deeply impact a child's self-esteem, and why it's crucial to model self-compassion. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just a kid at heart, this episode is a delightful reminder that perfection is overrated. So grab a taco, get cozy, and get ready to celebrate your inner "MISTACO"! We also have a fun time speaking with Brenda Do, author of It's OK Not To Know. Brenda shared how the inspiration for the book came from observing her young nephew's hard reaction to making a mistake. This led her to explore the important lesson of embracing failure and uncertainty as a path to growth. Brenda emphasized the need to teach self-compassion to children, rather than pushing them to be perfect. She drew parallels to her own upbringing in the Asian-American community, where mistakes were often harshly judged. Brenda's book aims to celebrate curiosity and the freedom to not have all the answers - a message that resonates for readers of all ages. Jed and Brenda's discussion highlighted the power of using children's literature to promote empathy, resilience and the joy of learning.

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In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two passionate creators who are making a difference in the lives of young readers. First up was Chris Gordon, the mastermind behind the Timothy's Lessons brand. Chris shared his mission to educate, motivate and inspire the younger generation through engaging animated stories that teach core values like courage, kindness, and empathy. By blending captivating visuals with meaningful lessons, Chris is helping kids connect with important life skills in a fun, accessible way.

Next, Jed welcomed Nancy Stewart, author of the new middle-grade novel "Me and the Missouri Moon." Nancy discussed how her protagonist, a young girl named Scarlet, finds strength and guidance through the words of the legendary Maya Angelou. This heartwarming story explores themes of family, friendship, and overcoming adversity - all while celebrating the power of positive role models.

Rounding out the episode was an insightful conversation with Nick Clement, creator of the Mindfulness Adventures picture book series. Nick shared how his own journey with mindfulness techniques inspired him to develop resources that help children (and their parents!) learn valuable practices for emotional regulation, focus, and relaxation. By seamlessly weaving mindfulness into engaging narratives, Nick is empowering kids to build lifelong skills for managing stress and anxiety. Whether you're looking to infuse more positivity, courage, or calm into your child's life, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is packed with inspiring ideas and resources from passionate educators and authors. Tune in to discover new ways to nurture your little one's growth and development through the power of storytelling.

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Grab your astronaut helmets, space fans, because this episode of Reading with Your Kids is out of this world! Host Jed Doherty welcomes back two of our favorite guests - author Chiara Colombi and illustrator Scott Magoon - to chat about their delightful children's book series, "Rocket Beams and Lunar Dreams."  Chiara shares the heartwarming story behind her rocket-loving protagonist, Rocket, and how her big dream of going to the moon doesn't quite go as planned. But with the help of the adorable lunar lander character, Rocket learns that sometimes our dreams take unexpected turns, and that's okay. Scott reveals the creative process behind bringing these spunky space characters to life, from drawing inspiration from modern rockets to using color to convey Rocket's emotional journey. But the cosmic fun doesn't stop there! Jed also catches up with author Leslea Wahl, who discusses her latest young adult novel, "In Plain Sight." Leslea explains how she weaves themes of faith, family, and finding one's purpose into her thrilling adventures. As a convert to Catholicism herself, Leslea shares how her own spiritual journey has influenced the relatable characters and uplifting messages in her books. Whether you're a budding astronaut or a teen seeking inspiration, this episode has something for every young reader. Chiara, Scott, and Leslea offer a stellar reminder that sometimes the most meaningful dreams take flight in the most surprising ways. So grab your kids, curl up, and get ready for a cosmic literary adventure!

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Wow, what an insightful and heartwarming conversation we had on the podcast today! We were joined by the dynamic duo behind the new picture book "Home" - author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Loren Long. These two creative minds really clicked as they shared the story behind their collaborative process. Matt explained that "Home" explores the evolving concept of home, inspired by his observations during the pandemic. He was fascinated by how homes took on new roles and how nature started to reclaim spaces. Loren, the perfect match for bringing these big ideas to life, shared how he relished the challenge of illustrating profound themes. The two clearly have a deep mutual respect, often finishing each other's thoughts as they described their fruitful partnership. But it wasn't all just about the book - Matt and Loren also touched on the importance of not shying away from complex topics in children's literature. They believe kids are more than ready to grapple with big ideas, as long as the stories offer hope and resilience too.  We also heard from debut author Alison McGauley, whose picture book "Kenzie's Little Tree" draws from her own family's experiences with chronic illness. Alison spoke passionately about the need to have open conversations with kids about difficult topics, something she learned firsthand. Her book aims to both reflect the realities of families facing health challenges and provide a window for those who haven't had that experience. Overall, this episode was a treasure trove of insights into the creative process, the power of representation in children's books, and the transformative role that open dialogue can play, even for our youngest readers. I'm sure listeners will come away feeling inspired and eager to share these meaningful stories with the little ones in their lives.

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If you're looking to whip up some delicious and nutritious meals for your family, you'll want to tune in to this episode featuring renowned chef Pete Evans. Pete is the author of the new cookbook "Healthy Food for Healthy Kids," and he's here to share his passion for wholesome, flavorful recipes that the whole crew will love. Pete has had an impressive culinary career, from hosting TV shows like "Movable Feast" to traveling the U.S. and cooking with top chefs. But his true mission is helping families like yours discover the joys of home-cooked, nutrient-dense meals. In this chat, he explains why he included so many gluten-free and dairy-free options in his latest book - it's all about reducing inflammation and giving your body a chance to heal. But don't worry, Pete promises these recipes are anything but boring or tasteless. In fact, he'll let you in on a little secret: eating healthy can actually be cheaper than relying on processed foods. By embracing budget-friendly proteins like ground meat and organ meats, and loading up on seasonal produce, you can fuel your family without breaking the bank. Pete also shares his personal journey from being a picky eater as a kid to becoming an adventurous chef who loves experimenting with all kinds of wholesome ingredients. He believes our bodies are designed to heal themselves, and making a few simple diet tweaks can have a profound impact on our long-term health and wellbeing. So whether you're looking to introduce your little ones to new flavors or revamp your own eating habits, this episode is packed with practical tips and mouthwatering inspiration from the one and only Pete Evans. Get ready to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals that will have the whole crew feeling their best.

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If you're a parent, grandparent, or anyone who loves sharing stories with the little ones in your life, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen! Host Jed Doherty sits down with two talented authors - Shaun David Hutchinson and Marie Nichols - to dive into the power of imagination, identity, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. First up, we chat with Shaun David Hutchinson about his new middle-grade novel, "A Home for Unusual Monsters." Shaun shares his passion for writing stories that merge the absurd and the weird with real life, creating characters that readers can truly connect with. He talks about the inspiration behind his strong-willed protagonist, Sam, and how his own upbringing shaped her dynamic personality. But the real magic happens when Shaun opens up about the importance of seeing beyond surface-level assumptions and embracing different perspectives. He reminds us that hurt people often hurt people, and that understanding where someone is coming from can be the key to fostering empathy and connection. Next, we welcome Marie Nichols, the author of "We're Going to the Dinosaur Forest." Marie's heartwarming picture book celebrates the special relationship between a grandson and his beloved grandmother. As Marie explains, her own experiences with her grandchildren were the driving force behind this delightful story. She beautifully captures the unique bond that can form when grandparents embrace the "dares" of a child's imagination. Throughout the conversation, Jed and his guests explore the power of intergenerational storytelling, and how sharing memories and adventures can create lasting connections. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode is sure to inspire you to pick up a book and start reading with the kids in your life.

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Justice Alan Page and his daughter Kamie joined us for a delightful conversation about their latest children's book, "Baking Up Love." This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between a young girl and her grandfather as they bake cupcakes together.  Justice Alan Page has certainly accomplished a lot in his life. He is a member of the NFL Hall Of Fame, a former Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But he shared that the true joys come from the time he spends with his grandchildren. "There is nothing else like it in the world," he said, describing the "exponentially more fun, more warm, more heartwarming" experience of being a grandparent.  Kamie chimed in, explaining how her dad engages with his grandkids in all sorts of activities, from book clubs to board games. This intergenerational connection is at the core of "Baking Up Love" and the family's other children's books, which they create as a fundraiser for the Page Educational Foundation. Established by Justice Alan and his wife Diane in 1988, the foundation provides scholarships and mentorship to students of color in Minnesota. Kamie shared how the program's "Page scholars" don't just receive funding, but also give back by volunteering with younger students in their communities. It's a beautiful cycle of paying it forward. Throughout the conversation, the Pages emphasized the importance of reading, creativity, and quality time with loved ones - whether they're grandparents, parents, or even "grand friends" in the community. Their passion for empowering youth and celebrating family shines through in both their philanthropic work and their delightful children's books. If you're looking to inspire the young readers in your life, be sure to check out "Baking Up Love" and the other titles from Justice Alan Page and Kamie Page. It's a tasty treat for the whole family! We also hear from Angela Andrieux, the driving force behind the Mylio Photos app, a great way to store and organize your cheerished family memories.

Click here to learn more about the Page Education Foundation - https://www.page-ed.org/

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Get ready for an inspiring episode of Reading with Your Kids! We're chatting with the talented authors behind two exciting new middle-grade books - Lydia Wayman and Cristina Rouvalis, the co-authors of "Snoopers and Sneakers," and Scott Feld, the author of "DAX to the Max: Blah Blah Blobs vs. the Power Pods." First up, Lydia and Cristina take us inside their delightful novel "Snoopers and Sneakers." This heartwarming story follows two very different sixth-grade girls - one who's autistic and cat-obsessed, the other a "dethroned social butterfly" - as they team up to clear their beloved teacher's name. Lydia shares how her own experiences as an autistic person inspired the character of Jane, while Cristina reveals how their real-life friendship mirrored the book's odd-couple dynamic.  We also dive into the important themes of middle school social dynamics and the challenges of invisible disabilities. Lydia offers valuable insights into living with autism, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. It's clear this book will spark meaningful conversations between parents and kids about embracing differences and standing up for what's right. Then, Scott Feld joins us to discuss his empowering new book "DAX to the Max." He introduces us to the "Blah Blah Blobs" - those negative thoughts that hold us back - and the "Power Pods" that help kids overcome their fears and unlock their inner superpowers through positive thinking and visualization. Scott's infectious enthusiasm shines through as he shares interactive reading experiences and the personal journey that inspired this uplifting story. Whether you've got a middle-grade reader at home or just want to be inspired yourself, this episode is a must-listen. Dive in and get ready to cheer on the characters - and the authors behind them - as they prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible!

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In this jam-packed episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with some fascinating authors about empowering young people to live their best lives. First up was Dr. Ran Anbar, a pediatric pulmonologist who discovered the incredible mind-body connection after working with a patient who could literally think himself into an asthma attack. This led Dr. Anbar on a journey to learn about the power of positive self-talk, inner wisdom, and tools like self-hypnosis.  He shares these insights in his book "The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to be Healthy, Happy, and Confident." Dr. Anbar explains the five keys to a good life - sleep, exercise, diet, social connections, and finding purpose - and how teens can use positive thinking to achieve them. He even demonstrates the surprising physical effects of words, showing how saying "I'm strong" can actually make your arm more resistant to being pushed down. Next, Jed spoke with Wayne McDaniel about his beautifully illustrated children's book "Children of the Great Light." This non-denominational spiritual story teaches universal lessons about the divine light within all of us, and the importance of sharing our unique gifts to help others. Wayne is donating all profits to charities that support orphans and foster children, making this a truly heartwarming project. Finally, we take a listen back to a past interview Jed had  with Stenetta Anthony about her picture book "A Home for Sally," which follows the journey of a special needs puppy searching for a forever family. Stenetta was inspired to write this story after noticing a lack of representation for disabled animals in adoption campaigns, wanting to share a message of inclusion and belonging. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and positivity, perfect for parents looking to nurture the mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing of the young people in their lives. Tune in to be inspired!

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