Join Patrick Hawkins on The Reading Nest as he chats with Dr. Deana Plaskon, author of Bella and Bird Explore Anger. Through the lovable characters of Bella and Bird, Dr. Plaskon helps children (and adults!) understand what anger really feels like — and how to move through it with kindness and care.

A heartfelt conversation about storytelling, emotional intelligence, and helping kids grow into more self-aware, compassionate humans.

In this powerful episode of The Reading Nest Podcast, I sit down with author Nickeva Jones and her incredible son to talk about their new book and the journey that inspired it — his mission to beat cancer and the bravery it took as a family to face the fight together.

Nickeva opens up about the challenges and victories of walking beside her son during his recovery, and we hear firsthand how courage, love, and resilience shaped their story. Together, they share lessons of hope, healing, and what it means to never give up.

✨ If you’re a parent, caregiver, or anyone in need of encouragement, this conversation will remind you that even in the hardest battles, love can light the way. Drop a comment if this story touched your heart — we’d love to hear from you.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Reading Nest for more inspiring author interviews, children’s book spotlights, and conversations that nurture hope, healing, and imagination.

Sometimes, the hardest part of growing is letting go — even just for a little while. In this episode of The Reading Nest Podcast, we explore Audrey Penn’s beloved classic, The Kissing Hand, a gentle story that reminds children (and adults) that love is something we can always carry with us.

Join me as we talk about the healing power of connection, the comfort of routines, and how small gestures — like Chester’s mother’s kiss — can help us feel safe, seen, and loved. Whether you’re a parent helping your child through transitions, a teacher supporting little ones, or simply someone who needs a reminder of the strength love gives us, this episode is for you.

✨ Let’s explore the magic of love, comfort, and resilience — together.

Welcome to The Reading Nest! 📚✨ In today’s episode of Reading is a Superpower, we explore three incredible stories that remind us just how powerful books can be for healing, growth, and connection.These aren’t just children’s books—they’re life books. ❤️ They help us see ourselves, face our fears, and celebrate who we are. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just a big kid at heart, this episode will leave you with tools (and a smile) to carry into your everyday life.🌟 Books featured in this episode:Willow by Elisabeth Sophia, illustrated by Anita BagdiThe Day We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael LópezChange Sings by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long💡 Along the way, I’ll share practical tips, reflection questions, and little reminders that reading is more than just words on a page—it’s a superpower that helps us fly through the hard days and celebrate the good ones.So grab a cozy seat, maybe a cup of tea, and let’s read together. 💛📧 If you’re an author and want your book featured on The Reading Nest or you’d like to be a guest, email Patrick Hawkins at ⁠[email protected]⁠

#TheReadingNest #KobiYamada #MaybeBook #ChildrensBooksForHealing #StorytimeMagic #BooksThatInspire #FamilyReading #DreamBig #SelfDiscovery #HealingThroughBooks

n this episode of The Reading Nest Podcast, we explore Maybe by Kobi Yamada — a beautifully uplifting story that reminds us of the endless possibilities and unique gifts each of us carries. This book isn’t just for children; it’s a gentle nudge for all of us to believe in our potential, embrace the unknown, and trust that we are capable of extraordinary things.

Whether you’re a parent encouraging a child, an educator inspiring young minds, or someone on your own healing journey, Maybe offers a message of hope, self-discovery, and resilience.

📧 If you’re an author and want your book featured on The Reading Nest or you’d like to be a guest, email Patrick Hawkins at [email protected]

#TheReadingNest #KobiYamada #MaybeBook #ChildrensBooksForHealing #StorytimeMagic #BooksThatInspire #FamilyReading #DreamBig #SelfDiscovery #HealingThroughBooks

In this chapter of Mysteries (The Buried Bones Mystery), The boys captured Mr Greene and is going to find out why he was digging near their clubhouse and also why was he trying to hurt the boys. So, is you are ready to find out what Mr. Greene is up too, then grab a snack and join me at the nest.

In this chapter of Mysteries (The Buried Bones Mystery), The boys are camping out to find out what Mr Greene is up to after they learned from Ziggy about what he saw Mr, Greene doing in his backyard.  If you are ready to find out if Mr. Greene shows up and what the boys are going to find while camping at the clubhouse, then grab a snack and join me at the nest.

In this chapter of Mysteries (The Buried Bones Mystery), The boys are out looking for clues and they all found clues.  If you are ready to find out what the clues are, then grab a snack and join me at the nest.

In this chapter of Mysteries (The Buried Bones Mystery), Jerome has only one thing in his mind and that's the bones they found by the clubhouse. Does Jerome find any clues as to what they bones are? If you are ready to find out, then grab a snack and join me at the nest.

In this chapter of Mysteries (The Buried Bones Mystery), best friends, Rico, Ziggy, Jerome, and Rashawn, just found a metal box in the back of their clubhouse. What are the boys going to do about the bones. If you are ready to find out, then grab a snack and join me at the nest.