Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Amanda Lauer is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new  #YoungAdult #Novel "Royal and Ancient." Amanda talks about her passion for writing in the young adult genre, focusing on clean and sweet romances set in historic settings. Amanda's latest book, "Royal and Ancient," is a time travel tale that takes place in the year 1691 in the highlands of Scotland. The story follows a 17-year-old girl from modern-day America who is struck by lightning during a golf outing and transported back in time. She finds herself surrounded by Scottish clans and becomes entangled in their lives, including their hidden practice of Catholicism, which was banned during that era. The conversation highlights the importance of discussing history, faith, and cultural differences with young readers. Amanda also shares her love for rich and antique language in historical fiction and encourages parents to read and discuss books with their teenagers. She emphasizes the value of open communication and finding common ground,

Crystal Bowyer, the Director of the National Children's Museum, is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #POdcast to celebrate the institution's mission and challenges in a recent interview. The National Children's Museum, based in Washington, DC, is dedicated to providing hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning experiences for children under the age of 12. The museum's goal is to inspire children to care about and change the world. One of the key challenges facing the National Children's Museum is the need for growth and expansion. While the museum has a federal space, it has faced difficulties in securing additional space to accommodate the growing demand for its programs and exhibits. Crystal emphasized the importance of legislation to enable the museum's growth, which can be a complex process in the federal capital. She also discussed the critical role of hands-on play in childhood development and the need for children to have opportunities to explore, learn, and solve problems th

Dana Kramaroff is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut #MiddleGrade #NovelInVerse "The Do More Club." Dana tells us the book explores themes of anti-Semitism, identity, and the power of kindness. The story follows a young boy named Josh, the only Jewish student in his school, who must confront his identity and the challenges that arise after his school is targeted by an anti-Semitic attack. He decides to form the "Do More Club" with the goal of promoting kindness and fighting hate. The conversation also touched upon the prevalence of anti-Semitism, the importance of teaching children about different cultures and religions, and the power of literature to act as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors for readers. Dana explained why she chose to write her novel in verse, highlighting how verse novels can be a bridge for young readers transitioning from graphic novels to traditional prose. The book aims to inspire empathy, understanding, and action, making it a valuable read for all, reg

Roshani Chokshi is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "The Spirit Glass," Roshani tells us this book is a middle-grade novel drawing from Filipino mythology and folklore, at its core a ghost story perfect for spooky season. It explores the themes of grief and recognizing what's right in front of you to save you from the unknown. Chokshi explained how her personal experiences, including the loss of a pregnancy, influenced the book, emphasizing that incomplete grief and the fear of the unknown are universal experiences for both children and adults. The conversation delved into the impact of colonialism on Filipino culture and how these hidden stories become part of folklore and mythology. Chokshi also discussed the importance of fostering curiosity in children and how family discussions about hidden stories in literature can be enriching. She shared her experience of being part of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint and the impact it had on her career. The interview wrapped up with a playful discus

en de Oliveira and Mika Song are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their collaborative project, "Sunday Haha." "Sunday Haha" is a newsletter that was initiated during the pandemic, serving as a platform to share their weekly comics with a kid-friendly focus. Both Jen and Mika create comics aimed at children, such as Jen's "Reggie" series and Mika's "Norman Belly" series. To make these comics accessible to a wider audience during the pandemic, they invited fellow comics creators with similar all-ages content to join in, resulting in a weekly "kids comics party."  The project initially provided free weekly comic strips, but they recently introduced a subscription service through Substack, offering bonus content to subscribers as a way to support the initiative and the artists behind it. The podcast discussion also touched on their creative processes, the challenges of creating comics for kids, and the importance of having a supportive audience. Both Jen and Mika emphasized the joy and comfort th

#NYTimes #BestSelling Author and national television personality Raymond Arroyo is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new #ChildrensBook The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln. Raymond tells us this is a fun picture book biography of Tad Lincoln, his relationship with his father President Abraham Lincoln, and a story about a parent’s love for his son and the wisdom of a child. Full of humor, this romp through history will teach children about the power of curiosity, imagination, friendship, empathy, determination…and even a little mischief! We also hear from Christopher Arsenault. He is on the podcast to celebrate his debut #ChildrensBook Mr Thoughtful Gets Into Trouble. Christopher tells us Mr. Thoughtful takes us on an exciting adventure as he steps outside the safety of his thought bubble and into a world of mischief. It's a delightful journey that reminds young readers that even the most mischievous moments can lead to valuable life lessons. Click here to visit Raymond’s website - http

Jennifer E. Morris is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Flubby Does Not Like Snow, the latest title in her Flubby series. Jennifer has illustrated children’s magazines, greeting cards, partyware and educational materials as well as numerous picture books. She is also an author and has written several children's books including the Maud the Koala series and the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book, Flubby is Not a Good Pet! Her best-selling title, May I Please Have a Cookie?, has sold over one million copies.  Click here to visit Jennifer's website - https://jemorris.com/books  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com   

Gabriella Alderman is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut picture book, "Paula's Patches." The book, illustrated by Rocio Arriola Mendoza follows Paula, who starts her school day with a rip in her pants and spends the day trying to hide it in creative ways. Along the way, she discovers that others also have embarrassing mishaps, leading her to offer patches to her classmates, fostering a sense of connection and empathy. The conversation also touched on translating children's books into Spanish, where Gabriella emphasized the importance of understanding the target audience and considering the regional dialects within the Spanish-speaking world. She shared her love for translating rhyme and the need to see the book's illustrations to capture the essence of the story. Gabriella also talked about her Panamanian background, describing Panama City's unique blend of modernity, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. She encouraged others to explore Panama, a diverse and vibrant country. Fi

Becca Wierwille is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut middle-grade novel "Road Trip Rescue." Becca tells us about her book, her personal experiences, and the importance of representation in children's literature. "Road Trip Rescue" is an adventurous tale about Kimmy, a girl who embarks on a journey to find her missing dog. Along the way, she learns about friendship, differences, and the power of faith. Becca's book is not only a captivating story but also brings awareness to limb differences, promoting inclusivity and empathy among young readers.  Click here to visit Becca's website - https://beccawierwille.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Max Brooks, the New York Times best-selling author, is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his latest book, "Minecraft: The Village."  In the interview, Brooks emphasizes the need for parents to prepare their children for a changing job market that requires flexibility, problem-solving skills, and innovation. He critiques the traditional education system, rooted in the Prussian model, for its focus on standardization and memorization, stating that it no longer adequately prepares students for the modern workforce. Brooks highlights the value of the popular video game, Minecraft, as a tool for teaching creative problem-solving and adaptability. He describes Minecraft as a game that fosters individual creativity and allows players to approach challenges in their own unique ways, mirroring the skills needed in the 21st-century workplace. The conversation also touches on the themes explored in "Minecraft: The Village," where the characters learn life lessons such as teamwork, democracy, and the cons

Chanel Miller is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "Hadassah's Breakfast Delights." Chanel tells us her book series is designed to empower kids to cook with as little adult assistance as possible, starting as young as three years old. She emphasizes the importance of parent-child interactions, using the book's stories and cooking activities as a way to bond and create lasting memories. Chanel's goal is to make a positive impact on children's lives and help parents build strong relationships with their kids through shared experiences like cooking. The book series features colorful pictures and color-coded measuring cups, making it easy for children to follow recipes independently. Each recipe includes a short story about Hadassah and her friends, promoting reading and storytelling alongside cooking. Chanel believes that these activities can lead to better communication with children as they grow older, preparing parents for more serious conversations. Click here to visit Chanel's website www

Tonja Howard is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Grumpy or Grateful, the first book in her "Virtues and Values" picture book series, The series focuses on instilling important virtues and values in children, starting with gratitude. Tonja explained that her journey as a parent inspired the creation of this series, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation of virtues and values in children's lives. Gratitude, in particular, plays a central role as it leads to greater happiness, improved health, and enhanced relationships. Through their books, they aim to help children develop a positive mindset and approach to life. Jed and Tonja discussed the significance of teaching values through storytelling, as children learn best through stories and relatable characters. The series covers various virtues, including respect, kindness, confidence, honesty, humbleness, self-discipline, and trust. They also highlighted the positive impact of older children mentoring younger ones, fostering c

Ginny Neil is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut #PictureBook The Glorious Forest That Fire Built. Ginny is an author, illustrator, award-winning teacher, and master naturalist. When she's not slogging through a marsh, trying to spot spring peepers or chasing errant sheep across mountains and meadows, she manages an outdoor learning lab, teaches STEM to elementary and middle school students, and writes about all the things and people that make Earth such a fun and fascinating place to live. In this book Ginny helps readers learn  that forest fires are critical to forest health and that the end of a tree's life provides the opportunity for new life. Back matter explains the timeline of the forest cycle in more detail. Click here to visit Ginny's website - https://www.ginnyneilwrites.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

John Buchta is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate  "The Wonderful Once" John tells us this is a heartwarming Christmas story set in the late 19th century, featuring a young homeless boy named Lucas Astin who discovers the true joy of sharing and giving. The story revolves around Lucas, who lives in a school with other homeless children. Every year, they have a grand celebration where each child can choose one gift from a pile. When Lucas receives a beautiful handcrafted sled, he is overjoyed. However, as the night progresses, he realizes there are no more gifts for a newcomer, a homeless girl who joins them. Without hesitation, Lucas decides to give his precious sled to the girl, learning that giving can be even more rewarding than receiving. The book emphasizes the importance of sharing, kindness, and the power of one small gesture to make a significant impact on the world. It carries a valuable message about the innate kindness and unselfishness that resides in children's hearts. The story ta

Dr. Laurie Haas, a world-renowned magician and educator, is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate  the legacy of the late magician Eugene Burger. Eugene Burger was known for his captivating performances and storytelling skills in the world of magic. He prioritized connecting with his audience over simply showcasing tricks, emphasizing that magic should be about life experiences. Larry Hass, who worked closely with Eugene Burger, was tasked with publishing his unpublished material, creating books that allow magicians to learn from Eugene's magic creations and presentation techniques. These books are intended to make Eugene's magical wisdom accessible to future generations of magicians. Larry stresses the importance of presentation in magic, highlighting that it's not just about the tricks or techniques but about weaving a spell with words and creating an enchanting experience for the audience. He recommends books for young and older readers interested in magic, and he also talks about the Magic and

Steven Guarnaccia is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "The Story of Pasta." Steven tells usthis book explores the fascinating world of pasta, its history, and its versatility. The discussion touches on the origins of pasta, with a nod to the Marco Polo myth and the belief that pasta may have ancient Italian roots dating back to the 4th century BCE. The podcast also highlights how pasta has evolved with the introduction of machines and industrialization, leading to the creation of various pasta shapes with interesting stories behind them. Stevens passion for both food and words shines through as he explains how pasta's playful and diverse shapes, like butterflies, little worms, and corkscrews, make it a fun and appealing cuisine for kids. The book "The Story of Pasta" not only features these pasta shapes but also provides stories, recipes, and historical anecdotes, making it an engaging and educational read for children and families. The podcast emphasizes the role of pasta in family tradition

Frances Cha is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut picture book "The Goblin Twins." Frances tells us her inspiration for the book, which revolves around ancient goblins from Korean folklore called Tokki and Gibbi. These goblins have different aspects to their history, with some stories portraying them as terrifying creatures for adults and others as mischievous tricksters in children's folk tales. Frances moved to Sleepy Hollow, a real place in New York, which coincidentally became the setting for her book. She discussed her childhood experiences of moving frequently and how books became her best friends during those times, sparking her passion for writing children's books. "The Goblin Twins" aims to introduce readers, both children and adults, to Korean culture and folklore while providing humor and magic for young readers. Frances emphasized the joy of creating books that contain hidden jokes that parents can appreciate, making the reading experience enjoyable for everyone. Frances a

Jen Malia is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new "Infinity Rainbow Club" series. Jen tells us this series  features characters who have various neurodivergent traits. In this enlightening discussion, Jen and Jedlie explore the importance of recognizing and supporting neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the growing awareness of neurodiversity, including conditions like autism, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, and more. Jen emphasizes the significance of understanding one's neurodivergent identity, as it can help individuals accept themselves and others more readily. The "Infinity Rainbow Club" series introduces readers to a diverse group of neurodivergent characters, each with unique strengths and challenges. The characters engage in exciting activities, from building with plastic bricks and exploring augmented reality to pursuing Taekwondo and more. Through these adventures, Jen aims to break stereotypes surrounding neurodivergent individuals and highlight their abilities and potential. Jen's b

Robin Hall is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut #PictureBook "The Littlest Weaver" Robin tells us this is a heartwarming book set in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Intrigued by the rich weaving culture of Appalachia, Robin's book beautifully explores family, tradition, and the power of storytelling through art. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage while highlighting the impact of acts of kindness within communities.  Robin's inspiration to bring hope and peace to her characters is truly inspiring. As we celebrate the release of "The Littlest Weaver," let's not forget the value of family, creativity, and giving back to our communities. To learn more about Robin Hall and her work, visit her website: www.robinhallwrites.com  To visit our website please click here - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Matt McMahon is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her spooky fun series of middle-grade novels called "Monsterious!" Matt tells us these books are not just for kids; they can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. He believes that these novels offer engaging stories and important life lessons. The series consists of spooky monster mysteries, with each book being a standalone adventure featuring a unique cast of characters. McMahon's London-based illustrator, Ryan Cookfall, has created captivating cover artwork for the series. McMahon highlights the rapid release schedule of the books, with the first two launching on the same day, followed by the third a few weeks later, and book four due in January 2024. Aditionally, he exclusively reveals that a fifth book will be released in the fall of 2024. McMahon discusses how his vision for the series led him to choose an anthology-style model, where each book is tied together thematically but can be read in any order. He believes this approach offers reade