Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this engaging episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes Jen de Oliveira, the talented author and illustrator behind "Reggie Kid Penguin." The lively conversation revolves around Reggie, the lovable anthropomorphic penguin, and his entertaining adventures portrayed through comics. Jen introduces Reggie as the star of her debut comic series, emphasizing that it's a collection of short stories that capture the essence of everyday childhood experiences. From preparing for picture day to curious mischief, Reggie's escapades are relatable and heartwarming. The discussion takes an intriguing turn as they explore the distinction between comic books and graphic novels. While the terminology has evolved, Jen emphasizes that Reggie can be aptly described as a comic due to its storytelling through comic art. Jed and Jen delve into the creative process, discussing how Jen streamlined Reggie's design for ease of illustration. They touch upon the challenges of crafting stories within the con

In this episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast, host Jed Doherty interviews J de la Vega, the author of the book "WEPA." The conversation touches on various topics, including J's journey as a writer, the inspiration behind "WEPA," and the importance of meeting children where they are in terms of their unique needs and energy levels. The episode begins with Jed Doherty introducing J de la Vega, highlighting her role as a parent and an author, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of both roles. They discuss J's book "WEPA" and its origins, with J sharing how frustration with rejection letters led her to create the story in just 15 minutes. Jed Doherty expresses excitement about "WEPA" and how social media played a crucial role in connecting J de la Vega with a publisher who fell in love with her artwork and the book's concept. They discuss the significance of timing and luck in the publishing industry. The conversation delves into the heart of the story of "WEPA," focusing on the main character, Mia, wh

Darshana Khiani returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook Building A Dream. Darshana tells us this book is an unforgettable tale of persistence and problem-solving, based on the amazing true story of a Thai soccer team who made their own place to play. In Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay, atop a network of stilts, floats the village of Koh Panyee—where a group of boys loved soccer but had nowhere to practice. Where could they find space to dribble, juggle, shoot, and score? The boys looked out at the water and started gathering tools. Even while their neighbors laughed, they sawed wood, hammered nails, and tied barrels together. The team worked for weeks to build Koh Panyee’s first floating field—a place to practice, and a place to transform their community. With engaging soccer scenes and atmospheric images of southern Thailand, this inspiring book follows a group of boys who became a team long before they had jerseys or even a field. Plank by plank, they built their dream. Click

Lindsay Gizicki returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Guardians Of The Garden. Lindsay tells us that we will meet two children who playfully guard their mother’s garden from cheeky critters that steal their fruits and vegetables.  But their arch enemies—the squirrels—prove to be the biggest tricksters of all. For all the backyard dreamers. Lindsay also wants us to know that  10% of the proceeds from this book will go to the Detroit non-profit, Rescue MI Nature Now, Inc. Click Here To Visit Lindsay's website - https://www.hankarooreadings.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Shana Gozansky is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #BoardBook My Art Book Of Adventure. Shana tells us this book is part of a series of wonderful #ChildrensBooks that introduce young kids to the beautify of art. Every day is an adventure for toddlers ... and now we can celebrate their milestones through their first art collection! This book features 35 full-page artworks from a variety of periods celebrate life’s many adventures – from the day they are born to first experiences, picnics in the park, to journeys far beyond. Each image is accompanied by a brief and tender read-aloud text, with the work’s title and artist’s name included beneath, helping toddlers and pre-schoolers to connect their own experiences to those they see on the canvas – allowing them to truly engage with the artwork through an expertly curated selection of artists and their works. The perfect celebration of life’s adventures for all ages. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

The creator of My Life As a Teenage Robot, Rob Renzetti, is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new #MiddleGrade #Novel The Horrible Bag Of Terrible Things. Rob tells us this is a story about a horrible bag, the spine-chilling world hidden within it, and a terrifying adventure into the world of GrahBhag. Perfect for fans of Coraline, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and Small Spaces. In this novel Rob introduces us to  Zenith, a typical kid who finds a strange, unsettling bag at his front door, he's not sure where it came from or who sent it to him. He knows better than to expect his overprotective older sister Apogee to help him figure it out, because ever since she became a teenager, she's been acting more like a parent to him than a sibling. But he certainly did not expect for a horrifying spiderlike creature to emerge from the bag, kidnap Apogee, and drag her inside to the equally horrifying and unsettling world of GrahBhag. Zenith sets off into the bag to bring her back but soon finds a bizar

Gina Giordano returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Childrens #PictureBook Otis The Trash Talking Octopus. Gina loves the ocean, and she hopes to inspire all of us to love and care for the ocean. She wonders if we really know how much impact we have on our greatest resource, the Ocean? While enjoying a beautiful day on the water with family, Pedro, Sienna, and Omari spot something strange on the horizon. As they sail toward it, they discover something unexpected. What they learn from Otis the Trash Octopus and his ocean friends change their perspectives and gives them new purpose. Otis the Trash Talking Octopus gives an up-close look at what everyday waste and pollution does to our oceans, sea-dwelling creatures, and humans. From plastic bags to bottle caps, six-pack holders, and more, we learn along with Pedro, Sienna, and Omari what we can do to help Otis and his friends! We all want to splash more, not trash more in the ocean! Click here to visit Gina's website - https://www.gi

Get ready to experience a positively cosmically tasty episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast! We first welcome Zoe Twitt to the episode to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Adelaide and the Cosmic Rescue Squad. This is a delightful story that inspires kids to be brave, and to share their strength, and kindness, with their friends. Later in the episode we meet Abi Balingit, Master Baker and driving force behind the Dusky Kitchen blog. Abi tells us she started baking for her friends and in doing so rekindled a passion for a pastime she thought she had left behind years ago. She thinks there’s something special about sharing cookies or cakes that you made with your own two hands. She reminds us how much fun it can be to cook with your kids and teaches us a wonderful dessert recipe everyone will love. Click here to visit Zoe’s website – https://enchantedpress.co.uk/ Click here to visit Abi’s website – https://theduskykitchen.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Celia Ryker is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her historical novel titled "Augusta." The novel is based on the life of Celia's grandmother, Augusta, who faced numerous challenges and hardships during her life. Despite the difficulties she encountered, Augusta displayed immense strength and resilience, which greatly influenced Celia as a child. The story follows Augusta's journey, including being married off at a young age, surviving abandonment, and making difficult decisions to provide for her children. Celia Ryker's deep connection to her grandmother's story led her to write "Augusta." Through extensive research and drawing from family stories, Celia crafted a narrative that captures the struggles and triumphs of a remarkable woman. The podcast discusses the themes of intergenerational friendships, the differences between past and present choices, and the influence that strong family figures can have on our lives. Celia also reflects on the process of writing the book and the emotional im

Xelena Gonzalez is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her poignant picture book "Remembering." Set in the vibrant backdrop of San Antonio, Texas, the book explores themes of loss, remembrance, and the Day of the Dead tradition. Xelena shares how the book portrays a family navigating the sorrow of losing a beloved pet, while also honoring the first Day of the Dead without their furry companion. Through the conversation, they delve into the importance of addressing grief with children, the beauty of cultural traditions, and the role of picture books as a form of healing arts. Xelena emphasizes the significance of embracing conversations about death and loss with children, allowing them to process their emotions and understand the natural cycle of life. She reflects on the joyful and celebratory nature of the Day of the Dead tradition, which offers a unique perspective on death as an integral part of life. Drawing from her Mexican American heritage, Xelena explains the festive rituals and symbolis

In this engaging episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast we meet Shannon Hale, author of the graphic novel trilogy memoir consisting of "Real Friends," "Best Friends," and "Friends Forever." Hale explains that her autobiographical books delve into the challenges she faced growing up, focusing on friendships and her struggle with undiagnosed anxiety and OCD. The trilogy covers different phases of her childhood, providing insights into the intricate dynamics of friendships during various stages. The audio version of "Best Friends" is celebrated as an innovative approach to sharing these stories, offering a unique opportunity for families to listen together and spark meaningful conversations about mental health, friendship, and growing up. Hale discusses the transformational age of sixth grade, highlighting the significant changes in social dynamics, power shifts, and emotional intensity that occur during this transitional period. She emphasizes the importance of stories in helping kids understand that thei

Michelle Schaub is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Picturebook "Hopefully the Scarecrow." Michelle's tells us her inspiration for writing a unique picture book that challenges conventional storytelling rules. The book centers around a scarecrow protagonist named Hopefully who, though inanimate, possesses a vibrant inner world of thoughts and emotions. Michelle explains how she aimed to create a relatable character for children who might feel powerless or overlooked in their own lives. The conversation also touches on the importance of children's literature in addressing themes of hope, resilience, and challenging life circumstances, offering listeners a glimpse into the creative process and the impact of storytelling. Michelle sheds light on her writing journey, from facing multiple rejections to finding a publisher who appreciated her rule-breaking approach. She discusses the delicate balance between crafting a compelling story and adhering to the rules of the picture book genre. T

Kenn Heyder is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his debut #ChildrensBook "Jack and the Crunchy Leaves: My First Hearing Aids." Kenn shares the inspiration behind his children's book, which is based on his personal experience of discovering his own hearing loss and getting hearing aids. He explains that his journey led him to understand how hearing loss can impact children and the importance of raising awareness about the condition. Kenn discusses how he overcame his own hesitations and self-doubt to write a children's book, even though he didn't have a background in writing. Kenn talks about the stigma attached to hearing aids and the significance of normalizing their use, especially among children. He shares insights from his research about hearing loss statistics, both in children and adults, and how the book aims to raise awareness and remove the stigma surrounding hearing aids. The interview delves into Kenn's creative process, including the vivid images he wanted to paint with words in t

In this episode of the "Reading With Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty interviews Kate Fussner, the author of "The Song of Us," a middle-grade novel in verse. Kate tells us she is an author, former teacher and accidental poet. The novel is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in seventh grade and featuring two girls named Olivia and Eden. They must navigate first love and heartbreak while dealing with their own personal challenges. The conversation revolves around the importance of continuing to read with older kids, the significance of using poetry as a medium for storytelling, the themes explored in "The Song of Us," and how parents and educators can support kids in their reading journeys. Kate shares insights into her writing process and how her book delves into topics such as peer pressure, self-identity, and authentic emotional experiences. Click here to visit Kate's website - https://www.katefussner.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

In this captivating #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast interview, we are introduced to Kay O'Neill, the talented author and illustrator behind the newly released graphic novel "The Moth Keeper." Kay tells us the Moth Keeper revolves around the story of Ania, a young girl who assumes the responsibility of safeguarding a flock of magical moths that nurture her nocturnal community. As the burden grows heavier, Ania grapples with feelings of isolation, prompting the exploration of community, self-worth, and the complexities of childhood responsibility. The conversation shifts to the broader theme of children and responsibility, as Kay and the host discuss how kids often take on significant roles within families and communities. The pressure to help can lead to feelings of burnout and isolation, even though the intention is to contribute positively. Kay provides valuable insights into the emotional journey of young characters like Ania, who must navigate their way through challenges and learn to communicate their strug

C. Hope Flinchbaugh is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new picture book "My House, My Family." Written in rhyme and designed for children aged one to nine, the book warmly celebrates diverse family structures, including those of divorced, adopted, foster, step, single-parent, and missionary families. Hope explains her inspiration for the book's title and how she aims to convey the message of hope and inclusivity through her writing. She also shares personal experiences and memories that influenced her choices in representing different family dynamics, disability, and cross-cultural connections in her storytelling. Hope passionately discusses the importance of introducing children to various family models, offering them a sense of belonging and acceptance in the context of their own backgrounds. She draws from her experiences interacting with children and highlights the value of reading in promoting empathy and understanding among young readers. Hope touches on her journey in journalism,

Jessica Spear is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book The Phone Book. Stay Safe, Be Smart and Make The World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand. Jessica is an expert in helping kids develop healthy relationships with technology. The conversation delves into the challenges that arise as kids start using smartphones and connected devices at younger ages. Jessica highlights her inspiration for writing the book, driven by concerns about the early age at which children are getting connected devices, and the potential risks and benefits associated with them. Jessica discusses the importance of addressing topics like online safety, digital citizenship, and the potential negative consequences of sharing personal information and images online. She emphasizes the need for parents to have open conversations with their kids about these issues, even though it can be challenging. Jessica shares that the book is designed to be a framework for families to navigate these conversations and e

Fiona Halliday is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her beautiful #PictureBook Flora's Wish. Fiona tells us Flora's Wish is a beautiful read for families to explore grief and nature.  In this lyrical and visually stunning picture book, a young mouse learns how to grieve and honor her best friend Flora the field mouse was a boldly whiskered lion-tamer! Although it wasnt very hard to be bold and brave with her best friend Lion (a dandelion) by her side. But as the seasons change, Lions whiskers go from a bright yellow to shimmering silver, until one day, he scatters in the wind completely. Can Flora still be brave without Lion by her side? Fiona also tells us how she found beauty and inspiration taking pictures of auto parts. Click here to visit Fiona's website - https://www.thedoodlesack.com/info  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Stacey Woodson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook The Princess Of Picky Eating Tries New Foods. Stacey is a registered dietitian and nutritionist, along with being the mom of a picky eater. Stacey shares incredibly useful tips on ways we can inspire our kids to eat a wider variety of healthy and nutritious foods. Click here to visit Stacey's website - https://staceywoodson.com/books  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Rajani LaRocca returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest #Childrens #PictureBook Your One And Only Heart. In addition to being a multi award winning author Rajani is a praticing physician. Dr Rajani tells us this is a lyrical introduction to the many wonders of the human heart. In this stunning non-fiction picture book, poetry and science come together with playful cut-paper illustrations to create a moving ode to the human heart and all that it does. Complete with illustrative diagrams and copious backmatter, this is a one-of-a-kind non-fiction picture book that gently guides readers through the various systems make up our most vital organ. Click here to visit Dr Rajani's website - https://www.rajanilarocca.com/picture-books/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com