Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with sisters Beth and Kathleen Rooney to discuss their debut picture book, "Leaf Town Forever" - a remarkable story born from the unexpected creativity of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book originated from a fascinating real-life scenario at a Montessori school, where children, required to stay socially distanced, invented an entire civilization using autumn leaves. This ingenious play became the inspiration for a unique picture book that captures the resilience and imagination of children during challenging times. What makes "Leaf Town Forever" truly special is its innovative storytelling approach. The Rooney sisters chose to write the entire book in haiku, a poetic form consisting of just 17 syllables. This creative decision not only condensed their story but also beautifully captured the seasonal transitions experienced by the children in their narrative. The collaborative process between Beth, a photojournalist,