Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on an extraordinary journey through the world of children's literature, featuring two remarkable guests who are transforming how we think about books, storytelling, and early literacy. First, listeners are introduced to author and illustrator Jed Alexander, whose latest middle-grade novel "The Black Market" offers a unique and thrilling narrative. Alexander reveals the intricate process of character development, sharing how characters often surprise authors by taking on lives of their own. His passion for storytelling shines through as he discusses creating compelling narratives that engage young readers, blending humor and imagination. The conversation delves into Alexander's creative process, exploring how illustrations and stories intertwine. His experience with wordless picture books demonstrates the power of visual storytelling, showing how images can communicate complex emotions and narratives without a single word.

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two incredible children's books that spark imagination and teach valuable life lessons. First, he sits down with author Rachel Ignotofsky to discuss her groundbreaking book "Dinosaurs," a stunning journey through 4.5 billion years of Earth's history. Ignotofsky reveals the magic behind her meticulously crafted book, sharing insights into the intricate cover design and illustrations that bring prehistoric creatures to life. From tiny trilobites to massive dinosaurs, the book offers a comprehensive look at evolution that will fascinate both children and adults. The author's passion shines through as she explains how each illustration is carefully based on real fossil evidence, creating an educational experience that's both entertaining and scientifically accurate. The episode then shifts to a discussion with Flora Agbaje about her book "Play Nice, You Don't Have to Fight," which tackles the critical issue of sharing and social skil

In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores the transformative power of children's literature and communication with two remarkable author teams who are making a difference in young lives. First, speech pathologists Kathy Bruner and Sharilyn Gugliotta share their innovative children's books "Hope the Butterfly Wants to Go" and "Hank the Slug Wants to Eat" from their Bug Huggables series. These books aren't just adorable stories—they're carefully crafted tools designed to help children develop language skills. By using repetitive, high-frequency words and engaging illustrations, these authors create resources that help parents support early speech development. The conversation then shifts to an equally powerful narrative with Veronica DeStefano, who wrote "Lucy Lemon and the Brave Bubbles" about her daughter's journey with selective mutism. This touching story reveals how creative approaches can help children overcome communication challenges. DeStefano's book provides ins

In this compelling episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two remarkable stories of human experience through children's literature, featuring authors Isabella Kung and Anesa Kajtazovic. First, Isabella Kung takes listeners behind the scenes of her picture book "Nunu in the Sea", revealing a deeply personal journey of emotional exploration. Kung shares how a meditation class sparked a narrative about a child's inner emotional landscape, transforming her own childhood experiences into a beautifully illustrated story. As an illustrator-turned-author, she discusses the delicate balance of visual storytelling, explaining how sparse text can help children understand and process complex feelings. Immediately following Kung's segment, the podcast shifts to an equally powerful conversation with Anesa Kajtazovic, who shares her profound refugee experience through her children's book. Kajtazovic candidly discusses her childhood during the Bosnian War, offering listeners a heart-wrenching yet hopefu

Get ready for an exciting journey through the magical world of children's books, education, and creativity! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores fascinating conversations with three incredible guests who are transforming how children learn and experience stories. First up, Dr. Audrey Barbakoff introduces "Mazel Toes," a delightful board book that celebrates baby love through the expressive world of Yiddish language. She shares how diverse books can build empathy and cultural understanding, even for the tiniest readers. Her passion for libraries shines through as she discusses the critical role these community spaces play in children's education and development. Next, author Tracy Blom takes us into the world of "Wonderland's Friends," a middle-grade novel series inspired by a dream about a magical magnifying glass. Tracy reveals her writing process, discussing how she transformed a simple picture book concept into a rich, engaging story about a young girl named Lisa who loves b

Ever wondered why you turn into a grumpy monster when you're hungry? Katherine Pryor's hilarious new children's book "Attack of the Hangries" explores exactly that! In this fun-filled episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty chats with Pryor about the science behind being "hangry" and how she's turned this relatable experience into a laugh-out-loud picture book for kids. Pryor reveals that "hangry" isn't just a made-up word - it was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2018. The book explains how dropping blood sugar levels trigger stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, causing those infamous mood swings. But here's the twist: Pryor transforms this scientific concept into adorable monsters that kids will love! In the same episode, Jed also speaks with Cristina Garcia, a teacher at a Department of Defense school in Germany, about her debut children's book "The Pesky Problem." Garcia's charming story follows a group of pumpkins and gourds dealing with pesky crows, teaching chil

In this enchanting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a captivating journey with two extraordinary storytellers who are reimagining how children connect with the world around them. First, meet Susie Spikol, author of "The Book of Fairies," a delightful exploration of magical beings that bridges traditional mythology and childhood imagination. Spikol shares how her lifelong fascination with fairies began in childhood, inspiring her to create a unique field guide that encourages families to explore nature together. Her book features over 30 different fairies from earth, air, fire, and water realms, inviting children to discover the magic hiding in their own backyards. The conversation then shifts to Rusty Austin, a former reality TV producer turned children's poet, who has found a new passion in creating engaging, educational poetry about animals. His book "An Awesome Bird, the Pelican" emerged from a remarkable collaboration with middle school students who not only illustrat

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,

Join host Jed Doherty as he explores two remarkable children's books that prove storytelling is about much more than just words on a page. In this heartwarming episode, we meet two incredible authors who transform personal experiences into powerful narratives that educate, inspire, and connect families. First, meet Michelle Krumenacher, author of "Rocky's Courageous Rescue," a delightful picture book born from a family adventure in Kenya. While exploring Lake Nakuru, Michelle's son discovered rock hyraxes - adorable creatures most people have never heard of. What started as a bedtime story quickly became a published book that teaches children about courage, resilience, and embracing their unique qualities. Michelle's journey is more than just a publishing success story. Having lived in Burundi, one of the world's poorest countries, she and her family now work with refugees in Oklahoma, teaching English and spreading compassion. Her book reflects this spirit of understanding and connection. Next, Victoria Smit

In this powerful episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two remarkable stories of resilience, hope, and personal growth that will inspire parents and children alike. First, Paula Schneider, CEO of Susan G. Komen and breast cancer survivor, shares her deeply moving journey of creating "Love Stays Strong," a children's book designed to help families navigate serious illness conversations. Drawing from her personal experience battling triple-negative breast cancer, Schneider developed a compassionate tool to help parents communicate difficult health challenges to their children. Her book uses metaphorical imagery of seasonal changes and supportive animal communities to create a gentle, reassuring approach to discussing serious medical conditions. The episode then shifts to the inspiring story of Mychal Conley Jr., a young entrepreneur who refused to let a teacher's discouraging words limit his dreams. After being told that becoming a CEO was "unrealistic," Mychal transformed that negative e

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, two remarkable authors share deeply personal stories that transform challenging experiences into inspiring children's literature. David Soren, known for his animation work, introduces "INVISIBLE: The (Sort Of) True Story of Me & My Hidden Disease," a middle-grade novel that brilliantly explores living with Crohn's disease. By personifying his chronic illness as a character named Norm, Soren creates a humorous and heartfelt narrative that helps children understand invisible health challenges. His book offers a window into the experiences of kids managing complex medical conditions while maintaining their sense of imagination and hope. Simultaneously, Christine Alemshah brings cultural richness to children's literature with "Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures" Inspired by her Filipino heritage, Shaw explores the beautiful tradition of balikbayan boxes - care packages sent by families across oceans. Her story celebrates childhood imagination, family conne

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two remarkable children's authors who prove that storytelling is an art form rooted in family, imagination, and personal experience. Diana Lopez takes listeners into the magical world of her Los Monsteros series, specifically her latest book, "Ava and the Owl Witch." Set in the fictional town of Tres Leches, Texas, the story explores South Texas legends through the eyes of Ava, whose mother is a unique owl witch. Lopez shares her journey from writing realistic fiction to embracing fantasy, inspired by her work on the Disney film "Coco" novelization. Kathleen MacInnis Kichline brings her own enchanting tale, "Terrence McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree," to life. Inspired by a real childhood moment with her grandson, the book captures the universal childhood experience of losing a toy to a tree's mysterious grasp. MacInnis emphasizes the importance of shared storytelling and how books can create lasting bonds between generations. Both autho

Unleashing Creativity: How Authors Adam Wallace and June Smalls Bring Magic to Children's Books In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two extraordinary children's book authors who prove that imagination knows no bounds. Adam Wallace, the creative genius behind "Hat Man" and "Turkey in Disguise," shares his incredible journey from self-publishing to becoming a prolific author with over 180 books. "Hat Man" is a groundbreaking book that combines superhero action, graphic novel elements, and music, creating an interactive experience kids will love. Wallace's innovative approach includes QR codes that bring the story to life, allowing children to watch music videos and engage with the narrative in multiple ways. The book follows Harvey West, a scared protagonist who transforms into different heroes by wearing magical hats - from cowboy to astronaut, each hat brings a new adventure. June Smalls, author of the "Digging for Dinosaurs" series, brings her own brand of inte

Get ready for a delightful dive into the world of storytelling with Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, the dynamic duo behind the beloved Ben Yokoyama book series! In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, the creative couple shares the story behind their final installment, "Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny." Matthew, a self-proclaimed easily confused writer, and Robbi, a talented illustrator with a design background, have crafted a unique approach to children's books. Their series follows Ben, a literal-minded third-grader who gets hilariously tangled up in misinterpreted fortune cookie fortunes. This final book takes Ben and his best friend Janet on a cross-country road trip filled with typical Swanson-Behr hijinks. What makes their books special is the incredible collaboration between Matthew and Robbi. They're complete opposites - Matthew is deadline-driven and goal-oriented, while Robbi loves starting her day with an ice cream sundae and pushing deadlines to the last minute. Their comple

In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores the power of multicultural children's literature through conversations with two remarkable authors who celebrate family, language, and personal growth. First, Mari Bellas shares her delightful picture book "Tio Ricky Doesn't Speak English," a touching story that highlights the important role children play as family translators. The book beautifully captures the experience of bilingual families, showing how language can be a bridge of understanding and love. Mari's passion stems from her own multicultural background, raising bilingual children and creating representation in children's literature. The episode then shifts to Meredith Rusu's inspiring book "When Auggie Learned to Play Chess," a touching narrative about a young boy finding confidence through learning chess with his father. Rusu's story is deeply personal, inspired by her father-in-law's immigration journey and the intergenerational connections formed over a chessboar

A Heartwarming Exploration of Adoption and Honesty in Children's Literature In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty delves into the transformative world of children's literature with two remarkable authors who are changing narratives about family, truth, and love. Allison Olson, an adoptive parent and adopted child herself, shares her groundbreaking book series "Surrounded by Love," which revolutionizes how adoption stories are told. With a mission to create inclusive, positive representations of adoption, Olson's books celebrate the love between birth families and adoptive families. Her innovative approach highlights the importance of open adoption, where 90% of modern adoptions now allow communication between birth and adoptive families. Switching gears, Pedro Iniguez brings a unique perspective with his debut picture book "The FIB," a clever story about a young boy whose small lie grows into a monster. Drawing from his background in horror writing, Inigas crafts a compelling

In this inspiring episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with acclaimed author Peter H. Reynolds to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his transformative book, "The Dot." Located in the charming town of Dedham, Massachusetts, Reynolds shares the heartwarming story behind his beloved children's book that has sparked creativity in millions of children worldwide. "The Dot" tells the story of Vashti, a young girl who discovers her artistic potential through the encouragement of a compassionate teacher. Reynolds explains how the book has grown into an international phenomenon, with International Dot Day now celebrated in 190 countries and over 34 million dots created. The book's core message emphasizes the importance of creativity, confidence, and making one's mark on the world. Reynolds candidly discusses his own creative journey, tracing back to a pivotal moment with a math teacher who encouraged him to use art in storytelling. This single conversation set him on a path to becoming an autho

In a groundbreaking conversation about childhood development, author David Epstein reveals why pushing kids into early specialization might be doing more harm than good. His book "Range," now adapted for young readers, challenges traditional thinking about success and personal growth. Epstein argues that children benefit tremendously from exploring multiple interests rather than narrowing their focus too quickly. Drawing from research across sports, science, and personal development, he demonstrates that a broad range of experiences creates a more robust foundation for future success. The discussion highlights a critical problem in modern parenting: the intense pressure to excel in specific activities from an incredibly young age. Whether it's travel sports teams for seven-year-olds or hyper-structured academic programs, these approaches can actually limit a child's potential rather than enhance it. We also speak with Brazilian-American author Anna Sequeira about her new children's book "Vera la Valente is Sc

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a delightful exploration of two remarkable children's books that spark imagination and address childhood experiences. First, author Sherri L. Smith introduces her speculative middle-grade novel, "Candace, the Universe and Everything." The book follows Candace, an eighth-grader navigating friendship challenges and a mysterious locker with an intriguing portal. Smith shares her writing journey, explaining how the story emerged from understanding how friendships evolve and the universal experience of feeling left out during adolescence. With a background in writing for comics like The Simpsons and licensed characters, Smith brings a unique perspective to storytelling. Her novel explores the "what if" concept, blending science fiction elements with relatable coming-of-age experiences. She's passionate about creating stories that help children understand complex emotional landscapes. The episode then shifts to Paul Mayer's h

In this inspiring episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two remarkable authors who are transforming how children approach challenges and learning. Lynn Smith, a former CNN news anchor, introduces her children's book "Just Keep Going," a heartwarming story about a mouse navigating big feelings and overcoming fears. Drawing from her experience coaching executives, Smith reveals how she developed a method to help people—and children—push through their "brain bully" of self-doubt. The book follows a mouse's journey through the forest, encountering friends who teach him practical techniques for managing anxiety, like deep breathing and visualization. Smith's motivation stems from her desire to help children learn resilience early, preventing the self-doubt many adults struggle with. Complementing Smith's approach, Shannon Anderson shares her books "Y Is For Yet?" and "Mindset Power," which dive deep into growth mindset principles. Anderson explains how teaching children to view mistake