Jeff Nelligan joins Jed Doherty to discuss his new book "Four Lessons from My Three Sons." Jeff shares the valuable life lessons he imparted to his sons, including the importance of building strong family relationships, being on time, greeting people properly, developing confidence through challenging experiences, cultivating resilience in the face of adversity, and inspiring ambition. Jed agrees these lessons served him and his kids well too. Though some may dismiss their advice as "old school,...
Dec 19, 2023•27 min
Storyteller Ray Chesny is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her children's book Zora's Garden, inspired by her research into author Zora Neale Hurston. The book tells the story of little Zora learning about storytelling from her mother in their garden, much like Hurston's own upbringing. Ray discussed how the book came from time spent gardening with her son during the pandemic. She also shared insights into Hurston's pioneering life as one of the most prolific black women writers...
Dec 17, 2023•30 min
Chaya Topas is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her two children's books - When We Visit You and Go Away Bad Dreams. When We Visit You came from a running joke Chaya had with her husband about visiting their grown kids and doing the annoying things they used to do. The book shows grandparents getting revenge in a fun way. Chaya said it worked to change some behaviors in her kids like replacing the toilet paper. Go Away Bad Dreams helps kids relax before bed by suggesting pleasan...
Dec 16, 2023•25 min
Tim Wright is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new middle grade novel, Toby Baxter: River Home for the Holidays. Tim discussed how in this sequel, Toby returns to the magical world of River Home during the holidays but finds it dying without its source of energy. Toby and his friends go on an adventure to discover what happened and try to restore life to the land. Jed and Tim talked about the importance of instilling a sense of vision and purpose in middle grade readers thro...
Dec 14, 2023•26 min
Kevin Carey is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his novel Junior Miles and the Junk Man and how it aimed to help a boy process his grief over losing his father through magical journeys involving creating art from recycled materials. Both Kevin and Jed reflected on how far we've come in openly discussing difficult emotions like grief. Kevin also provided insightful advice from his experience teaching writing, emphasizing the importance of being open to constructive criticism in o...
Dec 13, 2023•28 min
Dr. Monica Schott is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her children's book "My Dad Built Me the Best and Wackiest Cubby Ever". Dr. Schott explained that the book tells the story of a child building a cubby house with their father, but as they build it the father becomes mentally ill and the cubby becomes more "wacky". Jed shared about growing up with a father who had mental health issues and how a book like this could have helped him understand better. Dr. Schott talked about how...
Dec 12, 2023•27 min
Jeanne DuPreau is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new middle grade novel Project F. Jeanne explained that Project F takes place hundreds of years in the future after climate change has drastically altered civilization. Humanity has survived but in a very different world. The main character is a 13-year-old boy named Keith who goes on a trip that connects him to a mysterious project. Jed and Jeanne discussed how this future world might look and function without many modern c...
Dec 10, 2023•25 min
Anthony Kolenc returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Murder at Pinewood Manor, the fifth installment in his Harwood Mysteries series. Kolenc described that the books are aimed at middle school through high school readers and involve his protagonist Zan and friends solving mysteries in 12th century England. Kolenc provided a plot summary of Murder at Pinewood Manor and discussed how he balances accurate historical details with an engaging story. He also talked about how the se...
Dec 09, 2023•28 min
Christine Carlucci Evans is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her book "Worry Cloud." Christine discussed how the book was inspired by a mindfulness technique she created for her kids during the pandemic to help them release worries. She explained that the technique involves saying worries aloud, imagining putting them in a cloud, watching the cloud float away, and affirming positive statements. Christine also discussed how the book introduces breathwork and its benefits for redu...
Dec 07, 2023•22 min
Elliot Herland is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his debut children's book "The Cloud Story". Elliot explained how the book came about through his daughter Katie Marquardt who illustrated it for her college portfolio. The book uses descriptive imagery of nature to teach children mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises. It takes readers on a journey through different landscapes while cueing them to breathe. Elliot discussed how he would tell the story to his kids as the...
Dec 06, 2023•28 min
Etaine Raphael returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new children's book series called The Rumbly Tummy Adventures. The first book is called Rice to the Rescue. Etaine explains that the series was created in partnership with Edmundite Missions to teach children about nutrition in a fun way through stories featuring fairies, dragons, and adventures. Each book also includes easy recipes. Etaine discusses working with the community in Selma, Alabama to ensure the books and r...
Dec 05, 2023•28 min
Victoria Smith returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book "Priscilla and Tux", the third book in her Tuxedo Baby series. She discusses the plot of the new book, which focuses on sibling love between Tuxedo Baby and his new sister Priscilla. Tux wants to be called Tux now that he has a sister. The story follows Priscilla bringing Tux to show and tell at school. Jed and Victoria discuss some of the themes in the books like learning limitations and accepting who you are....
Dec 03, 2023•26 min
Sally Alexander returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest books: "The Missing Cats" and "The Wild Turkeys." The series follows the adventures of Caitlin and her Ragdoll cat, Rio, who gained superpowers after the world lost its colors. Each book presents standalone adventures while maintaining an overarching storyline. "The Missing Cats" involves a mystery about missing blue-eyed cats, drawing inspiration from lost pet notices in the suburbs. Sally emphasizes teamwork a...
Dec 02, 2023•29 min
The conversation between Jed Doherty and Meg Stafford explores the enriching experiences of travel and its impact on personal growth, family dynamics, and the connections between parents and children. Meg shares anecdotes about her daughters' transformative journeys to Nepal, Bhutan, Colombia, and beyond. These experiences encouraged independence, mindfulness, and cultural understanding, shaping her daughters' perspectives and life choices. They discuss the importance of travel in broadening hor...
Nov 30, 2023•26 min
Gareth Higgins is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his book "Cory in the Seventh Story Place," Gareth tells us this book was inspired by conversations on 'us versus them' mentality and unnecessary conflicts. Rooted in Gareth's experiences in Northern Ireland, he and his co-author aimed to address dehumanization and marginalization, especially for bullied or marginalized children. In their conversation on the podcast Gareth and Jedlie highlight the impact of words, advocating aga...
Nov 29, 2023•32 min
Kelly Anne Manuel, an uncommon author,is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her remarkable journey in creating 31 children's books in a mere six months. Her prolific burst of creativity astonished the host, especially considering the typical years-long process of traditional publishing. Kelly's background in child development and diverse professional experiences laid the groundwork for her writing journey. She revealed her writing process, emphasizing the natural flow of creating ...
Nov 28, 2023•26 min
Scott Emmons, the creator of Brainytops Press, is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his innovative line of coloring and activity books. Brainytops Press books blend rhyming stories with engaging activities, aiming for an interactive experience that goes beyond typical coloring books. Scott shared insights about the challenge of merging storytelling with activities, facing occasional pushback, but generally receiving positive responses when people experience the books firsthand. H...
Nov 26, 2023•27 min
Author & retired school librarian Ronni Diamondstein is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #Debut #ChildrensBook, "Jackie and the Books She Loved." The book explores the life of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, focusing on her love for literature and how it influenced her and her family. Diamondstein shared her journey from a teacher to an author, highlighting the importance of persistence in pursuing one's passion. She also discussed the Chappaqua Children's ...
Nov 25, 2023•27 min
Our host Jedlie recently had the honor of touring the beautiful nation of El Salvador with Clowns Without Borders. Sit back and enjoy some of he beauty, and some of the beautiful smiles, Jedlie encountered in El Salvador. Click here to visit the Clowns Without Borders website - www.clownswithoutborders.org Click here to learn more about visiting El Salvador - https://elsalvador.travel/en/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com...
Nov 23, 2023•2 min
Barbara Brown is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her delightful #Childrens #PictureBook "I Am Musical Adventures with Waffles." Barbara tells us she wrote the book to encourage kids to embrace their musicality. She highlights the importance of nurturing kids' musical interests and having open conversations about the music they enjoy. She also shares her background in ethnomusicology and the significance of recognizing and celebrating diverse musical cultures. Barbara plans to t...
Nov 22, 2023•27 min
In a delightful conversation, author Veronica Santaguida and illustrator Veronika Gruntovskaya come together on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their book "The Girl with the Big Voice." The story follows a little girl named Emma, who is criticized for her big, confident voice. It's inspired by the experiences of the author and her children. Veronica and Veronika's collaboration showcases the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and respecting others while celebrating life and ...
Nov 21, 2023•28 min
Mike Purewall returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new #ChildrensBook "Boban from Saltan." Mike tells us his book is focused on teaching children about the world, the body, and nature through humor and whimsical rhymes. The book encourages kids to appreciate the little things in life and practice gratitude. The host and Mike also discussed the importance of living gratefully and the benefits it brings. Mike shared his journey from a corporate career to becoming a childre...
Nov 19, 2023•26 min
Beth Kephart is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her book "Good Books for Bad Children," which pays tribute to Ursula Nordstrom, a pioneering children's book editor. Kephart highlights how Nordstrom shaped the world of children's literature by championing unconventional stories and embracing diversity. She shares anecdotes about Nordstrom's relationships with authors like Maurice Sendak and her unwavering commitment to children's books. Kephart also emphasizes the importance of ...
Nov 18, 2023•36 min
Kate Alice Marshall returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #MiddleGrade #Novel, "Extra Normal." Kate tells us the book follows Charlie Greer, the oldest child in a family of paranormal investigators, who lacks supernatural powers. When suspicious neighbors move in across the street, Charlie must unravel the mystery without her parents finding out. Inspired by "The X-Files" and "The Conjuring," the story explores themes of family, responsibility, and identity. Kate's lo...
Nov 16, 2023•24 min
Author Rachel Renee Russell and her daughter, illustrator Nikki Russell are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the latest title in their popular "Dork Diaries," series. Rachel tells us that "Tales from the Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure." is the 15th bok in the series and shares how the series was inspired by her daughter Nikki's experiences growing up, facing bullying and teasing. The mother - daughter team emphasize the importance of encouraging kids to embrace their uniqueness and...
Nov 15, 2023•31 min
Denise Kiernan is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book, "We Gather Together," Denise tells us this book delves into the history and evolution of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. Denise highlights the role of Sarah Josepha Hale, a widowed mother of five, in advocating for a national day of Thanksgiving celebrated on the last Thursday of November. This tradition, which we now know as Thanksgiving, began during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln acc...
Nov 14, 2023•27 min
Arianne Costner is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "Confessions of a Class Clown," her latest #MiddleGrade #Novel. She tells us she drew inspiration from her experience as a seventh-grade English teacher, where she encountered class clowns. The story centers around Jack, a class clown who seeks validation and online popularity while navigating the challenges of finding true friendships. The book delves into themes of social media, emphasizing the importance of healthy online be...
Nov 12, 2023•25 min
Rob Long and Andrew Dolberg are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "The Great Weather Diviner: The Untold Origin of Punxsutawney Phil." The pair insights about their middle-grade fantasy novel and tells us the book reimagines the story of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, in a fantasy world filled with anthropomorphic animals. The story carries a strong environmental message as it delves into the consequences of nature turning against the inhabitants of Punxsutawney. Long a...
Nov 11, 2023•32 min
Sarah Thomas Mariano is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #Debut #PictureBook "I Will Love You Forever and Always." Sarah tells us she has a background in social work and that her book was inspired by her work in therapy with children and families. The book uses animal characters to convey universal themes of love and emotional attachment, providing parents with a tool to discuss the concept of unconditional love with their children. Sarah emphasized the significance of helpi...
Nov 09, 2023•31 min
Mitali Perkins returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book, "Holy Night and Little Star." The book is a retelling of the nativity story from the perspective of the galaxies. It focuses on a character named Little Star, who is hesitant to embrace change but eventually learns the beauty of accepting new things. Perkins emphasizes the importance of reading with children and using imagination to deepen one's faith. The conversation delves into forgiveness, the freedom to s...
Nov 08, 2023•30 min
