In a captivating podcast episode, author Susie Spikol shares her passionate approach to reconnecting children with the natural world through her innovative book, Forest Magic for Kids. This non-fiction nature activity guide offers families a unique opportunity to explore the outdoors, spark imagination, and rediscover the joy of unstructured play. Spikol, a naturalist with over 30 years of experience, challenges traditional nature education by focusing on exploration and wonder rather than stric...
May 09, 2025•56 min
In this captivating episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on an extraordinary adventure with two incredible authors who are redefining storytelling for young readers. First up is Rayne Lacko, whose young adult novel "The Secret Song of Shelby Ray" introduces readers to a fascinating protagonist with an extraordinary gift: the ability to hear people's inner music when she touches them. This unique premise explores complex themes of mental health, personal growth, and...
May 08, 2025•57 min
In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with author Pablo Cartaya to explore the magic of middle-grade literature and the power of authentic storytelling. Cartaya's latest book, "A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation," promises to be a heartwarming journey that will resonate with young readers and their families. The conversation delves deep into the art of writing for middle-grade audiences, a demographic Cartaya describes as a "sweet spot" of incredible po...
May 06, 2025•55 min
In this heartwarming episode, we explore the power of children's literature in bridging cultural understanding through conversations with two incredible Asian American authors, Ha Dinh and Yobe Qiu. Ha Dinh takes us on a personal journey with her touching picture book, "The Jade Bracelet," which delves into the complex emotions of a young immigrant navigating cultural identity. Drawing from her own experiences of coming to America at seven years old, Ha shares how a simple jade bracelet from her...
May 04, 2025•55 min
Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of storytelling with our latest episode of Reading with Your Kids! We've got not one, but two incredible authors who are passionate about creating magical worlds that captivate young readers. We begin with an inspiring conversation with Jonathan Stroud, the brilliant mind behind "The Legendary Scarlet and Brown" series. Stroud takes us on a wild ride through a post-apocalyptic world where teenage outlaws become unexpected heroes. His passion for s...
May 02, 2025•56 min
In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two incredible creative projects. First, he dives into the magical world of children's book creation with authors Sudipta Bardhan-Quillin and Leeza Hernandez, creators of the delightful "Cats and Construction Hats." This isn't just another children's book - it's a vibrant celebration of teamwork, creativity, and the power of collaboration. Sudipta and Leeza share their unique journey of bringing this colorful story to ...
May 01, 2025•55 min
Get ready for an inspiring episode that dives deep into the world of children's literature! Host Jed Doherty sits down with two incredible authors who are transforming how kids experience reading: Jacqueline Davies and Yesenia Moises. First up, Jacqueline Davies shares the fascinating story behind "The Lemonade War," a beloved middle-grade novel that's been captivating readers for over 15 years. The book's recent transformation into a graphic novel opens up exciting new possibilities for young r...
Apr 29, 2025•57 min
In this eye-opening episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with Deb Mallin, the passionate founder of Mighty Doodle. What makes this platform unique? It's not just another educational app – it's a comprehensive learning experience designed to meet each child exactly where they are. Mighty Doodle uses cutting-edge AI technology to create a personalized, engaging learning environment for first through fourth-grade students. The platform incorporates the science of reading wi...
Apr 27, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids Jed Doherty dives into the transformative power of storytelling, self-love, and acceptance through conversations with two incredible authors who are changing children's lives. First up is Bobbi Chegwyn, creator of the Radical Ray series, who shares her inspiring journey from school bus driver to children's author. Drawing from her experience driving the "Kind Bus," Bobbi developed a unique approach to teaching emotional intelligence to kids. Her books fo...
Apr 25, 2025•55 min
Looking for powerful children's books that spark curiosity, empathy, and environmental awareness? Our latest podcast episode dives into the incredible world of children's literature with two passionate authors who are changing how kids understand science, nature, and community. Meet Carolyn Armstrong, the creative mind behind the "Climate Kid Adventures" series. Her middle-grade novels, like "Echo Warriors," take readers on thrilling environmental journeys. From exploring the polar bear habitats...
Apr 24, 2025•55 min
Get ready for an exciting journey through the world of children's literature with two incredible authors who are changing the game! In this episode, we explore the magical realms of storytelling, cultural heritage, and the power of creative expression. Meet Brady Smith, the creative mind behind "Maxwell Dark: Nightmare Hunter," a graphic novel born from a father's love and understanding of childhood fears. Inspired by his son's nightmares, Brady crafted a unique story about a 12-year-old hero wh...
Apr 22, 2025•57 min
In this eye-opening episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty dives deep into the worlds of creativity, culture, and technology with two remarkable guests who are changing how we think about children's education and entertainment. First up, animation director Trevor Lai shares fascinating insights into the delicate balance between artificial intelligence and human imagination. As the creator of Super Boomi and the tabletop game Paw Sum, Trevor emphasizes the critical importance of teac...
Apr 20, 2025•1 hr
Looking for an inspiring peek behind the scenes of children's literature? Our latest podcast episode is a treasure trove of creativity, featuring two incredible authors who are transforming how kids understand friendship, adventure, and personal growth. Scott Rothman and Brian Won join host Jed Doherty to discuss their delightful new picture book, "Warm and Fuzzy" - a heartwarming story about two characters with completely different approaches to adventure. The book explores how friends can supp...
Apr 18, 2025•55 min
Get ready for an inspiring journey into the world of innovative solutions for children! In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two remarkable female entrepreneurs who are changing the game for kids' reading and dental hygiene. First up is Lea Anne Borders, the brilliant mind behind Bookelicious, a groundbreaking website that makes finding the perfect book as fun as playing a video game. Struggling to get your kids to read? Bookelicious creates persona...
Apr 17, 2025•55 min
In a touching interview, singer-songwriter Christina Perri reveals the inspiration behind her debut children's book, A Thousand Years, transforming her iconic love song into a tender narrative about parental devotion. Known for her emotional ballad that became a wedding and pop culture phenomenon, Perri has now reimagined the song's lyrics to celebrate the unconditional love between a parent and child. Perri explains her careful approach to adapting the song, recognizing the need to soften the d...
Apr 15, 2025•56 min
In this rich episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two remarkable books that celebrate family, identity, and connection. First, he sits down with author Nancy McCabe to discuss her powerful middle-grade novel, "Fires Burning Underground" - a book that delves deep into the complex world of teenage emotions and self-discovery. McCabe's novel isn't just another coming-of-age story. It's a nuanced exploration of a young girl's journey through grief, identity, and personal grow...
Apr 13, 2025•55 min
In a heartwarming and insightful episode, Reading With Your Kids host Jed Doherty explores the incredible ways books can heal, support, and strengthen family bonds. The conversation dives deep into two groundbreaking resources that are changing how families approach reading and mental health. First up is Michelle Sherman's powerful book "I Am Not Alone," a game-changing guide for teens navigating the challenges of having a parent struggling with mental health. Sherman reveals a shocking statisti...
Apr 11, 2025•56 min
In a captivating exploration of middle-grade storytelling, authors Mary Rose Wood and Catharina Steel offer young readers profound insights into friendship, self-discovery, and the power of imagination. Mary Rose Wood's "Bad Badger" introduces readers to Septimus, a unique badger who doesn't quite fit in with traditional badger expectations. This heartwarming tale follows Septimus and Gully, a seagull, as they navigate the complexities of friendship despite their differences. Wood's narrative be...
Apr 10, 2025•55 min
Get ready for an incredible literary journey that'll make you fall in love with children's books all over again! Meet Kate Messner, the mastermind behind "The Trouble with Heroes," a middle-grade novel that's way more than just a hiking adventure. Set in the breathtaking Adirondacks, the book follows Finn Connolly, a seventh-grader facing a unique challenge: climbing 46 mountain peaks instead of facing legal trouble. But here's the real magic - it's a powerful story about grief, resilience, and ...
Apr 08, 2025•55 min
In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a delightful journey through the magical realm of children's literature, featuring two incredible authors who are reimagining storytelling for young readers. First up is Brett Bean, creator of the innovative hybrid chapter book "Muck and Honey: Tree House Trouble." Bean shares his unique approach to bridging the gap between picture books and traditional chapter books, perfectly designed for children aged 6-9....
Apr 06, 2025•55 min
Ever wondered how to make government exciting for children? In this delightful episode of "Reading with Your Kids," author Daniel Bernstrom reveals how a classroom cookie competition can teach kids the ins and outs of state legislation. In his new book, "The Cookie Vote," part of the Mr. Tiffins Classroom series, Bernstrom transforms the complex world of government into a fun, digestible story that children can understand and enjoy. The book follows a classroom as they navigate the legislative p...
Apr 04, 2025•58 min
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids our host Jed Doherty sits down with author / illustrator Angie Kang to celeebrate her debut Picture Book Our Lake. Imagine a picture book that tackles big feelings in the most beautiful way possible. Angie Kang, who's super talented and has this incredible art background, created a story about two brothers dealing with losing their dad. But here's the cool part - it's not sad in a heavy way, it's actually kind of hopeful. The whole book started as a rand...
Apr 03, 2025•55 min
In an engaging interview about her latest book, "The Myth of Monsters: The Gods' Revenge," author Katherine Marsh reveals the magic of bringing Greek mythology to life for young readers. Marsh, a longtime mythology enthusiast, has crafted a unique series that bridges ancient stories with contemporary middle school experiences. The book follows the descendants of Greek mythological monsters, exploring complex social dynamics through a fantastical lens. Marsh explains that her approach goes beyond...
Apr 01, 2025•55 min
Award-winning children's book author Shannon Anderson is transforming agricultural education and storytelling with her groundbreaking series of picture books that inspire young readers to explore food production, perseverance, and growth mindset. Her latest book, "I Love Blueberries," follows the successful path of her previous hit, "I Love Strawberries" - a book that overcame 10 years of rejections to become a national sensation. The book was featured on Ryan Reynolds' bedtime stories show and ...
Mar 30, 2025•57 min
What if the key to your child’s overall health, behavior, and even success in school was right under your nose—literally? In this fascinating episode, Dr. Ben Miraglia, a leading expert in airway-focused pediatric dental care, joins us to talk about how proper jaw development, nasal breathing, and tongue posture are critical to your child’s health. Through his groundbreaking program, Tooth Pillow, Dr. Miraglia is helping families identify and address the root causes of orthodontic and behavioral...
Mar 28, 2025•56 min
In this heartfelt episode of Reading With Your Kids, we’re joined by the incredibly thoughtful Lindsay Bonilla, author of the beautifully powerful picture book The Hole. Inspired by the tragic loss of a friend’s child, Lindsay opens up about her journey of creating a story that gently guides children and families through the hard-to-talk-about feelings that come with grief and loss. We talk about why it's so important to have honest conversations with kids about death, and how picture books can ...
Mar 27, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two inspiring guests - Tamron Hall and Terry Grahl. Tamron Hall is the star of the Tamron Hall Show and the author of the new children's book, "Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid." Tamron shared the heartwarming story behind the book, which follows a young boy exploring his new home in Harlem, New York. She emphasized the importance of curiosity, empathy, and community in parenting, and how the book aims t...
Mar 25, 2025•58 min
If you're a fan of spooky middle grade stories, you'll want to check out this episode of Reading with Your Kids! We had the pleasure of chatting with two talented authors - Maria Scrivan and Lindsay Currie about their latest creepy-cool books. First up, Maria Scrivan gave us the scoop on her graphic novel series "Nat a Chance." This is the 6th book in the series, and it follows a character named Nat who doesn't think she's an athlete...until she gets roped into doing a triathlon with her bestie....
Mar 23, 2025•56 min
Hey there fellow book lovers! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two talented authors - Tamara Girardi and Veera Hiranandani. First up, we talked to Tamara about her brand new board book "Why Mommy? Why?", the sequel to her popular "Why Daddy? Why?" book. Tamara shared the process of creating these books, explaining how she carefully chooses every word to celebrate the special bond between parents and kids. She also gave us a peek into her future plan...
Mar 21, 2025•57 min
Great News! The Reading With Your Kids Podcast Has Been Named #2 on Feedspot.com 60 Best Book Podcast List! Hey there, fellow book lovers! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two amazing authors who are bringing some seriously awesome stories to life. First up, we caught up with Tim Wright, the mastermind behind the Toby Baxter book series. Toby's latest adventure, "I Heart River Home," is all about this 13-year-old hero learning what it means to love ...
Mar 20, 2025•56 min
