Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Get Ready to Crack Open the Tradition of Cascarones with Author Sarah Fajardo! If you're looking to add a little extra fun and cultural flair to your family's reading time, you'll love learning about the vibrant tradition of cascarones from children's book author Sara Fajardo. In this delightful episode, Sara takes us on a journey through the history and origins of these confetti-filled eggshells, tracing their roots all the way back to China before making their way to Mexico and beyond. As a dual immersion teacher and Peruvian-American, Sara shares her personal connection to the cascarone...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

If you're a fan of YA fiction with a touch of the fantastical, you'll want to tune in as we chat with author Hayley Chewins about her new novel in verse, "I Am the Swarm."  Hayley takes us on a journey into the life of Nell, a 15-year-old living in Cape Town, South Africa, who's about to inherit some unique magical powers. But these aren't your typical fairy tale abilities - Nell's emotions manifest as swarms of insects around her, which she struggles to control.  As Hayley explains, the story explores themes of loneliness and the importance of connection, drawing from her own...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into the world of children's literature and the importance of embracing diverse cultures and fostering creativity.  First, we chat with Olivia Abtahi, the author of the picture book "The Interpreter."  She explains how her multicultural background inspired the story of Cecilia, a young girl who navigates the challenges of interpreting for her non-English speaking family. We discuss the nuances of cultural assimilation and the need for greater understanding and support for bilingual families. Next, we welcome Robert...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Dive into the Fascinating World of Water Pollution Awareness with Author Julie Winterbottom In this captivating episode, we're exploring the incredible story of Ruth Patrick, a pioneering ecologist who helped uncover the hidden dangers of water pollution back in the 1940s. Julie takes us on a journey through Ruth's life, sharing how her childhood passion for the natural world blossomed into a groundbreaking career. You'll be amazed to learn how Ruth's work on tiny, microscopic algae called diatoms became a crucial tool for measuring and understanding the impact of industrial waste on our...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

What an incredible story! We had the chance to chat with Hayley Arceneaux, the author of the new children's book "Astronaut Hayley's Brave Adventure." Hayley's journey is truly inspiring - from overcoming childhood cancer to becoming an actual astronaut!  Hayley shared how she was diagnosed with bone cancer at just 10 years old. But with the amazing care she received at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, she was able to beat the disease and even went on to work at the hospital as a physician associate, helping other kids with cancer.  But Hayley's story took an even more...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Get ready to explore the captivating realms of middle-grade fiction as we sit down with two talented authors, TJ Scripps and Bobbie Pyron, to discuss their latest releases.  First up, we chat with TJ Scripps about her debut novel, "Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light." This sci-fi fantasy series follows a 10-year-old heroine who travels to a school in the stars, where she learns to interpret the signs and symbols all around us - from rainbows to shooting stars. TJ shares how her love of nature and the cosmos inspired this unique concept, blending the magic of the natural world with a...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Get ready for a delightful dive into the world of children's books! In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," we had the pleasure of chatting with two talented creators who are bringing their unique visions to life. First up, we met Martin Stewart, the author of the Bridget van de Puff book series. Bridget is a fearless, gadget-loving character who's about to steal your heart. Martin shared how this spunky protagonist emerged fully formed in his mind, and how he worked to craft the perfect story for her. We also got to hear from the brilliant illustrator, David Haben, who brought Bridget...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Mistakes? Bring 'em on! In this delightful episode, Jed Doherty chats with author and illustrator Eliza Kinkz about her charming new picture book, "MISTACO" - a celebration of imperfections and the beauty of embracing our flaws. Eliza shares how the book was inspired by her own experiences growing up, where she struggled to open up about her mistakes. She wanted to create a "safe space" for families to share their slip-ups without judgment. And what better way to do that than with a silly, taco-themed character named "MISTACO" - a nod to the Spanglish words Eliza grew up with. As an artist,...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two passionate creators who are making a difference in the lives of young readers. First up was Chris Gordon, the mastermind behind the Timothy's Lessons brand. Chris shared his mission to educate, motivate and inspire the younger generation through engaging animated stories that teach core values like courage, kindness, and empathy. By blending captivating visuals with meaningful lessons, Chris is helping kids connect with important life skills in a fun, accessible way. Next, Jed welcomed Nancy...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Grab your astronaut helmets, space fans, because this episode of Reading with Your Kids is out of this world! Host Jed Doherty welcomes back two of our favorite guests - author Chiara Colombi and illustrator Scott Magoon - to chat about their delightful children's book series, "Rocket Beams and Lunar Dreams."  Chiara shares the heartwarming story behind her rocket-loving protagonist, Rocket, and how her big dream of going to the moon doesn't quite go as planned. But with the help of the adorable lunar lander character, Rocket learns that sometimes our dreams take unexpected turns, and...