Today's episode of Reading with Your Kids features powerful conversations with authors Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and Deborah Friedman. Kimberly discussed her New York Times bestselling book "The Night War", set during the 1942 Velodrome d'Hiver roundup in Paris where over 13,000 Jews were detained. She explained why it's important for children's books to teach the history of the Holocaust in an age-appropriate way. Deborah Friedman then celebrated her new picture book "Partly Cloudy", aimed at sparking curiosity about science. The book tells the story of two bunnies with different perspectives ..read more

This episode of Reading with Your Kids features an interview with the one and only Raffi!  International children's recording artist Raffi returns to the show to celebrate his new album "Penny Penguin," which was inspired by his observations of birds like penguins. He enjoyed collaborating with the Good Lovelies on many songs, praising their strong work ethic and creativity. Music educator and author Frank Coates presented his debut children's book "There's Something in My Closet," about overcoming bedtime anxiety through positive affirmations. Both guests shared how they engage children ..read more

This episode of Reading with Your Kids Welcomed talented author - illustrators Ashley Belote and Pan Cooke. Ashley Beloit is on to celebrate her picture book "Don't Wash Winston." She shared the inspiration behind the story of a boy afraid to put his teddy bear in the washing machine. Host Jed Doherty related this to his own experiences with his daughter's beloved stuffed animal. Ashley discussed her career path studying children's literature illustration. She emphasized the importance of writing from personal experiences and encouraging children's creativity. The second guest was Pan Cook, wh ..read more

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured several children's book authors discussing their work. Kathleen Long Bostrom talked about her book "Daddy, Tell Me a Story," which was inspired by reading with her own kids. She emphasized the importance of empowering children through storytelling and letting them solve problems in books. Christina Dixon discussed her book "I Am the Moon," which came from questioning with her son about what life would be like on the moon. She highlighted the value of nurturing children's curiosity and imagination. Sarah Gaston shared that she writes "relatable Ch ..read more

This episode of Reading With Your Kids featured discussions about entrepreneurship and business with teenagers Finley Scurlock and Jason Liaw, authors of the book "Down to Business." The authors shared their experiences interviewing over 50 entrepreneurs for the book and encouraged other teens to pursue their passions. They credited their success to taking risks at a young age. The speakers discussed how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are entrepreneurial generations who want to solve problems through business. However, entrepreneurship education is lacking in schools. They argued it should be a fundament ..read more

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured fascinating discussions about science, books, and education. Jennifer Swanson, our dean of all things STEM & STEAM, shared her work exploring an ancient underwater forest off the coast of Alabama through her new book The Lost Forest. She emphasized the importance of sparking curiosity in children through hands-on learning. Serena Li then discussed the mission of Duck Duck Books to teach social-emotional skills through diverse children's literature. Her personal story highlighted how these skills can impact mental health and family relationshi ..read more

Today's episode of Reading With Your Kids celebrates the importance of inclusivity and diversity in children's literature. Crystal Foote discussed her book "Inclusivity Superheroes," which features characters with unique abilities to promote acceptance of differences. She hopes it will help teach children lessons about diversity at a young age. Jed Doherty shared a personal story of how embracing inclusivity allowed him to meet his wife.. Dr. Christine Ko discussed her book "Sound Switch Wonder," co-written with her son Owen about his experience with cochlear implants. She explained how cochle ..read more

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured conversations with two authors of middle grade novels. Stephanie Brick discussed her book "The Secret Doors of Cannondale," about an outcast girl who discovers secret portals to magical worlds. Brick drew inspiration from her childhood love of exploring secret passageways and hideouts. She and Jed Doherty talked about how co-reading books can help kids build resilience through discussing themes like self-esteem and loss. Adam Gidwitz then shared about his spy thriller "Max in the House of Spies," inspired by true stories of children rescued from ..read more

  Matthew Paul Turner is on Reading With Your Kids to celebrate his children's book "You Will Always Belong." He explained that the book encourages children to feel a sense of self-acceptance and belonging. Matthew emphasized that loving oneself is important for truly loving and accepting others. He discussed previously feeling called to provide his own children with a healthy introduction to God through children's literature. Matthew shared his experience finishing a deceased friend's unfinished books, saying it helped with the grieving process. He found it powerful when a pastor later t ..read more

On this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast we have the pleasure of meeting authors Chiara Columbi and Heather Duke.  Chiara Colombi, discussed her debut picture book Rocket Ship Solo Trip. She drew inspiration from her love of space and desire to foster science interest in her kids. The book taps into emotions of new experiences. Jedlie shared memories of storytelling for his kids and its impact. He stressed developing emotional intelligence through stories. Heather Duke, shared creating her book Two Shoes from an improvised story for her son. She found publishing unexpectedly ..read more