Reading With Your Kids Podcast

55:53

Trees, Tales and Armadillos: Nuturing Cultural...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/09/03

In this lively episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes two wonderful guests whose picture books help kids feel seen, brave, and deeply connected to the world around them. First, Jed chats with Jalpa Vaidya Patel, licensed social worker and author of "Wizzy: The Worldly Tree: A Tale of Cultural Curiosity." Jalpa shares how her background in social work and Native American studies shaped a gentle new way to talk about culture with kids. Instead of starting with "we're all

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55:41

Skeletor In Therapy! And Other Ways To Hook Reluctant...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/09/01

In this fun, fast-moving episode of Reading With Your Kids, we're heading to Eternia—by way of your family's favorite reading chair. Jed welcomes syndicated cartoonists Stephan Pastis and Will Henry to celebrate their hilarious new illustrated middle grade novel, The Adventures of He‑Man and Porter #1: Skeletor Ate My Homework. Stephan shares how Porter Avery's obsession with Masters of the Universe action figures creates real trouble both at home and in Eternia—especially when Porter's dad

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57:08

Escape, Grief and Growth. How Stories Help Kids &...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/30

On this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two sets of guests whose books highlight just how powerful stories can be—for thrills, for connection, and for healing. First, Jed chats with Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss, co-authors of the YA murder mystery The Escape Game. Set on a reality TV escape-room competition, the book follows Sierra, returning to the show where her sister Alicia was murdered—determined to unmask the real killer. Marissa and Tamara share how the idea was born from an

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58:07

Hope in Messy Mourning: Jackie Baker's Journey After...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/28

In this powerful episode, Jed Doherty welcomes Jackie Baker, author of Messy Mourning: Hope for Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child to Suicide. Jackie shares the heartbreaking story of her firstborn, Sebastian—a bright, curious, book-loving boy who grew up in a home where reading, faith, and family were central. She recalls sweet memories, from anatomy books at home to anxiously awaiting new Harry Potter releases, painting a vivid picture of a joyful, inquisitive child. As Sebastian entered high

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57:43

Dragons, Ghosts, and Librarians: Haley Neil Takes Us...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/27

In this joyful episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes librarian and debut middle grade author Haley Neil to celebrate her spooky-silly new book, Greta Grimsdark and the Normal New Neighbor. Haley shares stories from her work in the library, where she spends her days covered in slime, leading "Make and Play" programs, and helping kids discover books they truly love—especially those transitioning from graphic novels to more text-heavy stories. Haley and Jed shine a big spotlight on librarians

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57:49

From Bangkok Shanties To YA Graphic Novels

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/25

In this inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes Renee Nault from Vancouver Island to celebrate her YA romance graphic novel Salvage. Set in a future reshaped by climate change, Salvage follows Paulo, a teen who lives on the tidal flats scavenging from drowned cities. When he discovers a suitcase full of designer clothes, he sneaks into the wealthy uplands for "just one night" and unexpectedly falls in love—forcing him to juggle class divides, secrets, and the ticking

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57:49

The Beginner's Guide To Wonder: Magic, Puerto Rico &...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/23

Join host Jed Doherty for a joyful, imagination-filled episode featuring two wonderful picture book creators: Keith Negley, author-illustrator of "The Beginner's Guide to Being a Wizard," and Wanda Arlene Barajas, author of "Carina and Sabi: A Journey to the Heart of Cidra." In the first half, Keith shares how a quirky old diary, The Journal of a Disappointed Man, inspired his hilarious new series, The Beginner's Guide. He explains how he mixes the serious "voice" of a how‑to manual with completely

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59:36

Tours, Turkeys, and Tiny Towns

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/21

In this heartwarming episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes author Sara Amini and illustrator Juana Medina to celebrate their beautiful new picture book, "Luisa at Your Service." Inspired by Sara's mother's childhood in the small Colombian town of Salento, the story follows young Luisa, a spirited girl who guides international backpackers through her beloved community, proudly sharing its culture, joy, and sense of togetherness. Sara explains how her mother's memories of an

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55:36

A Love Letter To Libraries

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/20

In this inspiring episode, Jed welcomes Julie Abe, author of the cozy middle grade fantasy The Magic Library of Waterfall Way. Julie shares her 15-year journey to publication, reflecting on the countless rejections that almost made her give up—and how those "no's" eventually inspired the determined, big-hearted characters she writes today. Julie explains what makes her stories "cozy fantasy": yes, there are magical adventures, book dragons, and real stakes, but readers always feel emotionally safe

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55:24

Beyond the Uniform: Veterans Turn Their Stories into...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/18

In this inspiring two-part episode, we celebrate how stories, service, and family reading can shape kids' character and courage. First, Jed welcomes Mark Fava, former naval flight officer, longtime Navy Reservist, and aerospace executive, to talk about his debut picture book "Andy the Admiral and the USS Shipshape." Mark shares how his adult leadership book evolved into a children's story that turns classic Navy lessons—teamwork, being on time, telling the truth, thinking ahead, and showing

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58:14

Horses, Trains & Brave Kids, New Adventures In Kids'...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/16

In this warm and wide–ranging episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes back three beloved guests with brand–new picture books that celebrate courage, representation, and creativity. First, Kelly Starling Lyons returns to share Writing Magic, a tender story about Dom, a little girl from a family of Black riders who longs to ride a big horse named Magic but is scared. Kelly talks about the book's unforgettable launch on the very farm where the real horse, Ardent (Magic in the book), lives—and

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56:36

From Birthday Triplets to Greenback the Dog: Raising...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/14

In this episode, Jed welcomes back author and educator Kelly Tooman to celebrate her new picture book, "The Birthday Triplets and the Pony Race Adventure." Kelly, who spent many years in Montessori education and now leads virtual creative writing workshops, shares how her background shaped this whimsical, heart-centered story. The book follows triplets Cookie, Candy, and Coco, who live with their magical Granny Rosie and travel to an adventure factory where they bring birthday joy to someone who is

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55:23

Do Bees Pee and Do Parents Fail? Curiosity, Nature,...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/13

In this episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, we're celebrating two powerful picture books that spark big conversations in families. First, Jed chats with Dr. Linda Booth Sweeney, author of Do Bees Pee? The Curious and Amazing Ways Nature Avoids Pollution. Linda shares how a giggle-worthy question opens the door to serious science, systems thinking, and hope-filled conversations about our planet. She explains how nature "thinks in loops, not lines"—turning waste into food and showing us

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55:54

Time Travel, Weightlifting, and Big Dreams: Powering...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/11

In this inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes two incredible creators whose stories celebrate history, heart, and big dreams. First, Jed chats with Emma Otheguy, author of the new middle grade novel Adventure in the City of Stories. Emma takes us to New York City in 1930, a moment when skyscrapers were racing into the sky, the subway was rapidly expanding, and Latino literary luminaries like Pura Belpré, Gabriela Mistral, and Arturo Schomburg were quietly changing

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58:25

i Was Chuck Berry's Roadie for a Night: Buzz McLain &...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/09

This episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast is a joyful celebration of creativity, family reading, and the power of stories to travel across generations. First, Jed welcomes Buzz McLain, longtime journalist and debut picture book author of "Where There Are More Than Two." Buzz's playful, read‑aloud rhyming book introduces kids (and their grownups!) to the wonderful world of collective nouns—from a murder of crows to a band of gorillas. He shares how a simple writing exercise turned into a

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58:10

Heroes of 1776: Janie Nitze Is Teaching Kids the Real...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/07

In this inspiring episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes Janie Nitze, co-author of the picture book Heroes of 1776, to shine a light on the real human courage behind the Declaration of Independence. Speaking from historic Concord, Massachusetts, Janie shares how her background clerking for Justice Neil Gorsuch and their shared concern about the decline in civic education led them to create a children's book that doesn't just march through events, but highlights the sacrifices of men, women,

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58:53

Korean Folk Tales & Big Feelings: Stories that Heal

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/06

In this warm and wide-ranging episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two guests who are using stories to nurture both imagination and emotional resilience. First, Julie Kim joins us from Washington State to celebrate her new book, Korean Folk Tales for Kids. Julie shares how she carefully chose ten tales—from hilarious trickster stories to thoughtful, heart-centered narratives—that feel both deeply Korean and universally human. She talks about "The Gratitude of the Zelkova Tree" and how it

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57:21

Rare Genes, Big Hearts & Grouchy Groundhogs: Stories...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/04

In this inspiring episode, Jed welcomes two wonderful guests whose work helps kids feel seen, valued, and excited about reading. First, Jed talks with Melissa White Boyer, author of I Am Rare: Discovering What Makes Us Shine. Inspired by her son's diagnosis with the rare genetic disorder Weidman-Steiner syndrome, Melissa shares the long, emotional journey to finally getting a diagnosis and the shock of realizing there was no roadmap for what came next. She explains how that experience led her and

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55:46

Hands, Hearts, and Habitats: ASL, Deaf Culture, and...

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/08/02

In this uplifting episode, Jed welcomes back Kathy McMillan, ASL interpreter, children's librarian, and creator of the new picture book series "Sign the Seasons." Kathy shares how the four-book series—starting with Sign the Seasons: Fall—invites kids and families to learn American Sign Language through everyday seasonal concepts like trees, squirrels, and weather. She explains how Familius Publishing partnered with her in a uniquely thoughtful way, involving her in every stage of illustration and

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56:54

Being Brave Even When You're Scared

Reading With Your Kids Podcast ·

2026/07/31

Join host Jed Doherty for a heartwarming, dog-filled episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, featuring two picture books that celebrate courage, love, and healing. In the first half, Jed chats with Jonathan Graziano, creator of the beloved Noodle "Bones or No Bones" videos, about his new picture book "Milton Makes a Move." Jonathan shares Milton's real-life journey from a hoarding situation in Korea to finding a forever home with him. They talk about how Milton's anxiety and bravery mirror

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