Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this enlightening episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores neurodiversity through children's literature. The show features two segments focused on dyslexia and ADHD, providing valuable insights for parents, educators, and children alike. The first segment welcomes Lynn and Jon Greenberg, the mother-son team behind "Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure." Jon shares his personal journey with dyslexia, emphasizing how proper diagnosis and tailored education helped him overcome challenges. The Greenbergs discuss the importance of early intervention, advocating for children's needs, and fostering creativity in neurodivergent learners. In the second segment, Elly Both joins from Singapore to discuss her book "A Kids Book About ADHD." Both, diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s, explains how her late diagnosis inspired her to write a book helping children understand and embrace their unique brain differences. She emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity and self-understanding in kids with ADHD. Key topics covered include: Understanding dyslexia and ADHD as neurodivergent conditions The importance of early diagnosis and intervention Advocating for children's educational needs Fostering creativity in neurodivergent learners Breaking down stigma and negative labels associated with learning differences Supporting neurodiverse students in schools Various management options for ADHD, including medication and non-medication approaches This episode provides valuable resources for families navigating neurodiversity, promoting understanding, acceptance, and support for children with dyslexia and ADHD. By featuring authors who have personal experience with these conditions, Reading With Your Kids offers authentic perspectives and practical advice for helping neurodivergent children thrive. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com Follow us on social media www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids @ReadingWithYourKids on Instagram @JedlieMagic on X

Reading with Your Kids Celebrates Literacy and Imagination! This episode of "Reading with Your Kids" features inspiring conversations about literacy advocacy and children's literature. NFL star Brandin Bryant discusses his debut book "So You Want to Be an Athlete" which aims to spark the joy of reading in reluctant readers. Bryant wrote the book during lockdown to address low literacy rates in America. Author Scott Sollers shares his debut picture book "A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Legs and Neck." The story follows two tribes in Africa who learn to share resources and live together in harmony. Sollers drew from childhood storytelling experiences with his daughters to craft heartwarming tales that kids enjoy reading repeatedly. Both guests emphasize the importance of early literacy skills and supporting children's creativity through storytelling. The pandemic accelerated many creators, including Bryant who discovered his passion for writing. Sollers plans to expand "A Tall Tale" into a series. Scott also tells us about his involvement in the nonprofit The First Tee that uses golf to teach life values to youth. Cick here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com Follow us on social media www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids @ReadingWithYourKids on Instagram @jedliemagic on X

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured interviews with several children's book authors discussing their recent publications and the importance of talking to kids about difficult topics like relationships and grief. The episode featured an interview with Rachel Lynn Solomon who wrote the YA romance novel "Past, Present, Future." Solomon discussed how the book explores healthy teenage relationships and navigating intimacy. Also in the episode Ell Gonzalez Rose celebrated her romantic comedy "Caught in a Bad Fauxmance." Gonzalez Rose talked about drawing inspiration from her own mixed Puerto Rican heritage and passion for representing diversity in fiction. She emphasized the depth that can be found in romance genres. The episode concluded by speaking to Kellie Kaminskas, author of "Here With You", about the importance of exposing children to topics of death and loss from a young age to help them better understand life's ups and downs.

In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty interviews life coach Loree Bischoff about empowering teenagers. Bischoff discusses her book "Common Sense Happiness" and a new online life coaching course for teens called TLC. The TLC course teaches important skills often overlooked in schools, like emotional intelligence, positive mindset, and personal responsibility. With rising rates of depression, anxiety, and other issues among youth, Bischoff saw a need to address the whole child. Her TLC course guides teens through modules on self-esteem, motivation, emotional fitness, and values. Using video and activities, it seeds the "garden of their minds" with empowering beliefs and healthy habits. Parents are encouraged to have open conversations with teens to build trust. Doherty shares how discussing values and choices benefited his daughter's college path. With proper guidance, teens can critically think through impactful decisions like higher education. Rather than a one-size-fits-all system, Bischoff advocates adapting to each child's needs. Her TLC program equips teens to stand on their own through self-awareness, vision, and character development. It provides the foundation many lack when facing a complex world of media influence and life transitions. Click here to visit Loree's website - www.tlccourse.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com Follow us on social media www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids @ReadingWithYourKids on Instagram @jedlieMagic on X

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids we meet three fascinating authors. We first meet author A Kidd who returned to the show to celebrate "Yasuko and the Dream Eater", which was inspired by a Japanese folk tale. She enjoyed bringing elements of Japanese culture to readers. We talk about fairy tales and ask if the original Grimm Fairy Tales have a place in today's Kidlit. We also meet author Nicholas Aragon, who writes the "Curly Crow" series. He took over the series after his mother wrote the first book. Nicholas discussed how writing helps him feel close to his mother and give back by visiting schools. We returned to the CT Book Festival to speak with Greg Slomba, an author of fantasy books for middle graders who creates whole new worlds for his stories. Click Here To Visit Our Website - www.readingwithyourkids.com Connect with us on social media www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids @readingwithyourkids on Instagram @jedliemagic on X

This episode of Reading With Your Kids featured discussions about children's literature, cultural identity, and the writing process. First, Jacqueline Christine discussed her book "Mommy's Day Off" and how growing up in a Puerto Rican household influenced her writing. The conversation then turned to the importance of representing diverse families. Next, Janet Sumner Johnson introduced her middle grade novel "The Winterton Deception," which follows twin siblings who enter a spelling bee and uncover secrets about their wealthy family heritage. Jed Doherty and the guests discussed several themes. They emphasized the importance of cultural representation in books and knowing one's identity and history. They also talked about respecting different perspectives and the need for forgiveness and understanding. When speaking with Johnson, they explored her writing process, including how she developed characters through backstories before realizing the plot. Johnson recommended techniques for aspiring authors like free writing to unlock creativity. Overall, the episode provided insights into children's literature and focused on cultural identity, family dynamics, the writing process, and bringing diverse voices and stories to readers. The discussions emphasized bonding through shared and differing human experiences as well as giving second chances and embracing what unites communities. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com Follow us on our socials www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids @ReadingWithYourKids on Instagram & Tiktok @jedliemagic on X

This episode of Reading With Your Kids featured two authors introducing us to their children's books that celebrate human-animal bonds and culture. Bethany Murgia, author of "Wagnificent", shared how her graphic novel was inspired by her dog. She discussed researching dog behavior and domestication to portray the dog's perspective accurately through illustrations. Murgia described creating a series to focus on empathy and understanding between species. Jedlie brought up experiences growing up with many dogs and interviewed Murgia about the challenges of writing graphic novels. They imagined families enjoying "Wagnificent" through read-alouds and conversations about nonverbal communication. A N Stewart, author of "Bill Bailey, Please Come Home", discussed how her New Orleans-based children's book series highlights the city's culture, music, and strong neighborhood ties. She reflected on the impact of Hurricane Katrina and COVID-19, including business closures and a growing disconnect among residents. Stewart emphasized the role of art and music in bridging divides and promoting critical thinking across generations and cultures. Both authors celebrated finding community and making connections through shared experiences, even with differences in beliefs. The conversation provided insight into the authors' personal inspirations and journeys to publication. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com Follow Us On Our Socials - www.Facebook.com/readingwithyourkids @ReadingWithYourKids on Instagram & Tik Tok @jedliemagic on X

This episode of Reading with Your Kids is all about cozy tales and Teddy Bear dreams. First up is our conversation with Amy Hess and Erin Stead. They are on the show to celebrate their book "Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing," which tells the story of a big bear and little bear going on a fishing trip together. They emphasized the importance of relationships in stories and capturing coziness through illustrations. Valerie Woebkinberg also joins us to celebrate her "Miles Across America" series, which follows the adventures of a cat named Miles as he learns about important events in American history. She highlighted the significance of understanding history and sparking curiosity in young readers. We also travel back to the CT Book Festival to speak with Diana Blau her book "Beary and Tinker, Young at Heart," which was inspired by her childhood teddy bears. She discussed the joy of seeing her daughter and personal story featured in the book. Throughout the episode, the guests and host Jed Doherty emphasized bringing history to life through storytelling, encouraging children's imagination and dreams, and making reading an engaging experience for both parents and kids. They also shared tips for finding inspiration and pursuing passions through writing children's literature. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading with Your Kids focused on the importance of teaching children financial literacy from a young age. Our first guest is Anthony Delauney. He tells us about his Owning the Dash book series which teaches kids financial concepts through storybooks. He emphasized starting these lessons early through activities parents and children can do together. The next guest, Brooke Lapides, presented her new book Financial Fun from A to Z which defines financial terms for kids in an alphabet format. Lapides discussed how her work in finance revealed many adults' lack financial knowledge and felt compelled to create a resource for parents. The host agreed that openly discussing money matters with kids from a young age better prepares them for adulthood decisions. The episode concluded with an interview of author Andrea Petitte about her young adult novels addressing serious issues teenagers face such as gambling addiction, eating disorders, and loss. Petitte aims to create relatable stories that start important conversations between parents and their kids. Overall, the guests stressed that financial literacy and open parent-child communication are critical life skills best taught through early and ongoing engagement. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Welcome to episode 2000 of Reading With Your Kids. We are celebrating that milestone by celebrating the power of diverse storytelling to heal and build community resilience. .Our first guest is Dr Amra Sabic El Rayes, shares her experience growing up in Bosnia during a time of targeted violence and military siege. She discusses three magical summers from her childhood and the escalating narratives of hate she experienced. Dr Amra emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and diverse representation in combating hateful ideologies. The conversation explores Dr Amra's work creating programs at Columbia University's Interfaith Research Lab to prevent hate and build resilience. Her programs like Reimagine Resilience and Project Belonging provide training for educators, faith leaders, and students. Dr Amra hopes sharing stories like her novel Three Summers will help readers connect with shared humanity. We also take a listen back to our conversation with Fr Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention program in the World. Homeboy Industries focuses on creating a community of tenderness and acceptance in rehabilitation. Fr Greg encourages finding inspiration everywhere and getting started writing with community support. Pina Bird shares stories from her Fred the Super children's book series addressing themes of kindness and cultural acceptance. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Christa Avampato returns to Reading With Your Kids to celebrate her Emerson Page middle grade series. She discussed how her character Emerson came to her during a difficult time and inspired her healing journey. Avampato shared details about Emerson's latest adventure in her new book "Where the Light Leads," which takes place in Ireland. We also welcomed Healey Ikerd, author of the picture book "The Red Ball." She shared a personal story her mother told her about growing up in East Germany, which inspired the book. "The Red Ball" teaches about friendship and forgiveness through a story where a girl's ball is taken by a friend. Both authors emphasized how storytelling can help children cope with challenges like anxiety, depression, and hurt feelings. The hosts and guests discussed the mental health benefits of reading with children. Storytelling creates bonding opportunities and allows parents to address sensitive issues indirectly. Forgiveness was a key theme, with speakers noting its importance for well-being. Readers may find parallels in the stories to reflect on forgiveness in their own lives. Overall, the episode celebrated children's literature and highlighted how sharing stories can help families grow closer and support children's social-emotional development. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This is a powerful episode of Reading With Your Kids. Astrid Kamalyan celebrated her book "Babo, a Tale of Armenian Rug Washing Day", which tells the story of an Armenian family tradition in a lighthearted way. She talked about growing up in post-war Armenia and experiencing hardships but finding community and love within her family. We then travel to the Connecticut Book Festival to speak with three local authors. Branwen O'Shea talked about her science fiction book "The Chasm", which features several points of view including humans and alien "star beings" who view the same events very differently. She discussed writing complex worlds and characters and using the book to have conversations about perspectives. Meira Rosenberg discussed her middle grade novel "28 Days of Neon", about a girl who overhears she only has 28 days to live and decides to do good deeds to try to receive a miracle. Rosenberg talked about themes like death, friendship, and kids' inner lives that parents could discuss with their children. Larry Zaccaro shared about his romantic comedy book "Chandler's List" where a couple goes on adventures around New England based on a secret list to rekindle their love. He also discussed a new children's picture book called "Crumbs". Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

On this episode of Reading With Your Kids we are celebrating healthy romance and immune systems. First up Kaitlin Hill celebrates her YA romance novel "Wild About You." She shared about the college experiences explored in the book, including the main character Natalie struggling with mental health while navigating school, a reality show, and a new romance. The hosts discussed the high cost of college and pressure on students. Kaitlin hopes that Wild About You will help spark family conversations about these challenges. Next, Dr. Namita Gandhi celebrated her children's book "Immune Heroes" which talks to kids about the immune system. She described characters like Captain T cell and their battle against bacteria villains. Gandhi and the host talked about building kids' immunity through diet, sleep, handwashing, and avoiding sickness. Families could read this book together and discuss health. To wrap up our episode we have a listen back to our conversation with Jen Malone about her YA romance novel "Changes in Latitude". Jen tells us the novel examines the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter through misunderstandings resolved by communication. Reading together could help families explore different perspectives. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

On this episode of Reading with Your Kids we welcome several guests celebrating new children's books. Our first guest is author Ashley Iman, who wrote the debut picture book Ruby Renee Had So Much To Say. Ashley discussed how the book was inspired by her own childhood experiences as a talkative student. She wanted to create a character like her younger self that found positive ways to share her curiosity about the world. Our next guests are father-son duo Steve and Cliff Simmons, who have written a series of books together called Where Do Creatures Sleep At Night. In their latest book, they explore where ocean creatures sleep, such as sharks, whales, and sea turtles. Steve discussed how the books aim to teach children about nature and the environment and instill a love for the planet. Cliff provided a fun fact about how sharks need to continuously swim even when sleeping. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Jed Doherty welcomed author Lynn Brunelle and illustrator Jason Chen to Reading With Your Kids to celebrate "Life After Whale". Lynne explains that the book was inspired by her curiosity about what happens to a whale's body after it dies. She discovered that the decomposing whale creates an entire ecosystem, allowing thousands of creatures to survive through interconnected food chains. Jason discusses his illustration process, which began with visual research like photographs from Lynn's initial research and visits to whale skeletons. He aims to make the invisible visible, such as showing the inside of a blue whale. Jason also includes diagrams to illustrate complex concepts like chemicals leaching from whale bones. The creatives emphasize how the book teaches about scale - it compares the immense size of blue whales to everyday objects children can understand. Lynne notes a blue whale is as long as several school buses or could contain as many children lined up as its length. Jason considers how to depict scale clearly in his illustrations for young readers. Both Lynne and Jason hope to spark curiosity in children about the natural world. They discuss using the book to start conversations with questions and finding ways to engage children's imagination. Jason also shares some exceptional advice on how parents can inspire and support their children's art. We also welcomed Sandy Whiting to the show to celebrate her new book, "Meatball Man Head Detective: Case of the Missing Pepper Shaker". Sandy explains that the story features a meatball detective named Meatball Man who solves mysteries in the town of City with his friends Breadstick and Chi Stick. She discusses developing the story concept through creative role playing with her own children during a family dinner. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Dan Gutman is on Reading With Your Kids to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his popular "My Weird School" series, now at 100 books. He shares how his daughter inspired the first book and his process of writing about a different school staff member in each installment. Sophia Brown talks about her picture book "Fun at Grandma's House" and the joy of spending time with grandchildren. She encourages grandparents to read with their grandkids. Both authors reflect on building relationships through shared reading experiences with their families. They overcame challenges to connect with young readers through simple, engaging writing styles. Jane Yolen discusses empowering girls by embracing fears and adventures. She recounts real-life experiences facing snakes and bears to show courage comes in overcoming what scares us most. All guests emphasize the importance of unconditional love, confidence, and bonding through shared reading. The podcast encourages families to make quality time reading together a priority and inspires becoming life-long storytellers. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Get ready to dive into the realm of fantasy on this episode of Reading With Your Kids. Steven A Guglich starts us on our adventure as he celebrates the first book in his Middle Grade Novel Piercing The Veil. Steven tells us his main characters, Jeremy Goodson, an overweight teacher from NYC, and Masaru Hagen, adopted son of an American Tech entrepreneur, are confronted by something that neither of them can explain, that sets these two complete strangers from opposite sides of the world to embark on an unforgettable journey that will forge them into living legends. Steven also talks about his process in creating the Veil universe. In addition to being an author Steven is also the principal of an elementary and middle school and shares some insights he believes can help create better outcomes for all students. We are also joined by Malia Maunakea who has returned to the show to celebrate Lei and the Invisible Island. This is an exciting follow up Lei and the Fire Goddess. After saving her best friend and ancestral guardian, Kaipo, from Pele the fire goddess's traps and successfully preventing lava from destroying her tūtū's house, all Lei wants to do is take a nap. The only problem? Kaipo's ʻaumakua pendant is missing, and without it, he will soon rot . . . emotionally and physically. Malia has a deep, passionate love for the land, culture and people of her beloved Hawaii. She is excited to share that love and hopes, in addition to thrilling readers, her books give fans a taste of what Hawaii is all about. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Get ready for a bug-tacular episode of #ReadingWithYourKids! Roger McMullen discusses his new graphic novel Cicadapocalypse. He shares his fascination with cicadas that started after witnessing an emergence in Maryland as a teenager. Roger explains the unique 13-17 year life cycle of periodical cicadas and how they emerge in large numbers across different regions. He created Cicadapocalypse to educate children about cicadas in a fun way through the story of squirrels experiencing an emergence. Roger used an educational approach first to develop the narrative and then illustrated the book. The illustrations help immerse readers in the cicada world. We also take a listen back to a couple of our past buggy interviews. Anna Maria Rodriguez discusses her book Secrets of the Scuba Diving Spider. She shares the fascinating secret that one species of spider can build an air bubble and dive underwater to hunt and lay eggs. We also hear from Fernanda Lazaro who talks about The Tillson Bugger Adventures series. The books follow three friends who get into misadventures involving insects. In the second book, The Case of the Missing Mustache, centipedes cause terror in the characters' house. Click here to visit our website - www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

In this episode of #ReadingWithYourKids we are celebrating the Nearly Departed, Long Names and a pair of Creatures named Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes. First up we speak with José Pablo Iriarte, he author of the debut #MiddleGrade #Novel Benny Ramirez and the Nearly Departed. Jose tells us that Benny Ramírez can see dead people . . . Well, one dead person, anyway. A hilarious and heartwarming story about a boy who can suddenly see the ghost of his famous musician grandfather! Jose talks about the book, his hometown of Miami and his thoughts on why tweens love spooky stories! We also welcome Suma Subramaniam, author of My Name Is As Long As A River. Suma tells us this book celebrates how special our names are. She also gives us a look inside the varied cultures of India. Heather Marie closes the show by telling us about her delightful new series inspired by her two puppies Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes. She tells us her dogs went through difficult medical issues as puppies. She started this series to help teach kids to never give up, always be kind and to learn to accept differences in others. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

You are going to love this episode of Reading With Your Kids! First up is author Megan Schaulis. She is on the show to celebrate her YA dystopian novel "Protector". Megan explained how her book takes place in a near-future world where the king's bodyguards have been genetically enhanced. The main character Noah must compete against these enhanced women to become a protector, despite being a normal athlete. Megan and the host Jed Doherty discussed how dystopian novels allow authors to address real issues through fictional stories. They brought up ethical questions around genetic manipulation and enhancement. The conversation also touched on themes from the biblical story of Esther, which inspired Megan's book. We then switch gears and welcome author and illustrator Bonnie Kelso to the show. She introduced her new children's book "Sea Smiles", which takes a humorous look at sea animals with unusual teeth. Bonnie discussed how the book is part of a three-book series relating child milestones to ocean creatures. She also shared her background in exhibit design for museums like the Smithsonian. Throughout the episode, Bonnie and Jed shared personal anecdotes about their experiences with the ocean. They also debated the importance of encouraging children to dream and discussed creating art that introduces kids to real concepts. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading With Your Kids begins with two of our favorite guests Scott Rothman and Pete Oswald. Scott and Pete return to the show to celebrate their new children's book "Bubblegum Bison Needs a Bath." Rothman is the author and Oswald is the illustrator. They have collaborated on five books together and love working as a team. Rothman writes in a visual style that lends itself well to Oswald's humorous illustrations. The guests discussed the creative process of writing and illustrating picture books. Scott tells us how much he loves seeing Pete's illustrations, which often include hidden jokes and details. They brainstormed ideas for future books involving the adventures of Blue Bison and Bubblegum Bison. The second half of the episode featured author Courtney Cino celebrating her book "The Lights That Stay." This story inspires children with themes of growth, resilience, and self-esteem. Cino emphasized the importance of helping kids visualize themselves achieving goals in the future. Courtney believes families reading books together is a way to bond and have meaningful conversations. Cino's background in biotech marketing provided insights into the similarities between creating compelling visual stories in that field and writing picture books. Both require carefully refining content to concisely convey important messages through words and images. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading With Your Kids features three very impressive kids and one fantastic mom. First, 13-year-old Orion Jean celebrates his new book "Race to Kindness" and inspires listeners with his message of spreading kindness. Orion discusses founding his organization Race to Kindness after being named Time Magazine's Kid of the Year. Next, Kaili Powers and her mom Mei celebrate their children's book "It's Not That Spicy", which introduces readers to Asian cuisines. They share their experiences overcoming fears of spicy food and embracing different cultures through food. The episode also features 9-year-old author Amelie Anastasia, who wrote her first book at age 8 and is fundraising for a wildlife sanctuary. Throughout, the guests emphasize the importance of representation in children's books and inspiring curiosity about other cultures. The kids showcase their passion for writing, helping others, and making a positive impact on communities through small acts of kindness. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading with Your Kids explores important topics in education through insightful conversations with Tina Shepardson & Lynnette Mawhinney. Tina Shepardson shares the true story behind her book "The Sorry Seeds," about apologizing to her first grade teacher. She reflects on shifts in parent-teacher relationships and the need to trust educators working daily with students. The discussion examines challenges facing teachers with strict lesson plans limiting creativity and connections with students. Tina emphasizes building rapport with children through open-ended questions and storytelling to encourage reflection on actions. Lynnette Mawhinney celebrates her graphic novel chronicling the remarkable life and achievements of Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, who conducted influential research on racial bias despite facing gender and racial barriers. Lynnette discusses writing the graphic novel format to engage both youth and educators. Lynnette's graphic novel highlights Clark's significant yet overlooked contributions to desegregating schools and advocating for students. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Ali Gilkeson & Diana Lopez are on Reading With Your Kids to talk about how music, magic & myths can inspire creativity in kids! We first speak with Chhristian recording artist Ali Gilkerson about her debut children's book "My Lighthouse". Ali tells us this song is based on the popular song by her band Rend Collective. The book tells the story of a boy named Finn who learns to appreciate his home in a lighthouse through an adventure. Ali discussed writing the book to share with her kids and spark conversations about themes of guidance and faith. Ali also shared Ali memories of touring the country with her band Rend Collective while raising three kids on the road. Dianna Lopez returns to the sshow to celebrate discuss her new middle grade novel "Los Monstros, Rooster and Dancing Diablo." She tells us that the middle grade age range from 8-14 is a time of great change physically and emotionally for kids. Her book follows a character named Rooster, who is the son of a devil known as the Dancing Diablo. Rooster goes on a journey to find missing children in the town of Tres Leches. Dianna drew from her experience as a middle school teacher to craft relatable stories for this age group. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

On this episode of Reading With Your Kids we discuss alternative approaches to ADHD and brain development in children with Dr Connie McReynolds. Dr Connie is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with families. She shared her journey developing a new assessment and treatment model for ADHD. She found that 85-90% of clients had underlying auditory or visual processing issues, rather than surface symptoms addressed by traditional interventions. McReynolds uses quantitative EEG assessments to identify specific brain processing challenges. Her neurofeedback program then trains those areas through biofeedback games, strengthening neuronal pathways over 20-30 sessions. This non-invasive brain training has helped children with ADHD, anxiety, PTSD and other conditions. Dr Connie emphasized advocating for children facing educational challenges. Parents should question authoritative figures and seek alternative treatments if their child is struggling. Author David Covell also joined us to celebrate his book Gather Round. He believes outdoor activities like camping were great ways to help kids develop problem-solving skills and reducing anxiety. Covell shared his process writing succinct, emotionally resonant stories that invite discussion. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading With Your Kids focused on promoting children's mental health and well-being. Guest Alison McGrath discussed her picture book "Walter and the Worry Test," which teaches kids skills from cognitive behavioral therapy to manage worries and anxiety. She explained that negative thoughts can impact feelings and behaviors if left unchallenged. While childhood anxiety is rising, many schools still lack resources like counselors to help kids develop social-emotional skills and feel safe. Author and librarian Robert Broder shared the inspiration for his book "Reading Together," looking back on transitioning from early readers to chapter books with his daughter. This experience of sharing stories together was formative for building their relationship. Broder went on to co-found the children's publisher Ripple Grove Press with his wife after brainstorming the idea while traveling for work. Both Robert and Jed praised public libraries as invaluable community hubs providing far more than books. They offer technology access, workshops, and a safe space for all. While libraries have evolved with technology, their role serving people of all backgrounds remains essential. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading With Your Kids explored the fascinating world of space through the eyes of children. Astronaut John Schaffner discussed the International Space Art and Poetry Contest, sharing imaginative submissions from kids ages 5-18 around the world. The contest reveals children's unique visions of living in space, like bringing cats and holding hands with aliens. John emphasized how the contest sparks kids' natural curiosity about space. Even without formal education on the topic, they intuitively grasp concepts of zero gravity and vacuum environments. The discussion considered why space captures children's imaginations, possibly representing a blank canvas free of worldly problems. Bringing arts into STEM fields, the contest shows how creativity fuels discovery. John highlighted the importance of inspiring young minds in STEM careers like engineering, which support space exploration. The podcast also addressed cultivating interest in related fields such as oceanography that deserve more funding. Author Kate O'Shaughnessy provided insight into writing for middle grade audiences. Her book The Wrong Way Home explores timely themes of questioning beliefs and thinking independently. The conversation stressed building foundations with kids through open discussions from an early age to have important conversations as they grow. Overall, the episode celebrated how arts can spark imaginations and advance humanity's understanding of both inner and outer space. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

We love sharing thought provoking conversations with fascinating people on Reading With Your Kids. We beging by chatting with the CEO of Reash Out And Read Marty Martinez. Marty tells us Reach Out and Read, trains pediatricians to integrate books into well-child visits to promote early literacy. He explained how shared reading helps children's brain development and bonding with parents. Later in the episode we meet author Hena Khan. Hena tells us her new anthology "The Door is Open" is a collection of stories written by South Asian American writers. She also shared about her upcoming graphic novel "We Are Big Time" based on a girls basketball team. Additionally, she talked about her middle grade novels "Drawing Deena" and co-authored book "Like a Boss." Throughout the episode, the importance of reading with children from a young age was emphasized, as well as using books to inspire creativity and build emotional connections between families. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com Click here to learn more about Read Out And Read - https://reachoutandread.org/

This episode of Reading With Your Kids featured several authors discussing their children's books and the importance of social emotional learning. The show began by introducing Brian Nolet and Dave Mossman, authors of the "Jungle Buddyz" book series. They discussed writing their first book together and touching on themes like believing in oneself Brian and Dave discussed using children's books to develop resilience. Brian Nolet practices self-awareness with his sons to help them manage emotions. Dave Mossman, a teacher in a remote First Nation community, has observed rising anxiety in students and incorporates social emotional learning. Technology was noted as both helping and hindering children's development. Lydia Lukidis returned to the show to celebrate her latest book "Dancing Through Space". This book tells the story of astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison. Lydia worked hard to get this story published as she believes it is a powerful way to celebrate the connection between art and science. To wrap up this episode we speak with Angelica Streeter who is passionate about spreading her love of hummingbirds and her book "Hum Hum Hummingbird". She discussed the tiny birds' abilities like long-distance travel and pollination. Authors encouraged developing friendships through shared understanding. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

We are calling this episode of Reading With Your Kids If a Pigeon Poops in the Woods: Nature Calls us to Log Off and Laugh. Our first guest is JD Peabody, author of the Inkwell Chronicles fantasy series. J D returns to the show to celebrate the second book in the series. He tells us that the series was inspired by CS Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and a real 1952 train crash in London. Peabody aimed to introduce kids to literature through "Easter eggs" subtly referenced in the books. The series follows siblings Everett and B as they search for their missing father and protect magical ink from villains. We also speak with Britt Gondolfi about her new book "Look Up: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution." Gondolfi co-wrote and illustrated the book with her friend Amanda Romanick. The book addresses modern technology overuse through a humorous story about birds pooping on phones to get people's attention. Gondolfi discussed struggles finding balance with her own phone and her daughter's usage. She and Romanick worked together from the start, hoping to inspire more connection between nature, humanity and each other. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Pam Rice returns to headline this episode of Reading With Your Kids. Pam has been a long time friend of the show. We always enjoy celebrating her beautiful picture books. Today we celebrate Pam's latest work The Sun On My Face. Pam tells us that she looks at each spread in my books as a work of art. Each page tells its own story through textures, colors, and details for readers to discover.. David Gibby tells us his Adventures Of Patch #MiddleGrade series was inspired by the stories he would tell his children and their friends. Jennifer Freeland and Jennifer Sipos were also on the show to celebrate their debut #Bilingual #PictureBook Duck and Rabbit ABC Military Adventure Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Lori Orlinsky and Alysson Bourque return to #ReadingWithYourKids to share valuable mamrketing tips for all authors and aspiring authors. Lori and Aly are the founders of Expound Publicity and have helped over 550 authors launch and promote their books. They explained the challenges independent authors face with marketing, publicity, and avoiding scams. Social media was highlighted as an important tool, but authors were advised to focus on helpful rather than sales-focused content. They also shared best practices for marketing children's books, including building credibility through reviews and awards, predicting future trends, and planning publicity campaigns months in advance. Lisa Jacovsky also joined us to talk about diversity and inclusion in children's literature. She reminds us that representing diverse cultures & abilities in books provides value by allowing all children to see themselves reflected. Lisa is a passionate advocate for kids on the a utism spectrum and her books help all kids embrace the idea that kids who are different can be great friends. Her character in "Happy Thoughts" uses augmentative communication, increasing understanding. She is passionate about advocating for neurodiverse children through her work. Inclusion and changes to the education system were discussed as areas still needing improvement to fully support neurodiverse students. The importance of embracing diversity, promoting positivity, and combating stigma through children's media was a recurring theme. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Dora Endre returns to #ReadingWithYourKids to celebrate the expanded version of her #ChildrensBook Magical Meadow. Dora tells us that her book introduces us to mindfulness practices for kids and one celebrating family love. She emphasized teaching gratitude, presence, and managing stress through simple exercises. Performing experiences were shared, emphasizing dealing with unexpected events through presence of mind. Mindfulness techniques like savoring moments were suggested to improve enjoyment and manage stress for both adults and children. Roxanne Chester joined to discuss her new book "This is My Bag", which addresses the issue of homelessness for young readers. She drew inspiration from witnessing an unhoused person sleeping by her friend's door with a child present. The book aims to start important conversations by showing the complexity of the hosuing crisis. Roxanne shared the horrifying statistic that over 1 million children experience homelessness annually in US schools alone. The speakers agreed on the importance of discussing difficult topics with kids from a young age so conversations come naturally later. Talking about issues like homelessness and anxiety can help avoid apathy and normalize problems. Overall, the conversations highlighted using children's books and family discussions to foster empathy, address societal problems, and empower kids to face challenges.

Let's hop on the Book Bus! Brian Wray and Mike Helm are on this episode of #ReadingWithYourKIds to celebrate The Book Bus, their new children's book.which tells the story of Tilly the book bus who delivers books to children. They told us the book was inspired by the real life book bus organization. Taylor Hintermann then discussed her debut picture book "Kipps Funny Little Feet" about a boy learning to walk with leg braces. She talked about how she wanted to promote inclusion for children with disabilities or special needs. Next, Joren Cull celebrated his book "I Am Book" about a book character who tries different genres to find his place. He discussed changing the book over many years and wanting to spread empathy. All of the guests encouraged families to read together to help foster understanding and acceptance of differences. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading With Your Kids takes a deep dive into a wide range of topics related to parenting, education, and children's health. Richard Capriola, an expert in adolescent substance abuse, discussed the importance of educating parents on the warning signs of drug and alcohol use in teens with our RWYK intern Kayla Nuehlen. He emphasized that knowledge is key to early intervention. Richard and Kayla discussed how schools could incorporate neuroscience into drug education to make it more engaging for students. Teen drug use rates in the US were examined, noting that many teens believe drugs are widely available and not dangerous. Intergenerational relationships and the role of food in bringing families together were explored. We also welcomed author Tim Kleyn back to the show. Tim was on to celebrate his new kids' book Grilled Cheese, Yes Please. Tim also shared how becoming a parent influenced his books to incorporate more playfulness and reflect on a child's perspective. .Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com #AdolescentSubstanceAbuse #TeenDrugUse #UnderageDrinking #YouthMentalHealth #AddictionPrevention #ParentingTips #DrugEducation #FentanylRisks #OpioidEpidemic

On this episode of #ReadingWithYourKids we answer wie explore puppy love and Bubble troubles. Alexandra Horowitz, celebrates her new book The Year of the Puppy. She discussed her career studying dog behavior and cognition. She explained how dogs were domesticated from wolves over thousands of years through selective breeding. Horowitz also talked about common misconceptions people have about dogs, like thinking they form dominance hierarchies like wolves. Later in the episode Ellwyn Autumn returns to celebrate her new picture book, A Fish Named Fancy. The book is about a boy fish named Fancy who likes to make shapes with his bubbles instead of circles like the other fish. He goes on an adventure to find others who are different too. Autumn said the book promotes acceptance of uniqueness and individuality. As a teacher, she talked about how kids as young as preschool age can start to form cliques and exclude others. Both authors provided advice for parents on how to help kids who feel left out, like encouraging other interests and hobbies to find friends. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

On this episode of #ReadingWithYourKids we celebrate the stories from Tyra Juliette Schwartz, Kalle Sudoof & Jenna Margon. We begin our celebration with a powerful conversation with Tyra Juliette Schwartz about her new kids' book "The Sky is Red". Tyra tells us this book teaches self-trust through a fun superhero story. She emphasized the importance of instilling inner strength and resilience in children to believe in themselves despite challenges. We then speak with . Kale Sudoff and his book "Stuart Quills and his Explosive Emotions" that explores a character dealing with change and nerves. Kale tells us the books was inspired by his own experience with stuttering. Kale encourages embracing differences and individuality. Our third segment showcases Jenna Morgan and her book "Twinkle". Jenna tells us this book was inspired by her daughter's free spirit. It explores feeling pressure to conform versus being true to oneself. Both Kale and Jen found solace in creative writing and want to inspire kids through relatable characters. Hard work, perseverance, and overcoming disappointment. were discussed. Tyra shared facing rejection but achieving dreams through hard work and self-belief. The importance of building resilience in children was highlighted. Overall the discussions promoted values of self-confidence, embracing uniqueness, and empowering children. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading with Your Kids features conversations about children's literature, mental health, and self-acceptance. Guests William Hartwick and Francine Davila discuss their memoirs exploring personal journeys of healing through difficult life experiences. Hartwick shares how writing helped him process trauma and find self-love, represented through the metaphor of an "Invisible Backpack" carrying emotional burdens. Helen Wu of Yeehoo Press discusses selecting books appealing to audiences in both the US and China, noting cultural differences in topics. Her company focuses on themes like STEM, hands-on learning, and diversity to foster global understanding. Francine Davila returns to discuss her book "The Lonely Chameleon," exploring a character struggling with low self-esteem due to not fitting in. She shares overcoming bullying by accepting herself unconditionally in high school. Overall, the conversations emphasize the power of self-love through challenging times and importance of inclusive, imaginative children's literature in building confident readers. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Rajani LaRocca, Shannon Hitchcock and Amie Darnell Specht are on this episode of #ReadingWithYourKids to celebrate the power of story. We begin the episode by welcoming Rajani LaRocca back to the show. She is celebrating her new middle grade fantasy novel, Sona and the Golden Beasts. Rajani explained the setting and characters, including Sona who discovers an injured wolf pup and goes on a quest to save her mentor. Jedlie asked Rajani about her writing process. She said she started with the emotions of indignation and affection for marginalized people. They discussed how media has agendas and the importance of parents talking with their kids about the media they consume. Rajani also shared details about the magic system in her book being collective magic formed through music and connection. Next, Shannon Hitchcock and Amie Darnell Specht joined to discuss their new novel Dancing in the Storm. Shannon explained the story is about 12-year-old Kate who has been diagnosed with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). Amie further described FOP as a rare genetic disorder where the body forms sheets of bone over muscles, joints and ligaments. Amie shared her experience growing up with FOP, including adaptations her parents allowed to let her be a kid as long as possible. Shannon then told how she learned of Amie's condition and decided to write a book together about a girl learning to live with FOP. They discussed the challenges of collaborating virtually during COVID-19.

Three fascinating guests on this epsiode of Reading With Your Kids. First up is Jennifer Nestor, author of "Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality". This book uses animal characters to help a young girl embrace her unique traits. Jane Smith's book "Teddy's Bear Takes a Tumble" shows a boy caring for his stuffed bear like his caring father cares for him, passing kindness through generations. Both authors emphasized the importance of embracing individuality and positive role models. We discussed creating children's books that address difficult topics through enjoyable stories. Traditional publishing was compared to self-publishing, with Jane Smith choosing to independently publish to directly connect with readers. We end the show with a delightful chat with Valentina, an Italian government official who was instrumental in coordinating an initiative that sponsored tweny publishers to visit the International Children's Book Festival. Valentina shares her loveof the history, culture, and famous cuisine of Bologna, Italy, including underground rivers and Michelangelo's smaller statue. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading with Your Kids featured conversations with several authors celebrating books and literacy. Jenna James discussed her Mozzarella book series, which draws inspiration from her travels between Ireland and Italy. The stories follow cheese-named characters on adventures throughout the world in search of happiness. James emphasizes exposing children to other cultures through her bilingual books and interactive activities. Jenny Murray joins us from the International Children's Book Festival in Bologna, Italy. She has been attending the festival for over twenty years, representing Children's Books Ireland. She shared insights on encouraging literacy. Her organization educates adults about the wide range of books available and promotes Irish authors. Jenny discussed the importance of cultural exchange and language learning. We also have a listen back to an interview with Jane Yolen. Jane, who is the author of over 400 published books, reflected on her writing process . She emphasized the power of paying attention to find story ideas everywhere and letting children's imaginations flourish. You can hear the entire interview with Jane, which was originally published on April 1, 2021 on our website. All of the guests discussed challenges like engaging parents who struggle with reading themselves. Ideas included modeling reading behavior. The episode celebrated diverse voices in literature and empowering children through stories. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of #ReadingWithYourKids features author and animator Sean Charmatz and Rawandan author and publisher Gasani Mutesi, Sean Charmatz joins us to celebrate his Bubble Cat series of picture books. Sean discusses how his character Bubble Cat learns strength, confidence and resilience despite appearing fragile. He reflected on how becoming a father influenced his storytelling perspective. We met Gasana Mutesi at the International Children's Book Festival in Bologna, Italy. Gasana emphasized how reading with children is important for building character, bonding and sparking conversations about values. She believes books act as windows and doors into new perspectives and experiences. She discussed using animal characters in her books to introduce concepts like chores to children in a fun way. Both guests stressed that books can open discussions on sensitive topics in a practical way for children. If parents want to shape their children's humanity and values, they must model that behavior themselves through open conversations sparked by shared reading experiences. Books have the power to influence culture for generations. The conversation concluded with insights on Rwanda's cultural richness and recovery from tragedy under strong leadership. Gusana promotes reading and publishing stories reflecting cultural values through her company. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This is a fun episode of Reading With Your Kids. We first chat with Bob Shea and Jarvis, author & illustrator of the #ChildrensBook "Oh, Are You Awake?". They discuss their creative process, from initially connecting online in 2019 to illustrate the story, despite never meeting. Jarvis shares enjoying the freedom of illustration in children's books compared to more realistic work. They emphasize writing simply to entertain themselves first. We then literally travel to the International Children's Book Festival In Bologna, Italy to meet Melissa Wakhu, founder of Soul Kids Africa publishing house in Kenya. She discusses the importance of representation in children's literature, having struggled to find quality books reflecting her son's African heritage growing up. She wrote her first book, about a hibiscus flower, to immerse children in their culture. Wakhu emphasizes reading aloud with children to bond and spark conversations. While not traditional in Africa, she found it invaluable spending time with her own kids. She wants to expose children to untold histories of African empires through books. Both interviews highlight using humor and playfulness in children's content. Authors discuss tapping into childhood memories and trusting instincts with feedback from trusted critics. Representation and cultural exploration through literature are emphasized as bringing communities together. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This episode of Reading With Your Kids we meet Stephanie Barber and Renee Greene Murphy. Stephanie Barber introduces us to the reading.com mobile app. Stephanie explains that the app uses phonics-based lessons and decodable books to teach children to read at home. Jed questions how the app approaches traditional phonics instruction, and Stephanie responds that it focuses on collaborative learning between parents and children. They discuss challenges in education, including frequent curriculum changes and supporting dyslexic learners. Renee Green Murphy comes to Reading With Your Kids to celebrate her book "Your Hearts Voice". Renee shares how her personal experiences inspired her to write a children's book about intuition. She describes intuition as an innate gift that guides people towards right choices. Renee aims to teach children to identify and trust their intuition through her book. Jed and Renee discuss the importance of intuition in decision making for both children and adults. Renee also touches on the negative impacts of excessive social media exposure on children's ability to think independently. Overall, the conversations highlight the value of phonics-based literacy programs, parental involvement in education, and cultivating children's intuition from an early age. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

On this episode of "Reading with your Kids" we meet children's authors Alysson Bourque and Meredith Davis. First up is Alysson Bourque to celebrate her new children's book "Alleycat and the Sunday Scaries". She talked about how the book helps kids overcome fears by learning resilience from Alleycat and her friends. Alysson shared her journey from writing the series inspired by her own kids, to self-publishing success and being picked up by a traditional publisher. Later in the episode Meredith Davis celebrates her new middle grade novel "The Minor Miracle". The story follows a boy named Noah who discovers he can manipulate gravity. Meredith discussed why superheroes are so appealing to both children and adults, citing themes of empowerment. She emphasized finding one's own superpowers, including the power of reading. Meredith encouraged evaluating ideas and content through the lens of "true, good, and beautiful". Both authors provided advice for aspiring writers, stressing patience and perseverance. They highlighted the importance of engaging kids through personalized book recommendations and shared reading experiences between families. The interviews promoted literacy and creating understanding around the business of publishing. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

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 on clouds - one sees them as art, the other understands their scientific properties. Both authors discussed the value of using children's literature to expose kids to diverse cultures and perspectives. They also emphasized the importance of observing the natural world and asking questions to cultivate curiosity. The conversations provided insights into the authors' creative processes and how they incorporate research into their storytelling. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

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 through musical storytelling. Raffi described how songs can arise from specific emotions, while Frank uses rhythm, movement and percussion in interactive musical stories. Frank emphasizes being authentic and connecting with children, advising aspiring authors to remember what engaged them as kids. The host discussed how music stimulates brain development and how affirmations can boost children's confidence when delivered rhythmically. National recording artist Alaura Lovelight surprised listeners with a story of vulnerability from a school project, where students of various backgrounds shared hurtful things said to them. Her video aimed to show common humanity. The episode encouraged teaching kids to see past surface differences and value one another's experiences. Readers were invited to support the new works discussed and continue growing closer through shared reading. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

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, who was debuting his graphic memoir "Puzzled" about growing up with OCD. He explained that OCD is misunderstood and manifests as intrusive thoughts leading to compulsive behaviors, rather than a preference for cleanliness. Pan discussed his experiences with OCD and different types of intrusive thoughts and rituals he experienced. He emphasized that OCD is treatable through cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. Both guests provided insight for parents on supporting children's mental health and creativity. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

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 Christian content that is not cheesy." Her latest book teaches an anxious dump truck to trust in God. She was motivated to fill gaps she found in resources for her own preschool son. The host discussed how faith-based stories can appeal to both religious and non-religious families by addressing big concepts simply. They also talked about some criticism Sarah has received and how she has grown from addressing concerns respectfully. The episode emphasized empowering children through reading, asking questions, valuing their thoughts, and inspiring their own creativity and storytelling. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

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 fundamental part of learning. Jason found inspiration from the story of Mei Chu, who scaled her candle business from soup cans into a multimillion dollar company. Other entrepreneurs like Danielle Vincent and Jenny Bauer provided guidance through challenges like failure and differentiation. The host emphasized that entrepreneurship is about making a positive impact regardless of business size. Representation in books was highlighted through stories celebrating Muslim holidays Ramadan and Eid. Author Sahtina Abaza discussed the importance of books providing a window into other cultures. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com