Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Dr Kimberly Berens is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the power of behavior science for accelerating reading skills. She discusses common myths around learning, including the myth that children learn to read based on their age and development rather than through instruction. She explains how this myth has negatively impacted students. Dr. Berens also talks about using the science of learning, including behavior science, neuroscience, and epigenetics, to understand that reading is a skill that must be taught. She emphasizes using phonics and decoding strategies with students of any age who have gaps in foundational reading skills. Dr. Berens promotes taking a scientific approach to education by closely tracking student progress and making data-driven instructional changes. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Carl Safina is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcasts to celebrate "Alfie and Me: What Owls Know and What Humans Believe". Carl discussed how he came to care for and observe a screech owl named Alfie during the COVID pandemic. He shared insights into screech owl behavior and sounds. Carl explained the inspiration for his book's title, which comes from the idea that animals know things based on their experiences in the world, while humans often believe things they have not directly experienced. The conversation touched on teaching media literacy to help kids discern true information. Carl suggested encouraging kids to be open but skeptical of claims until they can investigate further. He also discussed the importance of experiencing nature firsthand and cultivating a sense of wonder and care for the natural world. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Robert Provan is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new book "Kiki and Slugger's Magic Spring Adventure", The story features the characters Kiki, a small endangered Key deer, and Slugger, a large playful black lab that kids will love. Robert drew inspiration for the story from observing wildlife like Key deer in the Florida Keys. He discussed how he developed the characters based on real animals he observed. Robert also talked about how he got into writing children's books after answering his young daughter's many questions about nature. Both Robert and Jed agreed on the importance of spending time outside with kids and nurturing their curiosity about the natural world. Robert shared details about his writing process and future projects. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Shyreen Lowe is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her children's book "The Cozy Cozy Cardigan". Shireen discussed how the book tells a story about a young boy dealing with separation anxiety from his mother, and how a cardigan knitted with love by his mother helps comfort him. The story shows how the cardigan is passed down through generations in the family. Shyreen wanted to write a book that could help both children and parents deal with these difficult emotions.. They discussed the importance of portraying fathers and emotions in a positive light in children's media. Shyreen shared that she aims to make a difference in children's lives through her writing and nannying work, despite struggling with anxiety herself Click here to visit Shyreen's website - https://splowe.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Steve Erickson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his children's book "Where Do Animals Go on Vacation?". Steve discussed how he came up with the idea for the book over 15 years ago and finally wrote and published it after retiring from his career in advertising. He explained the premise of animals going on vacation to places that suit their abilities and interests. Steve enjoyed reading the book to school classes and engaging the children to think about where different animals might vacation. Both guests agreed on the importance of reading with children and fueling their imagination through books and travel. Steve shared that writing children's books allows him more creative freedom than his past career creating advertising. The conversation highlighted how reading can open children's minds to new places and cultures. Click here to visit Steve's website - www.steveaerickson.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Sarah Arthur is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #podcast to celebrate her new YA novel Once a Queen. Jed and Sarah discussed Sarah's background in youth ministry and 20 years of writing books exploring faith through popular stories. Sarah explained how she uses stories to have meaningful conversations with kids about life's challenges. They talked about the importance of experiencing media together as a family and using it to discuss values. Sarah provided an overview of Once a Queen, about a teenage girl visiting her estranged grandmother in England and sensing fairy tales may be real. She enjoyed developing the protagonist's emotional journey. Sarah and Jed agreed parents should read this book with their kids to have important discussions. Overall, this was an engaging discussion about using stories to build understanding between generations and bring families closer through open conversations. Click here to visit Sarah's website - www.saraharthur.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Christmas is here, and we are blessed once again to be able to share with you an original short story, written and read by members of CatholicTeenBooks.com. This heartwarming story reminds us how wonderful it is to be able to share our blessings with others. The story was written and read by Antony Kolenc, Leslea Wahl, Carolyn Astfalk, Corinna Turner and Marie Keiser. Sit back with a cup of coco and enjoy this heart warming story.

Fahad Siddiqui is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his publishing company Our Story. Fahad started Our Story to tell stories of important historical figures that are often left out of mainstream education, like Mansa Musa, the richest man in history from Mali. Fahid tells us these books aim to show kids positive representations of people from all over the world and what's possible. Jed and Fahid discussed how media focuses too much on negativity and how Our Story shares positive stories from the past. Fahad talked about a woman named Fatima al-Fihri who founded the first university in the world in the 9th century in Morocco. They hope these stories can inspire kids about what they can achieve regardless of gender or background. Click here to visit the Our Story website - www.Ourstory.media Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Ricky Adams is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his debut children's book, Tumbleweed the Cowboy Flamingo. The book tells the story of Tumbleweed who travels from the East Coast to the West during the California Gold Rush of 1849. Adams wrote the book originally as a Christmas gift for his son, who he describes as highly sensitive. He discusses how highly sensitive children can deeply empathize with characters and be affected by conflicts in stories. Adams wanted to provide content for children like his son that didn't include violence or intense conflicts. The conversation explores the benefits of reading together as a family and how choosing the right books can provide an empowering experience before bedtime. Adams shares his journey from getting the idea to publish the book for others and hopes Tumbleweed may become a series of adventures. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Aaron Airmet is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his newly created card game called Dad Ventures. This game is the perfect tool to help busy fathers find easy ways to spend quality time with their kids. The game consists of "Dad Cards" with activity ideas like going on a bike ride, and "Kid Cards" that add a fun twist. Airmet came up with the idea after feeling guilty about not spending enough time with his own kids due to work obligations. The cards are meant to provide spontaneous activities that require no planning so dads can quickly engage with their children. Airmet shared stories of playing Dad Ventures with his family, which sparked imaginative adventures like pretending to be superheroes. Other dads who tested the game also bonded more closely with their kids through silly outings. Now Airmet is running a Kickstarter campaign to mass produce Dad Ventures. The goal is to encourage millions of fathers worldwide to strengthen their relationships by enjoying simple activities together drawn from the cards. Research shows spending time with children is very rewarding for dads but also exhausting, so the convenient card format aims to make bonding achievable for busy families. Click here to learn more about dadventures - www.adventures.dad Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Jeff Nelligan joins Jed Doherty to discuss his new book "Four Lessons from My Three Sons." Jeff shares the valuable life lessons he imparted to his sons, including the importance of building strong family relationships, being on time, greeting people properly, developing confidence through challenging experiences, cultivating resilience in the face of adversity, and inspiring ambition. Jed agrees these lessons served him and his kids well too. Though some may dismiss their advice as "old school," Jeff argues what has endured is often worth keeping. They discuss how these lessons can benefit all kids in building character and preparing them for success. It's a lively discussion of practical wisdom for parenting that's sure to give listeners a renewed appreciation for timeless guidance and new ideas to strengthen their own families. Click here to visit Jeff's website - https://www.nelliganbooks.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Storyteller Ray Chesny is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her children's book Zora's Garden, inspired by her research into author Zora Neale Hurston. The book tells the story of little Zora learning about storytelling from her mother in their garden, much like Hurston's own upbringing. Ray discussed how the book came from time spent gardening with her son during the pandemic. She also shared insights into Hurston's pioneering life as one of the most prolific black women writers of her time and her determination to follow her dreams despite the challenges she faced. Ray explained how she became inspired by Hurston after initially being unfamiliar with her work. Listeners learned how Ray brings stories to life for audiences through dynamic storytelling techniques. The summary provides details on where to find Ray's work and get involved with preserving Hurston's legacy. Click here to visit Rae's website - https://raechesny.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Chaya Topas is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her two children's books - When We Visit You and Go Away Bad Dreams. When We Visit You came from a running joke Chaya had with her husband about visiting their grown kids and doing the annoying things they used to do. The book shows grandparents getting revenge in a fun way. Chaya said it worked to change some behaviors in her kids like replacing the toilet paper. Go Away Bad Dreams helps kids relax before bed by suggesting pleasant dreams. Chaya reads it to her daughters and puts positive images in their minds. Both books get great feedback from parents for their effectiveness. Chaya never intended to be a writer but has caught the bug and written four more books. She discussed the challenges of publishing but finds the creative process rewarding. Click here to visit Chaya's website - www.ChayaTopas.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Tim Wright is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new middle grade novel, Toby Baxter: River Home for the Holidays. Tim discussed how in this sequel, Toby returns to the magical world of River Home during the holidays but finds it dying without its source of energy. Toby and his friends go on an adventure to discover what happened and try to restore life to the land. Jed and Tim talked about the importance of instilling a sense of vision and purpose in middle grade readers through stories. They discussed the benefits of reading together as a family versus social media consumption. Tim enjoyed writing middle grade novels later in life and found it brought him joy. He hopes to continue Toby Baxter's story through 7 books total. Click here to visit Tim's website - www.TimWrightBooks.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Kevin Carey is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his novel Junior Miles and the Junk Man and how it aimed to help a boy process his grief over losing his father through magical journeys involving creating art from recycled materials. Both Kevin and Jed reflected on how far we've come in openly discussing difficult emotions like grief. Kevin also provided insightful advice from his experience teaching writing, emphasizing the importance of being open to constructive criticism in order to grow. His perseverance in getting this story published after many years showed the dedication and resilience needed in the writing field. This discussion highlighted how expressing ourselves through writing and art can help us understand ourselves and others on a deeper level. It was inspiring to hear Kevin's passion for sharing stories that explore the human experience, even through fantastical elements, and for encouraging new writers to stay determined in pursuing their craft. Click here to visit Kevin's website - kevincareywriter.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Dr. Monica Schott is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her children's book "My Dad Built Me the Best and Wackiest Cubby Ever". Dr. Schott explained that the book tells the story of a child building a cubby house with their father, but as they build it the father becomes mentally ill and the cubby becomes more "wacky". Jed shared about growing up with a father who had mental health issues and how a book like this could have helped him understand better. Dr. Schott talked about how she was inspired to write the book to help explain mental illness to her own children. They discussed how important it is for both children and adults to have resources to understand and talk about mental health. Dr. Schott found resilience from believing in breaking down stigma, and was glad the book is now helping many adults as well as children. Click here to visit Dr Monika's website - www.monikaschott.com/about Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Jeanne DuPreau is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new middle grade novel Project F. Jeanne explained that Project F takes place hundreds of years in the future after climate change has drastically altered civilization. Humanity has survived but in a very different world. The main character is a 13-year-old boy named Keith who goes on a trip that connects him to a mysterious project. Jed and Jeanne discussed how this future world might look and function without many modern conveniences. They also talked about how reading this book could inspire important conversations for families about energy, climate change, and humanity's impact on the planet. While the future depicted may seem frightening, Jeanne believes discussing such issues is important for awareness and potential solutions. Overall, the interview provided an overview of Project F's setting and themes while exploring how the book could engage readers and families. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Anthony Kolenc returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Murder at Pinewood Manor, the fifth installment in his Harwood Mysteries series. Kolenc described that the books are aimed at middle school through high school readers and involve his protagonist Zan and friends solving mysteries in 12th century England. Kolenc provided a plot summary of Murder at Pinewood Manor and discussed how he balances accurate historical details with an engaging story. He also talked about how the series was inspired by his family's experience with homeschooling and how the books are popular educational resources. Kolenc connected his work as a law professor to the legal topics covered in the novels. He further explained how writing the series allowed him to sensitively portray other religions. Click here to visit Antony's website - http://www.antonykolenc.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Christine Carlucci Evans is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her book "Worry Cloud." Christine discussed how the book was inspired by a mindfulness technique she created for her kids during the pandemic to help them release worries. She explained that the technique involves saying worries aloud, imagining putting them in a cloud, watching the cloud float away, and affirming positive statements. Christine also discussed how the book introduces breathwork and its benefits for reducing stress and anxiety. She recommended specific exercises parents can do with kids like counting breaths. Christine discussed how introducing these mindfulness techniques early can help kids and parents dealing with anxiety. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Elliot Herland is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his debut children's book "The Cloud Story". Elliot explained how the book came about through his daughter Katie Marquardt who illustrated it for her college portfolio. The book uses descriptive imagery of nature to teach children mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises. It takes readers on a journey through different landscapes while cueing them to breathe. Elliot discussed how he would tell the story to his kids as they fell asleep and how Katie encouraged him to write it down. He went through several revisions guided by her feedback. They worked with a publisher to edit and produce the book. Elliot hopes the book can help kids deal with anxiety and stress through meditation. He and Katie may collaborate on future books building off the characters and exploring new themes and stories. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Etaine Raphael returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new children's book series called The Rumbly Tummy Adventures. The first book is called Rice to the Rescue. Etaine explains that the series was created in partnership with Edmundite Missions to teach children about nutrition in a fun way through stories featuring fairies, dragons, and adventures. Each book also includes easy recipes. Etaine discusses working with the community in Selma, Alabama to ensure the books and recipes are culturally relevant and use affordable ingredients. She acknowledges criticism may come from focusing less on health and more on accessibility, but feels it's important to start with small improvements. Etaine shares details about Rice to the Rescue's story and characters. Jed commends Etaine for her work with Edmundite Missions to address food insecurity through literacy and family engagement. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Victoria Smith returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book "Priscilla and Tux", the third book in her Tuxedo Baby series. She discusses the plot of the new book, which focuses on sibling love between Tuxedo Baby and his new sister Priscilla. Tux wants to be called Tux now that he has a sister. The story follows Priscilla bringing Tux to show and tell at school. Jed and Victoria discuss some of the themes in the books like learning limitations and accepting who you are. They also talk about Victoria's experience visiting classrooms to discuss the books. Victoria shares how the classroom experience differs from her 29 years of teaching. They discuss some changes in education over the decades like smaller class sizes. Victoria emphasizes the important role of the teacher in shaping the classroom experience. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Sally Alexander returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest books: "The Missing Cats" and "The Wild Turkeys." The series follows the adventures of Caitlin and her Ragdoll cat, Rio, who gained superpowers after the world lost its colors. Each book presents standalone adventures while maintaining an overarching storyline. "The Missing Cats" involves a mystery about missing blue-eyed cats, drawing inspiration from lost pet notices in the suburbs. Sally emphasizes teamwork and friendship as themes throughout the series. The upcoming book, "The Wild Turkeys," is inspired by a group of wild turkeys invading a town. Sally introduces the idea of animals gaining unique powers due to the color loss event, bringing a tribe of turkeys seeking help to Caitlin and Rio. This book promises a unique Thanksgiving tale, blending unpredictable elements like a snowstorm and a turkey causing chaos. The conversation delves into creativity, vulnerability, and the importance of allowing oneself to fail and take risks. Sally encourages young aspiring writers to embrace their imagination and start writing without fear of making mistakes. Click here to visit Sally's website - https://www.sallyalexander.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

The conversation between Jed Doherty and Meg Stafford explores the enriching experiences of travel and its impact on personal growth, family dynamics, and the connections between parents and children. Meg shares anecdotes about her daughters' transformative journeys to Nepal, Bhutan, Colombia, and beyond. These experiences encouraged independence, mindfulness, and cultural understanding, shaping her daughters' perspectives and life choices. They discuss the importance of travel in broadening horizons, fostering openness, and strengthening family bonds. The conversation touches on the significance of co-reading Meg's book, "Who Will Accompany You," as a catalyst for familial discussions, inspiring curiosity, and planning future adventures. Meg emphasizes the mutual learning between parents and children during travel experiences, highlighting the value of being vulnerable, adaptable, and connected in unfamiliar environments. The conversation concludes with Meg sharing her upcoming travel plans and inviting listeners to explore her website for more insights into her journeys and writings. Throughout, the conversation celebrates the joys and lessons of exploring the world together as a family. Click here to visit Meg's website - https://megstafford.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Gareth Higgins is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his book "Cory in the Seventh Story Place," Gareth tells us this book was inspired by conversations on 'us versus them' mentality and unnecessary conflicts. Rooted in Gareth's experiences in Northern Ireland, he and his co-author aimed to address dehumanization and marginalization, especially for bullied or marginalized children. In their conversation on the podcast Gareth and Jedlie highlight the impact of words, advocating against the belief that names can't hurt. They discuss how societal conflicts often stem from a lack of belonging and fairness rather than just ideological differences. They touch upon the Northern Ireland conflict, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, non-violence, and understanding. Both Gareth and Jedlie agree that Love, to them, means extending oneself for others' sake, promoting courage, selflessness, and building a bigger table without harming anyone. They stress the need to start conversations about love and belonging with kids, challenging the negative narratives they might encounter elsewhere. Gareth's book aims to inspire conversations about building a better world, extending beyond childhood lessons, and becoming the goal of societal interactions. Gareth and Jed encourage fostering understanding, collaboration, and a shared responsibility to create a more inclusive and empathetic society. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Kelly Anne Manuel, an uncommon author,is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her remarkable journey in creating 31 children's books in a mere six months. Her prolific burst of creativity astonished the host, especially considering the typical years-long process of traditional publishing. Kelly's background in child development and diverse professional experiences laid the groundwork for her writing journey. She revealed her writing process, emphasizing the natural flow of creating nursery rhymes. Kelly shared how achieving internal quiet by silencing self-doubting voices enabled her to hear her true creative voice. Her advice to aspiring authors was simple: use free resources like Canva and Istock to create, self-publish, and fulfill your creative visions. Regarding her books, Kelly pointed to platforms like Pro Audio Voices for audio versions and Vimeo for videos. She highlighted the accessibility and affordability of her creations, promoting them passionately to reach a wider audience. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Scott Emmons, the creator of Brainytops Press, is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his innovative line of coloring and activity books. Brainytops Press books blend rhyming stories with engaging activities, aiming for an interactive experience that goes beyond typical coloring books. Scott shared insights about the challenge of merging storytelling with activities, facing occasional pushback, but generally receiving positive responses when people experience the books firsthand. He highlighted titles like "Dinosaur Day," "Unicorn Party," "The Magnificent Monsters of Creeping Isle," "Where Does Pizza Come From?," "Cheer Up Christmas Pup," and "Abel Town," with the latter supporting an organization aiding adults with intellectual disabilities. Scott's journey from writing humor at Hallmark to working on StoryBots projects nurtured his knack for rhymed verse, influencing the fun and engaging nature of Brainytops books. His creative verses, such as those describing quirky monsters, reflect the humor and playful tone found throughout his work. Click here to visit Scott's website - https://www.brainytopspress.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Author & retired school librarian Ronni Diamondstein is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #Debut #ChildrensBook, "Jackie and the Books She Loved." The book explores the life of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, focusing on her love for literature and how it influenced her and her family. Diamondstein shared her journey from a teacher to an author, highlighting the importance of persistence in pursuing one's passion. She also discussed the Chappaqua Children's Book Festival, which she co-founded and where she had the opportunity to be an author, connecting with young readers and adults alike. Click here to visit Ronnie's website - https://ronnidiamondstein.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Our host Jedlie recently had the honor of touring the beautiful nation of El Salvador with Clowns Without Borders. Sit back and enjoy some of he beauty, and some of the beautiful smiles, Jedlie encountered in El Salvador. Click here to visit the Clowns Without Borders website - www.clownswithoutborders.org Click here to learn more about visiting El Salvador - https://elsalvador.travel/en/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Barbara Brown is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her delightful #Childrens #PictureBook "I Am Musical Adventures with Waffles." Barbara tells us she wrote the book to encourage kids to embrace their musicality. She highlights the importance of nurturing kids' musical interests and having open conversations about the music they enjoy. She also shares her background in ethnomusicology and the significance of recognizing and celebrating diverse musical cultures. Barbara plans to turn "Adventures of Waffles" into a series, exploring various aspects of music and how people of all backgrounds experience it. Click here to visit Barbara's website - www.adventuresofwaffles.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

In a delightful conversation, author Veronica Santaguida and illustrator Veronika Gruntovskaya come together on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their book "The Girl with the Big Voice." The story follows a little girl named Emma, who is criticized for her big, confident voice. It's inspired by the experiences of the author and her children. Veronica and Veronika's collaboration showcases the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and respecting others while celebrating life and work-life balance in Montreal's culture. They emphasize the value of allowing young illustrators the freedom to create, appreciating the beauty in a mess, and the power of art to help us feel. Click here to visit the Girl With The Big Voice website - Www.bloomingdahliapublishing.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Mike Purewall returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new #ChildrensBook "Boban from Saltan." Mike tells us his book is focused on teaching children about the world, the body, and nature through humor and whimsical rhymes. The book encourages kids to appreciate the little things in life and practice gratitude. The host and Mike also discussed the importance of living gratefully and the benefits it brings. Mike shared his journey from a corporate career to becoming a children's book author and emphasized the need to step out of one's comfort zone for personal growth. They also talked about the changing sense of humor in kids, influenced by technology and media. Mike expressed the importance he places on reading with his children and shared that his family has a no-screen rule during the week. Click here to visit Mike's website - www.mikepurewall.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Beth Kephart is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her book "Good Books for Bad Children," which pays tribute to Ursula Nordstrom, a pioneering children's book editor. Kephart highlights how Nordstrom shaped the world of children's literature by championing unconventional stories and embracing diversity. She shares anecdotes about Nordstrom's relationships with authors like Maurice Sendak and her unwavering commitment to children's books. Kephart also emphasizes the importance of teaching children to appreciate the creative and collaborative process behind the books they love. The conversation explores Nordstrom's impact and legacy in the world of children's literature. Click here to visit Beth's website - http://bethkephartbooks.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Kate Alice Marshall returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #MiddleGrade #Novel, "Extra Normal." Kate tells us the book follows Charlie Greer, the oldest child in a family of paranormal investigators, who lacks supernatural powers. When suspicious neighbors move in across the street, Charlie must unravel the mystery without her parents finding out. Inspired by "The X-Files" and "The Conjuring," the story explores themes of family, responsibility, and identity. Kate's love for middle-grade fiction stems from its exploration of self-discovery and emotion, making it a compelling age category for her writing. She also shares her interest in researching various topics for potential future projects, including caving and Antarctica. Click here to visit Kate's website - https://katemarshallbooks.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Author Rachel Renee Russell and her daughter, illustrator Nikki Russell are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the latest title in their popular "Dork Diaries," series. Rachel tells us that "Tales from the Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure." is the 15th bok in the series and shares how the series was inspired by her daughter Nikki's experiences growing up, facing bullying and teasing. The mother - daughter team emphasize the importance of encouraging kids to embrace their uniqueness and remind them that things will get better. The series, which is available in 42 languages, appeals to reluctant readers with relatable characters and humor. The creators also express their desire for a theatrical release of a Dork Diaries movie. Click here to visit the Dork Diaries website - www.dorkdiares.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Denise Kiernan is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book, "We Gather Together," Denise tells us this book delves into the history and evolution of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. Denise highlights the role of Sarah Josepha Hale, a widowed mother of five, in advocating for a national day of Thanksgiving celebrated on the last Thursday of November. This tradition, which we now know as Thanksgiving, began during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln accepted Hale's request. However, it wasn't officially designated a federal holiday until World War II. Kiernan emphasizes the importance of gratitude and unity during challenging times, making #Thanksgiving a time for reflection and appreciation. Click here to visit Denise's website - https://www.denisekiernan.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Arianne Costner is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "Confessions of a Class Clown," her latest #MiddleGrade #Novel. She tells us she drew inspiration from her experience as a seventh-grade English teacher, where she encountered class clowns. The story centers around Jack, a class clown who seeks validation and online popularity while navigating the challenges of finding true friendships. The book delves into themes of social media, emphasizing the importance of healthy online behavior. Arianne believes it can spark important conversations between parents and children about social media literacy and online relationships. Her aim is to represent the depth within class clowns and their struggles. Click here to visit Arianne's website - www.Ariannecostner.com Click here to visit our website - www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Rob Long and Andrew Dolberg are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "The Great Weather Diviner: The Untold Origin of Punxsutawney Phil." The pair insights about their middle-grade fantasy novel and tells us the book reimagines the story of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, in a fantasy world filled with anthropomorphic animals. The story carries a strong environmental message as it delves into the consequences of nature turning against the inhabitants of Punxsutawney. Long and Dolberg also discuss their writing process and plans for a series of books set in the same universe, emphasizing their commitment to delivering an important message about climate change in an engaging way for young readers. Click here to click on Rob and Andrew's website - https://greatweatherdiviner.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Sarah Thomas Mariano is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #Debut #PictureBook "I Will Love You Forever and Always." Sarah tells us she has a background in social work and that her book was inspired by her work in therapy with children and families. The book uses animal characters to convey universal themes of love and emotional attachment, providing parents with a tool to discuss the concept of unconditional love with their children. Sarah emphasized the significance of helping parents find the words to express their love and connect with their kids. Click here to visit Sarah's website - https://www.peakprofessionalgroup.com/sarah-thomas-mariano-lcsw Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Mitali Perkins returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book, "Holy Night and Little Star." The book is a retelling of the nativity story from the perspective of the galaxies. It focuses on a character named Little Star, who is hesitant to embrace change but eventually learns the beauty of accepting new things. Perkins emphasizes the importance of reading with children and using imagination to deepen one's faith. The conversation delves into forgiveness, the freedom to say no, and the significance of living one's faith in everyday life. Click here to visit Mitali's website - https://www.mitaliperkins.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Meredith Rusu is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook "There's a Yeti in My Tummy. " Meredith tells the book explores how kids can have powerful emotions, portrayed in the story as a yeti bursting out of them. Meredith emphasizes the need to embrace and find joy in the chaos of childhood, as kids navigate their unique experiences and emotions. She also highlights the importance of accepting and understanding children's individuality. The interview touches on her experiences in adapting various books and her excitement about her own book series. Click here to visit Meredith's website - https://meredithrusu.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Dr. Rekha Rajan, a multi-talented author, musician, and educator. She returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #Debut #Childrens #PictureBook, "Can You Dance Like a Peacock?" Dr Rekha explains that the book was inspired by her children during the COVID-19 pandemic and their love for mimicking animal movements. The book features various animals and their unique dances, encouraging young readers to get up and move while learning. Dr. Rekha emphasizes the importance of incorporating arts into education, as it fosters creativity and critical thinking skills. She also shares her experiences with her children's involvement in the arts and how it positively impacted their confidence and social interactions. Click here to visit Dr Rekha's website - www.RekhaSRajan.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Fatima Pimienta is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #BiLingual #ChildrensBook "Little Curiosity/Curiosita," Ffatima tells us the book is designed to be enjoyed in both English and Spanish, allowing families to read it in multiple ways. Fatima emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and language as part of the American experience. She also shares her experiences growing up in a bilingual border town and how this influenced her perspective. The interview touches on the cultural richness and diversity of the United States, with the host highlighting the value of understanding and appreciating different languages and cultures. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Laura Stegman is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "Ready Or No", the latest title in her "Summer of Luck" trilogy. The trilogy centers around three kids who meet at a summer camp and discover their voices with the help of a magical carnival and a ghost. "Summer of Luck" is about their struggles with communication, while "Ready or Not" delves into the challenges of doing what's right when everything goes wrong. The third book, "The Chambered Nautilus," continues the story. Laura shares her inspiration from a childhood book and her mission to offer kids a sense of not being alone in their struggles. Click here to visit Laura's website - https://www.laurastegman.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Liz Leonard is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #debut #PictureBook "Frizzy Lizzy," Liz tells us this book follows a seven-year-old girl, Frizzy Lizzy, with curly hair and touches on themes of self-acceptance, sibling relationships, and divorced parents. Liz shared her inspiration for the book, drawing from her own experiences and her desire to help children embrace their unique family situations. She also highlighted the importance of instilling confidence in children and promoting self-acceptance. Liz discussed her collaboration with illustrator Katherine Hillier, revealing that they have an ongoing partnership and plan to explore various destinations in future Frizzy Lizzy books, fostering a love for travel and diversity. Click here to visit Liz' website - www.frizzylizzy.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

#NYTimes #BestSelling #Author Kate DiCamillo returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Novel "The Puppets of Spelhorst." This is the first installment in a trilogy titled "Tales of Norendy." During the interview, Kate emphasized the importance of reading and reading aloud, not only for children but also for parents. Kate believes that reading together creates a unique, magical bond and a safe space for emotional connection. She also shared advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the significance of reading, writing, rewriting, and staying open to the world for inspiration. Kate tells us she is incredibly grateful for her writing career and the stories yet to be told. Click here to visit Kate's website – https://www.katedicamillo.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Jean Johnson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her "Rini Roo Adventures" book series. Jean shares her inspiration for the series, which is rooted in her own childhood experiences in the Yucatan jungle. Her granddaughter's birth brought back memories, motivating her to create a character that would help children learn vocabulary and different languages. Rini Roo, a kangaroo, travels to various states and introduces kids to the cultures and dinosaurs of each location. The books aim to encourage children's curiosity and imagination while fostering a love for colorful and engaging stories. Johnson aspires to inspire families to read together and kindle children's imaginations. Click here to visit Jean's website - https://rynnieroo.com/#our-mission Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Josh Funk is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his latest #ChildrensBook "Dear Unicorn." The book is about a girl and a unicorn who become pen pals without realizing they are different species. Their friendship blossoms as they exchange letters and art despite their initial misunderstandings. The story also emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and finding common ground, even when individuals come from different backgrounds. Josh, a software engineer, shares how he writes books to inspire kids to love reading and how his creative side complements his technical expertise. Click here to visit Josh's website - www.joshfunkbooks.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Ha Dinh is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her powerful picture book, "Where the Wildflowers Grow." Ha tells us this book is based on her memories of living in a refugee camp in the Philippines before moving to America from Vietnam in the late 1980s. She shares the hopeful and optimistic atmosphere in the refugee camp and the importance of highlighting the human side of child refugees. Ha Dinh also talks about her teaching experience and her passion for education. The book aims to shed light on the resilience of children in challenging situations and how they find the good in every circumstance. The interview reflects on the importance of acknowledging the humanity in the immigration debate. Click here to visit Ha's website - https://www.happydaysinfirstgrade.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Dianna Wilson-Sirkowski is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate "Just One Pebble: One Boy's Quest to End Hunger," Diana tells us the book tells the inspiring true story of a young boy named Braden Mannering who, at the age of eight, won a healthy lunch contest and was invited to the White House by Michelle Obama. After this experience, he started his own nonprofit, "3B," which focused on helping the homeless. Diana highlights the importance of kindness and encourages children to make a difference in the world through simple acts of generosity. She emphasizes that we can all be socially responsible citizens and create positive change. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com