Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Darshana Khiani returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook Building A Dream. Darshana tells us this book is an unforgettable tale of persistence and problem-solving, based on the amazing true story of a Thai soccer team who made their own place to play. In Thailand's Phang Nga Bay, atop a network of stilts, floats the village of Koh Panyee—where a group of boys loved soccer but had nowhere to practice. Where could they find space to dribble, juggle, shoot, and score? The boys looked out at the water and started gathering tools. Even while their neighbors laughed, they sawed wood, hammered nails, and tied barrels together. The team worked for weeks to build Koh Panyee's first floating field—a place to practice, and a place to transform their community. With engaging soccer scenes and atmospheric images of southern Thailand, this inspiring book follows a group of boys who became a team long before they had jerseys or even a field. Plank by plank, they built their dream. Click here to visit Darshana's website - https://darshanakhiani.com/books/building-a-dream/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Lindsay Gizicki returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Guardians Of The Garden. Lindsay tells us that we will meet two children who playfully guard their mother's garden from cheeky critters that steal their fruits and vegetables. But their arch enemies—the squirrels—prove to be the biggest tricksters of all. For all the backyard dreamers. Lindsay also wants us to know that 10% of the proceeds from this book will go to the Detroit non-profit, Rescue MI Nature Now, Inc. Click Here To Visit Lindsay's website - https://www.hankarooreadings.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Shana Gozansky is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #BoardBook My Art Book Of Adventure. Shana tells us this book is part of a series of wonderful #ChildrensBooks that introduce young kids to the beautify of art. Every day is an adventure for toddlers ... and now we can celebrate their milestones through their first art collection! This book features 35 full-page artworks from a variety of periods celebrate life's many adventures – from the day they are born to first experiences, picnics in the park, to journeys far beyond. Each image is accompanied by a brief and tender read-aloud text, with the work's title and artist's name included beneath, helping toddlers and pre-schoolers to connect their own experiences to those they see on the canvas – allowing them to truly engage with the artwork through an expertly curated selection of artists and their works. The perfect celebration of life's adventures for all ages. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

The creator of My Life As a Teenage Robot, Rob Renzetti, is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new #MiddleGrade #Novel The Horrible Bag Of Terrible Things. Rob tells us this is a story about a horrible bag, the spine-chilling world hidden within it, and a terrifying adventure into the world of GrahBhag. Perfect for fans of Coraline, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and Small Spaces. In this novel Rob introduces us to Zenith, a typical kid who finds a strange, unsettling bag at his front door, he's not sure where it came from or who sent it to him. He knows better than to expect his overprotective older sister Apogee to help him figure it out, because ever since she became a teenager, she's been acting more like a parent to him than a sibling. But he certainly did not expect for a horrifying spiderlike creature to emerge from the bag, kidnap Apogee, and drag her inside to the equally horrifying and unsettling world of GrahBhag. Zenith sets off into the bag to bring her back but soon finds a bizarre realm where malicious forests, a trio of blood-drinking mouths, and a sentient sawdust-stuffed giant are lurking within the seams. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Gina Giordano returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Childrens #PictureBook Otis The Trash Talking Octopus. Gina loves the ocean, and she hopes to inspire all of us to love and care for the ocean. She wonders if we really know how much impact we have on our greatest resource, the Ocean? While enjoying a beautiful day on the water with family, Pedro, Sienna, and Omari spot something strange on the horizon. As they sail toward it, they discover something unexpected. What they learn from Otis the Trash Octopus and his ocean friends change their perspectives and gives them new purpose. Otis the Trash Talking Octopus gives an up-close look at what everyday waste and pollution does to our oceans, sea-dwelling creatures, and humans. From plastic bags to bottle caps, six-pack holders, and more, we learn along with Pedro, Sienna, and Omari what we can do to help Otis and his friends! We all want to splash more, not trash more in the ocean! Click here to visit Gina's website - https://www.ginagiordanoauthor.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Get ready to experience a positively cosmically tasty episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast! We first welcome Zoe Twitt to the episode to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Adelaide and the Cosmic Rescue Squad. This is a delightful story that inspires kids to be brave, and to share their strength, and kindness, with their friends. Later in the episode we meet Abi Balingit, Master Baker and driving force behind the Dusky Kitchen blog. Abi tells us she started baking for her friends and in doing so rekindled a passion for a pastime she thought she had left behind years ago. She thinks there's something special about sharing cookies or cakes that you made with your own two hands. She reminds us how much fun it can be to cook with your kids and teaches us a wonderful dessert recipe everyone will love. Click here to visit Zoe's website – https://enchantedpress.co.uk/ Click here to visit Abi's website – https://theduskykitchen.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Celia Ryker is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her historical novel titled "Augusta." The novel is based on the life of Celia's grandmother, Augusta, who faced numerous challenges and hardships during her life. Despite the difficulties she encountered, Augusta displayed immense strength and resilience, which greatly influenced Celia as a child. The story follows Augusta's journey, including being married off at a young age, surviving abandonment, and making difficult decisions to provide for her children. Celia Ryker's deep connection to her grandmother's story led her to write "Augusta." Through extensive research and drawing from family stories, Celia crafted a narrative that captures the struggles and triumphs of a remarkable woman. The podcast discusses the themes of intergenerational friendships, the differences between past and present choices, and the influence that strong family figures can have on our lives. Celia also reflects on the process of writing the book and the emotional impact it had on her, wondering what her grandmother's reaction would have been. Click here to visit Celia's website – www.celiaryker.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Xelena Gonzalez is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her poignant picture book "Remembering." Set in the vibrant backdrop of San Antonio, Texas, the book explores themes of loss, remembrance, and the Day of the Dead tradition. Xelena shares how the book portrays a family navigating the sorrow of losing a beloved pet, while also honoring the first Day of the Dead without their furry companion. Through the conversation, they delve into the importance of addressing grief with children, the beauty of cultural traditions, and the role of picture books as a form of healing arts. Xelena emphasizes the significance of embracing conversations about death and loss with children, allowing them to process their emotions and understand the natural cycle of life. She reflects on the joyful and celebratory nature of the Day of the Dead tradition, which offers a unique perspective on death as an integral part of life. Drawing from her Mexican American heritage, Xelena explains the festive rituals and symbolism associated with the holiday, highlighting its universal message of acknowledging mortality and appreciating the present moment. In addition to her literary contributions, Selena shares her personal connection to the healing arts, weaving stories and movement into her work as a means of fostering emotional connection and transformation. Listeners are left with a profound understanding of the power of storytelling, as Xelena eloquently describes her picture books as prayers that connect readers to their inner selves, the world around them, and the shared human experience. Click here to visit Xelena's website - https://www.xelena.space/about Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

In this engaging episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast we meet Shannon Hale, author of the graphic novel trilogy memoir consisting of "Real Friends," "Best Friends," and "Friends Forever." Hale explains that her autobiographical books delve into the challenges she faced growing up, focusing on friendships and her struggle with undiagnosed anxiety and OCD. The trilogy covers different phases of her childhood, providing insights into the intricate dynamics of friendships during various stages. The audio version of "Best Friends" is celebrated as an innovative approach to sharing these stories, offering a unique opportunity for families to listen together and spark meaningful conversations about mental health, friendship, and growing up. Hale discusses the transformational age of sixth grade, highlighting the significant changes in social dynamics, power shifts, and emotional intensity that occur during this transitional period. She emphasizes the importance of stories in helping kids understand that their experiences are shared by others, creating a sense of empathy and validation. Jedlie and Hale delve into the complexities of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), detailing how it generates persistent, distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviors. They also reflect on how times have changed in terms of discussing mental health openly and seeking help, as compared to Hale's own experience as a child when such conversations were scarce. The episode also touches upon the power of audiobooks in family settings, as the full cast narration of "Best Friends" provides a shared experience that leads to insightful discussions between children and adults. It explores how audiobooks offer a convenient way to consume stories together while encouraging conversations on important topics like mental health, friendship struggles, and the challenges of adolescence. In addition to sharing information about Hale's work, the episode showcases the value of audiobooks as a tool for fostering family connections and promoting open dialogue about real-life experiences. Click here to visit Shannon's Website - https://shannonhale.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Michelle Schaub is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Picturebook "Hopefully the Scarecrow." Michelle's tells us her inspiration for writing a unique picture book that challenges conventional storytelling rules. The book centers around a scarecrow protagonist named Hopefully who, though inanimate, possesses a vibrant inner world of thoughts and emotions. Michelle explains how she aimed to create a relatable character for children who might feel powerless or overlooked in their own lives. The conversation also touches on the importance of children's literature in addressing themes of hope, resilience, and challenging life circumstances, offering listeners a glimpse into the creative process and the impact of storytelling. Michelle sheds light on her writing journey, from facing multiple rejections to finding a publisher who appreciated her rule-breaking approach. She discusses the delicate balance between crafting a compelling story and adhering to the rules of the picture book genre. The podcast explores the role of resilience in both children's lives and Michelle's own writing career, emphasizing the significance of storytelling as a source of empowerment and solace. With a touch of humor, the conversation considers the stereotypes and assumptions sometimes associated with picture books, while highlighting the value of breaking free from these constraints to create narratives that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. Throughout the episode, Michelle's enthusiasm for inspiring young minds through her writing shines brightly, inviting listeners to explore the magic of storytelling and the limitless possibilities it offers. Click here to visit Michelle's website – https://michellehouts.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Kenn Heyder is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his debut #ChildrensBook "Jack and the Crunchy Leaves: My First Hearing Aids." Kenn shares the inspiration behind his children's book, which is based on his personal experience of discovering his own hearing loss and getting hearing aids. He explains that his journey led him to understand how hearing loss can impact children and the importance of raising awareness about the condition. Kenn discusses how he overcame his own hesitations and self-doubt to write a children's book, even though he didn't have a background in writing. Kenn talks about the stigma attached to hearing aids and the significance of normalizing their use, especially among children. He shares insights from his research about hearing loss statistics, both in children and adults, and how the book aims to raise awareness and remove the stigma surrounding hearing aids. The interview delves into Kenn's creative process, including the vivid images he wanted to paint with words in the book, his own adjustment to hearing sounds he hadn't heard in a long time, and the decision to make the book relatable by using his son's experiences as inspiration for the protagonist, Jack. Kenn also touches on the idea of creating more children's books in the future, possibly featuring other characters and conditions. Click here to visit Kenn's website – https://kennheyderbooks.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

In this episode of the "Reading With Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty interviews Kate Fussner, the author of "The Song of Us," a middle-grade novel in verse. Kate tells us she is an author, former teacher and accidental poet. The novel is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in seventh grade and featuring two girls named Olivia and Eden. They must navigate first love and heartbreak while dealing with their own personal challenges. The conversation revolves around the importance of continuing to read with older kids, the significance of using poetry as a medium for storytelling, the themes explored in "The Song of Us," and how parents and educators can support kids in their reading journeys. Kate shares insights into her writing process and how her book delves into topics such as peer pressure, self-identity, and authentic emotional experiences. Click here to visit Kate's website - https://www.katefussner.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

In this captivating #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast interview, we are introduced to Kay O'Neill, the talented author and illustrator behind the newly released graphic novel "The Moth Keeper." Kay tells us the Moth Keeper revolves around the story of Ania, a young girl who assumes the responsibility of safeguarding a flock of magical moths that nurture her nocturnal community. As the burden grows heavier, Ania grapples with feelings of isolation, prompting the exploration of community, self-worth, and the complexities of childhood responsibility. The conversation shifts to the broader theme of children and responsibility, as Kay and the host discuss how kids often take on significant roles within families and communities. The pressure to help can lead to feelings of burnout and isolation, even though the intention is to contribute positively. Kay provides valuable insights into the emotional journey of young characters like Ania, who must navigate their way through challenges and learn to communicate their struggles. The interview also touches upon Kay's previous work, "The Tea Dragon Society," a story that masterfully intertwines narrative and visuals to create engaging stories that resonate with readers of all ages.Growing up in the unique context of New Zealand has undeniably influenced Kay's creative approach. The interview concludes by highlighting the importance of community, nature, and sustainable practices in New Zealand's culture. Listeners are encouraged to explore "The MacKeeper" and experience the magic of graphic novels, a medium that bridges visual and textual storytelling in an accessible and impactful way. Click here to visit Kay's website - https://ktoneill.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

C. Hope Flinchbaugh is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new picture book "My House, My Family." Written in rhyme and designed for children aged one to nine, the book warmly celebrates diverse family structures, including those of divorced, adopted, foster, step, single-parent, and missionary families. Hope explains her inspiration for the book's title and how she aims to convey the message of hope and inclusivity through her writing. She also shares personal experiences and memories that influenced her choices in representing different family dynamics, disability, and cross-cultural connections in her storytelling. Hope passionately discusses the importance of introducing children to various family models, offering them a sense of belonging and acceptance in the context of their own backgrounds. She draws from her experiences interacting with children and highlights the value of reading in promoting empathy and understanding among young readers. Hope touches on her journey in journalism, including her work on raising awareness about North Korean children's hardships, which informed her book "Out Crossed the River." She emphasizes the power of technology in making information accessible and the future potential for reaching children online to share stories and engage with young readers in meaningful ways. Click here to visit Hope's website – https://hopeeditors.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Jessica Spear is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book The Phone Book. Stay Safe, Be Smart and Make The World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand. Jessica is an expert in helping kids develop healthy relationships with technology. The conversation delves into the challenges that arise as kids start using smartphones and connected devices at younger ages. Jessica highlights her inspiration for writing the book, driven by concerns about the early age at which children are getting connected devices, and the potential risks and benefits associated with them. Jessica discusses the importance of addressing topics like online safety, digital citizenship, and the potential negative consequences of sharing personal information and images online. She emphasizes the need for parents to have open conversations with their kids about these issues, even though it can be challenging. Jessica shares that the book is designed to be a framework for families to navigate these conversations and educate themselves about the digital landscape their kids are growing up in. By offering quizzes, activities, and relatable stories, the book aims to help kids become informed and responsible digital citizens while also helping parents engage in meaningful discussions with their children about technology and its impact on their lives. Click here to visit Jessica's website – https://jessicaspeer.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Fiona Halliday is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her beautiful #PictureBook Flora's Wish. Fiona tells us Flora's Wish is a beautiful read for families to explore grief and nature. In this lyrical and visually stunning picture book, a young mouse learns how to grieve and honor her best friend Flora the field mouse was a boldly whiskered lion-tamer! Although it wasnt very hard to be bold and brave with her best friend Lion (a dandelion) by her side. But as the seasons change, Lions whiskers go from a bright yellow to shimmering silver, until one day, he scatters in the wind completely. Can Flora still be brave without Lion by her side? Fiona also tells us how she found beauty and inspiration taking pictures of auto parts. Click here to visit Fiona's website - https://www.thedoodlesack.com/info Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Stacey Woodson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook The Princess Of Picky Eating Tries New Foods. Stacey is a registered dietitian and nutritionist, along with being the mom of a picky eater. Stacey shares incredibly useful tips on ways we can inspire our kids to eat a wider variety of healthy and nutritious foods. Click here to visit Stacey's website - https://staceywoodson.com/books Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Rajani LaRocca returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest #Childrens #PictureBook Your One And Only Heart. In addition to being a multi award winning author Rajani is a praticing physician. Dr Rajani tells us this is a lyrical introduction to the many wonders of the human heart. In this stunning non-fiction picture book, poetry and science come together with playful cut-paper illustrations to create a moving ode to the human heart and all that it does. Complete with illustrative diagrams and copious backmatter, this is a one-of-a-kind non-fiction picture book that gently guides readers through the various systems make up our most vital organ. Click here to visit Dr Rajani's website - https://www.rajanilarocca.com/picture-books/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Norma Roth and her daughter Shayna Rose Penn return to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the latest title in their Lovable Lucy series "You're So Big". Norma and Shayna tell us that Lovable Lucy follows a curious and boisterous pup around as she faces a new beginning with her fur-ever home and new family. This tender book takes children in the paws of new situations of life while promoting kindness, inclusion, critical thinking, and different ways of expressing social and emotional confidence as well as so much more! Children, parents, grandparents and educators will love learning with Lucy and her family. While joining Lucy on her daily adventures, readers will appreciate how Lucy and her family approach and resolve new or challenging situations and incorporate those lessons into their own life! Click here to visit the Lovable Lucy website – https://lovablelucyseries.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Shannon Addison is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook My Crumby Guide To Baking & Friendship Making. Shannon tells us her interactive baking book and baking line are designed to help parents connect with their kids in the kitchen. Shannon's characters, The Breadcrumbz, teach about friendship, connection, resilience, and acceptance. She would like to address the issue of parents NOT talking with their girls about the problems they are having with their friendships. She believes that if parents establish this communication early, it will help facilitate this type of interaction as girls enter their most difficult years--their teens. Click here to visit Shannon's website – https://www.mycrumbyworld.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Bridgette Allen is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the wonderful #PictureBook C Train. Bridgette is the founder and driving force behind The Circle tales, a series of illustrated picture books, activities and videos that encourages kids to come up with inventive solutions to the most pressing environmental issues of our time. The series demonstrates how we can learn from nature itself while challenging our concepts of waste and encouraging the continual use of resources. Bridget tells us her background is in consulting for sustainability, especially reducing single-use plastic. It is this work that has inspired her to create The Circle tales. She hopes to engage children in conversations about repurposing and reimagining everyday objects. "C Train" highlights the importance of adapting to change and finding new purpose. The story encourages readers to embrace new opportunities and limitations positively. Bridget hopes to help kids and parents approach change with open minds and adaptability. Click here to visit Bridgette's website – https://thecircletales.com/pages/about Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Emily Ettlinger is on the #ReadingWithYourKiids #Podcast to celebrate Skeleanor the Decomposer, a graphic novel for kids aged 6 to 9. Skeleanor, a music-loving skeleton, is determined to perform with the town band at the upcoming festival. But whether she plays the fiddle or the xylobone, the townspeople always run away screaming! She'll have to think outside the pine box if she wants to be on stage by festival night! This story is about enjoying what you do even if you aren't the best at it. Click here to visit Emily's website – https://www.emiett.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Brooke Jorden is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook How Does Our Food Grow? Brooke tells Jedlie and our guest co-host Anne O'Leary that she partnered with the UN organization Kitchen Connection to create a tool for parents to talk to their kids about food. The book grew out of the philosophy that talking to your kids about food (where it comes from, what it does in your body, etc.) will allow them to build a healthy relationship with food that will last a lifetime. The book shows children growing and eating many different fruits, vegetables, and grains, and encourages curiosity in eating new things. Click here to visit the HDOFG page at Familius - https://www.familius.com/book/how-does-our-food-grow/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Kevin Martin is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new book, "All is Well." The book is both autobiographical and biographical, revolving around Kevin's father, who passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in 2019. Kevin shares how he coped with grief by keeping a journal, which eventually evolved into this heartwarming book about their close relationship, growing up in South Boston, and finding their best selves as a family. It's a story of faith, savoring life's moments, and fulfilling bucket list items, all with a focus on building legacy and living life to the fullest. Kevin's father was born in Boston and was a humble, gentle man who lived his faith through subtle actions and kindness towards others. He taught Kevin valuable lessons about unconditional love, faith, and the importance of education. The book delves into topics like forgiveness, not living with regrets, and building strong family bonds. Throughout the conversation, Kevin and Jedlie discuss the power of modeling behavior for children, especially when it comes to reading, community engagement, and embracing the concept of family, which can encompass a wide range of relationships. Kevin admits that writing the book surprised him, as he discovered deeper insights into the lessons his father taught him, including the value of forgiveness and self-acceptance. He shares that we should cherish our imperfections and remember that none of us is perfect, just like his father, who had a calming presence and worked to maintain good relationships with his family. "All is Well" takes its name from the last words Kevin's father wrote on a yellow legal pad during his final days at the hospital. The book beautifully captures the essence of contentment and a life well-lived. Click here to find Kevin's Book On Amazon - https://amzn.to/472mLdk Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Leslie Kimmelman is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Childrens #PictureBook Ready, Set, Run. Leslie tells us this book is a celebration of the New York City Marathon, the World's largest Marathon. Leslie talks about the fun and welcoming atmosphere that surrounds the NYC Marathon, how is winds its way through all five borroughs of the city, the incredible detirmination it takes to compete in the event and how the event is open to all people. Leslie also talks about the many happy years she spent working on Sesame Street. Click here to visit Leslie's website - https://www.lesliekimmelman.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Laura Gayle returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest book, "Grandpa's Window." Laura shares her inspiration behind the book, her experiences with grief, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Laura tells us that the book was written after her mother's passing, as the first grandparent death her four kids experienced. She highlights the challenges of finding the right balance of emotions, including love, sadness, grief, and hope, which resonates with kids and families navigating the grieving process. Laura talks about the beautiful intergenerational friendship that exists between grandparents and grandchildren. She highlights how these relationships involve a different kind of friendship than those with peers, marked by love, trust, and shared interests. Click here to visit Laura's website – www.LauraGayle.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Monica Mancillas is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her children's book "How to Speak in Spanglish." The book celebrates the beauty of bilingualism and explores the joys and challenges of growing up in a multicultural environment. Monica shares her personal experiences and insights, highlighting the benefits of raising bilingual children and breaking down misconceptions about code-switching. Monica affirms the value of raising bilingual children, dispelling the common myth that mixing languages will hinder language fluency. She emphasizes that children who speak multiple languages often perform better academically and gain valuable cultural connections. Monica tells us about her own upbringing in California, where she spoke Spanish as a child but gradually transitioned to English due to environmental factors. She candidly discusses her feelings of shame and embarrassment about not being fluent in Spanish. The discussion dives into the benefits of bilingualism, including enhanced cognitive abilities and improved communication skills. Click here to visit Monica's website – https://www.monicamancillas.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Jessica Kim is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her middle-grade novel, "Make a Move, Sunny Park." Jessica tells us the main character of her novel is Sunny Park, a 12-year-old Korean American who loves dancing. "Make a Move" is a friendship story that explores Sunny's struggles with social anxiety and her passion for Kpop and dance. Jessica says she wanted to write for shy and socially anxious girls, offering a relatable main character. As a people pleaser herself, she wanted to address the struggle of finding one's courage and saying no when needed. Jessica also speaks about the power books have to serve as a window that enables kids to have a look inside a culture they may not be familiar with. Click here to visit Jessica's website – www.JessKimWrites.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Nic Yulo returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her brand new #PictureBook, "Out of the Blue." Nic tells us about her creative process, inspirations, and the message behind her latest book. "Out Of The Blue" revolves around Coral, a small and quiet girl on a school field trip to an aquarium, where she discovers a tiny, overlooked creature named Kraken. As the plot unfolds, Coral learns to embrace her uniqueness and find her voice. Nic reveals that her love for the ocean and fascination with marine life inspired the main characters of the book, Coral and Kraken. As a self-proclaimed nerd, she shares her admiration for octopuses and the various species she researched while creating the story. The desire to portray the beauty and mystery of the ocean influenced the inclusion of marine creatures in the narrative. We also talk about being seen, which is a prevalent topic in "Out of the Blue." Nic discusses how she wanted to explore the feelings of invisibility and how they can resonate with readers, especially children. The character Coral's journey of self-discovery and gaining confidence is a relatable experience for introverted kids and those who feel overlooked. Nick also speaks about her artistic journey, sharing how she initially considered herself primarily an illustrator before a painting professor encouraged her to explore writing. Nic reveals her love for creating various forms of art, including filmmaking, game writing, and more. She shares her excitement for branching narrative games, where choices made by players impact the story. Drawing parallels between interactive storytelling in games and interactive reading experiences for kids, Nick emphasizes the importance of engaging children's imagination. Click here to visit Nic's website – www.NicYulo.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Kathleen Long Bostrom is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook "Since the Baby Came: A Siblings' Learning to Love Story." Kathleen tells us the inspiration for the book is the emotional roller coaster older siblings experience when a new baby arrives. Older siblings may feel excitement, jealousy, and uncertainty during this new phase of family life and that all these emotions are normal and should be acknowledged. Kathleen also tells us how she wanted to make poetry fun and accessible for young children. The book consists of 16 different poems that tell a complete story, using various poetic formats. Kathleen hopes this book will have a long shelf life as children grow older and can relate to different parts of the story. Click here to visit Kathleen's website - www.kathleenlongbostrom.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

NFL Network Correspondent and Sirius Radio Host Michael Yam is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his #childrens #picturebook "Fried Rice and Marinara." Michael tells us that this project started as a response to his cousins seeking diverse children's books for their mixed-race children. The book celebrates his Chinese and Italian heritage, with a young character named Mikey facing the dilemma of choosing between his two favorite cuisines for his birthday party. We discuss the significance of positive representation in children's literature, providing "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors" that allow kids to see themselves and others in a positive light. Michael highlights the lack of diversity in children's stories and hopes that his book will help cultivate a path for storytelling as a viable career for young Asian children. Michael shares personal stories, emphasizing the unifying power of food in diverse families and the beautiful fusion of cultures that can happen around the dinner table. The book encourages kids to embrace their unique cultural backgrounds while appreciating the similarities that bind us all together. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

In this episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast we welcome Katie Krause, author of the children's book "Don't Say No to H2O: Water Is So Good." Katie shares the inspiration behind her book, which stems from her own struggles with drinking water throughout her life. She talks about her journey in writing the book and the importance of encouraging children and adults to drink more water for their health and overall well-being. "Don't Say No to H2O" follows the story of a young girl who refuses to drink water, no matter how much her parents encourage her. She prefers flavored drinks like milk and juice but shuns water altogether. However, as she grows older, she starts to understand the benefits of drinking water and eventually embraces it as an essential part of her life. The book aims to spread the message of the importance of drinking water in an enjoyable and relatable way. Katie shares that becoming a children's author was not on her original bucket list, but the inspiration struck her one day, leading her to write the book. She talks about her background in writing and her work in the biotechnology field, where she aims to help patients with medications. Encouraged by positive feedback, Katie reveals that she is working on her second book, "I Love You, My Child," which emphasizes unconditional love between parents and children and promotes diversity and representation. As someone with a physical disability herself, Katie discusses the importance of normalizing conversations about disabilities and differences. She appreciates both perspectives shared by two moms in previous episodes, one who encourages questions and another who focuses on building friendships first. Katie highlights the significance of acknowledging the person first and finding common ground before addressing disabilities. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Robin Polanski Morrison is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook "The Good Morning Book." Robyn explains that her book aims to provide a soft start to the day, encouraging children (and people of all ages) to take a deep breath, be mindful, and set positive intentions for the day. Robyn also shares about her personal experience with postpartum depression, which played a role in the creation of the book. She explains how reading to her child during that challenging time became a helpful coping mechanism. It is believed that postpartum depression effects one in ten women in the United States. Robyn tells us some of the ways friends and family can provide support to new moms, such as offering specific help, asking about their well-being, and understanding the challenges they may face. Click here to visit Robyn's website – www.TheGoodMorningBook.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Rosalie Mastaler is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook Hunter's Tall Tales. Rosalie tells us this book was inspired by her son Hunter, who has a limb difference. Rosalie shares the story behind the book and its message of friendship, inclusivity, and addressing curiosity about disabilities in a positive way. The book highlights the importance of fostering curiosity and asking questions about differences while emphasizing the significance of recognizing the person behind the disability. The author discusses how children's natural inquisitiveness can be channeled positively by promoting conversations about disabilities at home and through books and media. Rosalie encourages parents to teach their children about inclusivity and acceptance so that encountering individuals with disabilities becomes a normal and comfortable experience. Rosalie shares that her primary goal with the book was to evoke emotions in young readers. She wanted children to feel a sense of friendship, humor, and light-heartedness while reading the story. By creating relatable characters and situations, she hopes to inspire children to see beyond physical differences and focus on forming meaningful connections with others. Click here to visit Rosalie's website – www.Rosaliemastaler.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Lindsey Larson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook "Meeting Exceptional Friends." The book focuses on children with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of embracing and celebrating differences. Lindsey shares that the book aims to educate children and parents about accepting and including individuals with disabilities. She highlights the significance of asking questions and having open discussions to foster understanding and friendship. Lindsey draws from personal experiences as a parent of a child with disabilities and an occupational therapist. She also mentions the positive impact of inclusive play and adaptive devices on playgrounds. The book encourages dialogue between parents and children and includes discussion questions and resources for further engagement. Additionally, the podcast acknowledges Lindsey's military family background and expresses gratitude for their service. Lindsey tells us she hopes to continue creating books related to disability education, including topics like sensory issues and learning disabilities. Click here to visit Lindsey's website – lindsey-larsen.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Lauren Chaitoff is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate moving and feeling alive with our kids. She is the founder of Yogi Beans, and the author of 108 Awesome Yoga Poses For Kids. Lauren invites us all to go on a Yoga adventure! Lauren tells us we can wiggle and giggle our way through these amazing yoga poses that will help us all feel good! Inside this book, you'll find tons of playful yoga positions that will show you how moving your body can be fun. Let your imagination soar as you become a bouncing Frog, a magical Mermaid or a soaring Rocket Ship with these simple, silly stretches. Plus, learn how to slow your breathing and calm down when you're mad or sad with poses like Lion's Breath or Sun Breath. Click here to visit Lauren's website - https://yogibeans.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Best selling author Patrice Karst is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest #ChildrensBook The Invisible String Backpack. Patrice tells us this is a companion book to The Invisible String—which has sold 1.5 million copies to date— that offers a complete socio-emotional toolkit for back-to-school—and your whole life! In the story we meet Mila on her first day of school. But mixed with her excitement is worry. What if she can't find her classroom? What if no one likes her? What if she's too nervous to speak up? With a little advice from her brother, she learns that she has everything she needs right in her Invisible Backpack: an Invisible Microphone to help her find her voice, an Invisible Flashlight for when she's feeling lost, an Invisible Net to catch her if she falls, and much more. Her pack is bottomless! The Invisible String is the very first thing that she puts in her pack—and each time she uses it, it gets bigger and better. Click here to visit Patrice's website - https://patricekarst.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Popular comedy writer James Breakwell is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to bring us the story of a determined boy with big dreams who remains undeterred by all the naysayers! James tells us that in You Can't Be A Pterodactyl we meet Tommy, a young boy who knows exactly what he wants to be when he grows up. But when he announces that he plans to be a pterodactyl, it turns out he's surrounded by skeptics (because what would he eat? Where would he live? How would he make money?). What's a kid with a big dream to do? Well first of all, he's not about to give up. (And he has a lot of good answers!) And fortunately, Tommy also has a wonderfully open-minded dad who helps him find a way to fulfill his goal. Kids will be cheering for Tommy on his road to pterodactyldom in this funny, engaging story, all the way to its clever resolution. Click here to visit James' website - https://explodingunicorn.com/you-cant-be-a-pterodactyl/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Rishma Govani returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her powerful new #PictureBook The Stars That Shine For You. Rishma tells us that The Stars That Shine for You introduces the concept of death in a child-friendly way. It's a topic we need to get comfortable talking about-enhancing not only our own grief literacy, but also raising the next generation to be fluent in the language of love, loss, and hope. Many cultures around the world share stories, have end-of-life celebrations, and believe in the soul and afterlife. Traditions vary from country to country, faith to faith, but what remains universal among all of humanity is the stars above us. The light in the sky unites all our nations bonded together in grief and hope, on this earth and beyond. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Lauren Leary is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook Harper Is Going On Vacation. Lauren tells us Harper is Going on Vacation is the first book in an anticipated series of twelve stories, catering to all audience levels with many benefits. Early readers are engaged in learning, parents are supplied with five comprehension questions to ask and teachers are building literary competence with additional curriculum alignment. Children, educators and parents will enjoy the stories and find them fun and helpful! This book was created to help support literary skills and assist children in becoming stronger readers while immersing themselves in a vibrantly engaging and richly illustrated story. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

MJ Palma is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut #ChildrensBook Day Switch. MJ, who has a day job as a high school study hall monitor, tells us how she was inspired to write Day Switch and how she feels this classic switch-a-roo story can help you and your kids discover some truths about yourselves. She also reveals that her fourth period study hall students were her biggest supporters, despite not dedicating the book to them. Click here to visit MJ's website - https://www.mjpalmawriter.org/books Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

GeorgeAnne Irvine is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Teaching Tornero, The True Story Of A Sloth Superstar and the other books in her amazing #ChildrensBook Series. GeorgeAnne is the Director of Publishing at the San Diego Zoo. She is also the author of many childrens books that inspire kids to fall in love with nature. GeorgeAnne tells us that when Tornero the two-toed sloth was born at the San Diego Zoo, his wildlife care team knew his life would be special. Tornero would grow up to be a wildlife ambassador, just like his mother, Xena. Wildlife ambassadors have a special job: they help teach people about the species and inspire people to care about animals and nature. We have a super conversation about GeorgeAnne's books, how zoos have changed and are leading the way in the preservation of animals. Click here to visit the San Diego Zoo Website - https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Darshana Khiani is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Childrens #PictureBook I Am An American. Darshana is an author, engineer, and advocate for South Asian children's literature. She is infinitely curious about the world and enjoys sharing her findings with young readers. If she can make a child laugh even better. Her latest #ChildrensBook I Am An American is a breathtaking, eye-opening look at the patchwork of cultures that make up the United States and the many ways we define what it means to be an American. Click here to visit Darshana's website - https://darshanakhiani.com/books/im-an-american/ Click here to visit our webiste - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Maria Dismondy is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast because she is committed to helping the next generation of readers fall in love with reading. Maria Dismondy started out in the classroom years ago before writing ten #childrensbooks books. She loved getting powerful messages into the world through realistic fiction, so much so that she began Cardinal Rule Press in 2015. A million copies sold and counting, these books loved worldwide continue to share timeless messages with modern diversity. She shares some great ways we can help all kids gain access to books and learn to read. Click here to visit the Cardinal Rule Press website - https://cardinalrulepress.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Brooke Young is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the amazing work being done by the dedicated crew of volunteers at Hindi's Library. This amazing non profit organization is making a huge difference in the literacy lives of hundreds of thousands of kids around the World. Brooke is especially excited to tell us about their Females Of Fiction Award. This program recognizes outstanding female authors and illustrators of children's books and strives to empower and support women who are building their literary portfolio and creating stories containing powerful messages of inspiration. Winners receive a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card, various promotional opportunities on the organization's social media networks and more! All books collected from Females of Fiction Award submissions are donated to our recipients after being reviewed for the Award, and all submission fees are utilized to continue the organization's mission. Click here to learn more about this exciting award program - https://www.hindislibraries.org/femalesoffiction Click here to visit the Hindi's Library website - https://www.hindislibraries.org/our-story Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Jim and Brad Tonner are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their beautiful #Childrens #PictureBook The Journey, Life Lessons with Diane the Turtle. This is an absolutely delightful conversation with the owners of a New Hampshire Toy Store that is known as the Oasis Of Nice. The toy store is the home of the real life Diane the Turtle, and she has delighted visitors to the Lakes region of NH for years. Listen to discover more about the twins magical store and truely delightful books. Click here to visit Jim and Brad's website - https://twindesignsgiftshop.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Jade Adia is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Novel There Goes The Neighborhood. Jade writes stories about gentrification and Black Teen joy. She tells Jordan Sahley that her new novel is a raised fist against the destructive forces of gentrification and a love letter to communities of color everywhere. The book tells a darkly hilarious story of three best friends willing to do whatever it takes to stay together. It is a story all too many communities are struggling against today. Click here to visit Jade's website - https://www.jadeadia.com/about-me Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

AwardWinning author Kim Johnson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Novel Invisible Son. Kim tells us this is a thriller about a wrongly accused teen desperate to recclaim both his innocence and his first love. Life can change in an instant. When you're wrongfully accused of a crime. When a virus shuts everything down. When the girl you love moves on. Andre Jackson is determined to reclaim his identity. But returning from juvie doesn't feel like coming home. His Portland, Oregon, neighborhood is rapidly gentrifying, and COVID-19 shuts down school before he can return. And Andre's suspicions about his arrest for a crime he didn't commit even taint his friendships. It's as if his whole life has been erased. This is a powerful conversation you do not want to miss. Click here to visit Kim's website - https://www.kcjohnsonwrites.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Our Dean of All Things #STEM & #STEAM, Jennifer Swanson returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Space Care. Have you ever wondered how astronauts stay healthy in space? What if an astronaut gets sick on the space station? Does snot run in space? This fascinating photo-illustrated look at space and medicine explores how scientists and physicians study astronauts in space, how they help keep them safe, and what we've learned about the human body through space exploration. Questions from real kids and answers form from astronauts, along with photos from NASA, combine for an out-of-this-world exploration of health. Click here to visit Jennifer's website - https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/spacecare-a-kids-guide-to-surviving-space/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Mark David Oullen is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his #MiddleGrade #Fantasy #Novel The Oasis King. Mark tells us this novel introduces us to Dylan, Jack, and Tripp, three friends who are looking for adventure, but when they find an entryway into a magical land, plagued by the malevolent Stranger, the cost of their new, exciting journey might prove to be too much. The Oasis King is the first in a series of an action-adventure tales for younger readers who seek new lands, heart-racing challenges, and unexpected twists. Click here to visit Mark's website - https://theoasisking.com/about-the-book/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com