Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Author / educator Lauren Piland is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Blooming Rose Blasts Off. Lauren tells us this is the first in a Blooming Rose series. In this first book we meet Rose who is faced with a challenging rocket launcher assignment that she just doesn't feel good enough or smart enough to tackle. But with some encouragement and perseverance, does she choose to give up, or reach for the stars?! In addition to the book Lauren has created a Beyond the Text Bundle of academic activities for this book that has an out of this world space theme, along with a build-your-own rocket project that is ready for blast off! Click here to visit Lauren's website - https://www.bloomingrosekids.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Lydia Lukidis returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Deep, Deep, Down, The Underwater Poetry Of The Mariana Trench. Lydia tells us that deep, deep down, at the very bottom of the ocean, lies a secret world. Through lyrical narration, this spare-text STEM picture book takes readers on a journey to a place very few humans have ever been--the Mariana Trench. The imagined voyage debunks scary myths about this mysterious place with surprising and beautiful truths about life at Earth's deepest point. Deep, Deep Down shows a vibrant world far below, and teaches readers how interconnected our lives are to every place on the planet. Click here to visit Lydia's website - http://www.lydialukidis.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

We have two fantastic authors on this episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast. Sara Chinakwe is on to celebrate her debut #PictureBook You Come From Greatness. In this book a young boy learns that he is walking in the footsteps of greatness through a vibrant, lyrical retelling of Black history—both a love letter to Black children and an anthem empowering them to know their God-given worth. Throughout the story, the boy discovers the rich heritage of those that have gone before him and learns how he embodies that same greatness. He, too, has the power to change the world by embracing exactly who God made him to be. Liliana Tommasini joins us to celebrate Octavia Can Do It! Liliana tells us that Octavia is a spunky little girl who loves to bake cookies with her Mama. Mixing flour, butter and eggs is one of her favorite things to do. Today, Octavia wants to do things differently. When Mama steps out of the kitchen, Octavia takes over with an "I can do it" attitude. But as flour and cocoa cover the walls, cabinets, and countertops, she starts to question herself. Will her cookies turn out as good as Mama's cookies? Octavia Can Do It! is the humorous story of a young girl as she discovers that even the most independent people need a little help sometimes. Click here to visit Sara's website – https://sarachinakwe.com/ Click here to visit Liliana's website – https://lilianatommasini.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Cheryl Johnson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to share some of the wisdom she believes all authors must have if they are to be succesful in the business of books. Cheryl is an award winning author and entreprenuer. She believes that all authors must understand that once they publsih their book, especially if they are independent or self published authors, they are the CEO of a small business. In this interview she offers practical advice that all authors can follow. Click here to visit Cheryl's website - https://cheryljohnsonauthor.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Dr Rehka Rajan is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #POdcast to celebrate her powerful #Nonfiction title The Read Aloud Factor. Dr Rehka tells us that this researched based book is a modern-day handbook on the importance of reading aloud with children. This includes the latest brain research on how reading aloud changes the shape of the brain, strategies for building a daily reading habit, music and art ideas for connecting with reading aloud and how to effectively use technology when reading. This book shares tips and techniques for supporting reading as a daily habit at home and how reading helps to build bonds between caregivers, siblings and babies from birth. Click here to visit Dr Rehka's website - https://rekhasrajan.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Nic Yulo returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to help us launch our exciting new companion project #DrawingWithYourKids. In this episode Nic teaches us how to draw Patches, the loveable character from her #PictureBook Patch Of Sky.Nic hopes that you and your kids will draw Patches, then ulpoad the drawing to Instagram and tag her so she can check out your art Click here to visit Nic's website - https://www.nicyulo.com/about.html Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com Click here to visit our new Drawing With Your Kids website - www.drawingwithyourkids.com

We are taking a look back at three of our favorite moments on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast from 2022. Jason Broughton, director of the National Library Service, tells us about the important mission of the library to serve folks who are blind or print disabled. This is a great resource for families with kids who are blind or who struggle with learning challenges like dyslexia. We also look back at our time with Ben Feller, former chief White House correspondent . He talks to us about helping our kids become more medis literate and how cool it is to fly on Airforce One. To close out the episode, and the year, we listen back to our chat with Hollywood superstar Jazmyn Simon who reminds us that we are all perfectly created and loved. Click here to visit the National library Service website - https://www.loc.gov/nls/ Click here to visit Ben's website - https://www.bigproblemslittleproblems.com/ Click here to visit Jazmyn's website - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/675731/most-perfect-you-by-jazmyn-simon-illustrated-by-tamisha-anthony/?ref=PRH985D6B6981D2&aid=13008&linkid=PRH985D6B6981D2 Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Asher Cloran is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Life Rocks, a unique interactive llearning experience for kids and their families. Asher tells us his most powerful experiences as a child all involved Nature. Experiencing the contrast between a public education devoid of Nature connection, and then a Steiner education rich in Nature connection – left him with strong impressions of what is most important for learning and life. "Being introduced to nature connection practices awakened his love and passion for it. He came to the realisation that Nature contains many of the remedies that we are looking for". On this quest, he has studied holistic health, human development, kinesiology, education and natural sciences. The more he have learned, the more he discovered the challenges and damages of modern life on our up and coming generations – and became passionate about helping our culture to overcome them. Click here to visit Asher's website - https://liferocks.school/about/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Brian Sullivan is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his #PictureBook Lilah Loves Life. Brian is a retired legal writer and editor. As a father of three, he always wanted to write stories that children would enjoy, but life continually got in the way. It was only when he became a grandfather that he found the time to write a children's book inspired by his first grandchild, Beau. He plans to continue writing stories that will encourage kids to explore and learn about the world around them. His latest book, Lilah Loves Life, was recently named a Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read. Click here to visit brian's website - https://booksbybrian.net/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Emma Pearl is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #PictureBook Mending The Moon. Emma tells us in this story one fateful night, the moon shines so big and so bright that it is too heavy to hold itself up in the sky. When it tumbles down and breaks into many glimmering pieces, Luna and Poppa must mend it, but they'll need the help of all the animals that live on the mountain. Together, can they find all the shards, stick them together, and get the moon safely back into the sky? Emma also tells us what it was like growing up with her Uncle, the legendary #ChildrensAuthor Roald Dahl, and how he dedicated his book The Twits to her. Click here to visit Emma's website - https://www.emmapearlauthor.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Kim T S is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook Feeling All My Feelings. Kim tells us that in addition to writing children's books and running a business, most of her energy goes towards raising a sweet, silly, and strong-willed little boy named Kyle. Kim says Kyle helps her write all of her books. When her dad passed away in late 2019, it put a lot of things into perspective for her. She left her corporate job to focus on Kyle, who was struggling a lot with big feelings (especially anger). She also found the courage to seize the day and write her first book. She wanted Kyle to understand that, while all feelings are okay, we can't let them take over us. "Feeling All My Feelings Book" helps Kyle calm down when he's upset, and has led them to discuss difficult feelings together. Kim and Kyle hope their books can help you, too. Click here to visit Kim's website - https://www.kimtsbooks.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

We are taking a look back at an original short story created for the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast by our friends at CatholicTeenBooks.com . This is a fun and funny story that is sure to bring a smile to your face, and may even make your tummy a little hungry. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com Click here to visit www.CatholicTeenBooks.com

Four members of CatholicTeenBooks.com, Antony Kolenc, Caroline Astfalk, Leslea Wahl and Corinna Turner return to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to share an original story they created just for the podcast. The story they created is a fun and modern look at Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Sit back and relax as you experience St Nicholas Eve Carol. Click here to visit www.CatholicTeenBooks.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

The #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast is celebrating Christmas Eve 2022 with a look back at incredibly special and spooky episode of the podcast. The authors of SppokyMiddleGrade.com have come together on our show to create and tell an original spooky story. Get ready to be majorly spooked by S A Larsen, Kim Ventrella, Samantha M Clark, David Neilson, Victoria Piontek, Jonathan Rosen, Angie Smibert, Kat Shepherd and Sarah Cannon! Click here to visit SpookyMiddleGrade.com - www.spookeymiddlegrade.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new #GraphicNovel Beaky Barnes, Egg On The Loose. David tells us his debut Graphic Novel takes readers on a slapstick journey that is equal parts goofy and genius. We meet Beaky Barnes, a no-nonsense chicken who's determined to save her desirable egg. But with a hungry inspector, a desperate chef, and an entrepreneurial woman on her tail, Beaky has to use every tool in her chicken coop to make her grand escape. We are also joined by Rachael Tarfman Perez who celebrates her #PictureBook Food Is Fun Click here to visit David's website - https://davidezrastein.com/Beaky-Barnes-Egg-on-the-Loose Click here to visit Rachael's website - https://rachaeltarfmanperez.com/my-books/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Melissa Stewart returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest non-fiction #ChildrensBook Mega-Predators of the Past. Melissa has written more than 200 science books for children, including Sibert Medal Honoree Summertime Sleepers: Animals that Estivate. Melissa believes that nothing brings nonfiction writing to life like firsthand research. While gathering information for her books, she has explored tropical rain forests in Costa Rica, gone on safari in East Africa, and swum with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. When Melissa isn't writing or exploring the natural world, she spends time speaking at schools, libraries, and conferences for educators. She can't imagine any job she'd rather have. Click here to visit Melissa's website - https://www.melissa-stewart.com/about/about_melissa.html Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Captain Bill Pinkney is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his inspiring book Sailing Commitment. Captain Bill is one of less than 100 people, and the first Black man, who have circumnavigated the World in a sailboat. And he did the hard way, traveling around the treacherous Cape Horn. Captain Bill tells us of his adventure, what inspired it, how he found the courage, and funding, to undertake such a journey. He also tells us of spending 65 days sailing in the Pacific from South America to South Africa, seeing nothing but ocean, sky and an occasional bird. He explains that it was reading that helped him survive that incredibly lonely stretch. Click here to visit Captain Bill's website – http://captainbillpinkney.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Rajani LaRocca returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to share some wisdom that has helped her become such a successful and celebrated #ChildrensBook #author. Rajani is the author of many multi award winning books, including the Newbury Honor winning Read, White and Whole. Rajani's books, while not autobiographical, are all inspired by events and people in her own life. In this powerful and moving interview Rajani tells us her writing usually "starts with an emotion." If you are an author looking to improve your writing you do not want to miss this episode of the podcast. Click here to visit Rajani's website – http://www.rajanilarocca.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Brittney Traudt is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her Adventures of Shelly and Coco #PictureBook series. Brittney tells us she has always felt herself to be a writer. Whether she was writing notes in school, apology notes to her mom for talking back, releasing emotions through poems, or blogging about her travels, it has followed her throughout her life. She always found writing to be the best freedom of expression. Her Adventures Of Shelly and Coco series take families on adventures to many of the places Brittney has enjoyed visiting, including Washington, DC and Massachusetts. Click here to visit Brittney's website – https://traudtstwocents.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Rebecca Garner is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #YA title Why Won't My Boobs Grow... and Other Annoyances. Rebecca tells us she likes to write about the awkward and real moments of being a teenager. Her new title is a contemporary young adult novel that explores friendship, first love, and self-confidence. She believes you will love this book if you are wondering who you are or if you're a grown-up who loves the nostalgia of a coming-of-age story. Rebecca, a former #MiddleSchool teacher, also shares some of her thoughts about the state of our education system and how it can better serve kids. Click here to visit Rebecca's website – https://www.rebeccagarnerauthor.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

J R Hurcomb is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his Help me Reader interactive children's book. Jeff tells us his book is full of fun! Salsa is lost and needs your help to find her way home. The book gives kids a chance to be actively involved in the story by interacting with Salsa, in different activities, games, mazes and puzzles. Jeff also tells us what it is teaching English in Taiwan. Click here to find J R's book on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3FvP1Ih Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Zeke McDermott is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his Natural World Of Wisdom #PictureBook series. Zeke is a recent college graduate who spent his last year of school at home due to the pandemic. During that time he had a chance to really connect with his much younger sister through reading together. Zeke tells us that books like his "Natural World of Wisdom Books" are great but they are only the starting point. It is important for parents to use these books as "tools" to start larger conversations and genuinely help their children express themselves as who they are. He believes, as we do, that families will undoubtedly grow closer together if parents actively seek to create experiences, conversations, or activities that are purposeful and targeted to teach a child something about themselves or the world. Connect with Zeke on Instagram - @nwowbooks Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Mike Purewal is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his debut #PictureBook On Your Way. Mike tells us he left a position as a Corporate VP to write a picture book entitled On Your Way! Mike experienced severe burnout, due to stress related health issues. He decided to leave corporate and is now an advocate for mental and physical health. Being a #GirlDad, one of his priorities is to impact the next generation. On Your Way! is a rhythmic story that inspires children to be adventurous, imaginative and explore whats around them and within them. Yielding a superhero vibe, this magical journey will take children all the way from outer space to the center of the universe! With rainbow trees, rocket ships, dances with the stars and tapping into the powers of the universe, this story inspires immense creativity. Click here to visit Mike's website - https://www.mikepurewal.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

George Neeb returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his latest #Historical #PictureBook At The Museum. George tells us that Ancient Greece comes alive in a trip to the museum. In this book we meet Ryan, who would rather play video games than learn about boring, old history! When his dad takes him to the museum, Ryan grumbles and groans… until he sees the figures painted on an old Greek vase magically come to life. Suddenly, Ryan is face to face with ancient Greek warriors-and they don't seem very friendly. This book will transport you back to ancient Greece and meet Zeus, Medusa, and Pegasus in this exciting adventure that will engage young fans of art, history, museums, and mythology. Click here to visit george's website - https://georgeneeb.ca/at-the-museum/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Lydia Lukidis is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to share some of her knowledge about the business of books. Lydia is a children's author and freelance journalist. Her passion for reading and writing began at a very young age, when she was a voracious reader and composed poem after poem in her journals. Lydia has published over 40 children's books and eBooks, both fiction and nonfiction. She has also written over thirty educational books with publishers such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Kane Press (a division of Lerner), and her latest STEM book The Broken Bees' Nest was nominated for a CYBILS Award. In addition to her work with children, Lydia is a freelance journalist for magazines and websites, and primarily focuses on such topics as education, parenting, and wellness. She also does conceptual work for creative companies such as Moment Factory, where her latest project was to collaborate on a family show for Royal Caribbean International. Today she speaks about her experiences finding a literary agent to represent her. Click here to visit Lydia's website – http://www.lydialukidis.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Antony Kolenc returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate book four in his exciting Harwood Mysteries fiction series. School Library Journal says this series is "An engaging medieval adventure with appeal that transcends its denominational press." Tony tells us that in Book Four, The Merchants Curse, when a merchant appears to be cursed by a witch, a peasant boy in medieval England races against time to save the man's life while avoiding capture as a suspected traitor to the king. Click here to visit Tony's website – http://www.antonykolenc.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Richard Wagner is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his debut #PictureBook Needles the Forgotten Christmas Tree. Richard tells us that the world is not always a perfect place. Needles, a scraggly little tree, must endure criticism, laughter, and setbacks to realize his goal of becoming a beautiful Christmas tree. This is a story of dreams, desires, hope, determination, and never giving up. It also offers the observation that what others think is beautiful may not really matter. Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder, and paired with the spirit of Christmas, maybe we can make the world just a little more perfect! Click here to visit Richard's website – https://needlesthechristmastree.com/shop Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Kirsti Call returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook Cold Turkey. Kirstie tells us this is an absurd-yet-heartwarming read-aloud that's perfect for Thanksgiving—or anytime you're feeling ch-ch-chilly! Jedlie and Kirsti agree that the turkey that is the star of this story is a generous, caring friend, very much unlike the wild turkeys that terrorize the streets of Massachusetts. Click here to visit Kirsti's website - http://www.kirsticall.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Nicole Chen is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her beautiful #PictureBook How We Say I Love You. Nicole tells us that she writes stories for kids that celebrate diversity and multiculturalism as a simple fact of an all-American life, so young readers can see themselves reflected in all their colors and cultures. How We Say I Love You features a Taiwanese American girl who shares how her family expresses their love for one another through actions rather than words. So many families express their love in all they do for one another, every day. Nicole believes this book wraps you in a hug and invites your family to share their own special ways of showing love. Click here to visit Nicole's website – https://www.storiesbynicolechen.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Olatunde Sobomehin is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his book Creative Hustle: Blaze Your Own Path and Make Work That Matters. Olatunde tells us that this is a vibrant, illustrated guide to blazing a unique and fulfilling creative path, from the Stanford d.school. Humans have always been creative hustlers—problem solvers who seek to live beyond the limits suggested by society. Yet we live in a world where the place you were born, the amount of money you have, and the level of melanin in your skin indicate the precise path you are expected to follow. Too many of us silence our creativity and let our hustle calcify as we settle for the roles assigned to us. Click here to visit StreetCode Academy - https://streetcode.org/about/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Michelle T Sanchez is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook God Beloved Community. Michelle tells us that this book helps to make the God-inspired dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., accessible to all, helping kids and parents answer God's call to move from being color-blind to color-brave. God created a world filled with vibrant variety—and called it good! From flamingos and crows to shooting stars and rainbows—to all our different shades of hair, eyes, and skin—God declared it all very good. Now God calls us to resist racism and proclaim with him how precious all people really are. Click here to visit Michelle's Website - https://michelletsanchez.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Las Vegas Headliner Murray SawChuck is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his Debut #PictureBook At Nightime We Are All The Same Size. Murray, who is known all over the World as Murray The Magician, tells us this book was inspired by one of the many shelter pets he and his wife have adopted. He noticed that a dog that they had rescued was always nervous and scared around the family, except at night when everyone was laying down and on the same level. Murray hopes this book will inspire kids to find ways to be more empathetic with others. Murray also tells us a hilarious moment when something went terribly wrong while he was performing on stage Click here to visit Murray's website - https://murraymagic.com/ Click here to find Murray's book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3VxP7pz Click here to visit our webssite - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Dr Daniel Willingham is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new book Outsmart Your Brain, this is a revolutionary, comprehensive, and accessible guide on how the brain learns, discover how to study more efficiently and effectively, shrug away exam stress, and most of all, enjoy learning. When we study, we tend to focus on the tasks we can most easily control - such as highlighting and rereading - but these practices only give the illusion of mastery. Click here to visit Dr Dan's website - http://www.danielwillingham.com/books.html Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Elaine Kachala is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Superpower?: The Wearable-Tech Revolution.Elaine tells us this #MiddleGrade #NonFiction title explores the history, development, applications and ethics of wearable technology. Wearable technology is all the rage these days and this wonderful book will help kids to gain the information they need to get inspired and to change the future. Your little electronics enthusiasts will also get to meet the inventors, designers, engineers, scientists and young people navigating the future of technology and fashion. Click here to visit Elaine's website - https://www.elainekachala.com/copy-2-of-home Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Author Kim Ann returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her 25th #ChildrensBook Where Do Pirates Go On Vacation? Kim tells us this story features a pirate who uses a wheelchair. Kim shares that her son uses a wheelchair and how her family has been able to help him integrate into different activities and settings. Kim hopes that seeing characters with differences will help kids be open to develop friendships with all kids. Jedlie also talks about a program he lead in the late '80's that gave kids with severe developmental disabilities opportunities to develop friendships with kids in their communities. Click here to visit Kim Ann's website - https://authorkimann.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids..com

Phaea Crede is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #GraphicNovel Style #ChildrensBook Super Pizza And Kid Kale. Phaea tells us she writes silly picture books for silly kids. And serious kids, too! Phaea has had lots of writing jobs in her life, like scriptwriting for the TV shows Nature Cat and Word Girl. Once, She even got to play video games and write about them for a living! But nothing in the world compares to writing picture books. As a writer with dyslexia, Phaea is proud to demonstrate that disabilities don't have to stand in the way of dreams. She hopes to connect with kids and adults who think they can't write—and convince them that they can! Click here to visit Phaea's wesbite - http://www.phaeacrede.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

#Caldecott Honor-winning author of Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us Lauren Castillo is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Our Friend Hedgehog, A Place To Call Home. Lauren reminds us that Families come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they are joined by birth, and other times they are chosen. Lauren tells us this is a tale about old friends and new, and the true meaning of home. In this story Hedgehog is a bit confused. On the one paw, Hedgehog is excited to meet one of her own kind, but on the other paw, she has never felt so different—or distant—from her old friends. Where does Hedgehog belong, and who does she belong with? A journey upriver through an unfamiliar forest just might lead her home. Click here to visit Lauren's website – http://www.laurencastillo.com/a-place-to-call-home Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Michelle Lazurek and Crystal Bowman are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their #Inspiring #FaithBased #PictureBook Who God Wants me To Be. The authors tell us that this empowering picture book features a diverse cast of little girls dreaming of all the things they can be when they grow up and exploring how they can serve God in all kinds of careers. I'll keep trusting God, and then I will see exactly who He wants me to be. An artist, a teacher, a doctor, a stay-at-home mom—there are so many things a girl might want to be when she grows up. And even if she changes her mind as she cultivates new passions and skills, that's okay! The important thing to remember is that she will discover the talents and desires given to her by God as she grows and learns. Whether she becomes a protector, healer, builder, or creator, she can use her gifts to share God's love with others! Join Haley, Isabela, Lexi, and Ashley as they explore different careers and encourage all girls to trust God and who he created them to be! Click here to visit Michelle's website – http://www.michellelazurek.com/ Click here to visit Crystal's website - https://crystalbowman.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Lora Senf is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #MiddleGrade #Novel The Clackity. Lora tells us that The Clackity is a fun horror read for fans of Coraline and City of Ghosts.In the story we meet nearly-thirteen-year-old Evie Von Rathe lives in Blight Harbor, the seventh-most haunted town in America (per capita). Her Aunt Desdemona, the local paranormal expert and otherworldly advice columnist, doesn't have many rules. One absolute, iron-clad rule is to stay out of the abandoned abattoir at the edge of town. Evie obeys – until she doesn't, following her aunt to the slaughterhouse one bright June day. When her aunt disappears into the abattoir, Evie goes searching for her. There she meets The Clackity, a creature that lives in the shadows and seams of the slaughterhouse. The Clackity promises to help Evie get Desdemona back in exchange for the ghost of John Jeffrey Pope, a serial killer who stalked Blight Harbor a hundred years earlier, and who has unspeakable ties to the abattoir. Click here to visit Lora's website – https://lorasenf.com/manuscripts/them-clackity/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Tom Tracy returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast with his daughter Alice Catherine to celebration Adoption Awareness Month. Tom is the author of the Scoochies & Skiddles #PictureBook series that are based on the real-life experiences of the Tom's family. Tom is a gay dad of two transracially adopted daughters. He believes that representing and promoting family diversity is important. We invited Tom to return with his daughter Alice Catherine to celebrate the beauty of adoption. With over 400,000 kids in the foster care system in the US there is a real need for more families to make the choice to adopt. We recognize that not all families are able to adopt or foster, but there are so many ways we can help support the adoptive and foster families in our communities. Click here to visit Tom's website – https://www.scoochieandskiddles.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Amy Baron is on the #Readingwithyourkids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook The Gentle Bulldozer. Amy tells us she fell back in love with her childhood hobby of writing while reading stories to her kids. Now she's excited to introduce her debut book to the world. Amy is an optometrist, but she promises to resist the urge to recite children's stories during your eye exam. Her debut #PictureBook The Gentle Bulldozer who believes there can be more to his life than just tearing things down and smashing them up. It is a sweet tale encouraging kids to discover what they are truly meant to be. Click here to visit Amy's website - https://amybaronbooks.com/the-gentle-bulldozer Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Dr Colleen Kelley returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her MC Detective Agency Comic Books. Dr Colleen tells us these comics books were designed to give kids a chance to take a deep dive into chemistry and bond with a cavalcade of chemical characters! You'll get to know Granny Eve and her grandkids, Poppi and Ray, as you join them on missions (aka "cases") and learn everything you've ever wanted to know about the mysterious world of molecules! Dr Colleen believes that kids can learn chemistry at a much earlier age. Click here to visit Dr Colleen's website – https://hewittlearning.org/curriculum-home/kids-chemical-solutions/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Francis Schoonmaker is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #MiddleGrade #Novel Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer. Francis tells us in this novel we will meet Sid Johnson, a young teen who's parents claim they don't know anything about a slave stealer that slave holders call the "Phantom." But when Sid discovers that their Southern Illinois farm is a stop on the Underground Railroad, he isn't so sure Ma and Pa are telling him the truth. They could get caught breaking the law. When bounty hunters threaten Pa, Sid resolves to take action to protect the family. Before his plans are in place, bounty hunters burn the barn. With a civil war brewing and the farm compromised as a stop on the Underground Railroad, Ma and Pa decide to go west. Disappointed that he failed to learn any more about the slave stealer, Sid is glad to leave the slave question behind. He is about to find out that the ugly shadow of slavery reaches beyond the Johnson farm to the Santa Fe Trail, and his involvement with the Phantom Slave Stealer has just begun. Click here to visit Francis' website – https://fschoonmaker.com/books/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Author Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrator Brian Lies are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their beautiful new #PictureBook Wombat Says Come In. In this book we meet a kindhearted wombat offers refuge to a parade of animal friends during an Australian bushfire. Australian bushfires roar above Wombat's home. He is fortunate that his burrow is deep below ground and he is safe. He snuggles under his crazy quilt and drinks his tea. Then, one by one, five uniquely Australian animals – Wallaby, Kookaburra, Platypus, Koala, and Sugar Glider – seek refuge from the fires, and Wombat welcomes them all. When you have the heart of a wombat, there's always room for one more! Fellowship, empathy, and adorable Australian animals star in this delightfully heartwarming and funny story about help in the time of trouble. Click here to visit Carmen's website - https://carmenagradeedy.com/book/wombat-said-come-in/ Click here to visit Brian's website - http://www.brianlies.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Jess McGeachin is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his beautiful new #PictureBook The Lost Library. Jess tells us that The Lost Library is a magical tale of friendship, the joy of reading and the power of the imagination. When Oliver finds a lost library book in his new bedroom, he decides to return it. But how do you find a mysterious hidden library? With the help of a new friend, of course . . . Jess also talks about the video lesson he created for our new #DrawingWithYourKids Project. He also offers some great advice for young and aspiring illustrators. Click here to visit Jess' website – https://www.jessmcgeachin.com/books/lost-library Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Andrea and Gabe Olson are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate A Little Love. This is the latest in the couple's Big God Books Series. Gabe and Andrea Olson live in Minnesota with their three daughters, Sophia, Adeley, and Ayla. The Big God Books series is inspired by real-life moments with their girls and made for children worldwide just like them. Every story is written to preserve the family's miracles and serve as a tool for other families to use in their homes. The Big God Books remind us that God is a miracle worker and makes talking about it more accessible. A Little Love reminds kids that God hears all of our prayers, and sometimes God answers those prayers in a way we don't expect. Click here to visit Andrea and Gabe's website – https://www.thebiggodbooks.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Dave Finnigan is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate The Green Actioneers Family Action Guide. The Green Actioneers believe that kids deserve a green future. This compelled them to create "The Green Actioneers Family Action Guide: The Definitive Guide to "Going Green," Saving Money, and Saving Our Planet." A collection of passionate University of Central Florida interns has worked to create this family road map to save energy, water, money and, ultimately, the Earth. They look forward to becoming the ultimate resource for families who want to go green. This is a STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO "GOING GREEN" The book is unique because it appeals to both kids and parents. There are over 100 potential actions families can take to go green. Every two-page spread describes one action with a description on the left that tells briefly about some of the benefits in English and Spanish. On many of these pages we have a relevant game or puzzle. On the right side we have a coloring book, plus a quote from someone famous, who kids or families can research. Click here to visit Dave's website – https://greenactioneers.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Anna Rose Johnson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to help us recognize Native American Awareness Month and to celebrate The Star That Always Stays. Anna tells us that this is a tender coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine that thoughtfully addresses serious issues like assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, fitting in, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh and vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson's family history. Click here to visit Anna's website – https://annarosejohnson.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Maya Smart is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Reading For Our Lives. Maya is an author, seasoned speaker, and passionate literacy advocate, She helps parents nurture, teach, and advocate for children on the road to reading. Her book, Reading for Our Lives: A Literacy Action Plan from Birth to Six, provides a clear, step-by-step guide to helping our children thrive as readers and learners. Reading for Our Lives challenges the bath-book-bed mantra and the idea that reading aloud to our kids is enough to ensure school readiness. Instead, it gives parents easy, immediate, and accessible ways to nurture language and literacy development from the start. Through personal stories, historical accounts, scholarly research, and practical tips, this book presents the life-and-death urgency of reading, investigates inequity in its achievement, and illuminates a path to a true, transformative education for all. Click here to visit Maya's website - https://mayasmart.com/book/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Cigdem Knebel is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her Simple Words Books Publishing Company. Cigdem tells us that from a very early age, her son had a passion for books. Unfortunately, reading did not come naturally to him. In 2015, at age six, he was diagnosed with Dyslexia. With training, he soon began reading simple words and sentences. One night, he picked up Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss. He read the entire 160+ words over and over, then asked for a chapter book. She googled, talked to experts, teachers, tutors and parents to find low-level/high-interest books. Others were in search of these books, too, but they did not exist. So she began to write for her son; he began to read. And Project Simple Words was born. Click here to visit Cigdem's website - https://simplewordsbooks.com/pages/about-us Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com