Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this uplifting episode, we're celebrating two powerful books that help kids grow—both in the garden and in their character. First, Jed welcomes Sharon Rose, landscape designer and debut picture book author of Through the Garden Gate. Sharon shares how her lifelong love of gardening began with her dad and the neighbors who mentored her in their San Jose backyard. Those intergenerational friendships inspired Miss Mary, the neighbor in her book who invites bored, screen‑tempted Miles into her garden. As Miles helps with "weeding" he doesn't want to do, he discovers curiosity, problem‑solving, and the magic of plants. Sharon and Jed talk about getting kids outside, the healing power of nature, creating pollinator gardens instead of endless lawn, and how gardens can connect neighbors and families. Then Jed talks with David Farkas, author of the middle grade novel Can't Never Could: A Child's Guide to Perseverance. David explains the family saying behind the title—every time he said "I can't," his parents replied, "Can't never could!"—and how that simple idea shaped his life. In the book, a boy is followed by a stubborn little sprite who appears whenever he says "I can't," pushing him to keep trying. David and Jed dive into why kids need to hear "I can't…yet," the dangers of quitting too quickly, and how youth sports, music, and other activities can build real confidence. They also take on participation trophies, cross‑training, and the importance of finishing a season—even when it's hard. It's a heart‑warming conversation about getting kids outdoors, helping them stick with challenges, and using stories to grow resilient, joyful humans.

In this heartfelt episode, Jed sits down with author and teacher Margaret Gurevich to talk about her middle grade novel, Yasha's Amazing Bar Mitzvah. Set in 1986, with the New York Mets' World Series win as a lively backdrop, the story follows Yasha, a Russian Jewish immigrant who moves from Brighton Beach to the New Jersey suburbs. Suddenly, he's one of only two Russian kids in his grade, navigating Cold War stereotypes, rocky mania, wealth gaps, and classmates who think his Bar Mitzvah—and even his family—aren't "American enough." Margaret shares the real family history woven into the book: parents who left the former Soviet Union in 1979, a grandfather sent to the Gulag for owning prayer shawls, university quotas that nearly blocked her mother's education, and letters home that arrived with whole sections blacked out. She and Jed talk about what it means when a country's politics are used to judge its people, and how Yasha's friendship with an elderly man named Bernie helps him find the courage to be himself. Margaret also reflects on her own journey—from hiding her Russian-Jewish identity as a teen to proudly writing it into her stories—and why she loves writing for middle graders who are still forming their views of the world. In the final part of the episode, Jed chats with cartoonist and author Jeffrey Brown about his graphic novel Once Upon a Space Time, where kids join an intergalactic mission with mostly robot supervision. They explore how today's kids' comics blend humor, heart, and big ideas to keep young readers hooked on stories.

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, we celebrate creativity, courage, and the power of stories to help families connect. First, Jed welcomes 12-year-old author and YouTuber Bella Olson, creator of the Avocado Awesomeness channel and debut middle grade novel "Trapped" (Simon & Schuster). Bella shares how she began writing the book at just seven years old, and how the story follows a girl imprisoned by the evil Dr. Heinous in a mysterious facility. Along the way, the heroine meets unforgettable characters like Luna, Maya, and Rocco the magic chicken—many inspired by Bella's real-life friends. Bella talks about juggling school, dance, YouTube, and writing, her excitement at landing a major publisher, and how families can CO-read Trapped and talk about favorite scenes, inventions, and characters. Next, in our Story Keepers segment, Schuyler Minckler from Elm Street Books in New Canaan, Connecticut, gives listeners a tour of her cozy indie bookstore. She describes creaky floors, well-loved shelves, and a children's section designed for browsing and discovery. Schuyler offers down-to-earth advice for nurturing a love of reading, from reading aloud well into the teen years to embracing graphic novels, series, and kid-led choices. Finally, returning guest Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw introduces her deeply moving middle grade novel "Decoding The Moon." Drawing on her son's real-life rock climbing fall and her own experience with loss, Suzanne weaves a story of two brothers navigating grief, autism, fear, and new beginnings in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With secret codes, rock climbing, and super moons, Decoding The Moon becomes both an adventure and a compassionate guide for families facing big emotions and big changes.

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes Naja Lund Aparicio, author of the picture book Seasons by the Lake: Adventures in Greenland, for a rich conversation about childhood, culture, and the nation of Greenland, followed by a listen back to a chat with pastry chef and author Christina Tosi. Naja, a Greenlandic Inuit writer, shares how her book follows siblings Mimik and Nuka as they explore the changing seasons around a Greenlandic lake. She explains that many people think Greenland has only one season—winter—but her goal is to show the subtle but powerful shifts throughout the year and how kids play, gather, and live closely with nature in each one. Naja describes the Inuit worldview that everything—rivers, rocks, mountains—has a spirit and personhood, placing humans on the same level as nature rather than above it. This deep respect for land grew from the need to survive harsh climates, where reading the weather and seasonal signs was a matter of life and death. She also talks about Inuit migration from northern Alaska to Greenland, the ongoing importance of hunting and gathering, and shares a favorite myth about how the raven became black. Naja reflects on Greenlanders as peaceful, welcoming people and on the long-standing allyship between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States. She discusses her other Greenlandic-language books, current MFA work at the Institute of American Indian Arts, and upcoming picture books with Candlewick and Dial Books. In the final segment, Christina Tosi joins to celebrate her picture book Every Cake Has a Story and to talk about creativity, baking with kids, and embracing "failed" recipes as fuel for imagination and learning.

In this uplifting episode, Jed welcomes Jaylene Clark Owens, author of the new picture book A Black Girl and Her Braids, inspired by her viral 2021 poem of the same name. Jaylene shares how the poem—born while she was joyfully walking down Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles with fresh braids—grew into a children's book published by Penguin Random House. The book celebrates Black girlhood, natural hair, and cultural pride, encouraging young readers to love their hair in all its styles: braids, afros, locs, twists, long, or short. Jaylene explains how the story also weaves in the CROWN Act, legislation designed to protect people from discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles. She describes braids as more than a style: they're deeply rooted in Black culture, historically used to signify status, store seeds, and even map routes. Jaylene also opens up about her own journey—being teased for her dark skin, feeling pressure to straighten her hair with damaging relaxers, and ultimately reclaiming and celebrating her natural beauty. She talks about the joy of seeing her poem go viral, celebrities like Tia Mowry using her sound, and the powerful experience of visiting schools, singing her "A Black Girl and Her Braids" song with children, and watching them light up as they celebrate their hair. In the final segment, we take a listen back to a conversation we had a few years back with Liz Leonard about her debut picture book Frizzy Lizzy, an autobiographical story about curly hair, self-acceptance, and navigating life in a nontraditional family.

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two wonderful guests who are using story to help kids feel seen, curious, and joyful—author Jamie Sumner and dance educator/author Teacher Terrel. First, Jed chats with Jamie Sumner about her new middle grade novel in verse, Glory Be. Jamie shares why she loves writing in verse for middle graders—it feels fast, accessible, and empowering for reluctant readers. Set in New Orleans, the book follows 11-year-old Glory as she searches for her lost dog over five days, only to uncover deeper questions about her dad, family dynamics, and what it means to grow up and realize no one is all good or all bad. Jamie also talks about representation and how her earlier novel Roll With It was inspired by her son, who has cerebral palsy, and the importance of kids seeing themselves—and others—on the page. She gives a sneak peek at her upcoming picture book A Fish Like Me and her next verse novel The Space Race. Then Teacher Terrel returns to the show to celebrate A Tale of Learning, part of her Once Upon a Dance series. She and Jed discuss how her books invite families to dance through stories, turning read-aloud time into movement, imagination, and play. Terrel talks about her advocacy for a kinder, more inclusive dance world, where all body types and abilities are welcome, and where competition is kept in perspective so kids can keep the joy of dance. She also shares how the pandemic nudged her from studio teaching into creating story-based dance books that will last for years to come.

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes Kobe Yamada to celebrate his new picture book, "Others." Kobe shares that the book is all about empathy and perspective, inviting kids (and the adults reading with them) to think about how we see people we don't yet know. The story is set up as a conversation between two characters on one side of a tall hedge—a hedge that acts as both a physical and psychological barrier. While the characters can't see what's on the other side, the reader can, thanks to illustrator Charles Santoso's imaginative art. Kobe explains that "Others" starts off silly and absurd, mirroring how we often form opinions with very little real information. As the book goes on, the tone becomes more meaningful and sincere, opening the door to conversations about assumptions, fear, curiosity, and connection. He talks about how experiences like travel, new foods, and meeting neighbors from different cultures can help kids (and adults) expand their world. Kobe also describes his approach to picture books as writing for a dual audience—creating stories that encourage deep conversations between children and caregivers, and that gain new layers of meaning as readers grow up. In the final part of the episode, Jed chats briefly with Kate Korsch about her hilarious new chapter book "Una Bramblegoop, Sideways Magic: Newbie Fairy"—a fun, underwear-themed, magic-filled story perfect for kids who love silly humor and heartfelt friendships.

Recorded live at the COSSBA National Education Conference in Louisville, this special episode of Reading With Your Kids is a joyful tour through the people and ideas shaping public education today. Host Jed Doherty kicks things off with Dr. Kathy McFarland, Executive Director of COSSBA, who explains how this nonpartisan national association supports state school board groups so they can better serve local districts. She champions student voice, urging boards to put actual students at the table when making policy. Keynote speaker Ravi Hutheesing (author of Pivot) shares his wild journey from rock guitarist with Hanson to aviator to cultural diplomat, using his story to show why kids must learn to pivot, embrace lifelong learning, and see AI as an opportunity, not a threat. We hear about powerful literacy and kindness movements: Dr. Clifford Jones of Horry County Schools describes Rise With Reading, stadium "reading under the lights" nights, and a 1,000-pages-a-month superintendent's challenge. Shaun Sweet introduces the United States of Kindness, inviting schools and communities to complete 250 acts of kindness to shift culture nationwide. There are delightful detours, too: Kentucky Derby bugler Steve Buttleman shares behind-the-scenes Kentucky Derby stories, and retired educator Dr. Donna McBride delivers an inspiring tribute to public schools and the life-changing power of a single caring teacher. Throughout, Jed and guests celebrate a simple, powerful idea: when families, educators, and communities read, listen, and act with kindness, kids win.

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed sits down with middle grade author Kimberly Behre Kenna to talk about her powerful new novel, Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances. Kimberly introduces us to Lola, a 13-year-old girl still grieving the death of her twin sister. Determined to finish the "Perfect Pairs Collection" she started with her sister, Lola makes a desperate choice—trying to steal a pair of bobblehead dolls. Her punishment? A month at her reclusive uncle's crumbling, castle-like mansion perched above the Connecticut River. Kimberly shares how her love of Gillette Castle State Park and her lifelong fascination with twins—rooted in her relationship with her own twin sisters—inspired the story. She and Jed explore themes of grief, guilt, and second chances, as well as the transforming power of intergenerational friendships. Lola arrives convinced she's been banished, but slowly discovers a deep connection with her quirky, grieving uncle, Milo, and begins to shift from just trying to "fix herself" to wanting to help him heal too. Drawing on her experience as a fifth-grade teacher, Kimberly talks about writing "brave girl" stories that invite rich classroom and family conversations about empathy, belonging, and talking openly about hard things. In the final segment, Jed welcomes Dr. Anna Housley Juster, former Sesame Street content director and author of How to Train Your Amygdala. Anna explains how this picture book helps kids understand their brain's alarm system and practice simple, playful strategies—like breathing, muscle relaxation, and imagination—to manage anxiety before big feelings take over.

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, Jed welcomes two guests who celebrate the power of stories in very different – but equally inspiring – ways. First, picture book author Linda Ravin Lodding joins from Stockholm to talk about her new book, It Started with a Book Ban. Linda and Jed reflect on how reading aloud is a "performative" act that builds deep family bonds, invites questions, and helps kids think about causality and consequences. Linda explains that her story follows Edwin, a boy who discovers his favorite space book has vanished from the library. Soon, more and more things in the town are banned – even the color green and the letter "S" – until the world grows smaller, darker, and more absurd. Through vivid visuals and a palette that darkens as bans pile up, the book gently explores censorship, choice, and fairness for young children, while affirming that books can be both mirrors and windows for every child. In the second half, Jed talks with Matthew Loux, author–illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain. Matthew shares how his love of manga, anime, and Japanese culture led to a fun, fast-paced adventure about twins visiting Japan who meet a young yokai and journey to a mountain full of mythical creatures. Along the way, the book weaves in kid-friendly pages on Japanese culture. Matthew also describes his process as a comics creator and art teacher, and encourages parents to fully value comics and graphic novels as real reading that powerfully engages kids' imaginations.

In this warm and thoughtful episode of Reading With Your Kids, we're treated to two beautiful celebrations of art, family, and our relationship with the world around us. First, Jed talks with Steph Littlebird, author-illustrator of You Are the Land. Steph shares how her debut picture book explores a child's deep connection to the land, rooted in Indigenous, place-based identity in the Pacific Northwest. She explains that in her culture, the land is a relative, not a resource—mountains, hills, and rivers are family. By helping kids see themselves as part of nature rather than separate from it, Steph hopes to give young readers the emotional and cultural tools they'll need to face the climate crisis with a sense of connection and responsibility. She also describes the challenge and joy of distilling big, abstract ideas into fewer than 500 words, relying on rich, colorful artwork to carry much of the meaning. Next, Jed welcomes Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, author-illustrator of Two Artists, Granddad and Me. This deeply personal picture book is a loving tribute to her grandfather, the legendary illustrator Jerry Pinkney. Charnelle invites listeners into his studio, where music always played and art supplies surrounded them, and where she first learned watercolor from him. She talks about growing up in a family of artists and authors, the magic of intergenerational friendships, and helping kids realize that they, too, are artists with their own stories to tell. Her process—mixing collage, watercolor, and even photos of her real art tools—honors her grandfather while expressing her own voice.

On this lively episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes two fantastic guests who are using story to spark big conversations with kids and families. First up is Shana Tartogsz, author of the middle grade fantasy The Under Wild: Relic of Thieves. Shana takes us deep into her richly imagined world, where the realm of the living and the realm of the dead are separated by wild, shifting landscapes and mythical creatures. We meet Anya, a living girl dealing with the heartbreak of her best friend moving away, and learn how her story connects with Senka, the underworld-dwelling apprentice from Book One. Shana shares how her childhood fascination with Greek mythology, from Cerberus to Pegasus to Persephone, inspired the series—and how she loves flipping classic myths on their heads to ask new "what if?" questions that families can explore together. Then Jed is joined by Tiffany Obeng, attorney, mom, and powerhouse behind Sugar Cookie Books. Tiffany introduces her clever chapter book series Fairy Tales Versus, where famous stories head to court. In The Three Pigs vs. The Wolf and Goldilocks vs. The Three Bears, kids see both sides presented before Judge Olivia Odemere, an owl who's smart, thoughtful, and a little unsure of herself—just like real people. Through playful legal battles, Tiffany helps kids think about fairness, perspective, and the idea that there's always more to the story. Together, these conversations celebrate the power of books to open doors: to ancient myths, to big ideas like justice, and to meaningful family discussions that go far beyond the final page.

Latin Grammy–nominated musician and debut picture book author Sonia de los Santos joins Jed to talk about birds, borders, and the magic of bilingual stories. Sonia shares the inspiration behind her new picture book La Golondrina, based on her song of the same name. The story follows a young girl who becomes fascinated with swallow birds while visiting her grandmother, and slowly begins to see her own migration story reflected in their long journeys. Sonia connects this to her real life, growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, then moving to the New York City area to pursue musical theater, eventually finding her calling making music for children and families. She and Jed swap bird stories (including a backyard turkey named Stella), talk about performing in less‑than‑glamorous multipurpose rooms, and celebrate the joy of seeing every child's face during school concerts. Sonia explains how her music evolved into books, how it feels to let an illustrator "finish" her story visually, and why she's committed to creating bilingual, welcoming spaces where all kids and families feel seen. They dive into big themes—migration, identity, empathy, and the courage to speak a second language (and make mistakes out loud!). Sonia also teases that La Golondrina is the first in a three‑book series, "Books That Sing / Libros que cantan", complete with lyrics, chords, and a QR code so families can read and sing together. Plus, we take a listen back to a conversation we had with children's music legend Raffi during his tour to promote his Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times project and his lifelong commitment to honoring and respecting children.

Join Jedlie for a heartfelt, high‑energy double feature celebrating the power of stories, family, and big feelings. First up, speech therapist and children's author Kimberly Delude chats about her picture book series "Freddie the Fly." Freddie is a lovable little fly who struggles with listening, reading nonverbal cues, and social skills. Kimberly shares how a single bored student in grad school inspired her to create fun, kid‑friendly stories instead of dry, adult‑focused "do this, don't do that" materials. She and Jed dive into why reading with kids builds vocabulary, confidence, and connection, why we shouldn't "dumb down" words in children's books, and how parents being honest about their own struggles can make kids feel less alone. They also touch on selective mutism, the magic of a child finally speaking, and Kimberly's tech‑savvy modern fairy tale "Digital Red." Then we head to Southern California with Wanda Arlene Barajas, author of "Benny the Brave: A Story of Love, Loss and Learning." Inspired by her real rescue dog who loses a front leg, Wanda's book gently helps kids explore fear, sadness, frustration, and hope. She and Jed talk about preparing kids for life's hard changes before they happen, coping in healthy ways, and how one accident pushed her to finally pursue her dream of writing. Wanda also celebrates the rich, family‑centered culture of Puerto Rico and teases her upcoming book "Karina and Sabi: A Journey to the Heart of Cidra," which spotlights an endangered local dove and the importance of caring for our world. A warm, inspiring episode for anyone who loves kids, books, dogs, or Puerto Rico.

In this heartfelt and adventurous episode, Jed welcomes Jessica Collins and Lisa Malamed to celebrate their upcoming picture book Where's Big Dog: A Story of Loss and Love. Inspired by Jessica's beloved golden doodle Lucy, the book gently helps children and adults navigate the loss of a pet. Jessica and Lisa share sweet, funny memories of Lucy—like how she'd jingle her collar instead of barking to wake Lisa up—and talk about how deeply pets become part of the family. They explain that the dogs in the book aren't named or gendered so any reader can see their own pet in the story. Though it began as a way to help Jessica's young daughter process her first big loss, the book has resonated just as strongly with adults and is designed to work almost like a sympathy card for pet grief. Above all, it lands not on sadness, but on love. Later, Jed is joined by Ellen Cochran, author of the riveting middle grade narrative nonfiction Follow the Water: The Unbelievable True Story of a Teenager's Survival in the Amazon. Ellen tells the astonishing real-life story of Juliane Koepcke, who survived a plane crash, fell two miles strapped to her seat, and then trekked alone for 11 days through the Amazon using the survival knowledge taught by her scientist parents. Ellen weaves Juliane's story with rich details about Amazon wildlife and science, aiming to fire up kids' curiosity about STEM, nature, and what real scientific thinking looks like in action.

Reading With Your Kids" welcomes two wonderful guests who celebrate the magic of stories, family, and imagination. First, New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff joins Jed to talk about her new middle grade fantasy, The After Myth. Tracy shares how the excitement of a new book release never fades, especially when a story is as personal as this one. She reveals that her heroine Penelope and sidekick Fifi are secretly based on her real-life college best friend and herself. Tracy describes The After Myth as a Greek‑mythology‑inspired adventure set at Naximanders Academy, where Penelope expects to be sorted into the Athena hall like generations of her family—but ends up somewhere completely different. Along the way, the book reexamines the myth of Pandora's Box and asks whether we've been blaming the wrong person all these years. Tracy also gives a fun peek into her creative process, from story "bibles" and giant bulletin boards to rewriting her opening chapters over and over until the story finally clicks. Next, Jed chats with author and publisher Eric G. Reid about his heartwarming picture book Dad, Someone Took the Moon. Inspired by a sarcastic comment from his teenage son at the bus stop, the book became a tender keepsake filled with "easter eggs" from his son's childhood. Eric and Jed talk about the joy of reading aloud, how picture books can still move teens and adults, and what it's really like to publish children's books today—including illustrations, AI, and supporting indie bookstores.