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From Fanny's Big Ideas to Dude's Big Heart

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Release Date: 10/31/2025

Bethany Barton Is Trying To Love Farts show art Bethany Barton Is Trying To Love Farts

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Welcome to another delightful episode of Reading With Your Kids! In this fun-packed show, host Jed Doherty invites two talented children's book authors—Bethany Barton and CG Abrams—to share their passion for storytelling, creativity, and education. Bethany Barton, acclaimed author and illustrator, walks us through the hilarious world of her latest STEM picture book, "I'm Trying to Love Farts." With a mission to make tricky science topics approachable, Bethany offers fascinating fart facts, like the role of gut microbes and the world's oldest recorded joke from ancient Sumeria—yes, it’s...

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Not Fitting In—and Saving the Universe show art Not Fitting In—and Saving the Universe

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Dive into the world of children’s literature with this episode featuring two inspiring author interviews! First up, award-winning middle grade author Scott Savage takes us on an out-of-this-world adventure with "Quantum Interstellar Space Sports League, Book Two: Soccer Spacetastrophe." Scott shares how his own experiences of not fitting in and overcoming challenges fueled his storytelling, while he and illustrator Brandon Dorman creatively team up to craft action-packed, humor-filled books that captivate kids and ignite a love of reading. Listeners will love the behind-the-scenes peek at...

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Tides of Wonder: Exploring Oceans, Creativity, and Eating Adventurously show art Tides of Wonder: Exploring Oceans, Creativity, and Eating Adventurously

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Dive into imagination and creativity in this captivating episode featuring inspiring children’s book authors and storytellers! Host Jed Doherty welcomes special effects artist and entrepreneur Mark Viniello, creator of Enchantails, and debut picture book author-illustrator Krista Leann, author of Finicky Francis. First, discover how Mark’s journey in Hollywood special effects and a request from his daughter led to the birth of Enchant ails—an innovative blend of mermaid sleeping bags, interactive bedtime stories, and a mission to connect kids with ocean conservation. Learn how he...

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Celebrating Parenting, Pictures Books & Super Powers show art Celebrating Parenting, Pictures Books & Super Powers

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

On this episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes three exceptional children's book creators—Brigette Barrager, celebrated author and illustrator of "Whoooo Is Still Awake?", Dr. Mark Perloe, author of the heartwarming "Milo's Superpower" and Lauren Drago, author of The Greenfield Dragon. Listeners are treated to a fascinating conversation about the magic and power of children's books, the importance of family support, and nurturing creativity in young readers. Brigette Barrager shares the heartfelt inspiration behind her latest bedtime story, "Whoooo Is Still...

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Adventures Of The World's Greatest Guide Dog show art Adventures Of The World's Greatest Guide Dog

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Join us for a heartwarming episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, where host Jed Doherty welcomes three inspiring guests from the world of children’s books. First, we celebrate Aria Mia Loberti’s debut picture book, I Am Ingrid, a touching guide dog story about Ingrid, the world’s greatest guide dog, and Aria’s personal journey from living with low vision to regaining her sight. Aria shares deeply moving insights about her partnership with Ingrid, her life-changing vision correction, and the unique challenges of adapting to sight. In addition to her experience as a children’s...

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You Matter! show art You Matter!

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this powerful episode of the "Reading With Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes two remarkable guests—Dean Sikes, author of "You Matter: Finding Hope and Meaning in Everyday Life," and Nathalie Iseli-Chan, educator and author of "Asking Questions About My Adoption Helps Me Grow." This episode dives deep into the essential issues of hope, suicide prevention, and the lifelong journey of discovering purpose and identity. Dean Sikes shares his moving personal journey as a speaker and advocate for mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for suicide prevention among youth. He...

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Ms. Penny Pickles Puzzle Quest show art Ms. Penny Pickles Puzzle Quest

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Join us for an engaging episode where we welcome acclaimed children’s authors Chris Grabenstein and Joy Stephenson Laws to discuss their latest inspiring books—Ms. Penny Pickles Puzzle Quest and Secrets That Sparkle, Secrets That Sting. Host Jed Doherty leads a lively conversation packed with insights on igniting children’s love of reading, boosting literacy, and creating strong family connections through storytelling. Chris Grabenstein, bestselling author known for the Mr. Lemoncello series, shares the inside scoop behind his new middle grade adventure, Ms. Penny Pickles Puzzle Quest....

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Rapunzel, Sea Witches, and  Self-Acceptance show art Rapunzel, Sea Witches, and Self-Acceptance

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Join host Jed Doherty on this lively episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast as he welcomes two inspiring authors bringing fresh perspectives to children’s literature. First, listen in as Kim Bussing discusses her imaginative new book, "Rapunzel and the Sea Witch," the third volume in the popular Princess Swap series. Kim shares how she reimagines classic fairy tales, swapping beloved princesses into new adventures, and talks about her creative journey from grad school to working with Random House. Learn why fairy tales connect across cultures and how these stories encourage creativity...

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Found Family & Fantastic Tales show art Found Family & Fantastic Tales

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Join us for a special episode of Reading With Your Kids, where imagination and inspiration take center stage! This episode features captivating author interviews with Tiffany Wang, creator of the YA fantasy novel “Tempest's Queen,” and Valerie Ellis, author of the faith-based children’s book “Wild Faith Devotional.” Host Jed Doherty guides listeners through lively discussions about the power of family reading, the magic of well-built fictional worlds, and the importance of character development for young readers. Tiffany Wang shares the creative journey behind “Tempest's Queen”...

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A World of Tea & Tales: Exploring Culture in Children’s Books show art A World of Tea & Tales: Exploring Culture in Children’s Books

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this delightful episode of "Reading With Your Kids," host Jed Doherty welcomes author Adib Khorram and illustrator Hanna Cha to celebrate their wonderful picture book, "Tea Is Love." The conversation brims with warmth as Adib and Hanna share the story behind their collaboration, revealing that, surprisingly, many authors and illustrators rarely meet during the creative process—making their teamwork even more special. They chat about the inspiration for "Tea Is Love," exploring how tea connects people across cultures and generations, and how the book’s gentle words and stunning...

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More Episodes

Get ready for an incredible podcast episode that celebrates unsung heroes, literary pioneers, and the power of being nice! Host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a remarkable journey featuring two incredible stories that will restore your faith in humanity.

First up, we dive into the fascinating world of Fanny Goldstein, a groundbreaking librarian who changed how we think about cultural representation and community engagement. Richard Michelson's new picture book, "Fanny's Big Ideas," reveals how this remarkable woman started Jewish Book Week 100 years ago, championing diversity and inclusion long before it became a mainstream concept. Goldstein wasn't just a librarian - she was a trailblazer who ensured libraries reflected the communities they served, stocking books from various cultures and giving immigrants a sense of belonging.

Then, the episode shifts gears to "Dude Be Nice," a heartwarming book and movement that's all about spreading positivity. Authors Brent Camalich and Sarah Scheerger share their mission of celebrating everyday heroes and inspiring kindness. Their project began with viral videos surprising unsung community members - from school custodians to resource officers - and has since grown into a powerful movement encouraging people to recognize and uplift those around them.

What makes this episode special is its underlying message: small acts of kindness can create massive positive change. Whether it's Fanny Goldstein ensuring diverse representation in libraries or the Dude Be Nice team surprising hardworking staff members, these stories remind us that compassion matters.

Listeners will walk away feeling inspired, with practical ideas about how to spread kindness in their own communities. The episode is a perfect blend of historical insight, contemporary storytelling, and genuine human connection.

Want to make a difference? Start by being nice - it's that simple.