Exploring Native American Experiences Through Children's Books
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Hey Families! Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair - November 9 & 10. Use promo code READ to save big on tickets! On the latest episode of the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of speaking with two talented authors about their new children's books that explore important cultural themes. First up was Violet Duncan, author of the middle-grade novel "Buffalo Dreamer." Violet shared how the book was inspired by the recent discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential schools in Canada, which deeply impacted her and...
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Resilience, Empathy, and Hope
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join The Reading With Your Kids Podcast At The Chicago Toy & Game Fair - November 9 & 10. Use the promo code READ to save big on tickets! On the latest episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with three inspiring guests - author Shannon Stocker, her daughter Cassidy, and children's book writer Amulya Veldanda Vadali. The conversation covered some heavy but important topics, all delivered with warmth and authenticity. Shannon joined Jed to discuss her new young adult novel "Stronger at the Seams," which tackles themes of...
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The Daggers Of Ire
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Looking For A Family Event You and Your Kids Will Love? Be sure to join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the 2024 Chicago Toy & Game Fair, Nov. 9 & 10! Please visit and use the promo code READ to save on tickets! If you're a fan of middle-grade fantasy with a unique cultural twist, you'll love chatting with author JC Cervantes about her latest book, "The Daggers of Ire." JC is no stranger to the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, and it was a delight to have her back on the show to dive into the magical world she's created. "The Daggers of Ire" follows the story of Esme Santiago,...
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Bridging Cultures, One Book at a Time
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, November 9 & 10. Go to and use the pormo code READ to save on tickets! In this delightful episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty chats with the dynamic duo behind Bitty Boa - Lulu Cheng and Lacey Benard. These former elementary school teachers have embarked on a fascinating journey, creating Chinese bilingual books and toys that celebrate culture and language. Lulu and Lacey share the unexpected origins of Bitty Boa, which started with a late-night text about a "no-time hobby" and blossomed into a...
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Passion, Perseverance, and Parenting
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join The Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the 2024 Chicago Toy & Game Fair, November 9 & 10. Use the promo code READ at checkout to save on tickets! Hey there, fellow book lovers! If you're looking for some heartwarming and inspiring stories from the world of children's books, you've come to the right place. On this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with three amazing authors who are making waves in the industry. First up, we met Rachel Loftspring, the author of "Mila the Maker and the 200 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle." Rachel shared...
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Laughter, Heart and Hands On Learning
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Hey there fellow book lovers! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two talented children's authors - Bruce Hale and Anne Marie Riley Guertin. First up, Jed welcomed Bruce Hale, the author of the delightfully goofy "Outer Space Mystery Pizza Club" book series. Bruce shared the fun premise behind these illustrated chapter books, which follow a brother and sister chasing their mischievous dog through a portal to an alien planet. As a former reluctant reader himself, Bruce explained his passion for writing silly, action-packed...
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Creativity, Community & Civic Duty
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair - November 9 & 10. Use promo code READ at check out to save on tickets! On the latest episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of speaking with two talented children's book authors and illustrators - Jacob Grant and Wade Hudson. Jacob Grant shared the inspiration behind his delightful new picture book "Umami," which follows a penguin who ventures out to try all kinds of exciting new foods. Jacob drew from his own experiences as a parent, noting how his kids' diverse tastes...
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Overcoming Self Doubt and Finding Your Voice
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed Doherty chats with children's book author Jodi Meltzer about her latest release, "Your Face Lights Up the World." Jodi shares the inspiring story behind this certified great read, which focuses on themes of self-esteem and self-acceptance. Jodi explains how this book was a departure from her previous works, which were rooted in grief. This time, she let her imagination run free, resulting in a heartwarming tale about fraternal twins Harper and Hunter. When Hunter makes an insensitive comment about Harper's freckles, it sets her on a journey of...
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Breaking Barriers & Building Futures
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
If you're passionate about education and supporting underserved communities, you'll love this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast. Jed Doherty sits down with Summer Schneider, the head of school at Legacy College Prep, a charter school in the South Bronx that's making a big difference in the lives of its students. Summer shares the inspiring mission of Legacy College Prep - to ensure all students have access to opportunities after high school, whether that's college or other paths like trade schools or the military. She explains the unique autonomy and flexibility that charter...
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Howl-ingly Good Fun: Exploring the Chicago Toy and Game Fair and the Trumpet the Wolf Pup Series
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Hey there, reading fans! If you're looking for a fun-filled family weekend, you won't want to miss the upcoming Chicago Toy and Game Fair. Our good friend Mary Couzins, the founder of this amazing event, joined us on the show to give us all the exciting details. But that's not all - we also had the pleasure of chatting with author Leokatia George about her Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup book series. Leokatia shared the inspiring true story behind the main character, Trumpet, a critically endangered Mexican gray wolf who was a surprise addition to the Wolf Conservation Center's breeding...
info_outlineLooking For A Family Event You and Your Kids Will Love? Be sure to join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the 2024 Chicago Toy & Game Fair, Nov. 9 & 10! Please visit www.ChiTag.com and use the promo code READ to save on tickets!
If you're a fan of middle-grade fantasy with a unique cultural twist, you'll love chatting with author JC Cervantes about her latest book, "The Daggers of Ire." JC is no stranger to the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, and it was a delight to have her back on the show to dive into the magical world she's created.
"The Daggers of Ire" follows the story of Esme Santiago, a young witch struggling to harness her powers. When all the witches in her town, including her own family, are stolen by a witch hunter, Esme and her best friend Thiago embark on a quest to find the four original witches and save the day. But with no one having seen these legendary figures in centuries, it's an impossible task.
As JC explains, crafting this magical system and origin story from a Latino perspective was both a passion project and a major challenge. She wanted to shine a light on the rich traditions of brujería (witchcraft) in Mexico and how it has influenced her own family's beliefs. From the importance of connecting to a greater spiritual source to the everyday practice of magic, JC's personal experiences infuse the story with authenticity and heart.
Beyond the magical elements, JC also delves into the power of sisterhood and the unique perspective that children can bring to the table. She encourages young readers to embrace their creativity, let their imaginations run wild, and not be afraid of a little fear and judgment along the way.
We also had a chance to speak with Sandy Green. Sandy Green's new middle-grade novel "The Haunting of Lake Lucy" takes readers on a spooky adventure at a lakeside resort. When Jake and his twin sister Evie arrive for summer vacation, they encounter mysterious stories about the lake's haunted past. Inspired by Sandy's own family trips, the book follows the siblings as they attempt to communicate with the ghost through letters in a mailbox, leading to a thrilling exploration of the haunted house next door. Sandy explains how she cleverly crafted the story in verse to engage reluctant readers, using different poetic forms to match the mood and themes. With a focus on the power of imagination and the mysteries that lurk beneath the surface, "The Haunting of Lake Lucy" is a delightfully chilling middle-grade read.
Whether you're a longtime fan of JC's work or discovering her for the first time, "The Daggers of Ire" is a must-read middle-grade fantasy that celebrates Latino culture, the strength of friendship, and the magic of the unknown. Be sure to connect with JC online to stay up-to-date on her future projects!
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