loader from loading.io

Embracing Dreams & Building Community

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Release Date: 02/02/2025

Laughs, Chills & Middle Grade Thrills show art Laughs, Chills & Middle Grade Thrills

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

If you're a fan of spooky middle grade stories, you'll want to check out this episode of Reading with Your Kids! We had the pleasure of chatting with two talented authors - Maria Scrivan and Lindsay Currie about their latest creepy-cool books. First up, Maria Scrivan gave us the scoop on her graphic novel series "Nat a Chance." This is the 6th book in the series, and it follows a character named Nat who doesn't think she's an athlete...until she gets roped into doing a triathlon with her bestie. Maria shared how the story is inspired by her own experiences overcoming self-limiting beliefs...

info_outline
Why Kids Ask Why Kids Ask "Why"?

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Hey there fellow book lovers! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two talented authors - Tamara Girardi and Veera Hiranandani. First up, we talked to Tamara about her brand new board book "Why Mommy? Why?", the sequel to her popular "Why Daddy? Why?" book. Tamara shared the process of creating these books, explaining how she carefully chooses every word to celebrate the special bond between parents and kids. She also gave us a peek into her future plans, including grandparent-themed books coming in 2027. Tamara emphasized the importance of...

info_outline
Growing Up & Going Wild: Adventures to Inspire Young Minds show art Growing Up & Going Wild: Adventures to Inspire Young Minds

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Great News! The Reading With Your Kids Podcast Has Been Named #2 on Feedspot.com 60 Best Book Podcast List! Hey there, fellow book lovers! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two amazing authors who are bringing some seriously awesome stories to life. First up, we caught up with Tim Wright, the mastermind behind the Toby Baxter book series. Toby's latest adventure, "I Heart River Home," is all about this 13-year-old hero learning what it means to love - in all its messy, wonderful forms. From dealing with a school bully to navigating his first crush,...

info_outline
It’s Not Easy Being a Leprechaun… Or a Little Engineer! show art It’s Not Easy Being a Leprechaun… Or a Little Engineer!

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

The Reading With Your Kids Podcast has been named the # 2 in Feedspot.com's 100 Best Children's Book Podcast List! The "Reading with Your Kids" podcast is a must-listen for parents looking to spark their child's imagination and love of learning. In this episode, host Jed Doherty has engaging conversations with two creative entrepreneurs making a difference in kids' lives. First, Jed chats with author Marilyn Sadler about her delightful new picture book "It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun." Marilyn shares the story of Connor O'Connor, a leprechaun who struggles to accept what makes him unique....

info_outline
A Story Born From Friendship, Love & Courage show art A Story Born From Friendship, Love & Courage

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

If you're looking for an inspiring new children's book that teaches important lessons about resilience, kindness, and courage, you'll want to check out "Brave Buzzy Bee." In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty chats with the delightful co-authors, Rima Fakih and Theresa Alhayek, about how this charming picture book came to be. Rima and Theresa's collaboration started when Theresa's previous book, "Dream Big Little Princess," caught Rima's eye. Rima, a busy mom, former Miss USA and UN influencer, was inspired to write her own children's book, and she reached out to Theresa....

info_outline
Want to Raise a Happier, Kinder, and More Curious Child? Start with Awe! show art Want to Raise a Happier, Kinder, and More Curious Child? Start with Awe!

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Wow, what an inspiring chat with Deborah Farmer Kris! This parenting expert really knows her stuff when it comes to helping kids (and us grown-ups!) keep things in perspective.  Deborah started out as a K-12 teacher, but soon realized her true passion was parent education. She saw how modern families often lack the support networks that used to be more common, and wanted to find new ways to share practical parenting wisdom. That's why she created the "all the time" children's book series - picture books that tackle important topics like emotions, with tips for caregivers in the back. But...

info_outline
Every Child Deserves to Belong show art Every Child Deserves to Belong

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids Jed Doherty had enlightening discussions with two experts dedicated to supporting children in the foster care system. In speaking with children's book author Natasha Tripplett, Jed learned about her new picture book "Planted with Love," which draws from Tripplett's own experiences as a foster care social worker and her family's decision to foster her sister long-term. Tripplett emphasized the importance of making foster children feel seen, valued and worthy of love, even when they display challenging behaviors.  Jed also connected with foster care...

info_outline
What Can a Goose & a Swamp Monster Teach Us? show art What Can a Goose & a Swamp Monster Teach Us?

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

On the latest episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two talented children's book authors - Lela Nargi and Riley Cross.  Lela Nargi joined the show to celebrate the release of her new picture book, "The Lonely Goose." Jed and Lela discussed the unique bond between Canada geese, and how Lela's story explores themes of love, loss, and resilience in the animal kingdom. Lela shared her passion for wildlife and nature, and how she hopes the book will inspire families to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, even in urban...

info_outline
The 139-Year-Old House That Took a Road Trip—And the Memories It Carried show art The 139-Year-Old House That Took a Road Trip—And the Memories It Carried

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

If you're a parent or grandparent looking for a delightful new picture book to share with your little ones, you'll want to check out "Moving Day" by Teri Roach Drobnick. In this charming debut, Teri takes readers on a whimsical journey as a Victorian house in San Francisco embarks on a big move across town. As Jed and Teri discuss, the story was inspired by a real-life event where a 139-year-old house was painstakingly relocated to make way for new development. Teri was captivated by the news and quickly got to work crafting a kid-friendly narrative from the house's perspective. With her...

info_outline
The Man Who Traveled The World On His Friends' Back show art The Man Who Traveled The World On His Friends' Back

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

This episode of Reading with Your Kids is all about celebrating some truly exceptional people and their stories. First up we meet Kevan Chandler, the driving force behind the nonprofit "We Carry Kevan." Kevan shares an incredible story about how he and his friends carried him in a backpack during a trip to Europe, and how that sparked the creation of their organization. They make these special backpacks to help families of kids with disabilities get out and explore the world together. It's all about building community and friendship, which is so inspiring. Next, we chat with Lindsey Larson...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Hop on board as we chat with the delightful duo behind the charming children's book "Theodore, the Sloth Who Wants to Race"! JL McCreedy and her husband Sam join us from the beautiful country of Italy to share the heartwarming story behind their sloth-tastic tale.
It turns out Theodore the sloth wasn't just a silly idea - he was actually born out of a low point in JL and Sam's own lives. As they were feeling frustrated with their own dreams and ambitions, comparing themselves to a determined-yet-slow-moving sloth sparked their creativity. With Sam's veterinary expertise on these unique creatures, the couple quickly penned the first draft, but the real challenge was bringing Theodore to life through illustration. 
JL openly shares her self-doubts and insecurities about her artistic abilities, but with Sam's encouragement, she taught herself to draw and the rest is history! Their conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and not letting perceived limitations hold you back from pursuing your passions. 
Beyond the book, we learn about JL and Sam's fascinating global adventures, living and working everywhere from Germany to China. Their travels have undoubtedly influenced their storytelling, which often celebrates community, tradition, and the special spaces we call home.

We also chat with Seina Wedlick, author of Space For Everyone.  "Space for Everyone" celebrates the importance of community and family traditions centered around the kitchen table. As Seina explains, the book follows a young girl who is anxious about moving to a new home, worried she'll lose the sense of belonging her family's large, welcoming table has always provided. Through the story, Seina highlights the everyday moments and memories made around the table - sharing meals, drinking tea, doing homework - that create a lasting sense of home, no matter where you live. Seina drew inspiration from her own family's experiences, including the special role their own expansive table played in their lives as they moved between different countries. By focusing on this relatable, universal experience, Seina hopes the book will encourage kids to reflect on what spaces and keepsakes feel most like "home" to them.

Click here to visit JL's website - https://jlmccreedy.com

Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/

X - https://x.com/jedliemagic

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/

Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!