Celebrating Family, Art, and the Magic of Storytelling
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Release Date: 02/21/2025
The Christmas Staff
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Get ready for holiday magic in this special episode of "Reading With Your Kids: The Christmas Staff!" Host Jed Doherty welcomes a talented team from CatholicTeenBooks.com—including authors Tony Kolenc, Corinna Turner, Andrea Jo Rogers, Carolyn Astfalk, and Leslea Wahl—for a merry, multi-author storytelling adventure you won’t want to miss! Discover the heartwarming tale of Joe Grant, a foster child spending Christmas with the Carters, who stumbles on a mysterious wooden staff left at the church. Joined by new friend Annie, they set off on a quest across town, piecing together clues and...
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Tales of Friendship, Faith, and Holiday Cheer
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join us for an inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, where host Jed Doherty welcomes two remarkable guests: Dr. Peter Cotton, the celebrated author of the “Fred the Snake” children’s book series, and Donna VanLiere, bestselling author of “Looking for Christmas: The Search for Joy and Hope of the Nativity.” This family-friendly episode is perfect for parents and kids eager to discover new children’s books and traditions to bring them closer together during the holidays. Dr. Peter Cotton shares the delightful origins and adventures of Fred the Snake, introducing...
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Raising Money-Smart Kids
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty sits down with Scott and Victoria Kyle, authors of the insightful book "The Other Birds and Bees: The Financial Facts of Life, Money Secrets No One Ever Taught You." Discover how to empower your children with essential financial literacy skills as the Kyles share practical advice for teaching kids about money and creating healthy family financial habits. From explaining the basics of saving and budgeting to fostering a mindset for long-term financial success, Scott and Victoria offer relatable stories, transparent conversations, and...
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Books, Family & Faith
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join us for a captivating episode where we dive deep into the world of family reading and values-driven storytelling! In this heartfelt conversation, host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring authors: Candace Jalili, author of the new YA romance "Seeing Stars," and Amanda Jass, creator of the engaging children’s devotional "Adventures in the Friendly Forest." Candace Jalili shares the story behind "Seeing Stars," a young adult romance filled with real-life inspiration, celebrity culture, and the importance of making mistakes and learning from them. Discover how Candace brings her characters to...
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The Language Of Birds
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this episode, host Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed author Jon Erik Lappano to discuss his latest picture book, "The Language of Birds." Lappano shares the inspiration behind the story, which centers on Mira, a solitary child who forms a deep connection with birds while struggling to communicate with people. Through their conversation, Lappano reflects on the importance of honoring quieter, introverted children in literature, drawing from his experiences as a parent and observer of childhood dynamics. He emphasizes the value of imagination, unstructured time, and engagement with the natural...
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Creativity, Curiosity, and Critical Thinking
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this engaging episode of the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring guests: Sara Schroter, author of the children’s book "Max the Gemstone Finder," and Daniel Harmon, creator and showrunner of the educational TV series "Tuttle Twins." Sara Schroter shares her family's remarkable journey relocating from Bermuda to Italy and how her son’s fascination with rocks led to the creation of Max, a character encouraging children and parents alike to nurture childhood passions. Listeners learn how supporting kids’ interests boosts confidence, fosters learning,...
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Beyond the Sash: Erin Chapman’s Advocacy in Sports and Accessibility
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Step into an inspiring conversation "Beyond the Sash" with Erin Chapman, the reigning Ms United World, children’s book author, and champion of accessibility and inclusion in sports. In this episode, Erin shares her journey from competitive dancer to award-winning pageant queen, as well as her passion for encouraging girls to embrace non-traditional sports and adventure. Discover the story behind her debut children’s book, "Ronnie the Rock Climber," which follows a young girl’s quest for confidence and new experiences. Erin explains why introducing girls to sports before age 10 can shape...
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Building Worlds & Facing Fears
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Dive into this episode for a double feature of creativity, heart, and inspiration as we welcome celebrated authors Shannon Messenger and Sarah Brannen! First, Shannon Messenger, the creative force behind the beloved "Keeper of the Lost Cities" series, chats about transforming her epic fantasy into a graphic novel. Shannon reveals what it’s like to see her magical world—and heroine Sophie Foster—come alive in art, and shares insights on bravery, friendship, and what it takes to rewrite scenes for the visual page. Parents and young readers will appreciate Shannon’s honest look at writing...
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Little Red, Big Fred & Smushkins: Imagination and Laughter in Children's Books
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join host Jed Doherty for a lively episode packed with creativity, laughter, and insights into the world of children’s books! First, Jed welcomes author-illustrator Ashley Belote, creator of “Little Red and Big Bad Fred.” Ashley shares how she reimagined the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale with hilarious twists, heartfelt moments, and her signature funny details woven through her artwork. She discusses her inspiration drawn from childhood storytelling, her love of making kids laugh, and the magic of adding humor to picture books. Next, internationally acclaimed author and illustrator...
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Magic, Mazes, and Mindfulness
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join us for a delightful episode packed with creativity, inspiration, and family reading fun! Host Jed Doherty sits down with acclaimed authors Samuel Joseph and Phil Proctor, the creative minds behind the Magic Maze trilogy—exciting children’s books filled with adventure, clever puzzles, and teamwork. Discover how their unique collaboration brings educational elements to life, blending humor, magic, and meaningful lessons to captivate young readers and parents alike. Phil Proctor is celebrated not only for his contributions to children’s literature, but also as a founding member of the...
info_outlineGet ready for a delightful dive into the world of children's books! In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," we had the pleasure of chatting with two talented creators who are bringing their unique visions to life.
First up, we met Martin Stewart, the author of the Bridget van de Puff book series. Bridget is a fearless, gadget-loving character who's about to steal your heart. Martin shared how this spunky protagonist emerged fully formed in his mind, and how he worked to craft the perfect story for her. We also got to hear from the brilliant illustrator, David Haben, who brought Bridget and her wild inventions to vivid life on the page. Their collaborative process was a true delight to learn about.
But the fun doesn't stop there! We also had the chance to speak with Susan Polk Van Dusen, the author behind the "What's So Special About a Tree" picture book series. Susan's books are a beautiful tribute to her late father, an artist whose stunning paintings are the foundation for these charming, rhyming tales. Hearing about how Susan honored her dad's legacy by sharing his art with young readers was truly heartwarming.
Whether you're a fan of whimsical adventures, nature-inspired stories, or the magic that happens when authors and illustrators come together, this episode has something special for you. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and maybe even shed a happy tear or two. After all, the power of storytelling to bring families closer is what "Reading with Your Kids" is all about. So grab your little ones, snuggle up, and get ready for a literary adventure!
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