It’s Not Easy Being a Leprechaun… Or a Little Engineer!
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Release Date: 03/18/2025
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids Jed Doherty dives into the transformative power of storytelling, self-love, and acceptance through conversations with two incredible authors who are changing children's lives. First up is Bobbi Chegwyn, creator of the Radical Ray series, who shares her inspiring journey from school bus driver to children's author. Drawing from her experience driving the "Kind Bus," Bobbi developed a unique approach to teaching emotional intelligence to kids. Her books follow Ray, a young protagonist who learns about "radical love" - a powerful concept of seeing the...
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Looking for powerful children's books that spark curiosity, empathy, and environmental awareness? Our latest podcast episode dives into the incredible world of children's literature with two passionate authors who are changing how kids understand science, nature, and community. Meet Carolyn Armstrong, the creative mind behind the "Climate Kid Adventures" series. Her middle-grade novels, like "Echo Warriors," take readers on thrilling environmental journeys. From exploring the polar bear habitats of Svalbard to uncovering the mysteries of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Armstrong transforms...
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Get ready for an exciting journey through the world of children's literature with two incredible authors who are changing the game! In this episode, we explore the magical realms of storytelling, cultural heritage, and the power of creative expression. Meet Brady Smith, the creative mind behind "Maxwell Dark: Nightmare Hunter," a graphic novel born from a father's love and understanding of childhood fears. Inspired by his son's nightmares, Brady crafted a unique story about a 12-year-old hero who helps children confront their deepest anxieties. It's more than just a book – it's a tool for...
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In this eye-opening episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty dives deep into the worlds of creativity, culture, and technology with two remarkable guests who are changing how we think about children's education and entertainment. First up, animation director Trevor Lai shares fascinating insights into the delicate balance between artificial intelligence and human imagination. As the creator of Super Boomi and the tabletop game Paw Sum, Trevor emphasizes the critical importance of teaching kids to be creators, not just consumers. He warns against over-relying on AI while...
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Looking for an inspiring peek behind the scenes of children's literature? Our latest podcast episode is a treasure trove of creativity, featuring two incredible authors who are transforming how kids understand friendship, adventure, and personal growth. Scott Rothman and Brian Won join host Jed Doherty to discuss their delightful new picture book, "Warm and Fuzzy" - a heartwarming story about two characters with completely different approaches to adventure. The book explores how friends can support each other despite having contrasting personalities, offering a powerful message for children...
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Get ready for an inspiring journey into the world of innovative solutions for children! In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two remarkable female entrepreneurs who are changing the game for kids' reading and dental hygiene. First up is Lea Anne Borders, the brilliant mind behind Bookelicious, a groundbreaking website that makes finding the perfect book as fun as playing a video game. Struggling to get your kids to read? Bookelicious creates personalized book recommendations through an engaging emoji-building game that matches kids with...
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In a touching interview, singer-songwriter Christina Perri reveals the inspiration behind her debut children's book, A Thousand Years, transforming her iconic love song into a tender narrative about parental devotion. Known for her emotional ballad that became a wedding and pop culture phenomenon, Perri has now reimagined the song's lyrics to celebrate the unconditional love between a parent and child. Perri explains her careful approach to adapting the song, recognizing the need to soften the dramatic original lyrics into something more appropriate for young listeners. The book,...
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In this rich episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two remarkable books that celebrate family, identity, and connection. First, he sits down with author Nancy McCabe to discuss her powerful middle-grade novel, "Fires Burning Underground" - a book that delves deep into the complex world of teenage emotions and self-discovery. McCabe's novel isn't just another coming-of-age story. It's a nuanced exploration of a young girl's journey through grief, identity, and personal growth. Drawing from her own childhood experiences, McCabe crafts a narrative that speaks directly to...
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In a heartwarming and insightful episode, Reading With Your Kids host Jed Doherty explores the incredible ways books can heal, support, and strengthen family bonds. The conversation dives deep into two groundbreaking resources that are changing how families approach reading and mental health. First up is Michelle Sherman's powerful book "I Am Not Alone," a game-changing guide for teens navigating the challenges of having a parent struggling with mental health. Sherman reveals a shocking statistic: about 20% of young people live with a parent experiencing mental health issues. Her book fills a...
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In a captivating exploration of middle-grade storytelling, authors Mary Rose Wood and Catharina Steel offer young readers profound insights into friendship, self-discovery, and the power of imagination. Mary Rose Wood's "Bad Badger" introduces readers to Septimus, a unique badger who doesn't quite fit in with traditional badger expectations. This heartwarming tale follows Septimus and Gully, a seagull, as they navigate the complexities of friendship despite their differences. Wood's narrative beautifully illustrates that true connection transcends surface-level distinctions, encouraging...
info_outlineThe 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. It's a heartwarming tale about self-discovery that kids and parents are sure to enjoy.
Marilyn also discusses her impressive career, including writing and producing children's TV shows like the "Xenon Girl of the 21st Century" series, which is now being developed into a live-action Disney show. She even shares the serendipitous way the original "Xenon Girl" book was discovered.
Jed and Marilyn also dive into the challenges kids face in finding their place and accepting themselves, and Marilyn offers great advice for young aspiring authors on tapping into their imagination.
In the second half of the episode, Jed introduces Jenny Young, the founder of Brooklyn Robot Foundry. Jenny shares how her business provides hands-on engineering experiences for kids, combining art and real-world STEM concepts in a fun, creative way.
Jenny's passion for making, problem-solving, and embracing failure shines through as she discusses her own background and the inspiration behind Brooklyn Robot Foundry. She also outlines the franchise opportunities available for those interested in bringing this unique educational experience to their own community.
Whether you're looking for a new bedtime story or an exciting way to get your kids building and exploring, this episode of "Reading with Your Kids" is a must-listen. Be sure to check out the websites for both Marilyn Sadler and Brooklyn Robot Foundry to learn more.
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