So Over Sharing: Navigating Mommy Influencers and Online Privacy
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Are you a parent navigating the wild world of social media and its impact on family life? Then you won't want to miss this eye-opening episode of Reading with Your Kids featuring author Elissa Brent Weissman and parenting expert Sue Atkins! Weissman's latest middle-grade novel, "So Over Sharing," dives deep into the complex world of mommy influencers and their children's experiences. The book follows two 12-year-old girls dealing with very different but equally challenging online personas created by their mothers. From picture-perfect lifestyle blogs to brutally honest parenting content, the...
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Words, Space, and Self-Discovery
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Get ready for an incredible episode of Reading with Your Kids featuring two amazing authors who are transforming children's literature! First up, meet Jasminne Paulino and her groundbreaking middle-grade novel in verse, "The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez" - a powerful story about a neurodivergent seventh-grader with astronomical dreams. Then, dive into Katherine Davis Gibbon's fascinating picture book "Words," where language literally comes to life! Gibbon explores how words can be friends, teachers, and powerful tools for understanding ourselves and others. Her innovative approach shows...
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Beat the Summer Slide: Books for Every Age
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Looking for the ultimate summer reading strategy? We've got you covered! In this jam-packed episode of Reading with Your Kids, experts from Bookalicious reveal how to prevent the dreaded "summer slide" and make reading an adventure kids will actually enjoy. Did you know kids can lose up to 20% of their school-year learning during summer break? Yikes! But here's the good news: reading just five books can totally turn that around. Lea Anne Borders and Lorien Hunter from Bookalicious share game-changing tips for parents looking to keep their kids' brains sharp and engaged. The secret weapon?...
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Exploring Kittybunkport: Imagination, Inspiration & a Whole Lot of Meow
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of children's storytelling, featuring three incredible creators who are redefining children's literature. First up, Scott Rothman and Zachariah Ohora share the magical backstory of their hilarious picture book, KittyBunkPort. Born from a playful moment with Rothman's son in Maine, the book transforms a simple mispronunciation into a whimsical tale about a town full of scaredy cats and a haunted lighthouse. Their conversation reveals the beautiful, often unexpected...
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Creativity, Collaboration, and Community
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Get ready for an exciting episode that blends children's literature, artistic creativity, and family empowerment! We're exploring the world of "Don't Lose Mr. Cuddles" with author Dev Petty and illustrator Mike Boldt, while also diving deep into family dynamics with Lee Benson from Dinner Table. First up, Dev and Mike take us behind the scenes of their latest children's book featuring Chip, the enthusiastic dog. They share hilarious insights into the creative process, revealing how Mike builds characters using simple shapes (did you know Chip is essentially two potato chips?) and how Dev...
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Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship with Rajani LaRocca
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two incredible authors who are changing the landscape of children's literature. First up is Rajani LaRocca, a physician & author who's making waves with her powerful new picture book, "Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship in the United States." LaRocca's book is more than just a children's story—it's a celebration of immigration, diversity, and the true meaning of being an American. Drawing from her own experience as a naturalized citizen, she explores how people from different backgrounds contribute to...
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Diverse Stories, Powerful Narratives: Authors Sharing Cultural Experiences
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty dives into two incredible children's books that explore identity, belonging, and the power of representation. First up are sisters Peace and Ndidi Amadi, authors of "Chi Chi and Didi Love Their Names," a delightful picture book that celebrates cultural heritage and the importance of embracing one's unique identity. The Amadi sisters share a powerful narrative about growing up as Nigerian-American immigrants, highlighting the challenges of having names that are difficult to pronounce. Their book isn't just a story - it's a...
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Learning Through Fun, Exploring New Ways To Engage Young Readers
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of children's literature with our latest podcast episode featuring two incredible guests who are transforming how kids experience reading! First up, we chat with Adam Rex, author and illustrator of the captivating new picture book "Echo". This heartwarming story explores the importance of genuine friendship and breaking free from echo chambers. Adam shares his personal journey of learning to embrace different perspectives, revealing how his own struggles with admitting mistakes inspired the book's central message. As a father, he's discovered...
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From Boredom to Breaking Free: Stories That Matter for Young Readers
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this powerful episode of Reading with Your Kids, listeners get a two-part exploration of impactful storytelling for young adults. First, author Mike Bender and illustrator Chuck Dillon dive into "Bored Panda," a delightful children's book celebrating the magic of boredom. They argue that unstructured time isn't something to fear, but an opportunity for creativity. Drawing from childhood memories of limited entertainment, they show how imagination flourishes when kids aren't constantly stimulated by devices. The second half of the episode takes a more serious turn with Stacy Padula and David...
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Precious Love: Celebrating Family Through Children's Literature
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Get ready for a double dose of inspiration in this must-listen episode of Reading with Your Kids! Host Jed Doherty brings three incredible authors on the show to share powerful stories that will touch your heart and transform your family reading time. First up, meet Carlos Aponte and his stunning picture book "Precious" - a love letter to Puerto Rico that goes way beyond a simple children's story. Set against the backdrop of a hurricane, this bilingual book explores the magic of community, family resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that connect us. Aponte weaves a beautiful narrative...
info_outlineIn 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 children to embrace their individuality and accept others' uniqueness.
Simultaneously, Catharina Steel's "Vanishings" takes readers on a magical adventure featuring Tilly, an impulsive protagonist searching for her missing friend Michael. Steele's story explores themes of courage, friendship, and personal growth, particularly through characters like Jess, who learns to overcome anxiety by connecting with nature.
Both authors share a commitment to creating stories that go beyond entertainment. Wood emphasizes the universal challenges of friendship and self-acceptance, while Steele highlights the importance of imagination and personal resilience. Their works demonstrate that middle-grade literature can be a powerful tool for teaching emotional intelligence and personal development.
The authors' creative processes are equally fascinating. Wood was inspired by her move to Italy, allowing her experiences to subtly influence her storytelling. Steele began her journey with vivid imagery of magical forest homes, letting her imagination guide her narrative development.
These books offer more than just stories—they provide young readers with valuable life lessons. They encourage children to be confident, embrace their unique qualities, and understand that friendship requires effort, empathy, and open-mindedness.
For parents, educators, and young readers seeking meaningful, engaging literature that sparks imagination and emotional growth, "Bad Badger" and "Vanishings" are must-read additions to any middle-grade library.
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