A World of Tea & Tales: Exploring Culture in Children’s Books

In this delightful episode of "Reading With Your Kids," host Jed Doherty welcomes author Adib Khorram and illustrator Hanna Cha to celebrate their wonderful picture book, "Tea Is Love." The conversation brims with warmth as Adib and Hanna share the story behind their collaboration, revealing that, surprisingly, many authors and illustrators rarely meet during the creative process—making their teamwork even more special. They chat about the inspiration for "Tea Is Love," exploring how tea connects people across cultures and generations, and how the book’s gentle words and stunning illustrations invite families to slow down, share a cup, and make memories together.

Both guests reminisce about their own tea experiences and marvel at the world’s many unique tea traditions, from Japanese ceremonies to intimate family rituals. Jed, Adib, and Hanna also discuss the magic of picture books: how they distill big ideas into poetic stories that capture children’s imaginations. The episode closes with exciting sneak peeks at future projects and encouragement for listeners to support their local bookstores and libraries. It’s a heartwarming conversation steeped in creativity, cultural celebration, and the simple joys of reading and sharing time together.

Later in the episode, Jed sits down with the inspiring Dorian Stewart to talk about her book, "I Am M.A.D.E. to Be Unstoppable." Their conversation shines a light on resilience, perseverance, and empowerment. Dorian shares her personal journey, the motivation behind her work, and how her story encourages young readers to face challenges with courage and determination. This uplifting segment adds another layer of encouragement to the episode, reminding families that everyone has the power to be unstoppable.