You Won’t Believe How a Tiny Mantis is Transforming Kids’ Lives!
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Dive into this inspiring episode featuring Mariana Gordon and Sondra Bakinde, the dynamic duo behind The Meditating Mantis—a captivating new children’s book series designed to teach mindfulness, breathing, and emotional resilience to kids and their families. With backgrounds in school psychology (Mariana) and art and storytelling (Sondra), these mindful moms created the character Mio the mantis to help children explore emotions, master calming techniques, and embrace the true power of stillness. Their mission? To make mindfulness magical, accessible, and fun for both children and adults,...
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Victorian Weirdness, Mobster Birds, and the Power of Comics
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Step into a world where mad scientists roam the foggy streets of Victorian London! In this engaging episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed author and illustrator S.H. Cotugno to dive into the hit graphic novel series, The Glass Scientists. Cotugno takes listeners behind the scenes of her creative process, revealing how classic Gothic fiction, quirky 19th-century science, and a mother’s passion for English literature inspired the tale of Dr. Jekyll and his band of eccentric inventors. Discover how The Glass Scientists explores themes of identity, weirdness, and...
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How One Woman Turned Little Women Into A Murder Mystery
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join us for a vibrant episode packed with creativity, inspiration, and innovation! First, we welcome YA author Katie Bernet as she shares the behind-the-scenes story of her debut novel, “Beth is Dead.” Katie’s book delivers a thrilling, modern-day twist on the classic “Little Women,” reimagining the March sisters in a murder mystery set in contemporary Massachusetts. Katie reveals her creative process, how her real-life sisters inspired key moments, and the unexpected challenges of bringing these beloved literary characters to life for a new generation. Plus, discover what’s next...
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The Magic Of Diwali
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join host Jed Doherty on this special episode as he welcomes acclaimed author Annie Agarwal to discuss her celebrated picture book, “The Magic of Diwali with Sarah.” Annie shares the inspiration behind her book and explains the significance of Diwali, a major festival of lights celebrated across South Asia. Listeners will gain insight into how Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil through the lighting of traditional clay lamps (dias) and the storytelling passed down through generations. Annie also candidly discusses the challenges and joys of celebrating Diwali and preserving...
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Creativity & Pancakes
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
On this special episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring guests—Cheri Sterman, Senior Director of Education for Crayola, and celebrated children’s author Carrie Finison. Together, they spark a lively conversation about nurturing creativity in children through reading, art, and family traditions. Cheri dives into Crayola Creativity Week, a free global celebration that encourages families, schools, and libraries to blend literacy and art. She shares practical tips for making storytime interactive—like designing new book covers or staging a puppet show...
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Faith, Fantasy & Fierce Heroes
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join us on this inspiring episode as host Jed Doherty sits down with YA author Makena Song to dive into her captivating new fantasy series, “Among the Fallen.” Speaking to us from Central Florida, Makena shares how her love for gaming, anime, and world mythology shaped her writing, and opens up about her unique journey from Wattpad writer to published novelist. Makena unpacks the powerful themes at the heart of her trilogy—including empathy, healing, overcoming hurtful labels, and the vital importance of forgiveness. She reveals the real-life experiences and heartfelt faith that...
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Would You Read A Graphic Novel That Could Change Your Child's Life?
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Discover the inspiring story behind "Abilities," a debut graphic novel by special educator, author, and illustrator Michelle Maclean, as featured in this episode of Reading With Your Kids. Michelle joins host Jed Doherty to share her passion for empowering students with special needs and how her real-life classroom experiences inspired her to create authentic, humorous, and relatable characters. Michelle dives into the five-year journey of developing "Abilities"—a book born from her desire to help children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and social-emotional challenges see their strengths and...
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Deadly Ever After
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Dive into this inspiring episode as Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed authors Brittany Johnson and Leslie Vedder to discuss their latest books, "Deadly Ever After" (YA fantasy) and "The Nowhere Beast" (middle grade mystery). Discover how reading with your kids—even as they grow into teens—can build lasting bonds, foster deep family conversations, and help young readers navigate life’s challenges. Brittany Johnson shares insights into the power of co-reading with parents, grandparents, and even aunts, while revealing the touching inspiration and rich world-building behind "Deadly Ever...
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Let It Shine
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Get ready for an inspiring episode of “Reading with Your Kids” featuring award-winning creators Carole Boston Weatherford and Tequitia Andrews, plus debut YA author Lori Miller Kase! In this lively author interview, we dive into the heartwarming picture book Let It Shine—a celebration of milestones, achievements, and the unique journey of every child. Author Carole Boston Weatherford reveals what inspired her to bring new lyrics to the beloved spiritual “Let It Shine,” while illustrator Tequitia Andrews shares how she depicted diversity and inclusivity in every vibrant page....
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What Happens When Kids with Differences Take Center Stage?
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Dive into this heartwarming episode of “Reading with Your Kids” as host Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed children’s authors Lisa Jacovski and Deborah Marcero for inspiring conversations about inclusion, advocacy, and the creative journey behind beloved picture books. The episode opens with Lisa Jacovski, author of the “Happy Thoughts” series, as she shares her passion for writing children’s books that celebrate neurodiversity and teach empathy. Lisa draws from her background in applied behavior analysis and education, offering real-life anecdotes about working with nonverbal children...
info_outlineWelcome to another uplifting episode of Reading With Your Kids. This week, host Jed Doherty brings you inspiring conversations with two remarkable children’s authors: Avasa Ebony Love, the creative mind behind “You Are a Rose,” and Shannon Turske, author of the heartfelt “Joy in the Big Balloon Catastrophe.”
Dive into the power of children’s books and discover how storytelling helps kids—and grown-ups—navigate life’s hurdles with resilience and joy. Avasa Ebony Love shares her journey from songwriter to children’s author, blending wisdom from myth, psychology, and personal experience to craft a tale about transformation and self-belief. Meanwhile, Shannon Turske brings a teacher’s perspective to the show, revealing how real-life classroom adventures inspired her to write stories that build confidence and emotional growth in young readers.
You’ll hear practical tips for parents and educators about nurturing courage, creativity, and empathy in kids, and why reading together builds a lifelong foundation for success. Our guests open up about their creative processes, the importance of music and art in children’s lives, and making mistakes part of the adventure.
If you’re passionate about parenting, education, and helping kids bloom through adversity, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or a children’s book lover, you’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to turn life’s little catastrophes into moments of growth.