Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Reading With Your Kids is all about encouraging parents to read with their kids, and cook with their kids, and do activities with their kids, and experience tv, movies and music together. In other words, our podcast is all about helping parents build stronger relationships with their kids.
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Celebrating Literacy, Representation, and Wildlife
11/03/2026
Celebrating Literacy, Representation, and Wildlife
Jed Doherty welcomes listeners to two conversations about books and literacy. First, Mia Wenjen celebrates the third annual Newton Children’s Book Festival, taking place November 15 at the American Legion Nonantum Post 440. Its accessible venue will welcome 100 authors and illustrators, with young adult books included for the first time. After growing from 1,000 attendees in its first year, the festival offers more room, parking, and food options. Wenjen describes her goal of bringing children face-to-face with authors and showcasing creators from diverse backgrounds and genres. She also discusses her picture book Barbed Wire Between Us, a story connecting Japanese American incarceration during World War II with the experiences of immigrants. Wenjen explains how she shaped it as a reversal poem: the words are repeated in reverse order, while punctuation shifts the meaning. Illustrator Violeta Encarnacion’s sepia and turquoise palettes help distinguish the book’s past and present. In the second conversation, Varsha Bajaj talks about her middle-grade novel Roar. Rohan, a 12-year-old boy from Houston, travels to northern India to visit his grandfather at a tiger sanctuary. The story alternates between Rohan’s perspective and Arya, a tigress protecting her cubs. Bajaj says visiting a sanctuary transformed her understanding of the story and inspired her to give the tiger a voice. The conversation explores identity and belonging, as Rohan feels both an insider and outsider in a country connected to his heritage. Bajaj highlights the book’s conservation themes and how it can spark family discussions about wildlife, friendship, and finding one’s passion.
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Stories That Teach Kindness, Courage and Wonder
11/01/2026
Stories That Teach Kindness, Courage and Wonder
Join host Jed Doherty for an episode featuring two authors whose books invite readers to lead with kindness and imagination. First, Janet Zappala introduces Guapo in the Mystery of Goodness Grove, a picture book inspired by Guapo, a steer weighing more than 3,000 pounds. Guapo is famous for his gentle nature, heart-shaped forehead marking, and friendship with Mabel, a pot-bellied pig. Janet explains how their bond sparked a story about celebrating differences and treating others with kindness. She believes children learn values by watching caring actions, not just hearing advice. She discusses moving from journalism to children’s books, collaborating with writer Wendy Perkins and illustrator Laura Kaleja, and the joy she finds in reading with children. Profits from her books support animal rescues. Then Christopher Mannino shares Starkeeper, a standalone middle-grade fantasy in his shared Builder’s World, where natural wonders are someone’s job. Jack is expected to hang stars, but longs to become a poet. Menino traces the novel’s whimsical inspiration to theater, imagery, and a desire to create wonder and cozy fantasy. He describes starting with a striking image and building a story around it. Living in Malta, Mannino introduces a virtual pen-pal program for students in grades three through six. Zoom sessions will explore Malta’s history, culture, geography, and daily life, including island realities such as importing essential resources. He hopes the program will connect students to his books and spark curiosity about the world. Together, the conversations celebrate stories that foster empathy, learning, and joy.
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Latkes, Learning and the Power of Movement
10/30/2026
Latkes, Learning and the Power of Movement
This episode brings together two authors whose work helps children connect with books and learning in different ways. Martha Seif Simpson joins Jed to talk about her easy-reader graphic novel, I Will Not Eat Latkes, designed for readers and the Hanukkah season. She explains how family latke-making traditions inspired the story: oxidized potatoes once prompted a guest to call them “rusty potato mush.” In the book, Nosh the koala encourages Potchki the ring-tailed lemur to try latkes by being brave like his hero, Judah Maccabee. Martha shares why easy readers use simple language, how illustrations and graphic novel panels bring the tale to life, and why libraries and audiobooks can welcome more children into reading. Rachel Glowacki then introduces Move with Me Books, her movement-based literacy project, and her book All Through the Crown. Inspired by yoga and the song “The Wheels on the Bus,” the book uses colors, body parts, rhythm and movement to help children explore feelings and energy. Rachel explains how movement can support attention, mood and learning, especially for children who benefit from kinesthetic experiences. She also reflects on making learning inclusive and playful. Across both conversations, Jed and his guests celebrate libraries as welcoming community resources, honor different ways children learn, and encourage adults to follow kids’ interests rather than judging what they choose to read. The episode is a reminder that stories can spark curiosity, build confidence, and bring families together—whether around a plate of latkes or a rainbow of movement.
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Stories That Help Us Laugh, Create and Heal
10/29/2026
Stories That Help Us Laugh, Create and Heal
In this episode, host Jed Doherty welcomes picture-book creators Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox to talk about their new book, Beware the Sock Monkeys. The couple describes how they began making books together and how their close collaboration lets them shape both manuscript and illustrations. Jonathan shares the playful premise: a family’s missing socks may have been taken by sock monkeys. Inspired by folklore, family jokes, and an orange stuffed monkey, the story follows three sisters and a skeptical dad. They also discuss school visits, children’s unexpected questions, and Heather’s advice for young artists: keep drawing, read widely, and make use of the library. Jed then speaks with Minseo Cha, author of the wellness series You Are Not What You Eat. Minseo explains that the books grew from her experience recovering from an eating disorder. The first reflects on her journey and how seemingly harmless comments about food or appearance can affect someone who is vulnerable. Her second book gathers perspectives on food as culture and connection, beyond nutrition alone. She shares how support from family and therapy helped her, and how writing allowed her to reflect on her growth and offer understanding to others. She also discusses the pressures of social media and celebrity ideals, and hopes to study psychology and how systems can help people seek support. Together, these conversations celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the power of stories to entertain, encourage, and help people feel less alone. Both interviews show how stories can connect, inspire, and support us all.
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Mirrors, Windows & Worlds Of Wonder
10/27/2026
Mirrors, Windows & Worlds Of Wonder
This episode brings together authors, artists, and a generous dose of imagination to explore how books connect generations and shape young readers. We first hear from author Tracy Todd and illustrator Vashti Harrison about That You Are Here Is No Small Thing. Todd says the title grew from her visit to Senegal and Ghana, where she reflected on the survival of ancestors and the lives of future generations. The deeply personal book honors this history as an affirmation, while Harrison describes its Afrofuturist, non-linear journey through memory, space, and time. Together, they hope it will affirm Black children and invite all readers to ask questions, learn, and empathize. The conversation then turns to author Rick Williams, whose Dragons and Dinosaur Chronicles began with imaginative ideas from his grandson. Through hikes, storytelling, and playful collaboration, Williams shows how adults can encourage children’s creativity and build meaningful bonds. He also shares how reading opened doors for him and his sister, and why literacy can support children through difficult times and help them become lifelong learners. Drawing on his experience with AI, he sees it as useful for research and brainstorming but urges care and adult guidance when children use it. The Story Making Hub offers a workbook and free materials to help families create stories together. Across both interviews, the episode celebrates books as invitations: to remember, imagine, learn, and share ideas. Whether readers explore history, draw dragons, or invent something new, creativity grows through connection, encouragement, and fun for children and adults.
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Making Learning An Adventure
10/25/2026
Making Learning An Adventure
On this episode, host Jed Doherty welcomes two authors whose books help young readers explore ideas, build confidence, and discover the joy of learning. Vicki Scott Burns shares the inspiration behind her award-winning Charli books, including Charli’s Turtle Triumph and Charli’s Possum Park. Charli is a curious girl who encourages children to ask “what if?” and see STEM in unexpected places. Burns explains how redesigning her own yard introduced her to landscape architecture, a field she brings to life through Charli’s park design. She also hopes children will understand that mistakes, experimentation, and collaboration are all part of solving problems. Drawing on her experience as a third-grade teacher, she describes the Charli books as a supportive bridge between picture books and chapter books. Turtle Triumph began with a turtle painting by her granddaughter, while the upcoming Charli’s Beautiful Butterflies explores butterflies, bees, and food security. Rob Buyea discusses Because of Our Student Teacher, a new story set in the world of his Mr. Terupt books. Its student teacher was once one of the original student characters, now grown up. Buyea reflects on his years teaching elementary school and high school biology, and on becoming a writer because he wanted to inspire his students. He began creating stories for the classroom, then found a book-length idea he couldn’t ignore. He credits reading, strong first sentences, learning from failure, and trusted critique groups with helping writers grow. Together, the conversations celebrate curiosity, resilience, and many ways books make learning meaningful and fun.
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Sara Porritt on Parenting, Creativity, and Human Connection
10/23/2026
Sara Porritt on Parenting, Creativity, and Human Connection
On this episode of Reading with Your Kids, Jed Doherty welcomes Sara Porritt, author, musician, and Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer at Omnicom Media. Sara shares how her picture book, Where Do You Go When You’re Not With Me?, grew from her son missing her during the school day. The book helps children ask about their parents’ lives and offers families prompts for honest, curious conversations. Sara uses the reassuring refrain, “When you’re thinking of me, I’m thinking of you,” and describes “bridging” as helping children look forward to their next moment of connection with a parent or caregiver. She connects the book’s themes to her work building belonging and community, and to her commitment to meaningful human connection in an increasingly digital, AI-shaped world. Sara also talks about her R&B career and her work facilitating sound baths with singing bowls, drums, chimes, and voice. For her, music and sound can help people pause, focus, and feel grounded. Jed and Sara reflect on helping children understand parents’ work and the value of sharing everyday experiences. Later in the episode Madison Lucchesi speaks with Dvonn Lynch about Lincoln’s Goodnight Tour of the Planets, inspired by son Lincoln’s love of space. Dvonn explains how Lincoln’s spaceship bed becomes a launchpad for a planetary adventure. He researched the planets’ weather and environments, and added a glossary for readers. The story encourages children to stay curious, dream big, and share bedtime reading. Dvonn is developing a cars-and-counting book inspired by his younger son, Theo.
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Space, Stories, and Social-Emotional Learning with Molly Harris and Jonathan Corby
10/22/2026
Space, Stories, and Social-Emotional Learning with Molly Harris and Jonathan Corby
Author Molly Harris and illustrator Jonathan Corby discuss their picture book, I Need Space, and their experience meeting for the first time after collaborating remotely. Harris explains that editors guide illustrator selection and that authors’ notes should clarify the story without dictating every image. Corby describes how the manuscript and Harris’s notes sparked his interest, while his parallel work as a book designer gave him a connection to her work. He distinguishes illustration—creating the pictures—from design, which gathers and conveys feedback from the publishing team. Their story centers on Rocco, a sensitive rocket navigating a playful space world where rough play leaves him overwhelmed. Harris drew inspiration from her preschool-aged son’s difficulty with peers who played too forcefully. She hopes the book gives families a shared language for discussing boundaries and emotions. Corby explains how he storyboarded ideas and used color to echo Rocco’s feelings, shifting from blues and greens toward reds and black before returning to calmer hues. He added a recurring space dog for readers to discover. They reflect on picture books as visual storytelling that can help children recognize feelings and connect stories to real life. Author and archaeologist Josh Guerrero introduces his debut book, Abe the Adventurer and the Jungle Jewel, inspired by a Marine Corps friend. Abe follows a map into a jungle, learning about animals, courage, cooperation, and respect for cultural heritage. Guerrero says Abe leaves treasure untouched, valuing lessons and memories over possessions. He recalls finding an obsidian arrowhead in New Mexico and describes his adventure-and-self-development podcast.
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Celebrating Differences With Kaz Windness
10/20/2026
Celebrating Differences With Kaz Windness
Kaz Windness and Jim Roethe join Jed Doherty on Reading with Your Kids. Windness shares the inspiration behind Bitsy Bat Snow Star, the third book in a series about a bat who experiences winter for the first time. As Bitsy joins classmates in snowy activities, she becomes cold and uncomfortable but hesitates to speak up because she fears losing her friendships. The story explores self-advocacy, acceptance, and other ways to enjoy winter. The series draws on Windness’s own experience as an autistic person and her child’s, and aims to help children celebrate differences without reducing anyone to a label. She describes autism as a spectrum of individual experiences and support needs, and explains masking—hiding differences to fit in. She encourages families to ask what support or communication works best for each person. Windness reflects on discovering her own autism while seeking support for her child, and how understanding her needs helped replace years of feeling broken with self-acceptance and practical accommodations. She traces Bitsy’s origins to a conversation with an art student about feeling out of place at school. When a publisher suggested changing the bat to an owl, Windness held onto the bat metaphor. The books prompt conversations about feelings, friendship, and self-advocacy; educator resources are at bitsybat.com. She also previews her playful Time Traveling Chickens books and says she has more Bitsy ideas. Jim Roethe says storytelling for his grandchildren inspired Enchanting Tales for Quizzical Kids. A retired attorney and birder, he writes animal tales about reciprocity, compromise, and helping others.
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Turning Childhood Experiences into Stories of Courage and Wonder
10/18/2026
Turning Childhood Experiences into Stories of Courage and Wonder
On this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes two authors whose books help families explore big feelings and imaginative worlds. First, personal injury attorney Jason Plotkin shares the story behind his picture book The Pickle, the Patch, and the Puppy. Inspired by a dog bite he experienced as a child, the book focuses on what happens afterward: the worry and fear that can linger, even when an injury is not severe. Plotkin introduces the “brain alarm” and a “bravery ladder,” a series of small steps children can take to feel comfortable around dogs again. He also explains why parents may want medical care and to understand insurance claims, and how a lawyer can help keep a claim from straining a friendship. Then Jed catches up with returning guest Paolo Mazzucato, author of The Time Makers. In this middle-grade adventure, a boy and his mother follow clues about his missing father from their home to Ireland, where Irish folklore and a mythical land shape their journey. Paolo describes the story’s heart as the mother-son relationship and its reflection on time: moments matter because they are limited. He also discusses how research and universal human emotions help bring folklore to life, and why fantasy gives him room to let his imagination roam. Together, the conversations celebrate books that invite families to talk, learn, and connect. From rebuilding confidence after a frightening experience to navigating loss, change, and wonder, both authors show how stories can help young readers grow together—with confidence.
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Jennifer Payne on Sounds of America and Finding a Place to Belong
10/16/2026
Jennifer Payne on Sounds of America and Finding a Place to Belong
Madison Lucchesi welcomes Jennifer Payne to discuss her picture book, Sounds of America, which follows a young Italian boy traveling from Naples to New York Harbor. Through the sounds he encounters, the story explores how children experience new places, community, safety, and belonging. Drawing on 25 years as a teacher, Jennifer shares her belief that children learn best when teaching connects with their individual interests and senses. She uses joyful language, sound, visuals, and playful reading to spark engagement and help ideas stick. For her, reading is a relationship: grown-ups can watch children’s expressions and body language, then adjust their pace or tone to suit what a child needs. She also encourages families to make room for many paths into literacy. Audiobooks can connect struggling readers with stories, while graphic novels invite children to infer and think deeply. At home, she urges adults to model reading and make reading for joy part of family life, rather than letting reading levels define what children can enjoy. Her book can also open gentle, honest conversations about immigration and change, helping children feel heard and welcome. Through Victory Garden Kids, her tutoring program, she offers individualized academic and emotional support, building confidence through consistent relationships and tailored instruction. She is finishing a parent-focused literacy workbook, Victorious Reading, and already imagining more children’s books. She hopes every child sees themselves in Polly’s journey and leaves the story feeling wrapped in a sense of love and acceptance. Jed Doherty also welcomes Tricia Aquilar, author of Fruit Rainbow, which introduces colors through fruit, and the Once Upon a Lullaby series, pairing stories with songs via QR codes. She collaborates with musicians and is planning story-and-song events, including performances in Connecticut and Florida, with stops in Rhode Island and Alabama.
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Prince Griff, a Hidden Dragon, and a Little Welsh Magic
10/15/2026
Prince Griff, a Hidden Dragon, and a Little Welsh Magic
Jed Doherty talks with British author-illustrator Briony May Smith about The Secret Dragon, set in medieval Wales. Prince Griff secretly raises a dragon hatched from an egg given to him by his aunt Morgana, hiding it from his mother, Queen Rhiannon, who is allergic to magical beasts. As the dragon grows, the castle servants know about it, and the queen discovers the secret by following turkey feathers. The dragon is hypoallergenic, so she has not been sneezing. Smith says the characters came first, while Welsh castles, folklore, and legends such as the Mabinogion shaped the setting. She wanted the castle to feel domestic rather than imposing. Her traditional illustration style draws on Impressionist use of light and shade. Smith also describes how personal experiences influence her stories: she became an aunt while writing the mischievous Aunt Morgana. She enjoys illustrating her own books as well as interpreting other authors’ stories, appreciating the fresh perspective each offers. The Secret Dragon is out in the United States, with editions planned for Germany, France, and the UK; publishers may adapt character names for local readers. Brad Johnson discusses Stella Found a Feather, inspired by his granddaughter. The feather-finding story introduces ten common birds through descriptions and field-guide details. Johnson calls this approach “hiding the broccoli”—weaving lessons into an entertaining story rather than preaching. A former television writer whose credits include Coach, Arrested Development, and Family Guy, he self-published the book and enjoyed learning its production tools. He uses ChatGPT to critique completed drafts rather than rewrite them, and sees AI as a useful tool that needs sensible safeguards.
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The Same Moon, Twelve Zodiac Animals, and Stories That Bring Us Together
10/13/2026
The Same Moon, Twelve Zodiac Animals, and Stories That Bring Us Together
In this episode, host Jed Doherty welcomes three picture-book creators to discuss culture, creativity, and belonging. Author Teresa Robeson and illustrator Ping Zhu introduce Animals of the Chinese Zodiac: Meet Your Match. The book shares facts and personality traits for the twelve zodiac animals, plus the legend explaining how they were chosen. Teresa reflects on sharing cultural stories with young readers, while Ping describes growing up with zodiac traditions and creating a welcoming introduction for readers new to them. She also talks about her love of painting on paper and a playful flowchart that helps readers discover which animal’s traits feel like their own. Together, they celebrate books as mirrors for children who recognize their experiences and windows into unfamiliar cultures. Next, author Christine Rivera Creque discusses The Same Luna, a story about a girl visiting Puerto Rico, disoriented by unfamiliar food, language, and family traditions. With help from her abuela, Luna begins to connect beneath the same moon. Christine shares how childhood visits and wanting her daughter to connect with Puerto Rican roots inspired the book. She recalls island favorites and suggests families explore heritage through language, food, music, and dance. The conversation also touches on the island’s beauty, its ongoing recovery and infrastructure challenges, and the importance of caring for Puerto Rico. Christine says her next manuscript follows a work-from-home parent and child navigating a Zoom meeting. Across both conversations, the guests show how picture books can spark curiosity, affirm identity, and help families feel at home across cultures.
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Discovering Your Roots and Finding Your Rhythm
10/11/2026
Discovering Your Roots and Finding Your Rhythm
On this episode of Reading with Your Kids, guest host Madison Lucchesi welcomes author Teri Arvesú González to discuss The Stories We Inherit. What began as a letter to her son grew into a book honoring his graduation from Jesuit education and exploring nine generations of family history. Teri reflects on how we inherit both strengths—like resilience and courage—and limiting expectations. Her hope is that readers will reflect on what helps them grow and preserve family stories. She encourages families to put down their phones, make time for conversation, and ask older relatives about their memories. Drawing on her journalism career, she shares advice for curious journalists and aspiring storytellers: question old assumptions, start creating, and fact-check carefully. In the episode’s second conversation, Jed Doherty talks with author Nancy Paris about her middle grade novel It’s Me, Lily McKee. Paris drew on her childhood as a dancer, her teaching dance, and the antics of her students to create Lily, a big-hearted eight-year-old with a lively imagination. She shares how writing became a creative outlet during the pandemic and explains how dance builds discipline, teamwork, and confidence. The pair also discuss choreography as a tradition passed from teacher to student, supported by video. Paris is now writing a sequel, tentatively titled Lily McKee and the Too Bossy Problem, where Lily mixes ballet and kung fu in a story about leadership and listening. Together, these warm, thoughtful, and engaging interviews celebrate the many ways stories connect generations, inspire creativity, and help us understand ourselves.
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Bringing Laughter to the World—and Ghosts to the Bayou
10/09/2026
Bringing Laughter to the World—and Ghosts to the Bayou
Reading With Yur Kids host Jed Doherty welcomes two guests to explore joy, storytelling, and place. First, Watson Kawecki, interim executive director of Clowns Without Borders, describes the organization’s work bringing performances, connection, and laughter to communities facing difficult circumstances. Its 13 active projects in 2026 span partnerships around the world, including refugee camps, schools, hospitals, and community spaces. Teams travel in small groups and work only when invited, with local needs and performer safety guiding each visit. Watson shares how a lifelong love of clowning led from Ringling Brothers and hospital clown care to humanitarian work. She explains that evidence for healthcare clowning is growing, though it remains uncommon in U.S. children’s hospitals. Listeners can donate, find clown-training resources, and attend fundraisers in October. The conversation then turns to New Orleans author Rachel Marsh and her middle-grade novel, Grandpere's Ghost Swamp. Rachel explains how Basil’s ghostly adventures reveal Louisiana’s disappearing wetlands and introduce young readers to environmental change in an approachable way. The book draws on Rachel’s experiences in the French Quarter, Cajun culture, and the region’s folklore. She discusses the cozy-spooky tone, her writing journey, and the shift in Basil’s friend Tommy’s career-day ambition from a mafia boss to a ghost hunter. Rachel reflects on the differences and wetland connections between New Orleans and Boston, and shares that her next project is a scarier young adult boarding-school story inspired by Cajun and Creole folklore. Together, both interviews celebrate creativity, resilience, and finding ways to bring joy and wonder into everyday life.
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Small Voices, Big Impact: Stories of Courage and Change
10/08/2026
Small Voices, Big Impact: Stories of Courage and Change
Jed Doherty welcomes authors Carmen Rubin and Leslee Flanagan to explore how picture books connect children with history, family, and the world around them. Historian Carmen Rubin shares the story behind A Night for the Rice Carriers, honoring Yaya and Panza, West African women who hid rice in their braids while escaping enslavement. Their knowledge helped them survive and build new communities. Rubin celebrates their courage and ingenuity rather than focusing only on suffering. She chose a picture book to introduce history early through rhythm, imagery, and joy. Recalling stories shared as her grandmother braided her hair, Rubin stresses the importance of passing family histories between generations. The book invites conversations about ancestry, bravery, identity, and community. She also previews a 1960s-set book about a friendship between a Black girl and a Jewish boy. Author Leslee Flanagan discusses Sea Glass Kids: Ocean Pollution Solutions, inspired by volunteering at Mystic Aquarium and seeing animals harmed by plastic and discarded fishing gear. In the story, children educate their community and encourage people to reduce pollution. Flanagan says the problem can feel overwhelming, but small actions add up, and children can motivate adults. Trash from inland neighborhoods can reach the ocean through storm drains and streams. A former teacher and lifelong animal lover, she reflects on her winding career, cancer diagnoses, and determination to create meaningful work. Both authors celebrate resilience and show how stories can help people of every age learn, connect, and make a difference in their communities.
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Drawing The Hundred Acre Wood
10/06/2026
Drawing The Hundred Acre Wood
Joe Sutphin and Kevan Chandler joined host Jed Doherty to discuss creating their graphic novel adaptation of Winnie the Pooh. Joe explained that his earlier collaboration on Watership Down helped open the door to the project. He wanted Kevan as his writing partner, drawing on their close friendship and successful work together. Kevan, who grew up being read Winnie the Pooh, described joining the project as a dream come true and a joyful responsibility. Their goal was to make A. A. Milne’s original story visually accessible without reinventing it. Joe and Kevan worked to preserve beloved lines while using dialogue and illustrations to reveal character expressions, physical humor, and the warmth of friendship. They hope the graphic novel gives families another inviting way to read together, enjoy familiar quotes, and discover the story’s clever, “heady” humor. Joe said the book was a pleasure to draw, while Kevan shared that working on it sparked ideas for future fiction about friendship, community, and accessibility. Joe is developing a solo graphic novel for Moody Publishers, and the pair are preparing release events, including a planned New York Comic Con launch. Kevan also discussed his nonprofit, We Carry Kevin, which helps families find accessibility backpacks and support. In the second conversation, author Julie Brangers introduced Hey Giraffe, a picture book full of fun facts about giraffes. She hopes to inspire children to explore nature through zoo visits, library books, and simple activities, and plans to donate proceeds to a sanctuary or safari.
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Magic Marks & Ghost Armies: How Picture Books Build Brave Kids
10/04/2026
Magic Marks & Ghost Armies: How Picture Books Build Brave Kids
In this episode, we celebrate two powerful picture books that help kids see their own strength, uniqueness, and courage. First, Jed chats with Dr. Tisha Shipley, educator and author of Writer’s Magic Mark. Inspired by her nephew Ryder, who was born with a distinctive birthmark down his arm, Tisha’s story turns that mark into something literally magical. In the book, Ryder’s birthmark comes to life and helps his friends discover what makes them special—on the outside and the inside. Tisha shares how her 26 years in education shaped the book, why she’s so passionate about mental health and social emotional learning, and how we can get back to telling kids, very directly, “Here’s what makes you unique.” She also talks about her companion curriculum, Growing Gratitude and Confidence, and all the free classroom resources she created to make gratitude and self-worth part of everyday school life. Then, Jed welcomes Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of Ghost Army: The Troop of Artists Who Helped Win World War II. Sarah introduces listeners to the real-life “Ghost Army,” a secret unit of artists, designers, and sound experts who used deception—not bullets—to mislead enemy forces and save lives. Through her fictional soldier Charlie, she shows young readers that art can be as powerful as any weapon. Sarah explains how she gently tackles the topic of war for children and shares stories from her wide-ranging writing career, from picture books to adult novels and even Star Wars. Two authors, two unforgettable books, and one big message: your gifts matter, and they can change the world.
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Teaching Kids History & Civility with Keith Morgan and Kelly Garrett
10/02/2026
Teaching Kids History & Civility with Keith Morgan and Kelly Garrett
On this episode, we have a long and intense conversation with Keith Morgan, author of the adult biography Ruta’s Closet, which tells the powerful true story of one Jewish family’s survival during the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied Lithuania. Keith shares how the book—originally written for adults—has become a vital resource for teaching teens about this dark chapter of history, and how he’s now working on age-appropriate versions and guides so parents and educators can share the story with younger readers. Keith recalls meeting Ruth, the survivor whose story he tells, and how her late-in-life decision to speak out turned into his own lifelong mission. He talks about the courageous rescuers who risked everything to save Jewish children, including Ruth’s rescuer, and how these stories of bravery and neighborly kindness can offer hope even in the midst of horror. We also dig into the rise in antisemitism, the dangers of misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media, and why media literacy is now a crucial part of how we teach history to kids and teens. In the final segment, we shift gears and welcome Kelly Garrett, author of Poodessa and Duke Make Table Manners Great Again. Kelly shares how her upbeat, no-nonsense grandmother inspired both her main character and her mission to help kids rediscover reading, kindness, and good manners around the table. Together, these conversations offer parents and educators practical ways to raise thoughtful, empathetic, and well-informed kids—through the power of story.
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Teaching Kids to Think Critically and Ask Questions
10/01/2026
Teaching Kids to Think Critically and Ask Questions
In this episode, Jed welcomes back Angela Santomero, beloved creator behind Blue’s Clues, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and now the Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things book and YouTube series. Angela shares how Princess Penelope’s adventures are designed to build critical thinking skills, kindness, and problem-solving in young kids—while still being totally silly and “preposterous.” She explains how careful research with children helps her team make sure the stories are both educational and genuinely funny, and why using “big” words like preposterous can be a powerful way to grow kids’ vocabularies when adults read aloud. Angela also talks about her philosophy of “radical kindness” in leadership and parenting—being warm and empathetic, but also clear about boundaries, accountability, and high standards. She and Jed dig into bullying, power, and why “nice” and “strong” are not opposites. In the second half, Jed is joined by Dr. Rachel Wheeler, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and author of the picture book Did You Ever Wonder Why? Rachel’s book is built around open-ended, childlike questions—designed not to give answers, but to spark conversations, curiosity, and imagination between kids and caring adults. She shares how wondering together can reduce anxiety, build insight, and help children make sense of big, mixed-up feelings. Jed and Dr. Wheeler also talk about AI, why it’s here to stay, and how that means we must teach kids to question, investigate, and think for themselves. Rachel describes using AI—carefully and creatively—to help illustrate her book, and explains why she’s donating 50% of the net proceeds to dementia research in honor of her parents.
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The Admiral of Adventure Meets The Brave Fuzzy
09/29/2026
The Admiral of Adventure Meets The Brave Fuzzy
In this episode, we’re celebrating two very special books that help families and kids explore big ideas—through story, science, and faith. First, Jennifer Swanson returns to talk about her new nonfiction Christmas book, “Unto Us a Child Is Born: A Family Celebration of Christmas” (Workman Publishing). Known for her STEM and STEAM books, Jennifer steps into faith-focused nonfiction for kids ages 8–12 and their families. She explains how the book weaves Bible verses, narrative explanations, and classic hymns to walk readers through the Nativity story, inviting families to read, reflect, and even sing together. Jennifer shares personal memories of growing up Catholic—family Bible reading, Christmas carols around the piano, and the excitement of midnight Mass—and how researching the historical and cultural context of Jesus’s birth deepened her own understanding of her faith. She also pulls back the curtain on the team effort behind picture books: editors, illustrators, and marketing all shaping the final book. In the second half, we meet teen author and executive director Eliana Miao, who leads a team of 23 students behind “The Brave Fuzzy: A Microbiome Story.” This imaginative picture book uses colorful “fuzzies” to represent microbes in the gut microbiome, showing how diversity leads to a healthier “village”—and a healthier body. Eliana shares how the idea grew from a club into a nonprofit, Pen and Pipette, the challenge of collaborating with 22 peers and an illustrator in France, and what they learned by testing early versions with elementary school students. It’s a joyful look at how young creators can make cutting-edge science feel magical and accessible for kids.
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Hyper Kids & Free Voices: Celebrating Energy, Empathy, and the First Amendment
09/27/2026
Hyper Kids & Free Voices: Celebrating Energy, Empathy, and the First Amendment
In this uplifting episode of Reading with Your Kids, we’re celebrating kids’ energy, voices, and rights through two powerful picture books and conversations with their inspiring creators. First, guest host and Emerson College journalism student Madison Lucchesi talks with Ruth Fleury, author of Hyper Kid, so they say. Ruth shares how her energetic son and her years as a kindergarten teacher inspired her to write a story that reframes “hyper” as positive energy, not a problem to be fixed. She and Madison talk about giving kids space to move, “wiggle breaks,” and the importance of understanding each child’s unique temperament—from quiet observers to constant movers. Ruth also offers practical ideas for parents: using sports and outdoor time as healthy outlets, seeking accommodations at school when needed (IEPs, 504s, and early intervention), and building empathy so kids don’t judge peers who are “different.” She also introduces her company, Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing, her daughters’ books, and her cozy new program, Pajamas and Stories with Miss Ruth. Then Jed welcomes Dr. Allison Matulli, a lawyer, educator, and Montessorian, to discuss her beautifully illustrated book We Are Free, which introduces children to the First Amendment freedoms in a warm, accessible way. Dr. Allison explains how kids already exercise these rights daily—sharing opinions, creating art, gathering with friends—and why it’s vital to teach that freedom comes with responsibility and respect for others. The conversation expands to digital citizenship, media literacy, and helping young readers understand that not everyone in the world enjoys the same protections. Through both interviews, this episode highlights how books can help families raise confident, compassionate, and civically aware kids.
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Executive Functioning, Parent Advocacy, and A Night of Madness
09/25/2026
Executive Functioning, Parent Advocacy, and A Night of Madness
In this episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, we’re celebrating two very different – but beautifully connected – books that can spark powerful family conversations. First, Jed welcomes Denise Abdale, author of the back‑to‑school picture book “Jacob Gets Organized.” Drawing on over 40 years as an educator and special education advocate, Denise explains what executive functioning skills really are—planning, organization, time management—and why so many kids struggle with them. She shares practical, parent-friendly strategies: color‑coded notebooks and folders, labeled buckets, predictable routines, and breaking “clean your room” into tiny, concrete steps. Denise emphasizes that behavior is communication, not defiance, and urges parents to advocate for their kids at school while teaching independence at home. We also hear about her other books, including “The Adventures of Pickles and Rufus,” many inspired by her students’ real‑life challenges. Then we shift gears into spooky season with Ryan Douglass, author of the YA horror novel “Night of Madness.” Ryan introduces us to Mara Jacobs, an 18‑year‑old horror fan who enters an overnight movie competition that turns into a deadly, locked‑room challenge. The story blends ‘80s horror vibes with very modern themes: toxic social media competition, the pressure to be “famous,” and the search for validation online. Ryan talks about collaborating with Temple Hill, crafting characters who surprise even him, and why he hopes families use this book to talk about what truly matters in life—and to remind young people that they are enough, just as they are.
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Body Image, Belonging, and Love Across Languages
09/24/2026
Body Image, Belonging, and Love Across Languages
In this inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes two wonderful guests whose picture books open the door to big, heartfelt family conversations. First, Jed chats with Erin Washington, author of I’m Just Like Me. Erin shares how her biracial, very tall 10‑year‑old daughter inspired the story after feeling different from her classmates. When Erin went looking for a picture book that celebrated a child who didn’t look like everyone else, she couldn’t find one—so she wrote it. Erin talks candidly about her own 20‑year struggle with body image and eating disorders, and how becoming a mom, embracing intuitive eating, and learning to truly respect her body changed everything. She also introduces the Blue Butterfly Foundation, her free mentorship program for teen girls struggling with body image and self‑worth, and explains why representation in books and media is so critical for kids’ dreams and confidence. Then Jed welcomes back author‑illustrator Anoosha Syed, here to celebrate Love in Every Language, the companion to her hit book That’s Not My Name. The story follows Merha, a young Pakistani American girl who can’t speak Urdu and struggles to communicate with her grandmother. Anoosha and Jed explore how many immigrant kids love family deeply even when they don’t share a language, and how some cultures rarely say “I love you” with words, instead showing love through food, care, nicknames, and time together. Anoosha also shares how becoming a mom has changed the way she creates picture books and tests them with her own son.
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Joy, Funk & Family Secrets
09/22/2026
Joy, Funk & Family Secrets
This episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast is a joyful celebration of music, memory, and intergenerational connection, featuring two fantastic creators: Shadra Strickland and Celina Frenn. In the first half, Jed chats with Shadra about her vibrant new picture book, Here Comes the Band, a tribute to HBCU marching band culture. Shadra shares her own background in Atlanta’s band scene and describes the electrifying energy of halftime shows—the booming bass drums, sizzling cymbals, sequined dancers, and jaw-dropping pageantry that make the band the real main event. She talks about working with illustrator John Holyfield, whose fluid, movement-filled art captures the musicality of the text, and reflects on how she had to “unlearn” some of her formal art training to rediscover play, joy, and improvisation in her work. Shadra also offers beautiful insights into community, creativity, and the conversations families can have about instruments, music, and joining a band. In the second half, Jed welcomes Celina Frenn, author of the middle grade graphic novel Spy Grandma. Inspired by her very different real-life grandmothers, Celina introduces a tough-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside grandma with a mysterious past as a spy. Celina explains how the story evolved from a TV pilot into a graphic novel and explores themes of trust, secrets, and building relationships across generations. She and Jed discuss the power of asking questions, co-reading graphic novels with kids, and using stories as a springboard for honest family conversations. Together, these conversations highlight how stories—and shared reading—can bring families closer, spark curiosity, and keep the music and memories going.
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Owl Capone & Spicy Nuggets: Big Feelings, Big Hearts
09/20/2026
Owl Capone & Spicy Nuggets: Big Feelings, Big Hearts
In this lively episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed celebrates two fantastic picture books that blend heart, humor, and big feelings. First up we celebrate “Owl Capone” with debut author Christy Ewers and illustrator Rob Sayegh Jr. Christy shares how a lifelong fascination with classic gangster movies and Al Capone’s quote, “Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness,” eventually hatched into Owl, the kindest soul in the Windy Forest. She wanted to flip the gangster trope, exploring what happens when someone kind is hurt or betrayed—and how choosing to “kill ’em with kindness” is its own kind of strength. Rob, who is also represented by Christy as his agent, talks about instantly seeing the character in his mind and diving deep into Chicago and Capone lore. He sprinkles the art with playful Easter eggs—like the Green Bill (a wink to Chicago’s Green Mill) and Deers & Roebuck—creating layers of jokes and details that kids will love and grown-ups will quietly appreciate. Christy also pulls back the curtain on the role of a literary agent, describing it as part producer, part lawyer, part therapist, and full-time advocate for creators navigating a constantly shifting marketplace. Later, Jed welcomes Loryn Brantz, author-illustrator of “I Am a Spicy Nugget.” Inspired by her own fiery, big-feelings kid, Lauren uses humor and imaginative play—like pretending her daughter turned into a “spicy nugget”—to diffuse meltdowns. The book helps families name big emotions, talk about anger, and see tantrums with more empathy and playfulness, while reminding kids (and parents) that feelings are powerful, but manageable.
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Mischief, Monsters, and Middle Graders: Celebrating Cryptid Stories with Adriana Cuevas
09/18/2026
Mischief, Monsters, and Middle Graders: Celebrating Cryptid Stories with Adriana Cuevas
In this episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes back award-winning author and teacher Adriana Cuevas to celebrate her spooky new middle grade novel, Mischief and Monsters. Adriana explains what cryptids are—creatures born from mythology, urban legends, and local lore—and shares how each state, including her home state of Texas, seems to have its own mysterious monsters. Listeners meet some of the unforgettable creatures in the book, from the Bear King of Marble Falls and La Lechuza to the Houston Batman, Wampus Cat, Madre de Aguas, and of course, a chupacabra. Adriana talks about why cryptid stories endure, connecting them to our human need to explain the unexplainable and our love of storytelling. She also digs into why spooky middle grade books are so magnetic for kids—especially readers with ADHD or shorter attention spans—highlighting how tension, suspense, and cliffhanger chapter endings keep kids turning pages. Drawing on her experience as a middle school teacher of English language learners, Adriana shares how graphic novels, short stories, choice, and rereading help reluctant readers fall in love with books and see themselves as readers. Families who co-read Mischief and Monsters will find rich opportunities to talk about fitting in, standing out, and finding your voice, and they might even be inspired to invent their own cryptids and stories together. In the final segment, Jed chats with debut author Shannon Mulholland about Finding Sea Legs, a modern pirate story set off the coast of San Francisco that explores identity, truth, and what’s really “real” in a world full of stories, legends, and “fake news.”
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Mistakes, Magic, and Mystery: How Gareth P. Jones Writes Wildly Interactive Books
09/17/2026
Mistakes, Magic, and Mystery: How Gareth P. Jones Writes Wildly Interactive Books
In this episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes the wildly inventive Gareth P. Jones, author of the Solve Your Own Mystery series. Gareth shares how he writes his twisty, choice-filled mysteries without a strict plan, often discovering the solution right alongside his readers. He talks about the joy and chaos of letting kids help shape the story—both on the page and in his live “Mystery Makers” shows, where the audience becomes the cast, the co-writers, and sometimes the comedians. Gareth also dives into his work turning picture books into “mini musicals”, including Rabunsel (Rapunzel as a rabbit) and Cinderavilla. Armed with a ukulele, trumpet, loop pedal, and a healthy respect for mistakes, he explains how slip-ups on stage often spark his best ideas. He previews his new project, the diary of Ugg, a cave boy whose different way of thinking may just nudge his whole community forward. In the second part of the episode, intern host Madison Lucchesi sits down with Kieonna Risher, author of the tender debut picture book Nana’s Garden. Kieonna shares how the book honors her grandmother, Sandra Risher, and helps children—especially her son Micah, who is autistic—navigate grief using memories, ritual, and tangible keepsakes like a treasured pendant. She describes family traditions that keep Nana’s love alive and teases an upcoming second book about helping kids manage “big feelings.” Together, these conversations celebrate interactive storytelling, emotional honesty, and the many ways books can help kids feel, choose, and grow.
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Belonging, Not Blending In: Gina Casazza’s Mission to Empower Young Readers
09/15/2026
Belonging, Not Blending In: Gina Casazza’s Mission to Empower Young Readers
In this uplifting episode of Reading with Your Kids, Jed welcomes author and literacy advocate Gina Casazza, whose journey from struggling student to children’s book creator will resonate with kids and grownups alike. Gina shares how everything changed in eighth grade when she read The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Seeing herself in Ponyboy’s story turned her from a reluctant reader into a “Rory Gilmore–level” book lover who never went anywhere without a book. Years later, an unexpected experience in a Navy SEAL prep program led her to a powerful realization: belonging and fitting in are opposites. You don’t have to blend in to belong—you just have to show up as your authentic self. That insight inspired her picture books You Really, Truly Do Belong and You Really, Truly Are Enough, starring Cosmo the Alien, the ultimate outsider kids everywhere can relate to. Gina explains how she uses Cosmo to help children challenge limiting beliefs like “I’m not good enough” and recognize they are not their negative thoughts—they’re the observers who can choose kinder, truer words. Gina also introduces her nonprofit Empower Lit Literacy and Beyond, which brings free author visits and writing camps to under-resourced schools. Listeners will love hearing how kids who once hated reading and writing light up when they hold a hardcover book they’ve written themselves. Later in the episode, Jed is joined by Carrie Rich, co-author of Traveling with Mom: Making a Difference Around the World and at Home. Carrie shares how her work with the Global Good Fund and her family’s visits to communities in Colombia, Uganda, Romania, and beyond inspired a picture book about real-world kindness, service, and listening to what communities actually need. Carrie and Jed swap stories about raising compassionate kids, choosing meaningful ways to give, and helping children understand that even small actions—at home or across the globe—can make a big difference. It’s a heartwarming celebration of literacy, empathy, and raising global citizens.
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Big Feelings, Pets, and Puerto Rican Flavor
09/13/2026
Big Feelings, Pets, and Puerto Rican Flavor
In this warm and wide–ranging episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes back two guest authors whose books celebrate culture, compassion, and kids with big feelings. First, Jy de la Vega returns to share her new early reader graphic novel, “Annalise: The Special Dish.” Inspired by her own daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, J’s story follows Annalise as she tries to create a “special” recipe for a school party. Along the way—through tostones, mofongo, and finally pasteles—Annalise discovers that what truly makes something special isn’t how fancy it is or how different it looks, but the people you make it with. J talks about the power of Puerto Rican food, family, and community, and why it’s critical for children of color, especially Hispanic kids, to see themselves reflected positively in books. She also shares how her work has evolved from simply giving her kids mirrors to speaking honestly, gently, and hopefully to her whole community. Then, Jed is joined by Victoria Smith, author of “Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella – How Animals Help with ADHD and Anxiety in Kids.” Inspired by her daughter’s beloved beagle, Bella, and grounded in research on animals and mental health, Victoria’s picture book shows how a shelter dog helps a child with ADHD feel calmer, more understood, and more connected. Victoria, a longtime educator, explains how pets can bring structure, responsibility, and emotional regulation into kids’ lives, and why empathy, adoption, and giving back to others lie at the heart of her stories.
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