Join us for an inspiring conversation with children's book authors Ruth Spiro and Carole Gerber! These talented writers are sharing their passion for spreading messages of kindness, community, and environmental appreciation through their delightful books.
First, we chat with Ruth Spiro about her new picture book "One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story." Ruth explains how this book explores the universal concept of "tikkun olam" - repairing the world through small acts of goodness. She emphasizes that this isn't just a "Jewish" idea, but a fundamental human value found across cultures. Ruth's lyrical storytelling and the stunning illustrations bring this message to life in a way that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
We also dive into Carole Gerber's beautiful new book "A Tree for Me," which follows a father and son on a nature walk, discovering the wonders of different trees. Carole shares how her own childhood memories of exploring the outdoors with her dad inspired this heartwarming tale. She beautifully captures the magic of sharing a love of nature with the next generation.
Both authors share their journeys to becoming successful children's book writers, proving it's never too late to pursue your passions. They also offer insights on the importance of reading aloud with kids, creating special family memories, and using books to build community and understanding.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who appreciates the power of storytelling, you'll be inspired by the creativity and heart-warming messages in this episode. Discover new books to share with the young readers in your life and learn how authors like Ruth and Carole are making a difference one small spark at a time.

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In this episode of Reading With Your Kids host Jed Doherty had a chance to catch up with he queen of whimsy, Sheri Fink. Sheri told us all about her latest children's book, Magenta. This 17th book from Sheri is truly special - it features elaborate illustrations and a mesmerizing holographic rainbow gold cover that dances in the light.
Sheri shared the creative process behind Magenta's stunning visuals, explaining how she collaborated with her printer to bring her vision to life. "I wanted something really special, not just a basic gold foil," Sheri told us. After seeing samples, they landed on the magical holographic effect that makes the cover seem to shimmer.
The story of Magenta follows a lost kitten who discovers a magical cottage and gets enchanted with powers by a young sorceress. Sheri's whimsical tales always spark kids' imaginations, and Magenta is no exception. She loves helping young readers imagine themselves in fantastical situations and learn valuable life lessons.
Sheri also opened up about how becoming a mom has changed her writing process. Instead of marathon sessions, she's had to become a "sprinter," efficiently using short windows of time to write. But she's found that this has made her an even better author.

Next, we chatted with sister duo Sharmilla Fassbender and her sister Sharminey Selvanathan about their uplifting picture book, Fantastically Me. This celebration of self-love and authenticity is so important in today's world of social media and constant comparison.
Shaminey explained that the book's message is simple: "Life is better when you're yourself, authentically yourself." She and Shamilla want to empower kids to be proud of who they are, not try to be someone else.
The sisters have a wonderfully collaborative writing process, taking turns drafting the rhyming text and combining their ideas in a shared document. And they see their meetups as joyful family time, enjoying the "chaos" of parenting young kids.
Both Sheri and the Fantastically Me authors are creating books that celebrate individuality and inspire young readers. It was a pleasure chatting with these talented, passionate writers.

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Ahoy, mateys! This episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast is a treasure trove of inspiration and adventure. We're setting sail with two incredible guests who are using their passions to inspire the next generation of readers and STEM enthusiasts.
First up, we've got the one and only Jennifer Swanson, our "Admiral of Adventure" and the "Dean of all things STEM and STEAM." Jennifer is here to tell us all about her brand new book, "Up Periscope," which shines a light on the incredible story of Ray Montague - a pioneering female engineer who revolutionized ship design for the Navy. Jennifer's infectious enthusiasm for science and engineering is sure to spark curiosity in kids (and adults!) of all ages.
But the adventure doesn't stop there! We're also joined by the legendary Captain Kidd Carson, the mastermind behind the "Captain Kidd Carson's Bookaneerss" literacy program. Keith's passion for reading was ignited by his own daughter's love of books, and now he's on a mission to make reading fun and engaging for kids through the power of pirate tales. With his custom-built pirate ship mobility scooter and treasure trove of pirate-themed books, Keith is bringing the high seas to classrooms and libraries everywhere.
Whether you're a landlubber or a seasoned sailor, this episode has something for everyone. Dive in and discover the magic that happens when you combine literacy, STEM, and a healthy dose of swashbuckling adventure. So grab your eye patch, hoist the sails, and get ready to set sail on a journey of learning and discovery!

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