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If you're looking for some inspiring stories about the importance of reading, representation, and getting kids involved in diverse activities, you'll love this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast.
Host Jed Doherty sits down with two amazing guests - Dr. Trude Haecker, the chairperson of the board for Reach Out and Read, and Nia, the author, creator of the "Exploring All I Can Do" book series.
First, Dr. Haecker shares all about the incredible Reach Out and Read program, which partners with pediatricians to give young kids books and encourage reading from an early age. She explains how this simple act of giving a child a book and modeling reading can have a profound impact, building bonds between doctors and families, and setting kids up for success in school and beyond.
As a pediatrician herself, Dr. Haecker is passionate about Reach Out and Read's mission to get books into the hands of all children, especially those who may not have access to them at home. She discusses the program's goals to reach 10 million kids by 2030, and how listeners can get involved by supporting the organization.
Next, Nia shares the inspiring story behind her "Exploring All I Can Do" book series. As an avid triathlete and skier, Nia wanted to create diverse, representation books to encourage kids of color to try sports that are often seen as inaccessible. From hockey to fencing to archery, Nia's books showcase kids participating in a wide range of activities, providing both mirrors and windows for young readers.
Throughout the conversation, both guests emphasize the importance of representation, inclusion, and empowering kids to explore their interests, no matter how unconventional. It's a heartwarming and uplifting listen for any parent or educator looking to make a difference.
So if you're ready to be inspired, be sure to check out this episode of Reading with Your Kids! You just might discover a new favorite book series or program to share with the young readers in your life.

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On this episode of Reading With Your Kids Jed Doherty has a great chat with the author and illustrator of the new book "The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids." Mariko Clark and Rachel Eleanor shared how they created this special collection of Bible stories that highlight the courage and stories of the amazing women in Scripture. They wanted to provide a resource that would inspire young readers, especially girls, to see themselves in these timeless tales.
The collaborative process between Mari and Rachel was really fascinating. They worked closely together, with Rachel's illustrations influencing Mari's storytelling. The book also includes mindful moments to help kids connect with the stories on a deeper level. Both ladies opened up about the personal impact of certain stories, like the prodigal son, and how the book has been a healing experience.
Of course, we also heard from the wonderful Teacher Terrel about her "Once Upon a Dance" book series. These fun, movement-filled stories are a great way for kids to explore the joy of dance, even if they can't attend a studio. Terrel is passionate about making dance accessible and positive for young movers and shakers.

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This episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen for anyone who loves imaginative stories, hilarious character voices, and the magic of co-authoring.
We're joined by the dynamic duo behind the "Stinky Stories" series, Chris Grabenstein and JJ Grabenstein, who take us on a delightful journey through their creative process. From the origins of their talking stuffed animal narrator, Stinky the skunk, to the irresistible charm of their fable retellings, these two creators clearly have a blast bringing their whimsical world to life.
But it's not just the kids who will get a kick out of these stories - Chris and JJ share their "Pixar approach" to sprinkling in jokes and references that will have the adults giggling too. And if the hilarious voices they demonstrate are any indication, the audiobook versions are an absolute must-listen.
Beyond the laughs, this episode also explores the power of imagination and how these authors are encouraging young readers to keep their creativity alive in a tech-driven world. We also chat with author Patti Calcosz who gives us a sneak peek at her latest middle-grade novel, "Olaf and Essex," which blends magical realism with thought-provoking themes about societal prejudices.
So grab a cozy spot, your favorite stuffed animal, and get ready for a delightful dose of literary fun!

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Hey there, fellow parents and book lovers! Jed Doherty is back with another great episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, and this time he's got some truly inspiring guests to share.
First up, Jed welcomes Shirley Lopez, the author of the children's picture book "Liz and the Heart Doctor." Shirley's daughter, Liz, was born with Down syndrome, and Shirley's books are all about celebrating Liz's journey and sharing her story in a positive, relatable way.
Shirley opens up about the initial shock of Liz's diagnosis and the challenges they faced, like Liz's open-heart surgery as a baby. But through it all, Shirley sees Liz as a blessing, and she's dedicated to making sure her daughter can achieve all that she can. Shirley's other book, "Liz Trains Her Bike Ready Muscles," is all about the everyday effort it takes to reach your goals, and it's a message that's sure to inspire kids of all abilities.
Next, Jed chats with Danielle Lindner, the author of "The Parents Pocket Guide to Surviving the Preschool Years." As the founder of a preschool, Danielle has tons of experience helping parents navigate those early childhood years, and she's got some super helpful tips to share.
Danielle talks about the importance of parent-teacher partnerships, and how showing gratitude to the amazing educators in our kids' lives can make a big difference. She also dives into the challenges of holiday stress, offering advice on how to keep things low-key and enjoyable for the whole family.
Whether you're a parent of a child with special needs or just looking for some fresh perspectives on raising little ones, this episode is packed with heartwarming stories and practical wisdom. So grab a cozy spot, hit play, and get ready to be inspired!

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Hey there, fellow book lovers! If you're looking for some fun and engaging reads for the kiddos, you're in the right place. The Reading with Your Kids podcast just had a blast chatting with two awesome authors - Steven Joseph and Meira Rosenberg.
First up, we welcomed back Steven Joseph to talk about the latest book in his Snoodle series, "Snoodles in Space Escape from Zultraz." This wacky and imaginative series follows the adventures of Herbie Snoodleman and his trusty Snoodle vehicle, which runs on noodles instead of gas. In the new book, the Snoodle-verse gets even crazier as the kids try to save the day.
Steven shared the hilarious process of coming up with all the punny character names and zany plot points. He's a master at taking the ridiculous and making it totally believable. No wonder kids (and adults!) love getting lost in the Snoodle world.
Next, we caught up with Meira Rosenberg to discuss her two middle-grade novels, "28 Days of Neon" and "Indiana Bamboo." These stories tackle some heavy topics like death and loss, but with a healthy dose of humor and heart.
In "28 Days of Neon," a 12-year-old girl thinks she only has 28 days left to live, so she sets out to do good deeds and earn a miracle. And in "Indiana Bamboo," an 11-year-old sleuth teams up with her friends to solve a mystery involving stolen exotic animals. Meira's books are perfect for sparking conversations and helping kids navigate tough emotions.
Both Steven and Meira shared the joys and challenges of writing for Kids and families. They love visiting schools and seeing kids' reactions to their stories - the unexpected laughter, the insightful questions, and the pure magic of connecting through literature.
So if you're looking to add some new favorites to your family's reading list, be sure to check out the Snoodle series and Meira Rosenberg's novels. Happy reading, everyone!

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In the latest episodes of the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two talented children's authors, Laura Lee Rittman and Helen Rogosin. Their insightful discussions touched on themes of diversity, emotional intelligence, and the power of storytelling to connect and inspire young readers.
First, Jed welcomed Laura Lee Rittman, who shared the heartwarming story behind her book "Lucky Ruby." This delightful tale celebrates the richness of interfaith families, as Ruby invites a classmate to experience the joys of both Christmas and Hanukkah. Rittman, who draws from her own interfaith marriage, eloquently conveyed the importance of respecting diverse cultures and traditions. Jed and Rittman also explored the challenges and benefits of raising children in a mixed-faith household, offering valuable insights for families navigating this rewarding journey.
Next, Jed spoke with recently retired teacher Helen Rogosin about her charming "Wolfie and the Magic Lint Ball" series. Rogoson's passion for nurturing children's creativity and imagination shone through as she discussed the evolution of her beloved character, inspired by her own childhood memories. The conversation also touched on the changing landscape of education, with Rogosin sharing her concerns about the increasing pressure to make young students "college-ready" at the expense of free play and hands-on learning.
Throughout these engaging discussions, Jed and his guests emphasized the transformative power of reading and writing, both for personal growth and fostering empathy and understanding. Listeners were left inspired to explore diverse perspectives, encourage their children's curiosity, and celebrate the magic that unfolds when stories come to life.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a lover of children's literature, this episode of "Reading with Your Kids" is a must-listen, brimming with insights and inspiration to nurture the next generation of readers and leaders.

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Jed Doherty sat down with Rebecca and Dan Burd, the brilliant minds behind the "Speak Life" program, and let me tell you, these two are on a mission!
The Speak Life musical was born out of the aftermath of the Columbine tragedy, when the Burds realized bullying was a serious issue that needed to be addressed head-on. They didn't just want to slap a band-aid on it - they wanted to create something that would really empower students and make a lasting difference.
The key? Targeting not just the bullies and victims, but the often-overlooked bystanders who make up the majority of the student body. The Burds are all about building a culture of empathy and support, where kids are equipped to lift each other up and break the cycle of abuse.
Through their own personal stories and the heartbreaking tales of students, the Burds drove home just how high the stakes are when it comes to bullying. They made it crystal clear that this isn't just some playground drama - it's a life-or-death issue that demands our attention.
And you know what? The Burds aren't just talking the talk - they're walking the walk. The Speak Life program is a comprehensive, turnkey solution for schools, giving them the tools they need to tackle bullying and mental health head-on. And for parents, it's a chance to bond with their kids over the shared experience of the musical, opening the door to those tough-but-important conversations.
At the end of the day, the Burds are using the power of the arts to create lasting change. They're not interested in quick fixes or empty slogans - they want to foster a culture of compassion and resilience that empowers every single member of the school community. And if you ask me, that's the kind of change we could all use a little more of.

We also speak to Valeria Wicker about her children's book The Ugly Doodles.

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In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty chats with two talented authors who are bringing diverse stories and cultural perspectives to young readers.
First up, Jed introduces Deeba Zargarpur,, the author of the new middle-grade novel "Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate." Deeba shares how her own Afghan heritage inspired the story of a 12-year-old girl who discovers her jinn (supernatural being) lineage and goes on an epic quest. Deeba discusses the cultural significance of jinn in her upbringing and how she wanted to create a fun, magical world that also explores deeper themes of family, identity, and moral complexity.
Next, Jed welcomes David Flores, author of "The Boy Who Cried Falta." As a soccer coach, David was inspired by the common tendency of players to fake injuries, which led him to put a creative spin on the classic "Boy Who Cried Wolf" tale. David shares his own passion for the sport, which took root in his childhood in El Salvador and continued to be a source of community and belonging after he immigrated to the US as a teenager.
Both Deeba and David emphasize the importance of representation in children's literature, and how their books provide windows into diverse cultures while also serving as mirrors for young readers to see themselves reflected. They discuss the value of co-reading with families and the meaningful conversations that can arise around themes of morality, identity, and the immigrant experience.
With engaging storytelling and a focus on cultural connections, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who appreciates the power of diverse, imaginative children's literature.

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