Interview: "Lulu is a Rhinoceros" Author Answers Kids' Biggest Questions!

Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd is joined by writer, songwriter, and co-creator of Lulu is a Rhinoceros, Allison Flom, and seven-year-old kid interviewer Briar, who came prepared with thoughtful questions that kept everyone on their toes.Together, they dig into what it really means to be yourself, even when others do not understand. Allison shares how she and her father co-created Lulu, a bulldog who knows she is a rhinoceros on the inside, and what it meant to watch that book become an animated musical special on TV. They talk about why kindness starts with listening, why curiosity is so much better than judgment, and why the song at the heart of the special, The Perfect Me, includes the lyric "I'm easy to love" as a personal Easter egg from a moment that changed Allison's life.Briar brings everything: Great questions, a story about being the only girl in her preschool class, and a final thought about Lulu that stopped everyone in their tracks. They also listen to The Perfect Me together live, and the room has feelings.A second Lulu book, "Lulu Makes the Band," is on the way.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Hear how "Lulu is a Rhinoceros" went from a picture book to an animated musical special on televisionLearn why the story's message, the perfect me is me, matters for every kidDiscover why curiosity is a superpower and judgment is a dead endBe reminded that bravery means doing something even when you feel scaredHear "The Perfect Me" performed live during the episodeGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:Asking your child: "What is one thing about yourself that makes you the perfect you?"Reading or watching "Lulu is a Rhinoceros" together after listeningTalking about a time your child tried something newPracticing saying "I'm easy to love" together out loudAbout Allison Flom: Allison Flom is a writer, songwriter, and advocate based in New York City. Her work explores themes of identity, justice, and human rights. She co-authored Lulu is a Rhinoceros with her father Jason Flom, then wrote the teleplay and original lyrics for the animated musical special of the same name, featuring the voices of Auli'i Cravalho, Alex Newell, and Dulé Hill, among others. A second book in the series, "Lulu Makes the Band," is coming soon.About Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share:If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Storytime episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast.In this episode, Todd, Vivien, and Kit bring an original story to life, set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where the hills roll like soft green blankets and the streams hum sleepy songs.The story follows Quivian, a young Qook-a-leekie who loves nothing more than climbing to a hilltop called Twinkle Top every evening to study the stars. Quivian does not just look at them. They sketch them, map them, and give them wonderfully silly names: the Dancing Pickle, the Sleepy Sandwich, the Flying Pancake, and the Extremely Dramatic Turnip. While everyone else prepares for the beloved Quiddleberry Gathering, baking pies, painting banners, and building glowing lanterns, Quivian wonders whether something as small as naming stars could ever really matter.Then the Moon Muffin Mist rolls in, and everything changes.This is a story about curiosity, about the things that make us different, and about how the interests that feel most like ours can sometimes become the gifts we never knew we had to offer.Featuring Vivien, age seven, and Kit, age thirteen.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Be swept away to the Land of Qook-a-lackas for an original storytime adventureMeet Quivian, a Qook-a-leekie whose love of stargazing sets them apart from the crowdDiscover what happens when the Moon Muffin Mist rolls in during the Quiddleberry GatheringLearn that the things that make you curious and different can become gifts you shareHear a story that celebrates being exactly who you areGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Storytime By:Asking your child: "What would you name a constellation if you could?"Talking about something your child loves that might seem small but feels important to themEncouraging your child to keep paying attention to the things that spark their curiositySharing a time when something you loved turned out to be more useful than you expectedAbout Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share:If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Mission episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast.In this episode, Todd is joined by co-host Georgia for a warm and curious conversation about identity, the things that make each of us uniquely ourselves. Georgia's class has been studying identity through self-portraits and the origins of their names. She comes in full of ideas, including her talent for giving compliments, her love of creating things in her own special craft space, and a very impressive fake cry she performs live.Together, Todd and Georgia listen to three kids share what lights them up: Vivian talks about gymnastics and the things that challenge her in the best way, Charles shares his love of Roblox and his deep curiosity about the Titanic, and Summer describes the joy of playing hide and seek at the park and noticing the world around her. Each story reveals something true: being yourself does not look one way. It shows up through games, art, curiosity, movement, and connection.At the end of the episode, kids listening at home get their own mission: pay attention to something you really enjoy this month, notice when you feel most like yourself, tell someone about it, and ask them what makes them feel like themselves, too.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Hear real kids describe the interests and passions that make them feel most like themselvesExplore how identity shows up in all kinds of different waysDiscover that you cannot tell what someone loves just by looking at themReflect on what makes them feel most like themselvesGet a mission to notice, share, and askGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:Asking your child: "When do you feel most like yourself?"Sharing what lights you up and letting your child ask you questions about itNoticing and naming something specific your child does that feels uniquely themEncouraging your child to try the mission with a friend, sibling, or grandparentAbout Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share: If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Kidventure episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast.In this episode, Todd travels to the Land of Qook-a-lackas with Charles, age nine, Vivien, age seven and a half, and Summer, age five, where they meet Quivvy, a Qook-a-leekie who loves performing more than anything in the world. Quivvy sings, dances, turns every game into a show, and fills a journal with ideas for new performances. Quvvy’s sparkles used to burst everywhere. But lately, some friends have been pulling away, and Quivvy has started dimming those sparkles just to fit in.Together, the kids help Quivvy figure out something really important: you do not have to choose between being yourself and keeping your friends. Along the way, they share what lights them up, from Charles and his deep knowledge of the Titanic, to Vivien's gymnastics and piano, to Summer's pageants and ballet, and discover that the things that make us different are the very things worth celebrating.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas through a glowing doorway and their own imaginationsHelp Quivvy figure out how to stay true to herself while leaving room for her friendsShare the things that make them uniquely themselves and feel lit up insideLearn that friendships can stretch and grow without anyone having to shrinkDiscover that being yourself sometimes means letting other sparkles shine tooGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Kidventure By:Asking your child: "What is one thing that makes your sparkle shine brightest?"Noticing and naming what lights your child up, even if it surprises youTalking about a time you felt like you had to hide something you loved to fit inEncouraging your child to try the week's mission: do one thing this week that feels like you🎭 Special Guest Qook-a-lacka: Crystal Clarke is an American actor and developing writer working across film, television, and voiceover in the UK and US. She is known for portraying Georgiana Lambe in ITV/PBS’s Sanditon. Her narration of One Big Open Sky received a 2025 Audie Award nomination. Her creative focus is quality storytelling that bridges gaps and broadens representation within historical narratives. Crystal also advocates for visibility and inclusion for neurodivergent creators. Follow her on Instagram at @thatcrystalclarke.About Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share:If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth with ukulele music by Bill English. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd chats with legendary author and illustrator Rosemary Wells, creator of the beloved Max & Ruby series — and two very special kid interviewers, Ripley, age eight, and Journey, age eleven — who you may remember from season one.Together, they dig into what it means to write stories that make readers see themselves — and explore how the characters Max and Ruby were inspired by Rosemary's own two children! They find out what it was like too see characters go from the pages of books to the TV screen like Max and Ruby did when they were turned into a show on Nick Jr. Ripley and Journey come prepared with sharp questions about rhyming, getting unstuck, and which of her own books Rosemary loves most. Rosemary answers with warmth, humor, and more than five decades of hard-won wisdom about creativity, confidence, and why the very best thing any author can do is write stories that make a reader say, “I see myself in that."Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Hear how the Max & Ruby series was born when Rosemary heard her own children talking when they thought no grown-ups were aroundDiscover why creative writing is the last gift to show up, and why that is okayLearn how getting unstuck works the same way for authors as it does for scientistsFind out what Rosemary believes are the two most important things any young writer can doBe inspired to pay attention to the ideas that go bing in their mindsGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Learning By:Asking your child: "Which character in a book have you ever felt like?"Reading a Max & Ruby book together and talking about which sibling feels most familiar.Encouraging your child to read their own writing out loud to catch their mistakes.Talking about what it means to have someone believe in you the way Rosemary's parents believed in her as a child.About Rosemary Wells: Rosemary Wells is the author and illustrator of more than 120 books for children, including more than 40 about the beloved bunny siblings Max and Ruby. Born in New Jersey to a playwright father and a ballet dancer mother, she began drawing early and never stopped. Her books have been adapted for television by Nelvana, airing on Nick Jr. for over a decade and available now on streaming. She travels widely as a passionate advocate for literacy and visits schools to teach her Seven Steps to Writing Success. Visit her at rosemarywells.com.About Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share: If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! In this special bonus Interview episode, Todd is joined by New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Stutzman and returning guest Bea, age 8, who you may remember from our Friendship Kidventure episode.Together they dig into what it really means to build stories around friendship, from the origins of Tiny T-Rex and his best friend Pointy, to why honest storytelling connects with readers of all ages. Jonathan talks about growing up loving books before he could even read, writing hundreds of songs before a good one comes through, and what it felt like to collaborate with his wife Heather Fox on Llama Destroys the World. Bea brings some of the best questions of the season, including what Jonathan's favorite book is, what his favorite hobby is, and whether sock monkeys might actually be behind all those missing socks.Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Hear how a New York Times bestselling author got his start telling stories with stuffed animalsDiscover that writing lots of bad stories is part of writing a great oneLearn why friendship and always being there are at the heart of the Tiny T-Rex seriesFind out about Jonathan's upcoming books including Uh-Oh Hugo and Beware the Sock MonkeysBe inspired to tell their own stories through drawing, writing, or pretend playGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:Asking your child: "If you wrote a book about friendship, who would the characters be?"Reading Tiny T-Rex and the Very Dark Dark or Llama Destroys the World together after listeningEncouraging your child to make up voices for their stuffed animals or toysTalking about what it means to have a friend who is always there, even when things are hardAbout Jonathan Stutzman: Jonathan Stutzman is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of picture books for children. He is best known for the Tiny T-Rex series, Llama Destroys the World, and Fitz and Cleo. His books have been translated into over a dozen languages and are in development for television and film. Jonathan lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, illustrator Heather Fox, and their French bulldog Hugo, who has his own book coming out soon. Find him on Instagram at @thedustdancestoo or visit jonathanstutzman.comAbout Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share: If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! In this song 🎶 episode, Todd is joined by singer-songwriter Christopher Burkholder and returning guest Carmine, age seven, who you may remember from our episode about family.Together, they dig into what life as a musician really looks like, from writing hundreds of songs before releasing one, to learning harmonica on the side, to growing up as the second oldest of six kids in a homeschooled family outside Philadelphia. Christopher also shares a brand new original song on the episode called "That's What Big Brothers Are For," written especially for this episode, and the three of them hear it together for the very first time. Carmine comes with a list of questions, his brand new guitar, and an original song of his own called the "Wormy Worm Song" that he performs before signing off.Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Hear a brand new original song written just for Little Kids, Big HeartsLearn how a real songwriter turns feelings and memories into musicDiscover that writing lots of bad songs is part of writing one good oneFind out why listening is the most important skill a musician can haveBe inspired to follow the fun when learning something newGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:Asking your child: "If you wrote a song about your sibling, what would it be about?"Listening to the song together and talking about which lines feel most trueEncouraging your child to write, draw, or sing about a feeling they have had recentlyTalking about what "following the fun" looks like when your child is learning something newAbout Christopher Burkholder: Christopher Burkholder is a singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in folk, jazz, and blues. Growing up as the second oldest of six kids in a homeschooled family outside Philadelphia gave him plenty of real-life moments and real feelings to write about. He works alongside his family in their coffee business, Twin Valley Coffee, and has been writing and releasing music for over two decades. He wrote "That's What Big Brothers Are For" especially for this episode. Find him on Instagram at @christopher_burkholderAbout Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share: If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Mission episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast.In this episode, Todd is joined once again by co-host Georgia, age 6, for an honest, funny, and relatable conversation about one of the trickiest parts of having a little sibling: what to do when they knock things down, rip things up, or want something completely different than you!Georgia brings her own fresh experience to the table. Her baby brother Wesley ripped apart a picture she made with her friend at art class just before this recording, and she comes in already thinking through solutions. Together, Todd and Georgia listen to stories from Rex, Brooklynn, and Lincoln, each of whom has faced their own little sibling-sized challenge, and each of whom found a way through it.Kids explore how to take a breath and choose one of three strategies: ask a grownup for help, make space for both people, or try doing things together and then separately. Along the way, Georgia reminds us that even when things get knocked down, sometimes you get to build something even better.At the end of the episode, kids listening at home get their own mission: the next time a sibling changes your plan, take a breath and try one of these three kid-tested strategies.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Hear real stories from kids navigating the ups and downs of having younger siblingsLearn three simple strategies for handling sibling conflict with patience and flexibilityExplore the idea that big feelings like frustration are totally valid and okayDiscover that sometimes when things get knocked down, you can build them back even betterReflect on what they love, and what is hard, about the siblings in their livesGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:Asking your child: "What's one thing that's hard about having a sibling, and one thing that's great?"Practicing the three strategies together before a conflict happensAcknowledging that frustration with siblings is normal and worth talking aboutNoticing and naming moments when your child shows patience or flexibilitySharing your own sibling stories from when you were youngAbout Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share: If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Kidventure episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast.In this episode, Todd is joined by Rex, Lincoln, and Brooklynn for a magical journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where their friend Queniel the Qook-a-lacka is having a frustrating day. Every time Queniel builds a tower, little sibling Quib comes zooming through and knocks it down.Together, the kids help Queniel learn what's really going on (spoiler: Quib might just want to play), and then come up with an imaginative, kid-powered plan: a Build Zone, a Crash Zone, and a Together Zone, each with its own rules, timers, and yes, a special crash tower just for Quib. Along the way, they talk honestly about what it feels like to have a younger sibling, including the joy, the frustration, and the moments when you just want your LEGO build to survive the afternoon.This episode helps kids develop empathy, communication skills, and creative problem-solving, while reminding them that little sibs aren't always trying to cause chaos; sometimes they're still learning.Perfect for kids ages 2-11 and for listening together as a family.🎭 Special Guest Qook-a-lacka: The voice of Queniel is brought to life by Broadway actor Daniel Reichard. He originated the role of Bob Gaudio in the Tony Award-winning original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance. His other credits include Radiant Baby at The Public Theater, the title role in New York City Opera's Candide, and over 800 concerts worldwide with The Midtown Men, the vocal group he co-founded with his Jersey Boys castmates.In This Episode, Kids Will:Travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas in a cozy laundry basketHelp Queniel solve a sibling conflict with creative thinkingLearn how to set clear boundaries with younger sibsPractice using words when things go wrongDiscover that understanding why someone acts the way they do can change everythingGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Kidventure By:Talking about a time a sibling or friend accidentally upset them and what helpedPracticing kind, clear phrases before conflicts happenNoticing and naming what younger siblings might be trying to communicateCelebrating your child when they show patience with a younger siblingAbout Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share:If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share. It helps other families discover LKBH.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth with ukulele music by Bill English. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from The Big Heart Beats album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd is joined by farmer Susan Mitchell, owner of Cloverleigh Farm in Connecticut, and returning guest Avery, age six, who you may remember from our episode at the beginning of April called "Can Kids Help Heal the Land?"Together they dig into what farm life is really like, from growing vegetables in a greenhouse in the spring to caring for beef cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkeys yearround. Susan talks about farming in all weather, losing plants in the freeze of 2026, donating produce to a local soup kitchen, and what it means to build a true community around food. Avery brings some of the best questions of the season, including whether it is possible to give vegetables to homeless people and whether schools can take field trips to the farm.The podcast is perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Hear what a real working farm looks like from someone who built oneDiscover that farming is hard, hopeful, and deeply connected to communityLearn how bees, soil, seasons, and care are all part of where our food comes fromFind out how to look for a farm near where they liveBe inspired to think differently the next time they see produce at the grocery storeGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:Asking your child: "Where do you think the food in our kitchen came from?"Looking up a local CSA or farm stand in your areaTalking about what it means to support small businesses in your communityEncouraging your child to try a vegetable straight from a garden or farm standAbout Susan Mitchell: Susan Mitchell started her journey into agriculture as a public high school teacher in New York State, where she grew food with her students in the school's garden. She quickly fell in love with the practice and left teaching to apprentice on a farm in the Hudson Valley, then managed farms throughout Connecticut before finding her own property in Columbia, CT. She is also one of the founding members and current Steering Committee member of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance, a farmer-led statewide network of new farmers. Learn more at cloverleighfarm.com.About Little Kids, Big Hearts:Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.Subscribe, Rate, and Share:If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from The Big Heart Beats Album.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast