Dopemine Dressing & Daydreaming, Exploring The Joys Of Imagination

On the latest episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two talented children's book authors - Lela Nargi and Riley Cross.  Lela Nargi joined the show to celebrate the release of her new picture book, "The Lonely Goose." Jed and Lela discussed the unique bond between Canada geese, and how Lela's story explores themes of love, loss, and resilience in the animal kingdom. Lela shared her passion for wildlife and nature, and how she hopes the book will inspire families to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, even in urban environments. Later, Jed welcomed Riley Cross to the program to talk about her new middle-grade novel, "The Swamp of Doom." Riley explained how she collaborated with her own kids to design the quirky characters, including a half-alligator, half-shark creature named Alacarte. The two discussed the importance of encouraging creativity and imagination in both children and adults, and how Riley's background as a high school language arts teacher informs her approach to storytelling. Throughout the conversation, Jed and the authors explored the ways that books can help kids (and grown-ups!) face their fears, build empathy, and find joy in the unexpected. Whether it's a Canada goose navigating the loss of her mate or a young girl with the "superpower" of bad luck, these stories offer a unique window into the human (and animal) experience. Listeners are sure to be inspired to pick up "The Lonely Goose" and "The Swamp of Doom" - and maybe even start their own family reading adventures in the process. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!  

If you're a parent or grandparent looking for a delightful new picture book to share with your little ones, you'll want to check out "Moving Day" by Teri Roach Drobnick. In this charming debut, Teri takes readers on a whimsical journey as a Victorian house in San Francisco embarks on a big move across town. As Jed and Teri discuss, the story was inspired by a real-life event where a 139-year-old house was painstakingly relocated to make way for new development. Teri was captivated by the news and quickly got to work crafting a kid-friendly narrative from the house's perspective. With her daughter's own resistance to moving fresh in her mind, Teri was able to tap into the emotional turmoil a home might feel during such a big transition. What really makes "Moving Day" special, though, is the collaboration between Teri and her talented illustrator, Jennifer Black Reinhardt. The two connected over Instagram, and Jennifer's vibrant, hand-drawn artwork perfectly complements Teri's lyrical text. In a touching tribute, Jennifer even incorporated Teri's late father, who loved running, into one of the scenes. Jed also speaks with author Sandra Salisbury about her new picture book, "The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever." This humorous tale follows a baby who just can't seem to fall asleep, no matter how hard the parents try. Sandra shares how her own experiences with her young children inspired this story, and how she approached the illustrations to match the book's lively tone. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

This episode of Reading with Your Kids is all about celebrating some truly exceptional people and their stories. First up we meet Kevan Chandler, the driving force behind the nonprofit "We Carry Kevan." Kevan shares an incredible story about how he and his friends carried him in a backpack during a trip to Europe, and how that sparked the creation of their organization. They make these special backpacks to help families of kids with disabilities get out and explore the world together. It's all about building community and friendship, which is so inspiring. Next, we chat with Lindsey Larson about her picture book "Meeting Exceptional Friends." Lindsey wrote this book to help teach kids about human differences and the importance of acceptance. She's got some great insights on how books can empower children and foster understanding, even for parents and caregivers. Throughout the episode, we dive into the challenges of traveling and integrating with a disability, and the power of asking questions and inviting people into your life. These guests are doing such important work to break down barriers and bring people together. I walked away from this conversation feeling motivated to be more open, curious, and supportive of the exceptional people in my own life. Definitely check out these books and resources - they're sure to spark some meaningful discussions with your kids. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids we dove into a much heavier topic than usual - talking to our kids about online adult content. I know, not the most fun conversation, but Greta Eskridge, the author of "It's Time to Talk to Our Kids About P*rn," really drove home why it's so crucial that we don't shy away from this. The reality is, kids are getting exposed to hardcore, violent content at shockingly young ages, often completely by accident. And that can have some really messed up effects on their brains and development.  Greta gave some great tips on how to approach this with our kids - keeping it simple, making sure they know they can come to us if they see something sketchy, and emphasizing that it's not their fault. And she also talked about the rise of sextortion, where kids are being blackmailed with compromising photos, and how important it is to educate them on that too. Then we switched gears a bit and talked about AI - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Our guest, Kerry Gallagher, broke down how AI can actually be super helpful for busy parents, like with meal planning and trip itineraries. But she also warned about the potential for bias and misinformation in AI-generated content. The key is using it wisely and teaching our kids to be critical consumers of what they see online. Lots to unpack, but I'm so glad we dove into all of this. Our kids are navigating a wild digital landscape, and as parents, we've gotta be proactive about keeping them safe. Time to put on our tech-savvy superhero capes! Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

Get Ready to Crack Open the Tradition of Cascarones with Author Sarah Fajardo! If you're looking to add a little extra fun and cultural flair to your family's reading time, you'll love learning about the vibrant tradition of cascarones from children's book author Sara Fajardo. In this delightful episode, Sara takes us on a journey through the history and origins of these confetti-filled eggshells, tracing their roots all the way back to China before making their way to Mexico and beyond. As a dual immersion teacher and Peruvian-American, Sara shares her personal connection to the cascarone tradition, recounting cherished memories of her family's Carnaval celebrations back in the Andes. She explains how this playful custom eventually made its way to the United States, where her own mother reintroduced it to their family, sparking Sara's lifelong love for the unique tradition. We also hear from Dave Bush, who is using multimedia elements to bring a new kind of storytelling experience to life with his web novella "Stonecallers." Dave shares how he and his wife co-created this interactive project, drawing inspiration from early CD-ROM experiments in the 90s to engage reluctant readers in a captivating mystery. And we take a listen back to our past conversation with mother - daughter team Norma Roth and Shana Penn who tells us how a tiny rainbow on a mailbox got their book banned in Florida. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

If you're a fan of YA fiction with a touch of the fantastical, you'll want to tune in as we chat with author Hayley Chewins about her new novel in verse, "I Am the Swarm."  Hayley takes us on a journey into the life of Nell, a 15-year-old living in Cape Town, South Africa, who's about to inherit some unique magical powers. But these aren't your typical fairy tale abilities - Nell's emotions manifest as swarms of insects around her, which she struggles to control.  As Hayley explains, the story explores themes of loneliness and the importance of connection, drawing from her own experiences as a teenager. She shares how writing has been a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to express what she couldn't say aloud. We also dive into the creative process behind "I Am the Swarm," including how Hayley chose to write it in verse to be playful with language. And Hayley offers insights on the conversations families can have while reading the book, from tackling difficult topics to empowering young readers. Beyond "I Am the Swarm," Hayley gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming middle grade novel project, sparking our curiosity for what's next. We also have a listen back to our 2023 conversation with NY Times Best Selling Author Kate DiCamillo. Whether you're a fellow writer, an avid YA reader, or a parent looking to inspire your kids, this episode is packed with inspiration. Hayley's passion for storytelling and her insights on the power of words are sure to leave you eager to dive into her magical world. So grab a pen and paper, and get ready to be swept away by the swarm of creativity that is Hayley Chewins. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into the world of children's literature and the importance of embracing diverse cultures and fostering creativity.  First, we chat with Olivia Abtahi, the author of the picture book "The Interpreter."  She explains how her multicultural background inspired the story of Cecilia, a young girl who navigates the challenges of interpreting for her non-English speaking family. We discuss the nuances of cultural assimilation and the need for greater understanding and support for bilingual families. Next, we welcome Robert McGuire, the author and illustrator of "The Origami Kid." Robert's book blends Japanese folklore with his own children's love for the art of origami. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging imagination and creative play, rather than relying solely on screen time. We reminisce about the nostalgic joys of childhood, from building pillow forts to folding paper airplanes, and how these activities foster cognitive development. Throughout the conversation, Jed and our guests explore the educational and emotional benefits of exposing children to diverse cultures and hands-on activities. Whether it's learning origami or advocating for better language resources, this episode highlights the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides and inspire young minds. So, grab your paper and start folding, because this episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen for anyone who wants to nurture their child's creativity, empathy, and appreciation for the world around them. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!  

Dive into the Fascinating World of Water Pollution Awareness with Author Julie Winterbottom In this captivating episode, we're exploring the incredible story of Ruth Patrick, a pioneering ecologist who helped uncover the hidden dangers of water pollution back in the 1940s. Julie takes us on a journey through Ruth's life, sharing how her childhood passion for the natural world blossomed into a groundbreaking career. You'll be amazed to learn how Ruth's work on tiny, microscopic algae called diatoms became a crucial tool for measuring and understanding the impact of industrial waste on our waterways. Julie paints a vivid picture of a time when the general public had no idea about the toxins being dumped into rivers and streams – and how Ruth's tireless efforts helped change that. But this episode isn't just about the past. We also have a listen back to a chat with the beloved children's book author Marc Brown, the creator of the iconic Arthur series. Marc shares the inspiring story of how he brought Arthur to life, and the timeless appeal that has kept the series going strong for over 45 years. He even gives us a sneak peek at his latest project – a new TV series for preschoolers that's all about the power of friendship and kindness. And that's not all! We also hear from Doris Dumrauf, a talented author and photographer who has turned her love of nature into a series of delightful children's books. Her latest, "Max Mallard Has an Adventure," is a charming tale that combines stunning photography with a heartwarming story. So whether you're a science lover, a children's book enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the wonder of the natural world, this episode has something for everyone. Join us as we dive into the fascinating stories that inspire the next generation of curious minds. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

What an incredible story! We had the chance to chat with Hayley Arceneaux, the author of the new children's book "Astronaut Hayley's Brave Adventure." Hayley's journey is truly inspiring - from overcoming childhood cancer to becoming an actual astronaut!  Hayley shared how she was diagnosed with bone cancer at just 10 years old. But with the amazing care she received at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, she was able to beat the disease and even went on to work at the hospital as a physician associate, helping other kids with cancer.  But Hayley's story took an even more incredible turn when she was unexpectedly invited to join the first all-civilian mission to orbit the Earth with SpaceX. After months of intense training, Hayley spent 3 days in space, an experience she describes as "life-changing." Now she's sharing that experience with kids through her new picture book. We also spoke with Michelle Person, the creator of the "Meanwhile in Africa" social studies curriculum. Michelle is on a mission to make history education more inclusive and accurate, highlighting the amazing accomplishments and perspectives of Africans and the African diaspora.  Rather than just focusing on the negatives like slavery and famine, "Meanwhile in Africa" celebrates the rich history, culture, and innovations that have come from the continent. Michelle wants kids to associate Africa with "glory, prominence, and pride" rather than outdated stereotypes. It was so inspiring to hear about these two incredible initiatives that are empowering the next generation in different ways. Whether it's Hayley's personal story of overcoming adversity or Michelle's efforts to rewrite the narrative around Africa, these are the kinds of uplifting, eye-opening conversations we need more of. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

Get ready to explore the captivating realms of middle-grade fiction as we sit down with two talented authors, TJ Scripps and Bobbie Pyron, to discuss their latest releases.  First up, we chat with TJ Scripps about her debut novel, "Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light." This sci-fi fantasy series follows a 10-year-old heroine who travels to a school in the stars, where she learns to interpret the signs and symbols all around us - from rainbows to shooting stars. TJ shares how her love of nature and the cosmos inspired this unique concept, blending the magic of the natural world with a touch of the extraterrestrial.  As we dive deeper, TJ reveals the importance of encouraging kids to reconnect with the great outdoors and observe the wonders that often go unnoticed. She even shares tips on STEM activities readers can try at home, sparking their curiosity and imagination. Next, we welcome Bobbie Pyron, author of the poignant novel-in-verse, "Octopus Moon." This heartfelt story follows a young girl named Pearl as she navigates the challenges of depression and anxiety. Bobbie's own personal experiences lend authenticity to Pearl's journey, as she explores the invisible nature of mental health struggles. Through Pearl's eyes, we gain a deeper understanding of the isolation and hopelessness that can come with depression, as well as the importance of support, therapy, and self-acceptance. Bobbie emphasizes the power of literature to mirror real-life experiences and start crucial conversations around mental health. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, or poetic realism, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to empower young readers and foster a greater appreciation for the world around us. Join us as we uncover the magic and meaning within the pages of "Glow in the Dark" and "Octopus Moon." Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!