Reading With Your Kids Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.