Reading With Your Kids Podcast

• Precious Love: Celebrating Family Through Children's Literature

  Get ready for a double dose of inspiration in this must-listen episode of Reading with Your Kids! Host Jed Doherty brings three incredible authors on the show to share powerful stories that will touch your heart and transform your family reading time. First up, meet Carlos Aponte and his stunning picture book "Precious" - a love letter to Puerto Rico that goes way beyond a simple children's story. Set against the backdrop of a hurricane, this bilingual book explores the magic of community, family resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that connect us. Aponte weaves a beautiful narrative inspired by his own childhood, showcasing how children's literature can celebrate culture and teach profound life lessons. Then, prepare to be moved by Dr. Joel Warsh and Andrew Gardner's "Love Dad" - a groundbreaking book that redefines fatherhood in the most heartwarming way possible. These authors have created a collection of inspiring messages from fathers of all backgrounds, proving that love knows no boundaries. Their mission? To show kids everywhere that their dads are their biggest supporters, cheerleaders, and heroes. Both books share a common thread: the transformative power of reading together. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico or diving into messages of paternal love, these stories offer more than entertainment - they provide connection, understanding, and hope. Parents, this episode is your ultimate guide to meaningful storytelling. You'll discover how books can:     Build stronger family bonds     Celebrate diverse cultures     Teach important life lessons     Create magical moments of connection Mark your calendars! "Precious" drops May 29th, and "Love Dad" is available now. Get ready to cuddle up, read together, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss this extraordinary episode that proves children's books are anything but ordinary!  

  --------  

  55:15
• Anh Do: Laughter, Resilience, and Inspiring Young Readers

  From Refugee to Bestselling Children's Author In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with the extraordinary Anh Do - a comedian, actor, author, and artist who's captured the hearts of millions with his incredible storytelling. Anh Do's latest book, Wolf Girl, isn't just another children's novel - it's a powerful narrative inspired by his own remarkable life story. Born in Vietnam and escaping as a refugee on a tiny nine-meter fishing boat, Do brings a unique perspective to children's literature that's both entertaining and deeply meaningful. Wolf Girl follows the adventures of Gwen, a young girl separated from her family during an invasion, who finds a new family among a pack of dogs. Sound familiar? That's because Do weaves his own family's survival story into his narratives, creating books that are simultaneously fun, touching, and inspirational. With over 100 books published and more than 10 million copies sold worldwide, Do isn't just an author - he's a storytelling phenomenon. His approach to writing is refreshingly honest: create lots of content, knowing not everything will be perfect, but some gems will emerge. This philosophy, learned from his stand-up comedy days, has served him well across multiple creative disciplines. Do's commitment to children's literacy goes beyond writing. He's donated 40,000 books to disadvantaged children in Australia, remembering how five-cent books from thrift stores helped him fall in love with reading as a child. Upcoming fans can look forward to Wolf Girl becoming a film and his Weirdo series becoming a TV show - proving that Do's creative universe is expanding faster than ever. The episode is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling. Do's message is clear: dream big, work hard, and never be afraid to fail. Parents, educators, and kids alike will be inspired by this incredible conversation that proves sometimes the most amazing stories come from real life. We also speak with author Karen Steele about her picture book The Little Girl Who Never Listened. 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!

  --------  

  55:24
• Raising Empowered Kids: Lessons from Dr. Shafer Stedron

  In this must-listen episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with Dr. Schafer Stedron, author of the groundbreaking children's book "The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks," to explore a revolutionary approach to parenting that's changing how we understand and support our children. Dr. Stedron introduces listeners to a powerful parenting strategy that goes beyond traditional discipline, focusing instead on connection, choice, and emotional intelligence. Her book tells the story of a young boy with pathological demand avoidance (PDA), showcasing how parents can transform challenging behaviors by offering choices and validating children's emotions. The episode takes an inspiring turn as Dr. Stedron also shares the incredible story of her daughter, Amalie Anastasia, a young author who has already published multiple books and launched fundraising efforts for wildlife preserves. At just 10 years old, Amalie demonstrates the incredible potential of children when they're supported and encouraged. Key takeaways for parents include: The importance of offering choices instead of demands How to recognize and support children's emotional needs Strategies for connecting with kids during challenging moments The power of children's literature in teaching emotional intelligence Listeners will be touched by heartwarming anecdotes, practical parenting advice, and a message of hope that every child can be empowered to express themselves authentically. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply interested in child development, this episode offers invaluable insights into raising confident, emotionally healthy children. Don't miss this transformative conversation that proves parenting isn't about control, but about connection. Tune in now and discover how small changes can make a big difference in your family's life. 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!

  --------  

  56:38
• Mirrors and Windows: Diverse Stories for Young Readers

  In this captivating episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty explores the transformative power of literature through conversations with two remarkable authors who are breaking new ground in children's and young adult literature. First up is Jodie Benveniste, a psychologist turned YA author, who shares her compelling novel "Never, Not Ever". The book follows Tilly, a teenager navigating complex family dynamics, loss, and emerging relationships. Benveniste beautifully discusses how storytelling can be a form of bibliotherapy, helping young people understand and process their emotions. The episode then shifts to a powerful conversation with Weshoyot Alvitre, author and illustrator of the picture book "Brave". Alvitre's book courageously addresses the cultural significance of hair in Native American communities, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and resilience. She shares personal experiences of growing up Native American and the ongoing challenges of cultural preservation. Both authors emphasize the critical importance of representation in children's literature. They discuss how books can serve as mirrors for children to see themselves, windows to understand others, and sliding glass doors that invite empathy and connection. Jed Doherty skillfully guides the conversations, exploring topics like mental health awareness, parental communication, and the power of storytelling to heal and educate. The episode offers invaluable insights for parents, educators, and anyone interested in children's literature and cultural understanding. Listeners will come away inspired by these authors' commitment to creating meaningful, nuanced stories that respect young readers' intelligence and emotional complexity. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a lover of good storytelling, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss this enlightening exploration of literature, identity, and the incredible power of reading 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!

  --------  

  55:12
• Breaking Free from Structured Childhood: The Power of Independent Play

  Unlock the Secrets of Playful Parenting: Creativity, Independence, and Imagination Are you tired of overscheduled kids and endless screen time? This episode of Reading with Your Kids is a game-changer for parents looking to spark their children's creativity and independence! We dive deep with two incredible guests who are revolutionizing how we think about play and childhood development. Myriam Sandler, author of "Playful by Design," shares her groundbreaking approach to creating spaces that encourage independent play. She reveals how simple home organization can transform how kids explore, create, and learn. Myriam's journey began with her own daughter's texture sensitivities, leading her to develop innovative sensory play techniques that not only solved feeding challenges but also opened up a world of creative exploration. Her "Mother Could" platform has become a lifeline for parents seeking practical, engaging ways to support their children's development. But the inspiration doesn't stop there! Gaia Cornwall joins the conversation with her enchanting new picture book "Fairy Walk," which captures the magic of childhood exploration. Drawing from her own family's COVID-era woodland adventures, Gaia demonstrates how simple walks can become extraordinary journeys of imagination. Key takeaways that will transform your parenting:     Create intentional play spaces     Reduce overwhelming toy choices     Encourage independent creativity     Embrace mess as a learning opportunity     Find balance with screen time Both Myriam and Gaia challenge the current trend of over-structured childhood, offering parents a refreshing perspective on play, creativity, and child development. Their approaches prove that giving kids space to explore, create, and imagine is crucial for building confidence and nurturing their natural curiosity. Whether you're a new parent or have kids of any age, this episode is packed with practical tips, heartwarming stories, and inspiration to reimagine playtime in your home. Ready to unleash your child's creativity? This episode is your ultimate guide! 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!

  --------  

  55:11

More Kids & Family podcasts

Trending Kids & Family podcasts

About Reading With Your Kids Podcast