Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this warm and wide–ranging episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes back three beloved guests with brand–new picture books that celebrate courage, representation, and creativity.
First, Kelly Starling Lyons returns to share Writing Magic, a tender story about Dom, a little girl from a family of Black riders who longs to ride a big horse named Magic but is scared. Kelly talks about the book's unforgettable launch on the very farm where the real horse, Ardent (Magic in the book), lives—and how kids got to meet the horse, the family models, and even handle real horse gear. She explores the rich, often overlooked legacy of African Americans and horses, from Black cowboys like Bass Reeves to modern "Black cowgirls" such as Caitlin Gooch of Saddle Up and Read, who blends literacy with horses. Kelly also shares how families can use the book to talk with kids about their fears, dreams, and what kind of support they really want from the adults who love them.
Then Jed is joined by author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and illustrator Leeza Hernandez to celebrate Cats in Conductor Hats, the follow-up to Cats in Construction Hats. They pull back the curtain on their unusually collaborative author–illustrator relationship, from early brainstorming with their editor to playful "Easter eggs" like a recurring Highland cow in a bathtub. Leeza talks about the challenge of drawing trains that feel whimsical but not too realistic, and Sudipta describes how tiny real-world moments—even a cow on train tracks in Newark—can inspire big story ideas.
Throughout, the conversation shines with humor, heart, and a shared belief in the power of stories to build confidence, curiosity, and connection in kids and families.

In this episode, Jed welcomes back author and educator Kelly Tooman to celebrate her new picture book, "The Birthday Triplets and the Pony Race Adventure." Kelly, who spent many years in Montessori education and now leads virtual creative writing workshops, shares how her background shaped this whimsical, heart-centered story. The book follows triplets Cookie, Candy, and Coco, who live with their magical Granny Rosie and travel to an adventure factory where they bring birthday joy to someone who is sad or lonely.
Kelly explains that this particular adventure centers on forgiveness and empathy. When Candy faces a mean-spirited rival in a pony race, she must decide whether to ignore his distress or stop to help him, even though he tried to ruin the race. That choice opens the door to powerful family conversations about kindness, compassion, and doing the right thing when it's hard.
Throughout the conversation, Jed and Kelly talk passionately about the importance of reading physical books, nurturing imagination, and giving kids unstructured playtime. Kelly praises Montessori's multi-age, curiosity-driven approach and voices concern about how screens, over-scheduling, and early academic pressure can erode children's focus, creativity, and joy.
Later, Jed is joined by attorney and author Ted Sutton, who introduces his middle grade book "Greenback's Book of Law: Everything You Need to Know as Told by a Friendly Dog." Ted shares how his golden doodle narrator helps kids (and parents!) understand contracts, civics, voting, and everyday law in an accessible way—filling a gap left by traditional schooling and empowering families to be informed, engaged citizens.

In this episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, we're celebrating two powerful picture books that spark big conversations in families.
First, Jed chats with Dr. Linda Booth Sweeney, author of Do Bees Pee? The Curious and Amazing Ways Nature Avoids Pollution. Linda shares how a giggle-worthy question opens the door to serious science, systems thinking, and hope-filled conversations about our planet. She explains how nature "thinks in loops, not lines"—turning waste into food and showing us brilliant, closed-loop designs that can ease kids' eco-anxiety. From bees and elephants to parrotfish that help make sandy beaches, Linda invites families to use humor, curiosity, and hands-on experiences to reconnect with nature and feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
Then, Jed welcomes Dr Esau McCaulley, author of Isaiah Johnson and the Big Game. Esau introduces us to Isaiah, a young ballplayer whose dad arrives late to the championship game. Instead of the parent swooping in as the hero, this story gently flips the script: Isaiah must decide whether to forgive his imperfect father. Esau talks honestly about failing as a parent, raising Black children in America, weaving faith into stories without preaching, and creating picture books that both kids and adults genuinely enjoy.
Together, these conversations celebrate curiosity, compassion, and the simple, life-changing message every child needs to hear: "You are loved, no matter how you perform."

In this inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes two incredible creators whose stories celebrate history, heart, and big dreams.
First, Jed chats with Emma Otheguy, author of the new middle grade novel Adventure in the City of Stories. Emma takes us to New York City in 1930, a moment when skyscrapers were racing into the sky, the subway was rapidly expanding, and Latino literary luminaries like Pura Belpré, Gabriela Mistral, and Arturo Schomburg were quietly changing history. Through time-traveling cousins Jorge, Segi, and Camila, Emma uses adventure and magic to help kids explore immigration, identity, and the power of stories—without the dry textbook feel. She also shares how reading memoirs and digging into old fire insurance maps at the New York Public Library helped her bring the past to vivid life.
Then we travel (in the present!) to Chile to meet Fernanda Frick, creator of the middle grade graphic novel Raise the Bar. Fernanda introduces us to Sam Sánchez, a teen who dreams of becoming an Olympic weightlifter, even when the odds—and the adults—say it's nearly impossible. Fernanda talks about researching elite athletes, drawing thousands of panels, and turning a canceled animated series into a richer, more honest book that tackles burnout, pressure, and choosing your own path.
This episode is a celebration of reading together, dreaming big, and truly seeing our kids—whether they're curled up with a novel or chasing an Olympic barbell.

This episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast is a joyful celebration of creativity, family reading, and the power of stories to travel across generations.
First, Jed welcomes Buzz McLain, longtime journalist and debut picture book author of "Where There Are More Than Two." Buzz's playful, read‑aloud rhyming book introduces kids (and their grownups!) to the wonderful world of collective nouns—from a murder of crows to a band of gorillas. He shares how a simple writing exercise turned into a picture book that sat in a drawer for ten years before children's book coach Barbara Leary helped him bring it to life through self‑publishing. Buzz talks about the joy of seeing grandparents read his book to their grandkids, why senior centers and libraries are powerful audiences, and how dedicating the book to his granddaughter made publication day especially emotional.
Buzz also treats listeners to some unforgettable stories from his journalism career—like being Chuck Berry's roadie for a night and spending hours interviewing soccer legend Pelé—and he and Jed reflect on classic rock, lasting music, and sharing what we love with our kids.
Then Jed is joined by Grace Gidman, author of the middle grade fantasy "Wilhelmina Tip: Lost in the Imperial City." Grace introduces her richly imagined world of floating islands, coal‑powered airships, and gem forests, and a brave 11‑year‑old heroine separated from her family in a vast sky city. She talks about world‑building, writing with heart, and weaving in themes of identity, belonging, and unconditional love—all perfect for families who enjoy reading and discussing books together.