Reading With Your Kids Podcast

• From Saharan Plumes to Sea Change: Science and Imagination in Children's Literature

  In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores the fascinating world of children's literature with two remarkable authors who are transforming how we introduce science and wonder to young readers. Martha Brockenbrough takes listeners on an incredible journey through her book "A Gift of Dust," revealing how Saharan dust travels across oceans, feeding microscopic organisms and ultimately nourishing the Amazon rainforest. Her passionate discussion highlights the interconnectedness of our planet, challenging traditional narratives about humans and nature. Susan Fletcher introduces her young adult novel "Sea Change," a science fiction reimagining of The Little Mermaid that explores cutting-edge genetic technologies. By incorporating real scientific concepts like CRISPR gene editing, Fletcher creates a compelling narrative that asks profound questions about human potential and ethical boundaries. Both authors share a common mission: sparking curiosity in young minds. They argue that education should be about process, not just results, and that storytelling is a powerful tool for helping children understand complex scientific concepts. Martha emphasizes how emotions and rational thinking are deeply interconnected, while Susan explores how emerging technologies might reshape human experiences. The conversation touches on broader themes of environmental awareness, technological innovation, and the importance of nurturing children's natural sense of wonder. From discussing ocean ecosystems to potential human genetic modifications, these authors demonstrate how non-fiction and speculative fiction can inspire the next generation of thinkers and explorers. Listeners will come away with a renewed appreciation for science, storytelling, and the incredible potential of young minds. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the world, this episode offers fascinating insights into how we can engage children with the magic of scientific discovery. 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!

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• Reading, Writing, and Making a Difference

  In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into the magical world of children's literature with two passionate authors who are transforming how kids think about reading, writing, and making a difference. Rae Marsh, author of the Love Maggie series, shares her incredible journey of creating books that truly resonate with children. Inspired by her own daughters, Marsh developed a chapter book and middle-grade novel series that captures the everyday experiences of kids. Her approach is simple yet powerful: encourage children to write about what they know and love. During school visits, Marsh lights up when discussing her mission to inspire young writers. She challenges students to look around their own lives for storytelling inspiration, showing them that their personal experiences are valuable and worth sharing. Her books follow Maggie, a character based on her daughter, navigating school, family, and personal growth. Joining the conversation is Phil Hall, author of "The Day the Children Save the World," who takes a slightly different approach. Hall's book focuses on pro-social behaviors, teaching children how their actions can positively impact the world around them. Through 26 alphabetical examples, he demonstrates how small acts of kindness can create meaningful connections. Both authors share a common goal: empowering children to understand their potential. They believe kids can make a significant difference through creativity, empathy, and intentional actions. Whether it's through storytelling or everyday kindness, these authors are helping shape the next generation of compassionate, confident individuals. Listeners will be inspired by the authors' passion, humor, and commitment to nurturing young minds. The episode offers a delightful glimpse into the world of children's literature and the incredible power of storytelling. 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!

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• A New Dr. Seuss Book: The Story Behind Gertrude Gish

  In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores the inspiring journeys of two remarkable children's book authors: Sarah Hwang and Sylvia Chen. Sarah Hwang shares her extraordinary experience of collaborating with the Dr. Seuss estate, transforming an archived sketch into "Gertrude Gish on a Dish on a Fish." As an immigrant child who learned English through picture books, Sarah brings a unique perspective to her storytelling, blending Dr. Seuss's iconic style with her own creative vision. Switching gears, the episode introduces Sylvia Chen and her heartwarming book "Tricky Chopsticks." Chen's story is equally fascinating - a science and math professional who discovered her passion for children's literature while trying to make math fun for her son. Her book follows Jenny Chow's hilarious journey of mastering chopsticks, offering a delightful glimpse into cultural experiences and family traditions. Both authors emphasize the importance of cultural representation in children's literature. Sarah's journey from wanting to be a pediatric dentist to becoming an illustrator, and Sylvia's transition from corporate work to storytelling, showcase the power of following one's creative passion. The episode offers invaluable insights for parents of creative children. Both Sarah and Sylvia stress the significance of parental support, encouragement, and believing in a child's unique talents. Their stories demonstrate how nurturing creativity can lead to unexpected and beautiful career paths. From Dr. Seuss-inspired rhymes to cultural challenges with chopsticks, this episode celebrates the magic of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the joy of children's literature. Listeners will be inspired by these authors' creativity, resilience, and commitment to bringing diverse stories to young readers. Discover more about Sarah Hwang and Sylvia Chen's books, and join the celebration of imagination and cultural storytelling. 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!

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• Exploring AI, Foster Care, and Friendship in Middle Grade Fiction

  In this dynamic episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a fascinating journey through two remarkable middle-grade novels that push the boundaries of storytelling. First up is J E Thomas and her groundbreaking middle grade novel "The AI Incident," which explores the complex world of artificial intelligence through the eyes of Malcolm Montgomery, a 12-year-old foster kid. Thomas reveals how her book tackles themes of technology, friendship, and personal growth, offering a nuanced look at how AI might impact education and human connections. The episode then shifts to a captivating conversation with Newbery Award-winning author Karen Cushman, who introduces her latest work, "When Sally O'Malley Discovered the Sea." Cushman shares her unique approach to historical storytelling, discussing how she crafts narratives that transport young readers to different times and experiences. Both authors offer profound insights into the writing process. Thomas explains how she found her narrative voice by connecting with her 12-year-old emotional self, while Cushman discusses overcoming her own writing fears with the support of her husband. Their stories highlight the importance of persistence, creativity, and authentic storytelling. The conversations touch on critical themes that resonate with young readers and parents alike - from the challenges of foster care and the impact of technology to the power of curiosity and personal discovery. Both books serve as windows into different worlds, encouraging empathy, understanding, and imagination. Listeners will be inspired by the authors' passion for storytelling, their commitment to creating meaningful middle-grade literature, and their ability to tackle complex subjects with humor, heart, and insight. "The AI Incident" launches on July 8th, and Karen Cushman's "When Sally O'Malley Discovered the Sea" offers young readers a compelling historical adventure. Don't miss these incredible new additions to middle-grade literature! 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!  

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• Bear & The Three Goldilocks

  In this delightful episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on an inspiring literary adventure with two incredible children's book authors who prove that creativity knows no bounds. First up is Patrick Horne, an athletic director and picture book author who discovered his storytelling magic during morning runs. His latest book, "Bear and the Three Goldilocks," flips the classic fairy tale on its head with a hilarious camping adventure. Patrick shares how his experience working at a trilingual school and running inspire his creative process, demonstrating that great stories can emerge from unexpected moments. Next, Jed welcomes Kristin Fulton, a former English and drama teacher turned author with a passion for storytelling. Her middle-grade novel "The Haunting" offers a perfect blend of humor, history, and heart. With a background in theater arts, Kristin brings a unique perspective to children's literature, creating stories that entertain and educate. Both authors emphasize the importance of creativity in education and connecting with children. Patrick highlights the value of multilingual learning, while Kristin discusses how theater and storytelling can help shy children find their voice. The episode is packed with insights into the writing process, the joy of creating children's literature, and the power of imagination. From Patrick's bear-filled camping tale to Kristin's ghost story with historical elements, listeners are treated to a celebration of storytelling that will inspire parents, educators, and young readers alike. Bonus takeaways include tips for encouraging creativity, the benefits of exercise for mental health and writing, and the importance of making learning fun. Whether you're a parent looking to spark your child's imagination or a budding writer seeking inspiration, this episode offers something for everyone. Tune in to discover how these authors transform everyday experiences into extraordinary stories that captivate young minds and hearts. 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!

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