Podcast
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Hosted by Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc · EN
Reading With Your Kids is all about encouraging parents to read with their kids, and cook with their kids, and do activities with their kids, and experience tv, movies and music together. In other words, our podcast is all about helping parents build stronger relationships with their kids.
103episodes
Episodes
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We Are Mighty: Tiny Acts That Tell Kids They Matter
May 1900:56:56Tap to summarizeIn this uplifting episode, Jed welcomes New York Times bestselling author Sharon McMahon to celebrate her new picture book, We Are Mighty. Sharon shares how her lifelong love of reading started with a mom who read aloud every day and walked her to the library so often it became a second home. She and Jed talk passionately about why public libraries are "one of humanity's best inventions" and truly democratic spaces where every child can access the same stories and information. Sharon explains that We Are Mighty grew out of her adult book, The Small and the Mighty, and out of a problem she kept hearing from readers: "I feel like nothing I do matters." Through 12 powerful stories, she shows kids that being "mighty" isn't about being rich, famous, or a president—it's about doing the next needed thing, no matter your age or circumstances. Jed and Sharon dive into inspiring figures like Septima Clark, who taught civil rights leaders at Highlander Folk School, and Maria de Lopez, a little-known suffrage activist and WWI ambulance driver whose courage rippled out to thousands, even though history almost forgot her. They connect these stories to modern kids' lives, talking about community, loneliness, violence, and how small acts of care—from remembering a birthday to showing up for a child on the margins—quietly tell kids, "You matter." In the final segment, Jed chats with teen author Manasi Vegesna, whose book Maya's Tiny Warriors turns the immune system into a kid-friendly adventure, helping children see their own bodies as brave allies fighting to keep them safe.
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Maine, Moose, and Motherhood (Sort Of)
May 1700:56:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes beloved author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins, joining from his home state of Maine to celebrate his new picture book, Good Night, Bruce. Ryan shares the origin story of Bruce, the famously lovable grump who unexpectedly becomes the mom to three mice and four geese. Bruce, Ryan explains, is his outlet for all the grumpy feelings he usually keeps inside—a character who complains his way through life but always does the right thing for his family. Ryan talks about how a single sketch of a bear being followed by baby birds sat in his sketchbook for a year before, in a moment of professional desperation, it blossomed into the first Mother Bruce story—written in one inspired sitting. He opens up about his early years self‑publishing, selling books through school visits, and literally hauling 10,000 copies of a self-published book from office to office before landing a three-book deal with Disney-Hyperion. Jed and Ryan also swap stories about Maine's wilderness, moose encounters, and how real-life moments sneak into Bruce's world as jokes, side gags, and emotional throughlines. Near the end of the episode, Jed is joined by Tammi Kirkness, author of Why Do I Feel So Worried? Follow the Arrows from Anxiety to Calm. Tammi offers simple, kid-friendly tools—like gargling water, singing, and the "rag doll" yoga pose—to help families navigate anxiety together, and she and Jed reflect on how embracing our quirks and worries can become a true superpower for kids and parents alike.
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Robots, Werewolves, and Wonder: Picture Books that Celebrate Imagination and Culture
May 1500:57:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode, "Robots, Werewolves, and Wonder: Picture Books that Celebrate Imagination and Culture," Jed welcomes two sets of brilliant guests who show just how magical—and meaningful—picture books can be. First, author Jose Lourenco and illustrator James Braithwaite join us from Toronto to celebrate their best-selling debut picture book, Billie Builds a Robocorn. Jose explains that Billie, a kid navigating a move and new school, builds a homemade robotic unicorn—"Robocorn"—to ease her loneliness. James shares how their early idea started as a bedtime book and evolved into a richer introduction to Billie's world, shaped by a larger creative team. They talk about designing a robot that kids could actually build from household items, their unusual author–illustrator partnership, and the long collaborative journey from shared studio space and BLT-fueled brainstorming sessions all the way to the Bologna Children's Book Fair. Then we travel to the Louisiana bayou with Johnette Downing, musician, storyteller, and author of My Parrain is the Loup Garou. Johnette reimagines the traditionally scary Cajun werewolf (the loup garou) as part of a loving, adventurous bond between a boy and his godfather. She talks about turning fear into fun, preserving Cajun folklore, and blending music and story—many of her books are singable, and this one even has its own song on her new Zydeco album. Johnette also shares stories from performing for children on five continents and why seeing the world through a child's eyes keeps the magic alive.
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From Monet to Blue Butterflies: Picture Books That Celebrate Curiosity and Inclusion
May 1400:55:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two picture book creators who celebrate children's creativity, curiosity, and the beauty of our differences. First, Jed chats with Jean Huxtable Hamerski, author of Marley's Masterpiece. Inspired by her art‑loving granddaughter and a great‑nephew who once painted the house during nap time, Jean's story follows Marley, a young artist who can't stop thinking about Monet's towering water lily paintings. After visiting a museum, Marley decides to create her own "masterpiece" on the walls, hallways, bathroom, and coffee table at home. Instead of punishing her, Marley's parents teach her about canvases, studios, and famous painters, then work together as a family to clean up—and ultimately give Marley her own "studio" space in the garage. Jean and Jed talk about supportive parenting, not punishing kids for not knowing better, and nurturing children's "innate interests," whether it's art, pumpkins, soccer, or "naturey" adventures. Then Jed is joined by Andrew Ginsburg, stand‑up comedian, personal trainer, and author of The Colors of My Sky. Andrew's book follows Lester, a blue butterfly whose mother insists he only play with other blue butterflies. Through a powerful, kid‑friendly metaphor, Lester shows his mom that the sky isn't just blue—it's gray, pink, orange, and more—inviting a conversation about racism, exclusion, and embracing difference. Andrew and Jed explore helping kids pivot through life's changes, the joy of reading aloud, and why Andrew chose bedtime "book parties" with his kids over late‑night comedy clubs. This episode is full of heartfelt stories, practical parenting wisdom, and rich read‑aloud opportunities for families and educators alike.
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Ethical Ed Tech: Putting Students Before Screens
May 1200:55:14Tap to summarizeIn this thought-provoking episode, Jed welcomes Priten Soundar Shah, author of Ethical Ed Tech, to explore how schools can make wiser choices about technology in the classroom. Drawing on his background in philosophy, policy, classroom teaching, and ed tech development, Priten explains that we've let the tools drive our decisions instead of starting with the core question: What do we really want for our students? He and Jed talk about the mixed results of laptops and AI in schools, and how test scores haven't magically improved just because districts spent more on devices. Priten shares how the pandemic exposed huge gaps in tech training for teachers and how we're still trying to catch up—now with AI changing almost weekly. He emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making, balancing academic gains with students' social and emotional well-being, and grappling with tough questions like who should control children's data and how much privacy we're willing to trade for technological benefits. His book aims to give educators, leaders, and parents a shared ethical vocabulary so they can move beyond buzzwords and sales pitches to make thoughtful, context-specific choices. Later in the episode, Jed talks with Bobbi Guirl, debut author of Lily's Big Question. Inspired by her own childhood loss and being raised by a devoted single father, Bobbi's book offers children a tender story about grief, community, and the powerful presence of fathers—especially Black fathers who are too often misrepresented. She and Jed discuss representation, healing through storytelling, and using picture books to spark big family conversations about feelings, difference, and resilience.
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Love Runs Through Everything: Picture Books About Loss and Finding Your Place
May 1000:55:53Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two picture book creators whose work helps families navigate some of life's hardest—and most beautiful—truths. First, Shannon Gibney joins from Minnesota to talk about her picture book "Where Is My Sister?", inspired by the stillbirth of her daughter. Shannon shares the shattering experience of losing a baby late in pregnancy and the long emotional healing that followed. As a writer, she went searching for honest, non‑sugar‑coated books about infant loss and found almost nothing, especially for families who aren't all of one faith tradition. That gap led her to co‑edit a collection of memoirs by women of color and Native women about infant loss and miscarriage, and eventually to write Where Is My Sister?—told from the perspective of a young girl whose baby sister dies before coming home. Shannon and Jed discuss our culture's discomfort with grief, how adults can be present for children without trying to "fix" the pain, and why including differing beliefs about death within one family matters. Then Nazneen Akbari joins from Delhi to introduce her debut picture book "Home Away From Home." The story follows an American Omani girl visiting her grandmother and feeling out of place—until a walk through a historic Omani market helps her see that this culture, too, is part of who she is. Drawing on her own life across India, Oman, Dubai, and the U.S., Nazneen talks about identity, the "Where are you from?" question, and why we need joyful, authentic stories from the Middle East to counter stereotypes and remind kids that we all belong to one human family.
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Wrapped With Love: Ashley Lam on Grandma, Wontons, and AAPI Heritage
May 800:56:02Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes debut picture book author and Wall Street executive Ashley Lam, here to celebrate her new children's book "Wrapped With Love: Wonton Noodle Day With Grandma." Ashley shares how the story was inspired by watching her young daughter cook wontons with her grandmother during COVID. Those long days in the kitchen became a powerful reminder of intergenerational love, AAPI family traditions, and the importance of slowing down in a "go, go, go" world. She talks about how food is her mother's love language, and how this book is a tribute to the special bond between her mom and her daughter—something Ashley herself didn't experience growing up with busy, hard‑working immigrant parents. A key theme of the book is embracing imperfection. Ashley opens up about being an eldest daughter and immigrant child who always chased perfection, and how meaningful it is to see her mother now telling her granddaughter that every wonton can be unique—and still perfect in its own way. Jed and Ashley also discuss forgiveness, letting go of resentment, and how strong extended family support allows her to balance motherhood, finance, and creativity, especially during AAPI Heritage Month. In the final segment, Jed chats with graphic novelist Rosena Fung, creator of "Living With Viola," a moving graphic novel about anxiety and identity that helps kids and families talk openly about mental health. This episode is perfect for viewers searching for AAPI children's books, family read-alouds, and stories about grandparents, culture, and emotional wellness.
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It's Okay to Feel: Shannon Stocker on Boys, Big Emotions, and The Roach King of Raleigh
May 700:56:14Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes back Shannon Stocker, author of the new YA novel The Roach King of Raleigh, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Shannon shares the deeply personal inspiration behind Quill, a high school sophomore who's juggling a painful mix of family addiction, financial hardship, sibling tension, and crushing loneliness. To help his struggling family, Quill starts breeding dubia roaches to feed his bearded dragon and sell to a local pet store – and those thousands of hidden insects become a vivid metaphor for the dark, buried things in our lives that eventually crawl into the light. Shannon and Jed talk about boys and big feelings, the pressure on teens to "tough it out," and why it's not just okay, but essential, for boys to feel and express emotions. Shannon also opens up about her own family's journey with childhood illness, anxiety, and disability, and how those experiences shaped the book's themes of empathy, resilience, and representation (including a key character with Tourette syndrome). Parents and educators will love Shannon's ideas for co-reading with teens and using Quill's lies, secrets, and friendships as powerful conversation starters about honesty, mental health, and healing. In the final segment, Jed chats with Dr. Monika Schott, author of My Dad Built Me the Best and Wackiest Cubby Ever, a moving middle grade novel about a family navigating a parent's mental illness. Monika shares how her story is helping both kids and adults talk more openly—and compassionately—about mental health.
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Small Acts, Big Ripples: Lin Oliver on Kindness, Kid Power, and SCBWI
May 500:56:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes legendary author, producer, and SCBWI co‑founder Lin Oliver to celebrate her new middle grade novel, The After School Kindness Crew: Pooch on the Loose, co‑written with Goldie Hawn. Lin shares how Goldie's MindUP foundation and its focus on mindfulness, brain science, and helping kids self‑regulate inspired the series, which follows three "outlier" kids—Mia, River, and Tony—who secretly perform acts of kindness at school and in their community. Lin explains why she chose neurodiverse and artsy, non‑"typical" kids as heroes, and how the books empower young readers to see that small, everyday kindnesses can create big ripples right where they live. Humor, she says, is her bridge to deeper themes: once kids are laughing at runaway snakes, disastrous "surprise us" day presentations, and a rescue dog on the loose, they're ready to engage with empathy, inclusion, and courage. She also reflects on co‑writing with celebrities who genuinely respect children's literature, the brain break exercises embedded in the books, and the importance of co‑reading—parents and kids sharing chapter books together well into the middle grade years. Lin then looks back on founding SCBWI at age 22, growing it from a 35‑person gathering (catered by her mom's potato salad) to a 26,000‑member global force during what she calls the "golden age" of children's books. In the Storykeepers segment, Jen Perry of Illume Books in Newburyport, MA, highlights her highly curated children's shelves and the power of playful, welcoming bookstore spaces to nurture young readers. Finally, in the debut Real Magic Sound Lab, Jed tests two versions of the song "The Best Me I Can Be," inviting listeners to vote on which style kids will truly embrace and to download both tracks and activities for home or classroom use.
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Listen to the Girls: Chrystal D. Giles on Protecting and Empowering Kids
May 300:55:36Tap to summarizeIn this powerful and heartfelt episode of Reading With Your Kids, we welcome Chrystal D. Giles to talk about her new middle grade novel, "Listen to the Girls." Chrystal introduces us to Calla, a seventh grader whose carefree start to summer is shaken when rumors surface about her favorite teacher's inappropriate behavior with students. The story follows Calla as she navigates confusion, fear, and uncertainty, learning how to sort through information, trust her feelings, and—most importantly—listen to the girls who are bravely speaking up. Chrystal shares the real-life inspirations behind the book, including disturbing cases in her own school district and her experiences as both a parent and a survivor of peer harassment. She talks about wanting to give kids language, signs, and emotional tools to recognize grooming, understand boundaries, and know they deserve to be believed. Chrystal also discusses how writing this story has made her more intentional as a parent, and how she balances tough topics with care, levity, and love. She even reveals that her next picture book, "We Are Joy," is a bright, uplifting counterbalance to the heaviness of "Listen to the Girls." In the final segment, we're joined by author Michelle S. Kennedy and illustrator Bonnie Bright to talk about their picture book "Cell Phone Itis," a fun, insightful look at kids' (and adults'!) attachment to their phones. Bonnie shares the real-life moments that inspired the story and how the book opens up honest, sometimes humorous conversations in classrooms and families about screen time, safety, and being present in the real world.
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