Get ready to be inspired! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into the powerful world of adoption, hearing from two incredible guests who are using their personal experiences to make a difference.  First up, we welcome Lorri Antosz Benson, an author who has an incredible adoption story of her own. Lorri shares the heartbreaking yet ultimately joyful journey of placing her child for adoption decades ago. But this wasn't just any adoption - Lorri's daughter later reached out to reconnect, and the two families have formed an unbreakable bond. Lorri's books, including her latest children's title "Adopted Heroes," celebrate the amazing accomplishments of famous individuals who were also adopted.  Next, we chat with nature photographer and children's book author Cheryl Johnson. Cheryl's passion for the great outdoors shines through as she describes how her love of photography led her to start writing books that inspire kids to get outside and explore the wonders of nature. From backyard critters to exotic rainforest creatures, Cheryl's stunning visuals and engaging stories are opening young eyes to the incredible diversity all around us. Whether you're personally touched by adoption or simply want to encourage a love of learning in the next generation, this episode is packed with heartwarming tales and valuable insights. Lorri and Cheryl remind us that with creativity, compassion and a bit of courage, we all have the power to make a lasting impact. So get ready to be uplifted and empowered - this is one conversation you won't want to miss!

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In this insightful episode, Jed Doherty sits down with Dr. Pamela Ellis, the founder of Compass College Advisory, to discuss the ins and outs of helping kids make the best college choices. As a passionate educator, Dr. Ellis shares her expertise on fostering financial literacy from an early age and the importance of having open conversations about college costs and goals. Jed and Dr. Ellis dive into the challenges many families face, like the lack of information provided to parents about the college application process. They emphasize the value of campus visits that focus on academics, not just the amenities, and how the transition of information from parents to students can impact decision-making. But it's not all about the college search - Jed and his guests also explore the power of reading and storytelling to build strong family bonds. Landa and Tom Peniston, the creators of the "Granola Squash" book series, share how their love of Bigfoot and imagination sparked a delightful children's adventure. And Gary Intili and his daughter Leighann Troino discuss the origins of "The Adventures of Fribbit the Frog," a heartwarming tale inspired by backyard figurines. Throughout the episode, the importance of embracing curiosity, nurturing resilience, and empowering students shines through. Whether you're a parent navigating the college decision process or simply looking to foster creativity and connection within your family, this conversation is sure to inspire and inform. So dive in, get ready to navigate college choices with confidence, and discover the magic that can happen when families come together through the power of storytelling and reading. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

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Join us for a captivating conversation with authors Kathi Lockwood and Dominika Dvorzhak as they share their inspiring journeys in creating children's books that address complex issues like addiction and the experience of being an only child. First, we meet Kathi, the author of "The King and the Monster," a picture book that uses metaphors and adventure to help kids understand the impact of addiction on families. Kathi shares how the book was born out of her own family's struggles, and how she worked to craft a story that separates the person from the disease, encouraging compassion and understanding. Next, we chat with Dominika, the debut author of "One and Only," a book that gives voice to the often-overlooked perspective of only children. Dominika, an only child herself, discusses the importance of representation and how she hopes the book will spark meaningful conversations between parents and kids about stereotypes and the diversity of family structures. Both Kathi and Dominika offer insights that go beyond the pages of their books, touching on the power of storytelling to bridge understanding, challenge societal stigmas, and bring families closer together. Kathi also shares her unique background as an interfaith minister, shedding light on the common threads of spirituality that unite us all. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who loves the transformative potential of children's literature, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how these authors are using their platforms to create more inclusive, compassionate, and impactful stories that can make a real difference in the lives of young readers and their families. So dive in, get inspired, and let's explore the powerful world of children's books tackling tough topics head-on.

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In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty chats with a trio of talented children's authors who are inspiring families to embrace the wonder of the world around them. First up is Madeline Claire Weiss, author of "What's Your Story?". Madeline shares her personal journey, including the loss of her father at a young age, and how that experience led her to help busy parents find more balance and mindfulness in their lives. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions, both for parents and children, and provides practical tips for using breathing exercises to calm the mind. Next, Jed welcomes Annalise Bubes, whose debut picture book "Cloud Wonders" encourages families to step outside and gaze up at the sky. Annalise explains how the expansive beauty of nature can have a profoundly calming effect, and she shares her own memories of awe-inspiring cloud watching adventures. She hopes the book will inspire parents and kids to unplug and connect with the world around them. Finally, Jed sits down with Tippy Bhan, author of "Molu and Naanu". Tippy's heartwarming story is inspired by the special bond she shared with her own grandfather and father. She emphasizes the invaluable role grandparents can play in a child's life, providing a sense of identity, security, and unconditional love. Throughout the episode, the guests emphasize the power of quality time, imagination, and family connections. Whether it's cloud gazing, breathing exercises, or simply sharing stories, these authors remind us of the simple joys that can be found in the everyday moments we spend with our loved ones. So grab your little ones, head outside, and let your imaginations soar - the Reading with Your Kids podcast has all the inspiration you need to create cherished memories together.

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Get ready to be enchanted! In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with the acclaimed magician, Jeff McBride. Jeff shared his incredible journey into the world of magic and how it all started with a simple "pick a card" trick that changed the course of his life. Jeff's passion for magic is truly infectious. He explained how a deck of cards is a treasure trove of stories, with each suit and number representing different elements of the natural world. From the 52 cards symbolizing the weeks of the year to the four suits mirroring the seasons, Jeff showed us that magic is so much more than just sleight of hand - it's a gateway to storytelling and imagination. As a master of his craft, Jeff also shared his teaching philosophy. He emphasized the importance of not just learning magic tricks, but diving deep into the psychology, theater, and history behind the art. Jeff encourages his students, young and old, to explore the full spectrum of magic, from dance and acting to philosophy and folklore. One of the highlights of our conversation was Jeff's discussion on the power of repetition in storytelling. Drawing from the work of renowned child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim, Jeff explained how repeated exposure to stories helps children internalize the lessons and gain confidence by identifying with the protagonist. Whether you're a seasoned magician or simply looking to add a little wonder to your family's reading time, Jeff's insights are sure to inspire. So get ready to unlock the magic of storytelling and create cherished memories with your loved ones! We also had a chance to chat with Dr Andrea Clark. Dr Andrea, a clinical child psychologist, celebrates the importance of communal meals and emotional learning in her debut children's book, "Welcome Home, Indigo Owl," which explores themes of community, friendship, and emotional growth.

Click this link to visit Jeff Mcbride's Magic & Mystery School - https://www.magicalwisdom.com/ 

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On this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had a delightful conversation with two talented authors - Lisa Jacovsky and Laura Gale.  First up, Lisa Jacovsky joined the show to celebrate her new book "Mischievous Cat Brothers." Lisa shared how this book is a fun, silly story narrated by her younger cat, with incredible illustrations created by a team that employs individuals with autism. She spoke passionately about her mission to promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity, especially when it comes to autism.  Jed and Lisa dove deep into the complexities of autism diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches and the need for better training for doctors and teachers. They also explored the potential of using AI ethically in classrooms to support students with diverse needs. Next, Jed welcomed Laurel Gale, the author of the new picture book "Robots Don't Make You Go to Bed." Laurel explained how the story follows a boy named Owen who wishes for a robot to replace his mom's rules, only to realize the value of his mom's guidance. Jed and Laurel discussed the challenges of transitioning from writing middle-grade novels to crafting a picture book, and the joys of collaborating with talented illustrators. Both authors shared their passion for engaging young readers in fun, thought-provoking ways. Laurel talked about the potential for families to explore the role of robots and technology in their lives, while also discussing the emotional themes of the book. Jed and Laurel also touched on Laurel's background as a wildlife photographer and her plans for future writing projects. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the power of children's literature to inspire, educate, and celebrate the beauty of diversity.

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Gather round, friends, because we've got a real treat for you today! We had the pleasure of chatting with two incredible authors who are using their books to spread messages of love, acceptance, and the power of the arts.  First up, we met Laura Meredith, the author of the delightful children's book "Christopher's New Home." Laura shared the heartwarming story of how she adopted a tiny, sickly lamb named Christopher and gave him a loving forever home on her little farm in Scotland. With her passion for animals and her own experiences of feeling like an outsider, Laura wove an uplifting tale about finding your place in the world.  We learned that Laura's home is a veritable Noah's Ark, filled with all sorts of rescued critters - from sheep and goats to a mini Pomeranian and even a pig! She has a real gift for seeing the beauty in every creature and helping them feel safe and loved. Laura's message of acceptance and the transformative power of love really resonated with us. Next, we chatted with Bruce Weinberg, the author of "The Fabulous Feats of Mister B" series. As a former drama teacher, Bruce is a huge advocate for the arts in education. He shared how drama classes can be a haven for kids to express themselves, build confidence, and find their tribe. Bruce's latest book, "Jarobi from Nairobi," tackles themes of diversity and inclusion in a heartwarming way. Both Laura and Bruce are using their talents to create stories that inspire kindness, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us. If you're looking to add some uplifting, thought-provoking reads to your family's library, be sure to check out their books on Amazon. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite furry (or feathery) friend between the pages!

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If you're looking for a delightful new children's book to add to your little one's collection, you'll want to check out "Jeddy's Teddy" by actor-turned-author Jed Bernard. In this fun and insightful conversation, Jed chats with host Jed Doherty about his journey from the screen to the page, and the special bond between a boy and his beloved teddy bear. Jed shares the true story behind "Jeddy's Teddy," which he wrote this past July and released in October. As a child, Jed was quite attached to his teddy bear, Tommy, who became his best friend during a time when Jed struggled with a speech impediment. Jed fondly recalls using his imagination to take Tommy on all sorts of adventures, just like the kids do in classic books like "Where the Wild Things Are." The discussion touches on the importance of imagination and unstructured play in child development - something Jed feels is being lost in our tech-driven world. He emphasizes the magic that can happen when parents take the time to read aloud to their kids, using different voices and accents to bring the story to life. Jed also opens up about his own path, from overcoming speech challenges to pursuing a career in acting. He explains how writing "Jeddy's Teddy" allowed him to have more creative control, compared to the collaborative nature of his on-screen work. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just a lover of heartwarming tales, this episode is sure to leave you inspired. So grab a cozy blanket, snuggle up with your little ones, and get ready to dive into the world of Jed and his beloved teddy bear! We also speak with the amazing team of young people who are the driving force behind Emerson College's On The Same Page Boston initiative. This year the program is bringing books to the kids of Boston's Mather School, the oldest public elementary school in the US.

There is still time to help, visit https://www.onthesamepageboston.org/ to contribute to the On The Same Page Boston initiative. 

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On this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two talented authors - Kendare Blake and Lynn Marie.  Kendare Blake is the New York Times bestselling author of the "Three Dark Crowns" series, and she's here to discuss the conclusion of her "Hero Maker Duology", titled "Warrior of Legend". Kendare shared how she loves to put her characters through challenging situations and see how they respond. She has a knack for creating complex, flawed female protagonists that readers can't help but root for.  Kendare also opened up about her own reading journey, from devouring Stephen King and Anne Rice novels as a teen to rediscovering them as an adult. She has such a passion for dark, imaginative storytelling, which she traces back to a formative experience with a spooky elementary school librarian.  Next, we chatted with Lynne Marie, the self-proclaimed "Picture Book Mechanic". Lynne shared how her own experiences growing up with sisters inspired her delightful new picture book "Broom Mates". She has a real gift for taking everyday sibling dynamics and infusing them with a magical, whimsical twist. Lynn also explained her unique approach to critiquing picture books. Rather than simply praising the work, she dives in to examine the mechanics - does the story engage young readers? Does it have a meaningful takeaway? She's not afraid to give tough feedback, because her goal is to help authors make their stories the best they can be. Whether you're a fan of YA fantasy, picture books, or just great storytelling in general, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is sure to inspire and delight. Kendare and Lynn are both incredible talents, and we can't wait to see what they create next!

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In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty chats with two talented children's book authors, Lydia Lukidis and Ronda Wojcicki, about their latest works that explore the natural world and the experiences of young readers during the pandemic. Lydia Lukidis shares the inspiration behind her new book "Up Up High," which takes readers on a journey through the layers of the Earth's atmosphere. As Jed and Lydia discuss, the atmosphere is a fascinating and often overlooked part of our world, filled with incredible scientific phenomena like sprites and the Aurora Borealis. Lydia emphasizes the importance of sparking children's curiosity about the natural world and making complex topics engaging through interactive learning. Next, Ronda Wojcicki joins the conversation to talk about her book "When the World Slowed Down," which addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children. As a speech-language pathologist, Ronda witnessed firsthand the challenges kids faced with online learning and social interaction. Her book aims to help young readers process their experiences and find the silver linings, like the importance of relationships and resilience. Both authors share their insights on the power of reading to build vocabulary, broaden horizons, and foster strong bonds between parents and children. Ronda highlights the often-overlooked benefits of continuing to read aloud with older kids, encouraging critical thinking and open communication. Throughout the episode, Jed and his guests explore the connections between science, storytelling, and child development, offering valuable advice for parents and educators. Whether delving into the wonders of the atmosphere or navigating the challenges of the pandemic, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in nurturing a love of learning in young readers.

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If you're looking for heartwarming stories and inspiring advice on nurturing creativity in kids, you'll love this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast. Host Jed Doherty welcomes back children's author April Cox, who shares her incredible journey from corporate IT professional to self-published author and coach. April's "Little Labradoodle" book series started as a legacy project for her grandkids, but has blossomed into a beloved collection that tackles important themes like overcoming insecurity, dealing with bullying, and embracing change. What makes these books so special is the collaborative process April uses, working closely with her own grandchildren to bring the stories to life. As April explains, the act of creating these books together has been transformative for her family, strengthening bonds and sparking creativity. She's even opening up a contest for other families to co-author the next "Little Labradoodle" books, offering scholarships and coaching to the winners. But April isn't the only children's author featured in this episode. Kathleen Davis also joins the conversation to discuss her new book "Our Hearts," which celebrates the power of relationships and finding joy, even in difficult times. Kathleen shares how her own sensitive son inspired this uplifting story, and the importance of teaching kids to focus on gratitude. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or simply someone who appreciates the magic of children's literature, this episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired. Jed, April, and Kathleen offer practical tips, heartwarming anecdotes, and a reminder that the time we spend nurturing creativity and connection with the young people in our lives is truly priceless. So grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and get ready to be inspired!

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