Reading With Your Kids Podcast

• 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!

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• Unexpected Adventures: Moonlit Fairies and Superhero Farts

  Get ready for a wild ride through children's literature with two incredible authors who are redefining storytelling for kids! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into the magical and hilarious world of children's books with Karly Bonfante and Joan Holub. Karly Bonfante introduces us to the enchanting Full Moon Fairy, a heartwarming book series that brings nature and imagination together. Inspired by a family tradition of leaving shoes out for a magical fairy, Karly created a collection of books that teach kids about lunar cycles, kindness, and environmental awareness. Each book in the series comes with optional trinkets that make storytelling an interactive experience, encouraging families to connect and create magical moments together. Meanwhile, Joan Holub takes us on a completely different adventure with her graphic novel "Fart Boy and Reeky Dog" - a sci-fi comedy that's sure to make kids laugh out loud. Using her unique creative process of drawing her entire manuscript, Joan crafts a story about a superhero with an unexpected superpower that's guaranteed to grab reluctant readers' attention. Both authors share a passion for engaging children through creative storytelling. Whether it's Karly's nature-inspired fairy tales or Joan's humor-packed graphic novel, they prove that children's literature can be educational, imaginative, and incredibly fun. Key takeaways for parents:     Storytelling can be a powerful tool for teaching values     Graphic novels and unique book concepts can encourage reading     Creating magical moments with children builds lasting memories Looking for a way to spark your child's imagination? These books might just be the perfect solution! Check out Karly's Full Moon Fairy series and Joan's Fart Boy and Reeky Dog for your next family reading adventure. 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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  56:17
• Exploring the Outdoors and Healing Through Play

  li>ol]:list-[lower-alpha] [&_ol>li>ol>li>ol]:list-[lower-roman] [&_ol>li>ol>li>ol>li>ol]:list-[list-decimal] [&_[data-user]]:text-primary [&_:is(strong,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:font-semibold [&_:is(h1)]:text-2xl [&_:is(h2)]:text-lg [&_:is(h3)]:text-md [&_h1:not(:first-child)]:mt-8 [&_h1:not(:last-child)]:mb-6 [&_h2:not(:first-child)]:mt-6 [&_h2:not(:last-child)]:mb-4 [&_h3:not(:first-child)]:mt-4 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words" data-testid="rich-text"> In a captivating podcast episode, author Susie Spikol shares her passionate approach to reconnecting children with the natural world through her innovative book, Forest Magic for Kids. This non-fiction nature activity guide offers families a unique opportunity to explore the outdoors, spark imagination, and rediscover the joy of unstructured play. Spikol, a naturalist with over 30 years of experience, challenges traditional nature education by focusing on exploration and wonder rather than strict scientific identification. Her book provides families with over 50 activities that encourage children to engage with nature through creativity, imagination, and playful discovery. From building mouse villages to creating secret forts, Forest Magic invites families to step away from screens and reconnect with the natural world around them. The conversation highlights a critical concern about modern childhood: the decline of independent, unstructured play. Spikol argues that children today spend too much time in supervised activities and on digital devices, missing out on crucial developmental experiences that come from free exploration and imaginative play. Drawing from her Brooklyn roots and lifelong passion for nature, Spikol emphasizes that natural experiences aren't limited to vast wilderness. Even urban environments offer opportunities for discovery, from tiny insects in sidewalk cracks to unexpected plants growing through pavement. Forest Magic for Kids is more than just a book—it's an invitation to families to slow down, notice the world around them, and create meaningful shared experiences. Spikol's approach encourages parents to become playful guides, modeling curiosity and wonder for their children. For families seeking to break free from digital distractions and rediscover the magic of outdoor exploration, Susie Spikol's Forest Magic for Kids offers a refreshing, imaginative approach to connecting with nature and each other. Readers can find the book at independent bookstores, online retailers, and local libraries, making it easily accessible for families ready to embark on their own nature adventures. 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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  56:14
• Music, Miracles & Meteorology

  In this captivating episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on an extraordinary adventure with two incredible authors who are redefining storytelling for young readers. First up is Rayne Lacko, whose young adult novel "The Secret Song of Shelby Ray" introduces readers to a fascinating protagonist with an extraordinary gift: the ability to hear people's inner music when she touches them. This unique premise explores complex themes of mental health, personal growth, and the power of understanding one's authentic self. Lacko brilliantly weaves a narrative that speaks to teenagers and adults alike, showing how our inner "songs" connect us in profound ways. The conversation delves deep into the emotional landscape of growing up, with Lacko sharing insights about social-emotional learning and the delicate balance of parenting teenagers. Her approach is both compassionate and realistic, acknowledging that young adults need space to make their own discoveries. In the second half of the episode, Ruth Spiro takes center stage with her innovative children's science books. Her "Baby Loves Science" series and new "How to Explain Science to a Grown Up" collection are revolutionizing how we introduce complex scientific concepts to children. From meteorology to climate science, Spiro makes learning engaging and accessible, empowering kids to become mini-experts. What makes this episode truly special is the shared passion both authors have for storytelling that educates, inspires, and connects. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who loves great stories, this episode offers something magical for everyone. Tune in to discover how literature can open new worlds of understanding, spark curiosity, and celebrate the incredible potential of young minds. It's a conversation that will leave you inspired, informed, and eager to explore more! 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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  56:38
• Connecting Generations Through Literature With Pablo Cartaya

  In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with author Pablo Cartaya to explore the magic of middle-grade literature and the power of authentic storytelling. Cartaya's latest book, "A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation," promises to be a heartwarming journey that will resonate with young readers and their families. The conversation delves deep into the art of writing for middle-grade audiences, a demographic Cartaya describes as a "sweet spot" of incredible potential. With humor and insight, he explains how sixth, seventh, and eighth graders are at a unique stage of life - like "having a Ferrari engine but riding a tricycle." His approach to writing is refreshingly honest: speak to kids directly, treat them with respect, and never talk down to them. "A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation" follows young Gonzalo on an epic road trip with his grumpy grandfather, a famous children's book author. The novel weaves together multiple narratives, exploring themes of family, heritage, and personal discovery. Cartaya's storytelling approach is both playful and profound, creating a book that makes readers laugh on one page and potentially cry on the next. The author's passion for connecting with young readers shines through, particularly when he discusses his school visits. His goal is simple yet powerful: to be real, to make kids laugh, and to help them feel seen and understood. This approach has earned him high praise, including a memorable compliment from a school principal who said he "speaks middle school." For parents looking to spark meaningful conversations and introduce their children to rich, layered storytelling, "A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation" appears to be a must-read. Cartaya's book promises to be more than just a summer adventure - it's a journey of understanding, connection, and growth. 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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  55:13

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