Reading With Your Kids Podcast

• From Trilobites to T-Rex

  In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two incredible children's books that spark imagination and teach valuable life lessons. First, he sits down with author Rachel Ignotofsky to discuss her groundbreaking book "Dinosaurs," a stunning journey through 4.5 billion years of Earth's history. Ignotofsky reveals the magic behind her meticulously crafted book, sharing insights into the intricate cover design and illustrations that bring prehistoric creatures to life. From tiny trilobites to massive dinosaurs, the book offers a comprehensive look at evolution that will fascinate both children and adults. The author's passion shines through as she explains how each illustration is carefully based on real fossil evidence, creating an educational experience that's both entertaining and scientifically accurate. The episode then shifts to a discussion with Flora Agbaje about her book "Play Nice, You Don't Have to Fight," which tackles the critical issue of sharing and social skills in childhood. As an experienced educator, Agbaje provides unique insights into how children learn to interact, emphasizing the importance of friendship and fun as natural behavioral reinforcers. Both authors highlight the challenges of modern parenting, particularly the impact of technology on children's social interactions. They argue for the importance of hands-on learning, sharing, and imagination in child development. 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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• Helping Kids Find Their Voice

  In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores the transformative power of children's literature and communication with two remarkable author teams who are making a difference in young lives. First, speech pathologists Kathy Bruner and Sharilyn Gugliotta share their innovative children's books "Hope the Butterfly Wants to Go" and "Hank the Slug Wants to Eat" from their Bug Huggables series. These books aren't just adorable stories—they're carefully crafted tools designed to help children develop language skills. By using repetitive, high-frequency words and engaging illustrations, these authors create resources that help parents support early speech development. The conversation then shifts to an equally powerful narrative with Veronica DeStefano, who wrote "Lucy Lemon and the Brave Bubbles" about her daughter's journey with selective mutism. This touching story reveals how creative approaches can help children overcome communication challenges. DeStefano's book provides insight into a often-misunderstood condition, showing how understanding and supportive strategies can help children build confidence. Both segments highlight critical insights for parents and educators:     Early intervention is key in speech and communication development     Children's books can be powerful educational tools     Every child's communication journey is unique     Patience, understanding, and creative approaches make a significant difference The episode offers practical advice for parents concerned about their child's speech development, including:     Recognizing potential speech delays     Understanding early communication milestones     Finding resources and support for children with communication challenges Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in child development, this episode provides valuable insights into helping children find their voice—literally and metaphorically. 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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• Art, Emotions, and Storytelling

  In this compelling episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two remarkable stories of human experience through children's literature, featuring authors Isabella Kung and Anesa Kajtazovic. First, Isabella Kung takes listeners behind the scenes of her picture book "Nunu in the Sea", revealing a deeply personal journey of emotional exploration. Kung shares how a meditation class sparked a narrative about a child's inner emotional landscape, transforming her own childhood experiences into a beautifully illustrated story. As an illustrator-turned-author, she discusses the delicate balance of visual storytelling, explaining how sparse text can help children understand and process complex feelings. Immediately following Kung's segment, the podcast shifts to an equally powerful conversation with Anesa Kajtazovic, who shares her profound refugee experience through her children's book. Kajtazovic candidly discusses her childhood during the Bosnian War, offering listeners a heart-wrenching yet hopeful perspective on displacement. Her book aims to humanize the refugee experience, highlighting that 43 million refugees worldwide are ordinary people with extraordinary resilience. Both authors demonstrate the transformative power of children's literature, using their personal experiences to create narratives that educate, inspire, and build empathy. Kung's exploration of emotional landscapes complements Kajtazovic's real-world narrative of survival, offering young readers nuanced understanding of human experiences. Parents and educators will find inspiration in these authors' approaches to discussing complex topics with children. Whether navigating emotional journeys or understanding global humanitarian challenges, these books provide valuable tools for meaningful conversations. For those interested in children's literature, creative processes, or stories of human resilience, this episode of Reading with Your Kids offers an unforgettable listening experience. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling and the incredible stories behind children's books. 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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• Mazel Toes

  Get ready for an exciting journey through the magical world of children's books, education, and creativity! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores fascinating conversations with three incredible guests who are transforming how children learn and experience stories. First up, Dr. Audrey Barbakoff introduces "Mazel Toes," a delightful board book that celebrates baby love through the expressive world of Yiddish language. She shares how diverse books can build empathy and cultural understanding, even for the tiniest readers. Her passion for libraries shines through as she discusses the critical role these community spaces play in children's education and development. Next, author Tracy Blom takes us into the world of "Wonderland's Friends," a middle-grade novel series inspired by a dream about a magical magnifying glass. Tracy reveals her writing process, discussing how she transformed a simple picture book concept into a rich, engaging story about a young girl named Lisa who loves bugs. Her commitment to mentoring other authors adds another layer of inspiration to her creative journey. The episode wraps up with Kelsey Cook, founder of Learning with Kelsey, who created an innovative monthly learning box service for parents of young children. Born during the COVID-19 pandemic, her boxes provide carefully curated educational activities for children aged 2-5, helping parents become their child's first and most important teacher. What makes this episode special is the shared passion these guests have for education, storytelling, and child development. Whether it's through books, activities, or creative learning experiences, they're all committed to making learning fun, engaging, and meaningful. Parents, educators, and book lovers will find plenty of inspiration in this episode. It's a reminder that learning can be a joyful, creative adventure that connects families and opens up new worlds of imagination and understanding. 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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• Attack Of The Hangries!

  Ever wondered why you turn into a grumpy monster when you're hungry? Katherine Pryor's hilarious new children's book "Attack of the Hangries" explores exactly that! In this fun-filled episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty chats with Pryor about the science behind being "hangry" and how she's turned this relatable experience into a laugh-out-loud picture book for kids. Pryor reveals that "hangry" isn't just a made-up word - it was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2018. The book explains how dropping blood sugar levels trigger stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, causing those infamous mood swings. But here's the twist: Pryor transforms this scientific concept into adorable monsters that kids will love! In the same episode, Jed also speaks with Cristina Garcia, a teacher at a Department of Defense school in Germany, about her debut children's book "The Pesky Problem." Garcia's charming story follows a group of pumpkins and gourds dealing with pesky crows, teaching children valuable lessons about teamwork and collaboration. Drawing from her Romanian roots and experiences working on her grandparents' farm, Garcia crafted a delightful tale that resonates with young readers. Garcia shared her inspiration for the book, which came from a Halloween costume shopping trip, and discussed her future writing projects, including a touching story about a goose with a missing webbed foot. Her background as an educator shines through in her approach to storytelling, focusing on social-emotional learning and creating engaging narratives for children. As a mother of eight-year-old twins and an experienced children's author, Pryor knows how to make learning fun. She's written multiple books about science and nature, including a fascinating book about monarch butterfly migration. Her goal? Make complex topics accessible and enjoyable for kids. Parents and educators will love how "Attack of the Hangries" tackles a real-life issue with humor and heart. It's a perfect read for families looking to understand nutrition, emotions, and teamwork - all while having a great time together. Want to learn more? Check out Katherine Pryor's website and grab a copy of this must-read picture book! 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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