Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Get ready for an inspiring episode of "Reading with Your Kids" featuring award-winning creators Carole Boston Weatherford and Tequitia Andrews, plus debut YA author Lori Miller Kase! In this lively author interview, we dive into the heartwarming picture book Let It Shine—a celebration of milestones, achievements, and the unique journey of every child. Author Carole Boston Weatherford reveals what...

Dive into this heartwarming episode of "Reading with Your Kids" as host Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed children's authors Lisa Jacovski and Deborah Marcero for inspiring conversations about inclusion, advocacy, and the creative journey behind beloved picture books. The episode opens with Lisa Jacovski, author of the "Happy Thoughts" series, as she shares her passion for writing children's books th...

Join host Jed Doherty for an inspiring episode of "Reading With Your Kids," featuring celebrated author VT Bidania. In this heartfelt conversation, VT Bidania shares the story behind her impactful middle grade novel in verse, "A Year Without Home." Listeners will hear how VT draws from her family's journey as Hmong refugees to create an emotionally powerful narrative for young readers. The discuss...

Join host Jed Doherty for an inspiring episode that brings together the best of family adventure and uplifting children's literature! This week, discover "Belle's RV Adventures" with author Kenny Phillips, whose real-life journeys with his wife and their lovable dog Belle have taken them over 180,000 miles across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Kenny shares insights on the RV lifestyle, the...

In this inspiring episode, we celebrate the power of curiosity, inclusion, and innovation for young readers and families! Host Jed Doherty first welcomes Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, scientist and author of "Spark: Jim West's Electrifying Adventure and Creating the Microphone." Ainissa shares how modern microphones owe their magic to Jim West's inventive mind and explains how science is all about asking q...

Join host Jed Doherty on this inspiring episode of the "Reading With Your Kids" podcast as he chats with bestselling author Jennifer Holm and passionate foster care advocate Deborah Olivia Farmer. Jennifer Holm, a three-time Newbery Honor winner, discusses her latest middle grade novel, "Outside," a gripping post-apocalyptic adventure about resilience, survival, and friendship among children in a...

In this Best of Massachusetts special of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty spotlights remarkable creators who call the Bay State home. We begin with Peter H. Reynolds, reflecting on the enduring power of creativity and kindness, the legacy of The Dot, and how small acts of encouragement can ignite a child's sense of possibility.  Next, physician–author Rajani LaRocca explores the harmony be...

Welcome to another uplifting episode of Reading With Your Kids. This week, host Jed Doherty brings you inspiring conversations with two remarkable children's authors: Avasa Ebony Love, the creative mind behind "You Are a Rose," and Shannon Turske, author of the heartfelt "Joy in the Big Balloon Catastrophe." Dive into the power of children's books and discover how storytelling helps kids—and grown...

Looking for inspiration on positive parenting, fun family reading, and making wellness a natural part of your home? You'll love this episode! Host Jed Doherty chats with two dynamic guests: Alicia McKenzie—mom of five and author of the children's book "These ABCs Belong to Me"—and yoga studio mogul Kate Davies. Alicia shares her honest journey of parenting, from learning to choose positive, empowe...

Join host Jed Doherty for a heartwarming episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast as he welcomes celebrated author Kao Kalia Yang and talented illustrator Jen Shen to discuss their beautiful new children's book, "The Blue House I Loved." In this insightful interview, Yang shares the deeply personal inspiration behind her story—the cherished duplex in St. Paul that provided a home to Hmong ref...

Best of 2025 – Part Two celebrates the joy of stories that bring families closer, spotlighting creative voices and practical wisdom in a warm, listener-friendly mix. We open with a quick tour of themes—creativity, confidence, and connection—before diving into highlights that parents and young readers can use right away. Our first guest is Hayley Chewin who celebrated her YA title The Swarm. Hayley...

Celebrate the year's most inspiring moments with our Best of 2025 episode of Reading With Your Kids! We're revisiting five unforgettable conversations that reminded us of the power of stories to spark empathy, courage, and connection. Beloved author and comedian Anh Do shares heartwarming reflections on resilience and joy, showing families how humor and hope can light even the toughest paths. Musi...

If you're looking for a show that packs in suplexes and scavenger hunts in equal measure, you're going to love this episode! We kick things off in the ring—or actually, the library—with the creators behind Lucha Libros, an innovative program that brings the excitement of professional wrestling right into your local library. Host Jed Doherty chats with Paul Val Massey and Llama Jack, who share the...

Get ready for holiday magic in this special episode of "Reading With Your Kids: The Christmas Staff!" Host Jed Doherty welcomes a talented team from CatholicTeenBooks.com—including authors Tony Kolenc, Corinna Turner, Andrea Jo Rogers, Carolyn Astfalk, and Leslea Wahl—for a merry, multi-author storytelling adventure you won't want to miss! Discover the heartwarming tale of Joe Grant, a foster chil...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, where host Jed Doherty welcomes two remarkable guests: Dr. Peter Cotton, the celebrated author of the "Fred the Snake" children's book series, and Donna VanLiere, bestselling author of "Looking for Christmas: The Search for Joy and Hope of the Nativity." This family-friendly episode is perfect for parents and kids eager to dis...

In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty sits down with Scott and Victoria Kyle, authors of the insightful book "The Other Birds and Bees: The Financial Facts of Life, Money Secrets No One Ever Taught You." Discover how to empower your children with essential financial literacy skills as the Kyles share practical advice for teaching kids about money and creating healthy family...

Join us for a captivating episode where we dive deep into the world of family reading and values-driven storytelling! In this heartfelt conversation, host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring authors: Candace Jalili, author of the new YA romance "Seeing Stars," and Amanda Jass, creator of the engaging children's devotional "Adventures in the Friendly Forest." Candace Jalili shares the story behind "...

In this episode, host Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed author Jon Erik Lappano to discuss his latest picture book, "The Language of Birds." Lappano shares the inspiration behind the story, which centers on Mira, a solitary child who forms a deep connection with birds while struggling to communicate with people. Through their conversation, Lappano reflects on the importance of honoring quieter, intro...

In this engaging episode of the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring guests: Sara Schroter, author of the children's book "Max the Gemstone Finder," and Daniel Harmon, creator and showrunner of the educational TV series "Tuttle Twins." Sara Schroter shares her family's remarkable journey relocating from Bermuda to Italy and how her son's fascination with rocks...

Step into an inspiring conversation "Beyond the Sash" with Erin Chapman, the reigning Ms United World, children's book author, and champion of accessibility and inclusion in sports. In this episode, Erin shares her journey from competitive dancer to award-winning pageant queen, as well as her passion for encouraging girls to embrace non-traditional sports and adventure. Discover the story behind h...

Dive into this episode for a double feature of creativity, heart, and inspiration as we welcome celebrated authors Shannon Messenger and Sarah Brannen! First, Shannon Messenger, the creative force behind the beloved "Keeper of the Lost Cities" series, chats about transforming her epic fantasy into a graphic novel. Shannon reveals what it's like to see her magical world—and heroine Sophie Foster—co...

Join host Jed Doherty for a lively episode packed with creativity, laughter, and insights into the world of children's books! First, Jed welcomes author-illustrator Ashley Belote, creator of "Little Red and Big Bad Fred." Ashley shares how she reimagined the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale with hilarious twists, heartfelt moments, and her signature funny details woven through her artwork. She...

Join us for a delightful episode packed with creativity, inspiration, and family reading fun! Host Jed Doherty sits down with acclaimed authors Samuel Joseph and Phil Proctor, the creative minds behind the Magic Maze trilogy—exciting children's books filled with adventure, clever puzzles, and teamwork. Discover how their unique collaboration brings educational elements to life, blending humor, mag...

In this uplifting episode of "Reading With Your Kids," host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring authors, Dr. Dale Atkins and Jenn Moudahi, to discuss the power of picture books in connecting families and celebrating cherished family traditions. Dr. Dale introduces her new children's book, "The Turquoise Butterfly," which explores themes of the eternality of love and the importance of intergeneratio...

Welcome to another delightful episode of Reading With Your Kids! In this fun-packed show, host Jed Doherty invites two talented children's book authors—Bethany Barton and CG Abrams—to share their passion for storytelling, creativity, and education. Bethany Barton, acclaimed author and illustrator, walks us through the hilarious world of her latest STEM picture book, "I'm Trying to Love Farts." Wit...