Award winning Children's author Vera Harris returns to the Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate her latest children's book MJ & The Big Kitchen Window. Vera reminds us of why she loves writing for children. Vera also tells us about her great Aunt Lillian Richard who was an Aunt Jemima pancake ambassador. Vera tells us why she believes remembering the contributions made by her aunt and the other women who portrayed Aunt Jemima is an act of justice.

Children's author, choreographer & dancer Jamal Joseph celebrates his debut picture book Black Boys Dance Too - Darnell Enters A Talent Show. Jamal shares that much of this story is based on his own life. Jamal hopes the book will inspire kids to make their dreams come true. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase Black Boys Dance Too on Amazon - Please visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Author Marie Arnold is on the Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate her Middle Grade Novel The Year I Flew Away. This magical story tells the tale of a 10 year girl who moves from Haiti to Brooklyn and discovers that the US is not the perfect place she had dreamed of. Marie also shares with us her experience of moving to the US You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase The Year I Flew Away on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2NnXI0n Please visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com  

Children’s author Jessica Laurel Kane returns to Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate her newest children’s book “Anchors in the Storm”. Inspired by a time of great hardship and grief in her own life, Jessica wanted to write a story that would help parents and kids explore loss together. Jessica provides a conversation starter so that families can connect and grow stronger together when life gets difficult. It is an especially relevant topic for families with young children in the era of coronavirus. Please consider supporting the podcast by using this link to purchase Anchors In The Storm on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3bmkduG Please visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Children’s author Tony Lee Moral is on this episode of Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate his book “The Cat That Changed America”. This children’s book is an adaptation of Tony Lee’s documentary of the same name. Both stories follow a mountain lion who made the brave journey across Los Angeles to find a new home in LA’s Griffin Park. It is a fascinating conversation for young nature-lovers and creative storytellers. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase Tony's book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2ZE826N Please visit our web site - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Children’s author Melissa Marie Keeping is on this episode of Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate her book “Griffin In The Spring”. Her book inspired by the griffin, a creature from Greek mythology, invites the readers to a festivity of spring with all the joy and beauty that comes with it. Melissa experiences firsthand the benefits of reading through the renewed connections and excitement storytelling brings to the family. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase Griffin In The Spring on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3axwo8F Please be sure to visit our web site - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Children’s author Carrie Finison is on this episode of Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate her children's book “Don’t Hug Doug”. This is an important conversation about respecting kids as individuals with differing levels of comfort with touch and showing affection. While Carrie hopes this story empathizes with kids who have autism or other sensory-related disorders, her main goal is to advocate for all kids (and adults!) to recognize each other’s personal boundaries. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase Don't Hug Doug on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3pCDhKn Please visit our web site - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Author Mifflin Lowe is on the podcast to celebrate The Cuddle Book! Everyone knows cuddling can reduce stress levels and release endorphins, but kids know that more than anything cuddling is FUN! And listening to Mifflin's hilarious rhymes is lots of fun too! You can support the podcast by using this link to buy your copy of the Cuddle Book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ansX4e Use this link to like Mifflin's Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Mifflin-Lowe-304040942944563/ Please visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Children’s’ authors Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie are on this episode of Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate their series “The Adventures of Forkman”. Through the character Forkman, this daughter-father duo shares what they learned about manners and politeness as kids themselves. With these tools, children grow up listening more and being kinder to one another. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase your copy of “The Adventures of Forkman” at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jSPN7h You can use this link to visit the website for “The Adventures of Forkman” here: https://www.forkman5.com/ Be sure to check out our website www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Children’s author Laura Perdew is on this episode of Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate her first-ever fiction children’s book “The Fort”. The story follows two kids that separately play at a fort in their make-believe games. When their imaginary worlds collide, they must learn how to compromise and work together. This is a fascinating conversation about the powerful and limitless imagination of children. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase your copy of “The Fort” at Amazon: https://amzn.to/37zWHcH You can use this link to visit Jennifer Gennari’s website: https://lauraperdew.com/ Be sure to check out our website www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Joining us today is Children's Author and Slam Poet Martinique Mims. Martinique is on the podcast to celebrate her children's book Through The Colors Of A Butterfly. This book is a story about a young girl named Unique who confronts her fears about being different in a new school. Martinique also talks about her role as a recruiter for the volunteer agency City year and one of her personal heroes from Black History. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase your copy of Martinique's book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3daYNmO Click here to visit Martinique's website - https://thecolorofstories.com/ And be sure to visit our website at www.readingwithyourkids.com

Children’s author Jennifer Gennari is on this episode of Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate her newest book “Muffled”. This children’s book follows ten-year-old Amelia who has a hard time with noises as she learns how to be herself in the loud world around her. Jennifer discusses the importance of listening and empathizing with others who are different than you. In order to grow, like the characters, we all must step out of our comfort zones and be open to new people and experiences. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase your copy of “Muffled” at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZgspHg You can use this link to visit Jennifer Gennari’s website: https://www.jengennari.com/ Be sure to check out our website www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Children’s author Evette Davis is on this episode of Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate “The Adventures of Sunny”, a collaboration between mother and daughter.  This is a heart-warming conversation about the importance of family in the early development of children’s reading abilities and sense of identity. This 5-part children’s book series follows Sunny as he learns about himself, his family, and his world through the curious eyes of a child. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase your copy of “The Adventures of Sunny” at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aVKQq4 You can use this link to visit Evette Davis’ storytime YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRn0T2PMSZKZ1A25knkF5oQ Be sure to check out our website www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Fr James Martin is on the Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate his new book Learning To Pray, In our conversation Fr Jim talks to us about how beautiful time spent praying with our kids can be. He also tells us each person can discover the best style for building an intimate relationship with God, regardless of religion or denomination. Prayer, he teaches us, is open and accessible to anyone willing to open their heart. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase your copy of Learning To Pray on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3aVGQGf Click here to visit our web site - https://ReadingWithYourKids.com

Kennedy Reynolds believes the time to start talking to our kids about finances & saving is now. She is on the podcast to let parents know about Acorns Early, the easiest investment account for kids. She also tells us about Acorns' full financial wellness system. Click here to learn more about Acorns Early - https://www.acorns.com/early/ Click here to visit our website - https://readingwithyourkids.com

Author Fernanada Lazzaro wants every child and adult to know that they are special and have a role to play in our World. Her wonderful Tillsonbugger Adventures #PictureBook series helps kids discover the important role that insects play in our eco system. You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase Fernanda's books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/39P5EQS Click here to visit Fernanda's web site - https://www.tillsonbugger.com/ Click here to visit our website - https://readingwithyourkids.com

Evita Giron is on the podcast to celebrate her #PictureBook The Girl With The Magical Curls. This is a delightful story about what happens when a curious girl doesn't follow the rules and uses an entire bottle of magical hair growth oil on her curls. She hopes it will make her tresses lengthy and firm like Rapunzel's, little does she know her curly ringlets magically grow overnight! You can support the podcast by using this link to purchase your copy of The Girl With The Magical Curls on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3jt84YF Click here to visit Evita's website - https://www.curlyvita.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Antony Kolenc is a busy guy. Tony is the author of The Harwood Mysteries--an award-winning medieval historical fiction series for youth published by Loyola Press. He is also a law professor, and a retired Lt Col of the US Air Force. In addition, he writes a legal column in Practical Homeschooling Magazine. In addition to celebrating his middle grade series Tony talks to us about using books as a way to talk with our kids about faith and his family's choice to home school their five children. Visit Tony's web site here - http://www.antonykolenc.com/ Use this link to support the podcast by purchasing Tony's books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3r99Hxe Visit our website - https://readingwithyourkids.com

Ta'Shay Mason is on the Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate her moving #ChildrensBook But I Don' Want To say Goodbye. This is a wonderful story that can help families talk through moments of grief and loss.

Sheetal Sheeth & Sailaja Joshi are on the podcast to celebrate the diversity and sweet stories of South Asia. Sheetal, the author of Always Anjali, tells us how she was urged to change her name if she wanted to work as an actress in Hollywood. Sailaja tells us why she founded an independent publishing house to celebrate South Asian culture.

Tonya Duncan Ellis celebrates her best selling Sophie Washington series of middle grade novels. Kids can learn a lot by reading how Sophie overcomes the challenges many tweens face every day. Tonya also celebrates the news that one of the books in this series will be republished by Scholastic.

Matt Eventoff & Thomas Ray Garcia are on the podcast to celebrate their new book Speechless. This is a delightful story about a shy girl who has to overcome her fear of public speaking to save her friends and family. Matt and Thomas talk about how empowering it can be for all kids to learn how to speak up and share their story with the World.

Former Super Bowl Champion turned Children's author & literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell reminds us of the liberating power of reading. The founder of Share The Magic and the READ Bowl tells us how he taught himself how to be a proficient reader by reading children's books in College. Malcolm also helps us prepare for World Read Aloud Day.

Aaran Francis is on the #RWYK #Podcast to talk to us about the value of families listening to audio books together. For a number of reasons Aaran made the bold choice to publish his Wombat and Boles series exclusively as audio books. Aaran talks about those choices and the benefits kids, and families can experience listening to stories together.

We have a weird and wonderfully fun time speaking with the head zookeeper of the Ooh Odd Zoo Jeff Williams. Jeff's delightfully irreverent A, B, C Picture Book introduces us to 25 weird and wild creatures, and one ordinary larva. Don't miss Jeff's poem about a maggot!

Licensed clinical psychologist, author and mental health advocate Dr Regine Muradian is on the #Podcast to celebrate Franky and the Worry Bees. Dr Regine shares valuable techniques we can teach our kids that will help them better deal with stress.

Pam Allyn returns to the #RWYK #Podcast to celebrate World Read Aloud Day 2021! This international literacy event is happening on February 3, 2021. In this interview the senior literacy consultant for Scholastic Publishing and the founder of WRAD tells us who inspired her to create the celebration, the power of literacy to liberate and the need to continue to work to eliminate reading deserts in the US and around the World.

Reading graphic novels is reading! Lincoln Peirce returns to the #RWYK #Podcast to celebrate the latest in the Max and the Midnights series - Battle of the Bodkins. We have a great conversation with Lincoln about comics, graphic novels and how reading illustrated stories can help reluctant readers develop a love of reading

Eliana Melmed is on the podcast to celebrate her debut picture book "Who Are Our Heroes". This book offers families a great place to begin a conversation about the real heroes in our lives, to help kids understand that we are surrounded by courageous people doing the jobs we need them to do so that we can live, learn and love.

We have a wonderful time chatting with illustrator Delia Ciccarelli. Delia is the illustrator of The Cuddle Book. Delia shares the feelings she experienced first reading The Cuddle Book. She also tells us how her parents encouraged her creativity by allowing her to draw on the walls of her bedroom.

Cat Michaels & Rosie Russell are on the podcast to celebrate their new middle grade novel Just Between Sam & Me. This is a powerful look at the challenges many kids experience in middle school.

C B Lee is on the podcast to celebrate The Shipwreck, the latest novel inspired by Minecraft. C B takes us on a journey to an extraordinary underwater world filled with mystery and adventure. C B also tells us how the Minecraft game inspires kids to explore their creativity.

Author & educator Gin Noon Spaulding is on the show to celebrate her "Adventures of Li Li" picture book series. She also shares her family's journey with sensory issues. Reading these children's books aloud with your kids is a great way to start important conversations about people with sensory issues

In honor of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Day we are republishing our interview with Nic Stone. Nic talks to use about her middle grade book "Dear Martin". This book is a powerful and much needed look at race relations.

Lucinda Robb celebrates The Suffragist Playbook - Your Guide To Changing The World. Written with Rebecca Roberts, this book introduces readers to the women’s suffrage movement. This World changing movement was decades in the making and came with many harsh setbacks. But it resulted in a permanent victory: women’s right to vote. How did the suffragists do it? One hundred years later, an eye-opening look at their playbook shows that some of their strategies seem oddly familiar.

Fascinating conversation with John Beede. John is a worldwide adventure icon and author of multiple highly acclaimed books. Today he introduces us to The Warrior Challenge, a revolutionary and must-have book for boys who want to embrace who they are and find their best path to becoming good men!

Fun conversations with Janie Veltkamp and Amalia Hoffman. Janie is the author of Beauty & The Beak, a heartwarming story of a rescue bald eagle. And Amalia tells us how My Monsterpiece can help open kids minds and hearts

Andrew Jordan Nance is on a mission to help kids become more mindful. He is on the podcast to celebrate two of his books, The Barefoot King.and Mindful Arts In The Classroom. You will enjoy his insights.

What a delightful episode of the podcast. Jan Zauzmer & Andrew Roberts are on the podcast to celebrate If You Go With Your Goat To Vote. This is the debut book for Jan, and is the first children's book that Andrew has illustrated. And today's podcast was the first time the two had a chance to meet each other.

Isabel Davis is on the podcast to celebrate her delightful children's picture book Froggit Froggins. This story with its quirky characters and delightful illustrations will encourage kids to think about how they can protect the environment and the animals in it! It explores issues of plastic waste,

Marla Huehmer returns to the podcast to celebrate her new children's picture book The Big Move. Moving can be a challenge for adults, and especially challenging for kids. Marla also talks about her unique illustration style and how we can create fun picture books with our kids.

Leigh Ann Gerk is on the podcast to celebrate her heartwarming new children's book Dear Brave Friend. This book celebrates the love between a boy and his dog, and the heartache he feels when his dog passes away. Leigh Ann also shares ways we can talk to our kids when they suffer the loss of a beloved pet.

Bridget Liggett is on the RWYK Podcast to celebrate the joys of being a cowkid! Her new children's book Wrangler Rein Rides Again celebrates the cowkid lifestyle. They like to ride their horses fast. They like chasing cows, playing with their dogs, running thru water and jumping over logs. Wrangler Rein Rides Again is based on real kids and real events.

Melissa Kay Moore tells us about her My First Emoji series. This series offers children an introduction to the world of emojis and their use in technology. We also speak with Adam Kargman about Abracadabra Whoopsie, a Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read

Eva Grayzel wants you to know that we all have a treasure box inside of us that is filled with strength. Eva's picture book Mr C Plays Hide & Seek makes cancer less scary for children and provides a sense of empowerment, showing children how they can make a difference.

Nancy Lin Chen is on the podcast to celebrate cinnamon! Everyone loves a good cinnamon roll, but did you know cinnamon can help your hair grow longer and stronger? In 101 Amazing Uses for Cinnamon, Nancy shares many ways this simple spice can improve your health, your home, and of course, your food.

Chris Tamasi wonders what if kids were in charge of making the map? Borders explores the invisible lines that define our states, countries, and continents, challenging readers to think outside the way it's always been.

Can crankiness be effective in our lives? Steven Joseph returns to the show to help us look at the crankiness we all struggle with from time to time in a different, more effective way. Shaneisha Dodson is also with us to celebrate The Adventures of SugaMama