Stacey Woodson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook The Princess Of Picky Eating Tries New Foods. Stacey is a registered dietitian and nutritionist, along with being the mom of a picky eater. Stacey shares incredibly useful tips on ways we can inspire our kids to eat a wider variety of healthy and nutritious foods. Click here to visit Stacey's website - https://staceywoodson.com/books  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Rajani LaRocca returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest #Childrens #PictureBook Your One And Only Heart. In addition to being a multi award winning author Rajani is a praticing physician. Dr Rajani tells us this is a lyrical introduction to the many wonders of the human heart. In this stunning non-fiction picture book, poetry and science come together with playful cut-paper illustrations to create a moving ode to the human heart and all that it does. Complete with illustrative diagrams and copious backmatter, this is a one-of-a-kind non-fiction picture book that gently guides readers through the various systems make up our most vital organ. Click here to visit Dr Rajani's website - https://www.rajanilarocca.com/picture-books/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Norma Roth and her daughter Shayna Rose Penn return to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the latest title in their Lovable Lucy series “You’re So Big”. Norma and Shayna tell us that Lovable Lucy follows a curious and boisterous pup around as she faces a new beginning with her fur-ever home and new family. This tender book takes children in the paws of new situations of life while promoting kindness, inclusion, critical thinking, and different ways of expressing social and emotional confidence as well as so much more! Children, parents, grandparents and educators will love learning with Lucy and her family. While joining Lucy on her daily adventures, readers will appreciate how Lucy and her family approach and resolve new or challenging situations and incorporate those lessons into their own life! Click here to visit the Lovable Lucy website – https://lovablelucyseries.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Shannon Addison is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook My Crumby Guide To Baking & Friendship Making. Shannon tells us her interactive baking book and baking line are designed to help parents connect with their kids in the kitchen. Shannon’s characters, The Breadcrumbz, teach about friendship, connection, resilience, and acceptance. She would like to address the issue of parents NOT talking with their girls about the problems they are having with their friendships. She believes that if parents establish this communication early, it will help facilitate this type of interaction as girls enter their most difficult years--their teens. Click here to visit Shannon’s website – https://www.mycrumbyworld.com/  Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Bridgette Allen is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the wonderful #PictureBook C Train. Bridgette is the founder and driving force behind The Circle tales, a series of illustrated picture books, activities and videos that encourages kids to come up with inventive solutions to the most pressing environmental issues of our time. The series demonstrates how we can learn from nature itself while challenging our concepts of waste and encouraging the continual use of resources.  Bridget tells us her background is in consulting for sustainability, especially reducing single-use plastic. It is this work that has inspired her to create The Circle tales. She hopes to engage children in conversations about repurposing and reimagining everyday objects. "C Train" highlights the importance of adapting to change and finding new purpose.  The story encourages readers to embrace new opportunities and limitations positively. Bridget hopes to help kids and parents approach change with open minds and adaptability. Click here to visit Bridgette’s website – https://thecircletales.com/pages/about Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Emily Ettlinger is on the #ReadingWithYourKiids #Podcast to celebrate Skeleanor the Decomposer, a graphic novel for kids aged 6 to 9. Skeleanor, a music-loving skeleton, is determined to perform with the town band at the upcoming festival. But whether she plays the fiddle or the xylobone, the townspeople always run away screaming! She'll have to think outside the pine box if she wants to be on stage by festival night! This story is about enjoying what you do even if you aren't the best at it. Click here to visit Emily’s website – https://www.emiett.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Brooke Jorden is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook How Does Our Food Grow? Brooke tells Jedlie and our guest co-host Anne O'Leary that she partnered with the UN organization Kitchen Connection to create a tool for parents to talk to their kids about food. The book grew out of the philosophy that talking to your kids about food (where it comes from, what it does in your body, etc.) will allow them to build a healthy relationship with food that will last a lifetime. The book shows children growing and eating many different fruits, vegetables, and grains, and encourages curiosity in eating new things. Click here to visit the HDOFG page at Familius - https://www.familius.com/book/how-does-our-food-grow/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Kevin Martin is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new book, "All is Well." The book is both autobiographical and biographical, revolving around Kevin's father, who passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in 2019. Kevin shares how he coped with grief by keeping a journal, which eventually evolved into this heartwarming book about their close relationship, growing up in South Boston, and finding their best selves as a family. It's a story of faith, savoring life's moments, and fulfilling bucket list items, all with a focus on building legacy and living life to the fullest. Kevin's father was born in Boston and was a humble, gentle man who lived his faith through subtle actions and kindness towards others. He taught Kevin valuable lessons about unconditional love, faith, and the importance of education. The book delves into topics like forgiveness, not living with regrets, and building strong family bonds. Throughout the conversation, Kevin and Jedlie discuss the power of modeling behavior for children, especially when it comes to reading, community engagement, and embracing the concept of family, which can encompass a wide range of relationships. Kevin admits that writing the book surprised him, as he discovered deeper insights into the lessons his father taught him, including the value of forgiveness and self-acceptance. He shares that we should cherish our imperfections and remember that none of us is perfect, just like his father, who had a calming presence and worked to maintain good relationships with his family. "All is Well" takes its name from the last words Kevin's father wrote on a yellow legal pad during his final days at the hospital. The book beautifully captures the essence of contentment and a life well-lived. Click here to find Kevin's Book On Amazon - https://amzn.to/472mLdk  Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Leslie Kimmelman is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Childrens #PictureBook Ready, Set, Run. Leslie tells us this book is a celebration of the New York City Marathon, the World's largest Marathon. Leslie talks about the fun and welcoming atmosphere that surrounds the NYC Marathon, how is winds its way through all five borroughs of the city, the incredible detirmination it takes to compete in the event and how the event is open to all people. Leslie also talks about the many happy years she spent working on Sesame Street. Click here to visit Leslie's website - https://www.lesliekimmelman.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Laura Gayle returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest book, "Grandpa's Window." Laura shares her inspiration behind the book, her experiences with grief, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.  Laura tells us that the book was written after her mother's passing, as the first grandparent death her four kids experienced. She highlights the challenges of finding the right balance of emotions, including love, sadness, grief, and hope, which resonates with kids and families navigating the grieving process. Laura talks about the beautiful intergenerational friendship that exists between grandparents and grandchildren. She highlights how these relationships involve a different kind of friendship than those with peers, marked by love, trust, and shared interests. Click here to visit Laura’s website – www.LauraGayle.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Monica Mancillas is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her children's book "How to Speak in Spanglish." The book celebrates the beauty of bilingualism and explores the joys and challenges of growing up in a multicultural environment. Monica shares her personal experiences and insights, highlighting the benefits of raising bilingual children and breaking down misconceptions about code-switching. Monica affirms the value of raising bilingual children, dispelling the common myth that mixing languages will hinder language fluency. She emphasizes that children who speak multiple languages often perform better academically and gain valuable cultural connections. Monica tells us about her own upbringing in California, where she spoke Spanish as a child but gradually transitioned to English due to environmental factors. She candidly discusses her feelings of shame and embarrassment about not being fluent in Spanish. The discussion dives into the benefits of bilingualism, including enhanced cognitive abilities and improved communication skills. Click here to visit Monica’s website – https://www.monicamancillas.com/ Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Jessica Kim is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her middle-grade novel, "Make a Move, Sunny Park." Jessica tells us the main character of her novel is Sunny Park, a 12-year-old Korean American who loves dancing. "Make a Move" is a friendship story that explores Sunny's struggles with social anxiety and her passion for Kpop and dance. Jessica says she wanted to write for shy and socially anxious girls, offering a relatable main character. As a people pleaser herself, she wanted to address the struggle of finding one's courage and saying no when needed. Jessica also speaks about the power books have to serve as a window that enables kids to have a look inside a culture they may not be familiar with. Click here to visit Jessica’s website – www.JessKimWrites.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Nic Yulo returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her brand new #PictureBook, "Out of the Blue." Nic tells us about her creative process, inspirations, and the message behind her latest book. “Out Of The Blue” revolves around Coral, a small and quiet girl on a school field trip to an aquarium, where she discovers a tiny, overlooked creature named Kraken. As the plot unfolds, Coral learns to embrace her uniqueness and find her voice. Nic reveals that her love for the ocean and fascination with marine life inspired the main characters of the book, Coral and Kraken. As a self-proclaimed nerd, she shares her admiration for octopuses and the various species she researched while creating the story. The desire to portray the beauty and mystery of the ocean influenced the inclusion of marine creatures in the narrative. We also talk about being seen, which is a prevalent topic in "Out of the Blue." Nic discusses how she wanted to explore the feelings of invisibility and how they can resonate with readers, especially children. The character Coral's journey of self-discovery and gaining confidence is a relatable experience for introverted kids and those who feel overlooked. Nick also speaks about her artistic journey, sharing how she initially considered herself primarily an illustrator before a painting professor encouraged her to explore writing. Nic reveals her love for creating various forms of art, including filmmaking, game writing, and more. She shares her excitement for branching narrative games, where choices made by players impact the story. Drawing parallels between interactive storytelling in games and interactive reading experiences for kids, Nick emphasizes the importance of engaging children's imagination. Click here to visit Nic’s website – www.NicYulo.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Kathleen Long Bostrom is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook "Since the Baby Came: A Siblings' Learning to Love Story." Kathleen tells us the inspiration for the book is the emotional roller coaster older siblings experience when a new baby arrives. Older siblings may feel excitement, jealousy, and uncertainty during this new phase of family life and that all these emotions are normal and should be acknowledged.     Kathleen also tells us how she wanted to make poetry fun and accessible for young children. The book consists of 16 different poems that tell a complete story, using various poetic formats. Kathleen hopes this book will have a long shelf life as children grow older and can relate to different parts of the story. Click here to visit Kathleen’s website - www.kathleenlongbostrom.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

NFL Network Correspondent and Sirius Radio Host Michael Yam is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his #childrens #picturebook "Fried Rice and Marinara." Michael tells us that this project started as a response to his cousins seeking diverse children's books for their mixed-race children. The book celebrates his Chinese and Italian heritage, with a young character named Mikey facing the dilemma of choosing between his two favorite cuisines for his birthday party. We discuss the significance of positive representation in children's literature, providing "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors" that allow kids to see themselves and others in a positive light.  Michael highlights the lack of diversity in children's stories and hopes that his book will help cultivate a path for storytelling as a viable career for young Asian children. Michael shares personal stories, emphasizing the unifying power of food in diverse families and the beautiful fusion of cultures that can happen around the dinner table. The book encourages kids to embrace their unique cultural backgrounds while appreciating the similarities that bind us all together. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

In this episode of the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast we welcome Katie Krause, author of the children's book "Don't Say No to H2O: Water Is So Good." Katie shares the inspiration behind her book, which stems from her own struggles with drinking water throughout her life. She talks about her journey in writing the book and the importance of encouraging children and adults to drink more water for their health and overall well-being. "Don't Say No to H2O" follows the story of a young girl who refuses to drink water, no matter how much her parents encourage her. She prefers flavored drinks like milk and juice but shuns water altogether. However, as she grows older, she starts to understand the benefits of drinking water and eventually embraces it as an essential part of her life. The book aims to spread the message of the importance of drinking water in an enjoyable and relatable way. Katie shares that becoming a children's author was not on her original bucket list, but the inspiration struck her one day, leading her to write the book. She talks about her background in writing and her work in the biotechnology field, where she aims to help patients with medications. Encouraged by positive feedback, Katie reveals that she is working on her second book, "I Love You, My Child," which emphasizes unconditional love between parents and children and promotes diversity and representation. As someone with a physical disability herself, Katie discusses the importance of normalizing conversations about disabilities and differences. She appreciates both perspectives shared by two moms in previous episodes, one who encourages questions and another who focuses on building friendships first. Katie highlights the significance of acknowledging the person first and finding common ground before addressing disabilities. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Robin Polanski Morrison is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook "The Good Morning Book." Robyn explains that her book aims to provide a soft start to the day, encouraging children (and people of all ages) to take a deep breath, be mindful, and set positive intentions for the day. Robyn also shares about her personal experience with postpartum depression, which played a role in the creation of the book. She explains how reading to her child during that challenging time became a helpful coping mechanism. It is believed that postpartum depression effects one in ten women in the United States. Robyn tells us some of the ways friends and family can provide support to new moms, such as offering specific help, asking about their well-being, and understanding the challenges they may face. Click here to visit Robyn’s website – www.TheGoodMorningBook.com Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Rosalie Mastaler is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook Hunter’s Tall Tales. Rosalie tells us this book was inspired by her son Hunter, who has a limb difference. Rosalie shares the story behind the book and its message of friendship, inclusivity, and addressing curiosity about disabilities in a positive way. The book highlights the importance of fostering curiosity and asking questions about differences while emphasizing the significance of recognizing the person behind the disability. The author discusses how children's natural inquisitiveness can be channeled positively by promoting conversations about disabilities at home and through books and media. Rosalie encourages parents to teach their children about inclusivity and acceptance so that encountering individuals with disabilities becomes a normal and comfortable experience. Rosalie shares that her primary goal with the book was to evoke emotions in young readers. She wanted children to feel a sense of friendship, humor, and light-heartedness while reading the story. By creating relatable characters and situations, she hopes to inspire children to see beyond physical differences and focus on forming meaningful connections with others. Click here to visit Rosalie’s website – www.Rosaliemastaler.com   Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Lindsey Larson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook “Meeting Exceptional Friends." The book focuses on children with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of embracing and celebrating differences. Lindsey shares that the book aims to educate children and parents about accepting and including individuals with disabilities. She highlights the significance of asking questions and having open discussions to foster understanding and friendship. Lindsey draws from personal experiences as a parent of a child with disabilities and an occupational therapist. She also mentions the positive impact of inclusive play and adaptive devices on playgrounds. The book encourages dialogue between parents and children and includes discussion questions and resources for further engagement. Additionally, the podcast acknowledges Lindsey's military family background and expresses gratitude for their service. Lindsey tells us she hopes to continue creating books related to disability education, including topics like sensory issues and learning disabilities.   Click here to visit Lindsey’s website – lindsey-larsen.com   Click here to visit our website – www.readingwithyourkids.com

Lauren Chaitoff is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate moving and feeling alive with our kids. She is the founder of Yogi Beans, and the author of 108 Awesome Yoga Poses For Kids. Lauren invites us all to go on a Yoga adventure! Lauren tells us we can wiggle and giggle our way through these amazing yoga poses that will help us all feel good! Inside this book, you’ll find tons of playful yoga positions that will show you how moving your body can be fun. Let your imagination soar as you become a bouncing Frog, a magical Mermaid or a soaring Rocket Ship with these simple, silly stretches. Plus, learn how to slow your breathing and calm down when you’re mad or sad with poses like Lion’s Breath or Sun Breath. Click here to visit Lauren's website - https://yogibeans.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com   

Best selling author Patrice Karst is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest #ChildrensBook The Invisible String Backpack. Patrice tells us this is a companion book to The Invisible String—which has sold 1.5 million copies to date— that offers a complete socio-emotional toolkit for back-to-school—and your whole life! In the story we meet Mila on her first day of school. But mixed with her excitement is worry. What if she can’t find her classroom? What if no one likes her? What if she’s too nervous to speak up? With a little advice from her brother, she learns that she has everything she needs right in her Invisible Backpack: an Invisible Microphone to help her find her voice, an Invisible Flashlight for when she’s feeling lost, an Invisible Net to catch her if she falls, and much more. Her pack is bottomless! The Invisible String is the very first thing that she puts in her pack—and each time she uses it, it gets bigger and better. Click here to visit Patrice's website - https://patricekarst.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Popular comedy writer James Breakwell is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to bring us the story of a determined boy with big dreams who remains undeterred by all the naysayers! James tells us that in You Can't Be A Pterodactyl we meet Tommy, a young boy who knows exactly what he wants to be when he grows up. But when he announces that he plans to be a pterodactyl, it turns out he’s surrounded by skeptics (because what would he eat? Where would he live? How would he make money?). What’s a kid with a big dream to do? Well first of all, he’s not about to give up. (And he has a lot of good answers!) And fortunately, Tommy also has a wonderfully open-minded dad who helps him find a way to fulfill his goal. Kids will be cheering for Tommy on his road to pterodactyldom in this funny, engaging story, all the way to its clever resolution. Click here to visit James' website - https://explodingunicorn.com/you-cant-be-a-pterodactyl/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Rishma Govani returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her powerful new #PictureBook The Stars That Shine For You. Rishma tells us that The Stars That Shine for You introduces the concept of death in a child-friendly way. It's a topic we need to get comfortable talking about-enhancing not only our own grief literacy, but also raising the next generation to be fluent in the language of love, loss, and hope. Many cultures around the world share stories, have end-of-life celebrations, and believe in the soul and afterlife. Traditions vary from country to country, faith to faith, but what remains universal among all of humanity is the stars above us. The light in the sky unites all our nations bonded together in grief and hope, on this earth and beyond. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Lauren Leary is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #ChildrensBook Harper Is Going On Vacation. Lauren tells us Harper is Going on Vacation is the first book in an anticipated series of twelve stories, catering to all audience levels with many benefits. Early readers are engaged in learning, parents are supplied with five comprehension questions to ask and teachers are building literary competence with additional curriculum alignment. Children, educators and parents will enjoy the stories and find them fun and helpful! This book was created to help support literary skills and assist children in becoming stronger readers while immersing themselves in a vibrantly engaging and richly illustrated story. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

MJ Palma is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut #ChildrensBook Day Switch. MJ, who has a day job as a high school study hall monitor, tells us how she was inspired to write Day Switch and how she feels this classic switch-a-roo story can help you and your kids discover some truths about yourselves. She also reveals that her fourth period study hall students were her biggest supporters, despite not dedicating the book to them. Click here to visit MJ's website - https://www.mjpalmawriter.org/books  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

GeorgeAnne Irvine is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Teaching Tornero, The True Story Of A Sloth Superstar and the other books in her amazing #ChildrensBook Series. GeorgeAnne is the Director of Publishing at the San Diego Zoo. She is also the author of many childrens books that inspire kids to fall in love with nature. GeorgeAnne tells us that when Tornero the two-toed sloth was born at the San Diego Zoo, his wildlife care team knew his life would be special. Tornero would grow up to be a wildlife ambassador, just like his mother, Xena.  Wildlife ambassadors have a special job: they help teach people about the species and inspire people to care about animals and nature. We have a super conversation about GeorgeAnne's books, how zoos have changed and are leading the way in the preservation of animals. Click here to visit the San Diego Zoo Website - https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Darshana Khiani is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Childrens #PictureBook I Am An American. Darshana is an author, engineer, and advocate for South Asian children’s literature. She is infinitely curious about the world and enjoys sharing her findings with young readers. If she can make a child laugh even better. Her latest #ChildrensBook I Am An American is  a breathtaking, eye-opening look at the patchwork of cultures that make up the United States and the many ways we define what it means to be an American. Click here to visit Darshana's website - https://darshanakhiani.com/books/im-an-american/  Click here to visit our webiste - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Maria Dismondy is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast because she is committed to helping the next generation of readers fall in love with reading. Maria Dismondy started out in the classroom years ago before writing ten #childrensbooks books. She loved getting powerful messages into the world through realistic fiction, so much so that she began Cardinal Rule Press in 2015. A million copies sold and counting, these books loved worldwide continue to share timeless messages with modern diversity. She shares some great ways we can help all kids gain access to books and learn to read. Click here to visit the Cardinal Rule Press website - https://cardinalrulepress.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Brooke Young is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the amazing work being done by the dedicated crew of volunteers at Hindi's Library. This amazing non profit organization is making a huge difference in the literacy lives of hundreds of thousands of kids around the World. Brooke is especially excited to tell us about their Females Of Fiction Award. This program recognizes outstanding female authors and illustrators of children’s books and strives to empower and support women who are building their literary portfolio and creating stories containing powerful messages of inspiration.  Winners receive a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card, various promotional opportunities on the organization’s social media networks and more! All books collected from Females of Fiction Award submissions are donated to our recipients after being reviewed for the Award, and all submission fees are utilized to continue the organization’s mission.  Click here to learn more about this exciting award program - https://www.hindislibraries.org/femalesoffiction  Click here to visit the Hindi's Library website - https://www.hindislibraries.org/our-story  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Jim and Brad Tonner are on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate their beautiful #Childrens #PictureBook The Journey, Life Lessons with Diane the Turtle. This is an absolutely delightful conversation with the owners of a New Hampshire Toy Store that is known as the Oasis Of Nice. The toy store is the home of the real life Diane the Turtle, and she has delighted visitors to the Lakes region of NH for years. Listen to discover more about the twins magical store and truely delightful books.  Click here to visit Jim and Brad's website - https://twindesignsgiftshop.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Jade Adia is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Novel There Goes The Neighborhood. Jade writes stories about gentrification and Black Teen joy. She tells Jordan Sahley that her new novel is a raised fist against the destructive forces of gentrification and a love letter to communities of color everywhere. The book tells a darkly hilarious story of three best friends willing to do whatever it takes to stay together. It is a story all too many communities are struggling against today. Click here to visit Jade's website - https://www.jadeadia.com/about-me  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

AwardWinning author Kim Johnson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #Novel Invisible Son. Kim tells us this is a  thriller about a wrongly accused teen desperate to recclaim both his innocence and his first love. Life can change in an instant. When you’re wrongfully accused of a crime. When a virus shuts everything down. When the girl you love moves on. Andre Jackson is determined to reclaim his identity. But returning from juvie doesn’t feel like coming home. His Portland, Oregon, neighborhood is rapidly gentrifying, and COVID-19 shuts down school before he can return. And Andre’s suspicions about his arrest for a crime he didn’t commit even taint his friendships. It’s as if his whole life has been erased. This is a powerful conversation you do not want to miss.                                          Click here to visit Kim's website - https://www.kcjohnsonwrites.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Our Dean of All Things #STEM & #STEAM, Jennifer Swanson returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Space Care. Have you ever wondered how astronauts stay healthy in space? What if an astronaut gets sick on the space station? Does snot run in space? This fascinating photo-illustrated look at space and medicine explores how scientists and physicians study astronauts in space, how they help keep them safe, and what we’ve learned about the human body through space exploration. Questions from real kids and answers form from astronauts, along with photos from NASA, combine for an out-of-this-world exploration of health. Click here to visit Jennifer's website - https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/spacecare-a-kids-guide-to-surviving-space/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Mark David Oullen is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his #MiddleGrade #Fantasy #Novel The Oasis King. Mark tells us this novel introduces us to Dylan, Jack, and Tripp, three friends who are looking for adventure, but when they find an entryway into a magical land, plagued by the malevolent Stranger, the cost of their new, exciting journey might prove to be too much. The Oasis King is the first in a series of an action-adventure tales for younger readers who seek new lands, heart-racing challenges, and unexpected twists.  Click here to visit Mark's website - https://theoasisking.com/about-the-book/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com   

Kayla Starr King Scott is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her debut #Inspirational #ChildrensBook  Imagine Me: The ABC's of Inspirational Quotes for Black Girls. Kayla tells us that each word, sentence, vision, and dream all starts with the same foundation- A letter. She invites us to take a journey from A-Z and be inspired by just a few of the black women who have paved the way for the next generation to be anything that their dreams desire. Kayla says this book is a short guide for young ladies to use as an opening to all of life's possibilities.  Click here to visit Kayla's website - https://www.kaylastarr.org/imagineme  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Erin Stewart returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest #Novel The Words We Keep. Erin tells our co-host Jordan Sahley that this is a  beautifully realistic, relatable story about mental health and the healing powers of art. The book asks how do you keep everything together when you’re quietly falling apart? If you ever feel overwhelmed or struggle with anxiety and depression, or know someone who has, this novel is for you. Because talking about mental health is a conversation we all can share. Click here to visit Erin's website - https://erinstewartbooks.com/library/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Carrie Tillotson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook B Is For Bananas. Carries tells Jedlie and Madison D'Aires that A is for Awake . . . but B is for Bedtime. When the narrator of this alphabet book tries to make it a bedtime book, Banana objects. Bedtime is BORING! And Banana is the star of this book, so it should really be called B Is for Bananas instead. It shouldn’t be about bedtime at all. This is a journey through all the letters of the alphabet about a banana who is NOT ready to go to bed. Click here to visit Carrie's website - https://carrietillotson.com/books/b-is-for-bananas/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Dorena Williamson is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her beautiful new #PictureBook I Know Who I Am. Dorena tells us that this is an uplifting picture book that reminds children all over the world of God’s love for them—affirming their standing in His kingdom and reinforcing their God-given identity.She invites yo to join children from Haiti, India, Korea, Rwanda, Spain, New Zealand, and many more countries as they each declare God’s truth about their identities. Each page is a joyful exploration of how God has uniquely made every child to reveal His glory, but also serves as a beautiful reminder for kids about who they are—and, most important, whom they belong to. Click here to visit Dorena's website - https://dorenawilliamson.com/books/i-know-who-i-am/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Jacob Eckeberger is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate his new #ChildrensBook Bad Dad Moves. Jacob tells us Dads have a way of doing things that are both endearing and embarrassing to their children. His book captures a bit of that magical combination between a child and her Dad every time he dances. His moves come out wherever there's music-around the house, in an elevator, the grocery store, and especially when there's an audience of other children and parents. But there's one way to fight those bad Dad moves, and it'll end with you both giggling as you make up your own dance moves together. Click here to visit Jacob's website - https://www.baddadmoves.net/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Helena Ku Rhee returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook Sora's Seashells. Helena tells us this is book tells an uplifting intergenerational story of kindness and confidence, loss and remembrance, with resonance for any child who feels other-than. “Sora means ‘seashell’ in Korean,” her mother said. “Halmoni always said finding a perfect shell is like receiving a wonderful gift. That’s why she suggested we name you Sora.” Every summer, when Sora’s Halmoni, or grandmother, visits from South Korea, the two of them take the bus to the beach to search for seashells. While Sora likes to take all of them back with her, Halmoni always leaves the prettiest shell for someone else to find and treasure. As summer turns to fall, Halmoni returns home and Sora starts kindergarten, where some of the kids tease her about her “weird” name. One day, Sora’s parents receive a sad call about her grandmother, and Sora feels more lost than ever about who she is and how she fits in. But when her parents reveal the origin of her name, Sora channels a newfound pride and, inspired by Halmoni, combats her peers’ hurtful comments by sharing her shells with everyone in her class. Click here to visit Helena's website - https://helenakrhee.com/books/soras-seashells/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Illustrator Bonnie Lui is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her latest #ChildrensBook My Little Thief. Bonnie tells Jordan Sahley that My Little Thief, written by Augusten Burroughs is an unforgettable story of friendship between a curious girl with a rich imagination and a winged thief with a very big heart.  Chloe loves many things—bugs, the dark, and especially broken or forgotten objects. But she doesn’t seem to care for birds. When a mischievous crow appears in her backyard, Chloe steps out of her comfort zone and offers the curious creature a bite of her lunch. In return, Crow brings Chloe a beautiful button.  Inspired by a true account of an unexpected friendship between a young girl and a crow, this thoughtful story explores misunderstandings and the value of everyday treasures. Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Chaya Bluma Gadenyan is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her beautiful #ChildrensBook Getting Ready For Shabbat, Let's Make Soup. Chaya tells us that in the story we see a grandmother and grandson preparing soup for the Shabbat meal. Clear explanations of the observance of Shabbat are included. She also shares the recipe for my favorite Shabbat soup combining traditional Ashkenazi flavors with the richness of Persian Ghormeh Sabzi. Joining us for the conversation is cohost Madison D'Aires  Click here to visit Chaya's website - https://chayablumagadenyan.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

#NYTimes #BestSelling Author Todd Parr is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate the upcoming release of his latest #ChildrensBook The Monster Mac And Cheese Party. Todd is inviting everyone to the funkiest, most unforgettable potluck on the block.We all know kids love macaroni and cheese. But who knew monsters do too? In this story, the monsters hold a mac and cheese party (no humans allowed) and share all their creepy twists on this favorite food. What do zombies like? Mac and cheese with eyeballs! How do sea monsters eat their mac and cheese? In the bathtub, of course! The party is going fine until the monsters are surprised by the unexpected arrival of HUMANS at their party. Todd also shares about the people who have inspired him in his writing career. Click here to visit Todd's website - https://www.toddparr.com/titles/todd-parr/the-monster-mac-and-cheese-party/9780316376426/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Srividhya Venkat is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #ChildrensBook Girls On Wheels. Srividhya tells us this book was inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India, The story follows three friends who support one another through the ups and downs of learning to skateboard. Anila is on her way to her favorite place: the skate park. She longs to glide on her board and feel the thrill of catching air. But when she arrives, the ramp looks like a concrete sea monster! Fear creeps in, making her once-broken arm ache. But Sana’s smile and Damini’s laugh wrap Anila in courage. Her friends remind her that in skateboarding, sometimes you fall—but sometimes you fly! Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com   

Jordan Sahley welcomes Helena Fox to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate Helena's #Novel The Quiet And The Loud. Helena is an author, poet and writing mentor, living by the ocean on Dharawal Country in Wollongong, Australia. She mentors young writers and runs writing workshops to support mental health. Helena’s debut novel, How It Feels to Float, won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Young Adult Literature and the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Writing for Young Adults in Australia, and was a Kirkus Best Book of the Year and Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year in the U.S. Her second novel, The Quiet and the Loud is out now,  Helena’s poetry has been published in the Admissions—Voices Within Mental Health anthology and with Red Room Poetry. Click here to visit Helena's website - https://helenafoxauthor.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Mary Oemig is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her innvoative learning tool Boom Cards. Mary created this platform with her husband to help teachers and parents help students reach their full potential. Boom Cards transform the classroom into an interactive, gamified learning experience with data to track progress and identify learning gaps. Click here to visit the Boom Learning website -  https://info.boomlearning.com Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Kaija Langley is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #NovelInVerse The Order Of Things. Kaija tells us in this powerful novel we will meet 11 year old April. She loves playing the drums, almost as much as she loves her best friend, Zee, a violin prodigy. They both dream of becoming professional musicians one day. When Zee starts attending a new school that will nurture his talent, April decides it’s time for her to pursue her dreams, too, and finally take drum lessons.  When the unthinkable happens and Zee suddenly passes away, April is crushed by grief.  And every time she tries to play the drums, all she can think about is Zee.  As April tries to set what she can in her life to right, she begins to see a classmate in a new light.  But with her heart broken over Zee, can she be open again to making music? Or to a new friend? This is a powerful conversation that you will not want to miss Click here to visit Kaija's website - https://kaijalangley.com/#books  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Megan Alms is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her #BoardBook Creature From The Woods. Megan tells us that  this sweet board book compares a child’s movements and mannerisms to creatures from the woods. From the fox to the bear to the bunny, each baby animal explores the world around them and learns along the way—just like children do. The rich woodland colors and sweet animal families will make Creature from the Woods a bedtime favorite Click here to visit Megan's website - https://meganalms.com/books  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com