Reading With Your Kids Podcast

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 discover new children's books and traditions to bring them closer together during the holidays. Dr. Peter Cotton shares the delightful origins and adventures of Fred the Snake, introducing young readers to exciting journeys and life lessons, from crossing the road safely to exploring the Chinese Zodiac and The Great Race. Parents and kids alike will love learning about Fred's transition from bedtime story to beloved children's character, sparking imagination and curiosity. Next, Donna VanLiere discusses her uplifting Christmas story, encouraging families to embrace faith, patience, and kindness in today's fast-paced world. She offers heartfelt parenting tips, reflecting on how ordinary people play extraordinary roles in the Nativity. Discover how "Looking for Christmas" can help families find joy, hope, and deeper connections during the holiday season. This episode of Reading With Your Kids is packed with storytelling magic, holiday inspiration, and practical advice for nurturing faith and togetherness. Tune in for memorable stories, meaningful lessons, and resources for parents seeking the best in children's literature and podcasts!

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 financial habits. From explaining the basics of saving and budgeting to fostering a mindset for long-term financial success, Scott and Victoria offer relatable stories, transparent conversations, and actionable tips for parents aiming to raise money-smart kids. Learn how to talk about college costs, develop good financial habits early, and find creative ways to make financial learning a natural part of family life. Later in the episode, we listen back to a conversation we had with master storyteller Donna Washington. Donna joined us to explore the traditions and meaning of Kwanzaa. Donna shares the roots of this cultural celebration, emphasizing the power of community, gratitude, and giving back. Her stories offer families accessible ways to incorporate Kwanzaa's values into everyday life, focusing on unity and empowerment. Tune in for a warm, friendly discussion rich with expert advice on financial literacy for kids, plus inspiration for celebrating meaningful traditions as a 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 "Seeing Stars," a young adult romance filled with real-life inspiration, celebrity culture, and the importance of making mistakes and learning from them. Discover how Candace brings her characters to life, blends humor with heartfelt moments, and offers fresh perspectives for teens navigating love and identity in today's world. Next, Amanda Jass introduces "Adventures in the Friendly Forest," a unique devotional that uses adorable animal characters to help families talk about change, patience, kindness, and self-reflection. Amanda explains the power of reading together, building faith, and having authentic conversations about wise choices—valuable lessons for kids and parents alike. This episode is packed with parent-tested strategies for making reading meaningful, tips for raising media-smart children, and honest advice on fostering empathy and resilience. Whether you're searching for your next YA romance, a devotional to share at bedtime, or simply want to nurture character and curiosity in your family, you won't want to miss this episode! Tune in for insightful stories, book recommendations, and a celebration of books that bring families together.

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, introverted children in literature, drawing from his experiences as a parent and observer of childhood dynamics. He emphasizes the value of imagination, unstructured time, and engagement with the natural world, expressing concern over the effects of screens and the need for children to find belonging in multiple ways. Lappano also shares insights into his creative process, describing how ideas often take shape over time and how feedback from his own children helps refine his work. The discussion explores themes of unconventional friendships, nonverbal communication, and the powerful magic found in simple connections to art and nature. Later in the episode, Dr. Uzma Farooq joins to introduce her book, "The Boy Who Cried Wolf and Other Great Stories with Lessons." Dr. Farooq describes how she and her sons collaboratively retold Aesop's Fables, modernizing language and illustrations while preserving the lessons and emotional depth of the originals. Her passion for storytelling and dedication to sharing classic tales with a new generation make for a thoughtful and enlightening conversation. We also welcome Heather Fountaine Youngs back to the show to celebrate her new children's book "Mine!"

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 led to the creation of Max, a character encouraging children and parents alike to nurture childhood passions. Listeners learn how supporting kids' interests boosts confidence, fosters learning, and connects families—key themes for parents, caregivers, and families navigating big changes like relocation. The episode also features Daniel Harmon, whose Tuttle Twins animated series brings economic principles, freedom, and entrepreneurship to life for kids. Daniel explains the show's creative process, the importance of co-viewing for families, and how Angel Studios empowers audiences through crowdfunding and direct feedback. Both guests emphasize creativity, educational value, and the power of family connection. Packed with parenting insights, tips on managing screen time, and ideas for fostering curiosity, this episode is perfect for families, educators, and fans of children's books and educational TV. Discover "Max the Gemstone Finder" and "Tuttle Twins"—two resources to inspire lifelong learning, critical thinking, and joy in your family.