Reading With Your Kids Podcast

• Beyond the Sash: Erin Chapman's Advocacy in Sports and Accessibility

  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 her debut children's book, "Ronnie the Rock Climber," which follows a young girl's quest for confidence and new experiences. Erin explains why introducing girls to sports before age 10 can shape lifelong wellness, confidence, and community. She dives into the importance of accessible storytelling, shaped by her work with the International Paralympic Committee, and the lasting impact of adaptive sports like boccia and Goalball. Erin recounts her pageant experiences, emphasizing sisterhood and the value of building your own platform to make a difference. She candidly shares her inspirations, the challenges faced while getting her book published, and her dreams for expanding the "Ronnie" series to reach even more children. Tune in for Erin's uplifting message about breaking barriers, staying active, and making content accessible for everyone. Whether you're a parent, educator, or sports fan, you'll find practical tips and heartfelt encouragement in this vibrant, SEO-optimized episode focused on girls' empowerment, inclusion, and the joy of adventure.    We also speak with Joe Woods, the creator of "The Adventures of Cat and Hamster," a heartfelt children's book series designed to nurture emotional growth and resilience in young readers. Joe shares how his own journey through anxiety and personal challenges inspired him to help kids better understand and manage their emotions. Through the unique friendship of Cat and Hamster, Joe introduces children—and their families—to the empowering "I Will" principles: eight foundational tenets that guide emotional regulation, empathy, support, and growth mindset. Joe also highlights the array of support resources available on his website, emphasizing the importance of interactive learning and family engagement. His mission is clear: to encourage children everywhere to own their emotions, embrace kindness, and confidently say, "I Will."

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• Building Worlds & Facing Fears

  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—come alive in art, and shares insights on bravery, friendship, and what it takes to rewrite scenes for the visual page. Parents and young readers will appreciate Shannon's honest look at writing stories that continue to win new fans, even years after their debut! Next, join us as Sarah Brannen introduces "Lolly on the Ice," a touching picture book inspired by her own experiences with figure skating and stage fright. Sarah gives listeners a peek behind her process as an author-illustrator and discusses how stories like Lolly's can help kids overcome performance anxiety, no matter their passion. Whether your family loves fantasy adventures or heartfelt contemporary tales, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, encouragement for reluctant readers, and practical wisdom for anyone dreaming of writing or illustrating children's books. Don't miss inspiring conversations, laughter, and tips from two authors who know all about creating magic for young readers!

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• Little Red, Big Fred & Smushkins: Imagination and Laughter in Children's Books

  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 discusses her inspiration drawn from childhood storytelling, her love of making kids laugh, and the magic of adding humor to picture books. Next, internationally acclaimed author and illustrator Claudia Rueda takes listeners into the whimsical world of "Meet the Smushkins." Claudia describes how play, freedom, and imagination shape her creative process, and how her vivid characters celebrate the joys of childhood. Discover how cultural influences and bilingual writing enrich her stories, and why embracing humor is so important in books for young readers. Packed with author interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and a sneak peek into exciting upcoming projects like Ashley's new graphic novel, this episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and anyone passionate about picture books. Tune in for expert tips on storytelling, illustration, and encouraging creativity in kids, all in a friendly, engaging style that makes learning fun for everyone.

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• Magic, Mazes, and Mindfulness

  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, magic, and meaningful lessons to captivate young readers and parents alike. Phil Proctor is celebrated not only for his contributions to children's literature, but also as a founding member of the iconic Firesign Theatre—a groundbreaking comedy group known for its sharp wit, inventive storytelling, and lasting influence on American humor. His work with Firesign Theatre continues to inspire generations of comedians and fans alike. Next, get to know Laurel Gayle, author of Absolutely No Worries, a heartwarming picture book that tackles childhood worries and anxiety with imagination and positivity. Laurel shares insights into her writing process, the importance of embracing wonder and new experiences, and the collaboration with illustrator Anne Wilsdorf that brings Emma's story to vibrant life. This episode is perfect for families, educators, and anyone passionate about supporting children's emotional well-being through books. Throughout the show, you'll hear practical tips for encouraging children to read, creating memorable family moments, and igniting a lifelong love of learning. Whether you're looking for your next favorite family read or seeking advice to help kids cope with worries, this episode offers wisdom, laughter, and a celebration of the magic of storytelling. Tune in and discover why reading together makes a world of difference!

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• The Eternality Of Love

  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 intergenerational relationships. Drawing from her own family's memories and the enduring symbol of the butterfly, Dr. Dale encourages families to share stories, create lasting memories, and foster resilience across generations. The conversation highlights how sharing personal stories between grandparents and grandchildren not only keeps loved ones' memories alive but also enriches each person emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Jed shares heartfelt anecdotes about his own family, emphasizing the value of passing down wisdom and making special moments together. Later, author Jenn Moudahi joins the show to talk about her picture book, "Charlotte's New Moccasins," which celebrates creativity, cultural heritage, and learning lifelong skills from elders. Jenn shares her personal experiences crafting moccasins with her mother, emphasizing that even small creative projects can spark meaningful conversations and preserve family traditions. Listeners are encouraged to use children's books like these as conversation starters for building deeper connections, nurturing individuality, and honoring intergenerational bonds. Discover how reading together can become a treasured family tradition and a source of joy, comfort, and resilience. Looking for a great book to add to your family library? Check out some of our favorites: The Adventures of Toby Baxter by Tim Wright - www.TimWrightBooks.com Chicken Coop Chaos by Nancy Tavares - www.NancyTavares.com  Once Upon A Dance - www.OnceUponADance.com  Trumpet The Miracle Wolf Pup by Leokadia George - https://brileybaxterbooks.com/author-leokadia-george/

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