Get ready for an inspiring journey into the world of children's literature with two incredible authors who are redefining storytelling for kids! In this episode, we dive deep into the magical realms of imagination, creativity, and personal growth through two unique picture books that will capture both parents' and children's hearts.
First up, meet Kat Maconi, the creative genius behind "What Kind of Shoes Does a Hippopotamus Choose?" This vibrant author brings her passion for fashion and fun into a delightful children's book that celebrates creativity and color. Drawing from her international shoe brand and her experiences as a mother, Maconi demonstrates how important it is to keep play and imagination alive in children's lives.
Then we explore Michelle Olson's heartwarming story "Emily Was So Embarrassed," a touching narrative about overcoming stage fright and building confidence. Using an innovative photographic technique with buttons as characters, Olson creates a relatable story that teaches children about resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of supporting friends.
Both authors share powerful insights into child development, emphasizing the critical role of creativity, play, and emotional intelligence. They challenge the current educational trend of pushing serious academic work onto younger children and instead advocate for nurturing imagination and emotional growth.
Key takeaways for parents include:

The importance of reading together

Encouraging creativity and play

Teaching children to handle failure gracefully

Supporting kids' emotional development through storytelling

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who loves children's literature, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on childhood learning and development. These authors prove that picture books are more than just entertainment—they're powerful tools for teaching life lessons and sparking young imaginations.
Tune in and get ready to be inspired, entertained, and reminded of the magic of childhood!

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Get ready for an heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids that celebrates the power of storytelling, family, and imagination! Host Jed Doherty sits down with two incredible authors who are transforming children's literature one page at a time.
First up is Mary Ellen Roberson, the creative mind behind "The Day Time Began," a beautiful picture book that explores God's creation with wonder and joy. Mary Ellen shares her 40-year journey of bringing this inspiring story to life, revealing how her passion for teaching and love for children drove her to create a book that helps kids understand their inherent worth and God's delight in them.
Then we meet Jonathan Marshall, author of "Princess Tilu and the Queen," a touching tribute to the special bond between mothers and daughters. Jonathan's book springs from his own family's storytelling traditions, highlighting the importance of representation in children's literature. As a former social worker and teacher, he's passionate about creating stories that show positive family dynamics and celebrate diverse experiences.
Both authors share powerful insights into the magic of reading with children. They discuss how just 15-20 minutes of daily reading can dramatically impact a child's vocabulary and emotional development. Their books aren't just stories—they're bridges connecting families, sparking conversations, and creating lasting memories.
What makes this episode truly special is the genuine love both authors have for storytelling. Whether it's Mary Ellen's interactive Sunday school techniques or Jonathan's commitment to showing positive father figures, these writers are doing more than writing books—they're nurturing young minds and hearts.
Parents, educators, and book lovers will be inspired by this episode's message: reading together isn't just about words on a page. It's about connection, understanding, and creating magical moments that last a lifetime.
Grab a copy of "The Day Time Began" and "Princess Tilu and the Queen," cuddle up with your little ones, and let the storytelling begin!

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Get ready for an epic journey into the world of children's storytelling that will spark your kid's creativity and leave you grinning from ear to ear! In this jam-packed episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into the magical realms of music, books, and unbridled imagination.
First up, meet the rockstar creators of "Animals Are Great" - Latifah, Mark, and Lisa. These musical mavens have crafted an incredible album and book that proves children's music doesn't have to drive parents crazy. With catchy tunes about wolves howling and infectious energy, they're building a whole universe of musical fun that will have kids and parents dancing together.
But wait, there's more! Enter Ren Stylian, a nine-year-old author who's already living his dream. At just eight years old, Ren wrote "Papaya Man Robot Blitz," a choose-your-own-adventure novel that proves kids can be incredible storytellers. Inspired by his cousins and his love of reading, Ren shows us that age is just a number when it comes to creativity.
Hollywood actor Jed Bernard joins the party with "Jeddies Teddy," a heartwarming picture book about his childhood teddy bear. He shares how imagination and storytelling can help kids navigate life's unexpected challenges, turning disappointments into magical moments.
The episode is packed with golden nuggets of wisdom about the power of reading, music, and creativity. From the importance of different voices while reading to the magic of quiet time for imagination, these storytellers remind us that books are more than just words on a page - they're portals to incredible worlds.
Whether you're a parent looking to inspire your child or a kid dreaming of your next big adventure, this episode proves that creativity knows no bounds. So grab a book, turn up the music, and let your imagination soar!
Don't miss this celebration of storytelling that will leave you inspired, entertained, and ready to create magic with your kids.

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Get ready for an inspiring episode that celebrates the magic of family reading, creativity, and connection! We're diving into a heartwarming conversation with two incredible storytellers who are transforming how families experience books and imagination.
Grammy Award-winning musician Ziggy Marley takes center stage with his delightful new children's book "Pajammin," a rhythmic bedtime adventure inspired by his father's iconic music. Ziggy shares how his own children inspire his creativity and why he loves creating books that bring families together. His approach to storytelling is refreshingly authentic - he believes in being true to himself and letting creativity flow naturally.
After we speak with Ziggy we welcome Dr. Melvina Noel, who brings her own powerful narrative with "Mama's Library Summers." Her book beautifully captures the transformative power of summer reading, inspired by her mother's dedication to finding books that represented Black experiences during a time when such representation was rare. Dr. Noel's passion for literacy and children's education shines through as she discusses her mission to introduce diverse stories to young readers.
Both guests share profound insights about parenting, creativity, and the importance of reading together. They emphasize how books can open worlds, spark conversations, and create lasting family memories. From Ziggy's musical approach to storytelling to Dr. Noel's commitment to representation, this episode is a celebration of imagination, learning, and love.
Parents looking to inspire a love of reading in their children will find inspiration, practical tips, and heartwarming stories that remind us why sharing books is so magical. Whether you're cuddling up for bedtime stories or exploring new literary adventures, this episode proves that reading together is about so much more than just words on a page.
Tune in and get ready to be inspired, entertained, and reminded of the incredible power of storytelling!

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores the fascinating world of children's literature with two remarkable authors who are transforming how we introduce science and wonder to young readers.
Martha Brockenbrough takes listeners on an incredible journey through her book "A Gift of Dust," revealing how Saharan dust travels across oceans, feeding microscopic organisms and ultimately nourishing the Amazon rainforest. Her passionate discussion highlights the interconnectedness of our planet, challenging traditional narratives about humans and nature.
Susan Fletcher introduces her young adult novel "Sea Change," a science fiction reimagining of The Little Mermaid that explores cutting-edge genetic technologies. By incorporating real scientific concepts like CRISPR gene editing, Fletcher creates a compelling narrative that asks profound questions about human potential and ethical boundaries.
Both authors share a common mission: sparking curiosity in young minds. They argue that education should be about process, not just results, and that storytelling is a powerful tool for helping children understand complex scientific concepts. Martha emphasizes how emotions and rational thinking are deeply interconnected, while Susan explores how emerging technologies might reshape human experiences.
The conversation touches on broader themes of environmental awareness, technological innovation, and the importance of nurturing children's natural sense of wonder. From discussing ocean ecosystems to potential human genetic modifications, these authors demonstrate how non-fiction and speculative fiction can inspire the next generation of thinkers and explorers.
Listeners will come away with a renewed appreciation for science, storytelling, and the incredible potential of young minds. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the world, this episode offers fascinating insights into how we can engage children with the magic of scientific discovery.

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In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into the magical world of children's literature with two passionate authors who are transforming how kids think about reading, writing, and making a difference.
Rae Marsh, author of the Love Maggie series, shares her incredible journey of creating books that truly resonate with children. Inspired by her own daughters, Marsh developed a chapter book and middle-grade novel series that captures the everyday experiences of kids. Her approach is simple yet powerful: encourage children to write about what they know and love.
During school visits, Marsh lights up when discussing her mission to inspire young writers. She challenges students to look around their own lives for storytelling inspiration, showing them that their personal experiences are valuable and worth sharing. Her books follow Maggie, a character based on her daughter, navigating school, family, and personal growth.
Joining the conversation is Phil Hall, author of "The Day the Children Save the World," who takes a slightly different approach. Hall's book focuses on pro-social behaviors, teaching children how their actions can positively impact the world around them. Through 26 alphabetical examples, he demonstrates how small acts of kindness can create meaningful connections.
Both authors share a common goal: empowering children to understand their potential. They believe kids can make a significant difference through creativity, empathy, and intentional actions. Whether it's through storytelling or everyday kindness, these authors are helping shape the next generation of compassionate, confident individuals.
Listeners will be inspired by the authors' passion, humor, and commitment to nurturing young minds. The episode offers a delightful glimpse into the world of children's literature and the incredible power of storytelling.

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In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores the inspiring journeys of two remarkable children's book authors: Sarah Hwang and Sylvia Chen.
Sarah Hwang shares her extraordinary experience of collaborating with the Dr. Seuss estate, transforming an archived sketch into "Gertrude Gish on a Dish on a Fish." As an immigrant child who learned English through picture books, Sarah brings a unique perspective to her storytelling, blending Dr. Seuss's iconic style with her own creative vision.
Switching gears, the episode introduces Sylvia Chen and her heartwarming book "Tricky Chopsticks." Chen's story is equally fascinating - a science and math professional who discovered her passion for children's literature while trying to make math fun for her son. Her book follows Jenny Chow's hilarious journey of mastering chopsticks, offering a delightful glimpse into cultural experiences and family traditions.
Both authors emphasize the importance of cultural representation in children's literature. Sarah's journey from wanting to be a pediatric dentist to becoming an illustrator, and Sylvia's transition from corporate work to storytelling, showcase the power of following one's creative passion.
The episode offers invaluable insights for parents of creative children. Both Sarah and Sylvia stress the significance of parental support, encouragement, and believing in a child's unique talents. Their stories demonstrate how nurturing creativity can lead to unexpected and beautiful career paths.
From Dr. Seuss-inspired rhymes to cultural challenges with chopsticks, this episode celebrates the magic of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the joy of children's literature. Listeners will be inspired by these authors' creativity, resilience, and commitment to bringing diverse stories to young readers.
Discover more about Sarah Hwang and Sylvia Chen's books, and join the celebration of imagination and cultural storytelling.

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