In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty chats with debut children's book author Madison Caputi about her heartwarming picture book, Tiki Tim. Caputi shares the inspiration behind her story, which follows a young boy named Kai who befriends a magical tiki totem come to life. The two embark on a series of adventures that celebrate the beauty of Hawaii and the importance of friendship.

Doherty and Caputi also discuss the author's own experiences growing up in Hawaii and traveling to other tropical destinations, noting the awe-inspiring natural landscapes that can sometimes be taken for granted. Caputi explains how her childhood memories and love of design ultimately led her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing and publishing children's books.

The conversation then shifts to the challenges of making new friends, especially for young people, and how Caputi hopes her story will encourage empathy and bravery. Doherty and Caputi also explore the hybrid publishing model Caputi chose, highlighting the benefits of the hands-on support and educational resources provided by her publisher, Biblio Kid.

Looking ahead, Caputi shares her plans to potentially take Tiki Tim on adventures to other parts of the world, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and folklore. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the power of storytelling to instill valuable lessons and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the relationships that enrich our lives. In our conversation with Tess Grandison, the author shares her delightful journey of transitioning from a high-stress corporate career in finance to pursuing her passion for children's book writing and illustration. Inspired by the wild peacock that wandered onto her family's farm in Australia, Grandison began weaving stories that celebrate the beauty of nature and the valuable lessons we can learn from our animal neighbors.

Grandison describes the magical moments of observing the peacock, named Pete, and the other creatures that have become part of her backyard menagerie, including mischievous cats and graceful swans. She believes these animal interactions provide a rich source of inspiration for instilling important values like empathy, courage, and independence in young readers. Grandison's children's book series, featuring Pete the Peacock, aims to share these heartwarming tales while encouraging creativity and a deeper connection to the natural world.

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