In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had  delightful conversations with two talented kid's book authors and illustrators - Kim Hillyard and Alycia Pace. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, from the power of picture books to inspire emotional intelligence and mental well-being, to the importance of kindness and community in children's stories.

Kim Hillyard shared the exciting journey of creating her debut picture book, "Mabel and the Mountain," which follows a tiny fly's determination to climb a huge mountain. Kim spoke about the confidence she gained in simplifying her illustrations, and how the book's themes of resilience and self-belief can help young readers. Jed and Kim also explored the emotional impact of picture books, and how sharing vulnerable moments with children can be a powerful bonding experience.

Alycia Pace then joined the conversation to discuss her new board book, "How to Put a Dinosaur to Bed." Alycia explained how the book aims to help children empathize with their parents' bedtime struggles, using a playful, role-reversal approach. The two also delved into Alycia's creative process, from her vibrant color palette to the inspiration she draws from her travels and experiences.

Throughout the episode, Jed and the guests offered valuable insights for parents and grandparents supporting young artists. They emphasized the importance of focusing on storytelling and emotional expression, rather than technical perfection, and shared tips for encouraging originality and heart in children's artwork. Overall, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of children's literature and the power of books to connect families and foster creativity.

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