If you're passionate about education and supporting underserved communities, you'll love this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast. Jed Doherty sits down with Summer Schneider, the head of school at Legacy College Prep, a charter school in the South Bronx that's making a big difference in the lives of its students. Summer shares the inspiring mission of Legacy College Prep - to ensure all students have access to opportunities after high school, whether that's college or other paths like trade schools or the military. She explains the unique autonomy and flexibility that charter schools have, which allows them to tailor their curriculum and approach to best serve their students. One of the biggest challenges facing Legacy College Prep is the high number of students who are performing two or more grade levels behind when they enroll. But Summer and her team are laser-focused on building reading habits and providing extra support to help these students catch up and thrive. Beyond academics, Summer also discusses the importance of rebuilding the partnership between schools and families, especially after the pandemic disrupted in-person interactions. She shares how Legacy College Prep is working to bring parents back into the school community. Jed and Summer also touch on the nationwide teacher shortage and Legacy College Prep's efforts to ensure they're fully staffed and able to provide the best possible education. But the real heart of this episode lies in Legacy College Prep's commitment to college preparation and making higher education accessible and affordable for their students. Summer explains the school's partnerships with universities and their focus on guiding families through the financial aid process.  The episode takes an exciting turn when Jed welcomes back Antony Kolenc and Leslea Wahl, from the Catholic Teen Authors group. They discuss their latest anthology, "Shadows, Visible and Invisible," which explores the Catholic traditions surrounding All Hallows' Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. Tony and Leslea share the collaborative process of creating these anthologies and the importance of preserving and sharing these rich cultural and faith-based stories with young readers. They encourage listeners to check out the Catholic Teen Books website to discover more inspiring, wholesome books for teens, and to support local independent bookstores by requesting the anthology. It's clear that the Catholic Teen Authors are on a mission to provide teens with literature that nourishes both the mind and the spirit.

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Hey there, reading fans! If you're looking for a fun-filled family weekend, you won't want to miss the upcoming Chicago Toy and Game Fair. Our good friend Mary Couzins, the founder of this amazing event, joined us on the show to give us all the exciting details.  But that's not all - we also had the pleasure of chatting with author Leokatia George about her Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup book series. Leokatia shared the inspiring true story behind the main character, Trumpet, a critically endangered Mexican gray wolf who was a surprise addition to the Wolf Conservation Center's breeding program. The Chicago Toy and Game Fair is back and better than ever on November 9-10 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. This is the largest toy and game fair in North America, and it's packed with hands-on fun for the whole family. From interactive play zones to exciting competitions, there's something for everyone. One of the coolest parts is the Young Inventor Challenge, where kids get to showcase their creativity and innovation. Over the years, some of these young inventors have even gotten their products licensed and sold in stores like Target! How cool is that? And of course, you know the reading with your kids podcast will be there, so be sure to stop by our booth. You might even get a chance to be interviewed and featured on a future episode! So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets today using the discount code "READ" and get ready to ignite your imagination at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair. It's an event the whole family will love - plus, you can discover new books like Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup to share with your little ones!

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Hey there, fellow podcast fans! . We had the pleasure of chatting with Margot Bisnow, the author of the book "Raising Entrepreneurs." Margot shared some really insightful tips on how parents can nurture their kids' entrepreneurial spirit, even if they don't necessarily want to start a business. It's all about fostering those essential skills like curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to take risks. And speaking of taking risks, we heard an incredible story from Millie Florence, the author of the middle-grade fantasy "Beyond Mulberry Glen." Millie originally self-published the book when she was just 15 years old, and now it's being re-released by a traditional publisher. Talk about an inspiring journey! Millie's passion for writing and her ability to create these whimsical, imaginative worlds is truly remarkable.

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The Reading with Your Kids podcast recently welcomed two talented children's authors to discuss their latest works - Brad Mason, author of the "Charlie Chaloosy" series, and Morenike Oyenusi, whose new book is titled "The Primary Colors." Brad Mason kicked off the conversation by introducing the latest installment in his "Charlie Chaloosy" series, "Charlie Chaloosy Refuses to Snoozy." As host Jed Doherty learned, this charming story follows young Charlie's adventures as he struggles with - and eventually embraces - the value of nap time. Brad shared that his focus is on tapping into universal childhood experiences that kids can easily relate to. One of the standout elements of Brad's books is his commitment to encouraging young readers to tap into their own creativity. He includes interactive prompts that inspire kids to write and illustrate their own stories, helping to foster a love of storytelling. The discussion also explored the importance of instilling solid values, building a sense of community, and making quality time for family bonding - with Brad offering wonderful suggestions for fun activities parents can do with their kids. Morenike Oyenusi then joined the conversation to discuss her new picture book, "The Primary Colors." Her story introduces a community of primary colors and what happens when a new, pastel-hued family moves in. Morenike shared how her book explores themes of diversity, acceptance, and the power of storytelling to bring families together. Like Brad, Morenike emphasized her dream of having families around the world snuggle up and read her books together, creating cherished memories. She also discussed the global nature of the children's book industry and the importance of both traditional storytelling and the joy of reading aloud. Whether you're looking to inspire the young readers in your life with the adventures of Charlie Chaloosy or the vibrant world of "The Primary Colors," this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast is sure to delight. 

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Be sure to join Reading With Your Kids at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, November 9 & 10. Visit www.ChiTag.com and use the promo code READ to save big on tickets!

Hey there, fellow podcast fans! Jed Doherty is back with another exciting episode of Reading With Your Kids, and this one's got something special in store.  Jed kicks things off by inviting his incredibly talented intern Ruiling Tang to co-host an interview with the one & only Sue Atkins. Sue is a contributor to the BBC and the host of the "Navigating the Digital Jungle" podcast, which tackles all the big issues around screen time, cyberbullying, and online safety. She's passionate about helping parents navigate the digital world while still embracing technology. The conversation delves into the importance of setting boundaries around tech use, having open conversations with kids about their digital habits, and creating family rituals and traditions that bring everyone together. Sue shares some super helpful "digital jungle scripts" that parents can use to start those tricky talks. Next up, Jed welcomes back Ruth Mailee, author of the fantastic "Power of" book series. Ruth's latest, "The Power of Respect," is all about teaching kids the importance of respect, friendship, and self-care. As the owner of a daycare, Ruth has seen firsthand how crucial these character traits are for kids' development. Ruth shares the inspiring stories behind her books and how she's making a difference in the lives of the children in her care. She emphasizes the value of kindness, gratitude, and positivity - qualities that are so important, yet often overlooked in our fast-paced, digital world. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who loves great kids' content, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to check out all the amazing resources from Sue and Ruth. Happy listening!

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Looking for a fun family activity? Be sure to check out the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, November 9 & 10! Save on tickets by visiting www.ChiTag.com and use the promo code READ!

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids Jedlie welcomed children's author Kim Larson to chat about her early reader book, "Goats Boat Won't Float." Kim explained the key differences between picture books and early readers - picture books have more complex vocabulary, while early readers focus on simple, engaging stories that new readers can tackle on their own.  Kim shared the inspiration behind her hilarious tale of a fainting goat and a flighty turkey. Turns out, she got the idea from visiting her grandkids' hobby farm and seeing those silly fainting goats in action. The book is full of slapstick humor that'll have kids giggling. We also heard from author Christine McDonald, who wrote the delightful picture book "Just Imagine a More Beautiful World." Christine's story centers on helping kids feel safe, secure, and centered - perfect for easing back-to-school jitters. She shared awesome tips for using breath work and visualization to help little ones tap into their heart energy.

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In this episode, host Jed Doherty chats with two talented authors who are bringing diverse cultural traditions to life through their heartwarming children's books.  First up, Jed welcomes Mariana Rios Ramirez, author of the picture book "Abuelita's Gift: A Dia de los Muertos Story." Mariana shares the inspiration behind her book, which follows a young girl named Julieta as she prepares to honor her beloved grandmother during the vibrant Dia de los Muertos celebration. Jed and Mariana dive into the rich history and traditions of this Mexican holiday, discussing how it provides a beautiful way for families to remember and celebrate their ancestors.  Mariana also opens up about her own experience immigrating to the US and the importance of passing down cultural heritage to her children. She beautifully describes the collaborative process of translating the book into Spanish, highlighting the nuances of working across languages. Next, Jed chats with Jolene Gutierrez, co-author of "The Ofrenda We Built" - a touching story she created with her daughter Cheyenne during the pandemic. Jolene shares how the loss of her own father and the challenges of that time inspired them to craft a cumulative tale celebrating the layers of an ofrenda, or Dia de los Muertos altar.  The mother-daughter duo's creative partnership shines through, as Jolene describes Cheyenne's musical ear and knack for rhythm helping to shape the rhyming text. Jed and Jolene also discuss the power of books that authentically represent diverse cultures, and the transformative experience of collaborating with family on a meaningful project. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to new traditions or simply want an uplifting story about the bonds of family, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is sure to leave you feeling inspired.

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If you're a parent looking to ignite a passion for reading in your kids, this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast is a must-listen! Host Jed Doherty sits down with two talented creators who are using the power of storytelling to celebrate diverse cultures and inspire young minds. First up, Jed chats with Brian Anderson, the author and illustrator behind the beloved Sophie Jurassic Bark and Sophie Frankenstein's Hound graphic novels. Brian shares his journey from creating a syndicated comic strip to breaking free of the four-panel format and bringing his canine-centric tales to life in full-color graphic novels.  As a Massachusetts native who now calls North Carolina home, Brian discusses how his New England roots have influenced his work, and the importance of embracing the messiness of the creative process. He offers invaluable advice for aspiring young artists, emphasizing the value of doodling, carrying a notebook, and not being afraid of "bad" initial ideas. Next, Jed welcomes debut children's book author Grace Seo Chang, who introduces her delightful new picture book, Birthday Soup. Inspired by the Korean tradition of eating seaweed soup on birthdays, Grace shares how this special dish has become a cherished part of her family's celebrations. She also touches on the significance of introducing diverse cultural traditions to children, and the joy of exploring new flavors and recipes as a family. Whether you're a graphic novel enthusiast, a lover of international cuisine, or simply a parent seeking to nurture a love of reading in your kids, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is sure to inspire and delight. Tune in to discover how the power of storytelling can bridge cultures, ignite imaginations, and create lasting memories.

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Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the 2024 Chicagor Toy & Game Fair! Super fun family event. Visit www.ChiTag.com and use the promo code READ at check out to save on tickets.

If you're looking for some inspiring stories about the importance of reading, representation, and getting kids involved in diverse activities, you'll love this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast.  Host Jed Doherty sits down with two amazing guests - Dr. Trude Haecker, the chairperson of the board for Reach Out and Read, and Nia, the author, creator of the "Exploring All I Can Do" book series. First, Dr. Haecker shares all about the incredible Reach Out and Read program, which partners with pediatricians to give young kids books and encourage reading from an early age. She explains how this simple act of giving a child a book and modeling reading can have a profound impact, building bonds between doctors and families, and setting kids up for success in school and beyond.  As a pediatrician herself, Dr. Haecker is passionate about Reach Out and Read's mission to get books into the hands of all children, especially those who may not have access to them at home. She discusses the program's goals to reach 10 million kids by 2030, and how listeners can get involved by supporting the organization. Next, Nia shares the inspiring story behind her "Exploring All I Can Do" book series. As an avid triathlete and skier, Nia wanted to create diverse, representation books to encourage kids of color to try sports that are often seen as inaccessible. From hockey to fencing to archery, Nia's books showcase kids participating in a wide range of activities, providing both mirrors and windows for young readers. Throughout the conversation, both guests emphasize the importance of representation, inclusion, and empowering kids to explore their interests, no matter how unconventional. It's a heartwarming and uplifting listen for any parent or educator looking to make a difference. So if you're ready to be inspired, be sure to check out this episode of Reading with Your Kids! You just might discover a new favorite book series or program to share with the young readers in your life.

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On this episode of Reading With Your Kids Jed Doherty has a great chat with the author and illustrator of the new book "The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids." Mariko Clark and Rachel Eleanor shared how they created this special collection of Bible stories that highlight the courage and stories of the amazing women in Scripture. They wanted to provide a resource that would inspire young readers, especially girls, to see themselves in these timeless tales. The collaborative process between Mari and Rachel was really fascinating. They worked closely together, with Rachel's illustrations influencing Mari's storytelling. The book also includes mindful moments to help kids connect with the stories on a deeper level. Both ladies opened up about the personal impact of certain stories, like the prodigal son, and how the book has been a healing experience. Of course, we also heard from the wonderful Teacher Terrel about her "Once Upon a Dance" book series. These fun, movement-filled stories are a great way for kids to explore the joy of dance, even if they can't attend a studio. Terrel is passionate about making dance accessible and positive for young movers and shakers.

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