The Lil' Leaders Podcast: Conversations with Kids

Tina Shepardson
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Lil' Leaders is a podcast for kids that celebrates the traits, experiences, and actions that make leaders effective. We'll hear from real school-age leaders nationwide that are making an impact in our world today and close our time with a picture book recommendation supporting, inspiring, and inviting children to lead in our ever-changing world. Join us as we explore and celebrate kids like you, who are growing into their best version of themselves while impacting others one step at a time. Hosted by a teacher, author, parent, and life-long learner just like you.

  1. 2H AGO

    From Rescue to Reading: Easton's Story of Second Chances

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "11897c78-74db-435c-91ff-f9271b557d65" data-testid= "conversation-turn-5" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-699b221e-4814-8326-af59-cc3058eaed19-13" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What happens when a teacher, a love of reading, and a rescue puppy come together? This week on the Lil' Leaders Podcast, we're thrilled to feature a special Big Leader episode with teacher, author, and rescue advocate Elizabeth Retter, who shares how rescuing Easton as a puppy from Pennsylvania and bringing him home to Canada changed her life in the most unexpected ways. After one unforgettable morning — when Easton confidently made his way to a local deli on his own — Liz realized their journey was about more than rescue. It was about creating meaningful stories that help kids love reading and inspire families to consider rescue. She also shares how kids and families can make a difference through volunteering, fostering, donating, or adopting.   Picture Book Recommendations: a. The Dog in the Deli (The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet,1) Author: Elizabeth Retter                          Illustrator: Izzy Bean This heartwarming story introduces us to Easton on the first of his many adventures with his owner Elizabeth Retter and her family. One morning, Easton wakes up to some terrible news: due to the pandemic, there is a meat shortage! In a panic, Easton takes matters into his own paws and escapes across a busy city street to the neighborhood deli. Easton's family, the deli, and its customers have no idea what they are in for―then again, neither does Easton! This is the true story of a rescue dog who loves a good adventure.   b. Homeward Bound (The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet,2) Author: Elizabeth Retter                          Illustrator: Izzy Bean                                Easton is a rescue dog who was born in Pennsylvania and adopted by the author, Elizabeth, and her family in Toronto, Canada. Based on personal experience, this story follows Easton on a new adventure as he travels to meet his new family and settles into his new home. The book stresses the importance of adopting rescue pets, and will be a fabulous read aloud for dog lovers ― and their companion children ― to enjoy. Homeward Bound is only the beginning of Easton's adventures, with more books coming in 2025.   c. Puppy School Pandemonium (The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet,3) Author: Elizabeth Retter                         Illustrator: Izzy Bean Ready for a tail-wagging adventure? Easton, the lovable rescue pup, is about to tackle his biggest challenge yet―puppy school! From learning new tricks to meeting furry friends, Easton's excitement might just get the best of him. Cheer Easton on while he discovers the importance of patience, perseverance, and second chances. Will Easton stay on track long enough to graduate?   d. Christmas Capers (The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet,4) Author: Elizabeth Retter                          Illustrator: Izzy Bean Cool Q's For Discussion: What do you think Liz learned about herself after rescuing Easton?      2. Why do you think stories can help people care more about rescue animals?      3. If you were going to help a local animal shelter, what is one small step you could take with your family?      4. What does "second chance" mean to you — for animals or for people?      5. How can loving to read help you make a difference in the world?      6. What is your main take away from today's episode with Liz & Easton?   Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

    17 min

  2. FEB 4

    Finding the Right Ride: Perseverance, Empathy, and Leadership

    IIn this Big Leader episode, we welcome back author and special educator, Celia Botto about her upcoming picture book, The Ostrich Needs a Lift. Meet an ostrich who doesn't quite fit the mold and is trying to find his way back—only to discover that finding the right ride isn't easy. The ostrich is well aware of any accommodations he may need to get home safely. In fact, despite the setbacks he faces, the ostrich keeps going and young readers see perseverance in action. Celia also shares the thoughtful layer of the story involving a boy who discovers the ostrich and makes a powerful leadership choice: to act rather than react. Through empathy, courage, and problem-solving, the boy shows what it means to step up when someone else needs help. With bright, colorful illustrations and a relatable message, this episode is a fun and hope-filled conversation about persevering through challenges, showing empathy, and taking action when it matters most.   Picture Book Recommendations: a. The Snurtch Author: Sean Ferrell                           Illustrator: Charles Santoso Some days are Snurtch days. Ruthie is having one of those. She has a problem at school. It is not the students. It is not the classroom. It is not the reading or the writing or the math. It is something scribbly, scrunchy, grabby, burpy, and rude. It is the Snurtch. This clever picture book takes a discerning look at the challenges of behaving and controlling your emotions—especially when your own personal monster keeps getting in the way.   b. Ricky, The Rock That Couldn't Roll Author: Mr. Jay                   Illustrator: Erin Wozniak                                  From zippy little pebbles to big strong boulders, the rock friends get together to play and roll around their favorite hill, only to find that one of their friends, Ricky, can't roll with them. Unlike all of the other rocks, who are all round, Ricky can't roll because he's flat on one side. Determined not to leave their friend behind, the rocks set out to help Ricky roll - one way or another.   Cool Q's For Discussion: Have you ever felt like you didn't quite "fit in"? What helped you keep going anyway?      2. If you found the ostrich, what is the first helpful action you would take?      3. What does it mean to act instead of react when someone needs help?      4. Why do you think perseverance is important when things don't go as planned?      5. Who is someone in your life that shows empathy through their actions?      6. What is your main take away from today's episode with Celia?   Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

    19 min

  3. JAN 7

    From the Field to the Stage: Mason Shows What's Possible

    In our first 2026 episode, Mason shares how his love for acting, football, and basketball keeps him energized and motivated every day. He opens up about why treating others the way you want to be treated is the foundation of real leadership, and how staying active helps him stay confident. When life feels busy or overwhelming, Mason turns to deep breaths and drawing to calm his mind before jumping back into the activities he loves. His message to other kids is simple but powerful: anything you do can inspire someone else — so keep showing the world what's possible. Listen to Mason's episode and be reminded that leadership starts with kindness and inclusion.   Picture Book Recommendations: a. Hurry Up!: A Book About Slowing Down Author: Kate Dopirak                            Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal A busy boy and his dog learn to slow down and enjoy life together in this lyrical, rhyming picture book perfect for hurried families everywhere. For one busy boy, life is all hurry up, hurry down, hurry round and round and round! That is until he takes a big breath...and a big break...and slows down to see all the wonderful things in the world around him.   b. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are Author: Maria Dismondy                     Illustrator: Kim Shaw                                  Lucy has big hair, eats fun foods and is teased by a boy named Ralph at school because she is different. She tries to be brave but she wishes the teasing would stop. What should I do? she asks herself over and over.  Lucy's Papa Gino reminds her to do the right thing and treat people with kindness. So when Ralph gets stuck on the playground and needs help, will Lucy use this chance to teach Ralph a lesson? Or will she have the courage to be true to herself and make the right choice with an act of kindness? Readers of all ages can empathize with Lucy's brave journey as she sets out to rise above Ralph's mean words, stay true to herself and build her self-esteem every step of the way.   Cool Q's For Discussion: What helps you calm down when life feels busy or overwhelming?      2. What's one way you showed kindness or fairness to someone this week?      3. What activities make you feel energized and confident?      4. Who inspires you, and how do you try to inspire others?      5. Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel included? What happened?      6. What is your main take away from today's episode with Mason?   Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

    13 min

  4. 12/03/2025

    When Art Meets Heart: Allie's Story

    Meet Allie, a third grader whose love for dance, modeling, and the arts shines as bright as her smile! Whether she's learning new dance moves with friends or helping others master theirs, Allie's enthusiasm and kindness make her a true Lil' Leader. She embraces every challenge in her dance classes and believes in following big dreams—like one day becoming a doctor. Tune in to hear how Allie's creativity, confidence, and caring heart inspire everyone around her to keep learning and growing.   Picture Book Recommendations: a. Most Marshmallows Author &  Illustrator: Rowboat Watkins Most marshmallows are born into marshmallow families, play with marshmallow friends, and go to marshmallow school where they learn to be squishy. Most marshmallows read a book before bed and then fall asleep to dream ordinary marshmallow dreams. But, this book isn't about most marshamallows, is it? No. That's because author Rowboat Watkins knows that, just like you, some marshmallows have big dreams, and just like you, these marshmallows can do anything they set their minds to. This sweet and silly book is an inspiring reminder to everyone that by being true to ourselves, each of us has the power to be extraordinary. Whether for a new parent or a recent graduate, the message here will fit the bill.   b. The Path Author & Illustrator: Bob Staake                                    On this playfully illustrated journey with Bob Staake, children and adults alike will discover an encouraging truth: our path through life is not only challenging and beautiful—it is all our own to discover and invent. "You will walk. You will walk along a well-worn path that many people have taken—and long before you." So begins this inspirational journey over gentle, grassy hills, through fields of wildflowers, over raging rivers, up steep mountains, and even through a dark, chilly cave. When it splits in two, you will have to decide what to do next—and you'll create a path that's unique to you.   Cool Q's For Discussion: What's something creative you love to do, just like Allie?      2. How do you feel when you try a new skill or hobby?      3. Who's someone you've helped learn something new recently?      4. What big dream do you have for your future?      5. Why do you think helping others can make you a stronger leader?      6. What is your main take away from today's episode with Allie?   Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

    14 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    We Either Win or Learn: Myra on the Spark of Failure

    In this inspiring follow-up episode, Myra returns to the Lil' Leaders Podcast to share her powerful essay on failure in honor of National Failure Day. You might remember Myra from her first visit, when she told us how she created her nonprofit, Sparklez.org, to help raise money for a girls' school in India and reminded us that we're never too young to make a difference. This time, Myra opens up about how failure isn't the opposite of success—it's part of it. She shares how losing at nationals for her health app invention and in dance competitions taught her to focus not on what she didn't achieve, but on how much she grew simply by trying. Her favorite quote by Maya Angelou—"I never lose. I either win or I learn."—reminds her that failing helps us think creatively, build resilience, and grow stronger. Join us as Myra dives into what it means to learn from mistakes, why creativity often begins when things go wrong, and how failure can be one of the most powerful teachers in life.   Picture Book Recommendations: a. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes Authors: Mark Pett & Gary Rubenstein                    Illustrator: Mark Pett Being perfect is overrated. Beatrice Bottomwell has NEVER (not once!) made a mistake. She never forgets her math homework, she never wears mismatched socks, and she ALWAYS wins the yearly talent show at school. In fact, the entire town calls her The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes! One day, the inevitable happens: Beatrice makes a huge mistake in front of everyone! But in the end, readers (and perfectionists) will realize that life is more fun when you enjoy everything—even the mistakes.   b. Yay! You Failed! Author & Illustrator: Shannon Anderson               Illustrator:  Steve Mark                                Celebrate mistakes and setbacks! In Yay! You Failed!, young readers learn how to set goals, overcome challenges, build resilience, and believe in themselves. Simple "you-can-do-it" strategies in this book can help kids learn: why practice makes progress, not perfect ways to keep going when the going gets tough how to set and achieve goals tips for looking on the bright side and staying positive Yay! You Failed! is a growth mindset chapter book that will appeal to kids beginning to read independently. With its humorous and light-hearted tone, kids are encouraged to develop the life skills needed to set goals and overcome challenges. Includes a glossary of terms to support children's vocabulary growth.   Cool Q's For Discussion: Myra says that failing teaches us things we wouldn't learn otherwise. Can you think of a time when something didn't go as planned but ended up teaching you something valuable?         2. Her favorite quote is "I never lose, I either win or I learn." What does that mean to you?         3.Myra learned to focus on growth instead of what she didn't achieve. What's one way you           could do the same next time something doesn't go perfectly?         4. She says creativity often starts when something has gone wrong. Can you think of an                example where a mistake led to a great idea?          5. Myra reminds us that our real strength is how we handle disappointment. How do you                 handle it when you feel disappointed, and what helps you move forward?           6. What is your main takeaway from today's episode with Myra?   Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

    19 min

  6. 11/05/2025

    Art, Activism, and Inspiration with Kelcie

    In this heartwarming episode, meet Kelcie—a young leader who brings creativity, kindness, and action together in amazing ways. Kelcie has written children's books inspired by her own life, even illustrating one using the digital art program Procreate. Her passion for helping others led her to fundraise for koalas after the devastating fires in Australia, and her role model is none other than Dr. Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," whom she was honored to meet in person. Tune in as Kelcie shares how she uses her voice, her art, and her heart to make a difference. Her story is a reminder that no matter your age, you can take action, inspire others, and spread kindness in the world.   Picture Book Recommendations: a. When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel: A Short Tale About a Short Tail Authors: Chris Pine                                      Illustrator: Chuck Groenink Digz the Dog is certain that he is the king of Ms. Pincher's garden. There's just one problem . . . Zurl the Squirrel is positive that she is the queen of Ms. Pincher's Garden. As a dog and a squirrel, the two are natural enemies. But there's more to Digz and Zurl than meets the eye. Digz was once a lonely dog left at the pound. And Zurl has her fair share of insecurities too. When the two come face-to-face in a showdown, they realize. . . they might not be so different.   b. Give It! Author & Illustrator: Cinders McLeod                                                 In this delightful introduction to simple money concepts, an enthusiastic young bunny discovers how good it feels to use his allowance to help others. Chummy longs to be a superhero. He wants to save the world--or at least Bunnyland--from dragons, so spending his carrots on a superhero costume seems like a great plan! When his grandma reminds him that there aren't any dragons in Bunnyland, but that there are creatures that could use help, Chummy starts reconsidering the best way to spend his wad. This is the fourth book in the internationally acclaimed Moneybunny Books series that also includes Earn It!, Spend It!, and Save It!   Cool Q's For Discussion: Kelcie used her creativity to write and even illustrate books—how can you use your talents to inspire or help others?      2. She fundraised for koalas after the fires in Australia—what cause would you want to                     support, and how might you do it?      3. Kelcie looks up to Dr. Opal Lee, the founder of Juneteenth—who is someone you admire,           and why?      4.Her stories are based on her own life—if you wrote a story about your life, what part                    would you want to share first?      5.Kelcie shows kindness through both big and small actions—what's one small act of                      kindness you can do this week?      6. What is your main takeaway from Kelcie's episode today?   Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

    10 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    Navigating the New School Year with Michelle Blais

    The new school year is exciting—but it also brings big changes, new routines, and sometimes worries for kids (and parents!). In this episode, Michelle Blais from @misschellemindset joins Tina to chat about how to help kids settle into their "new normal." From checking in often and practicing calming techniques like hot chocolate and candle breathing, to celebrating mistakes as part of learning, this conversation is full of practical tips and real-life stories. Michelle and Tina even share some of their biggest teacher mistakes and what they learned along the way! Tune in for this fun and helpful conversation! Picture Book Recommendations:   a. We Don't Eat Our Classmates Author & Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins                In the picture book We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins, Penelope Rex, a young dinosaur, is excited for her first day of school but discovers her classmates are children. Being a T. Rex, she has an irresistible urge to eat them, which quickly alienates everyone, leaving her lonely. After being bitten by Walter, the goldfish, Penelope finally understands how it feels to be eaten and loses her appetite for children, allowing her to make friends and learn the importance of empathy and good behavior.     b. The Magical Yet Authors: Angela DiTerlizzi                                      Illustrator: Lorena Alvarez Gómez Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion—the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out. The Magical Yet is the perfect tool for parents and educators to turn a negative into a positive when helping children cope with the inevitable difficult learning moments we all face. Whether a child or an adult, this encouraging and uplifting book reminds us that we all have things we haven't learned ... yet!   Cool Q's For Discussion: How do you feel when school routines or expectations change?      2. What helps you feel better when you're worried or nervous about school?      3. Can you remember a time you made a mistake but learned something important from it?      4. Which calm-down activities—like sipping hot chocolate, lighting a candle, or taking deep           breaths—help you feel relaxed?      5. How do your family or teachers check in with you to see how school is going?      6. What is your main take away from today's episode?   Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

    43 min

  8. 09/03/2025

    Cai & Waylon: A Gotcha Day To Remember

    Welcome to Season 3's first episode! Meet Cai, a boy with a big heart and an even bigger dream—a dog of his very own! Join us as he shares the magical day he visited his local shelter with his mom and met Waylon, the pup who stole his heart. Cai talks about how he knew Waylon was "the one," the fun of playing and training together, and why he chose to celebrate Waylon's Gotcha Day in style with a special suit! He also shares why adopting from shelters is an amazing way to find your forever friend. Tune in wherever podcasts are found to hear Cai's unforgettable story!   Picture Book Recommendations:   a. The Rescues Finding Home, Volume 1 Authors: Charlie & Tommy Greenwald                Illustrator: Shiho Pate Moose and Bear are two scrappy shelter dogs patiently waiting for the right owner to adopt them. They meet, become friends, and one day a Cathy decides to take them both home. Despite their luck, they must face the challenges of settling into their new home. Along the way, they learn about each other, and their friendship deepens. Told with humor and heart, Finding Home is a tale that champions the importance of family and relays how it feels to belong and to have a place to call home.   b. The Last Dog: A "tail" of adoption for a dog and a boy Authors: Liane Joly                                                    Illustrator: Jared Huber Buster has had a rough start in life but that's exactly why a boy wants to adopt him. After his own difficult life moving through different foster homes and finally finding love and happiness with his adoptive family, he wants the same for Buster. He knows that with love, patience and understanding Buster can finally have his forever home.   Cool Q's For Discussion: Cai wore a suit to celebrate Waylon's Gotcha Day—how do you like to celebrate special occasions in your life? If you could adopt any animal, what would you choose and why? What does Cai's story teach us about compassion and responsibility? How do pets make us feel more connected—to ourselves, our families, or our community? Why do you think kids sometimes form such strong bonds with animals? What is your main take away from today's episode with Cai?   Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

    8 min
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Lil' Leaders is a podcast for kids that celebrates the traits, experiences, and actions that make leaders effective. We'll hear from real school-age leaders nationwide that are making an impact in our world today and close our time with a picture book recommendation supporting, inspiring, and inviting children to lead in our ever-changing world. Join us as we explore and celebrate kids like you, who are growing into their best version of themselves while impacting others one step at a time. Hosted by a teacher, author, parent, and life-long learner just like you.

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