Reading With Your Kids Podcast Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc

This episode of Reading With Your Kids featured several authors discussing their children's books and the importance of social emotional learning. The show began by introducing Brian Nolet and Dave Mossman, authors of the "Jungle Buddyz" book series. They discussed writing their first book together and touching on themes like believing in oneself
Brian and Dave discussed using children's books to develop resilience. Brian Nolet practices self-awareness with his sons to help them manage emotions. Dave Mossman, a teacher in a remote First Nation community, has observed rising anxiety in students and incorporates social emotional learning. Technology was noted as both helping and hindering children's development.
Lydia Lukidis returned to the show to celebrate her latest book "Dancing Through Space". This book tells the story of astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison. Lydia worked hard to get this story published as she believes it is a powerful way to celebrate the connection between art and science.
To wrap up this episode we speak with Angelica Streeter who is passionate about spreading her love of hummingbirds and her book "Hum Hum Hummingbird". She discussed the tiny birds' abilities like long-distance travel and pollination. Authors encouraged developing friendships through shared understanding.
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We are calling this episode of Reading With Your Kids If a Pigeon Poops in the Woods: Nature Calls us to Log Off and Laugh. Our first guest is JD Peabody, author of the Inkwell Chronicles fantasy series. J D returns to the show to celebrate the second book in the series. He tells us that the series was inspired by CS Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and a real 1952 train crash in London. Peabody aimed to introduce kids to literature through "Easter eggs" subtly referenced in the books. The series follows siblings Everett and B as they search for their missing father and protect magical ink from villains.
We also speak with Britt Gondolfi about her new book "Look Up: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution." Gondolfi co-wrote and illustrated the book with her friend Amanda Romanick. The book addresses modern technology overuse through a humorous story about birds pooping on phones to get people's attention. Gondolfi discussed struggles finding balance with her own phone and her daughter's usage. She and Romanick worked together from the start, hoping to inspire more connection between nature, humanity and each other.
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Pam Rice returns to headline this episode of Reading With Your Kids. Pam has been a long time friend of the show. We always enjoy celebrating her beautiful picture books. Today we celebrate Pam's latest work The Sun On My Face. Pam tells us that she looks at each spread in my books as a work of art. Each page tells its own story through textures, colors, and details for readers to discover.. David Gibby tells us his Adventures Of Patch #MiddleGrade series was inspired by the stories he would tell his children and their friends. Jennifer Freeland and Jennifer Sipos were also on the show to celebrate their debut #Bilingual #PictureBook Duck and Rabbit ABC Military Adventure
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Lori Orlinsky and Alysson Bourque return to #ReadingWithYourKids to share valuable mamrketing tips for all authors and aspiring authors. Lori and Aly are the founders of Expound Publicity and have helped over 550 authors launch and promote their books. They explained the challenges independent authors face with marketing, publicity, and avoiding scams. Social media was highlighted as an important tool, but authors were advised to focus on helpful rather than sales-focused content.
They also shared best practices for marketing children's books, including building credibility through reviews and awards, predicting future trends, and planning publicity campaigns months in advance. Lisa Jacovsky also joined us to talk about diversity and inclusion in children's literature.  She reminds us that representing diverse cultures & abilities in books provides value by allowing all children to see themselves reflected.
Lisa is a passionate advocate for kids on the a utism spectrum and her books help all kids embrace the idea that kids who are different can be great friends.  Her character in "Happy Thoughts" uses augmentative communication, increasing understanding. She is passionate about advocating for neurodiverse children through her work. Inclusion and changes to the education system were discussed as areas still needing improvement to fully support neurodiverse students.
The importance of embracing diversity, promoting positivity, and combating stigma through children's media was a recurring theme. 
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Dora Endre returns to #ReadingWithYourKids to celebrate the expanded version of her #ChildrensBook Magical Meadow. Dora tells us that her book introduces us to mindfulness practices for kids and one celebrating family love. She emphasized teaching gratitude, presence, and managing stress through simple exercises. Performing experiences were shared, emphasizing dealing with unexpected events through presence of mind. Mindfulness techniques like savoring moments were suggested to improve enjoyment and manage stress for both adults and children.
Roxanne Chester joined to discuss her new book "This is My Bag", which addresses the issue of homelessness for young readers. She drew inspiration from witnessing an unhoused person sleeping by her friend's door with a child present. The book aims to start important conversations by showing the complexity of the hosuing crisis. Roxanne shared the horrifying statistic that over 1 million children experience homelessness annually in US schools alone.
The speakers agreed on the importance of discussing difficult topics with kids from a young age so conversations come naturally later. Talking about issues like homelessness and anxiety can help avoid apathy and normalize problems.  Overall, the conversations highlighted using children's books and family discussions to foster empathy, address societal problems, and empower kids to face challenges.

Let's hop on the Book Bus! Brian Wray and Mike Helm are on this episode of #ReadingWithYourKIds to celebrate The Book Bus, their new children's book.which tells the story of Tilly the book bus who delivers books to children. They told us the book was inspired by the real life book bus organization. Taylor Hintermann then discussed her debut picture book "Kipps Funny Little Feet" about a boy learning to walk with leg braces. She talked about how she wanted to promote inclusion for children with disabilities or special needs. Next, Joren Cull celebrated his book "I Am Book" about a book character who tries different genres to find his place. He discussed changing the book over many years and wanting to spread empathy. All of the guests encouraged families to read together to help foster understanding and acceptance of differences.
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