The Lil' Leaders Podcast: Conversations with Kids Tina Shepardson

Life often seems like it's painted in black and white, but if we look closer, it's truly filled with vibrant colors—colors that come from our unique perceptions. Today, we're thrilled to introduce Celia Botto, the debut author of When Ayden Paints The Sky. Inspired by her young niece Ayden, Celia has woven a beautiful story where the canvas of the sky mirrors our emotions and the way we see the world. Join us as Celia shares her journey in crafting this inspiring tale, celebrating the artist, reader, and dreamer in all of us.



 


Picture Book Recommendations:









 
a. Noticing
    Author:  Kobi Yamada                     Illustrator: Elise Hurst
 
This is a story about noticing the little things, the grand big things, the imaginary, and sometimes, hidden things. It is about embracing what's possible. And that the incredible is everywhere, and in everything--waiting to be known, discovered, recognized. This beautiful tale encourages readers of all ages to slow down and look at the world with their hearts--to use their imagination to expand their vision.
A companion to the beloved children's book Trying, Noticing follows a young girl and an accomplished painter as they learn to observe the beauty and magic in each day. It's a story that will encourage you to pay attention, to make new discoveries, and to explore the unknown. And it's also an invitation to look within, to your own hopes and dreams, and perhaps to discover even more.
 


b. I Wonder     
     Author: Kari Ann Holt                        Illustrator: Kenard Pak        
 
In this unusual text, young listeners and readers follow a group of diverse kids trying to make sense of the world as they see it. Questions such as What do clouds taste like?, Do my toys miss me when I'm gone?, and I wonder if cars and trucks speak the same language remind us of a child's unique point of view. Nothing is more powerful than seeing something for the first time, and these whimsical questions will encourage all readers to take a fresh look around them.

Exquisite artwork by rising star Kenard Pak follows the arc of a day, ending with a spread showing a group of children as different and varied as their questions.
 
 
Cool Q's For Discussion:
 
1. How did you feel about the story Celia Botto told about Ayden and the sky? Did it remind you of anything in your life?
2. What part of When Ayden Paints The Sky did you like the most? Why?
3. Did Celia’s story make you want to try painting or drawing your own feelings? What would you draw?
4. How do you think the sky can show different feelings? Can you think of a time when the sky looked like how you felt?
5. What was your favorite part of the episode, and did it make you excited to read the book with your family?





 
 Have a great week!
 Keep leading and keep reading,
Tina
 



 

In this week's REPOST episode, Abby shares her experiences of modeling good behavior when a substitute teacher is in class for the day. Why? So her peers can make good choices and experience a good situation. This time of year the season is changing, kids see the end in sight, and they are easily distracted. Abby's has a strong moral compass filled with positivity, compassion, sensitivity, and empathy. She shares great tips for helping the day run smoothly. Enjoy Abby in this week's interview.
 
Picture Book Recommendations:
 
a. Dear Substitute
Author: Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey  Vernick                Illustrator: Chris Raschka
When a substitute teacher named Miss Pelly comes to class, one student bristles at the change in routine―Miss Pelly doesn't follow the rules like Mrs. Giordano. But in time, our student learns that even though the substitute may do things a little differently, and she may be a bit silly, mixing things up might not be so bad.Told in a series of epistolary poems, this funny, relatable picturebook is a great fit for classrooms and for any child nervous about new experiences.
 
b. What Would You Do
Author: Jennifer Moore-Mallinos                                         Illustrator: Andy Catling
We make decisions all day, don’t we? Do I pick up the dog’s poop when I take him for his walk? Should I tell Mom where I really went after school? When I see something wrong happening, what should I do?

Making a good choice, doing the right thing, or even knowing right from wrong can be hard! In What Would You Do? ​you can practice making hard decisions and have some fun while we explore some everyday dilemmas!​
 
c. That RULE Doesn't Apply to Me
Author: Julia Cook                                                                     Illustrator: Anita DuFalla
"My name is Norman David Edwards, but everybody calls me Noodle. Sometimes I get into trouble because I don't follow the rules."

Noodle is having a rough couple of days. The rules keep getting in the way of his fun! Rules for this and rules for that. There are so many rules - too many rules! Rules stink! Noodle has no use for obeying rules at home, or school. He argues about the rules and doesn't think any of them actually apply to HIM! Can't he just have a rule-free day? With help from mom, Noodle learns to visualize the consequences of no rules at all and begins to understand that rules help create a safe environment for everyone.
 
d. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun
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?
 

Cool Q's For Discussion:
 
-Have you ever noticed peer behaviors changing when a substitute teacher came for a day or more? How about yours? 
 
-What did you do and were you pleased with your choices?
 
-Name a few examples of strategies you use to make good decisions in every day situations.
-What is your main take away from today's episode? Why?
 
Have a great week!
Keep Reading and Keep Leading,
Tina

We're super excited to introduce you to someone really special in today's big leader feature.  Say hello to Dr. Barbara Vokatis, who's not only an amazing literacy professor but also a dog-loving therapist! She and her furry friend Carmel love visiting schools to lend a paw in helping kids with their feelings, friendships, and learning. They're on a mission to spread the word about how wonderful dog therapy is and all the benefits to teachers and students. So, join us as we chat with Barbara and get ready to feel inspired!



 


Picture Book Recommendations:









 
a. Bentley's Day Out: A Day With Bentley the Therapy Dog
    Author:  Dee Dee Davis     Illustrator: Julia Miranda Louzada
 
Ever wonder how a therapy dog makes kids smile? Spend the day with me, Bentley the Therapy Dog! If you are feeling sick or mad or lonely, I can cheer you up. Want to know what I did to become a therapy dog? Come along with me and meet the special people I’ve encountered during my day out, and how it all began! Everyone is filled with hope when they experience the special bond between humans and animals.
This special book teaches children the role of therapy dogs, the difference between therapy and service dogs, environments where a therapy dog visits, and how therapy dogs enhance the human-animal bond.
 


b. Carmel goes to School       
     Author: Barbara Vokatis                                     Illustrator: Halina Kiskis               
 
Carmel goes to school is a story about a goldendoodle Carmel and her adventure as a school therapy dog. As she visits a group of children one day, she notices that a child struggles with being kind to others. In response to the situation, in her own unique and magic way, she helps the student in seeing another child’s uniqueness as an amazing asset.
 
 
Cool Q's For Discussion:
 
1. What was something new you learned about therapy dogs with Barbara Vokatis?
2. Does your school have a therapy dog? If so, how does the dog help students? If not,       would you like your school to consider having one?
3. Which part of the episode would you like to research to learn more about and why?
4. What is your main take away from today's episode?
 
 Have a great week!
 Keep leading and keep reading,
Tina
 



 

Today we are thrilled to bring you another big leader feature. Meet Danny Gibbins, an incredibly talented teacher and puppeteer, renowned for her professional workshops that entertain and educate kids and teachers through her business, @dramazing_kids. Danny joins us to share how blending education and entertainment using puppets opens the doors for children to understand they can solve their problems, understand their emotions, and have some fun along the way..



 


Picture Book Recommendations:









 
a. Gigantosaurus: Roar, Giganto, Roar: A Puppet Book
     Authors: Cyber Group Studios

                                                                      
  Will Giganto win the roaring contest? Make a fearsome Gigantosaurus puppet come to life with this novelty board book.

Dinosaurs are experts at roaring, and Rocky, Tiny, Mazu, and Bill are eager to have a contest to see who can roar the best. But they need another participant to round out the contest, and fierce Giganto is asleep! Can the dinos wake him up and make him roar? Little readers are invited to get into the act with the help of an attached Giganto puppet that pokes through the scenes helping him snore, chew, chomp a favorite snack, and even dance when Tiny sings. But what they’re really after is much louder than that!




 




 
b. I am Jim Henson                                    Author: Brad Meltzer
                                                                         Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos
 
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great - the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Jim Henson, for example, was always dreaming up something new, and always expressing his belief in the goodness of people. Henson was a born performer with a terrific sense of humor, and he used those talents to help create two of the most beloved programs in television history: The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. Through his Muppets, Jim showed the world that there’s nothing more beautiful than imagination, especially when it’s accompanied by laughter and kindness. 
 
 
Cool Q's For Discussion:
 
1. Which parts of Danny's discussion about the use of puppets resonated with you the most? Why?
2. Which part about kids of different ages connecting with puppets surprised you?
3. Did anything Danny shared surprise change how you think theatre and puppetry can help kids? If so, what?
4. What is your main take away from today's episode?
 
 Have a great week!
 Keep reading and keep leading,
Tina
 



 
 

Today we are thrilled to bring you another big leader feature. Meet Shanda McCloskey, an incredibly talented author/illustrator, renowned for her captivating children's books such as Doll-E 1.0, Nubby, and Little Red and the Big Bad Editor. Shanda joins us to share how embracing mistakes can pave the way for unexpected growth and creativity.



 


 
Picture Book Recommendations:









 
a. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes     Authors: Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein

                                                                          Illustrator: Mark Pett
 
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. Beautiful Oops!                                             Author and  Illustrator: Barney Saltzberg
 
 
This interactive book demonstrates how every mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful. Unique in every respect, this book is full of pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, tears, holes, overlays, bends, smudges, and more, each demonstrating how blunders can become wonders. Celebrate all life's Beautiful Oops! and teach kids that it's perfectly fine, and sometimes fortuitous, to make a mistake.
 
 
Cool Q's For Discussion:
 
Which parts of Shanda's discussion resonated with you the most? Why?
Which strategies or tips did Shanda share that you want to try the next time you face a tough situation?
Did anything Shanda share surprise you or change how you think about making and embracing mistakes? If so, what?
What is your main take away from today's episode?  
Have a great week!
 
Keep reading and keep leading,
Tina
 



 
 

Today we are thrilled to bring you another big leader feature. Meet Emily Cherkin, also known as the ScreenTime Consultant and author of the acclaimed book, ScreenTime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guide to Becoming a tech-Intentional Family.
Emily is on a mission to help families find balance in their digital lives by promoting a mindful approach to technology use. Drawing from her expertise and practical wisdom, she empowers parents and caregivers to navigate the intricacies of screen time in today's world.
If you're looking for expert guidance and strategies to cultivate a healthier relationship with screens for your family, then you've come to the right place. Tune in as we dive into the strategies of tech-intentionality.



 



Picture Book Recommendations:









 
a. TEK: The Modern Cave Boy     Author and Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell

 
Here is a hilarious (and heartfelt) reminder of how technology can take us backward...all the way to the times of prehistoric man! Tek is a cave boy in love with tech: his tablet, videogames, phone, and TV keep him deep in his cave, glued to his devices, day in and day out. He never sees his friends or family anymore--and his ability to communicate has devolved to just one word: "UGH!" Can anyone in the village convince Tek to unplug and come outside into the big, beautiful world?

A distinctive, digitally-inspired package and design cleverly evokes the experience of using an electronic device that eventually shuts down...and after a magic page turn, Tek reconnects with the real world.
 
b. The Technology Tail                     Author: Julia Cook            Illustrator: Anita DuFalla
 
A cute, creative story about children and their texts, tweets, posts and pics. Don’t be mean and irresponsible! That’s the straight-to-the-point advice “Screen” has for young readers who are active on social media.
Whether tapping out messages on their computers, tablets or phones, Screen wants kids to know their words – the kind and the cruel – will follow them for life, creating a digital trail that can't be erased.
The Technology Tail is part of the Communicate with Confidence book series that offers a timeless message to a new generation just learning how to navigate the fast-changing digital age. Written for children in grades 1 through 6, this storybook uses rhymes and colorful illustrations to grab their attention. There are also tips for parents and teachers who want to reinforce kindness and respect in a high-tech world.

 
Cool Q's For Discussion:
 
Which parts of Emily's discussion resonated with you the most?
Which strategies or tips did Emily share that you want to try with your family?
How do you think being more intentional about screen time could help your family dynamics and relationships?
Did anything Emily say surprise you or change how you think about screens and family time?
What is your main take away from today's episode?  
Have a great week!
 
Keep reading and keep leading,
Tina