Dive into the Fascinating World of Water Pollution Awareness with Author Julie Winterbottom
In this captivating episode, we're exploring the incredible story of Ruth Patrick, a pioneering ecologist who helped uncover the hidden dangers of water pollution back in the 1940s. Julie takes us on a journey through Ruth's life, sharing how her childhood passion for the natural world blossomed into a groundbreaking career.
You'll be amazed to learn how Ruth's work on tiny, microscopic algae called diatoms became a crucial tool for measuring and understanding the impact of industrial waste on our waterways. Julie paints a vivid picture of a time when the general public had no idea about the toxins being dumped into rivers and streams – and how Ruth's tireless efforts helped change that.
But this episode isn't just about the past. We also have a listen back to a chat with the beloved children's book author Marc Brown, the creator of the iconic Arthur series. Marc shares the inspiring story of how he brought Arthur to life, and the timeless appeal that has kept the series going strong for over 45 years. He even gives us a sneak peek at his latest project – a new TV series for preschoolers that's all about the power of friendship and kindness.
And that's not all! We also hear from Doris Dumrauf, a talented author and photographer who has turned her love of nature into a series of delightful children's books. Her latest, "Max Mallard Has an Adventure," is a charming tale that combines stunning photography with a heartwarming story.
So whether you're a science lover, a children's book enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the wonder of the natural world, this episode has something for everyone. Join us as we dive into the fascinating stories that inspire the next generation of curious minds.

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What an incredible story! We had the chance to chat with Hayley Arceneaux, the author of the new children's book "Astronaut Hayley's Brave Adventure." Hayley's journey is truly inspiring - from overcoming childhood cancer to becoming an actual astronaut!
Hayley shared how she was diagnosed with bone cancer at just 10 years old. But with the amazing care she received at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, she was able to beat the disease and even went on to work at the hospital as a physician associate, helping other kids with cancer.
But Hayley's story took an even more incredible turn when she was unexpectedly invited to join the first all-civilian mission to orbit the Earth with SpaceX. After months of intense training, Hayley spent 3 days in space, an experience she describes as "life-changing." Now she's sharing that experience with kids through her new picture book.
We also spoke with Michelle Person, the creator of the "Meanwhile in Africa" social studies curriculum. Michelle is on a mission to make history education more inclusive and accurate, highlighting the amazing accomplishments and perspectives of Africans and the African diaspora.
Rather than just focusing on the negatives like slavery and famine, "Meanwhile in Africa" celebrates the rich history, culture, and innovations that have come from the continent. Michelle wants kids to associate Africa with "glory, prominence, and pride" rather than outdated stereotypes.
It was so inspiring to hear about these two incredible initiatives that are empowering the next generation in different ways. Whether it's Hayley's personal story of overcoming adversity or Michelle's efforts to rewrite the narrative around Africa, these are the kinds of uplifting, eye-opening conversations we need more of.

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Get ready to explore the captivating realms of middle-grade fiction as we sit down with two talented authors, TJ Scripps and Bobbie Pyron, to discuss their latest releases.
First up, we chat with TJ Scripps about her debut novel, "Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light." This sci-fi fantasy series follows a 10-year-old heroine who travels to a school in the stars, where she learns to interpret the signs and symbols all around us - from rainbows to shooting stars. TJ shares how her love of nature and the cosmos inspired this unique concept, blending the magic of the natural world with a touch of the extraterrestrial.
As we dive deeper, TJ reveals the importance of encouraging kids to reconnect with the great outdoors and observe the wonders that often go unnoticed. She even shares tips on STEM activities readers can try at home, sparking their curiosity and imagination.
Next, we welcome Bobbie Pyron, author of the poignant novel-in-verse, "Octopus Moon." This heartfelt story follows a young girl named Pearl as she navigates the challenges of depression and anxiety. Bobbie's own personal experiences lend authenticity to Pearl's journey, as she explores the invisible nature of mental health struggles.
Through Pearl's eyes, we gain a deeper understanding of the isolation and hopelessness that can come with depression, as well as the importance of support, therapy, and self-acceptance. Bobbie emphasizes the power of literature to mirror real-life experiences and start crucial conversations around mental health.
Whether you're a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, or poetic realism, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to empower young readers and foster a greater appreciation for the world around us. Join us as we uncover the magic and meaning within the pages of "Glow in the Dark" and "Octopus Moon."

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Get ready for a delightful dive into the world of children's books! In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," we had the pleasure of chatting with two talented creators who are bringing their unique visions to life.
First up, we met Martin Stewart, the author of the Bridget van de Puff book series. Bridget is a fearless, gadget-loving character who's about to steal your heart. Martin shared how this spunky protagonist emerged fully formed in his mind, and how he worked to craft the perfect story for her. We also got to hear from the brilliant illustrator, David Haben, who brought Bridget and her wild inventions to vivid life on the page. Their collaborative process was a true delight to learn about.
But the fun doesn't stop there! We also had the chance to speak with Susan Polk Van Dusen, the author behind the "What's So Special About a Tree" picture book series. Susan's books are a beautiful tribute to her late father, an artist whose stunning paintings are the foundation for these charming, rhyming tales. Hearing about how Susan honored her dad's legacy by sharing his art with young readers was truly heartwarming.
Whether you're a fan of whimsical adventures, nature-inspired stories, or the magic that happens when authors and illustrators come together, this episode has something special for you. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and maybe even shed a happy tear or two. After all, the power of storytelling to bring families closer is what "Reading with Your Kids" is all about. So grab your little ones, snuggle up, and get ready for a literary adventure!

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Mistakes? Bring 'em on! In this delightful episode, Jed Doherty chats with author and illustrator Eliza Kinkz about her charming new picture book, "MISTACO" - a celebration of imperfections and the beauty of embracing our flaws.
Eliza shares how the book was inspired by her own experiences growing up, where she struggled to open up about her mistakes. She wanted to create a "safe space" for families to share their slip-ups without judgment. And what better way to do that than with a silly, taco-themed character named "MISTACO" - a nod to the Spanglish words Eliza grew up with.
As an artist, Eliza's vibrant, chaotic style is the perfect match for this playful story. Jed praises her use of "joy, color, and chaos" - qualities that Eliza says were heavily influenced by the legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. It's a style that perfectly captures the unpredictable, messy nature of childhood.
But "MISTACO" isn't just about the laughs. Eliza and Jed dive deep into the importance of teaching kids (and adults!) to embrace their mistakes. They share personal stories of how parental reactions can deeply impact a child's self-esteem, and why it's crucial to model self-compassion.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or just a kid at heart, this episode is a delightful reminder that perfection is overrated. So grab a taco, get cozy, and get ready to celebrate your inner "MISTACO"!
We also have a fun time speaking with Brenda Do, author of It's OK Not To Know. Brenda shared how the inspiration for the book came from observing her young nephew's hard reaction to making a mistake. This led her to explore the important lesson of embracing failure and uncertainty as a path to growth. Brenda emphasized the need to teach self-compassion to children, rather than pushing them to be perfect. She drew parallels to her own upbringing in the Asian-American community, where mistakes were often harshly judged. Brenda's book aims to celebrate curiosity and the freedom to not have all the answers - a message that resonates for readers of all ages. Jed and Brenda's discussion highlighted the power of using children's literature to promote empathy, resilience and the joy of learning.

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Grab your astronaut helmets, space fans, because this episode of Reading with Your Kids is out of this world! Host Jed Doherty welcomes back two of our favorite guests - author Chiara Colombi and illustrator Scott Magoon - to chat about their delightful children's book series, "Rocket Beams and Lunar Dreams."
Chiara shares the heartwarming story behind her rocket-loving protagonist, Rocket, and how her big dream of going to the moon doesn't quite go as planned. But with the help of the adorable lunar lander character, Rocket learns that sometimes our dreams take unexpected turns, and that's okay. Scott reveals the creative process behind bringing these spunky space characters to life, from drawing inspiration from modern rockets to using color to convey Rocket's emotional journey.
But the cosmic fun doesn't stop there! Jed also catches up with author Leslea Wahl, who discusses her latest young adult novel, "In Plain Sight." Leslea explains how she weaves themes of faith, family, and finding one's purpose into her thrilling adventures. As a convert to Catholicism herself, Leslea shares how her own spiritual journey has influenced the relatable characters and uplifting messages in her books.
Whether you're a budding astronaut or a teen seeking inspiration, this episode has something for every young reader. Chiara, Scott, and Leslea offer a stellar reminder that sometimes the most meaningful dreams take flight in the most surprising ways. So grab your kids, curl up, and get ready for a cosmic literary adventure!

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Wow, what an insightful and heartwarming conversation we had on the podcast today! We were joined by the dynamic duo behind the new picture book "Home" - author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Loren Long. These two creative minds really clicked as they shared the story behind their collaborative process.
Matt explained that "Home" explores the evolving concept of home, inspired by his observations during the pandemic. He was fascinated by how homes took on new roles and how nature started to reclaim spaces. Loren, the perfect match for bringing these big ideas to life, shared how he relished the challenge of illustrating profound themes. The two clearly have a deep mutual respect, often finishing each other's thoughts as they described their fruitful partnership.
But it wasn't all just about the book - Matt and Loren also touched on the importance of not shying away from complex topics in children's literature. They believe kids are more than ready to grapple with big ideas, as long as the stories offer hope and resilience too.
We also heard from debut author Alison McGauley, whose picture book "Kenzie's Little Tree" draws from her own family's experiences with chronic illness. Alison spoke passionately about the need to have open conversations with kids about difficult topics, something she learned firsthand. Her book aims to both reflect the realities of families facing health challenges and provide a window for those who haven't had that experience.
Overall, this episode was a treasure trove of insights into the creative process, the power of representation in children's books, and the transformative role that open dialogue can play, even for our youngest readers. I'm sure listeners will come away feeling inspired and eager to share these meaningful stories with the little ones in their lives.

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