Wow, what an inspiring conversation we had with Jesse Bennett and Joana Pastro! These two children's book authors are doing such amazing work to empower kids and celebrate diverse cultures.
First, we chatted with Jesse about her book "Ripple," which is all about the power of small actions to make a big difference. She shared how her own yoga and mindfulness practice has helped her connect with herself and find that inner light, and how she wants to pass that on to kids through her stories. Jesse had some great tips for parents on simple breathing exercises and ways to help kids slow down in this fast-paced digital world.
I loved hearing her personal story about how a little encouragement from a coach completely changed the trajectory of her life. It just goes to show how much our words can impact a child. Jesse also addressed some misconceptions about yoga, making it clear that it's not about religion, but about self-love and finding calm.
Then Joana joined us to talk about her new book "Lucas and the Capoeira Circle." Joana is so passionate about celebrating her Brazilian heritage, and she shared the fascinating history and cultural significance of capoeira. I was really inspired by how she uses her books to teach kids about traditions like Carnival and the Festa Junina harvest festival.
Joana also opened up about the importance of showing vulnerability as parents - letting our kids see that we all struggle sometimes. That's such an important lesson. And she had some great advice for anyone nervous about visiting Brazil, encouraging people to look beyond the headlines and experience the warmth and beauty of the country.
Overall, this was just a delightful conversation full of positivity, cultural richness, and practical tips for raising confident, compassionate kids. I'm so grateful Jesse and Joanna joined us to share their stories and inspire us all.

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In this captivating episode, host Jed Doherty sits down with children's book authors Kari Lavelle and Megan Perry to explore the powerful narratives behind their latest works.
Kari Lavelle shares the inspiring story of how James Earl Jones, the iconic voice of Darth Vader, overcame a childhood stutter to find his remarkable voice. As a speech pathologist, Kari has long been fascinated by Jones' journey and was determined to bring his story to life in "Ode to Grapefruit." Jed and Kari discuss the challenges of stuttering, the importance of supportive educators, and the impact of representation in children's literature.
Next, Megan Perry introduces her debut picture book, "The Overlook Book," which encourages readers to see the world from a new perspective. Megan's unique collage-style illustrations, created by cutting and arranging paper shapes, bring an added depth to the story's message of empathy and understanding. She explains how her own family experiences during the pandemic inspired her to explore the power of perspective.
Throughout the conversation, Jed and the authors delve into the creative process, the importance of diverse narratives, and the potential for books to foster meaningful connections. Listeners will be inspired by the authors' passion for their craft and their shared mission to empower young readers.
Whether you're a fan of classic sci-fi, a lover of children's literature, or simply someone who appreciates the power of storytelling, this episode is a must-listen. Discover the captivating tales behind "Ode to Grapefruit" and "The Overlook Book" and be inspired to see the world through new eyes.

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In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two amazing children's book authors - Morgan Christie and Sarah H. Fowler. Buckle up, because these conversations were packed with insights on the power of literature to bring us together.
First up, we met Morgan Christie, the author of the beautiful picture book "I Too Am Here." Morgan shared how this story was inspired by a poem from the legendary Langston Hughes, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. We had a great discussion about the importance of recognizing our shared humanity, even when our backgrounds and cultures may differ. Morgan's passion for using books to foster empathy and understanding really shone through.
Next, we welcomed Sara H. Fowler, the creative mind behind "Castle of Knots." This delightful book takes a common parenting struggle - brushing tangled hair - and transforms it into a whimsical fairy tale. Sara's insights on the joys and challenges of parenthood really resonated, and we talked about the value of finding the magic in everyday moments.
But the conversation didn't stop there! We also touched on the critical role of early literacy initiatives, like the "1000 Books Before Kindergarten" program, in supporting young readers. Hearing about Sara's daughter's experience with this initiative was a heartwarming reminder of the power of reading to shape young minds.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a lover of great stories, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is sure to inspire and delight. So grab a cozy spot, pour yourself a cup of tea, and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of children's literature!

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