Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this uplifting episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two very different – but equally inspiring – guests who are helping kids fall in love with reading in their own ways.
First, Jed talks with educator Sheila Robitaille about Reading Eggs, a science-of-reading–based ed tech program that helps children move from learning to read to reading to learn. Sheila breaks down the five pillars of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency—and explains how Reading Eggs weaves them together in a fun, gamified environment. She describes how kids earn "golden eggs," level up through Fast Phonics, Reading Eggs, and Reading Express, and explore a digital library of over 4,500 books with optional "read to me" audio and comprehension quizzes. Sheila also addresses the old "reading wars," why some kids need more time for their brains to rewire for reading, and how the program can support struggling readers, English language learners, and even parents who may not be confident readers themselves.
Then Jed is joined by 10-year-old author Aizelle San, who wrote her picture book Skye's Wacky Raindrop Rescue after watching raindrops fall outside her window at age eight. Aizelle shares Skye's adventurous quest to find her missing parents, introduces listeners to quirky characters like a wart-covered frog and an ant named Antsy, and talks about working with her mom, brother, and illustrator to bring the story to life. She's already drafting more books, including a chapter book called The Compass. Aizelle closes with wise advice about love, support, and reading together as a family.

In this uplifting episode, Jed welcomes New York Times bestselling author Sharon McMahon to celebrate her new picture book, We Are Mighty. Sharon shares how her lifelong love of reading started with a mom who read aloud every day and walked her to the library so often it became a second home. She and Jed talk passionately about why public libraries are "one of humanity's best inventions" and truly democratic spaces where every child can access the same stories and information.
Sharon explains that We Are Mighty grew out of her adult book, The Small and the Mighty, and out of a problem she kept hearing from readers: "I feel like nothing I do matters." Through 12 powerful stories, she shows kids that being "mighty" isn't about being rich, famous, or a president—it's about doing the next needed thing, no matter your age or circumstances.
Jed and Sharon dive into inspiring figures like Septima Clark, who taught civil rights leaders at Highlander Folk School, and Maria de Lopez, a little-known suffrage activist and WWI ambulance driver whose courage rippled out to thousands, even though history almost forgot her. They connect these stories to modern kids' lives, talking about community, loneliness, violence, and how small acts of care—from remembering a birthday to showing up for a child on the margins—quietly tell kids, "You matter."
In the final segment, Jed chats with teen author Manasi Vegesna, whose book Maya's Tiny Warriors turns the immune system into a kid-friendly adventure, helping children see their own bodies as brave allies fighting to keep them safe.

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes beloved author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins, joining from his home state of Maine to celebrate his new picture book, Good Night, Bruce. Ryan shares the origin story of Bruce, the famously lovable grump who unexpectedly becomes the mom to three mice and four geese. Bruce, Ryan explains, is his outlet for all the grumpy feelings he usually keeps inside—a character who complains his way through life but always does the right thing for his family.
Ryan talks about how a single sketch of a bear being followed by baby birds sat in his sketchbook for a year before, in a moment of professional desperation, it blossomed into the first Mother Bruce story—written in one inspired sitting. He opens up about his early years self‑publishing, selling books through school visits, and literally hauling 10,000 copies of a self-published book from office to office before landing a three-book deal with Disney-Hyperion. Jed and Ryan also swap stories about Maine's wilderness, moose encounters, and how real-life moments sneak into Bruce's world as jokes, side gags, and emotional throughlines.
Near the end of the episode, Jed is joined by Tammi Kirkness, author of Why Do I Feel So Worried? Follow the Arrows from Anxiety to Calm. Tammi offers simple, kid-friendly tools—like gargling water, singing, and the "rag doll" yoga pose—to help families navigate anxiety together, and she and Jed reflect on how embracing our quirks and worries can become a true superpower for kids and parents alike.

In this episode, "Robots, Werewolves, and Wonder: Picture Books that Celebrate Imagination and Culture," Jed welcomes two sets of brilliant guests who show just how magical—and meaningful—picture books can be.
First, author Jose Lourenco and illustrator James Braithwaite join us from Toronto to celebrate their best-selling debut picture book, Billie Builds a Robocorn. Jose explains that Billie, a kid navigating a move and new school, builds a homemade robotic unicorn—"Robocorn"—to ease her loneliness. James shares how their early idea started as a bedtime book and evolved into a richer introduction to Billie's world, shaped by a larger creative team. They talk about designing a robot that kids could actually build from household items, their unusual author–illustrator partnership, and the long collaborative journey from shared studio space and BLT-fueled brainstorming sessions all the way to the Bologna Children's Book Fair.
Then we travel to the Louisiana bayou with Johnette Downing, musician, storyteller, and author of My Parrain is the Loup Garou. Johnette reimagines the traditionally scary Cajun werewolf (the loup garou) as part of a loving, adventurous bond between a boy and his godfather. She talks about turning fear into fun, preserving Cajun folklore, and blending music and story—many of her books are singable, and this one even has its own song on her new Zydeco album. Johnette also shares stories from performing for children on five continents and why seeing the world through a child's eyes keeps the magic alive.

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two picture book creators who celebrate children's creativity, curiosity, and the beauty of our differences.
First, Jed chats with Jean Huxtable Hamerski, author of Marley's Masterpiece. Inspired by her art‑loving granddaughter and a great‑nephew who once painted the house during nap time, Jean's story follows Marley, a young artist who can't stop thinking about Monet's towering water lily paintings. After visiting a museum, Marley decides to create her own "masterpiece" on the walls, hallways, bathroom, and coffee table at home. Instead of punishing her, Marley's parents teach her about canvases, studios, and famous painters, then work together as a family to clean up—and ultimately give Marley her own "studio" space in the garage. Jean and Jed talk about supportive parenting, not punishing kids for not knowing better, and nurturing children's "innate interests," whether it's art, pumpkins, soccer, or "naturey" adventures.
Then Jed is joined by Andrew Ginsburg, stand‑up comedian, personal trainer, and author of The Colors of My Sky. Andrew's book follows Lester, a blue butterfly whose mother insists he only play with other blue butterflies. Through a powerful, kid‑friendly metaphor, Lester shows his mom that the sky isn't just blue—it's gray, pink, orange, and more—inviting a conversation about racism, exclusion, and embracing difference. Andrew and Jed explore helping kids pivot through life's changes, the joy of reading aloud, and why Andrew chose bedtime "book parties" with his kids over late‑night comedy clubs.
This episode is full of heartfelt stories, practical parenting wisdom, and rich read‑aloud opportunities for families and educators alike.