Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this uplifting episode, Jed welcomes back Kathy McMillan, ASL interpreter, children's librarian, and creator of the new picture book series "Sign the Seasons." Kathy shares how the four-book series—starting with Sign the Seasons: Fall—invites kids and families to learn American Sign Language through everyday seasonal concepts like trees, squirrels, and weather. She explains how Familius Publishing partnered with her in a uniquely thoughtful way, involving her in every stage of illustration and bringing in both an ASL/Deaf culture advisor and an early childhood education advisor (a Coda) to ensure the books are accurate, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
Kathy talks about her journey from children's librarian to nationally certified interpreter, and how signing with her own hearing son from birth transformed their communication. She busts the myth that signing stops kids from talking, emphasizing that communication begets communication and that signing supports early literacy, emotional regulation, and strong parent–child connection. Along the way, she offers fascinating insights into Deaf culture, ASL "accents," and even emerging sign languages like Nicaraguan Sign Language.
In the second half of the episode, Jed is joined by author Ashley Mosley and conservation biologist Michael Windelspecht  to celebrate their picture book "This Birdie Told Me." Inspired by a real scarlet macaw ambassador at the Belize Zoo, the story gently introduces young readers to endangered species, rainforest habitats, and the importance of knowing who you are. Ashley and Michael share how their books, classroom toolkits, and conservation partnerships in Belize help kids everywhere fall in love with wildlife—and feel empowered to protect it.

Join host Jed Doherty for a heartwarming, dog-filled episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, featuring two picture books that celebrate courage, love, and healing.
In the first half, Jed chats with Jonathan Graziano, creator of the beloved Noodle "Bones or No Bones" videos, about his new picture book "Milton Makes a Move." Jonathan shares Milton's real-life journey from a hoarding situation in Korea to finding a forever home with him. They talk about how Milton's anxiety and bravery mirror what many kids feel when facing big firsts—starting a new school, moving, or trying something scary like a roller coaster. Through Milton's story, Jonathan reminds families that being brave doesn't mean not being scared; it means doing the thing anyway, even while you're scared.
In the second half, Jed welcomes Amanda Becklin Newell, author of "Adventures with Nash Dog: Welcome Home." Inspired by her rescue dog Nash, Amanda's book follows adoption day from Nash's perspective, highlighting the joy, mishaps, and everyday adventures that come with bringing a dog into the family. Amanda opens up about losing her parents and Nash, how writing the book became a powerful part of her grief journey, and why she tells grieving listeners that it's okay not to be okay while still finding moments of joy.
Together, these conversations offer families gentle ways to talk about change, responsibility, courage, and grief—all through the loving eyes of two unforgettable dogs.

In this episode, Jed welcomes Tyler Moore, better known as Tidy Dad, to talk about his book "Tidy Up Your Life." Tyler shares how a season of overwhelm—upsizing his family and career at the same time—left both his apartment and his mental health in disarray. That experience pushed him to explore the deep connection between a cluttered home and a cluttered mind, and how small, consistent decisions can transform both.
Living with his wife and three daughters in a 750-square-foot New York City apartment (plus a modest cottage), Tyler has been forced to define what is "just enough"—from houseplants to kids' toys. He explains how families can negotiate different mess tolerances, set up zones and systems in shared spaces, and make tidying a normal rhythm of life instead of a one-time purge. Tyler also emphasizes modeling decision-making for kids: letting them practice low-stakes choices (like pajamas or toothbrushes) so they can build the "decision muscles" needed for bigger life choices.
A passionate teacher and early riser, Tyler carves out time to read and wants his daughters to see books as a natural part of daily life. For him, tidying is ultimately about making space—physically and emotionally—for what matters most: family, reading, and a life aligned with your values.
Later in the episode, Jed talks with Eileen Halpin from Platypus Media and Science Naturally about their Literacy Access Initiative, which offers deeply discounted books to organizations so more children and families can experience the power of reading together.

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two very different – but beautifully complementary – guests whose books open the door to big family conversations.
First, Jed chats with Rachel Peterson, author of the YA thriller Killing Sadie. Rachel, who describes herself as "aggressively pleasant," explains why such a cheerful person writes about murder, anxiety, and worst‑case scenarios. She shares how dark, campy thrillers and B‑horror movies helped her manage her own anxious teen years, and why today's teens may find comfort and "self‑therapy" in scary stories and true crime. Rachel walks us through the multi‑POV structure of Killing Sadie, the "dead girl talking" final act, and her fun craft tricks—like building playlists for each character to get inside their heads. Most importantly, she and Jed explore how the book can help parents and teens talk about unhealthy relationships, boundaries, and the power of trusting your own discomfort.
Then we travel (virtually) to Tanzania to meet Jeremy Sherr, author of the middle grade novel The Noble Adventure of Beryl and Carol. Jeremy shares how a simple bedtime story for his daughters grew into an award‑winning adventure about two timid girls who, through moral choices and courage, grow into noble, resourceful heroes. He and Jed discuss modeling values through story, the importance of nature, "girl power" without aggression, and why short, cliffhanger chapters are perfect for read‑aloud time. Jeremy also offers a glimpse into his family's remarkable work providing free homeopathic clinics across Africa.
This episode celebrates how stories—dark, thrilling, and heartwarming—can help families connect, reflect, and grow together.

In this inspiring episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two wonderful picture book creators who are helping families talk about big feelings, different brains, and everyday courage.
First, Jed chats with Chloe Ito Ward, author of All the Ways We Learn, a gentle, affirming picture book about neurodivergence in the classroom. Chloe shares how the story toggles between what we "think" learning should look like—sitting still, making eye contact, hands in laps—and the many valid ways kids actually learn, including kids with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. Drawing on her own late ADHD diagnosis and her years teaching kindergarten, Chloe talks about movement, play, and self-advocacy, and how books can give kids both a mirror (to see themselves) and a window (to better understand others). She also teases upcoming titles, including My Mind Is an Ocean.
Then Jed is joined by Dana Eikenberg, former Division I athlete and coach and author of Hank the Brave. Hank is a lovable boxer who's afraid of small buzzing things—a perfect way to help kids think about fear, bravery, and the power of love. Dana opens up about losing the real Hank, why love is the throughline of the book, and how families can use Hank's story and her "Brave Start" activity to help kids name their support system and face their fears. Together, Jed and Dana reflect on resilience, hard work, and why we don't need to be fearless to be brave.