In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty welcomes back author Rob Renzetti to discuss the second book in his spooky middle-grade trilogy, "The Twisted Tower of Endless Torment." Renzetti shares his excitement for writing the sequel, explaining how he had a clear vision for the series even before the first book was published.

Renzetti talks about the challenges of meeting the publisher's deadlines, but how he ultimately decided to release the books in the summer to coincide with the Halloween season, as the stories have a delightfully creepy vibe. Jed and Renzetti bond over their shared love of horror movies and how they've used spooky content to connect with their kids.

The conversation then shifts to Renzetti's background in animation, including his time at the prestigious CalArts program and his early career working on shows like "Batman: The Animated Series." Renzetti offers advice for aspiring authors and illustrators, emphasizing the importance of creating content that you personally enjoy.

Later, Jed introduces author Sandy Whiting, who discusses her new middle-grade book, "Meatball Man Head Detective: Case of the Missing Pepper Shaker." Whiting shares the fun, imaginative origins of the story, which she developed with her own children. They explore the role of speech therapy and language development, and how Whiting's work as a speech-language pathologist has influenced her creative writing.

With a mix of engaging interviews, practical advice, and a touch of spooky fun, this episode of "Reading with Your Kids" is sure to delight listeners of all ages.

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In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty welcomes a diverse group of authors to discuss their latest children's books and share insights on literacy, education, and the power of storytelling.

First up is Karol Hernandez, who celebrates her vibrant picture book "I Am Lachiva, the Colorful Bus of the Andes." Karol shares the cultural significance of the iconic Chiva buses in Colombia, describing their bright colors, unique designs, and vital role in rural transportation. She also discusses the challenges of translating a rhyming book into Spanish and the importance of authenticity in her work.

Next, Dawn Young joins the conversation to talk about her book "Little Cub's. Big List,. Fun with Sight Words." As a former teacher, Dawn emphasizes the importance of making learning engaging and fun for young readers. She shares creative ways for parents to help their children practice sight words, from games and activities to hands-on experiences.

Jin Wang then introduces her illustrated memoir "Born Naughty," which offers a glimpse into her childhood in the remote and desolate region of Inner Mongolia, China. Jin's story highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of her community, who survived without modern amenities by growing their own food and relying on the natural world around them.

Throughout the episode, the authors and Doherty discuss the power of literacy, the role of creativity in education, and the importance of being a reading role model for children. They also touch on the work of Clowns Without Borders, a nonprofit organization that brings joy to communities in need.

This episode of "Reading with Your Kids" is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the world of children's literature. With its diverse range of guests and engaging discussions, it offers valuable insights and inspiration for fostering a love of reading in young minds.

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In this captivating episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with two remarkable guests who are using their unique talents to make a difference in the world. First, we hear from Kao Kalia Yang, a Hmong American author whose debut middle-grade novel, "The Diamond Explorer," takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and cultural identity.

Kalia shares the powerful story of her family's harrowing escape from Laos during the Vietnam War, and how her father's resilience and love of storytelling inspired her own writing. She delves into the themes of her book, which follows a young Hmong boy named Malcolm as he navigates the complexities of class, race, and finding his place in the world. Kalia's words are both heartbreaking and hopeful, as she highlights the importance of representation and the transformative power of literature for young readers.

Next, we meet Naomi Schaefer, the former "boss clown" of the nonprofit organization Clowns Without Borders. Naomi explains how this incredible group of performers brings laughter and joy to children in refugee camps, conflict zones, and areas of natural disaster. She shares the inspiring origins of Clowns Without Borders, which started with a simple request from children in a Croatian refugee camp for more laughter in their lives.

Naomi eloquently describes how laughter and play can be powerful tools for healing trauma and cultivating resilience, especially for vulnerable young people. She also shares a heartwarming story about bonding with her stepdaughter over the children's book "Baby Clown," underscoring the importance of representation and shared experiences in literature.

This episode is a powerful exploration of the ways in which storytelling, in all its forms, can uplift, inspire, and transform lives. Whether through the written word or the art of clowning, these guests are using their talents to make the world a little bit brighter.

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