Episode Details

If you're a parent, grandparent, or anyone who loves sharing stories with the little ones in your life, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen! Host Jed Doherty sits down with two talented authors - Shaun David Hutchinson and Marie Nichols - to dive into the power of imagination, identity, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. First up, we chat with Shaun David Hutchinson about his new middle-grade novel, "A Home for Unusual Monsters." Shaun shares his passion for writing stories that merge the absurd and the weird with real life, creating characters that readers can truly connect with. He talks about the inspiration behind his strong-willed protagonist, Sam, and how his own upbringing shaped her dynamic personality. But the real magic happens when Shaun opens up about the importance of seeing beyond surface-level assumptions and embracing different perspectives. He reminds us that hurt people often hurt people, and that understanding where someone is coming from can be the key to fostering empathy and connection. Next, we welcome Marie Nichols, the author of "We're Going to the Dinosaur Forest." Marie's heartwarming picture book celebrates the special relationship between a grandson and his beloved grandmother. As Marie explains, her own experiences with her grandchildren were the driving force behind this delightful story. She beautifully captures the unique bond that can form when grandparents embrace the "dares" of a child's imagination. Throughout the conversation, Jed and his guests explore the power of intergenerational storytelling, and how sharing memories and adventures can create lasting connections. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode is sure to inspire you to pick up a book and start reading with the kids in your life.