Big Feelings, Pets, and Puerto Rican Flavor

Big Feelings, Pets, and Puerto Rican Flavor

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc September 13, 2026 Duration: 55:16

In this warm and wide–ranging episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes back two guest authors whose books celebrate culture, compassion, and kids with big feelings.

First, Jy de la Vega returns to share her new early reader graphic novel, "Annalise: The Special Dish." Inspired by her own daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, J's story follows Annalise as she tries to create a "special" recipe for a school party. Along the way—through tostones, mofongo, and finally pasteles—Annalise discovers that what truly makes something special isn't how fancy it is or how different it looks, but the people you make it with. J talks about the power of Puerto Rican food, family, and community, and why it's critical for children of color, especially Hispanic kids, to see themselves reflected positively in books. She also shares how her work has evolved from simply giving her kids mirrors to speaking honestly, gently, and hopefully to her whole community.

Then, Jed is joined by Victoria Smith, author of "Liliana's Match: Finding Bella – How Animals Help with ADHD and Anxiety in Kids." Inspired by her daughter's beloved beagle, Bella, and grounded in research on animals and mental health, Victoria's picture book shows how a shelter dog helps a child with ADHD feel calmer, more understood, and more connected. Victoria, a longtime educator, explains how pets can bring structure, responsibility, and emotional regulation into kids' lives, and why empathy, adoption, and giving back to others lie at the heart of her stories.


There’s a special kind of magic that happens when families share stories, try a new recipe, or simply talk about a movie they just watched together. The Reading With Your Kids Podcast, from Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc, explores that magic in every episode. While the title highlights reading, the conversations here go far beyond the pages of a book. This podcast is really about connection-the kind built through everyday moments, whether you’re cooking, creating, or discovering a new song together. Each episode brings you authentic conversations with authors, educators, and families who share practical ideas and personal stories. You’ll hear about great children’s books, sure, but also about how shared experiences with TV, movies, and music can spark meaningful family discussions. The underlying goal is always to strengthen those essential bonds. Tuning in feels like getting thoughtful, friendly advice on turning daily routines into opportunities for laughter and learning. It’s a supportive space for any parent or caregiver looking to enrich their family life, one shared story or silly kitchen experiment at a time. The tone is warm, inclusive, and focused on the simple, powerful truth that time spent together is the foundation of a strong relationship.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Reading With Your Kids Podcast
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