Building Towers of Trust and Love of Science Through Story

Building Towers of Trust and Love of Science Through Story

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc June 7, 2026 Duration: 55:29

In this inspiring episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two wonderful guests who are using stories and technology to help kids thrive: Carrol Titus and Inbal Alon.

First, Jed chats with Carrol Titus, president of Golden Poppy and creator of the illustrated chapter book Unicorn Blue and the Kara Doodle Quest. Carrol explains how Golden Poppy was founded to nurture a love of STEM in young children, especially at a time when national science scores are declining. She shares how their interactive learning system blends brain science, play, and storytelling to create "triple sigma" gains for students, including those in disadvantaged schools. Kids step into playful roles—scientists, word warriors, unicorn tamers—while secretly diving deep into applied physics, chemistry, genetics, and critical thinking. Carrol also addresses parents' concerns about technology in the classroom, explaining how Golden Poppy uses secure, carefully curated data and personalized assessments to support both students and time-strapped teachers.

Then Jed is joined by Inbal Alon, a first-grade teacher and debut picture book author of Maddie's Towers, written while on sabbatical in Paris. Inbal describes Maddie's story of feeling betrayed by a friend and learning that trust is like a tower—built one block at a time, and rebuildable after it falls. She and Jed talk about helping kids navigate friendship drama, using picture books proactively (not just in a crisis), and supporting reluctant readers by finding books they genuinely love. Inbal also teases her upcoming titles, including The Wise Get in Trouble and My Aunt Swing, and celebrates the warm, generous kid-lit community.


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: 100

Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Podcast Episodes
From Montana Ranches to Hawaiian Seas: Honoring Family Through Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:22
In this heartfelt episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two very special guests whose books invite families into powerful conversations about love, loss, culture, and courage. First, Jed chats with Bianca Pierc…
Hope in an Angry World: Tim Wright and The Adventures of Toby Baxter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:46
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes back Tim Wright from Arizona to celebrate book five in The Adventures of Toby Baxter series, Revenge of the River Home, Rutabagas. Jed shares the exciting news that…
Why Nothing Collapses and Everything Glows: Quantum Physics for Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:58
In this inspiring episode of Reading with Your Kids, Jed welcomes Michael J. Wish, author of the middle-grade nonfiction book "Quantum Physics for Kids." Mike shares how a challenge from a fellow teacher—and a disappoint…
Summer Camp, New Friends, Big Feelings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:41
In this lively episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes author-illustrator Maddie Frost to celebrate her new illustrated middle grade novel, Really Rubie, along with her other upcoming releases. Maddie introduces…
There Are  No Dinos In This Book...Or Are There? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:28
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes Jimmy Vee, author, magician, ventriloquist, marketer, and proud "weirdo," to celebrate his new series beginning with There Are No Dinos In This Book. Jimmy shares h…
Gifted, Overwhelmed and Deeply Loved [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:37
In this episode, Jed welcomes two wonderful guests who are using story to build kids' hearts and minds. First, Allie Slocom joins us from Colorado to celebrate her middle grade novel Is There Hope for Theodore Cope. Theo…