Coloring Outside Of The Lines

Coloring Outside Of The Lines

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc November 4, 2025 Duration: 57:56

Get ready for a double dose of middle-grade magic! In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, Jed Doherty takes listeners on two incredible literary adventures.

First up, Rachel Renee Russell and her daughter Nikki dive into the colorful world of Dork Diaries. What started as a black and white series in 2009 has transformed into a vibrant, eye-catching experience. Nikki shared the mind-blowing coloring process, which involves up to 300 layers per image, creating a Pixar-style visual feast that took three years to complete.

Then, Jed switches gears to chat with Max Braillier about The Last Kids on Earth and the Destructors' Lair. The 10th book in this monster-packed series continues to captivate young readers with its unique blend of humor and apocalyptic adventure. Braillier reveals the series was born from his childhood daydreams of escaping adult rules and diving into epic adventures.

Both authors share fascinating insights into their creative processes. Rachel and Nikki discuss transforming their artwork with color, while Max explains how he keeps the Last Kids on Earth series fresh by exploring different genres and storytelling styles. They both highlight the importance of creating worlds that allow kids to escape, laugh, and imagine.

A delightful moment comes when Max shares his own reading adventures with his daughter, reading Harry Potter together and creating lasting memories. Similarly, Rachel and Nikki's collaborative approach to creating Dork Diaries showcases the beautiful connection between creativity and family.

Whether you're a fan of zombie-fighting adventures or colorful diary doodles, this episode offers something for every young reader. 
It's a celebration of imagination, creativity, and the magic of storytelling!

Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/

X - https://x.com/jedliemagic

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/

Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!


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
How One Woman Turned Little Women Into A Murder Mystery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:22
Join us for a vibrant episode packed with creativity, inspiration, and innovation! First, we welcome YA author Katie Bernet as she shares the behind-the-scenes story of her debut novel, "Beth is Dead." Katie's book deliv…
The Magic Of Diwali [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:34
Join host Jed Doherty on this special episode as he welcomes acclaimed author Annie Agarwal to discuss her celebrated picture book, "The Magic of Diwali with Sarah." Annie shares the inspiration behind her book and expla…
Creativity & Pancakes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:42
On this special episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring guests—Cheri Sterman, Senior Director of Education for Crayola, and celebrated children's author Carrie Finison. Together, they s…
Faith, Fantasy & Fierce Heroes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:21
Join us on this inspiring episode as host Jed Doherty sits down with YA author Makena Song to dive into her captivating new fantasy series, "Among the Fallen." Speaking to us from Central Florida, Makena shares how her l…
Would You Read A Graphic Novel That Could Change Your Child's Life? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:49
Discover the inspiring story behind "Abilities," a debut graphic novel by special educator, author, and illustrator Michelle Maclean, as featured in this episode of Reading With Your Kids. Michelle joins host Jed Doherty…
Deadly Ever After [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:26
Dive into this inspiring episode as Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed authors Brittany Johnson and Leslie Vedder to discuss their latest books, "Deadly Ever After" (YA fantasy) and "The Nowhere Beast" (middle grade mystery)…
Let It Shine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:06
Get ready for an inspiring episode of "Reading with Your Kids" featuring award-winning creators Carole Boston Weatherford and Tequitia Andrews, plus debut YA author Lori Miller Kase! In this lively author interview, we d…
What Happens When Kids with Differences Take Center Stage? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:26
Dive into this heartwarming episode of "Reading with Your Kids" as host Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed children's authors Lisa Jacovski and Deborah Marcero for inspiring conversations about inclusion, advocacy, and the c…
From Laos to the U.S.: Telling the Hmong Refugee Story in Verse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:13
Join host Jed Doherty for an inspiring episode of "Reading With Your Kids," featuring celebrated author VT Bidania. In this heartfelt conversation, VT Bidania shares the story behind her impactful middle grade novel in v…
Belle's RV Adventures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:31
Join host Jed Doherty for an inspiring episode that brings together the best of family adventure and uplifting children's literature! This week, discover "Belle's RV Adventures" with author Kenny Phillips, whose real-lif…