Deadly Ever After

Deadly Ever After

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc January 18, 2026 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). Discover how reading with your kids—even as they grow into teens—can build lasting bonds, foster deep family conversations, and help young readers navigate life's challenges.

Brittany Johnson shares insights into the power of co-reading with parents, grandparents, and even aunts, while revealing the touching inspiration and rich world-building behind "Deadly Ever After." She explores themes of love, loss, healing, intergenerational connections, and how YA fantasy can spark meaningful conversations about mental health and relationships.

Leslie Vedder, author of the fantasy-filled "The Nowhere Beast," reveals how middle grade readers love scary stories in safe spaces. She explains how her books use fantastical creatures as metaphors for anxiety, acceptance, and bravery, encouraging families to tackle complex emotions together and strengthening parent-child conversations through shared reading experiences.

Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at both authors' creative writing processes, including tips for aspiring writers on crafting immersive worlds and engaging stories. The episode highlights the importance of world-building, branding, and balancing heart with market savvy.

Perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone passionate about children's and YA literature, this episode will leave you inspired to read, connect, and create together.


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
Seasons By The Lake - Adventures In Greenland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:12
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes Naja Lund Aparicio, author of the picture book Seasons by the Lake: Adventures in Greenland, for a rich conversation about childhood, culture, and the…
A Black Girl And Her Braids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:22
In this uplifting episode, Jed welcomes Jaylene Clark Owens, author of the new picture book A Black Girl and Her Braids, inspired by her viral 2021 poem of the same name. Jaylene shares how the poem—born while she was jo…
Reading, Rhythm, and Resilience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:34
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two wonderful guests who are using story to help kids feel seen, curious, and joyful—author Jamie Sumner and dance educator/author Teacher Terrel. First, Jed chats…
Live In Louisville! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:37
Recorded live at the COSSBA National Education Conference in Louisville, this special episode of Reading With Your Kids is a joyful tour through the people and ideas shaping public education today. Host Jed Doherty kicks…
A Haunted-Looking Castle, A Broken Heart, and One Magical Summer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:33
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed sits down with middle grade author Kimberly Behre Kenna to talk about her powerful new novel, Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances. Kimberly introduces us to Lola,…
Why Kids Need Picture Books, Graphic Novels, and Tough Conversations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:24
In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, Jed welcomes two guests who celebrate the power of stories in very different – but equally inspiring – ways. First, picture book author Linda Ravin Lodding joins from Stockholm…
Art, Ancestors, and the Stories We Share With Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:14
In this warm and thoughtful episode of Reading With Your Kids, we're treated to two beautiful celebrations of art, family, and our relationship with the world around us. First, Jed talks with Steph Littlebird, author-ill…
What If Your Best Friend Moved Away… and Goldilocks Sued the Bears? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:16
On this lively episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes two fantastic guests who are using story to spark big conversations with kids and families. First up is Shana Tartogsz, author of the middle gra…
Teaching Empathy Through Birds & Books [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:31
Latin Grammy–nominated musician and debut picture book author Sonia de los Santos joins Jed to talk about birds, borders, and the magic of bilingual stories. Sonia shares the inspiration behind her new picture book La Go…