Teaching Empathy Through Birds & Books

Teaching Empathy Through Birds & Books

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc March 13, 2026 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 Golondrina, based on her song of the same name. The story follows a young girl who becomes fascinated with swallow birds while visiting her grandmother, and slowly begins to see her own migration story reflected in their long journeys. Sonia connects this to her real life, growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, then moving to the New York City area to pursue musical theater, eventually finding her calling making music for children and families.

She and Jed swap bird stories (including a backyard turkey named Stella), talk about performing in less‑than‑glamorous multipurpose rooms, and celebrate the joy of seeing every child's face during school concerts. Sonia explains how her music evolved into books, how it feels to let an illustrator "finish" her story visually, and why she's committed to creating bilingual, welcoming spaces where all kids and families feel seen.

They dive into big themes—migration, identity, empathy, and the courage to speak a second language (and make mistakes out loud!). Sonia also teases that La Golondrina is the first in a three‑book series, "Books That Sing / Libros que cantan", complete with lyrics, chords, and a QR code so families can read and sing together.

Plus, we take a listen back to a conversation we had with children's music legend Raffi during his tour to promote his Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times project and his lifelong commitment to honoring and respecting children.


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
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