The Shocking Truth About Playtime and Read‑Alouds in Today's Classrooms

The Shocking Truth About Playtime and Read‑Alouds in Today's Classrooms

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc March 12, 2026 Duration: 58:20

Join Jedlie for a heartfelt, high‑energy double feature celebrating the power of stories, family, and big feelings.

First up, speech therapist and children's author Kimberly Delude chats about her picture book series "Freddie the Fly." Freddie is a lovable little fly who struggles with listening, reading nonverbal cues, and social skills. Kimberly shares how a single bored student in grad school inspired her to create fun, kid‑friendly stories instead of dry, adult‑focused "do this, don't do that" materials. She and Jed dive into why reading with kids builds vocabulary, confidence, and connection, why we shouldn't "dumb down" words in children's books, and how parents being honest about their own struggles can make kids feel less alone. They also touch on selective mutism, the magic of a child finally speaking, and Kimberly's tech‑savvy modern fairy tale "Digital Red."

Then we head to Southern California with Wanda Arlene Barajas, author of "Benny the Brave: A Story of Love, Loss and Learning." Inspired by her real rescue dog who loses a front leg, Wanda's book gently helps kids explore fear, sadness, frustration, and hope. She and Jed talk about preparing kids for life's hard changes before they happen, coping in healthy ways, and how one accident pushed her to finally pursue her dream of writing. Wanda also celebrates the rich, family‑centered culture of Puerto Rico and teases her upcoming book "Karina and Sabi: A Journey to the Heart of Cidra," which spotlights an endangered local dove and the importance of caring for our world.

A warm, inspiring episode for anyone who loves kids, books, dogs, or Puerto Rico.


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
Seeking The Light In A Dark World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:48
On this episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes two amazing middle grade authors who explore how stories can help kids find light, courage, and connection in a complicated world. First, J…
The Cost of Sacrifice: Parenting, Trauma, and YA Fantasy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:19
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes Cliodhna O'Sullivan, author of the YA romantasy Her Hidden Fire, and Steph Carse, creator of the picture book I Am Awesomely Made. First, Jed chats wit…
What Happens When A Wish Breaks Your Family? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:17
In this inspiring episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes author Celesta Rimington to talk about her powerful new middle grade novel "Reach." Centered on a boy named Denver, Reach explores the compli…
Can Astronauts Be Black? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:41
In this inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with former Major League Baseball player turned artist and author Micah Johnson to talk about his powerful new middle grade nove…
Love Over Blood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:43
In this heartwarming episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed Doherty welcomes Brooklyn teacher and award-winning author Torrey Maldonado to celebrate his debut picture book "Just Right." Torrey shares the deeply personal…
Chained, Bruised, and Reading:  The Real Magic Behind Houdini [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:12
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes picture book author Barb Rosenstock to talk about her captivating new title, Houdini's Library. Drawing on her deep love of history and storytelling, Barb shares ho…
Coming Of Age In The Limelight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:27
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, we first head to 1990s New York City with Broadway actor and author Andrew Keenan-Bolger, here to celebrate his YA novel Limelight. Set in 1996, the story follows Danny, a shy S…
Alligators, Excavators & Judy the Great [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
In this lively episode of Reading With Your Kids, we're celebrating the power of picture books and biographies to turn kids into lifelong readers. First, Jed welcomes author Brooke Hartman and illustrator Michael Slack t…
What If You're The Only Muslim Kid At A Catholic School? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:31
On this episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes two creators whose books spark big, meaningful conversations for families. First, Jed chats with Huda Al Marashi, author of the middle grad…
Can AI Replace Our Memories? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:23
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, we welcome author-illustrator Claire Keane to talk about her deeply personal new picture book, "Who Are You?" Claire shares how the idea began not with a character, but with a q…