Wrapped With Love: Ashley Lam on Grandma, Wontons, and AAPI Heritage

Wrapped With Love: Ashley Lam on Grandma, Wontons, and AAPI Heritage

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc May 8, 2026 Duration: 56:02

In this inspiring episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes debut picture book author and Wall Street executive Ashley Lam, here to celebrate her new children's book "Wrapped With Love: Wonton Noodle Day With Grandma."

Ashley shares how the story was inspired by watching her young daughter cook wontons with her grandmother during COVID. Those long days in the kitchen became a powerful reminder of intergenerational love, AAPI family traditions, and the importance of slowing down in a "go, go, go" world. She talks about how food is her mother's love language, and how this book is a tribute to the special bond between her mom and her daughter—something Ashley herself didn't experience growing up with busy, hard‑working immigrant parents.

A key theme of the book is embracing imperfection. Ashley opens up about being an eldest daughter and immigrant child who always chased perfection, and how meaningful it is to see her mother now telling her granddaughter that every wonton can be unique—and still perfect in its own way. Jed and Ashley also discuss forgiveness, letting go of resentment, and how strong extended family support allows her to balance motherhood, finance, and creativity, especially during AAPI Heritage Month.

In the final segment, Jed chats with graphic novelist Rosena Fung, creator of "Living With Viola," a moving graphic novel about anxiety and identity that helps kids and families talk openly about mental health.

This episode is perfect for viewers searching for AAPI children's books, family read-alouds, and stories about grandparents, culture, and emotional wellness.


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
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…
This Ten Year Old Invented An App That Makes Screen Time Smarter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:51
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes three very different—but equally exciting—guests who are passionate about helping kids grow smarter and braver. First, Jed chats with Adam Adler and hi…
A Nightingale, A Cello & A Risky Radio Stunt That Changed Evverything [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:16
Join host Jed Doherty on the Reading With Your Kids podcast for a heartwarming, history‑meets‑home episode featuring two wonderful picture book creators: Patricia Newman and Pooja Makhijani. First, Patricia introduces Be…
The Healing Garden, Helping Kids Face Cancer With Courage And Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:43
It's been said that you spend the first forty years of your life looking forward, and the last forty looking back—from death toward your life. But what if you never get the chance to look forward? Imagine being young and…
Writing From The Parts That Hurt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:00
In this episode, Jed welcomes author James Ponti to talk about Europa, book seven in his bestselling City Spies series. James shares the irresistible premise: a British secret agent known as Mother adopts kids from aroun…
Years of Frustration, One Daily Challenge Changed Everything [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:09
Join us for a delightful episode featuring acclaimed picture book creators Marla Frazee and Julie Fogliano as they take us behind the scenes of their newest collaboration, "Because of a Shoe." Host Jed Doherty leads a wa…
Tina Turner's Story Reimagined for Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:39
Dive into an inspiring episode celebrating the legacy of Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock & Roll, through the eyes of debut author Ebony Lynn Mudd. In this lively conversation, host Jed Doherty welcomes Ebony as she shares…