The Reading To Connect Show

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I sit down with Cheryl Willis Hudson, author of When I Hear Spirituals and co-founder of Just Us Books, to explore how music, storytelling, and Black history come together in children’s books.

We dive into the rich legacy of spirituals, how they carry the voices of our ancestors, and why these songs continue to resonate across generations. Cheryl shares her journey in children's publi...

Can Stories Build a More Just World for Our Children?

In this heartfelt episode, I share a powerful conversation with my 10-year-old son, Aidyn, sparked during our morning drive to school. His reflection on Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education stopped me in my tracks:

“What does he think America is? His playbox? All he’s doing is building up sandcastles.”

To Aidyn, sandcastles are fleeting—ego-driven creati...

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I sit down with Rio Cortez, author of The ABCs of Black History and The ABCs of Women’s History, to explore how children’s books can resist erasure and bring diverse voices to the forefront of history.

We dive into the power of representation in children’s literature, the thought process behind selecting historical figures, and the ways parents can use books to spark meaningful conver...

Join Our 28-Day Read Black Voices for BHM Reading Challenge! 📚✨

It’s here! Our 28-Day Read Black Voices for BHM Reading Challenge invites you to read books featuring Black main characters or written by Black authors—one intentional moment of reading at a time.

But don’t worry—it’s not about finishing the book. The goal is simple: start reading, connect with your child, and spark meaningful conversations.

Here’s what to expect:

- Daily...

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I chat with Deepa Iyer, author of We Are The Builders!, about introducing kids to social change in a way they can understand and act on. Deepa’s book inspires children to see themselves as active change makers in their communities, whether through roles like "experimenter" or "caregiver."

We dive into how parents can use the book to reflect on their own roles in the community and star...

In this episode, Quinn Cummings dives into the heart of family reading. If you’ve ever felt guilty about not reading enough with your kids, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Quinn challenges the idea that literacy alone is enough to motivate busy parents, especially when kids are surrounded by books and reading in school. Instead, she shares how books are powerful tools for creating connection, fostering meaningful conv...

In this heartfelt episode, host Quinn shares a touching story about a quiet Saturday spent with her son, Aidyn. While engrossed in Ta-Nehisi Coates' "A Beautiful Struggle," Quinn is drawn into an unexpected and profound conversation initiated by Aidyn's curiosity about the Bible and the wildfires in LA. This moment of connection reveals the incredible insights children can offer when we take the time to listen.

Quinn reflects on the...

Welcome to 2025! In this episode, I’m reflecting on the journey of rebuilding Reading to Connect, sharing exciting updates, and revealing what’s next for the mission.

Learn how The ENGAGE Method™ transforms books into tools for deeper family connections and why we’ve shifted focus to prioritize impact. Whether you’re here to listen, learn, or take the next step in your family’s reading journey, this episode is for you.

Want to connec...

In this short and lively episode, we’re joined by bestselling author Aaron Blabey, the creator of The Bad Guys series. Aidyn and I dive into the inspiring story of how Aaron’s desire to help his son fall in love with reading sparked a global phenomenon.

Aaron shares insights on the persistence it took to bring The Bad Guys to life, the deeper themes of empathy and redemption woven into the series, and how his stories connect with ki...

In this week’s episode of Reading to Connect, we’re joined by Christy Mandin, the creative mind behind Millie Fleur's Poison Garden. Christy shares how her picture books inspire children to embrace their unique selves, helping parents foster resilience and self-acceptance in their kids. We discuss how simple affirmations and gentle encouragement can empower children to stand strong in a world that often pushes for conformity.

Curiou...

In this week’s episode of Reading to Connect, we’re joined by Christy Mandin, the creative mind behind Millie Fleur's Poison Garden. Christy shares how her picture books inspire children to embrace their unique selves, helping parents foster resilience and self-acceptance in their kids. We discuss how simple affirmations and gentle encouragement can empower children to stand strong in a world that often pushes for conformity.

Curiou...

In this episode of the Reading To Connect Show, host Quinn Cummings sits down with Dork Diaries creator Rachel Renee Russell and her daughter, Nikki Russell, to discuss the 16th book in the beloved series. Together, they explore the magic of chapter books, the transition from picture books to longer stories, and how parents can bond with their children through shared reading experiences. The conversation touches on personal family ...

This episode is our favorite annual Thanksgiving special and we are excited to dive into it with our special guest, Winsome Bingham. A US Army veteran and educator, Winsome is the author of the delightful children's book "Soul Food Sunday".

In the first segment of the episode, Winsome shares about her creative process, passion for cooking, and love for capturing the beauty of submarines in photographs. She a...

Have you ever been captivated by a child's expansive imagination? Have you wondered at the transformative power of books in a child's life? We've been exploring these themes with Courtney B Dunlap, author of The Rumble Hunters and a dedicated home educator. Courtney, a former mental health professional and now a mother of four, took us on an inspiring journey from her initial hesitation about homeschooling to her eve...

Welcome to a journey of independence, resilience, and family bonding in this episode of Parenting & Bonding w/ children's Books, as we sit down with author Steph Katzovi. Discover her inspiring chapter book, 'Hurricamp,' where childhood memories of summer camp blend into a tale of growth and self-discovery. Steph's story dives into the heart of a young girl's quest for autonomy, spiced with humor and th...

Have you ever sung your child to sleep and felt that incredible bond, that unique connection that only a lullaby can create? That's precisely the magic we explore with Amanda Seibert, founder of Mama Sing My Song. Amanda shares her wonderful journey of turning her child's name into a lullaby that eventually inspired her to establish her unique venture. This episode offers a deep dive into the powerful role music can play ...

 Prepare for an enlightening conversation with the mother-daughter powerhouse behind the beloved children's book series, "Dork Diaries." Rachel and Nikki, take us on a captivating journey behind the pages, revealing the magic and messages that have resonated with millions of young readers worldwide.

Ever wondered how humor can be a gentle bridge to address serious topics in children's books? Dive into the vibrant...

Get set for a heartwarming discussion with New York Times bestselling author Peter H Reynolds and his budding storyteller son, Henry Rocket Reynolds.  Can you remember the bedtime stories that sparked your imagination and filled your dreams with magic? Remember that feeling? We rekindle that love for stories as they weave enchanting tales about their creative process, their mission of healing through storytelling, and their latest ...

Can a book transform your home and foster deeper connections within your family? Tune in as we unpack this intriguing concept with the talented author-illustrator Violet LeMay. Violet, who has illustrated 44 books, six of which she has authored, takes us on a journey behind the scenes of her award-winning book, Let's Be Friends. A beautiful exploration of friendship and diversity, this title embodies Violet's belief that ...