Join The Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the 2024 Chicago Toy & Game Fair, November 9 & 10. Use the promo code READ at checkout to save on tickets! Hey there, fellow book lovers! If you're looking for some heartwarming and inspiring stories from the world of children's books, you've come to the right place. On this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with three amazing authors who are making waves in the industry. First up, we met Rachel Loftspring, the author of "Mila the Maker and the 200 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle." Rachel shared how this delightful picture book was inspired by her own family's experiences with managing big emotions. We learned how Mila, the young protagonist, navigates the ups and downs of puzzle-making and ultimately discovers a powerful strategy for dealing with frustration. Rachel's passion for helping families grow closer through reading really shone through, and we were inspired by her work as a fertility law attorney, assisting families in building their dreams. Next, Jed welcomed back Mark David Pullen, author of the middle-grade novel "Freedom Through the Narrow Gate." Mark took us on a wild ride, introducing us to a cast of mice and rats in a parallel timeline to his Oasis Chronicles series. We were fascinated to hear how Mark's time working at a lab animal breeding facility sparked the initial idea for this story. Mark also shared valuable insights on the challenges and joys of writing for the middle-grade audience. Finally, we met the talented Mike Crowder, author and illustrator of "Wild About the Alphabet." Mike's journey was particularly inspiring, as he rediscovered his love for drawing after a life-changing event. We were captivated by his stories of creating courtroom illustrations and how that experience ultimately led him to the world of children's books. Mike's infectious enthusiasm for his work was truly contagious. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a lover of great stories, this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast is sure to leave you feeling inspired and eager to dive into these wonderful books. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the worlds created by Rachel, Mark, and Mike today! Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!