The Reading To Connect Show

What My Son—and One Surprising Conversation—Reminded Me About This Movement

When my 11-year-old said "I love it because it just feels good...brings us closer" about our reading time, it reminded me why I started all of this. Then a friend shared how my private podcast shifted her from rushed, tense reading to creating intentional moments with her kids.

That's when I realized: Most families read together, but they're using the wrong map.

In this episode, I'm naming what we've been building all along—Engaged Shared Reading—and why it's not about re...

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I sit down with Hope Larson, New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner award-winning cartoonist, to talk about her new middle-grade graphic novel, Very Bad at Math.

We dive into the power of shared reading experiences, the impact of learning differences like dyscalculia, and how books can help kids feel seen. Hope opens up about her personal struggles with math, the pressure of perfectionism, and how her own experiences shaped Verity, the book’s protagonist. We also explore friendship dynamics in middle school, the challenges of asking for he...

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 publishing, the origins of Just Us Books, and the ongoing fight for Black representation in literature. We also discuss how parents can use bo...

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 creations that crumble with the tide. And in that moment, I realized: His ability to see power so clearly didn’t come from nowhere...

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 conversations about history, justice, and identity. Rio shares her journey as a poet and author, the impact of her work in classr...

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 prompts to guide your reading time.

- A supportive community on Substack or in our Facebook g...

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 start meaningful conversations about justice, empathy, and action at home.

What You’ll Learn:

How Deepa’s book...

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 conversations, and building a legacy of shared values.

Through a relatable analogy about the benefits of water, Quinn reveals why the magic of reading goes far be...

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 power of embracing these interruptions as opportunities for empathy and understanding, rather than viewing them as distractions. By staying open to Aidyn's questions, Quinn discovers the profound...

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 connect?👉🏾 Download the 5 Simple Shifts to Reimagine Reading guide: ReadingToConnect.com/TransformReading.

👉🏾 Learn more about The ENGAGE Method™ course: ReadingToConnect.com/ENGAG...

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 kids and families worldwide. Plus, we get a sneak peek at what’s next for The Bad Guys, includ...

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.

Curious about the full story behind Christy's journey and her inspiration for Millie Fleur? Join us next week for in-depth reflections and an exclusive behind-the-scenes video, where Christy shares more abou...

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.

Curious about the full story behind Christy's journey and her inspiration for Millie Fleur? Join us next week for in-depth reflections and an exclusive behind-the-scenes video, where Christy shares more abou...

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 stories that inspired the series, the emotional depth of Dork Diaries, and the lessons in friendship, self-esteem, and kindness that transcend generations.

Subscribe here for updates & new releases!<...

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 also explains why she believes recipes should never be a secret and encourages us to experiment in the kitchen.

Next, we explore the importance of teaching children to...

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 eventual embrace of it as a pivotal part of her family's life.

Courtney opened our eyes to the enchanting world of her book, The Rumble Hunters, where the main...

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 the wild winds of a hurricane, offering a perfect metaphor for the tumultuous path of growing up.

Through engaging anecdotes and laughter, Steph shares her wisdom on how to make reading a...

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 in enhancing parent-child bonding and a child's overall development.

Our conversation with Amanda leads us to understand the uniqueness of Mama Sing My Song...

 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 world of Nikki Maxwell, and see how laughter serves as a backdrop to teach empowerment, courage, and self-worth. We explore the meticulous craft of creating relatable characters from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that every reader s...

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 creation "All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow!".

What if a simple dot could inspire millions across the globe to start their creative journey? We journey into the w...

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 we can all be friends, even when there are differences between us. We delve into the creative process behind this charming book, examining everything from the cover art to the delightful illustrations within...

Join us as we engage in a heartwarming conversation with author Sandi Schwartz, who shares about her book Sky's Search for Eco Happiness. Sandi, the founder and director of the Eco Happiness Project, takes us on a journey through her background, experiences of parenting two school-aged children, and her interesting take on the varying humidity levels in Florida and Dallas. With Sandi, we reminisce about growing up in New Jersey and even unearth a surprising connection to her book. She unveils the book's premise - a fun and innovative approach to discussing emotional well-being. Our anticipation is building as...

What if a single children's book could bridge the gap between parents and their young ones, fostering empathy, understanding, and a love for reading? This episode promises to deliver on that thought, as we welcome Eleni Fuiaxis to our show. Eleni is a mother,  teacher, and published author, whose children's book "Picky Patrick" is making waves in the world of parenting and education. During a candid conversation, she unfolds her incredible journey of self-discovery that led her to create this gem, inspired by her two young sons.

As a seasoned substitute teacher, Eleni discovered a startling reality...

What if there existed a magical world where little eggs journeyed across the globe, learned various cultures, and served their communities? Welcome to the wonderous world of 'Good Eggs', crafted by the charismatic author and teacher, Sandy Ciaramitaro. Her love for storytelling ignited during her childhood and has evolved into a series of children's books that instill virtues, celebrate diversity, and emphasize on community service. These books don't just narrate stories, they create an enriching experience fostering parent-child bonding while exploring global cultures, languages, and customs. 

Sandy's vision for these books extends beyond mere reading - she a...

Every story has a beginning, and for our guest, Timothy Stuetz, it started with a box of bears mysteriously delivered to his doorstep and an offhand remark from his mother. The result? A thrilling journey into the world of children's books and the creation of 86 whimsical tales (at the time of the recording), each filled with lessons on reaching one's potential. In our chat, Timothy unravels his unique writing process and how he often weaves unexpected elements, like nonviolent communication and parenting tips, into his narrative threads. Listen in for a taste of his most recent story - a...

Get ready for an incredible episode that's all about helping your child grow and thrive through the magic of reading! Our special guest, Dave Cole, has a passion for both math and storytelling, and he's here to share his fantastic book series, 'The Math Kids,' which is all about learning and adventure.

In this heartwarming conversation, Dave tells us how reading with your child can be a wonderful way to nurture their development. He explains how he came up with the idea for his exciting math-themed books that combine storytelling and learning. Each book is filled...

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Children's book author, Winsome Bingham, joins us for a discussion around Black family tradition, diversity in books, and her Coretta Scott King Award Winning Book, 'Soul Food Sunday'.

Learn more about Winsome Bingham

>> https://binghamwrites.com/

Grab the book Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham, illustrated by C. G. Esperanza

>> https://amzn.to/3d4sE2h

Connect with Winsome Bingham on:

>> Instagram: ...