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Reading With Your Kids is all about encouraging parents to read with their kids, and cook with their kids, and do activities with their kids, and experience tv, movies and music together. In other words, our podcast is all about helping parents build stronger relationships with their kids.

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Winged Witches & Hungry Trees

Sep 30, 2025

In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two remarkable children's authors who prove that storytelling is an art form rooted in family, imagination, and personal experience.
Diana Lopez takes listeners into the magical world of her Los Monsteros series, specifically her latest book, "Ava and the Owl Witch." Set in the fictional town of Tres Leches, Texas, the story explores South Texas legends through the eyes of Ava, whose mother is a unique owl witch. Lopez shares her journey from writing realistic fiction to embracing fantasy, inspired by her work on the Disney film "Coco" novelization.
Kathleen MacInnis Kichline brings her own enchanting tale, "Terrence McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree," to life. Inspired by a real childhood moment with her grandson, the book captures the universal childhood experience of losing a toy to a tree's mysterious grasp. MacInnis emphasizes the importance of shared storytelling and how books can create lasting bonds between generations.
Both authors highlight the magic of children's literature - it's not just about entertainment, but about creating meaningful connections. They discuss their writing processes, from hand-written notebooks to navigating the challenges of series writing and illustration collaboration.
The episode is a treasure trove of insights for parents, educators, and aspiring writers. Diana and Kathleen demonstrate how personal experiences can transform into captivating stories that resonate with children and adults alike. Their passion for storytelling shines through, reminding listeners that every lost toy, family legend, and childhood memory has the potential to become a beautiful narrative.
Whether you're a parent looking to inspire a love of reading or a storyteller seeking inspiration, this episode offers a delightful journey into the world of children's literature.

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