Listen in to read and learn about Tyler Feder and Cody Feder's perfect picture book, Are You Mad at Me?

Meet Opal the anxious ostrich and hear simple ways to name big feelings, lean on siblings and family, and use pictures to say what words can’t—with gentle tips for grown‑ups, too.

Erin and the authors share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate childhood emotions, emphasizing the importance of expressing feelings and the role of illustrations in storytelling.

Check out the links below to learn more about the authors and support their incredible work! 

https://ko-fi.com/tylerfeder

https://www.tylerfeder.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tylerfeder

https://www.instagram.com/codyfeder/

In this episode, dedicated to The Annunciation School in Minneapolis, Erin introduces the book The Ant Hill Disaster by Julia Cook, which addresses the impact of disasters on children and communities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of coping strategies, community support, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Julia Cook joins to read and share insights on how to navigate feelings of fear and anxiety, and the conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of communication and hope in rebuilding after a disaster.

https://www.juliacookonline.com/

https://www.juliacookonline.com/cookie-bytes/

https://www.juliacookonline.com/buy-books-2019/

https://a.co/d/a0ezchF

https://www.instagram.com/juliacookonline

We have the immense privilege of reading Abdul's Story, written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Tiffany Rose. 

Writing can be hard! Read with us as we meet Abdul and follow him on his journey to realizing that he is, in fact, a writer after all. 

Read with permission from the author.

https://jamilahthewriter.com/

http://www.asouthpawdraws.com/

https://www.ritlearns.com/grritykids

Local Minneapolis author, Jackie Brown, joins us as we read and talk about her new book, Dahlia's Make a Difference Day. This thoughtful and intentional book, illustrated by Payton Stark, local artist and illustrator, takes its readers through growth, hope and gratitude at its sweetest.

Jackie and her book inspire us to think and talk about the importance of reading and writing books about kids of color, supporting local bookstores, building community, and giving kids opportunities to make a difference.

To learn more about Jackie, Payton, and Dahlia's Make a Difference Day, check out the links below.

@itsjackiebrown

Gilded Gato Publishing

MPR News

@payton.stark.7

https://www.peytonstarkstudio.com/

Linnea is the coolest fourth-grader. She has ADHD and Dyslexia and is great at eating candy. Linnea shares what it feels like to have learning differences, and shares words of wisdom for other grrit.y kids.

Artwork: grrit.y kid logo in pencil and colored pencil by Linnea

Tyler Feder, brilliant author and illustrator, joins grrit.y kids for this three-part episode exploring how all bodies are cool. In all of their forms. In all of their iterations. With all of their differences. Little listeners will get to listen to us read the book, visualize the outstanding illustrations, and tune into some important reflections and explanations.

To learn more about Tyler and her outstanding work, check out the links below.

⁠⁠https://www.tylerfeder.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.etsy.com/shop/roaringsoftly⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647974/bodies-are-cool-by-tyler-feder/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://instagram.com/tylerfeder⁠⁠

Tyler Feder, brilliant author and illustrator, joins grrit.y kids for this three-part episode exploring how all bodies are cool. In all of their forms. In all of their iterations. With all of their differences. Little listeners will get to listen to us read the book, visualize the outstanding illustrations, and tune into some important reflections and explanations.

To learn more about Tyler and her outstanding work, check out the links below.

⁠https://www.tylerfeder.com/⁠

⁠https://www.etsy.com/shop/roaringsoftly⁠

⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647974/bodies-are-cool-by-tyler-feder/⁠

⁠https://instagram.com/tylerfeder⁠

Brilliant author and innovator, Kameel Vohra, joins grrit.y kids for this important and inclusive episode. We read and discuss Kameel's interactive book, My Friend Anika. It is a beautiful rhyming story that helps kids learn and understand disabilities.

Stick it out to hear Erin draw a picture and Kameel explain why people have accents. So much goodness.

https://anikabooks.com/product/my-friend-kiara/

https://childrensillustrators.com/interviews/alvin_adhi_mulyono

BUY Anika Books on Amazon

https://kameelvohra.com/

What is better? Taking a nap or learning to read? In Tad Hills' iconic book, How Rocket Learned to Read, we will explore how one little bird inspires a resistant puppy to become the learner he was capable of becoming.

Read with permission (and enthusiasm!) from the author.

Visit the links below to learn more about Tad Hills and our favorite doggy student, Rocket.

https://tadhills.com/

https://tadhills.com/rocket

https://tadhills.com/rocket/how-rocket-learned-to-read

In this episode, grrit.y kids will get to hear some of Kyle Lukoff's award-winning book, When Aidan Became A Brother. We learn about how good it feels to be loved for who you are, as you are. It takes bravery to share about parts of you that might feel confusing. Join us as we learn about how important it is to be yourself.

Read with permission from the author.

https://www.kylelukoff.com/

https://www.kaylanijuanita.com/

https://bookshop.org/search?keywords=kyle+lukoff

https://www.leeandlow.com/books/when-aidan-became-a-brother/

Tyler Feder, brilliant author and illustrator, joins grrit.y kids for this three-part episode exploring how all bodies are cool. In all of their forms. In all of their iterations. With all of their differences. Little listeners will get to listen to us read the book, visualize the outstanding illustrations, and tune into some important reflections and explanations.

To learn more about Tyler and her outstanding work, check out the links below.

https://www.tylerfeder.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/roaringsoftly

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647974/bodies-are-cool-by-tyler-feder/

https://instagram.com/tylerfeder

Who is Jamie? Afsaneh Moradian join's grrit.ykids for this inspiring episode about her fantastic book series about a child named Jamie. Afsaneh and I discuss the books and explore playing, gender identity, and pronouns with our little listeners. Afsaneh is a wealth of knowledge and brings these topics to light in a fun, supportive, developmentally appropriate way.

We see you, grrit.ykids, and love you for who you are—not for what you look like or what you like to play with.

To learn more about Afsaneh and her incredible work, feel free to follow the links below.

https://www.afsanehmoradian.com/

https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/free-spirit-publishing/p/jamie-is-jamie-a-book-about-being-yourself-and-playing-your-way/899341/

⁠https://www.hrc.org/resources/transgender-children-and-youth-understanding-the-basics⁠

⁠https://childmind.org/article/supporting-trans-and-nonbinary-kids-at-school/⁠

Keep listening! This second episode is so, so, so good, and so important! Authors, Dorian Solot and Marshall Miller, along with illustrator Tyler Feder, make learning about bodies fun and positive with these two fabulous books. 

Listen in to learn about body positivity, consent, and why it's okay to ask questions about all of your parts. Plus, hear the whole book read by the authors! Perfect for kids and families wanting to learn more about bodies in a safe and supportive way.

Learning About Bodies

https://www.instagram.com/learningaboutbodies/

https://www.instagram.com/tylerfeder/

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250852571/allaboutvulvasandvaginas/

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250852588/allaboutpenises/

What is grit anyway? In Mary Nhin's fantastic book, Gritty Ninja, we explore feelings of frustration along with ways cope, overcome, and stay confident.

Read with permission from the author.

Visit ninjalifehacks.tv to find more resources and Ninja Life Hacks books!

This episode is so, so, so good, and so important! Authors, Dorian Solot and Marshall Miller, along with illustrator Tyler Feder, make learning about bodies fun and positive with these two fabulous books. 

Listen in to learn about body positivity, consent, and why it's okay to ask questions about all of your parts. Plus, hear the whole book read by the authors! Perfect for kids and families wanting to learn more about bodies in a safe and supportive way.

Learning About Bodies

https://www.instagram.com/learningaboutbodies/

https://www.instagram.com/tylerfeder/

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250852571/allaboutvulvasandvaginas/

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250852588/allaboutpenises/

In this episode of the grrit.ykids podcast, Miss Erin introduces the book My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stewart, exploring themes of identity, inclusivity, and the importance of being true to oneself. The conversation includes a reading of the book, discussions on its themes, and insights into the creative process behind the illustrations and writing. Scott shares his experiences and thoughts on gender roles, creativity, and the significance of allowing children to express their unique identities.

https://scottstuart.co/books/

https://www.instagram.com/scottcreates/

In this episode, the wonderful author and illustrator, Gaia Cornwall, joins us to read and talk about facing fears, listening to ourselves, and listening to our children. A perfect reminder that everyone is on their own journey and will be ready on their own timeline. Jabari shows us sweet bravery, and Jabari's dad shows us how to slow down and let children be ready to be brave when they are ready - not when we want them to be. 

Check out the links below to learn more about Gaia and her fantastic work!

https://www.gaiacornwall.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gaiacornwall/

"Where are the girls?!" -Grace

In this episode, we read and think about Kelly DiPucchio's beloved Grace for President. A NYT Bestseller, and illustrated by one of our all-time-favorites, LeUyen Pham, grrit.y kids are encouraged to ask questions and think about what they value in a president. 

Read with enthusiastic permission from the author. 

https://www.kellydipucchio.com/

https://theauthorvillage.com/presenters/leuyen-pham/

Listen in for this amazing, thoughtful, child-inspired story by Arika Parr and her daughter/cowriter, Ava Johnson. Spoiler alert, both authors join us for this episode! But What Can You Do? helps children (and grown-ups) reframe frustrations and lean into developing a growth mindset. 

Ava & Mommy Publishing

Join Ms. Erin and the author for a special read of Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero. Written by Ellie Royce and illustrated by Hayes Chambers, this perfect story reminds us that even though it can take bravery to be our full selves, it is always worth it. 

http://www.powkidsbooks.com

https://www.instagram.com/powkidsbooksofficial

https://www.instagram.com/ellieroycestuff/

https://www.weareallmadeofstories.com/

http://www.hchambersart.com/

https://marticummings.com/

In this special episode, Dr. Claire Freeland, clinical psychologist and author, joins us to talk about big feelings and making mistakes. We read and discuss an excerpt from one of her brilliant workbooks, What To Do When Mistakes Make You Quake. The workbook series is a fantastic resource for teachers, parents, and clinicians. 

Click the links below to learn more about Dr. Freeland, her important work, and how to get a copy of What To Do When Mistakes Make You Quake: A Kid's Guide to Accepting Imperfection.

https://clairefreelandwrites.com/

https://www.instagram.com/clairefreelandwrites/

Magination Press

https://www.jacquelinetoner.net/

https://x.com/mcdonnelldoodle