Reach Out and Read

Reach Out and Read
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Oct 2, 2025 • 37min

Questions (from young children) Without Answers

There are loads of poetry books for children but not too many by children.  Sarah Manguso, author and curator of the new book "Questions Without Answers", joins us to talk about children's deep (and often unknowingly) philosophical questions—and that though kids may yet be developing their vocabulary, they have plenty of profound questions."
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Sep 18, 2025 • 37min

One-on-One with Dr. Lynette Fraga, Reach Out and Read's New CEO

Dr. Lynette Fraga, Reach Out and Read's new CEO, joins us to talk about the lived experience she brings to this role, and her plans to accelerate our mission, scale impact, advance equity, and, of course, strengthen families.
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Sep 4, 2025 • 37min

"Listening In" and "Not Knowing"

We don't know what we don't know. And when it comes to relationships, approaching others from the perspective of not knowing can often make those relationships stronger.  Dr. Claudia Gold, a pediatrician and writer with over 20 years experience in the field, joins us to talk about humility, listening, "rupture and repair", and a ‘willingness to be surprised’ can help support not just early relational health, but relationships throughout the lifespan.
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Aug 21, 2025 • 34min

The Genius of Judy

Judy Blume is one of the most prolific and beloved writers of our time — but also is at the center of many debates over what is appropriate for children, to the point of being one of the most banned.  Rachelle Bergstein, author of the new book The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us, joins us to talk about Blume's life, how the changing social and political ideologies of the 1950's, 60's, and 70's influenced her work, and how Judy came to write 'culture-altering' works for generations of readers.
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Aug 7, 2025 • 38min

Junie B. Jones Continues to Delight Children and Frustrate (some) Adults

Junie B. Jones was first introduced to young readers over thirty years ago, but her ability to make children laugh - and some adults angry - hasn't changed.  Colleen AF Venable, a seasoned children's author whose graphic novel adaptation of Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus hit shelves earlier this year, joins us to talk about the beloved children’s series, its namesake, and the controversies that have followed it from the beginning.
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Jul 24, 2025 • 37min

Kevin Henkes & Laura Dronzek: A Conversation

Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek are two of the most remarkable, beloved writers and illustrators working in children's books today. Working both together and separately, they have created dozens of well-known and acclaimed books—and show no signs of slowing down! In a rare interview, Kevin and Laura share their creative process, and how finding an 'emotional truth' is at the heart of all their stories.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 39min

Children and Media Use: The 5 Cs

How we think and talk about kids and digital media use has evolved as we've learned more and refined better approaches that are more practical for parents.  Dr. Jenny Radesky, Co-Medical Director of the AAP's Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, joins us to talk about "The 5 C's" - a straightforward and highly effective way for parents to manage this challenging topic.
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Jun 26, 2025 • 36min

Leave Me Alone! Solitude and Creativity with Vera Brosgol

We can all benefit from healthy relationships and connections, but sometimes kids (and adults) just want some 'alone time' - and that's OK too.  Author and illustrator Vera Brosgol joins us to dig into several of her fantastically imaginative book worlds that help explore relationships with our family, and ourselves.
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Jun 12, 2025 • 35min

Words With Wings

Poetry is often perceived to be "hard" or inaccessible, but as our next guests illustrate, poetry can offer an "uplifting journey through everyday moments, moods and experiences" for kids at any age or stage of development. Author Matthew Burgess and illustrator Doug Salati join us to talk about "Words With Wings", their magical new book of poems for children and families.
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May 29, 2025 • 33min

The Hedgehog's Dilemma

How can one discuss topics such as social exclusion, anxiety, paranoia, human intimacy, affection, and our need to bond with others?  A brilliant book, The Hedgehog's Dilemma, by Dutch author Toon Tellegen, is a "metaphor for the dilemma humans are faced with in their intimate relationships with others", exploring all this in an accessible manner for adults and children alike.  Its English translator, David Colmer, joins us to explain how.

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