Listen "Pumpkins, Pigs and Serving Others"
Episode Synopsis
On this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of speaking with two talented children's book authors - Jean Huxtable Hammersky and Tina Neely. Jean shared the delightful story behind her book Parker's Pumpkin. She described how a young boy named Parker and his grandma plant a mysteriously large seed, only to watch it grow into a gigantic pumpkin that takes over their whole living room! Jean highlighted the intergenerational and community-building themes in the story, as the town comes together to celebrate the oversized gourd with a big pumpkin pie party. Jed and Jean also discussed the importance of grandparent-grandchild relationships, and how technology like FaceTime can help bridge the distance. As a former speech therapist, Jean offered great advice for parents on spotting speech delays in kids and getting them the help they need. Next, Jed chatted with Tina about her book Bacon's Very Important Christmas Job. Tina shared the real-life inspiration behind her main character - her pet pig named Bacon! The book teaches kids about the joy of serving others, a message that Tina's husband also brings to life through his unique wrestling and faith-based youth ministry. Both Jean and Tina described their journeys into children's book writing, overcoming challenges like spelling and grammar to pursue their creative passions. They emphasized the universal themes of love, acceptance and community in their stories - messages that resonate with readers of all backgrounds. 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!
More episodes of the podcast Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Blooming Through Adversity
04/01/2026
The Blue House I Loved
01/01/2026
Best Of 2025 - Part Two
30/12/2025
Best Of 2025 - Part One
28/12/2025
Books, Bodyslams, and Backseat Bingo
26/12/2025
The Christmas Staff
25/12/2025
Raising Money-Smart Kids
21/12/2025
Books, Family & Faith
19/12/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.