Tonight, 6PM local — Reading To Connect Day is here 📚💕It’s happening. Families around the world are already gathering — and tonight at 6PM your local time, it’s your turn.Reading To Connect Day™ was born from something simple: me and my son Aidyn choosing to read for connection over performance. That choice has grown into proclamations from cities and counties, support from authors, and families across the world saying yes to pausing together.In this short episode, Aidyn and I share exactly what to do tonight, why it matters, and how to join the movement.Key Topics:What Reading To Connect Day™ is (and isn’t)How to join in at 6PM local — no rules, no pressureSimple ways to post and share your moment so other families feel encouragedGratitude for our giveaway partners, authors, and proclamations already in placeWhy reading together builds connection, not performanceLinks:🔹 Enter the giveaway: ReadingToConnect.com/Day🔹 Share page + graphics: ReadingToConnect.com/Day/Share-RTC-Day📬 Contact: quinn@readingtoconnect.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
Announcing the first-ever Reading To Connect Day™I didn’t plan to create a holiday.I just wanted families to feel safe again—to pause, not perform. To read like it mattered beyond the reading. And when I started sharing our story, something happened.Parents from everywhere started joining in. Not for a program. Not for a prize.For a moment.In this episode, I’m announcing something we’ve been building toward all along—Reading To Connect Day. It’s not a trend. It’s not a hashtag. It’s a return. And this time, it’s happening together.Key Topics:- Why “just one moment” might be the most powerful thing we offer- How a late-night scheduling push revealed a deeper purpose- The shift from performance-based reading to legacy-based connection- What happens at 6PM in every time zone on the last Sunday in August- How you can be part of a global pause—without needing to performLinks:🔹 Reading To Connect Day Info + Share PageEverything you need to join (or invite someone else to)📬 Contact: quinn@readingtoconnect.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
For Some, It’s Deeper Than Being TiredWhy one wrong math answer made her stop reading to her son.She helped him with his math.She got it wrong.It became his lowest grade of the year.So she stopped reading with him.It wasn’t even a reading moment. But it made her feel like her voice didn’t matter—and that maybe she was holding him back.This episode isn’t about math. It’s about what we’ve done to reading.And why tired is often just code for something deeper.Key Topics:The invisible shame many parents carry when it comes to readingHow we’ve trained families to believe reading is academic, not relationalWhat gets lost when we make reading about scores instead of storyWhy I created The Listening Room—and what it’s really forA personal moment I didn’t expect to uncover on airLinks:🔹 What Do You Need Right Now? A quiet room for parents who feel far from readinghttps://readingtoconnect.com/what-do-you-need🔹 ENGAGE Shared Reading Manifesto Not about performance. About presence.https://readingtoconnect.com/engaged-shared-reading/🔹 Reading To Connect The movement. The method. The invitation.https://readingtoconnect.com/📬 Connect: quinn@readingtoconnect.comBecause you're not the problem.And it’s okay to begin again. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
What My Son—and One Surprising Conversation—Reminded Me About This MovementWhen 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 reading more, but reading differently.Key Topics:Why reading together doesn't automatically create connectionThe difference between compliance and connection in reading timeHow one conversation revealed the movement I had to nameWhat Engaged Shared Reading actually meansLinks:Engaged Shared Reading Manifesto: https://readingtoconnect.com/engaged-shared-reading/Every Parent Reads Aloud. Few Do This: https://listen.readingtoconnect.com/fewdothisReading To Connect: https://readingtoconnect.com/Connect: quinn@readingtoconnect.comYou're not just reading anymore. You're connecting. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 help, and why kids' interests—including comics and pop culture—are key to connection.What You’ll Learn:📚 How shared reading (even with older kids) creates powerful bonding moments🧠 What dyscalculia is and how it impacts kids—and why stories like Very Bad at Math matter💡 How books can help kids navigate friendship struggles, self-doubt, and big emotions🎨 The role of comics and graphic novels in engaging reluctant readersThis episode is a reminder that books are more than just stories—they’re tools for understanding ourselves, each other, and the world. Very Bad at Math isn’t just about struggling with numbers; it’s about learning to ask for help, embracing your strengths, and knowing that you are more than your struggles.Let me know what moments stood out to you! 📚💕 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 books and music to create powerful moments of connection with their children.What You’ll Learn:- How spirituals serve as a bridge between history, culture, and storytelling in children’s books- The importance of Black-owned publishing and why Just Us Books was founded- Why representation in children’s literature goes beyond visibility—it’s about preserving history- How parents and educators can use books and music to spark deeper conversations with kidsTune in to discover how music, history, and storytelling come together to empower young readers and ensure that our stories—and our voices—are passed down for generations to come.Let me know what moments stood out to you! 📚💕 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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—it came from stories.Books have been our bridge to understanding justice, humanity, and the weight of power. Together, we’ve explored how power can lift or destroy, and how justice demands more than showmanship—it demands care, courage, and connection.But this conversation isn’t just about politics—it’s about parenting. It’s about how we prepare our children, especially Black children, to navigate a world that often misjudges them. Through stories, Aidyn has learned to recognize injustice, challenge false narratives, and see beyond fear-laden stereotypes to the truth.Because storytelling isn’t just an art—it’s a tool for connection and change.In this episode, I also draw from the wisdom of:📚 Deepa Iyer, author of We Are the Builders, who reminds us that building a just world requires every one of us to understand our roles and responsibilities.📚 Rio Cortez, author of The ABCs of Black History & The ABCs of Women's History, who urges us to know and share our histories with our children, ensuring their stories are rooted in truth.And through The ENGAGE Method, I share how you can turn reading time with your child into a powerful tool for connection and growth—because every story you share becomes a brick in the foundation of their future.So, let’s build something that lasts. Not sandcastles, but legacies—strong, enduring, and just.Listen Now and Start Building:🔗 Deepa Iyer’s Episode – We Are the Builders - Building the Future🔗 Rio Cortez’s Episode – The ABCs of Black History & The ABCs of Women's History - Resisting Erasure🔗 Explore The ENGAGE Method – Build Lasting Bonds Through Reading This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 classrooms, and how books can empower young readers to see themselves in history.What You’ll Learn:- How The ABCs of Black History and The ABCs of Women’s History challenge traditional narratives and center diverse voices.- The process of choosing historical figures for children’s books—and making peace with who gets left out.- How parents and caregivers can use books as tools for deeper conversations with their kids.Tune in to discover how we can use books to ensure our stories—and our children’s—are seen, heard, and celebrated. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 group.- Prizes: Weekly giveaways for participants who engage and share their reading moments!📧 Free subscribers get weekly updates and prompts.💡 Paid subscribers unlock daily reflections, journal prompts, and exclusive guidance.Ready to join the fun? Join in the group.Join on Substack.Let’s create meaningful moments, one page at a time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 simplifies social change for kids.Why roles like "experimenter" and "caregiver" resonate with young readers.Easy ways to introduce community-focused conversations with your kids.Tune in to discover how books can spark important, empowering discussions that deepen your family’s connection and inspire action. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 beyond the words on the page. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who loves books, this episode will inspire you to rethink what reading together really means.What You’ll Learn:- Why guilt around family reading is common—and how to move past it- How literacy is important but not the only reason to read with kids- The deeper benefits of shared reading: connection, safe spaces, and lifelong bonds- How even a few minutes of reading can create lasting impactWant to connect?👉🏾 Download the 5 Simple Shifts to Reimagine Reading guide: ReadingToConnect.com/TransformReading.👉🏾 Learn more about The ENGAGE Method™ course: ReadingToConnect.com/ENGAGE.👉🏾 Join our Substack community for free episodes and exclusive reflections: ReadingToConnect.com/Show.What’s your word for 2025? Let me know—connect with me on Substack or in the Facebook group!👉🏾 FB Group: ReadingToConnect.com/FacebookGroup This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 impact these dialogues have on both parent and child. The episode encourages listeners to celebrate and cherish these precious moments of discovery with their children.Want to connect?👉🏾 A guided workbook to set your family reading intentions: ReadingToConnect.com/SetYourIntention.👉🏾 Download the 5 Simple Shifts to Reimagine Reading guide: ReadingToConnect.com/TransformReading.👉🏾 Learn more about The ENGAGE Method™ course: ReadingToConnect.com/ENGAGE.👉🏾 Join our Substack community for free episodes and exclusive reflections: ReadingToConnect.com/Show.👉🏾 FB Group: ReadingToConnect.com/FacebookGroup This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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/ENGAGE.👉🏾 Join our Substack community for free episodes and exclusive reflections: ReadingToConnect.com/Show.What’s your word for 2025? Let me know—connect with me on Substack or in the Facebook group!👉🏾 FB Group: ReadingToConnect.com/FacebookGroup This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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, including the final book and an exciting upcoming movie!This 13-minute conversation is packed with heart and inspiration for parents, kids, and anyone who loves a good story.Visit our website at https://ReadingToConnect.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 about her path as an author and illustrator. You won’t want to miss this deeper dive into how storytelling can connect us all! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 about her path as an author and illustrator. You won’t want to miss this deeper dive into how storytelling can connect us all! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 be self-sufficient in the kitchen. We discuss a book about a young boy's culinary journey and share our own kitchen tales. We also discuss cooking tips and highlight the fascinating chemistry of cooking.In the third segment, we delve into the use of repetition and onomatopoeia in children's books, drawing examples from Winsome's book "Cooking with Grandma". Winsome shares her personal experiences using these tools to make reading more enjoyable for children.In the final part of the episode, we have a conversation with author Winston Bingham about the importance of representing joy, particularly Black joy, in children's literature. Winston shares his experiences navigating the publishing industry and how this representation can positively impact a child's mental health.This episode is not only a celebration of the magic behind children's books but also a celebration of cooking, self-sufficiency, and joy. It is a heartwarming exploration that we hope will inspire you this Thanksgiving. Join us for this enlightening conversation and let's discover the magic behind children's books together!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/3d4sE2hConnect with Winsome Bingham on:>> Instagram: https://instagram.com/ArmyVetFiveWatch the full video interview with Winsome Bingham:https://www.facebook.com/AidynsBooks/videos/3849275991963564Free gift 🎁The E.N.G.A.G.E. Method 📚💕 - Your guide to an engaging and enjoyable story time with your kiddos: https://aidynsbooks.teachable.com/p/the-e-n-g-a-g-e-methodSupport the showWanna be on the show? We're always looking for great authors and educators to join us. Check out the website and share your mission with us! Apply To Be On The Show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 character's curiosity and bravery mirror those of her own son, James. The book playfully incorporates sound cues, hidden secrets in the illustrations and, impressively, a representation of black children as heroes of the story. Courtney's passion for reading didn't blossom overnight. It was a journey that started with a struggle but has since become an integral part of her homeschooling routine.Towards the end, our conversation shifted to the need for representation in children's literature. Courtney shared her commitment to provide black children with stories that allow them to be the hero of the story. The Rumble Hunters does more than entertain; it aims to empower and inspire. So, join us as we delve into Courtney's unique perspective on homeschooling and the power of reading. It's a conversation that will surely ignite your passion for reading and its transformative potential in a child's life.>> Learn more about Courtney B. Dunlap:https://storiesforuspress.com>> Find The Rumble Hunters here:https://amzn.to/468So3r>> Watch the full video interview on our FB page: https://fb.watch/omumwwBuJv/Free gift 🎁The E.N.G.A.G.E. Method 📚💕 - Your guide to an engaging and enjoyable story time with your kiddos: https://aidynsbooks.com/podcastgift-engageSupport the showWanna be on the show? We're always looking for great authors and educators to join us. Check out the website and share your mission with us! Apply To Be On The Show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
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 cornerstone of family time, transforming it from a chore into a treasure trove of shared adventures. We talk about how 'Hurricamp' can serve as a catalyst for conversations about courage and the importance of making one's own choices, especially when facing life's storms.This episode isn't just about fostering a passion for reading in our children—it's about the life skills they acquire through the stories they love. Steph gives us a peek into how her characters navigate the ups and downs of independence, providing a blueprint for parents looking to empower their own kids.Don't miss out on the special insights and promotions Steph Katzovi shares, directly from her author's journey to your family's reading nook. Join us for an episode that promises to enrich your parenting toolkit and leave you with new ideas to encourage the young readers at home.>> Learn more about Steph Katzovi:https://stephkatzovi.com/>> Find Hurricamp here:https://amzn.to/3FVgWSx>> Watch the full video interview on our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/AidynsBooks/Free gift 🎁The E.N.G.A.G.E. Method 📚💕 - Your guide to an engaging and enjoyable story time with your kiddos: https://aidynsbooks.com/podcastgift-engageSupport the showWanna be on the show? We're always looking for great authors and educators to join us. Check out the website and share your mission with us! Apply To Be On The Show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
yvonne maruni
love this episode. great lessons on change.
yvonne maruni
I love the Beautiful as you are podcast. So many powerful nuggets. Not to give the episode away but I loved the first tips that Quinn gave about uplifting her son so he knows what to take away with him when he is not with mom. I also loved everything that author PeTika Tave. What a powerful episode!!!
yvonne maruni
I love this podcast series. Quinn asks the authors all the questions that really help us to understand the authors purpose with the book. The podcast is very informative and leaves you wanting to immediately implement the lessons learned... and of course.... read the book.