logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
33m 42s

Reading Sad Books Is Good for Your Kids

REACH OUT AND READ
About this episode

Children's books should not only offer "windows and mirrors" into other cultures, races, and religions, but into a range of feelings and emotions. Craig Fehrman, author of a recent essay in The New York Times titled "Reading Sad Books Is Good for Your Kids", joins us to talk about the importance of creating, sharing, and discussing children's books that mix the "tragedy and joy that define great art and also real life.

Up next
Jul 23
The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom
She's the most influential person you may never have heard of. A new book, Books Good Enough for You: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children's Books, recounts how she nurtured and edited some of the greatest books of the past 100 years, including t ... Show More
31m 52s
Jul 9
Overinvested: The Emotional Economy of Modern Parenting
When, why, and how did we decide as a society to dedicate all our parenting resources to the "human capitalization of children"—and at what cost? Nina Bandelj, Chancellor's Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Irvine, joins us to help answer t ... Show More
36m 4s
Jun 25
"Rebellion 1776"
Commemorating America 250, we asked author Laurie Halse Anderson to join us to discuss Rebellion 1776, a historical fiction middle grade adventure about a girl struggling to survive amid a smallpox epidemic, the public's fear (yes!) of inoculation, and the seething Revolutionary ... Show More
34m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2023
Parenting : big feelings experienced by little people
We're looking at how a range of emotions that children experience can be addressed through age appropriate books.  
12m 35s
Oct 2025
Kids Listen Big Emotions
We're a part of Big Emotions this week! We’re feeling all squishy this week, as we dive into two of the strongest emotions of all. Love is powerful, joyful, and comforting - and when it changes or we feel its absence, sadness often follows. Sadness can feel heavy, but it helps us ... Show More
22m 26s
Dec 2019
Teaching Kids To "Be Kind"
<p>An author shares her thoughts on how kids can take an active role in creating a better world. Plus, we visit a children's book shop to check out some favorite stories about kindness. </p> 
13m 49s
Jun 2023
Illustrating Black Joy in Children's Books | Beyond the Scenes
Children’s books craft the way a young person sees the world, and this view carries on well into adulthood. Daily Show researcher Stephanie O. and CEO, founder, and author of “Hey Carter!” books, Dr. Thomishia Booker, sit down with Roy Wood Jr. to discuss the importance of positi ... Show More
40m 18s
Jun 2024
Let Your Kids Get Hurt
Bring out the feelings wheel! In this episode, Gwenna and Tori emphasize the importance of allowing children to experience and express their emotions. They share practical tools like the ‘feelings wheel’ and ‘catastrophe scale’ to help children regulate their emotions, and discus ... Show More
45m 16s
Feb 2023
Books Can Help Kids Practice Being Brave
Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Grace Lin and bestselling author Kate Messner talk about their new book “Once Upon A Book” and share advice on how to help kids cultivate a love of reading. 
15m 33s
Mar 2024
101 | Max Lucado on Overcoming Loneliness and Nurturing Connection in Today’s World
Max Lucado joins us today to discuss his latest children’s book, "Just In Case You Ever Feel Alone." Delving into the pressing issue of loneliness, we explore the factors contributing to this pervasive feeling in today's generation. From our jam-packed schedules to societal shift ... Show More
31m 48s