{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Gardens, Grit & Growing Up","description":"In this uplifting episode, we\u2019re celebrating two powerful books that help kids grow\u2014both in the garden and in their character. First, Jed welcomes Sharon Rose, landscape designer and debut picture book author of Through the Garden Gate. Sharon shares how her lifelong love of gardening began with her dad and the neighbors who mentored her in their San Jose backyard. Those intergenerational friendships inspired Miss Mary, the neighbor in her book who invites bored, screen\u2011tempted Miles into her garden. As Miles helps with \u201cweeding\u201d he doesn\u2019t want to do, he discovers curiosity, problem\u2011solving, and the magic of plants. Sharon and Jed talk about getting kids outside, the healing power of nature, creating pollinator gardens instead of endless lawn, and how gardens can connect neighbors and families. Then Jed talks with David Farkas, author of the middle grade novel Can\u2019t Never Could: A Child\u2019s Guide to Perseverance. David explains the family saying behind the title\u2014every time he said \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d his parents replied, \u201cCan\u2019t never could!\u201d\u2014and how that simple idea shaped his life. In the book, a boy is followed by a stubborn little sprite who appears whenever he says \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d pushing him to keep trying. David and Jed dive into why kids need to hear \u201cI can\u2019t\u2026yet,\u201d the dangers of quitting too quickly, and how youth sports, music, and other activities can build real confidence. They also take on participation trophies, cross\u2011training, and the importance of finishing a season\u2014even when it\u2019s hard. It\u2019s a heart\u2011warming conversation about getting kids outdoors, helping them stick with challenges, and using stories to grow resilient, joyful humans. ","author_name":"Reading With Your Kids Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/readingwithyourkids.libsyn.com\/site","html":"