{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Celebrating The Cozy And Creepy Sides Of Kidlit","description":"In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, we\u2019re celebrating both the cozy and the creepy sides of kids\u2019 lit! First, we welcome Alyssa Satin Capucilli, creator of the beloved Biscuit series, as she celebrates 30 years of her small yellow puppy who has helped millions of children become independent readers. Alyssa shares the heartwarming real-life moment that inspired Biscuit, explains the difference between picture books and first readers, and talks about why pattern, repetition, and those famous \u201cwoof woofs\u201d are so powerful for young readers. She also reflects on generations of kids\u2014and now teachers\u2014who grew up with Biscuit, and offers thoughtful advice for aspiring children\u2019s authors. Then we shift from puppies to paranormal with Melanie Dale, author of the middle grade gothic novel Girl of Lore. Melanie introduces us to Mina Murray, her lore-obsessed heroine in small-town London, Georgia, where vampire legends might be more than just tourist bait. Melanie shares how her love of Dracula, classic horror, and even her work writing for Creepshow all fed into this spooky, funny, emotionally rich story. She also opens up about weaving mental health, friendship, and mother\u2013daughter dynamics into the book, and suggests ways families can read and discuss it together. Whether you\u2019re snuggling up with Biscuit or turning pages with the lights turned low, this episode celebrates the joy of reading with kids at every age and stage. ","author_name":"Reading With Your Kids Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/readingwithyourkids.libsyn.com\/site","html":"