{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Hands, Hearts, and Habitats: ASL, Deaf Culture, and Rainforest Conservation","description":"In this uplifting episode, Jed welcomes back Kathy McMillan, ASL interpreter, children\u2019s librarian, and creator of the new picture book series \u201cSign the Seasons.\u201d Kathy shares how the four-book series\u2014starting with Sign the Seasons: Fall\u2014invites kids and families to learn American Sign Language through everyday seasonal concepts like trees, squirrels, and weather. She explains how Familius Publishing partnered with her in a uniquely thoughtful way, involving her in every stage of illustration and bringing in both an ASL\/Deaf culture advisor and an early childhood education advisor (a Coda) to ensure the books are accurate, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate. Kathy talks about her journey from children\u2019s librarian to nationally certified interpreter, and how signing with her own hearing son from birth transformed their communication. She busts the myth that signing stops kids from talking, emphasizing that communication begets communication and that signing supports early literacy, emotional regulation, and strong parent\u2013child connection. Along the way, she offers fascinating insights into Deaf culture, ASL \u201caccents,\u201d and even emerging sign languages like Nicaraguan Sign Language. In the second half of the episode, Jed is joined by author Ashley Mosley and conservation biologist Michael Windelspecht  to celebrate their picture book \u201cThis Birdie Told Me.\u201d Inspired by a real scarlet macaw ambassador at the Belize Zoo, the story gently introduces young readers to endangered species, rainforest habitats, and the importance of knowing who you are. Ashley and Michael share how their books, classroom toolkits, and conservation partnerships in Belize help kids everywhere fall in love with wildlife\u2014and feel empowered to protect it. ","author_name":"Reading With Your Kids Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/readingwithyourkids.libsyn.com\/site","html":"