{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Beyond the Uniform: Veterans Turn Their Stories into Hope-Filled Kids\u2019 Books","description":"In this inspiring two-part episode, we celebrate how stories, service, and family reading can shape kids\u2019 character and courage. First, Jed welcomes Mark Fava, former naval flight officer, longtime Navy Reservist, and aerospace executive, to talk about his debut picture book \u201cAndy the Admiral and the USS Shipshape.\u201d Mark shares how his adult leadership book evolved into a children\u2019s story that turns classic Navy lessons\u2014teamwork, being on time, telling the truth, thinking ahead, and showing respect\u2014into fun, shipboard adventures. He describes the joy of seeing the illustrations for the first time, the care he took to get every Navy detail right (down to the \u201cgig line\u201d on a uniform), and his vision for the Ship Shape Shipmate series. Together, Jed and Mark reflect on why these \u201cold-fashioned\u201d values are still exactly what kids need today, at home, in school, and in future STEM and aviation careers. Then, Jed is joined by Nicky Girl, a 26.5-year military veteran, substitute teacher, and debut author of \u201cOmar and the Super Tails: First Day of School.\u201d Inspired by her son\u2019s many first days as a military kid and her beloved kindergarten and first-grade students, Nikki explores first-day jitters with warmth and humor. Listeners meet Omar and his wonderfully diverse classmates\u2014each with unique strengths and challenges\u2014navigating that big, scary, important first day. Nicky and Jed talk about honoring children\u2019s feelings, stepping away from screens to have real conversations, and using picture books as lanterns to help \u201clittle lights become legends.\u201d ","author_name":"Reading With Your Kids Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/readingwithyourkids.libsyn.com\/site","html":"