IIn this Big Leader episode, we welcome back author and special educator, Celia Botto about her upcoming picture book, The Ostrich Needs a Lift.

Meet an ostrich who doesn't quite fit the mold and is trying to find his way back—only to discover that finding the right ride isn't easy. The ostrich is well aware of any accommodations he may need to get home safely. In fact, despite the setbacks he faces, the ostrich keeps going and young readers see perseverance in action.

Celia also shares the thoughtful layer of the story involving a boy who discovers the ostrich and makes a powerful leadership choice: to act rather than react. Through empathy, courage, and problem-solving, the boy shows what it means to step up when someone else needs help.

With bright, colorful illustrations and a relatable message, this episode is a fun and hope-filled conversation about persevering through challenges, showing empathy, and taking action when it matters most.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. The Snurtch

Author: Sean Ferrell Illustrator: Charles Santoso

Some days are Snurtch days. Ruthie is having one of those.

She has a problem at school.

It is not the students. It is not the classroom. It is not the reading or the writing or the math. It is something scribbly, scrunchy, grabby, burpy, and rude. It is the Snurtch.

This clever picture book takes a discerning look at the challenges of behaving and controlling your emotions—especially when your own personal monster keeps getting in the way.

Author: Mr. Jay Illustrator: Erin Wozniak

From zippy little pebbles to big strong boulders, the rock friends get together to play and roll around their favorite hill, only to find that one of their friends, Ricky, can't roll with them. Unlike all of the other rocks, who are all round, Ricky can't roll because he's flat on one side.

Determined not to leave their friend behind, the rocks set out to help Ricky roll - one way or another.

Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. Have you ever felt like you didn't quite "fit in"? What helped you keep going anyway?

2. If you found the ostrich, what is the first helpful action you would take?

3. What does it mean to act instead of react when someone needs help?

4. Why do you think perseverance is important when things don't go as planned?

5. Who is someone in your life that shows empathy through their actions?

6. What is your main take away from today's episode with Celia?

Have a great week everyone!

Keep Leading and Keep Reading,

Tina

In our first 2026 episode, Mason shares how his love for acting, football, and basketball keeps him energized and motivated every day. He opens up about why treating others the way you want to be treated is the foundation of real leadership, and how staying active helps him stay confident. When life feels busy or overwhelming, Mason turns to deep breaths and drawing to calm his mind before jumping back into the activities he loves. His message to other kids is simple but powerful: anything you do can inspire someone else — so keep showing the world what's possible. Listen to Mason's episode and be reminded that leadership starts with kindness and inclusion.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. Hurry Up!: A Book About Slowing Down

Author: Kate Dopirak Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal

A busy boy and his dog learn to slow down and enjoy life together in this lyrical, rhyming picture book perfect for hurried families everywhere.

For one busy boy, life is all hurry up, hurry down, hurry round and round and round! That is until he takes a big breath...and a big break...and slows down to see all the wonderful things in the world around him.

Author: Maria Dismondy Illustrator: Kim Shaw

Lucy has big hair, eats fun foods and is teased by a boy named Ralph at school because she is different. She tries to be brave but she wishes the teasing would stop. What should I do? she asks herself over and over.

Lucy's Papa Gino reminds her to do the right thing and treat people with kindness. So when Ralph gets stuck on the playground and needs help, will Lucy use this chance to teach Ralph a lesson? Or will she have the courage to be true to herself and make the right choice with an act of kindness?

Readers of all ages can empathize with Lucy's brave journey as she sets out to rise above Ralph's mean words, stay true to herself and build her self-esteem every step of the way.

Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. What helps you calm down when life feels busy or overwhelming?

2. What's one way you showed kindness or fairness to someone this week?

3. What activities make you feel energized and confident?

4. Who inspires you, and how do you try to inspire others?

5. Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel included? What happened?

6. What is your main take away from today's episode with Mason?

Have a great week everyone!

Keep Leading and Keep Reading,

Tina

Meet Allie, a third grader whose love for dance, modeling, and the arts shines as bright as her smile! Whether she's learning new dance moves with friends or helping others master theirs, Allie's enthusiasm and kindness make her a true Lil' Leader. She embraces every challenge in her dance classes and believes in following big dreams—like one day becoming a doctor.

Tune in to hear how Allie's creativity, confidence, and caring heart inspire everyone around her to keep learning and growing.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. Most Marshmallows

Author & Illustrator: Rowboat Watkins

Most marshmallows are born into marshmallow families, play with marshmallow friends, and go to marshmallow school where they learn to be squishy. Most marshmallows read a book before bed and then fall asleep to dream ordinary marshmallow dreams.
But, this book isn't about most marshamallows, is it? No. That's because author Rowboat Watkins knows that, just like you, some marshmallows have big dreams, and just like you, these marshmallows can do anything they set their minds to. This sweet and silly book is an inspiring reminder to everyone that by being true to ourselves, each of us has the power to be extraordinary. Whether for a new parent or a recent graduate, the message here will fit the bill.

Author & Illustrator: Bob Staake

On this playfully illustrated journey with Bob Staake, children and adults alike will discover an encouraging truth: our path through life is not only challenging and beautiful—it is all our own to discover and invent.

"You will walk. You will walk along a well-worn path that many people have taken—and long before you." So begins this inspirational journey over gentle, grassy hills, through fields of wildflowers, over raging rivers, up steep mountains, and even through a dark, chilly cave. When it splits in two, you will have to decide what to do next—and you'll create a path that's unique to you.

Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. What's something creative you love to do, just like Allie?

2. How do you feel when you try a new skill or hobby?

3. Who's someone you've helped learn something new recently?

4. What big dream do you have for your future?

5. Why do you think helping others can make you a stronger leader?

6. What is your main take away from today's episode with Allie?

Have a great week everyone!

Keep Leading and Keep Reading,

Tina

The new school year is exciting—but it also brings big changes, new routines, and sometimes worries for kids (and parents!). In this episode, Michelle Blais from @misschellemindset joins Tina to chat about how to help kids settle into their "new normal." From checking in often and practicing calming techniques like hot chocolate and candle breathing, to celebrating mistakes as part of learning, this conversation is full of practical tips and real-life stories. Michelle and Tina even share some of their biggest teacher mistakes and what they learned along the way!

Tune in for this fun and helpful conversation!

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. We Don't Eat Our Classmates

Author & Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins

In the picture book We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins, Penelope Rex, a young dinosaur, is excited for her first day of school but discovers her classmates are children. Being a T. Rex, she has an irresistible urge to eat them, which quickly alienates everyone, leaving her lonely. After being bitten by Walter, the goldfish, Penelope finally understands how it feels to be eaten and loses her appetite for children, allowing her to make friends and learn the importance of empathy and good behavior.

b. The Magical Yet

Authors: Angela DiTerlizzi Illustrator: Lorena Alvarez Gómez

Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion—the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out.

The Magical Yet is the perfect tool for parents and educators to turn a negative into a positive when helping children cope with the inevitable difficult learning moments we all face. Whether a child or an adult, this encouraging and uplifting book reminds us that we all have things we haven't learned ... yet!

Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. How do you feel when school routines or expectations change?

2. What helps you feel better when you're worried or nervous about school?

3. Can you remember a time you made a mistake but learned something important from it?

4. Which calm-down activities—like sipping hot chocolate, lighting a candle, or taking deep

breaths—help you feel relaxed?

5. How do your family or teachers check in with you to see how school is going?

6. What is your main take away from today's episode?

Have a great week everyone!

Keep Leading and Keep Reading,

Tina

Welcome to Season 3's first episode! Meet Cai, a boy with a big heart and an even bigger dream—a dog of his very own! Join us as he shares the magical day he visited his local shelter with his mom and met Waylon, the pup who stole his heart. Cai talks about how he knew Waylon was "the one," the fun of playing and training together, and why he chose to celebrate Waylon's Gotcha Day in style with a special suit! He also shares why adopting from shelters is an amazing way to find your forever friend.

Tune in wherever podcasts are found to hear Cai's unforgettable story!

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. The Rescues Finding Home, Volume 1

Authors: Charlie & Tommy Greenwald Illustrator: Shiho Pate

Moose and Bear are two scrappy shelter dogs patiently waiting for the right owner to adopt them. They meet, become friends, and one day a Cathy decides to take them both home. Despite their luck, they must face the challenges of settling into their new home. Along the way, they learn about each other, and their friendship deepens. Told with humor and heart, Finding Home is a tale that champions the importance of family and relays how it feels to belong and to have a place to call home.

b. The Last Dog: A "tail" of adoption for a dog and a boy

Authors: Liane Joly Illustrator: Jared Huber

Buster has had a rough start in life but that's exactly why a boy wants to adopt him. After his own difficult life moving through different foster homes and finally finding love and happiness with his adoptive family, he wants the same for Buster. He knows that with love, patience and understanding Buster can finally have his forever home.

Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. Cai wore a suit to celebrate Waylon's Gotcha Day—how do you like to celebrate special occasions in your life?
2. If you could adopt any animal, what would you choose and why?
3. What does Cai's story teach us about compassion and responsibility?
4. How do pets make us feel more connected—to ourselves, our families, or our community?
5. Why do you think kids sometimes form such strong bonds with animals?
6. What is your main take away from today's episode with Cai?

Have a great week everyone!

Keep Leading and Keep Reading,

Tina