The Lil' Leaders Podcast: Conversations with Kids

The Middle School Experience: Voices of Pueblo Middle's 6th Graders

In this special episode, 6th grade students from Pueblo Middle School share honest conversations about the real-life challenges and experiences kids face during the middle school years. From handling stress and pressure to building confidence, communication skills, community, and responsible decision-making, students explore important life skills that can help kids navigate this stage of life with growth and authenticity. Through personal insights, thoughtful discussions, and relatable experiences, these students offer encouragement and practical ideas for other kids learning to manage friendships, expectations, emotions, and everyday challenges along the way. Cool Q's For Discussion: * What is one thing kids can do to help someone feel included at school or in a group? * When you start to feel overwhelmed or stressed, what helps you calm down or reset? * Can you share a time when you struggled with something at first but improved because you kept trying? * Why do you think listening is just as important as speaking when talking with friends, classmates, or family? * What is something about yourself that makes you proud to be uniquely you? * What are some ways kids can use technology and social media in a kind, safe, and responsible way? * What is your main takeaway from today's episode? What is your main takeaway from today's episode? Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

Recognizing Everyone's Worth With Laila

Meet Laila, a 4th grader from Texas and the 2025 Junior Preteen State Title Holder with International United Miss — but her biggest title might just be "The Bright Light in the Room." After experiencing what it feels like when kids don't accept differences, Laila made a powerful choice. Instead of shrinking back, she let that experience become her superpower. She's now on a mission to help kids recognize everyone's worth through KREW — Kids Recognizing Everyone's Worth — and by writing her very first children's book, The Buddy Bench, a story about making sure no child ever feels alone. Laila shares how she turned hurt into purpose, why celebrating differences brings us together (not apart), and how even one child can spark change in a school community. When she's not dancing, crafting, or enjoying school, she's finding ways to spread joy wherever she goes. This episode is a reminder that leadership doesn't depend on age — it starts with heart. Picture Book Recommendations: a. The Buddy Bench Author: Laila LaRue Lewis Illustrator: QBN Studios What if a friendship bench at recess could change a child's day — or even their life? The Buddy Bench is a heartwarming children's picture book that teaches young readers the importance of kindness, friendship, and inclusion. Inspired by real-life buddy benches found on school playgrounds, this story helps children understand that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. When a child sits on the buddy bench, it's a brave step toward connection and friendship. Through gentle storytelling and relatable moments, children learn how small acts of kindness can make a big difference--and how choosing to include others creates stronger, more compassionate communities. b. Be Kind Author: Pat Zietlow Miller Illustrator: Thérèse Plummer When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind? From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend. With a gentle text from the award-winning author of Sophie's Squash, Pat Zietlow Miller, Be Kind is an unforgettable story about how two simple words can change the world. Cool Q's For Discussion: * Laila turned a hard experience into her superpower. What is something hard in your life that could become your strength? * What does it mean to "recognize everyone's worth"? What might that look like at school? * If your school had a Buddy Bench, how could you help make sure no one feels alone? * How can celebrating differences actually bring people closer together? * If you created your own version of KREW, what would your group stand for? * What is your main takeaway from Laila's episode? Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

From Rescue to Reading: Easton's Story of Second Chances

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "11897c78-74db-435c-91ff-f9271b557d65" data-testid= "conversation-turn-5" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-699b221e-4814-8326-af59-cc3058eaed19-13" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What happens when a teacher, a love of reading, and a rescue puppy come together? This week on the Lil' Leaders Podcast, we're thrilled to feature a special Big Leader episode with teacher, author, and rescue advocate Elizabeth Retter, who shares how rescuing Easton as a puppy from Pennsylvania and bringing him home to Canada changed her life in the most unexpected ways. After one unforgettable morning — when Easton confidently made his way to a local deli on his own — Liz realized their journey was about more than rescue. It was about creating meaningful stories that help kids love reading and inspire families to consider rescue. She also shares how kids and families can make a difference through volunteering, fostering, donating, or adopting. Picture Book Recommendations: a. The Dog in the Deli (The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet,1) Author: Elizabeth Retter Illustrator: Izzy Bean This heartwarming story introduces us to Easton on the first of his many adventures with his owner Elizabeth Retter and her family. One morning, Easton wakes up to some terrible news: due to the pandemic, there is a meat shortage! In a panic, Easton takes matters into his own paws and escapes across a busy city street to the neighborhood deli. Easton's family, the deli, and its customers have no idea what they are in for―then again, neither does Easton! This is the true story of a rescue dog who loves a good adventure. b. Homeward Bound (The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet,2) Author: Elizabeth Retter Illustrator: Izzy Bean Easton is a rescue dog who was born in Pennsylvania and adopted by the author, Elizabeth, and her family in Toronto, Canada. Based on personal experience, this story follows Easton on a new adventure as he travels to meet his new family and settles into his new home. The book stresses the importance of adopting rescue pets, and will be a fabulous read aloud for dog lovers ― and their companion children ― to enjoy. Homeward Bound is only the beginning of Easton's adventures, with more books coming in 2025. c. Puppy School Pandemonium (The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet,3) Author: Elizabeth Retter Illustrator: Izzy Bean Ready for a tail-wagging adventure? Easton, the lovable rescue pup, is about to tackle his biggest challenge yet―puppy school! From learning new tricks to meeting furry friends, Easton's excitement might just get the best of him. Cheer Easton on while he discovers the importance of patience, perseverance, and second chances. Will Easton stay on track long enough to graduate? d. Christmas Capers (The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet,4) Author: Elizabeth Retter Illustrator: Izzy Bean Cool Q's For Discussion: 1. What do you think Liz learned about herself after rescuing Easton? 2. Why do you think stories can help people care more about rescue animals? 3. If you were going to help a local animal shelter, what is one small step you could take with your family? 4. What does "second chance" mean to you — for animals or for people? 5. How can loving to read help you make a difference in the world? 6. What is your main take away from today's episode with Liz & Easton? Have a great week everyone! Keep Leading and Keep Reading, Tina

Finding the Right Ride: Perseverance, Empathy, and Leadership

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. b. Ricky, The Rock That Couldn't Roll 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

From the Field to the Stage: Mason Shows What's Possible

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. b. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are 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