Encore: Jesse Byrd on Why Storytelling Matters for Children | Creativity, Confidence & Connection
Feb 26, 2025
This is an encore episode of What I Want to Know, revisiting one of our most impactful conversations on the power of storytelling. Storytelling isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a crucial tool for learning, connection, and confidence-building in children.
In this episode, host Kevin P. Chavous sits down with award-winning children's book author and NPR Foundation board member Jesse Byrd to discuss how storytelling shapes young minds, promotes literacy, and empowers kids to see themselves in the stories they read.
🎙 In This Episode:
✔️ How storytelling fuels language and cognitive development
✔️ The journey from a tech career at Google to writing for
children
✔️ Overcoming rejection and breaking into publishing
✔️ The need for diverse representation in children's books
✔️ Teaching kids to think critically about the stories they
consume
✔️ The role of storytelling in social media and digital
literacy
✔️ Navigating book bans and challenges in education
📚 Guest Spotlight: Jesse Byrd
Jesse is a celebrated children's book author, publisher, and
advocate for inclusive storytelling. He has read to over 25,000
kids and worked with Airbnb Experiences to bring virtual storytime
to families and corporations. His mission? Making sure every child
sees themselves reflected in literature.
🔗 Resources & Links:
👉 Learn more about Jesse Byrd: [Website / Socials]
👉 Explore Stride Learning: https://www.stridelearning.com
👉 Follow Kevin P. Chavous on social: #WIWTK
📢 Join the Conversation:
How has storytelling impacted your life? Comment below or share
your thoughts using #WIWTK on social media!
🚀 If you found this episode valuable, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring discussion. Let’s keep learning, together! 🔥
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