Sep 26, 2025
Get ready for a delightful dive into the world of storytelling
with Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, the dynamic duo behind the
beloved Ben Yokoyama book series! In this heartwarming episode of
Reading with Your Kids, the creative couple shares the story behind
their final installment, "Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of
Destiny."
Matthew, a self-proclaimed easily confused writer, and Robbi, a
talented illustrator with a design background, have crafted a
unique approach to children's books. Their series follows Ben, a
literal-minded third-grader who gets hilariously tangled up in
misinterpreted fortune cookie fortunes. This final book takes Ben
and his best friend Janet on a cross-country road trip filled with
typical Swanson-Behr hijinks.
What makes their books special is the incredible collaboration
between Matthew and Robbi. They're complete opposites - Matthew is
deadline-driven and goal-oriented, while Robbi loves starting her
day with an ice cream sundae and pushing deadlines to the last
minute. Their complementary styles create magic on the page,
resulting in beautifully illustrated books that help reluctant
readers fall in love with storytelling.
The couple's creativity extends beyond books. They spent an entire
year traveling across the country in a bus, visiting Title One
schools and giving away books through their Busload of Books
nonprofit. Their mission? To bring books and creativity to
underserved communities.
Their four children are a source of constant inspiration and
entertainment. From their daughter Alden to their son Auggie, each
child reflects a unique blend of Matthew and Robbi's
personalities.
While this might be the end of the Ben Yokoyama series, the couple
is excited about future projects, including a standalone novel
called "Life on the Moon." Their passion for storytelling,
collaboration, and connecting with young readers shines through in
every word and illustration.
It's a conversation that's part interview, part comedy routine, and
completely heartwarming - a true celebration of creativity, family,
and the joy of reading. We als welcome our Dean of All Things STEM
& STEAM, Jennifer Swanson, back to the show to celebrate her latest
book, "Three Weeks in the Rainforest." Jennifer shares the
fascinating story behind her book, which explores a woman-led
scientific team from the Field Museum conducting a rapid inventory
in the Amazon. Inspired by an exhibit she discovered while visiting
her daughter at Northwestern, Jennifer delved into the world of
scientists who meticulously study biodiversity while working
closely with indigenous communities.
The conversation highlights Jennifer's lifelong passion for
science, tracing back to her childhood science club and her ability
to see scientific wonder everywhere. She vividly describes her
interviews with scientists like Dr. Leslie de Souza, an
ichthyologist who casually walks into waters inhabited by piranhas
and anacondas. Beyond the book's content, Jennifer emphasizes the
importance of nurturing children's curiosity, encouraging parents
and educators to listen to kids' questions and help them explore
answers, not just through the internet, but through resources like
libraries. Her infectious enthusiasm for science shines through,
making the complex world of scientific research accessible and
exciting for young readers.
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