Welcome back to Reading To Connect! Formerly known as Parenting & Bonding w/ Children’s Books or Aidyn’s Books. We’re glad to have you with us. Here is what you can find below:
🎥 One - Interview with Rachel Renée & Nikki Russell (Dork Diaries 16: Tales from a NOT-SO-Bratty Little Sister) — watch it up top ☝🏾
📋 Two - Discover the heart of the episode as we explore everything from transitioning to chapter books, fostering parent-child bonds through reading, and the magic behind Dork Diaries.
👥 Three - Get to know bestselling author Rachel Renée Russell and illustrator Nikki Russell, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind the Dork Diaries sensation!
📝 Four – Want more? Check out the full write-up for deeper insights and extra gems from our conversation on stories, connection, and family!
Okay! Here we go!—
Key Topics Covered:
Transitioning from Aidyn’s Books to Reading To Connect
The importance of shared reading experiences between parents and children
How Dork Diaries helps families bond over stories
Personal stories behind the creation of the Dork Diaries series
The role of friendship and self-esteem in children's books
Advice for parents on fostering connection through reading
Guest Bios:
Rachel Renee Russell is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dork Diaries, a series chronicling the life of middle-schooler Nikki Maxwell. With over 45 million copies in print, Dork Diaries has inspired readers worldwide. Rachel is a former attorney turned full-time writer.
Nikki Russell is the illustrator for Dork Diaries and co-creator of the series with her mom. She is passionate about empowering kids through art and creativity.
Dive Deeper:
In this heartwarming episode of the Reading To Connect Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with two incredible women behind the Dork Diaries series—bestselling author Rachel Renee Russell and her talented daughter and illustrator, Nikki Russell. Together, they’ve crafted a world that resonates with young readers while providing opportunities for parents to connect deeply with their children through shared reading experiences.
We explored the journey of Dork Diaries—how it began as a reflection of their personal experiences and has since grown into a worldwide sensation, beloved by readers from 8 to 28. Rachel shared touching stories about her own daughters' experiences with bullying, which inspired many of the themes in the books, including Nikki Maxwell's relatable struggles with friendship, self-esteem, and being herself.
We also discussed how parents can transition their children from picture books to chapter books, and how the shared experience of reading together—even when it’s independent reading—can create lasting bonds between parents and children.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Dork Diaries or new to the series, this episode offers insights into how stories can help families connect on a deeper level.
If you found this episode inspiring, please share it with other parents and families who could benefit from these powerful insights. Help spread the word about how reading can create lasting connections and foster strong bonds within families.
Storytelling, Friendship, and Connecting Through Books