In this video on my Teacher Kasie channel, I sit down with children’s author John Doriot, the creator behind the Oreo and Joan book series and the sweet story, Doozy. We talk about how his books grew out of real family moments—especially his relationship with his granddaughter—and how their family dog, Oreo, became the heart of stories that kids instantly connect with. I love interviews like this because they remind me how powerful simple, relatable storytelling can be for both classroom read-alouds and cozy bedtime routines. John shares what inspires him as a writer and how he weaves gentle life lessons into kid-friendly adventures. We also chat about why stories centered on family, grandparents, and pets can be such an easy “yes” for teachers and homeschool families—because they naturally open the door to discussion, connection, and comprehension without feeling heavy. If you’re always on the lookout for wholesome children’s books that spark conversations about kindness, belonging, and the bond between kids and animals, this interview is a great one to watch.