The Read-Aloud Home

The Read-Aloud Home

por Laura C. Children's book enthusiast, curator of a beautiful collection of children's literature.
Educación para niñosPaternidad
Temporada 2

From birth to death and everything in between, the stories behind author/illustrator Zeno Sworder

Deep dive into the stories behind the picture books with award-winning Australian author/illustrator Zeno Sworder. In this conversation with Zeno I do not talk about the experiences of neurodivergent children or their parents. I am currently researching and learning more about neurodivergence but the stories and advice in this podcast episode may not be relevant to families navigating neurodiversity. This episode was recorded on Gadigal and Wurundjeri Lands. Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome Books, films and humans mentioned Once I was a Giant (2025) by Zeno Sworder This Small Blue Dot (2021) by Zeno Sworder My Strange Shrinking Parents (2023) by Zeno Sworder The Red Tree (2001) by Shaun Tan The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Maze Runner (2009) by James Kushner Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth Ready Player One (2011) by Ernest Cline The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins Terminator books Waterworld (1995) (film) The Day After Tomorrow (1994) by Allan Folsom NBC News Little People, BIG Dreams series Michelangelo (sculptor and painter) Dr Seuss (author/illustrator) The Happy Prince (1888) by Oscar Wilde Need a House Call Ms Mouse (2022) By George Mendoza, illustrated by Doris Susan Smith Du Iz Taz (2016) by Carson Ellis The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau (1988) by Jon Agee I Can Explain (2022) by Shinsuke Yoshitake More from Zeno: zenosworder.com @zenosworder
T2 · E4
17 feb 2026
1:11:29

Step into the world of award-winning illustrator Max Hamilton

What's in this episode? Australian author/illustrator Max Hamilton takes us through what a typical day of work looks like when she is creating a children's picture book. We also talk about her past career, how she tackles a new project, how she organises her picture books and the importance of community for children's book creators. This episode was recorded on the land of the Gadigal and Dharawal People. Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome Books, humans (and other interesting things) mentioned: My Possum Plays the Drums (2020) written by Catherine Meatheringham, illustrated by Max Hamilton When the Waterhole Dries Up (2021) written by Kaye Baillie, illustrated by Max Hamilton Tasmanian Devil (2022) written by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Max Hamilton Where the Lyrebird Lives (2022) written by Vicki Conley, illustrated by Max Hamilton The Beehive (2024) written by Megan Daley, illustrated by Max Hamilton Our Home (2024) written by Catherine Meatheringham, illustrated by Max Hamilton Cockatoo (2024) written by Kaye Baillie, illustrated by Max Hamilton Dogs with Jobs (2025) written and illustrated by Max Hamilton The Wilder Zoo Trilogy by Tina Strachan, illustrated by Max Hamilton Australian Society of Authors [ASA] Erica Wagner (artist and editor) Shirley Hughes (author/illustrator) Maurice Sendak (author/illustrator) Bob Graham (author/illustrator) Jeannie Baker (author/illustrator) Anna Pignataro (author/illustrator) Rachel Robson (children's book buyer for Gleebooks in Australia) Gleebooks @gleebooks_kids The Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators [SCBWI] Margaret Hamilton (author and publisher) Margaret Hamilton Books Pinerolo - The Children's Book Cottage Antonia Pesenti (illustrator) Hilary Bell (author) Alphabetical Sydney (2013) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell Numerical Street (2015) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell Summer Time (2019) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc Gnomes by Wil Huygen and Rein Poortvliet Richard Scarry's Best Story Book Ever Phoebe Wahl (author/illustrator) Little Golden books Beatrix Potter (author/illustrator) May Gibbs (author/illustrator) The Brambly Hedge Series by Jill Barkley Windy Hollow Books More from Max: @mhdesignillustration maxhamiltonillustration.com.au
T2 · E3
10 feb 2026
50:02

Unschooling, illustration and capturing difficult emotions with children’s book creator Phoebe Wahl

In this week's episode Phoebe Wahl talks about her unschooled and free-spirited childhood, her studies at Rhode Island School of Design, her picture book creation process and so much more. Books and people mentioned: Sonya's Chickens (2015) by Phoebe Wahl Backyard Fairies (2018) by Phoebe Wahl The Blue House (2020) by Phoebe Wahl Little Witch Hazel (2021) by Phoebe Wahl Phoebe's Diary (2023) by Phoebe Wahl Rhode Island School of Design Western Washington University Eloise Rickman @mightymother Paper Mice (2019) by Megan Wagner LLoyd and illustrated by Phoebe Wahl Sophie Blackall (author/illustrator) carlemuseum.org Recommendations from Phoebe: Our Animal Friends At Maple Hill Farm (1974) by Alice and Martin Provensen An Owl and Three Pussy Cats (1994) by Alice and Martin Provensen Shaker Lane (1987) by Alice Provensen Janet and Allan Ahlberg (authors) The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters (1986) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg Each Peach Pear Plum (1989) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg The Baby's Catalogue (1982) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg Peekaboo/Peepo (1981) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg Abuela (1997) by Arthur Dorros, illustrated Elisa Kleven Vera B Williams (author/illustrator) Faith Ringgold (author/illustrator) Aliki (author/illustrator) Tove Jansson (author/illustrator) Gracey Zhang (illustrator) The Big Bath House (2021) by Kyo Maclear One More Jar of Jam (2023) by Michelle Sumovich Beatrice Alegmana (author/illustrator) Chirri and Chirra (2016) by Kya Doi (translated from Japanese by Yuki Kaneko) Possum's Harvest Moon (1998) by Anne Hunter Alison Lester (author/illustrator) Rosie Sips Spiders (1988) by Alison Lester More from Phoebe @phoebewahl phoebewahl.com
T2 · E2
14 dic 2025
58:25

Practical tips for creating a read-aloud family home in a modern world with Courtney Adamo

In this week's episode Courtney Adamo talks to the Read-Aloud Home about her new book The Family Home, which explores how your home can help elevate family life and help you spend more quality time as a family including reading together. Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome Books and humans mentioned The Family Home: Inspiring Ideas for a Home Filled with Joy (2025) by Courtney and Michael Adamo And the Train Goes (2007) by William Bee A Sick Day for Amos McGee (2010) by Phillip Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead Ira Sleeps Over (1972) by Bernard Waber Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day (1972) by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz The Tiger who Came to Tea (1968) by Judith Kerr The Bog Baby (2008) by Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward Make Way for Ducklings (1941) by Robert McCloskey The Little House (1942) by Virginia Lee Burton We're Going on a Bear Hunt (1989) by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury The National Geographic Series Charlotte's Web (1952) by E.B White, illustrated by Garth Williams Julian is a Mermaid (2018) by Jessica Love Blueberries for Sal (1948) by Robert McCloskey The Paper Dolls (2012) by Julia Donaldson Who Sank the Boat (1982) by Pamela Allen Simplicity Parenting (2009) by Kim John Payne The Olivia Series by Ian Falconer Ira Says Goodbye (1988) by Bernard Waber Mem Fox (Author) Julia Donaldson (Author) Oliver Jeffers (Author/Illustrator) The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling The Wings of Fire Series by Tui T Sutherland Beware of the Frog (2008) by William Bee More from Courtney Instagram - @courtneyadamo Substack -courtneyadamo.substack.com/
T2 · E1
11 nov 2025
1:03:24
Temporada 1

Friends and collaborators Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell talk creativity, rhyme and the origins of "Alphabetical Sydney"

Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell talk about collaborating creatively as longtime friends, We also discuss children's books that are "the whole package", writing in rhyme, appreciating picture books, graphic novels and illustration as well as looking beyond Australia for beautiful picture books. Books and humans mentioned: · Alphabetical Sydney (2013) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell · Home (2015) By Carson Ellis · Cole's Funny Picture Book (1879) By Edward William Cole · Farmhouse (2022) By Sophie Blackall · Milkwood: "A creative retreat for the children's book community" · Julia Donaldson (author) · Axel Sheffler (illustrator) · Numerical Street (2015) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell · Summer Time (2019) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell · In the Night Kitchen (1970) By Maurice Sendak · Tintin by Hergé · George Orwell (2021) by Pierre Christin · The Dot (2003) By Peter Reynolds · Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie (1918) By May Gibbs · What was I scared of? (1961) By Dr Seuss · A Series of Unfortunate Events By Lemony Snicket (audiobooks narrated by Tim Curry and Lemony Snicket) · A Lion in Paris (2006) By Beatrice Alemagna · Planeta Tangerina · Scribble Publishers
T1 · E7
29 oct 2024
1:05:50

Enjoying the film adaptations of children's books with your kids: an Interview with Nazanin Forghani

Naz talks about her experience creating a children's book, why you should watch films with your children, what works and what doesn't in film adaptations, Roald Dahl adaptations, films as modern updates on dated texts and why the Paddington Bear movies are brilliant. Books, films and humans mentioned: · Arm in Arm (1969) By Remy Charlip · The NeverEnding Story (1984 film) · EQ (2021) by Vivian Rubin · Roald Dahl (author) · The Twits (1980) By Roald Dahl · The Witches (1983) By Roald Dahl · Matilda (1988) By Roald Dahl · Matilda (1996 film) · Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971 film) · Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (2023 film) · Fantastic Mr Fox (2009 film) · Matilda the Musical (2022 film) · Shirley Hughes (author) · Alice in Wonderland (1951 film) · Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) By Lewis Carol · The Julia Donaldson Magic Light Production films · The Enchanted World of Brambly Hedge series · The Harry Potter film series · Paddington (2014 film) · Paddington 2 (2017 film) · The Magic Faraway Tree Series by Enid Blyton · One Day with Mum (1995) By Helen Oxenbury · Henry and Amy: Right-way-Round and Upside Down (2000) By Stephen Michael King More from Naz https://www.nazaninforghani.com Instagram - @nazanin_forghani **Edit: There ARE actually bears in Peru, specifically the Andean Bear, deemed a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to Habitat loss - Nazanin.
T1 · E6
21 oct 2024
58:51

10 things I do to maintain my enthusiasm for reading aloud to my children

Host, Laura Cunningham, shares ten tips to make reading-aloud enjoyable and sustainable (+ 1 bonus tip) Books and humans mentioned: · The Enchanted Hour (2019) By Megan Cox Gurdon · Reading Magic (2001) By Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek · The Book Whisperer (2009) By Donnalyn Miller · The Read-Aloud Handbook (7th Edition) (2013) By Jim Trelease
T1 · E5
14 oct 2024
7:35

Literacy in the early years, an interview with Montessori director Sarah Breckenridge

Sarah Breckenridge explains the Montessori Method and approach to literacy in the early years. We also talk about how to ensure that we use rich language with children, how to display and organise books and how we can talk with, read with and raise children respectfully Books and humans mentioned: · Why You Should Read Children's Books Even Though You Are So Old and Wise (2019) By Katherine Rundell · Martin Amis (author) · John Locke (philosopher) · John Newberry (children's book publisher) · Beatrix Potter (author, illustrator, natural scientist) · Julia Donaldson (author) · Oh Kipper (1992) By Janet and Andrew McLean · Something Wonderful (2016) By Raewyn Caisley, illustrated by Karen Blair · Oi Dog (2016) By Kes and Clare Gray, illustrated by Tim Field · Dr Maria Montessori · Oh the Places You'll Go (1990) By Dr Seuss · Revolting Rhymes (1982) By Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake · The Captain Underpants Series By Dav Pilkey · BBC Books and Authors Interview with author Katherine Rundell · Julia Donaldson (author) · Paddington Bear (children's book character) · Winnie the Pooh (children's book character) · Clifford, the Big Red Dog (1963) By Normal Bridwell · The Little Prince/Le Petit Prince (1943) By Antoine de Saint-Exupéry · The Very Hungry Caterpiller (1969) By Eric Carle · The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch (1977) By Ronda and David Armitage · We're Going on a Bear Hunt (1989) Retold by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury · Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends series · William's Wish Wellingtons, BBC Children's Book, illustrated by Atholl McDonald · Mr Gumpy's Outing (1970) By John Burningham · The Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling · Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy (1983) By Lynley Dodd · Bronwyn Bancroft (author) · Alfie Gets in First (2009) By Shirley Hughes · Alfie's Feet (2009) By Shirley Hughes · Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) By Roald Dahl · Simplicity Parenting (2009) By Kim Jon Payne with Lisa M Ross · The Aldi padded book series · The Indestructible book series
T1 · E4
3 oct 2024
58:23

Five fabulous baby books to buy for a new baby

Host, Laura Cunningham, talks about why we should read with babies, why we should give books as presents to new babies/parents and offers five quick baby book recommendations. Books and humans mentioned: · Babies Need Books: Sharing the Joy of Books with Children from Birth to Six (1982) By Dorothy Butler · The Read-Aloud Handbook (7th Edition) (2013) By Jim Trelease · Who Sank the Boat (1983) By Pamela Allen · Each Peach Pear Plum (1978) By Janet and Allan Ahlberg · Where is the Green Sheep? (2004) By Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek · Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy (1983) By Lynley Dodd · We're Going on a Bear Hunt By (1989) By Michael Rosen
T1 · E3
26 sept 2024
11:00

Interview with the 2023 Children's Bookseller of the Year, Rachel Robson

Rachel Robson discusses her work as the children's book buyer for an independent bookshop, wow to access out-of-print books, how to continue reading aloud when your kids are teens and tweens, book clubs for teenagers and supporting independent book shops without "breaking the bank". Books and humans mentioned: · Meet the Lithographer (2023) by Gabby Bazin · Shirley Hughes (author) · David McKee (author) · Frindle (1998) by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznic · The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2007) by Brian Selznic · A poem for every day of the year (2017) by Allie Esiri · Our Home (2024) by Catherine Meatheringham, illustrated by Max Hamilton · Julia Donaldson (author) · Would You Rather? (1994) By John Burningham · Bamboozled (1994) By David Legge · The Jill Barklem series (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter Story) · Jeannie Baker (author) · Dr Seuss (author) · Roald Dahl (author) · Zaza's Baby Brother (2012) By Lucy Cousins · Need a House Call Ms Mouse (2022) By George Mendoza, illustrated by Doris Susan Smith · Alfie's Feet (2009) By Shirley Hughes · Alfie Gets in First (2009) By Shirley Hughes · Goodnight Moon (1947) By Margaret Wise Brown · Where is the Green Sheep? (2004) by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek · Each, Peach, Pear Plum (1978) By Janet and Allan Ahlberg · The Noisy Book By Soledad Bravi · Monkey and Me By Emily Gravett · The Peekaboo Series By Grace Habib · You Choose (2003) By Pippa Goodhart · When Frank was Four (2006) by Alison Lester · Rose Meets Mr. Wintergarten (1992) By Bob Graham · Dinosaur in my Pocket (2024) By Ashleigh Barton, Illustrated by Blithe Fielden · Listen Hippo (2024) By Gabriel Evans
T1 · E2
16 sept 2024
54:53
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