The Read-Aloud Home

The Read-Aloud Home

by Laura C. Children's book enthusiast, curator of a beautiful collection of children's literature.
Education for KidsParenting
Season 3
Getting creative about how to find time to read aloud to your children in a busy world
Too busy to read aloud? This week's episode is for you! Host Laura Cunningham shares a mindset shift as well as some practical solutions to help you find extra time throughout the week to read aloud to your children. Article mentioned: Goodnight to the bedtime story: The reason fewer parents are reading aloud to their children by Lauren Ironmonger
S3 · E3
Jul 23, 2026
14:35
How to arrange and make the most out of an author/illustrator visit (when your child's school doesn't have a librarian)
Even if your school doesn't have a librarian you can arrange author/illustrator visits. These visits are a wonderful way to inspire children to read and be creative. In this episode, we share a few very simple ways to help you arrange an author/illustrator visit and to help the kids at your school get the most out of it. Books, people, websites mentioned: Raising Readers: How to nurture a child's love of books by Megan Daley Australia Reads Booked Out Where is the Green Sheep? (2004) by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horace
S3 · E2
Jul 14, 2026
7:48
Three ideas to make reading aloud to a wriggly baby or toddler easier
You want to read to your baby/toddler but they have other ideas. They are on the move, they don't want to listen so you need to get creative! Here are three super simple ideas to help you find the ease and joy in reading to a wriggly child. Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever (2008) by Mem Fox Hairy Maclary (1983) by Lynley Dodd Hands Can (2003) by Cheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by John-Francis Bourke Pamela Allen (author/illustrator) The Curious World of Pamela Allen (Exhibition at the NSW State Library) Julia Donaldson (author) Axel Sheffler (illustrator)
S3 · E1
Jul 6, 2026
11:06
Season 2
Charlotte Mason, 'living books' and reading the classics responsibly with Amber O'Neal Johnston
"In my home, Charlotte Mason has an afro" - homeschooling mother of four, Amber O'Neal Johnston, talks about how she has adapted the Charlotte Mason philosophy to suit her children. We also talk about books as mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors, questions to ask when you are curating your home library, why we don't need to cancel the classics and so much more. Books, people, websites mentioned: Heritagemom.com A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond (2022) by Amber O'Neal Johnston Soul School: Taking Kids On a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture (2025) by Amber O'Neal Johnston Homegrown: Guidance and Inspiration for Navigating Your Homeschooling Journey (2025) by Amber O'Neal Johnston Saint Valentine (1992) by Robert Sabuda Charlotte Mason (educator and reformer) Stone Girl Bone Girl: The Story of Mary Anning (1999) by Laurence Anholt, illustrated by Sheila Moxley Pride and Prejudice (1813) by Jane Austen The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson Frindle (1996) by Andrew Clement Wonder (2012) by R.J Palacio The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child's Bookshelf, Grace Lin TEDx Talk The Guardian Poll on Australia's best picture book The Little House on The Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Birchbark House (1999) by Louise Erdrich One Big Open Sky (2024) by Lesa Cline-Ransome The Cosby Show Pollyanna (1913) by Eleanor H Porter Charles Dickens (author) Stories of Colour Redeemed Reader Biblioguides Me and Mama (2020) by Cozbi A Cabrera Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (1987) by John Steptoe A Story About Afiya (2020) by James Berry and Anna Cunha Hip Hop Speaks to Children (2008) by Nikki Giovanni More from Amber: Heritagemom.com Instagram - @heritagemomblog
S2 · E7
Apr 22, 2026
55:48
Symbolism, the language of feet and depicting difficult scenes: an interview with Dub Leffler
From his childhood to school workshops to a particular Fleetwood Mac album cover, award-winning writer/illustrator Dub Leffler talks to the The Read-Aloud Home about the many things that impact his work. Find some of Dub's work on my Instagram @thereadaloudhome Books and humans mentioned: Sally Morgan (author) Banksy (artist) Coral Vass (author) Leah Purcell (actor, playwright, director, novelist) Once there was a boy (2011) by Dub Leffler Library of Congress Sorry Day (2018) by Coral Vass, illustrated by Dub Leffler Kevin Rudd (Australian Prime Minister (2007-2010 and briefly in 2013) The Drover's Son (2026) by Leah Purcell, illustrated by Dub Leffler. Quirindi (regional town in Australia) Caroona Aboriginal Mission Dick Roughsey (author/artist) Cathie Tasker The Quinkins (1978) by Dick Roughsey Childcraft: The How And Why Library (Stories and Fables) [volume 2] (1976) Koori Radio, Sydney Margaret Cossey Indij Readers The Dreaming Series Laughing Zebras Animation Mark Rothko (artist) Henri Rousseau (artist) Tango in the Night by Fleetwood Mac The Eagles Clyfford Still (artist) Walking Together (2025) by Coral Vass, illustrated by Dub Leffler Shirley Hughes (author/illustrator) John J Muth (author/illustrator) Trevor Jamieson (stage and film actor) Story Box Kevin Rudd (Australian Prime Minister 2007-2010, 2013) Vik Muniz Vik Muniz Ted Talk Bruce Pascoe (writer) Harlyn Geronimo Geronimo Buzz Aldrin Tony Birch (author/academic/activist) Library of Congress, Young Adventurers: 2015 National Book Festival Jared Thomas (author) Bear and Rat (2021) by Christopher Cheng, illustrated by Stephen Michael King Big Nuisance (2001) by Junko Morimoto My Hiroshima (1987) by Junko Morimoto The Two Bullies (1997) by Junko Morrimotto Flotsam (2006) by David Weisner Art and Max (2010) by David Weisner Each Peach Pear Plum (1987) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg **please note that during this talk we discussed Junko Morimoto and upon researching into Junko after the episode I read that sadly she died in 2017. Junko is one of my favourite author/illustrators and I have no doubt her stories and illustrations will be with my children and many other children for the rest of their lives. More from Dub: "Soar" Dub's (new book that will be out in 2026) @DubLeffler dublefflerillustrator.com
S2 · E6
Apr 12, 2026
1:21:10
Interview with the founder of Little Modern Reader, Emily Chang
I sat down with fellow zealot Emily Chang from the online secondhand children's book store Little Modern Reader to talk about running a small business, her "past life" as a Chinese antiques specialist, discovering the joy of picture books as an adult and so much more. This episode is not to be missed as it is bubbling with picture book enthusiasm and love! This episode was recorded on Gadigal Land. Books, humans and websites mentioned: www.littlemodernreader.com.au Magic Beach (1990) by Alison Lester Window (1991) by Jeannie Baker Enjoying the Film Adaptations of Children's Books With Your Kids, an Interview with Nazanin Forghani Australian Refugee Volunteers The Pyjama Foundation Oi Frog (2014) by Kes Gray and Jim Field. Heywood Hill in Mayfair Pokko and the Drum (2019) by Matthew Forsythe Meg and Mog (1972) by Helen Nicoll and illustrated by Jan Pieńkowski Waiting (2015) by Kevin Henkes The Worrysaurus (2000) by Rachel Bright Little Modern Reader's Donations Guidelines Each Peach Pear Plum (1978) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg The Very Cranky Bear (2008) by Nick Bland Henri's Walk to Paris (2012) Saul Bass (illustrator) and Leonore Klein (contributor) Step into the world of award-winning illustrator Max Hamilton. Antonia Pesenti (author) Hilary Bell (illustrator) Bruno Munari's ABC (2003) Miffy by Dick Bruna Leo Lionni Little Blue and Little Yellow (2009) by Leo Lionni The Little House (1942) by Virginia Lee Burton This Small Blue Dot (2021) by Zeno Sworder. Jon Klassen (author/illustrator) Interview with Picture Book Activist Lara Cain Gray More from Emily: To the Moon Kids www.littlemodernreader.com.au @littlemodernreader Sign up for bookish news here
S2 · E5
Mar 10, 2026
49:58
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. 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
S2 · E4
Feb 17, 2026
1:11:29
Step into the world of award-winning illustrator Max Hamilton
What's in this episode? In this week's 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. 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
S2 · E3
Feb 10, 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
S2 · E2
Dec 14, 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. 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/
S2 · E1
Nov 11, 2025
1:03:24
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