Explore every episode of the podcast The Read-Aloud Home

Mother of 3 Jenny McCann worked as a high school English teacher for 15 years, she then started Bear Bookshop in Birmingham. Jenny came onto The Read-Aloud Home Podcast to talk about creating a home where kids read for pleasure, leaning into what your children enjoy and the value of libraries. Jenny now creates beautiful Literature based learning resources that you can find online @childhoodbychapter

Follow along for updates:

@thereadaloudhome

Booksellers, books and people mentioned:

• Bear Bookshop
• James Daunt (Managing Director of Waterstones)
• Waterstones
• A Kind of Spark Series by Elle McNicoll
• The Pond (2017) by Nicola Davies
• Anne of Green Gables (1908) by Lucy Maud Montgomery
• The Beast Quest Series by Adam Blade
• The Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Pamela Butchart (author)
• Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling
• Lord of the Rings (1954) by J.R.R Tolkein
• The Dark (2013) by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Jon Klassen
• The Jolly Postman (1986) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
• Where's Wally (1987) by Martin Handford
• The Hilda Series by Luke Pearson
• @childhoodbychapter

Ellie Brooks talks us through how she rotates her children's book collection throughout the year. She also shares tips and tricks on how to build up your home library through secondhand shopping and a few thoughts on AI children's books . Ellie is creative, thoughtful and warm and and you'll come away from this episode inspired to find the best new and old books for your children and to find ways to showcase them in your read-aloud home.

Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome

Books and People Mentioned:

• Charlotte Mason (British Educator)
• Waldorf Education
• The BFG (1982) by Roald Dahl
• The Mysterious Benedict Society Series by Trenton Lee Stewart
• The Children's Treasury of 20th Century Literature (1998) selected by Janet Schulman
• Bedtime for Frances (1995) by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Garth Williams
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (1989) by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
• The Stinky Cheeseman by Jon Scieszka
• Make Believe (2026) by Mac Barnet
• Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring (2020) by Kenard Pak
• The Usborne Book of Farmyard Tales (2002) by Heather Amery and Stephen Cartwright
• Jan Brett (author/illustrator)
• Arnold Lobel (author/illustrator)
• Wishy Washy books by Tabitha Page
• Brambly Hedge books written and illustrated by Jill Barklem
• Brown Bear Wood books, poems by Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya Hartas
• Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) by A.A Milne, illustrated by E. H. Shepard
• Winnie-the-Pooh Audiobook read by Alan Bennett
• The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
• I am a Bunny (1963) by Ole Risom and Richard Scarry
• Sea Story (1990) by Jill Barklem
• Little House in the Big Woods (1932) by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Farmer Boy (1933) by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Amber O'Neal Johnston on the Read-Aloud Home Podcast
• Thunder Cake (1990) by Patrician Polacco
• Water Is Water (2015) by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Jason Chin
• Tales from Martha B. Rabbit (1999) by Shirley Barber
• A Year on our Farm (2002) by Penny Mathews, illustrated by Andrew McLean
• Snowman - Cold = Puddle: Spring Equations (2019) by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Micha Archer
• Yucky Worms (2015) by Vivian French, illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg
• Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest (2021) by Phoebe Wahl
• How Does my Garden Grow? (2014) by Gerda Muller
• A Year Around the Great Oak (1991) by Gerda Muller
• Where Do They Go When It Rains? by Gerda Muller
• The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day (2016) by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
• slow down: Bring Calm To A Busy World with 50 Nature Stories (2020) by Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya Hartas
• @elliebrookscreate

Audiobooks can be so helpful for busy parents. There might even be a few that are better left to the professionals.

Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome

Audiobooks and podcast episodes mentioned:

• A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, narrated by Tim Curry
• Friends and collaborators Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell talk creativity, rhyme and the origins of "Alphabetical Sydney"
• The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, narrated by Kate Winslet

• Winnie-The-Pooh: The Complete BBC Collection by A. A. Milne and narrated by Alan Bennett

Finding books that are windows for my children has been a priority for me over the past 10 years. In today's episode I share 5 books that are windows in our read-aloud home. Which books are windows for your children and which books are mirrors?

Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome

Books, people and podcast episodes mentioned:

• Charlotte Mason, 'living books' and reading the classics responsibly with Amber O'Neal Johnston
• Amber O'Neal Johnston
• Charlotte Mason (educator and reformer)
• Dr Rudine Sims Bishop
• Grandma's Treasured Shoes by Coral Vass, illustrated by Christina Huynh
• What Happened To YOU? by James Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George
• The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho, Illustrated by Jess X. Snow
• John Brown Rose and the Midnight Cat by Jenny Wagner, illustrated by Ron Brooks
• Ellie's Dragon by Bob Graham

Other than using different voices for book characters what else can we do to make reading aloud a little more fun and theatrical? Here are 4 simple ideas that might work for you!

Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome

People, books, talks, exhibitions mentioned:

• Pamela Allen (author/illustrator)
• The Curious World of Pamela Allen at the State Library of NSW
• Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever (2008) by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek
• Mac Barnett (author)
• Jon Klassen (author/illustrator)
• Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen, City Arts & Lectures (podcast episode)
• Dub Leffler (author/illustrator)
• Bruce Pascoe (author)
• Dub Leffler at the 2015 Library of Congress National Book Festival
• Hairy Maclary (1983) by Lynley Dodd
• Tiddler (2007) by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Sheffler

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.

Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome

Article mentioned:

• Goodnight to the bedtime story: The reason fewer parents are reading aloud to their children by Lauren Ironmonger

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.

Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome

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

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.

Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome

Books, exhibitions and humans mentioned:

• 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)

"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

From his childhood to school workshops to a particular Fleetwood Mac album cover, award-winning writer/illustrator Dub Leffler talks to us about what impacts his work.

For updates and to Dub's work: @thereadaloudhome

Books and humans mentioned:

• Sally Morgan (author)
• 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
• **during this talk we discussed Junko Morimoto and after recording I read that sadly she died in 2017. Junko is one of my favourite author/illustrators and I have no doubt her work will be with my children and many others for the rest of their lives.

More from Dub:

• "Soar" Dub's (new book that will be out in 2026)
• @DubLeffler
• dublefflerillustrator.com

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.

Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome

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

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

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

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

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/

Lara talks us through her new book 'A Grown Up's Guide to Picture Books'. We also talk about picture books and why they are important, how we can extend our picture book reading and thinking differently about the role of picture books in society

Books and humans mentioned:

• A Grown Up's Guide to Picture Books (2024) by Lara Cain Gray
• Tucking Mummy In'(1987) by Morag Loh, illustrated by Donna Rawlins
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wonder essays (2024) by Katherine Rundell
• Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art (1993) by Scott McCloud
• Piano Fingers by Caroline Magerl
• Briony Stewart (author/illustrator)
• Freya Blackwood (illustrator)
• Maurice Sendack (author/illustrator)
• Shirley Hughes (author/illustrator)
• Lynley Dodd (author/illustrator)
• Alfie Gets in First (1981) by Shirley Hughes
• Julia Donaldson (author)
• Axel Sheffler (illustrator)
• Tabby McTat (2009) by Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler
• N.E.A.T Reading
• Tony Flowers (illustrator)
• Antonia Pessenti (illustrator)
• The Little Mermaid (1837) by Hans Christian Andersen
• The Oi Frog and Friends series by Kes Gray and Jim Field
• Every Night at Midnight (2023) by Peter Cheong
• Accidentally Kelly Street (2022) by Briony Stewart, Lyrics by Tim O'Connor
• The Biloela Family
• Blue Whale Blues (2015) by Peter Carnavas

Picture book resources:

• Your Kid's Next Read
• storylinks.booklinks.org.au
• National Centre for Australian Children's Literature

More from Lara:

• @lara_cain_gray
• www.laracaingray.com (Educator Toolkit for 'A Grown Up's Guide to Picture Books' available)

For many of us, getting through Shakespeare at school was difficult and tedious. Turns out, it doesn't need to be that way. In this episode, actor Isabel Burton shares lots of different ways to make Shakespeare fun and engaging for young children.

I have included some of my favourite children's books of Shakespearen plays and his life.

Books, plays and humans mentioned:

• Macbeth (1605) by William Shakespeare
• William Shakespeare (playwright)
• The Bell Shakespeare Theatre Company
• A Midsummer Night's Dream (1595) by William Shakespeare
• The Bell Shakespeare Players
• Romeo and Juliet (1968 film by Zeffirelli)
• Elizabethan (1558-1603) and Jacobean (1603-1625) London
• Queen Elizabeth I
• King James I
• Sam Stars at Shakespeare's Globe (2006) by Pauline Francis, illustrated by Jane Tattersfield
• As You Like It (1599) by William Shakespeare
• The Lion King (1994) (Disney)
• The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998) (Disney)
• Othello (1604) by William Shakespeare
• Just Macbeth (2009) by Andy Griffiths
• Puck's final speech in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Act V, Scene 1)
• A Midsummer Night's Dream (2021) by William Shakespeare, illustrated by Jane Ray

Recommended books for primary school-aged children:

• A Midsummer Night's Dream (2021) by William Shakespeare, illustrated by Jane Ray
• Sam Stars at Shakespeare's Globe (2006) by Pauline Francis, illustrated by Jane Tattersfield
• The Story Orchestra: A Midsummer Night's Dream (2024) by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, Music by Felix Mendelssohn
• The Shakespeare Stories (2014) by Andrew Matthews and Tony Ross

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Host, Laura Cunningham, introduces listeners to the Read-Aloud Home and explains how she became a read aloud zealot. She also explains what to expect from this podcast and discusses the research on the benefits of reading aloud.

Books and humans mentioned:

· Reading Magic (2001) By Mem Fox

· The Read-Aloud Handbook (7th Edition) (2013) By Jim Trelease

· Time for Bed (1993) By Mem Fox

· J.R.R Tolkein (author)

· Philip Pullman (author)

· C.S Lewis (author)

· Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) By Lewis Carol