Bestselling author Matt Stanton is back in our interview hot seat, and Allison takes the opportunity for some updated insights on kids and reading, as well as taking a deep dive into Matt’s writing process and his latest middle-grade novel ‘Duck’.

00:00 Quality Waffle
04:06 Book Mail for This Week
11:12 10 minutes with Matt Stanton
44:57 What Else is Happening This Week

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Barry Jonsberg reads from his new middle-grade novel ‘Nerds vs Aliens’.

00:00 Settle in for Friday First Chapters
01:55 Barry Jonsberg reads ‘Nerds vs Aliens’.

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Jane Godwin reads from her junior fiction book ‘Will Fin Win?’, illustrated by Tom Jellett, and one of four launch titles in the Your Next Read Silver series.

00:00 Settle in for Friday First Chapters
02:43 Jane Godwin reads 'Will Fin Win?’

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Shivaun Plozza reads the first chapter of her contemporary middle-grade novel ‘Summer of Shipwrecks’.

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Yxavel Magno Diño reads the first chapter of her debut fantasy novel ‘The Serpent Rider’.

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Raelke Grimmer reads from her debut young adult novel ‘White Noise’

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Amelia Mellor reads from her middle-grade novel ‘The Lost Book Of Magic’, the conclusion to her bestselling series.

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Dani Vee reads from her debut junior fiction novel ‘Riley’s Failproof Guide To Breaking A School Record’, illustrated by Jules Faber.

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A. L. Tait (aka podcast co-host Allison Tait) reads the first chapter of her contemporary middle-grade novel ‘The First Summer of Callie McGee’.

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Dr Helen Edwards reads the first chapter of her enthralling historical adventure story ‘Legend Of The Lighthouse Moon’

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Deb Fitzpatrick reads the first chapter of her heartwarming junior fiction novel KELPIE CHAOS.

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Bestselling author Judith Rossell reads the first chapter of her latest illustrated middle-grade novel THE MIDWATCH.

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Allison Rushby, the third member of Team YKNR, reads from THE CHRISTMAS WISH, the fifth book in her junior fiction series The Wish Sisters, illustrated by Karen Blair.

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Allison chats to Tom Jellett about his long illustrating career, the importance of surprise in books for kids, and how he approached illustrating ‘Will Fin Win?’, written by Jane Godwin, for the Your Next Read series. Plus, Megan is raving about a new graphic novel.

00:00 Quality Waffle
04:33 Book Mail for This Week
15:22 10 Minutes with Tom Jellett
35:57 What Else is Happening This Week

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In our last regular episode of 2024, Allison and Megan are joined by Allison Rushby, the third member of Team YKNR, for a candle-lit, round-table chat about our favourite books published in 2024. From picture books to YA fiction and everything in between, it's an eclectic list, full of gems.

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Allison chats to Louise Park and Mo Johnson about their new junior fiction novel ‘Prank Wars: Game On’, co-authoring a book and whether too much is ever enough for young readers. Plus, Megan shares her pick of new non-fiction books for kids.

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Megan chats to Marc Abrahams, the brains behind the Erstwilder brand, about visual storytelling, collaborating with illustrators, and creating must-have accessories. Plus, Allison has some news about our exciting summer series!

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Creativity for kids is all about two things – being bored and 'doing'. Allison and Megan look at books and other ways to support kids to explore their creativity. Pus, Megan is raving about a new picture book and Allison shares a new artist/illustrator collab.

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Allison chats to Kathryn Lefroy about her new middle-grade novel ‘The Secret Of The Stone’, making wishes and how to choose a title for a story. Plus, Megan has a new ebook for you!

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The Christmas books are arriving thick and fast so Megan and Allison offer their picks of the current crop. 

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Stuart Wilson joins Allison to chat about his new middle-grade fantasy novel ‘The 113th Assistant Librarian’, writing big stories in contained worlds and the joy of public libraries. Plus, Megan has some inside tips on teachers’ notes.

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Family read-aloud novels need to be engaging and suitable for a range of age groups – including adults. Megan and Allison share their favourite great family read-alouds along with a list of recommendations from the YKNR community.

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R. A. Spratt is back with the origin story of Nanny Piggins, one of her most famous creations, in an in-depth discussion about nailing a voice, producing a top-rating podcast and creating emergency chocolate muffins. Plus, Megan has a tip for library staff.

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Inspired by recent gallery visits, Allison and Megan explore books about art for kids, introducing everything from colour and shape awareness to famous artists to looking at the point of it all. 

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Award-winning author Fiona Wood reads from her new middle-grade novel ‘The Boy and The Dog Tree’.

00:00 Settle in for Friday First Chapters
02:12 Fiona Wood reads ‘The Boy and The Dog Tree’

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Allison chats to author Dani Vee about her debut junior fiction novel ‘Riley’s Failproof Guide to Breaking a School Record’, finding your funny and creating irresistible side characters. Plus, Megan introduces Allison to the florist frog.

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We know, we know, the timing feels odd, but after an increase in enquiries in the Your Kid's Next Read Facebook community, Megan and Allison are chatting about books to read now to help prepare kids (and their grown-ups) who are starting school for the first time next year. Plus, Megan has sustained an injury involving a brass turkey and Allison is vomiting words.

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Allison chats to author Kristin Darell about her new junior fiction series ‘Taronga Presents’, hands-on research and writing collaboratively. Plus, Megan is prepping for a big keynote speech.

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New releases are coming in thick and fast in the run up to the festive season, so Allison and Megan devote this episode to their pick of the latest titles. Get ready to go shopping!

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Allison chats to Rachel Jackson, senior intelligence analyst and author of middle-grade adventure 'Escape From Cuttlefish Cove' – which offers 64 different story paths for readers to discover. Plus, Megan highly recommends a book for kids dealing with grief, loss and hard times.

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Megan and Allison have some thoughts about recent discussion around literacy – and what we can do about it. Plus, Megan is recovering from Book Week dress-ups (one in particular) and Allison has finally stop talking about editing.

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Why aren’t teens reading? In this must-listen recording of the Your Kid's Next Read ‘Teens & Reading’ event, featuring Allison Tait, Allison Rushby, Dr Bronwyn Reddan from Deakin University’s Teen Reading and Digital Practices Research Programme, and Trisha Buckley, secondary school teacher-librarian, book reviewer, literary judge and vice-president CBCA (Qld branch), we look at ways to bring teens back to books.

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Allison chats to debut picture book author Ebony Froome about writing the book you can't see on the shelves, celebrating language and embracing six seasons. Plus, Megan has a call to action and a new #LoveOzYA recommendation.

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A must-listen recording of the Your Kid's Next Read ‘Raising Wild Readers’ event, held on 23 July 2024, featuring Megan Daley in conversation with Sally Rippin, the 2024-2025 Australian Children's Laureate. This in-depth discussion looks at the joys and challenges of getting – and keeping – kids reading, and offers valuable insights, tips and advice for improving literacy outcomes in Australia and fostering a love of literature in all types of young readers. 

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It’s Science Week 2024 (10-18 August) and Megan has tips for blending books, science, nature and kids now and in the future. Plus, some insider advice for young science writers.

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Author, literary agent and academic Danielle Binks pops in for a chat with Allison and Megan about topics and trends in Young Adult literature – and lots of great recommended reads. Mature themes discussed in this episode. 

00:00 Quality Waffle
04:28 Book Mail for This Week
07:10  Feedback From Our 2025 Survey
08:56 10 Minutes with  Danielle Binks
50:05 What Else is Happening This Week

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Allison chats to debut picture book author Rosi Ngwenya about writing a narrative in 14 words, following your dreams and… thumb sucking. Plus, Megan has her fun, friendly face on for school visits.

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Allison interviews debut author Nick Long about his junior fiction series FORBIDDEN JOURNEY OF RUFUS RUMBLE, switching from making documentaries to writing for kids, and why he didn't write about the Amazon. Plus, Megan shares a must-read article about the power of picture books.

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With less than one month to go before CBCA Book Week kicks off on 17th August 2024, Megan has new tips and exciting updates for bringing CBCA Book Week to life at your place, whether that's home or school. Plus, her new favourite picture book.

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Allison chats to author Mark Greenwood about his new middle-grade series HISTORY HUNTERS, finding the ‘story’ in history, and advice for young researchers. Plus, Megan has tips for brilliant birthday parties.

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Megan has terrific tips for celebrating NAIDOC Week and recommends some fabulous new and recent books for kids of all ages for your collection. Plus, Allison has low-maintenance costume ideas for CBCA Book Week.

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Allison interviews popular children’s author Belinda Murrell about her new junior fiction series THE DAREDEVIL PRINCESS, her long career and writing in a changing world. Plus, details of our exciting special event.

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Winter is reading season and Allison and Megan are exploring books that will help young readers lean into the chill – and books that will take them to warmer places. Plus, a reading challenge for teens and a holiday tip to keep kids in touch with books.

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Allison chats to Yuot A. Alaak about the young readers edition of his extraordinary memoir FATHER OF THE LOST BOYS, blending the personal and the global and ... adopted puppies. Plus, Megan has a great recommendation for educators planning for CBCA Book Week. 

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With anxiety in young people on the rise, Megan and Allison discuss books – both non-fiction and novel – to help kids and the adults in their lives explore and explain their feelings.

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Allison chats to bestselling author Catherine Doyle about her new, stand-alone fantasy novel PIRATES OF DARKSEA, sibling relationships, and dealing with the hard stuff. Plus, Megan has tips about creating anthologies and Allison survives the leadlighting workshop.

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Tanya Hennessy reads from ‘Sunny and Storm’, the first book in her hilarious and heartwarming new junior fiction series, illustrated by Rachael McLean.

00:00 Settle in for Friday First Chapters
02:35 Tanya Hennessy reads 'Sunny and Storm'

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Allison interviews author Anna Battese about the latest book in her PD McPEM’S AGENCY FOR MYSTERIOUS MYSTERIES series, writing satisfying mysteries for very young readers and adding sharks and red herrings. Plus, Megan is raving about a new picture book AND a YA fantasy novel. 

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Megan and Allison discuss a recent surge in requests for short middle-grade novels, and Megan has some recommendations. Plus, brilliant bookmail and reality reflects fiction.

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Allison interviews author Deborah Abela about her new middle-grade verse novel THE KINDNESS PROJECT, going where the writing takes you and the joy (or not) of group projects. Plus, Megan's new favourite junior fiction series, writing workshops, and more.

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