The Read-Aloud Home

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 mentionedOnce I was a Giant (2025) by Zeno SworderThis Small Blue Dot (2021) by Zeno SworderMy Strange Shrinking Parents (2023) by Zeno SworderThe Red Tree (2001) by Shaun TanThe Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesThe Maze Runner (2009) by James RushnerDivergent Trilogy by Veronica RothReady Player One (2011) by Ernest ClineThe Hunger Games Series by Suzanne CollinsTerminator booksWaterworld (1995) (film)The Day After Tomorrow (1994) by Allan FolsomNBC NewsLittle People, BIG Dreams seriesMichelangelo (sculptor and painter)Dr Seuss (author/illustrator)The Happy Prince (1888) by Oscar WildeNeed a House Call Ms Mouse (2022) By George Mendoza, illustrated by Doris Susan SmithDu Iz Taz (2016) by Carson EllisThe Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau (1988) by Jon AgeeI Can Explain (2022) by Shinsuke Yoshitake

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 HamiltonWhen the Waterhole Dries Up (2021) written by Kaye Baillie, illustrated by Max HamiltonTasmanian Devil (2022) written by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Max HamiltonWhere the Lyrebird Lives (2022) written by Vicki Conley, illustrated by Max HamiltonThe Beehive (2024) written by Megan Daley, illustrated by Max HamiltonOur Home (2024) written by Catherine Meatheringham, illustrated by Max HamiltonCockatoo (2024) written by Kaye Baillie, illustrated by Max HamiltonDogs with Jobs (2025) written and illustrated by Max HamiltonThe Wilder Zoo Trilogy by Tina Strachan, illustrated by Max HamiltonAustralian 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_kidsThe Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators [SCBWI]Margaret Hamilton (author and publisher)Margaret Hamilton BooksPinerolo - The Children's Book CottageAntonia Pesenti (illustrator)Hilary Bell (author)Alphabetical Sydney (2013) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary BellNumerical Street (2015) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary BellSummer Time (2019) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary BellThe Lion and the Bird by Marianne DubucGnomes by Wil Huygen and Rein PoortvlietRichard Scarry's Best Story Book EverPhoebe Wahl (author/illustrator)Little Golden booksBeatrix Potter (author/illustrator)May Gibbs (author/illustrator)The Brambly Hedge Series by Jill BarkleyWindy Hollow BooksMore from Max:@mhdesignillustration maxhamiltonillustration.com.au

What's in this episode: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 WahlBackyard Fairies (2018) by Phoebe WahlThe Blue House (2020) by Phoebe WahlLittle Witch Hazel (2021) by Phoebe WahlPhoebe's Diary (2023) by Phoebe WahlRhode Island School of DesignWestern Washington UniversityEloise Rickman @mightymotherPaper Mice (2019) by Megan Wagner LLoyd and illustrated by Phoebe WahlSophie Blackall (author/illustrator)carlemuseum.orgRecommendations from Phoebe:Our Animal Friends At Maple Hill Farm (1974) by Alice and Martin ProvensenAn Owl and Three Pussy Cats (1994) by Alice and Martin ProvensenShaker Lane (1987) by Alice ProvensenJanet and Allan Ahlberg (authors)The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters (1986) by Janet and Allan AhlbergEach Peach Pear Plum (1989) by Janet and Allan AhlbergThe Baby's Catalogue (1982) by Janet and Allan AhlbergPeekaboo/Peepo (1981) by Janet and Allan AhlbergAbuela (1997) by Arthur Dorros, illustrated Elisa KlevenVera 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 MaclearOne More Jar of Jam (2023) by Michelle SumovichBeatrice Alegmana (author/illustrator)Chirri and Chirra (2016) by Kya Doi (translated from Japanese by Yuki Kaneko)Possum's Harvest Moon (1998) by Anne HunterAlison Lester (author/illustrator)Rosie Sips Spiders (1988) by Alison LesterMore from Phoebe@phoebewahlphoebewahl.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.What's in this episode?Ideas and tips for making your home a place where reading can happen comfortably and with easeReading to children of different agesCourtney introduces us to some beautiful new children's books and also shares some old favourites that we think all children must readBooks and humans mentionedThe Family Home: Inspiring Ideas for a Home Filled with Joy (2025) by Courtney and Michael AdamoAnd the Train Goes (2007) by William BeeA Sick Day for Amos McGee (2010) by Phillip Stead, illustrated by Erin SteadIra Sleeps Over (1972) by Bernard WaberAlexander and the Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day (1972) by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray CruzThe Tiger who Came to Tea (1968) by Judith KerrThe Bog Baby (2008) by Jeanne Willis and Gwen MillwardMake Way for Ducklings (1941) by Robert McCloskeyThe Little House (1942) by Virginia Lee BurtonWe're Going on a Bear Hunt (1989) by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen OxenburyThe National Geographic SeriesCharlotte's Web (1952) by E.B White, illustrated by Garth WilliamsJulian is a Mermaid (2018) by Jessica LoveBlueberries for Sal (1948) by Robert McCloskeyThe Paper Dolls (2012) by Julia DonaldsonWho Sank the Boat (1982) by Pamela AllenSimplicity Parenting (2009) by Kim John PayneThe Olivia Series by Ian FalconerIra Says Goodbye (1988) by Bernard WaberMem Fox (Author)Julia Donaldson (Author)Oliver Jeffers (Author/Illustrator)The Harry Potter Series by J.K. RowlingThe Wings of Fire Series by Tui T SutherlandBeware of the Frog (2008) by William BeeMore from CourtneyInstagram - @courtneyadamoSubstack -courtneyadamo.substack.com/

What's in this episode?Lara talks us through her new book 'A Grown Up's Guide to Picture Books'What are picture books and why they are importantHow we can extend our picture book readingThinking differently about the role of picture books in societyBooks and humans mentioned:A Grown Up's Guide to Picture Books (2024) by Lara Cain GrayTucking Mummy In'(1987) by Morag Loh, illustrated by Donna RawlinsThe Lion, the Witch and the Wonder essays (2024) by Katherine RundellUnderstanding Comics: The Invisible Art (1993) by Scott McCloudPiano Fingers by Caroline MagerlBriony 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 HughesJulia Donaldson (author)Axel Sheffler (illustrator)Tabby McTat (2009) by Julia Donaldson and Axel ShefflerN.E.A.T ReadingTony Flowers (illustrator)Antonia Pessenti (illustrator)The Little Mermaid (1837) by Hans Christian AndersenThe Oi Frog and Friends series by Kes Gray and Jim FieldEvery Night at Midnight (2023) by Peter CheongAccidentally Kelly Street (2022) by Briony Stewart, Lyrics by Tim O'ConnorThe Biloela FamilyBlue Whale Blues (2015) by Peter CarnavasPicture book resources:Your Kid's Next Readstorylinks.booklinks.org.auNational Centre for Australian Children's LiteratureMore from Lara:@lara_cain_graywww.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 ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare (playwright)The Bell Shakespeare Theatre CompanyA Midsummer Night's Dream (1595) by William ShakespeareThe Bell Shakespeare PlayersRomeo and Juliet (1968 film by Zeffirelli)Elizabethan (1558-1603) and Jacobean (1603-1625) LondonQueen Elizabeth IKing James ISam Stars at Shakespeare's Globe (2006) by Pauline Francis, illustrated by Jane TattersfieldAs You Like It (1599) by William ShakespeareThe Lion King (1994) (Disney)The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998) (Disney)Othello (1604) by William ShakespeareJust Macbeth (2009) by Andy GriffithsPuck'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 RayRecommended books for primary school-aged children:A Midsummer Night's Dream (2021) by William Shakespeare, illustrated by Jane RaySam Stars at Shakespeare's Globe (2006) by Pauline Francis, illustrated by Jane TattersfieldThe Story Orchestra: A Midsummer Night's Dream (2024) by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, Music by Felix MendelssohnThe Shakespeare Stories (2014) by Andrew Matthews and Tony Ross

What's in this episode?· Collaborating creatively as longtime friends· The origins of Alphabetical Sydney· Children's books that are "the whole package"· Writing in rhyme· Appreciating picture books, graphic novels and illustration· Looking beyond Australia for beautiful picture booksBooks 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

What's in this episode?· Naz's 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· Why the Paddington Bear movies are brilliantBooks, 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 KingMore from Nazhttps://www.nazaninforghani.comInstagram - @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.

What's in this episode?· 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

What's in this episode?· What is the Montessori Method?· A Montessori approach to literacy in the early years· How to ensure that we use rich language with children· How to display and organise books· How we can talk with, read with and raise children respectfullyBooks 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

What's in this episode?· Why we should read with babies· Why we should give books as presents to new babies/parents· 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

What's in this episode?· What is involved in being the children's book buyer for an independent bookshop· How to access out-of-print books· How to continue reading aloud when your kids are teens and tweens· Book clubs for teenagers· Supporting independent book shops without "breaking the bank"· An inspiring list of book recommendationsBooks 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

What's in this episode?· Introduction to the Read-Aloud Home including how I became a read aloud zealot.· What to expect from this podcast.· An introduction to 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