Podcast
Author Allison Tait and teacher-librarian-author Megan Daley, co-founders of the Your Kid’s Next Read community, talk books and reading for children of all ages. From board books and picture books, to junior fiction, middle-grade novels and YA blockbusters, they’ll help you find the perfect next book for the young readers in your life. Plus, practical tips on getting (and keeping) kids reading and writing, a whole lot of fun and … YKNR book question bingo.
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Episode Breakdown
Episode 106: 10 minutes with George Ivanoff
In episode 106 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 minutes with George Ivanoff Allison spends 10 minutes with George Ivanoff, chatting about his latest novel ‘Monster Island’ and how to develop a kid’s creativity. Megan and Allison look at how to reach reluctant readers, and have quick tips for children’s authors and educators. Books…
Episode 105: 10 Minutes with A.F. Steadman
In episode 105 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with AF Steadman Allison spends 10 minutes with A. F. Steadman, internationally bestselling author of the Skandar series, talking about Skandar and the Phantom Rider (book #2), putting real feelings into fantasy worlds, and making things up as you go along. Plus, Megan looks…
Episode 104: A chat about chapter books
In episode 104 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: A Chat About Chapter Books Megan and Allison discuss the ins and outs of chapter books, from the first step beyond school readers to independent reads for 6-8 year olds. Plus, Allison has the heads up on a terrific new school-based program for budding reporters. Books…
Episode 103: 10 Minutes with Rebecca Lim
This episode is brought to you by ‘We Are Matildas’, written by Shelley Ware, illustrated by Serena Geddes, and published by Penguin Random House Australia. Purchase here. In episode 103 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Rebecca Lim Allison spends 10 minutes with award-winning author Rebecca Lim chatting about her role in…
Episode 102: Books for Baby Showers
In episode 102 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books for Baby Showers Do you buy books for the first 12 months or books for a lifetime? Megan and Allison dive into books for baby showers. Plus, Allison is online for Brisbane Writers’ Festival’s WordPlay program, and Megan takes a look at when to…
Episode 101: 10 Minutes with Samera Kamaleddine
In episode 101 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Samera Kamaleddine We spend 10 minutes with prize-winning author Samera Kamaleddine, chatting about moving to middle grade, feeling small in the world, and becoming a librarian. Plus, Megan is going camping and Allison flags a great literary activity for schools. Books we mention…
Episode 100: Ask us Anything
In episode 100 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Ask us Anything To celebrate our 100-episode milestone, Megan and Allison invited the community to ‘Ask Us Anything’ – listen to find out what they wanted to know. Plus, Allison shares details of a new online creative writing course for kids, and Megan has some roadtrip…
Episode 99: 10 minutes with Melissa Keil
In episode 99 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Melissa Keil Allison spends 10 minutes with children’s and YA author Melissa Keil, chatting about new editions, writing junior fiction for the first time, and her role in the Imagining The Future project. Plus, Megan shares books about gardening and ideas for…
Episode 98: Books About Friendship
In episode 98 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books About Friendship Megan and Allison take a deep dive into books that show young readers about friendship – and the books that become our lifelong friends. Plus, Allison has a shortcut for wide reading, and Megan shares her collection of books for tweens and…
Episode 97: 10 Minutes with Matt Stanton
In episode 97 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Matt Stanton Allison spends 10 minutes with Matt Stanton, discussing his latest middle-grade novel ‘Evie Dreams Big’ (Bored #3), creating in family life, and building a cruise ship in a car space. Plus, Megan has school holiday activities for budding illustrators and Allison…
Episode 96: Classroom read-aloud novels
In episode 96 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Classroom read-aloud novels Megan and Allison look at choosing the perfect read-aloud novel for your classroom – with help from award-winning author Sue Whiting. Plus, Allison has tips for finding authors to interview and Megan helps you find free audiobooks for the holidays. Books we mention…
Episode 95: Books About Maths
In episode 95 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books About Maths Once more stepping boldly where writers fear to tread, Megan and Allison are exploring books about maths – with the help of the YKNR community. Plus, Megan has an author product recommendation and Allison shares a picture book giving her all the feels.…
Episode 94: 10 Minutes with Lili Wilkinson
In episode 94 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Lili Wilkinson Allison spends 10 minutes with author Lili Wilkinson, chatting about her role as lead writer on the Imagining The Future project, her new book and making up dance moves. Plus, Megan has advocacy tips for teacher-librarians and explains why Allison Tait…
Episode 93: Books About Dragons
In episode 93 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books About Dragons Dragons are having a moment (again) in children’s literature and Megan and Allison are sharing some favourite fire-breathing reads for kids of all ages. Plus, Megan has a top tip for primary school teachers and Allison has a recommended read for children’s authors.…
Episode 92: 10 Minutes with Jane Godwin
In episode 92 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Jane Godwin Allison spends 10 minutes with YKNR favourite author Jane Godwin, talking about her new junior fiction series The Isabelle Stories, and writing across age groups and finding those ‘oh, of course’ moments. Plus, Allison Rushby has a brand-new series, Megan is…
Episode 91: YKNR Highlights Reel
In episode 91 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: YKNR Hightlights Reel Allison and Megan share a selection of highlights from recent discussions in the Your Kid’s Next Read – and add their two cents worth. Books we mention Click on the links to buy from Booktopia or shop all of the YKNR Podcast recommendations…
Episode 90: Books About Feelings
In episode 90 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books About Feelings Small people have big feelings and this week Megan and Allison share a selection of non-fiction and fiction books to help them navigate moods and emotions. Plus, a tip for teacher-librarians on sharing books to parent communities and a revelation about capsicums. Books…
Episode 89: STEM Books for All Ages
In episode 89 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: STEM Books for All Ages Inspired by the Imagining The Future initiative, Megan and Allison look at books that combine STEM themes with great stories, as well as tips for incorporating STEM books in home libraries. Plus, Allison has tips for reading routines for older kids…
Episode 88: Kickstart your library year
In episode 88 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Kickstart Your Library Year Megan shares her tips for getting your school library off to a great start in 2023, while Allison has tips for authors looking to do more speaking this year. Subscribe to our *new* newsletter here. Books we mention Click on the…
Episode 87: Back to School (Again)
In episode 87 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Back to School (again) In the first full episode for 2023, Megan and Allison look at the Groundhog Day of Back To School time, with some tips and books to make it easier. Plus, Allison has a creative challenge for you (or the young writers…
Summer Snacks Series
In the Summer Snacks Series of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Ep 81 ZANNI LOUISE Zanni is the author of Author of more than thirty kids’ books, including picture books, chapter books and books for 10-12 year-olds. We talked about her latest book Pigasus, as well as some exciting news about what’s coming in 2023.…
Episode 80: Encouraging Holiday Reading
In episode 80 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Encouraging Holiday Reading Megan has tips and tricks for encouraging holiday reading and, wait for it, a list of ALL our 2022 bookmail divided into reading ages, while Allison has a tip for children’s authors and a little announcement. Books we mention Click on the links…
Episode 79: 10 Minutes with Adrian Beck
In episode 79 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Adrian Beck Allison spends 10 minutes with author and illustrator Adrian Beck chatting about his latest junior fiction novel ‘Furball: Spy Cat’, while Megan is raving about her bookmail. Plus, we’re talking about podcasts, with a fond farewell and a must-listen! Books we…
Episode 78: It’s Christmas all over again
In episode 78 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: It’s Christmas all over again It’s that time of year and Megan is rounding up her picks from this year’s crop of Christmas books, as well as sharing some old favourites. Plus, how to create a Book Advent Calendar and how to interview an author. Books…
Episode 77: 10 Minutes with Emily Gale
In episode 77 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Emily Gale Allison spends 10 minutes with Australian author Emily Gale talking about the pandemic in literature, ghosts in the library and her latest novel The Goodbye Year. Megan has an ‘aha’ moment while listening to a creative podcast, and we have…
Episode 76: Magazines for Kids
In episode 76 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Magazines for Kids Information, inspiration and entertainment – magazines for kids have it all and a subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. Megan and Allison share options for kids of ages, including the magazines consistently recommended in the Your Kid’s Next Read Facebook community.…
Episode 75: 10 Minutes with Alison Lester
In episode 75 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Alison Lester What’s the secret of writing ‘read it again’ picture books? Allison spends 10 minutes with beloved Australian author Alison Lester to find out. Plus, four creative writing books for kids 6-12 and Megan has a tip for making a journal out…
Episode 74: Spooky Books for Kids
In episode 74 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Spooky Books for Kids It’s that time of year, when spooky books for kids are flying off the shelves. Megan and Allison look at why kids love stories with a bit of scare and recommend titles from picture books to YA. Plus, Megan has tips…
Episode 73: 10 Minutes with Morris Gleitzman
In episode 73 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Morris Gleitzman Allison spends 10 minutes (actually, much longer) with award-winning, bestselling author Morris Gleitzman, talking about ‘Digging Up Dad’, his latest collection of short stories, as well as the secrets of engaging reluctant readers (and publicists), writing stories with heart and why…
Episode 72: Collection Development for Libraries
In episode 72 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Collection Development for Libraries Ever wondered how school library collections are put together? Megan delves into the science of curating a collection for a school community. Plus, Allison has tips to help kids write when they really don’t want to (but absolutely have to). Books we…
Episode 71: 10 Minutes with Nova Weetman
In episode 71 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Nova Weetman Allison spends 10 minutes with award-winning author Nova Weetman, while Megan has some tips for helping young readers take action when they find a book they love. Plus, a new magazine that kids (and adults) will love and Allison is shining…
Episode 70: Dinosaur Books
In episode 70 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Dinosaur Books Megan and Allison tackle one of the biggest (get it) Bingo questions of all, with an enormous (stop us) list of book recommendations for dinosaur lovers. Plus, Allison shares tips for writing beautiful sentences and Megan investigates Bibliotherapy. Books we mention Click…
Episode 69: 10 minutes with Kristin Darell
In episode 69 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 minutes with Kristin Darell Allison spends 10 minutes with debut author Kristin Darell, learning all about her new fiction series Football Fever – and her actual Stephen Bradbury moment! Plus, Megan reviews three new releases that have moved her, and Allison has two tips to…
Episode 68: Biographies for kids
In episode 68 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Biographies for Kids Biographies and autobiographies can be a great way to move non-fiction lovers into narratives and to extend interest-based readers into the story behind the story. Megan and Allison suggest some of their favourite bios for kids and share recommendations from the Your Kid’s…
Episode 67: 10 minutes with Melanie La’Brooy
In episode 67 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 minutes with Melanie La’Brooy Allison spends 10 minutes with author Melanie La’Brooy, discussing her first novel for children, The Wintrish Girl. Plus, Allison has tips for authors on the move and Megan is sharing some great advice about why young readers need diverse books. This…
Episode 66: Secrets of a school librarian
In episode 66 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Secrets of a School Librarian Weirdest thing you’ve ever found used as a bookmark? Most popular book in the library? Megan is in the hot seat this week, answering these questions and many more about her life as a teacher librarian. Plus, Allison has top tips…
Episode 65: 10 Minutes with Dani Vee
In episode 65 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Dani Vee We spend 10 minutes with debut author (and veteran podcaster) Dani Vee, discussing her extraordinary new picture book. Plus, Allison has Book Week tips for authors and Megan shares some book-related career options for keen young readers. Books we mention Click…
Episode 64: Let’s talk about ‘takeaway’ fiction
In episode 64 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Let’s talk about ‘takeaway’ fiction Megan responds to several queries about how to move kids away from series that parents feel are ‘lightweight’ or ‘fluff’, and Allison has tips for knowing when a story is finished. Plus, why we should encourage kids to take on books…
Episode 63: Why Should I Read?
In episode 63 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Why Should I Read? How do you answer when a young person asks why they should read? Megan and Allison have some ideas. Plus, Allison has a hack for parents of older kids and Megan has tips for hosting an author visit at school. Books we…
Episode 62: Ten Minutes with Belinda Murrell
In episode 62 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Belinda Murrell Megan and Allison spend 10 minutes with award-winning author Belinda Murrell, chatting about her new book ‘The Silver Sea’, how to create immersive fantasy worlds, and why time-slip novels are great for broadening kids’ reading horizons. Plus, Allison is now…
Episode 61: Books About Sport
In episode 61 0f the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books About Sport Megan and Allison take a deep dive into books for kids who love sport. From AFL to gymnastics, tennis to soccer, boxing to cricket, there’s something for everyone. Plus, Megan sounds an early Book Week reminder and Allison has tips for…
Episode 60: Fairytales for all ages
In episode 60 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Fairytales for all ages Fairytales, whether classic, fractured or long lost, are the cornerstone of storytelling, and Megan and Allison have suggestions for young readers of all ages. Plus Allison has a tip to help kids easily simplify their stories and Megan shares ideas…
Episode 59: Helping kids understand ageing
In episode 59 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Helping kids understand ageing It’s not always easy for kids to understand the signs of ageing in beloved grandparents and elderly friends, but Megan and Allison have a list of books to help. Plus, Megan has a quick tip for role modelling lifelong reading and…
Episode 58: Ten Minutes with Shirley Marr
In episode 58 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Shirley Marr Allison spends 10 minutes with author Shirley Marr, discussing her new novel All Four Quarters of The Moon, what it feels like to be on the 2022 CBCA Book of the Year shortlist, and why writing is like sliding doors and…
Episode 57: Making Reading Fun
In episode 57 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Making Reading Fun With all the talk about the importance of reading, it’s sometimes easy to forget that it’s supposed to be fun! Megan and Allison have some tips for keeping the fun factor in reading. Plus, Allison talks about one of her favourite pages in…
Episode 56: Holiday Reading
In episode 56 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Holiday Reading With school holidays upon us again, Megan and Allison look at why it’s important to keep kids reading and how to make it a pleasure. Plus, Megan has some holiday read suggestions for adults and Allison urges aspiring children’s authors to find their writing…
Episode 55: Fantasy Novels for Tweens
In episode 55 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Fantasty Novels for Tweens Kids love fantasy series for all sorts of reasons, but escaping into big worlds is a driving factor. Megan and Allison recommend a wide variety of fantasy novels for readers 10+, from the classic to the brand new. Plus, Allison has tips…
Episode 54: Ten Minutes with Nat Amoore
In episode 54 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Ten Minutes with Nat Amoore We spend 10 minutes with bestselling author Nat Amoore, discovering the inspiration for her funny, high-energy middle-grade novels, why she’s addicted to To Do lists and diaries, and the secrets of a great school visit (for authors AND for schools). Plus,…
Episode 53: Books About Dogs
In episode 53 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books About Dogs Who doesn’t love books featuring dogs? This week, Megan and Allison share their favourite books about dogs, from picture books to books for teens, plus a big list of recommendations from the YKNR community. Plus, Allison has tips for writing animal characters and…
Episode 52: Creating a Home Library
In episode 52 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Creating a Home Library Do you need hundreds of books to create a home library? Megan and Allison discuss a strategic approach to encouraging wide reading at home. Plus, Allison has a quick tip for young writers about creating characters, and Megan shares a great…
Episode 51: Poetry Books for Kids
In episode 51 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Poetry Books for Kids Poetry is often put in the too-hard basket by kids and adults alike, but it’s an essential tool for our understanding of language. Megan and Allison delve deep into poetry books for kids of all ages. Plus, Allison explores one of the…
Episode 50: Best Books for First Birthdays
In episode 50 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Best Books for First Birthdays Which books make the best first birthday gifts? Megan and Allison sort through the bookshelves to make it easy for you! Plus, Allison has a tip from a bestselling author to help kids tap into their creativity and Megan shares ideas…
Episode 49: Books about grief and loss
In episode 49 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: It’s not easy talking about grief and loss with children. Megan shares her favourite and most useful books for helping or supporting children of all ages who are dealing with grief and loss. Allison has great tips for children’s authors for connecting within the industry, while…
Episode 48: 10 Minutes with Felice Arena
In episode 48 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Felice Arena Meet Felice Arena and hear about his latest book ‘The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan’. Plus, Allison has some insights for encouraging teens to read (hint: it’s not about you) and Megan shares tips for using book series with beginner readers. Books…
Episode 47: Mystery Books for Tweens
In episode 47 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Mystery Books for Tweens Readers who love mystery stories are voracious, no matter what their age. This week, Megan and Allison investigate mystery novels and thrillers for tweens. Plus, the importance of data to underpin the work of teachers and librarians, and a new writing…
Episode 46: Using Books to Mark Occasions
In episode 46 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Using Books to Mark Occasions With Easter, ANZAC Day, Mother’s Day, and other significant occasions coming up, Megan and Allison look at how to choose, and use, books to mark important calendar events, whether they’re a cause for celebration in your household or not). Plus,…
Episode 45: 10 Minutes with Allison Rushby
In episode 45 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: 10 Minutes with Allison Rushby Megan and Allison introduce a new segment, interviewing award-winning author Allison Rushby. Plus, Allison has a list of spooky and scary books for kids, and Megan is showering teacher-librarians with love – and suggests you do too. Read the show notes…
Episode 44: Literary Awards Season
In episode 44 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Literary Awards Season It’s that time of year, when there seems to be a new literary longlist or shortlist every week. But how are literary awards judged and what do they mean for teachers, parents and authors? Megan and Allison take a look behind the scenes…
Episode 43: Book Reviewers to Bookmark
In episode 43 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Book Reviewers to Bookmark What makes a great book review? Where can you find useful children’s literature reviews? This week, Megan and Allison share some of their favourite book review websites, blogs and magazines. Plus, how to give young writers feedback that doesn’t hurt, and more…
Episode 42: All About Teachers’ Notes
In episode 42 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: All About Teacher’s Notes Teachers’ notes are a wonderful resource for educators of all types. This week, Megan and Allison look at how (and why) they’re written, how to access them and more. Plus, a tip for parents to help with English homework and advice for…
Episode 41: Reading Historical Fiction
In episode 41 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Reading Historical Fiction Why should kids read books set in different time periods? How can we get them to engage with historical fiction? This week, Megan and Allison take a deep dive into history, sharing some of their favourite historical reads for kids (and adults) and…
Episode 40: Making Space for Reading
In episode 40 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Making Space for Reading When schedules are busy, reading can go by the wayside: Allison and Megan look at ways to make space in your kid’s schedule for reading – and creating inviting spaces to make it happen. Plus, Allison shares a new list of books…
Episode 39: Books About Families
In episode 39 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books About Families This week, Megan and Allison are looking at books that show families in all of their diverse and interesting forms – plus why family tends to move into the background of books for older kids. Plus, Allison explores the question of whether Australian…
Episode 38: All About Reading Logs
In episode 38 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: All About Reading Logs Is your child being asked to keep a reading log? What should it look like? Megan and Allison unpack the reading log – including whether or not they’re really necessary. Plus, Allison has some insights on how writers ‘find’ time to…
Episode 37: Books About Consent
In episode 37 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books About Consent Talking to kids about consent is essential – but when do you have the chat? In this episode, Megan and Allison look at books about consent for kids of all ages, from picture books to teen reads. Plus, Allison shares insights from 16…
Episode 36: Should I teach my kid to read – and how?
In episode 36 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Should I teach my kid to read – and how? With the start of the school year, Megan and Allison look at one of the biggest bingo questions of all – should I teach my kid to read before they start school? Plus, Megan shares a…
Episode 35: Audio Books for Kids
In episode 035 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Audio Books for Kids Are audio books ‘real’ books? Megan and Allison discuss the benefits of listening to stories, plus how to find great audio books for your kids – including some of their favourite narrators. Plus, Allison shares three top tips for writing groups…
Episode 34: Starting High School
In episode 34 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Starting High School Transitioning to high school brings with it a bunch of challenges, not least of which the ‘step up’ in reading expectations. Megan and Allison share their thoughts about easing tween readers into more complex books, as well as suggesting novels that reflect…
Episode 33: Getting Ready for School
In episode 33 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Getting Ready for School We know what you’re thinking! Really? Yes, really. In their last episode of 2021, Megan and Allison are looking forward with the first in a series about setting kids up for success when starting primary or high school. This episode plants the…
Episode 32: Screen Free Summer
In episode 032 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Screen Free Summer With the long, lazy days of summer looming, the last thing we want is for our kids to spend them face-first in a screen. Megan and Allison have some great ideas for books and activities to get kids off screens – including a…
Episode 31: Beach Reads for Kids
In episode 31 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Beach Reads for Kids This week, Megan Daley and Allison Tait are all about encouraging reading over the summer with a great selection of beach reads for kids of all ages. Plus, Megan shares her insider knowledge for helping kids meet summer reading goals, and…
Episode 30: Books for teen boys
In episode 030 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books for teen boys How do you keep teen boys reading? Why do they stop and what will make them start again? Allison and Megan discuss the age-old question of books for boys aged 13+. Plus, tips for kids who want to write comics and graphic…
Episode 29: Outdoor adventuring
In episode 029 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Outdoor Adventuring This week’s episode is all about the Great Outdoors. Megan and Allison discuss books that support outdoor activities, as well as book that encourage kids to get into nature. Plus, tips for nature journaling and choosing authors for your Book Week 2022 visits –…
Episode 28: Bedtime reading for older kids
In episode 28 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Bedtime reading for older kids At what age do you stop reading aloud to kids? And what do you read to older kids if bedtime reading is still a thing? Allison and Megan explore readalouds for older kids. Plus, Allison has two new booklists to share…
Episode 27: Teacher Gifts
In episode 27 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Teacher Gifts In the last of our end-of-year gift-giving episodes, Megan and Allison are talking about teacher gifts. Plus, Allison has tips for helping kids deal with ‘writer’s block’ and Megan shares some beautiful insights into writing from Australian author Kate Gordon. Books we mention Click…
Episode 26: Festive Season Gift Giving
In episode 26 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Festive Season Gift Giving Whether it’s end of term celebrations or other festive occasions, the season of gift giving is upon us – and books are the perfect gift! Megan and Allison look at how to choose books that will actually be read, how to…
Episode 25: Christmas Special
In episode 25 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Christmas Special With supply and postal distribution chains disrupted, Megan and Allison are planning ahead for the festive season with a list of books about Christmas, from brand-new must-haves to old favourites. Plus, Megan has tips for creating a book Advent Calendar and Allison has some…
Episode 24: YA for Tweens
In episode 24 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: YA for Tweens While there is an entire ‘middle-grade’ (8-12) section of the bookshelf available, many younger readers (tweens), particularly advanced readers, want to move up. They want to read what older kids are reading and, often, they’ve read the library dry of the books deemed…
Episode 23: should I discourage ‘easy’ reading?
In episode 23 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: What should you do when young readers insist on reading books you think are too ‘easy’ for them? Megan and Allison look at whether to discourage ‘easy’ reading and encourage more challenging books, or not. Plus, Megan answers questions about becoming a teacher-librarian, and Allison has…
Episode 22: School Holiday Reads
In episode 022 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: School holiday reads Keeping kids reading in the holidays requires a bit of planning. Megan and Allison share tips for choosing books for school holidays, Plus YKNR has new t-shirts, Megan has advice about extending books beyond the page. Books we mention Click on the…
Episode 21: Books About Books
In episode 021 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Books About Books Books about books, books inside books… this week, Allison Tait and Megan Daley are celebrating children’s literature featuring books – from picture books to YA novels. Plus, Allison’s got tips for parents who’d like to get kids creating, not consuming, and Megan has…
Episode 20: Classics for Kids
In episode 020 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Classics for Kids Getting kids started on ‘the classics’ can be great for their vocabulary and knowledge of context, history and the building blocks of a literary life – but when should you introduce them, and how? Megan Daley and Allison Tait discuss these perplexing questions,…
Episode 19: Puberty books for tweens
In episode 19 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Puberty books for tweens From birds and bees to changing bodies, Allison Tait and Megan Daley recommend puberty books for tweens – and the adults in their lives. Plus, Megan looks at how to include a makerspace in school libraries and Allison encourages kids to write…
Episode 18: Cookbooks for Kids
In episode 018 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Cookbooks for Kids Allison Tait and Megan Daley look at why cookbooks are great for kids (beyond the delicious creations) and have recommendations for everyone from tots to teens. Plus, we look at why reading out loud is essential – and not just to develop reading skills,…
Episode 17: What’s the story with school readers?
In episode 017 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: What’s the story with school readers? Love them or hate them (and so many parents seem to fall in the latter camp), school readers are an essential part of your child’s reading journey. Megan Daley and Allison Tait dive into school readers, looking at why they’re…
Episode 16: Which e-reader should I buy my kid?
In episode 016 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Which e-reader should I buy my kid? E-readers are great for accessibility and convenience, but which one is best for kids? Megan has tips for how to buy an e-reader that will integrate with your school or public library as well as book purchases. Plus,…
Episode 15: All about book launches
In episode 015 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: All about book launches What exactly goes on at a book launch and why would you take your kids to one? Megan and Allison take you inside the secrets of book launches and look at how to find them and who should attend (spoiler: everyone). …
Episode 14: Extending advanced readers 7+
In episode 014 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Extending advanced readers 7+ This week, Allison and Megan are tackling one of the most popular Bingo questions ever – choosing books for advanced readers aged 7+. Allison raves about a book for 14-year-old boys, as well as a new picture book, while Megan has…
Episode 13: Book Week Made Easy
In episode 013 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Book Week Made Easy Love it or hate it, Book Week is coming. Whether you’re a parent/carer, teacher, librarian, author or other interested party, CBCA Book Week (23-27 August) is fast approaching. With feet in several camps, Megan and Allison share their tips for taking…
Episode 12: Best gift books for kids of all ages
In episode 012 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast: Best gift books for kids of all ages Choosing the perfect book gift for a special occasion can be fraught, particularly if you don’t know the young reader very well. Megan and Allison share their go-to books to gift kids of all ages – right…
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