The Read-Aloud Home

Laura C. Children's book enthusiast, curator of a beautiful collection of children's literature.
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

How can we create homes where reading with children happens with ease and enjoyment? How do we know which children's books are good quality? How do we maintain enthusiasm for reading aloud during the early years and beyond? Welcome! It is so great to have you here to join me for this read-aloud revolution. Modern parents are faced with unprecedented levels of technological distractions and endless to-do lists. It is easy to let, days, weeks, months go by without reading to our children. This podcast will give you ideas and inspiration for creating the best possible read-aloud environment in a modern world. You will find tips, tricks and beautiful booklists as well as interviews with literacy experts, authors, illustrators and more to help you cultivate your read-aloud home. Learn how to create a literary feast for the children in your care that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Whether you are a stay-at-home carer, a working parent or an early childhood worker this podcast has something for you!

  1. 4d ago

    How to make the most of reading aloud (and still have lots of fun) with literacy expert Bill Spence

    Bill Spence worked as a primary school teacher for 20 years and then as a university lecturer and literacy consultant, he is also a father and a grandfather. Bill is passionate about reading aloud, he read aloud to his own children and to his students (both kids and adults). In this episode, Bill talks us through the general principles of reading aloud and how reading can improve literacy but he also reminds us that connection and fun should be at the heart of reading aloud in the home. Bill brought along some spectacular picture books which he read aloud. This is a not to be missed episode! Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome Show notes: Anthony Browne (author/illustrator)In Just (1923) by E.E CummingsOne Winter's Night (1991) by Primrose Lockwood, illustrated by Elaine MillsDrummer Hoff (1967) by Barbara Emberley, illustrated by Ed EmberleyThe Very Hungry Caterpillar (1969) by Eric CarlePeepo (1981) by Janet and Allan AhlbergSpot (1980) by Eric HillChristopher Cheng (author/illusrtrator)Jeannie Baker (author/illustrator)The Duck and the Darklings (2014) by Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael KingClick Clack Moo, Cows That Type (2000) by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy LewinLara Cain Gray (picture book activist)Little Modern Reader by Emily ChanInterview with the Founder of Little Modern Reader, Emily ChanStoryboxZeno SworderAntonia Pesenti (author/illustrator)Hello Cocky (2025) by Hilary Bell and Antonia PesentiThe Children's Book Council of AustraliaThe Jolly Postman (1986) by Janet and Allan AhlbergThe Jolly Pocket Postman (1995) by Janet and Allan AhlbergThe Jolly Christmas Postman (1991) by Janet and Allan AhlbergBabette's Beastly Birthday Book (1990) by Babette ColeJohn Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat (1977) by Jenny Wagner, illustrated by Ron BrooksWilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge (1984) by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie VivasWaves by Donna Rawlins, Heather Potter and Mark Jackson

    How to make the most of reading aloud (and still have lots of fun) with literacy expert Bill Spence

  2. Oct 13

    How to raise kids who read for pleasure with Jenny McCann

    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 BookshopJames Daunt (Managing Director of Waterstones)WaterstonesA Kind of Spark Series by Elle McNicollThe Pond (2017) by Nicola DaviesAnne of Green Gables (1908) by Lucy Maud MontgomeryThe Beast Quest Series by Adam BladeThe Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott FitzgeraldPamela Butchart (author)Harry Potter Series by J.K RowlingLord of the Rings (1954) by J.R.R TolkeinThe Dark (2013) by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Jon KlassenThe Jolly Postman (1986) by Janet and Allan AhlbergWhere's Wally (1987) by Martin HandfordThe Hilda Series by Luke Pearson@childhoodbychapter

    How to raise kids who read for pleasure with Jenny McCann

  3. Sep 15

    Book rotations and building a beautiful home library from secondhand books with Ellie Brooks

    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 EducationThe BFG (1982) by Roald DahlThe Mysterious Benedict Society Series by Trenton Lee StewartThe Children's Treasury of 20th Century Literature (1998) selected by Janet SchulmanBedtime for Frances (1995) by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Garth WilliamsChicka Chicka Boom Boom (1989) by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois EhlertThe Stinky Cheeseman by Jon ScieszkaMake Believe (2026) by Mac BarnetGoodbye Winter, Hello Spring (2020) by Kenard PakThe Usborne Book of Farmyard Tales (2002) by Heather Amery and Stephen CartwrightJan Brett (author/illustrator)Arnold Lobel (author/illustrator)Wishy Washy books by Tabitha PageBrambly Hedge books written and illustrated by Jill BarklemBrown Bear Wood books, poems by Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya HartasWinnie-the-Pooh (1926) by A.A Milne, illustrated by E. H. ShepardWinnie-the-Pooh Audiobook read by Alan BennettThe Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Chandler WarnerI am a Bunny (1963) by Ole Risom and Richard ScarrySea Story (1990) by Jill BarklemLittle House in the Big Woods (1932) by Laura Ingalls WilderFarmer Boy (1933) by Laura Ingalls WilderAmber O'Neal Johnston on the Read-Aloud Home PodcastThunder Cake (1990) by Patrician PolaccoWater Is Water (2015) by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Jason ChinTales from Martha B. Rabbit (1999) by Shirley BarberA Year on our Farm (2002) by Penny Mathews, illustrated by Andrew McLeanSnowman - Cold = Puddle: Spring Equations (2019) by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Micha ArcherYucky Worms (2015) by Vivian French, illustrated by Jessica AhlbergLittle Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest (2021) by Phoebe WahlHow Does my Garden Grow? (2014) by Gerda MullerA Year Around the Great Oak (1991) by Gerda MullerWhere Do They Go When It Rains? by Gerda MullerThe Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day (2016) by Jessica Courtney-Tickleslow down: Bring Calm To A Busy World with 50 Nature Stories (2020) by Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya Hartas@elliebrookscreate

    Book rotations and building a beautiful home library from secondhand books with Ellie Brooks

  4. Sep 3

    Season Finale: Three ways we use audiobooks and three series that are better left to the professionals!

    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 CurryFriends 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 WinsletWinnie-The-Pooh: The Complete BBC Collection by A. A. Milne and narrated by Alan Bennett

    Season Finale: Three ways we use audiobooks and three series that are better left to the professionals!

  5. Aug 26

    Five picture books that are "windows" for my children

    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 JohnstonAmber O'Neal JohnstonCharlotte Mason (educator and reformer)Dr Rudine Sims BishopGrandma's Treasured Shoes by Coral Vass, illustrated by Christina HuynhWhat Happened To YOU? by James Catchpole, illustrated by Karen GeorgeThe Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho, Illustrated by Jess X. SnowJohn Brown Rose and the Midnight Cat by Jenny Wagner, illustrated by Ron BrooksEllie's Dragon by Bob Graham

    Five picture books that are "windows" for my children

  6. Aug 17

    Four simple ways to bring a bit of fun and drama to reading aloud

    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 NSWReading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever (2008) by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy HoracekMac 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 FestivalHairy Maclary (1983) by Lynley DoddTiddler (2007) by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Sheffler

    Four simple ways to bring a bit of fun and drama to reading aloud

  7. Jul 23

    Getting creative about how to find time to read aloud to your children in a busy world

    Too busy to read aloud? This week's episode is for you! Host Laura Cunningham shares a mindset shift as well as some practical solutions to help you find extra time throughout the week to read aloud to your children. 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

    Getting creative about how to find time to read aloud to your children in a busy world

  8. Jul 14

    How to arrange and make the most out of an author/illustrator visit (when your child's school doesn't have a librarian)

    Even if your school doesn't have a librarian you can arrange author/illustrator visits. These visits are a wonderful way to inspire children to read and be creative. In this episode, we share a few very simple ways to help you arrange an author/illustrator visit and to help the kids at your school get the most out of it. Follow along for updates: @thereadaloudhome Books, people, websites mentioned: Raising Readers: How to nurture a child's love of books by Megan DaleyAustralia ReadsBooked OutWhere is the Green Sheep? (2004) by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horace

    How to arrange and make the most out of an author/illustrator visit (when your child's school doesn't have a librarian)
See All (25)

Trailer

About

How can we create homes where reading with children happens with ease and enjoyment? How do we know which children's books are good quality? How do we maintain enthusiasm for reading aloud during the early years and beyond? Welcome! It is so great to have you here to join me for this read-aloud revolution. Modern parents are faced with unprecedented levels of technological distractions and endless to-do lists. It is easy to let, days, weeks, months go by without reading to our children. This podcast will give you ideas and inspiration for creating the best possible read-aloud environment in a modern world. You will find tips, tricks and beautiful booklists as well as interviews with literacy experts, authors, illustrators and more to help you cultivate your read-aloud home. Learn how to create a literary feast for the children in your care that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Whether you are a stay-at-home carer, a working parent or an early childhood worker this podcast has something for you!

Information

  • Creator
    Laura C. Children's book enthusiast, curator of a beautiful collection of children's literature.
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Laura C 2024
  • Show Website
    The Read-Aloud Home

You Might Also Like