The Read-Aloud Home

Laura C. Children's book enthusiast, curator of a beautiful collection of children's literature.
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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. 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

  2. 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!

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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)

  7. Jul 6

    Three ideas to make reading aloud to a wriggly baby or toddler easier

    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 FoxHairy Maclary (1983) by Lynley DoddHands Can (2003) by Cheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by John-Francis BourkePamela Allen (author/illustrator)The Curious World of Pamela Allen (Exhibition at the NSW State Library)Julia Donaldson (author)Axel Sheffler (illustrator)

    Three ideas to make reading aloud to a wriggly baby or toddler easier

  8. Apr 22

    Charlotte Mason, 'living books' and reading the classics responsibly with Amber O'Neal Johnston

    "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.comA Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond (2022) by Amber O'Neal JohnstonSoul School: Taking Kids On a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture (2025) by Amber O'Neal JohnstonHomegrown: Guidance and Inspiration for Navigating Your Homeschooling Journey (2025) by Amber O'Neal JohnstonSaint Valentine (1992) by Robert SabudaCharlotte Mason (educator and reformer)Stone Girl Bone Girl: The Story of Mary Anning (1999) by Laurence Anholt, illustrated by Sheila MoxleyPride and Prejudice (1813) by Jane AustenThe Wingfeather Saga by Andrew PetersonFrindle (1996) by Andrew ClementWonder (2012) by R.J PalacioThe Windows and Mirrors of Your Child's Bookshelf, Grace Lin TEDx TalkThe Guardian Poll on Australia's best picture bookThe Little House on The Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls WilderThe Birchbark House (1999) by Louise ErdrichOne Big Open Sky (2024) by Lesa Cline-RansomeThe Cosby ShowPollyanna (1913) by Eleanor H PorterCharles Dickens (author)Stories of ColourRedeemed ReaderBiblioguidesMe and Mama (2020) by Cozbi A Cabrera Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (1987) by John SteptoeA Story About Afiya (2020) by James Berry and Anna Cunha Hip Hop Speaks to Children (2008) by Nikki Giovanni More from Amber: Heritagemom.comInstagram - @heritagemomblog

    Charlotte Mason, 'living books' and reading the classics responsibly with Amber O'Neal Johnston
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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
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Laura C 2024
  • Show Website
    The Read-Aloud Home

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