The Read-Aloud Home

Laura Cunningham

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. Step into the world of award-winning illustrator Max Hamilton.

    FEB 10

    Step into the world of award-winning illustrator Max Hamilton.

    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 Books More from Max: @mhdesignillustration maxhamiltonillustration.com.au

    50 min
  2. Unschooling, illustration and capturing difficult emotions with children’s book creator Phoebe Wahl.

    12/14/2025

    Unschooling, illustration and capturing difficult emotions with children’s book creator Phoebe Wahl.

    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 P***y 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 @phoebewahl phoebewahl.com

    58 min
  3. Practical tips for creating a read-aloud family home in a modern world with Courtney Adamo

    11/11/2025

    Practical tips for creating a read-aloud family home in a modern world with Courtney Adamo

    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 read Books and humans mentioned The 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 Courtney Instagram - @courtneyadamo Substack -courtneyadamo.substack.com/

    1h 3m
  4. Interview with Picture Book Activist Lara Cain Gray

    06/01/2025 · BONUS

    Interview with Picture Book Activist Lara Cain Gray

    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 society Books 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 Carnavas Picture 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)

    56 min
  5. Why We Should Introduce Shakespeare to Young Children (and How to Make It Fun)

    05/25/2025 · BONUS

    Why We Should Introduce Shakespeare to Young Children (and How to Make It Fun)

    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 Ray Recommended 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

    37 min
  6. Enjoying the Film Adaptations of Children's Books With Your Kids, an Interview with Nazanin Forghani

    10/21/2024

    Enjoying the Film Adaptations of Children's Books With Your Kids, an Interview with Nazanin Forghani

    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 brilliant Books, 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 King More from Naz https://www.nazaninforghani.com Instagram - @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.

    59 min

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!