The Read-Aloud Home

Laura C. Children's book enthusiast, curator of a beautiful collection of children's literature.
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Parenting
  • Updated 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. 3d ago

    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! 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 Horacek Mac 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 Dodd Tiddler (2007) by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Sheffler

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

  2. 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. 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

  3. 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. 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)

  4. 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. Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever (2008) by Mem Fox Hairy Maclary (1983) by Lynley Dodd Hands Can (2003) by Cheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by John-Francis Bourke Pamela 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

  5. 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

  6. Apr 12

    Symbolism, the language of feet and depicting difficult scenes: an interview with Dub Leffler

    From his childhood to school workshops to a particular Fleetwood Mac album cover, award-winning writer/illustrator Dub Leffler talks to the The Read-Aloud Home about the many things that impact his work. Find some of Dub's work on my Instagram @thereadaloudhome Books and humans mentioned: Sally Morgan (author)Banksy (artist)Coral Vass (author)Leah Purcell (actor, playwright, director, novelist)Once there was a boy (2011) by Dub LefflerLibrary of CongressSorry Day (2018) by Coral Vass, illustrated by Dub LefflerKevin Rudd (Australian Prime Minister (2007-2010 and briefly in 2013)The Drover's Son (2026) by Leah Purcell, illustrated by Dub Leffler.Quirindi (regional town in Australia)Caroona Aboriginal MissionDick Roughsey (author/artist)Cathie TaskerThe Quinkins (1978) by Dick RoughseyChildcraft: The How And Why Library (Stories and Fables) [volume 2] (1976)Koori Radio, SydneyMargaret CosseyIndij ReadersThe Dreaming SeriesLaughing Zebras AnimationMark Rothko (artist)Henri Rousseau (artist)Tango in the Night by Fleetwood MacThe EaglesClyfford Still (artist)Walking Together (2025) by Coral Vass, illustrated by Dub LefflerShirley Hughes (author/illustrator)John J Muth (author/illustrator)Trevor Jamieson (stage and film actor)Story BoxKevin Rudd (Australian Prime Minister 2007-2010, 2013)Vik MunizVik Muniz Ted TalkBruce Pascoe (writer)Harlyn GeronimoGeronimoBuzz AldrinTony Birch (author/academic/activist)Library of Congress, Young Adventurers: 2015 National Book FestivalJared Thomas (author)Bear and Rat (2021) by Christopher Cheng, illustrated by Stephen Michael KingBig Nuisance (2001) by Junko MorimotoMy Hiroshima (1987) by Junko MorimotoThe Two Bullies (1997) by Junko MorrimottoFlotsam (2006) by David WeisnerArt and Max (2010) by David WeisnerEach Peach Pear Plum (1987) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg**please note that during this talk we discussed Junko Morimoto and upon researching into Junko after the episode I read that sadly she died in 2017. Junko is one of my favourite author/illustrators and I have no doubt her stories and illustrations will be with my children and many other children for the rest of their lives.More from Dub: "Soar" Dub's (new book that will be out in 2026)@DubLefflerdublefflerillustrator.com

    Symbolism, the language of feet and depicting difficult scenes: an interview with Dub Leffler

  7. Mar 10

    Interview with the founder of Little Modern Reader, Emily Chang

    I sat down with fellow zealot Emily Chang from the online secondhand children's book store Little Modern Reader to talk about running a small business, her "past life" as a Chinese antiques specialist, discovering the joy of picture books as an adult and so much more. This episode is not to be missed as it is bubbling with picture book enthusiasm and love! This episode was recorded on Gadigal Land. Books, humans and websites mentioned: www.littlemodernreader.com.auMagic Beach (1990) by Alison LesterWindow (1991) by Jeannie BakerEnjoying the Film Adaptations of Children's Books With Your Kids, an Interview with Nazanin ForghaniAustralian Refugee VolunteersThe Pyjama FoundationOi Frog (2014) by Kes Gray and Jim Field.Heywood Hill in MayfairPokko and the Drum (2019) by Matthew ForsytheMeg and Mog (1972) by Helen Nicoll and illustrated by Jan PieńkowskiWaiting (2015) by Kevin HenkesThe Worrysaurus (2000) by Rachel BrightLittle Modern Reader's Donations GuidelinesEach Peach Pear Plum (1978) by Janet and Allan AhlbergThe Very Cranky Bear (2008) by Nick BlandHenri's Walk to Paris (2012) Saul Bass (illustrator) and Leonore Klein (contributor)Step into the world of award-winning illustrator Max Hamilton.Antonia Pesenti (author)Hilary Bell (illustrator)Bruno Munari's ABC (2003)Miffy by Dick BrunaLeo LionniLittle Blue and Little Yellow (2009) by Leo LionniThe Little House (1942) by Virginia Lee BurtonThis Small Blue Dot (2021) by Zeno Sworder.Jon Klassen (author/illustrator)Interview with Picture Book Activist Lara Cain Gray More from Emily: To the Moon Kidswww.littlemodernreader.com.au@littlemodernreaderSign up for bookish news here

    Interview with the founder of Little Modern Reader, Emily Chang

  8. Feb 17

    From birth to death and everything in between, the stories behind author/illustrator Zeno Sworder

    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 mentioned Once I was a Giant (2025) by Zeno Sworder This 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 KushnerDivergent 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 More from Zeno: zenosworder.com@zenosworder

    From birth to death and everything in between, the stories behind author/illustrator Zeno Sworder
See All (20)

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
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Laura C 2024
  • Show Website
    The Read-Aloud Home

You Might Also Like