Between the bookshelves: A NSW Premier's Reading Challenge podcast

Listen @ The Arts Unit
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Ever felt overwhelmed at the prospect of recommending a book to a reluctant or voracious reader? Join Jade Arnold, the Premier’s Program Officer Reading and Spelling at The Arts Unit, every Friday for conversations with Australian authors, teacher librarians, PRC school coordinators, and education experts. Listen to book pitches, recommendations on what to read next, and strategies to develop a love of reading in a school library setting. Designed with teacher librarians in mind, Between the bookshelves aims to make the process of recommending what to read a little less overwhelming!

  1. Between the bookshelves - 15. Remy Lai

    08/21/2025

    Between the bookshelves - 15. Remy Lai

    In this episode of Between the bookshelves, host Jade Arnold is joined by award-winning author and illustrator Remy Lai, whose much-loved graphic novels and illustrated stories appear across the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge booklists. From the laugh-out-loud sibling chaos of Chickenpox to the heartfelt immigrant story Pie in the Sky, and the spine-tingling scares of Read at Your Own Risk, Remy shares the inspirations behind her books, her love of graphic novels, and how she balances humour, horror, and heart in her storytelling. Remy also shares her Between the bookshelves pitch for all of her titles, as well as her recommendations for what readers should try next. We also explore her Surviving the Wild series for younger readers, the role of family and friendship in her work, and why graphic novels deserve a place on every child’s bookshelf. Whether you’re a dog lover, a fan of spooky reads, or just curious about the creative process, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and fantastic book recommendations for young readers. This is our final podcast for 2025, but stay tuned for new and exciting episodes in 2026!

    34 min
  2. Between the bookshelves - 14. Corey Tutt

    08/15/2025

    Between the bookshelves - 14. Corey Tutt

    In episode 14 of Between the bookshelves, we’re joined byaward-winning author, science communicator, and proud Kamilaroi man, Corey Tutt OAM. As the founder and CEO of DeadlyScience, Corey is passionate about connecting young people with Australia’s incredible wildlife and the rich First Nations knowledge that surrounds it. His books - including Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles, The FirstScientists, and This Book Thinks Ya Deadly! have inspired countless readers to see science in a whole new light. Corey shares his Between the bookshelves pitch for eachof his titles, offering up party-worthy reptile facts, eye-opening First Nations science stories, and a celebration of deadly role models who show young people that their dreams are possible. We dive into the extraordinary process of working with Elders to record or create 68 Indigenous reptile names, and explore why language preservation is as vital as species conservation. Corey also reflects on the role books can play in sparking a lifelong passion for STEM and empowering young readers to protect the environment. Plus, he opens up about the personal journey behind This Book Thinks Ya Deadly! and how it became a beacon of hope for young readers facing tough times. With warmth, humour, and a dash of snake-catching bravado, Corey offers practical inspiration for PRC Coordinators, teachers, parents, and anyone keen to help the next generation find their place in the world of reading, science, and story.

    41 min
  3. Between the bookshelves - 13. Elisabeth Porreca-Dubois (Teacher librarian)

    06/19/2025

    Between the bookshelves - 13. Elisabeth Porreca-Dubois (Teacher librarian)

    In this episode, secondary teacher librarian ElisabethPorreca-Dubois shares her journey from PE teacher to a widely respected figure in the teacher librarian community. Known for her vibrant displays and research-informedprograms, Elisabeth offers a wealth of practical strategies for nurturing a reading culture in secondary schools. Listeners will discover the impact of her SMART-ER readingprogram, which empowers students to set specific, individualised reading goals—boosting motivation and engagement across all year levels. From booktrails and bingo cards to personalised recommendations and strategic book displays, Elisabeth reveals how to create meaningful reading experiences that support student success with the PRC and beyond. She also provides valuable advice for first-time PRCCoordinators, outlines strategies to support disengaged readers, and highlights the broader role of the teacher librarian in developing collections, fosteringstudy skills, and encouraging independent reading. With a wealth of insight and actionable ideas, this episode is a rich resource for teacher librarians looking to strengthen reading culture in their own school communities.

    45 min
  4. Between the bookshelves - 12. Allison Tait

    06/12/2025

    Between the bookshelves - 12. Allison Tait

    In episode 12 of Between the Bookshelves, we’re joined by best-selling middle grade author and tireless champion of Australian children’s literature, Allison Tait. Known for her adventurous stories and rich characters, Allison is also the co-host of the popular Your Kid’s Next Read podcast and a driving force behind the vibrant Facebook community of the same name. Allison shares her Between the Bookshelves pitch for all of her titles, including her latest release Willow Bright’s secret plot and a sneak peek at her next title, Danger Road. She also offers up her expert recommendations for what young readers should pick up next. We also explore the story behind Your Kid’s Next Read: how it began, why it matters, and the incredible role that community plays in helping families and educators find the right book at the right time. Allison reflects on her own challenges finding books for her child, and why even the most well-read parents need a little help sometimes. Alison also shares practical advice for PRC Coordinators, teacher librarians, classroom teachers and parents working to foster a love of reading. She emphasises the importance of meeting students where they are and helping them build their reading identity. Plus, as the former co-host of So you want to be a writer and co-author of the book by the same name, she shares thoughtful, encouraging tips for young writers ready to tell their own stories. Access the full transcript and show notes on the Listen @ The Arts Unit page.

    1h 5m
  5. Between the bookshelves - 11. Lili Wilkinson

    06/05/2025

    Between the bookshelves - 11. Lili Wilkinson

    In episode 11 of Between the Bookshelves, we sit downwith award-winning author Lili Wilkinson—an unstoppable force in Australian young adult and junior fiction. With over 20 books to her name, Lili’s stories range from dark,high-stakes thrillers and rich, spellbinding fantasies to laugh-out-loud junior fiction and heartwarming picture books. Lili shares her Between the Bookshelves pitch for a number of her titles, including her latest releases, Unhallowed Halls and Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire. Along the way, we chat about the enduring appeal of dark academia for teen readers, resistance witches, ancienttoadmen rituals, and how fantasy can be a powerful tool for critiquing history and reimagining power structures. She also offers a generous list of book recommendations for fans of her work, and reflects on the importance of making space for joy, rebellion, and complex characters - especially in stories for young people. Whether you’re a long-time reader or new to her work, Lili’s insight and energy are as compelling as her books. Access the full show notes and transcript on the Listen @ The Arts Unit page.

    43 min
  6. Between the bookshelves - 10. Jess Racklyeft

    05/29/2025

    Between the bookshelves - 10. Jess Racklyeft

    In episode 10 of Between the bookshelves, we sit downwith award-winning author-illustrator Jess Racklyeft to explore the art of bringing stories to life through illustration. Jess shares the thoughtful process behind illustrating complex, narrative non-fiction texts written by ClaireSaxby - and offers her perspective on their creative partnership, from studio to forest floor. She recounts their research adventure to a mountain ashforest for their book Tree, and how she worked to capture the feeling of being there through her artwork. Jess also reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped her illustration style, how she found her confidence as awriter, and what it’s like to receive a manuscript and begin translating words into pictures. We also discuss the power of picture books in sparking alifelong love of reading, and Jess shares her personal recommendations for readers who want more after enjoying her books. Access the transcript and show notes on the Listen@The Arts Unit page

    40 min
  7. Between the bookshelves - 9. Claire Saxby

    05/22/2025

    Between the bookshelves - 9. Claire Saxby

    With over 26 books to her name, award-winning author Claire Saxby is a powerhouse in Australian children’s literature. Known for her lyrical prose, rich languageand deep connection to the natural world, Claire’s work spans fiction, non-fiction and narrative non-fiction for readers of all ages. In this episode, Claire unpacks her definition of narrativenon-fiction – a seamless blend of information and story – and explains why it’s such a vital part of the reading landscape. She takes us behind the scenes ofher extensive research process, shares insights into her creative partnership with illustrator Jess Racklyeft and how it has evolved from their first title together Iceberg to their latest release, Volcano, and reflects on writing fiction that invites readers to lose themselves in the joyof story. Plus, she gives us her Between the Bookshelves pitches for several of her titles and suggests what readers might explore next if they’ve enjoyed her work. Access the transcript and show notes on the ⁠Listen@The Arts Unit page⁠

    46 min
  8. Between the bookshelves - 8. Lisa Fuller

    05/01/2025

    Between the bookshelves - 8. Lisa Fuller

    In Episode 8 of Between the Bookshelves, we’re joined byaward-winning author Lisa Fuller, a proud Wuilli Wuilli woman. Lisa is an academic, editor, literary agent, and author of the acclaimed young adult novel Ghost Bird and the fantastical new middle-grade adventure Washpool. Lisa shares her Between the bookshelves pitch forboth of her books featured on the PRC booklists, sharing what makes each story powerful and why readers young and old should dive in, along with recommendations of what to read next. Lisa discusses the themes woven through Washpool - fromembracing our differences to the joys of adventuring to another world - and shares the touching backstory of how the book was inspired by her nieces. Lisa also takes us behind the scenes of writing Ghost Bird, discussing the complexprocess of making the book culturally safe, the importance of following community protocols, and the decision to include Aboriginal English to honour voice and identity. Plus, Lisa shares her thoughts on the growing representationof Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in publishing, how literary awards empower writers, and her best writing and reading tips for budding storytellers.

    42 min
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About

Ever felt overwhelmed at the prospect of recommending a book to a reluctant or voracious reader? Join Jade Arnold, the Premier’s Program Officer Reading and Spelling at The Arts Unit, every Friday for conversations with Australian authors, teacher librarians, PRC school coordinators, and education experts. Listen to book pitches, recommendations on what to read next, and strategies to develop a love of reading in a school library setting. Designed with teacher librarians in mind, Between the bookshelves aims to make the process of recommending what to read a little less overwhelming!

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