Your Kid's Next Read With Allison Tait and Megan Daley

YKNR 195: 10 minutes with Nick Bland

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to Nick Bland, author of 60+ picture books (including the ‘Very Cranky Bear’ series), about his debut junior fiction novel, ‘Bling...

Hayley Gannon reads ‘Luna’s World’

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hayley Gannon reads from ‘Luna’s World: Library Dreams’, a fun, heartwarming story for readers 7+, illustrated by Michelle Conn.Read the show no...

YKNR 194: Reading Aloud 101

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When should you start reading aloud to kids? Should you stop once they can read by themselves? Megan and Allison look at the nuts and bolts of reading...

Sandy Bigna reads ‘Little Bones’

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sandy Bigna reads from ‘Little Bones’, her debut middle-grade verse novel.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com.au S...

YKNR 193: 10 minutes with Tamlyn Teow

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to artist Tamlyn Teow about SoXiety, a wordless picture book that is her first solo work as author and illustrator. Plus, Megan is batte...

Dianne Wolfer reads ‘Soaring With The Sugarbird Lady’

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dianne Wolfer reads from ‘Soaring With The Sugarbird Lady: The Robin Miller Story’, a real-life story for readers 9+, illustrated by Briony Stewar...

YKNR 192: Kids and critical thinking

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How can we help kids to develop their critical thinking skills? Megan and Allison look at books that help, books that spark conversations and books th...

YKNR 191: 10 minutes with Felice Arena

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to bestselling children’s author Felice Arena about his brand-new picture book ‘My Big Secret’, finding himself as an illustrator ...

YKNR 190: School Libraries 101

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Get to know your school library! A look at how school libraries are changing, the role of Teacher Librarians, and what to do if your school doesn’t ...

YKNR 189: 10 minutes with Helen Milroy

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to Helen Milroy about her two new books, ‘Bush Bubs’ and 'Sunny and Shadow', and art as an escape. Plus, Megan has a big a...

Melissa Garside reads ‘Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle’

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Melissa Garside reads from her debut junior fiction novel ‘Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle’, illustrated by Lauren MullinderRead the sho...

YKNR 188: Real Talk About Reading

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve probably heard that the Australian curriculum is changing and that reading will be taught differently now – but what does that mean and wha...

Amy Doak reads ‘Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep A Secret’

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Amy Doak reads the first chapter of ‘Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep A Secret’, the second book in her popular YA series.Read the show notes for all bo...

Adam Wallace reads ‘18,000 Holes In The Universe’

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Wallace reads from ‘Dragonfire’, the first book in the ‘18,000 Holes In The Universe’ junior fiction series, co-written by Lisa Foley and...

Danielle Binks reads ‘Six Summers Of Tash and Leopold’

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle Binks reads the first chapter of her latest contemporary middle-grade novel ‘Six Summers Of Tash and Leopold’.Read the show notes for all...

Shivaun Plozza reads ‘Summer of Shipwrecks’

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Shivaun Plozza reads the first chapter of her contemporary middle-grade novel ‘Summer of Shipwrecks’.Read the show notes for all book references a...

Yxavel Magno Diño reads ‘The Serpent Rider’

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yxavel Magno Diño reads the first chapter of her debut fantasy novel ‘The Serpent Rider’.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsn...

Raelke Grimmer reads ‘White Noise’

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Raelke Grimmer reads from her debut young adult novel ‘White Noise’Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com.au Sign up ...

Amelia Mellor reads ‘The Lost Book Of Magic’

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Amelia Mellor reads from her middle-grade novel ‘The Lost Book Of Magic’, the conclusion to her bestselling series.Read the show notes for all boo...

Dani Vee reads ‘Riley’s Failproof Guide To Breaking A School Record’

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dani Vee reads from her debut junior fiction novel ‘Riley’s Failproof Guide To Breaking A School Record’, illustrated by Jules Faber.Read the sh...

A. L. Tait reads 'The First Summer of Callie McGee'

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A. L. Tait (aka podcast co-host Allison Tait) reads the first chapter of her contemporary middle-grade novel ‘The First Summer of Callie McGee’.Re...

Dr Helen Edwards reads 'Legend Of The Lighthouse Moon'

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Helen Edwards reads the first chapter of her enthralling historical adventure story ‘Legend Of The Lighthouse Moon’Read the show notes for all ...

Deb Fitzpatrick reads 'Kelpie Chaos'

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Deb Fitzpatrick reads the first chapter of her heartwarming junior fiction novel KELPIE CHAOS.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsn...

Judith Rossell reads 'The Midwatch'

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author Judith Rossell reads the first chapter of her latest illustrated middle-grade novel THE MIDWATCH.Read the show notes for all book r...

Allison Rushby reads 'The Christmas Wish'

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison Rushby, the third member of Team YKNR, reads from THE CHRISTMAS WISH, the fifth book in her junior fiction series The Wish Sisters, illustrate...

YKNR 187: YKNR Fave Reads 2024

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In our last regular episode of 2024, Allison and Megan are joined by Allison Rushby, the third member of Team YKNR, for a candle-lit, round-table chat...

YKNR 186: 10 minutes with Louise Park & Mo Johnson

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to Louise Park and Mo Johnson about their new junior fiction novel ‘Prank Wars: Game On’, co-authoring a book and whether too much i...

YKNR 185: 10 minutes with Erstwilder

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Megan chats to Marc Abrahams, the brains behind the Erstwilder brand, about visual storytelling, collaborating with illustrators, and creating must-ha...

YKNR 184: Books about creativity

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Creativity for kids is all about two things – being bored and 'doing'. Allison and Megan look at books and other ways to support kids to e...

YKNR 183: 10 minutes with Kathryn Lefroy

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to Kathryn Lefroy about her new middle-grade novel ‘The Secret Of The Stone’, making wishes and how to choose a title for a story. P...

YKNR 182: #Christmasmail

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Christmas books are arriving thick and fast so Megan and Allison offer their picks of the current crop. Read the show notes for all book referenc...

YKNR 181: 10 minutes with Stuart Wilson

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stuart Wilson joins Allison to chat about his new middle-grade fantasy novel ‘The 113th Assistant Librarian’, writing big stories in contained wor...

YKNR 180: Family Read-Aloud Novels

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Family read-aloud novels need to be engaging and suitable for a range of age groups – including adults. Megan and Allison share their favourite grea...

YKNR 179: 10 minutes with R. A. Spratt

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

R. A. Spratt is back with the origin story of Nanny Piggins, one of her most famous creations, in an in-depth discussion about nailing a voice, produc...

YKNR 178: Books About Art

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Inspired by recent gallery visits, Allison and Megan explore books about art for kids, introducing everything from colour and shape awareness to famou...

YKNR 177: 10 minutes with Dani Vee

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to author Dani Vee about her debut junior fiction novel ‘Riley’s Failproof Guide to Breaking a School Record’, finding your funny ...

YKNR 176: Getting set to start school

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know, we know, the timing feels odd, but after an increase in enquiries in the Your Kid's Next Read Facebook community, Megan and Allison are ...

YKNR 175: 10 minutes with Kristin Darell

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to author Kristin Darell about her new junior fiction series ‘Taronga Presents’, hands-on research and writing collaboratively. Plus...

YKNR 174: A Boatload of Bookmail

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New releases are coming in thick and fast in the run up to the festive season, so Allison and Megan devote this episode to their pick of the latest ti...

YKNR 173: 10 minutes with Rachel Jackson

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to Rachel Jackson, senior intelligence analyst and author of middle-grade adventure 'Escape From Cuttlefish Cove' – which of...

YKNR 172: Real talk about literacy and literature

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Megan and Allison have some thoughts about recent discussion around literacy – and what we can do about it. Plus, Megan is recovering from Book Week...

Bonus: Teens & Reading

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why aren’t teens reading? In this must-listen recording of the Your Kid's Next Read ‘Teens & Reading’ event, featuring Allison Tait, Al...

YKNR 171: 10 minutes with Ebony Froome

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to debut picture book author Ebony Froome about writing the book you can't see on the shelves, celebrating language and embracing s...

Bonus: Raising Wild Readers

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A must-listen recording of the Your Kid's Next Read ‘Raising Wild Readers’ event, held on 23 July 2024, featuring Megan Daley in conversation...

YKNR 170: Science Week (and more)

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Science Week 2024 (10-18 August) and Megan has tips for blending books, science, nature and kids now and in the future. Plus, some insider advi...

YKNR 169: 10 minutes with Rosi Ngwenya

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to debut picture book author Rosi Ngwenya about writing a narrative in 14 words, following your dreams and… thumb sucking. Plus, Megan...

YKNR 168: 10 minutes with Nick Long

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison interviews debut author Nick Long about his junior fiction series FORBIDDEN JOURNEY OF RUFUS RUMBLE, switching from making documentaries to wr...

YKNR 167: The Magic of CBCA Book Week

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With less than one month to go before CBCA Book Week kicks off on 17th August 2024, Megan has new tips and exciting updates for bringing CBCA Book Wee...

YKNR 166: 10 minutes with Mark Greenwood

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to author Mark Greenwood about his new middle-grade series HISTORY HUNTERS, finding the ‘story’ in history, and advice for young res...

YKNR 165: NAIDOC: Keep the fire burning

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Megan has terrific tips for celebrating NAIDOC Week and recommends some fabulous new and recent books for kids of all ages for your collection. Plus, ...

YKNR 164: 10 minutes with Belinda Murrell

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison interviews popular children’s author Belinda Murrell about her new junior fiction series THE DAREDEVIL PRINCESS, her long career and writing...

YKNR 163: Winter reads

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Winter is reading season and Allison and Megan are exploring books that will help young readers lean into the chill – and books that will take them ...

YKNR 162: 10 minutes with Yuot A. Alaak

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to Yuot A. Alaak about the young readers edition of his extraordinary memoir FATHER OF THE LOST BOYS, blending the personal and the glob...

YKNR 161: Books about anxiety

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With anxiety in young people on the rise, Megan and Allison discuss books – both non-fiction and novel – to help kids and the adults in their live...

YKNR 160: 10 minutes with Catherine Doyle

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to bestselling author Catherine Doyle about her new, stand-alone fantasy novel PIRATES OF DARKSEA, sibling relationships, and dealing wi...

YKNR 159: 10 minutes with Anna Battese

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison interviews author Anna Battese about the latest book in her PD McPEM’S AGENCY FOR MYSTERIOUS MYSTERIES series, writing satisfying mysteries ...

YKNR 158: Short Middle Grade Novels

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Megan and Allison discuss a recent surge in requests for short middle-grade novels, and Megan has some recommendations. Plus, brilliant bookmail and r...

YKNR 157: 10 minutes with Deborah Abela

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison interviews author Deborah Abela about her new middle-grade verse novel THE KINDNESS PROJECT, going where the writing takes you and the joy (or...

YKNR 156: Graphic Novels 2.0

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The changing discussion around graphic novels, new recommendations and two particular age groups emerge as hot buttons. Plus, Megan is raving about a ...

YKNR 155: 10 minutes with Joel McKerrow

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison spends 10 minutes with Joel McKerrow, chatting about poetry, kids and creativity, and his debut graphic novel URBAN LEGEND HUNTERS. Plus, Mega...

YKNR 154: All about verse novels

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Megan and Allison examine the rise and rise of verse novels: why verse novels are increasingly popular, why kids love them, how to read them and what ...

YKNR 153: 10 minutes with John Larkin

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison interviews multi-award-winning author John Larkin about his latest novel 'Brittany & Co Take On Paris', hobby horses, and teachi...

YKNR 152: Insider’s Guide to Literary Festivals

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison and Megan go behind the scenes of children’s literary festivals to discuss why parents/carers/educators should take young readers long, what...

YKNR 151: 10 minutes with Kate & Jol Temple

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison interviews dynamic writing duo Kate & Jol Temple about their brand-new junior graphic novel series FROG SQUAD, as well as writing together...

YKNR 150: Ask Us Anything 2.0

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Megan and Allison answer questions from the Your Kid's Next Read community, from how to enjoy poetry with young readers to how to convince a youn...

YKNR 149: 10 minutes with Nat Amoore

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison interviews ‘bucket of fun’ children’s author Nat Amoore about the first instalment in her new junior fiction series ‘Showerland’. Pl...

YKNR 148: Kids and creative writing

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison shares some of her favourite creative writing tips for kids – helpful for anyone who’s trying to teach creative writing to kids or encoura...

YKNR 147: 10 minutes with Jacqueline Harvey

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats to bestselling author Jacqueline Harvey about her brand-new picture book ‘Kevin The Sheep’, writing in rhyme and the secrets of a gr...

YKNR 146: Diversity in Book Collections

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Diversity in children’s publishing has been a big topic in recent months. Megan has tips for ensuring your library – school or home – is diverse...

YKNR 145: 10 minutes with Gabriel Bergmoser

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison chats with Gabriel Bergmoser about his debut middle-grade novel ‘Andromache Between Worlds’, writing great dialogue and handling scene-ste...

YKNR 144: The Love Stuff

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison and Megan discuss books for kids about love, in all its various forms. Plus, Megan has an announcement!Read the show notes for all book refere...

YKNR 143: 10 minutes with Victoria Carless

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison spends 10 minutes with Victoria Carless, chatting about her new middle-grade novel Lani and The Universe, science versus nature, and what happ...

YKNR 142: Behind 'The Beehive'

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We go behind the scenes of Megan Daley's debut picture book THE BEEHIVE, with a roundtable discussion between Allison, Megan and illustrator Max ...

YKNR 141: 10 minutes with Sheena Dempsey

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison spends 10 minutes with author and illustrator Sheena Dempsey, chatting about creating graphic novels, time-travelling penguins and lockdown pr...

YKNR 140: Get ready for a great reading year

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Back in business for 2024, Megan and Allison share tips to help you set kids up for a great reading year, at home and at school, including tweens and ...