Your Kid's Next Read With Allison Tait and Megan Daley
Episodes
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 ...
YKNR 139: BEHIND THE BOOKS #6: The Book Designer
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special summer mini-series, Allison takes you behind the books and behind the scenes of the Australian children’s publishing world. In this ...
YKNR 138: BEHIND THE BOOKS #5: The Agent
07 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special summer mini-series, Allison takes you behind the books and behind the scenes of the Australian children’s publishing world. In this ...
YKNR 137: BEHIND THE BOOKS #4: The Illustrator.
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special summer mini-series, Allison takes you behind the books and behind the scenes of the Australian children’s publishing world. In this ...
YKNR 136: BEHIND THE BOOKS #3: The Advocate.
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special summer mini-series, Allison takes you behind the books and behind the scenes of the Australian children’s publishing world. In this ...
YKNR 135: BEHIND THE BOOKS #2: The Publisher
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special summer mini-series, Allison takes you behind the books and behind the scenes of the Australian children’s publishing world. In this ...
YKNR 134: BEHIND THE BOOKS #1: The Bookseller
16 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special summer mini-series, Allison takes you behind the books and behind the scenes of the Australian children’s publishing world. First up...
YKNR 133: TeamYKNR Fave Reads 2023
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You’re invited to the TeamYKNR Office Christmas Party (BYO drinks and virtual Kris Kringle) for a rundown of our favourite reads of 2023 and a guest...
YKNR 132: The who, what and how of Teen Reading
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Keeping teens reading can be a challenge, but what’s really going on? We talk to Deakin University research fellow Dr Bronwyn Reddan from the Teen R...
YKNR 131: 10 minutess with Katrina Nannestad
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison interviews Katrina Nannestad, award-winning author of middle-grade historical fiction (and YKNR favourite) about her new novel ‘Silver Linin...
YKNR 130: Books full of magic
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Books with magic, magicians, spells, wizards, witches, fairies… This week, Megan and Allison dive deep into books for all ages that feature magic. P...
YKNR 129: 10 minutes with Sami Bayly.
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with author and illustrator Sami Bayly, chatting about her new book ‘How We Came to Be – Creatures of Camoflauge and Mim...
YKNR 128: Screen-Free Fun
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why is screen-free time so important – and how can books help kids make the most of it? Megan and Allison discuss screen-free activities books, plus...
YKNR 127: 10 minutes with Seth Malacari
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with Seth Malacari, discussing the brand-new queer speculative fiction anthology ‘An Unexpected Party’, LoveOzYA and fin...
YKNR 126: 2023 Christmas book round-up
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Megan has the keys to the podcast as Allison loses her voice, and takes full advantage with a list of new Christmas books for 2023 and links to classi...
YKNR 125: 10 minutes with Alison Evans
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with Alison Evans discussing their story in the Imagining The Future project and writing YA novels. Plus, Megan has a tip fo...
YKNR 124: Advocating for school libraries
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What does advocating for school libraries look like? Megan and Allison look at why school libraries are important and how parents and educators can ad...
YKNR 123: 10 minutes with Katya Balen
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison interviews award-winning author Katya Balen about her lyrical new middle-grade novel FOXLIGHT, writing for kids (not adults), and winning the ...
YKNR ep 122: A podcast about nothing
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Books about nothing, books that explore the concept of ‘nothing’, books to give kids when there’s ‘nothing’ to do – Allison and Megan have...
YKNR 121: 10 minutes with Alice Pung
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with award-winning author Alice Pung, chatting about her latest novel Millie Mak The Maker, writing what you know and young ...
YKNR 120: We have some thoughts
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison and Megan have some thoughts about respecting children’s literature and its authors, plus Megan shares a great tip about how picture books c...
YKNR 119: 10 minutes with Katherine Rundell
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with Katherine Rundell, discussing her new novel Impossible Creatures, big themes in middle-grade novels and writing beautif...
YKNR 118: New back-to-nature books
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate Nature Book Week, Megan brings a list of brand-new books all about the natural world – and the reasons kids should read them. Plus, a n...
YKNR 117: Bumper Bookmail for Book Week
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re all about the brand-new books, celebrating the joy of CBCA Book Week with a bumper bookmail episode. Plus, Allison has tips for aut...
YKNR 116: 10 mins with Gary Lonesborough
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with award-winning author Gary Lonesborough, discussing his role in the Future You project and his latest novel ‘We Didn’...
YKNR 115: The joy of ‘escape’ reads
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison discuss the pure pleasure of ‘escape’ reads for kids, and Megan asks the questions educators want to know about Allison’s new ...
YKNR 114: 10 minutes with Chemutai Glasheen
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with Chemutai Glasheen, discussing her debut short story collection ‘I Am The Mau and other stories’, human rights and e...
YKNR 113: All about teachers
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With Megan’s new anthology ‘Teacher, Teacher’ on the shelves, Allison puts her in the hot seat to answer questions about how the book came tog...
YKNR 112: 10 minutes with Sarah Armstrong
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with Sarah Armstrong, chatting about moving from adult novels to children’s fantasy, creating magic, and her new novel MAG...
YKNR 111: Books about siblings
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison look at books that feature the sibling relationship, for all ages and stages. Plus, a tip for writers (young and young at heart), an...
YKNR 110: 10 minutes with Chenée Marrapodi
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with Chenée Marrapodi, chatting about her debut novel, dancing and pig’s feet. Megan has tips for connecting kids to natu...
YKNR 109: 10 minutes with R. A. Spratt
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with bestselling author R. A. Spratt, chatting about her new novel ‘Hamlet is Not OK’, messing about with Shakespeare an...
YKNR 108: Books about gardens
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How has it taken this long? Megan and Allison dive into an epic list of books about gardens, one of their favourite subjects. Plus, Allison has an eas...
YKNR 107: Books that spark design thinking
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While we tend to associate the idea of ‘design’ with hands-on projects, books can play a big role in encouraging creativity, problem-solving, maki...
YKNR 106: 10 mins with George Ivanoff
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with George Ivanoff, chatting about his latest novel ‘Monster Island’ and how to develop a kid’s creativity. Megan and...
YKNR 105: 10 Minutes with AF Steadman
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with A. F. Steadman, internationally bestselling author of the Skandar series, talking about Skandar and the Phantom Rider (...
YKNR 104: A Chat About Chapter Books
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison discuss the ins and outs of chapter books, from the first step beyond school readers to independent reads for 6-8 year olds. Plus, A...
YKNR: 10 minutes with Rebecca Lim
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with award-winning author Rebecca Lim chatting about her role in the Imagining The Future project plus her brand-new novel, ...
YKNR 102: Books for Baby Showers
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you buy books for the first 12 months or books for a lifetime? Megan and Allison dive into books for baby showers. Plus, Allison is online for Bris...
YKNR 101: 10 minutes with Samera Kamaleddine
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We spend 10 minutes with prize-winning author Samera Kamaleddine, chatting about moving to middle grade, feeling small in the world, and becoming a li...
YKNR 100: Ask Us Anything
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate our 100-episode milestone, Megan and Allison invited the community to ‘Ask Us Anything’ – listen to find out what they wanted to kn...
YKNR 099: 10 minutes with Melissa Keil
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with children’s and YA author Melissa Keil, chatting about new editions, writing junior fiction for the first time, and he...
YKNR 098: Books about friendship
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison take a deep dive into books that show young readers about friendship – and the books that become our lifelong friends. Plus, Allis...
YKNR 097: 10 minutes with Matt Stanton
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with Matt Stanton, discussing his latest middle-grade novel ‘Evie Dreams Big’ (Bored #3), creating in family life, and b...
YKNR 096: Classroom read-aloud novels
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison look at choosing the perfect read-aloud novel for your classroom - with help from award-winning author Sue Whiting. Plus, Allison ha...
YKNR 095: Books About Maths
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Once more stepping boldly where writers fear to tread, Megan and Allison are exploring books about maths – with the help of the YKNR community. Plus...
YKNR 094: 10 minutes with Lili Wilkinson
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with author Lili Wilkinson, chatting about her role as lead writer on the Imagining The Future project, her new book and mak...
YKNR 093: Books About Dragons
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dragons are having a moment (again) in children’s literature and Megan and Allison are sharing some favourite fire-breathing reads for kids of all a...
YKNR 092: 10 minutes with Jane Godwin
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with YKNR favourite author Jane Godwin, talking about her new junior fiction series The Isabelle Stories, and writing across...
YKNR 091: YKNR Highlights Reel
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison and Megan share a selection of highlights from recent discussions in the Your Kid’s Next Read – and add their two cents worth (of course)....
YKNR 090: Books about feelings
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Small people have big feelings and this week Megan and Allison share a selection of non-fiction and fiction books to help them navigate moods and emot...
YKNR 089: STEM books for all ages
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by the Imagining The Future initiative, Megan and Allison look at books that combine STEM themes with great stories, as well as tips for inco...
YKNR 088: Kickstart your library year
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Megan shares her tips for getting your school library off to a great start in 2023, while Allison has tips for authors looking to do more speaking thi...
YKNR 087: Back to School (Again)
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the first full episode for 2023, Megan and Allison look at the Groundhog Day of Back To School time, with some tips and books to make it easier. Pl...
YKNR 086: Summer Snack with Jess Walton
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our final Summer Snack episode, Allison chats to author Jess Walton about creating graphic novels, going international and working to your strength...
YKNR 085: Summer Snack with Renee Treml
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Author and illustrator Renee Treml is a big favourite in the Your Kid’s Next Read community, and this Summer Snack episode shows why. Allison chats ...
YKNR 084: Summer Snack with Inda Ahmad Zahri
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allison chats to picture book author and illustrator Inda Ahmad Zahri for the fourth in our Summer Snack series – bite-sized interviews for your sum...
YKNR 082: Summer Snack with Sue Whiting
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our second Summer Snack features award-winning author Sue Whiting, who shares her best tips for getting kids writing this summer, as well as a sneak p...
YKNR 081: Summer Snack with Zanni Louise
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of our special Summer Snack series, Allison chats to Zanni Louise about her latest picture book, writing her debut middle-grade novel and...
YKNR 080: Encouraging holiday reading
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Megan has tips and tricks for encouraging holiday reading and, wait for it, a list of ALL our 2022 bookmail divided into reading ages, while Allison h...
YKNR 079: 10 minutes with Adrian Beck
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with author and illustrator Adrian Beck chatting about his latest junior fiction novel ‘Furball: Spy Cat’, while Megan i...
YKNR 078: It’s Christmas all over again
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s that time of year and Megan is rounding up her picks from this year’s crop of Christmas books, as well as sharing some old favourites. Plus, ...
YKNR 077: 10 Minutes with Emily Gale
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with Australian author Emily Gale talking about the pandemic in literature, ghosts in the library and her latest novel The L...
YKNR 076: Magazines for Kids
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Information, inspiration and entertainment - magazines for kids have it all and a subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. Megan and Allison sha...
YKNR 075: 10 minutes with Alison Lester
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the secret of writing ‘read it again’ picture books? Allison spends 10 minutes with beloved Australian author Alison Lester to find out. ...
YKNR 074: Spooky Books for Kids
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s that time of year, when spooky books for kids are flying off the shelves. Megan and Allison look at why kids love stories with a bit of scare a...
YKNR 073: 10 minutes with Morris Gleitzman
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes (actually, much longer) with award-winning, bestselling author Morris Gleitzman, talking about ‘Digging Up Dad’, his lat...
YKNR 072: Collection Development for Libraries
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how school library collections are put together? Megan delves into the science of curating a collection for a school community. Plus, Al...
YKNR 071: 10 minutes with Nova Weetman
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with award-winning author Nova Weetman, while Megan has some tips for helping young readers take action when they find a boo...
YKNR 070: Dinosaur books
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison tackle one of the biggest (get it) Bingo questions of all, with an enormous (stop us) list of book recommendations for dinosaur love...
YKNR 069: 10 minutes with Kristin Darell
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with debut author Kristin Darell, learning all about her new fiction series Football Fever – and her actual Stephen Bradbu...
YKNR 068: Biographies for kids
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Biographies and autobiographies can be a great way to move non-fiction lovers into narratives and to extend interest-based readers into the story behi...