Your Kid's Next Read With Allison Tait and Megan Daley
Episodes
YKNR 067: 10 minutes with Melanie La'Brooy
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with author Melanie La’Brooy, discussing her first novel for children, The Wintrish Girl. Plus, Allison has tips for autho...
YKNR 066: Secrets of a school librarian
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Weirdest thing you’ve ever found used as a bookmark? Most popular book in the library? Megan is in the hot seat this week, answering these questions...
YKNR 065: 10 minutes with Dani Vee
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We spend 10 minutes with debut author (and veteran podcaster) Dani Vee, discussing her extraordinary new picture book. Plus, Allison has Book Week tip...
YKNR 064: Let’s talk about ‘takeaway’ fiction.
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Megan responds to several queries about how to move kids away from series that parents feel are ‘lightweight’ or ‘fluff’, and Allison has tips...
YKNR 063: Why should I read?
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you answer when a young person asks why they should read? Megan and Allison have some ideas. Plus, Allison has a hack for parents of older kids...
YKNR 062: 10 minutes with Belinda Murrell
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison spend 10 minutes with award-winning author Belinda Murrell, chatting about her new book ‘The Silver Sea’, how to create immersiv...
YKNR 061: Books about sport
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison take a deep dive into books for kids who love sport. From AFL to gymnastics, tennis to soccer, boxing to cricket, there’s somethin...
YKNR 060: Fairytales for all ages
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fairytales, whether classic, fractured or long lost, are the cornerstone of storytelling, and Megan and Allison have suggestions for young readers of ...
YKNR 059: Helping kids understand ageing
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s not always easy for kids to understand the signs of ageing in beloved grandparents and elderly friends, but Megan and Allison have a list of bo...
YKNR 058: 10 minutes with Shirley Marr
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Allison spends 10 minutes with author Shirley Marr, discussing her new novel All Four Quarters of The Moon, what it feels like to be on the 2022 CBCA ...
YKNR 057: Making Reading Fun
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With all the talk about the importance of reading, it’s sometimes easy to forget that it’s supposed to be fun! Megan and Allison have some tips fo...
YKNR 056: Holiday Reading
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With school holidays upon us again, Megan and Allison look at why it’s important to keep kids reading and how to make it a pleasure. Plus, Megan has...
YKNR 055: Fantasy Novels for Tweens
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kids love fantasy series for all sorts of reasons, but escaping into big worlds is a driving factor. Megan and Allison recommend a wide variety of fan...
YKNR 054: 10 minutes with Nat Amoore
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We spend 10 minutes with bestselling author Nat Amoore, discovering the inspiration for her funny, high-energy middle-grade novels, why she's add...
YKNR 053: Books About Dogs
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn't love books featuring dogs? This week, Megan and Allison share their favourite books about dogs, from picture books to books for teens...
YKNR 052: Creating a Home Library
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need hundreds of books to create a home library? Megan and Allison discuss a strategic approach to encouraging wide reading at home. Plus, Alli...
YKNR 051: Poetry books for kids
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Poetry is often put in the too-hard basket by kids and adults alike, but it's an essential tool for our understanding of language. Megan and Alli...
YKNR 050: Best books for a first birthday gift
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Which books make the best first birthday gifts? Megan and Allison sort through the bookshelves to make it easy for you! Plus, Allison has a tip from a...
YKNR 049: Books about grief and loss
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's not easy talking about grief and loss with children. Megan shares her favourite and most useful books or helping support children of all age...
YKNR 048: 10 minutes with Felice Arena
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Felice Arena and hear about his latest book 'The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan'. Plus, Allison has some insights for encouraging teens to...
YKNR 047: Mystery Books for Tweens
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Readers who love mystery stories are voracious, no matter what their age. This week, Megan and Allison investigate mystery novels and thrillers for tw...
YKNR 046: Using Books to Mark Occasions
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With Easter, ANZAC Day, Mother's Day, and other significant occasions coming up, Megan and Allison look at how to choose, and use, books to mark ...
YKNR 045: 10 minutes with Allison Rushby
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Megan and Allison introduce a new segment, interviewing award-winning author Allison Rushby. Plus, Allison has a list of spooky and scary books for ki...
YKNR 044: Literary awards season
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of year, when there seems to be a new literary longlist or shortlist every week. But how are literary awards judged and what do th...
YKNR 043: Book reviewers to bookmark
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a great book review? Where can you find useful children's literature reviews? This week, Megan and Allison share some of their favouri...
YKNR 042: All about teachers' notes
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teachers' notes are a wonderful resource for educators of all types. This week, Megan and Allison look at how (and why) they're written, how...
YKNR 041: Reading historical fiction
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why should kids read books set in different time periods? How can we get them to engage with historical fiction? This week, Megan and Allison take a d...
YKNR 040: Making space for reading
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When schedules get busy, reading can go by the wayside: Allison and Megan look at ways to make space in your kid's schedule for reading - and cre...
YKNR 039: Books about families
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Megan and Allison are looking at books that show families in all of their diverse and interesting forms - plus why family tends to move int...
YKNR 038: All about reading logs
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is your child being asked to keep a reading log? What should it look like? Megan and Allison unpack the reading log - including whether or not they&ap...
YKNR 037: Books about consent
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Talking to kids about consent is essential - but when do you have the chat? In this episode, Megan and Allison look at books about consent for kids of...
YKNR 036: Should I teach my kid to read - and how?
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the start of the school year, Megan and Allison look at one of the biggest bingo questions of all - should I teach my kid to read before they sta...
YKNR 035: Audio books for kids
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are audio books 'real' books? Megan and Allison discuss the benefits of listening to stories, plus how to find great audio books for your ki...
YKNR 034: Starting high school
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Transitioning to high school brings with it a bunch of challenges, not least of which the 'step up' in reading expectations. Megan and Allis...
YKNR 033: Getting ready for school
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We know what you're thinking! Really? Yes, really. In their last episode of 2021, Megan and Allison are looking forward with the first in a serie...
YKNR 032: Screen-free summer
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With the long, lazy days of summer looming, the last thing we want is for our kids to spend them face-first in a screen. Megan and Allison have some g...
YKNR 031: Beach reads for kids
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Megan Daley and Allison Tait are all about encouraging reading over the summer with a great selection of beach reads for kids of all ages. ...
YKNR 030: Books for teen boys
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do you keep teen boys reading? Why do they stop and what will make them start again? Allison and Megan discuss the age-old question of books for b...
YKNR 029: Outdoor adventuring
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode is all about the Great Outdoors. Megan and Allison discuss books that support outdoor activities, as well as book that encour...
YKNR 028: Bedtime reading for older kids
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At what age do you stop reading aloud to kids? And what do you read to older kids if bedtime reading is still a thing? Allison and Megan explore reada...
YKNR 027: Teacher Gifts
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the last of our end-of-year gift-giving episodes, Megan and Allison are talking about teacher gifts. Plus, Allison has tips for helping kids deal w...
YKNR 026: Festive Season Gift Giving
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's end of term celebrations or other festive occasions, the season of gift giving is upon us - and books are the perfect gift! Megan an...
YKNR 025: Christmas Special
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With supply and postal distribution chains disrupted, Megan and Allison are planning ahead for the festive season with a list of books about Christmas...
YKNR 024: YA for tweens
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
While there is an entire 'middle-grade' (8-12) section of the bookshelf available, many younger readers (tweens), particularly advanced read...
YKNR 023: Should I discourage 'easy' reading?
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What should you do when young readers insist on reading books you think are too 'easy' for them? Megan and Allison look at whether to discou...
YKNR 022: School holiday reads
28 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Keeping kids reading in the holidays requires a bit of planning. Megan and Allison share tips for choosing books for school holidays, Plus YKNR has ne...
YKNR 021: Books about books
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Books about books, books inside books... this week, Allison Tait and Megan Daley are celebrating children's literature featuring books - from pic...
YKNR 020: Classics for kids
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Getting kids started on 'the classics' can be great for their vocabulary and knowledge of context, history and the building blocks of a lite...
YKNR 019: Puberty books for tweens
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From birds and bees to changing bodies, Allison Tait and Megan Daley recommend puberty books for tweens - and the adults in their lives. Plus, Megan l...
YKNR 018: Cookbooks for Kids
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Allison Tait and Megan Daley look at why cookbooks are great for kids (beyond the delicious creations) and have recommendations for everyone from tots...
YKNR 017: What's the story with school readers?
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Love them or hate them (and so many parents seem to fall in the latter camp), school readers are an essential part of your child's reading journe...
YKNR 016: Which e-reader should I buy my kid?
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
E-readers are great for accessibility and convenience, but which one is best for kids? Megan has tips for how to buy an e-reader that will integrate w...
YKNR 015: All about book launches
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What exactly goes on at a book launch and why would you take your kids to one? Megan and Allison take you inside the secrets of book launches and look...
YKNR 014: Extending advanced readers 7+
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week Allison and Megan are tackling one of the most popular Bingo questions ever - choosing books for advanced readers aged 7+. Allison raves abo...
YKNR 013: Book week made easy
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Love it or hate it, Book Week is coming. Whether you're a parent/carer, teacher, librarian, author or other interested party, CBCA Book Week (23-...
YKNR 012: Best gift books for kids of all ages
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Choosing the perfect book gift for a special occasion can be fraught, particularly if you don't know the young reader very well. Megan and Alliso...
YKNR 011: Must-read books by First Nations creators
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's NAIDOC Week (4-11 July 2021) and Megan has been hard at work curating a list of amazing books by First Nations authors and illustrators for ...
YKNR 010: How to start a book club
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Book clubs can be a great way to engage readers of all kinds, but where (and how) do you start? Megan shares some brilliant tips for finding members, ...
YKNR 009: Should I worry about re-reading?
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some kids like to re-read books they love - to the point where you might worry they'll wear a rut in the bookshelf. But is it something to be con...
YKNR 008: Engaging a reluctant reader
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When your kid simply doesn't like to read, it can be difficult for them - and for you. Megan and Allison look at ways to find the right book at t...
YKNR 007: Great true stories for kids
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Finding 'true stories' for kids can be a minefield when it comes to content and themes. Megan and Allison have some recommendations to help ...
YKNR 006: Should I order from school bookclub?
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kids love the school bookclub catalogue, but parents often ask Megan, as a teacher-librarian, if what's on offer is any good. She and Allison hav...
YKNR 005: Moving on from 'funny books'
09 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is your kid stuck in a 'funny book' rut? Is that a problem? Megan and Allison discuss one of the big questions in kids' reading, and lo...
YKNR 004: Encouraging kids to read non-fiction
08 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Megan discovers a brand-new book to help kids learn about sharing, while Allison is reading a memoir about Australia's first children's auth...
YKNR 003: Great graphic novels
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Megan has found two new books that made her cry, while Allison is sharing a new novel by one of Allison Rushby's favourite authors. We look at th...
YKNR 002: Books for 7 year olds
06 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Megan has made a Russian honey cake featuring 500g of honey, while Allison is wondering why cooking with kids is not fun. Discover why so many parents...
YKNR 001: What to read after Harry Potter?
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Starting off with one of the biggest questions in the Your Kid's Next Read community, Allison and Megan look at how to deal with the Harry Potter...