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

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 they mean for teachers, parents and authors? Megan and Allison take a look behind the scenes at Australian children's literary awards. Plus, why a demonstration of vocabulary doesn't make a great story and why you should encourage your kid to...

What makes a great book review? Where can you find useful children's literature reviews? This week, Megan and Allison share some of their favourite book review websites, blogs and magazines. Plus, how to give young writers feedback that doesn't hurt, and more tips for learning at home. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the...

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 to access them and more. Plus, a tip for parents to help with English homework and advice for keeping tweens and teens engaged with reading. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your...

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 deep dive into history, sharing some of their favourite historical reads for kids (and adults) and why authors love writing books set in the past. Plus, a tip for researching history and how to create a 'table of learning'. Read the show not...

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 creating inviting spaces to make it happen. Plus, Allison shares a new list of books about gender identity for kids of all ages, and Megan has tips for getting the most out of picture books. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextrea...

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 into the background of books for older kids. Plus, Allison explores the question of whether Australian teens are reading YA novels by Australian authors, and Megan has tips for organising library displays. Read the show notes for all book references at...

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're really necessary. Plus, Allison has some insights on how writers 'find' time to write and Megan has brilliant ideas for book-themed birthday parties. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Alli...

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 all ages, from picture books to teen reads. Plus, Allison shares insights from 16 top Australian children's authors about what they wish they'd known when they began their writing careers - and Megan chimes in with three things she wish ev...

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 start school? Plus, Megan shares a new book she adores, Allison has tips for authors who are waiting for feedback on writing, and how to use nature journals at home. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison...

Are audio books 'real' books? Megan and Allison discuss the benefits of listening to stories, plus how to find great audio books for your kids - including some of their favourite narrators. Plus, Allison shares three top tips for writing groups and Megan has advice in transitioning your young reader to independent bedtime reading. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsne...

Transitioning to high school brings with it a bunch of challenges, not least of which the 'step up' in reading expectations. Megan and Allison share their thoughts about easing tween readers into more complex books, as well as suggesting novels that reflect the high school experience. Plus, Megan has some back-to-school remote learning ideas - just in case. Read the show notes for all bo...

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 series about setting kids up for success when starting primary or high school. This episode plants the seed with ideas for introducing that big first day in a gentle way. Plus, Megan has tips for mindful reading and Allison has a great exercise for young...

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 great ideas for books and activities to get kids off screens - including a book for parents and caregivers full of ideas and practical advice. Plus, two hands-on ways to keep kids engaged with writing. Read the show notes for all book references at yo...

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. Plus, Megan shares her insider knowledge for helping kids meet summer reading goals, and Allison has a couple of lists of writing competitions for young writers (including tips on why they're great).Read the show notes for all book references at...

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 boys aged 13+. Plus, tips for kids who want to write comics and graphic novels, and Megan is raving about a brand-new publication described as an intersection of art book, photographic novel and children's picture book. Read the show notes for al...

This week's episode is all about the Great Outdoors. Megan and Allison discuss books that support outdoor activities, as well as book that encourage kids to get into nature. Plus, tips for nature journaling and choosing authors for your Book Week 2022 visits - which are booking out already! Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the...

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 readalouds for older kids. Plus, Allison has two new booklists to share and Megan has a great creative tip from author Zanni Louise. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Nex...

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 with 'writer's block' and Megan shares some beautiful insights into writing from Australian author Kate Gordon. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next...

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 and Allison look at how to choose books that will actually be read, how to make box sets and bind-ups count, and how to manage extended family gift-giving. Plus, Megan shares tips for keeping kids on track with school reading, and Allison has three vid...

With supply and postal distribution chains disrupted, Megan and Allison are planning ahead for the festive season with a list of books about Christmas, from brand-new must-haves to old favourites. Plus, Megan has tips for creating a book Advent Calendar and Allison has some great gift ideas for young writers. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison,...

While there is an entire 'middle-grade' (8-12) section of the bookshelf available, many younger readers (tweens), particularly advanced readers, want to move up. They want to read what older kids are reading and, often, they've read the library dry of the books deemed appropriate for their age group. Megan and Allison look at YA books suitable for tweens and middle-grade books that...

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 discourage 'easy' reading and encourage more challenging books, or not. Plus, Megan answers questions about becoming a teacher-librarian, and Allison has tips for kids looking for ideas for their own stories. Read the show notes for all book refe...

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 new t-shirts, Megan has advice about extending books beyond the page. Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on FacebookVisit allisontait.com | children...

Books about books, books inside books... this week, Allison Tait and Megan Daley are celebrating children's literature featuring books - from picture books to YA novels. Plus, Allison's got tips for parents who'd like to get kids creating, not consuming, and Megan has some great suggestions for what to gift with books to create a special present. Read the show notes for all book ref...

Getting kids started on 'the classics' can be great for their vocabulary and knowledge of context, history and the building blocks of a literary life - but when should you introduce them, and how? Megan Daley and Allison Tait discuss these perplexing questions, as well as looking at the role of school librarians and how to keep tweens engaged with reading. Read the show notes for all boo...