Deep dive into the stories behind the picture books with award-winning Australian author/illustrator Zeno Sworder.

In this conversation with Zeno I do not talk about the experiences of neurodivergent children or their parents. I am currently researching and learning more about neurodivergence but the stories and advice in this podcast episode may not be relevant to families navigating neurodiversity.

This episode was recorded on Gadigal and Wurundjeri Lands.

Books, films and humans mentioned

• Once I was a Giant (2025) by Zeno Sworder
• This Small Blue Dot (2021) by Zeno Sworder
• My Strange Shrinking Parents (2023) by Zeno Sworder
• The Red Tree (2001) by Shaun Tan
• The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• The Maze Runner (2009) by James Rushner
• Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth
• Ready Player One (2011) by Ernest Cline
• The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
• Terminator books
• Waterworld (1995) (film)
• The Day After Tomorrow (1994) by Allan Folsom
• NBC News
• Little People, BIG Dreams series
• Michelangelo (sculptor and painter)
• Dr Seuss (author/illustrator)
• The Happy Prince (1888) by Oscar Wilde
• Need a House Call Ms Mouse (2022) By George Mendoza, illustrated by Doris Susan Smith
• Du Iz Taz (2016) by Carson Ellis
• The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau (1988) by Jon Agee
• I Can Explain (2022) by Shinsuke Yoshitake

What's in this episode?

In this week's episode, Australian author/illustrator Max Hamilton takes us through what a typical day of work looks like when she is creating a children's picture book. We also talk about her past career, how she tackles a new project, how she organises her picture books and the importance of community for children's book creators.

This episode was recorded on the land of the Gadigal and Dharawal People.

Books, humans (and other interesting things) mentioned:

• My Possum Plays the Drums (2020) written by Catherine Meatheringham, illustrated by Max Hamilton
• When the Waterhole Dries Up (2021) written by Kaye Baillie, illustrated by Max Hamilton
• Tasmanian Devil (2022) written by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Max Hamilton
• Where the Lyrebird Lives (2022) written by Vicki Conley, illustrated by Max Hamilton
• The Beehive (2024) written by Megan Daley, illustrated by Max Hamilton
• Our Home (2024) written by Catherine Meatheringham, illustrated by Max Hamilton
• Cockatoo (2024) written by Kaye Baillie, illustrated by Max Hamilton
• Dogs with Jobs (2025) written and illustrated by Max Hamilton
• The Wilder Zoo Trilogy by Tina Strachan, illustrated by Max Hamilton
• Australian Society of Authors [ASA]
• Erica Wagner (artist and editor)
• Shirley Hughes (author/illustrator)
• Maurice Sendak (author/illustrator)
• Bob Graham (author/illustrator)
• Jeannie Baker (author/illustrator)
• Anna Pignataro (author/illustrator)
• Rachel Robson (children's book buyer for Gleebooks in Australia)
• Gleebooks
• @gleebooks_kids
• The Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators [SCBWI]
• Margaret Hamilton (author and publisher)
• Margaret Hamilton Books
• Pinerolo - The Children's Book Cottage
• Antonia Pesenti (illustrator)
• Hilary Bell (author)
• Alphabetical Sydney (2013) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell
• Numerical Street (2015) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell
• Summer Time (2019) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell
• The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc
• Gnomes by Wil Huygen and Rein Poortvliet
• Richard Scarry's Best Story Book Ever
• Phoebe Wahl (author/illustrator)
• Little Golden books
• Beatrix Potter (author/illustrator)
• May Gibbs (author/illustrator)
• The Brambly Hedge Series by Jill Barkley
• Windy Hollow Books

More from Max:

@mhdesignillustration

maxhamiltonillustration.com.au

What's in this episode:

In this week's episode Phoebe Wahl talks about her unschooled and free-spirited childhood, her studies at Rhode Island School of Design, her picture book creation process and so much more.

Books and people mentioned:

• Sonya's Chickens (2015) by Phoebe Wahl
• Backyard Fairies (2018) by Phoebe Wahl
• The Blue House (2020) by Phoebe Wahl
• Little Witch Hazel (2021) by Phoebe Wahl
• Phoebe's Diary (2023) by Phoebe Wahl
• Rhode Island School of Design
• Western Washington University
• Eloise Rickman @mightymother
• Paper Mice (2019) by Megan Wagner LLoyd and illustrated by Phoebe Wahl
• Sophie Blackall (author/illustrator)
• carlemuseum.org

Recommendations from Phoebe:

• Our Animal Friends At Maple Hill Farm (1974) by Alice and Martin Provensen
• An Owl and Three Pussy Cats (1994) by Alice and Martin Provensen
• Shaker Lane (1987) by Alice Provensen
• Janet and Allan Ahlberg (authors)
• The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters (1986) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
• Each Peach Pear Plum (1989) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
• The Baby's Catalogue (1982) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
• Peekaboo/Peepo (1981) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
• Abuela (1997) by Arthur Dorros, illustrated Elisa Kleven
• Vera B Williams (author/illustrator)
• Faith Ringgold (author/illustrator)
• Aliki (author/illustrator)
• Tove Jansson (author/illustrator)
• Gracey Zhang (illustrator)
• The Big Bath House (2021) by Kyo Maclear
• One More Jar of Jam (2023) by Michelle Sumovich
• Beatrice Alegmana (author/illustrator)
• Chirri and Chirra (2016) by Kya Doi (translated from Japanese by Yuki Kaneko)
• Possum's Harvest Moon (1998) by Anne Hunter
• Alison Lester (author/illustrator)
• Rosie Sips Spiders (1988) by Alison Lester

More from Phoebe

@phoebewahl

phoebewahl.com

In this week's episode Courtney Adamo talks to the Read-Aloud Home about her new book The Family Home, which explores how your home can help elevate family life and help you spend more quality time as a family including reading together.

What's in this episode?

• Ideas and tips for making your home a place where reading can happen comfortably and with ease
• Reading to children of different ages
• Courtney introduces us to some beautiful new children's books and also shares some old favourites that we think all children must read

Books and humans mentioned

• The Family Home: Inspiring Ideas for a Home Filled with Joy (2025) by Courtney and Michael Adamo
• And the Train Goes (2007) by William Bee
• A Sick Day for Amos McGee (2010) by Phillip Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead
• Ira Sleeps Over (1972) by Bernard Waber
• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day (1972) by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz
• The Tiger who Came to Tea (1968) by Judith Kerr
• The Bog Baby (2008) by Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward
• Make Way for Ducklings (1941) by Robert McCloskey
• The Little House (1942) by Virginia Lee Burton
• We're Going on a Bear Hunt (1989) by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
• The National Geographic Series
• Charlotte's Web (1952) by E.B White, illustrated by Garth Williams
• Julian is a Mermaid (2018) by Jessica Love
• Blueberries for Sal (1948) by Robert McCloskey
• The Paper Dolls (2012) by Julia Donaldson
• Who Sank the Boat (1982) by Pamela Allen
• Simplicity Parenting (2009) by Kim John Payne
• The Olivia Series by Ian Falconer
• Ira Says Goodbye (1988) by Bernard Waber
• Mem Fox (Author)
• Julia Donaldson (Author)
• Oliver Jeffers (Author/Illustrator)
• The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
• The Wings of Fire Series by Tui T Sutherland
• Beware of the Frog (2008) by William Bee

More from Courtney

Instagram - @courtneyadamo

Substack -courtneyadamo.substack.com/

What's in this episode?

· Collaborating creatively as longtime friends

· The origins of Alphabetical Sydney

· Children's books that are "the whole package"

· Writing in rhyme

· Appreciating picture books, graphic novels and illustration

· Looking beyond Australia for beautiful picture books

Books and humans mentioned:

· Alphabetical Sydney (2013) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell

· Home (2015) By Carson Ellis

· Cole's Funny Picture Book (1879) By Edward William Cole

· Farmhouse (2022) By Sophie Blackall

· Milkwood: "A creative retreat for the children's book community"

· Julia Donaldson (author)

· Axel Sheffler (illustrator)

· Numerical Street (2015) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell

· Summer Time (2019) By Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell

· In the Night Kitchen (1970) By Maurice Sendak

· Tintin by Hergé

· George Orwell (2021) by Pierre Christin

· The Dot (2003) By Peter Reynolds

· Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie (1918) By May Gibbs

· What was I scared of? (1961) By Dr Seuss

· A Series of Unfortunate Events By Lemony Snicket (audiobooks narrated by Tim Curry and Lemony Snicket)

· A Lion in Paris (2006) By Beatrice Alemagna

· Planeta Tangerina

· Scribble Publishers

What's in this episode?

· Naz's experience creating a children's book

· Why you should watch films with your children

· What works and what doesn't in film adaptations

· Roald Dahl adaptations

· Films as modern updates on dated texts

· Why the Paddington Bear movies are brilliant

Books, films and humans mentioned:

· Arm in Arm (1969) By Remy Charlip

· The NeverEnding Story (1984 film)

· EQ (2021) by Vivian Rubin

· Roald Dahl (author)

· The Twits (1980) By Roald Dahl

· The Witches (1983) By Roald Dahl

· Matilda (1988) By Roald Dahl

· Matilda (1996 film)

· Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971 film)

· Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (2023 film)

· Fantastic Mr Fox (2009 film)

· Matilda the Musical (2022 film)

· Shirley Hughes (author)

· Alice in Wonderland (1951 film)

· Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) By Lewis Carol

· The Julia Donaldson Magic Light Production films

· The Enchanted World of Brambly Hedge series

· The Harry Potter film series

· Paddington (2014 film)

· Paddington 2 (2017 film)

· The Magic Faraway Tree Series by Enid Blyton

· One Day with Mum (1995) By Helen Oxenbury

· Henry and Amy: Right-way-Round and Upside Down (2000) By Stephen Michael King

More from Naz

https://www.nazaninforghani.com

Instagram - @nazanin_forghani

**Edit: There ARE actually bears in Peru, specifically the Andean Bear, deemed a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to Habitat loss - Nazanin.

What's in this episode?

· Ten tips to make reading-aloud enjoyable and sustainable (+ 1 bonus tip)

Books and humans mentioned:

· The Enchanted Hour (2019) By Megan Cox Gurdon

· Reading Magic (2001) By Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek

· The Book Whisperer (2009) By Donnalyn Miller

· The Read-Aloud Handbook (7th Edition) (2013) By Jim Trelease

What's in this episode?

· What is the Montessori Method?

· A Montessori approach to literacy in the early years

· How to ensure that we use rich language with children

· How to display and organise books

· How we can talk with, read with and raise children respectfully

Books and humans mentioned:

· Why You Should Read Children's Books Even Though You Are So Old and Wise (2019) By Katherine Rundell

· Martin Amis (author)

· John Locke (philosopher)

· John Newberry (children's book publisher)

· Beatrix Potter (author, illustrator, natural scientist)

· Julia Donaldson (author)

· Oh Kipper (1992) By Janet and Andrew McLean

· Something Wonderful (2016) By Raewyn Caisley, illustrated by Karen Blair

· Oi Dog (2016) By Kes and Clare Gray, illustrated by Tim Field

· Dr Maria Montessori

· Oh the Places You'll Go (1990) By Dr Seuss

· Revolting Rhymes (1982) By Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake

· The Captain Underpants Series By Dav Pilkey

· BBC Books and Authors Interview with author Katherine Rundell

· Julia Donaldson (author)

· Paddington Bear (children's book character)

· Winnie the Pooh (children's book character)

· Clifford, the Big Red Dog (1963) By Normal Bridwell

· The Little Prince/Le Petit Prince (1943) By Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

· The Very Hungry Caterpiller (1969) By Eric Carle

· The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch (1977) By Ronda and David Armitage

· We're Going on a Bear Hunt (1989) Retold by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

· Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends series

· William's Wish Wellingtons, BBC Children's Book, illustrated by Atholl McDonald

· Mr Gumpy's Outing (1970) By John Burningham

· The Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling

· Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy (1983) By Lynley Dodd

· Bronwyn Bancroft (author)

· Alfie Gets in First (2009) By Shirley Hughes

· Alfie's Feet (2009) By Shirley Hughes

· Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) By Roald Dahl

· Simplicity Parenting (2009) By Kim Jon Payne with Lisa M Ross

· The Aldi padded book series

· The Indestructible book series