Books Aloud
Host: Coast Access Radio with Host Catherine Scullin
Categories: Arts and Culture
Languages: English
Coast Access Radio
Produced By: Coast Access Radio
Programme Website
Books Aloud is a show embracing New Zealand and Australian authors, locally and nationally and we throw in some books from our cousins across the ditch. In each episode we will bring you an excerpt from a book, an interview or an entire narration of a book. This will be a mixed bag of genres - from kids books, novels, art and historical books and everything in between. All books discussed and narrated will be available for purchase at your favourite book store or through the authors distributers. There will also be the odd book to giveaway to listeners of the programme.
All Episodes
Books Aloud Ep 36 - Is my worry worth worrying about? - by Becky Overeem
Published: 31/5/2025 8:00 a.m.
Is My Worry Worth Worrying About? by debut author Becky Overeem is a beautifully illustrated story that helps young readers navigate anxiety and find calm. With Sarah Trolle’s stunning artwork, the book delves into the overwhelming world of childhood worries through a heartfelt narrative that empowers children to face their fears. This picture book goes beyond storytelling, offering a dedicated section for children, parents and caregivers with practical tools to help families navigate challenges together. Perfect for homes, classrooms, and mental health discussions, Is My Worry Worth Worrying About? is both a comforting story and a valuable resource for growing minds. You can pre order the book at Becky's website - www.bexteachingresources.com/books
Books Aloud Ep 35 - The Wonderful Stranges with Melanie and Monica Koster
Published: 14/5/2025 10:30 a.m.
Catherine sits down with The wonderful Stranges author Melanie Koster and her daughter Monica Koster who beautifully illustrated this lovely book, The Wonderful Stranges is a story about inclusion; being open minded and how accepting others just as they are can be an enriching experience. It is a celebration of creativity, imagination and innovation. The Strange family embrace the arts and sciences, with inventions, including some for sustainable living. Accompanied by glorious, whimsical illustrations, this delightful book with themes of kindness and acceptance, that draws attention to climate change is a very timely book. Melanie Koster wrote the first draft of The Wonderful Stranges in 2011, in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes. The story had some success in various writing competitions and was then shelved in the bottom drawer. After a little tweaking, the story was ready to see the light of day again and she thinks its message is more relevant now than ever. Melanie Koster has been shortlisted six times for the Joy Cowley Award finally winning in 2022. She haswritten many children’s books including Elephant Park, Tama and the Taniwha and Milly Maloo and the Miracle Glue. Monica Koster is an artist and illustrator who has just completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours at the University of Canterbury. Her paintings have been exhibited in Christchurch and Ashburton as part of the Creator’s Room and ZONTA Female Art Awards Exhibitions.
Books Aloud Ep 34 Vividwater with Jacqueline Owens
Published: 07/5/2025 8:00 a.m.
Vividwater, envisions a chillingly plausible future Aotearoa where water is a luxury commodity, and survival hinges on access to this precious resource. Through the lens of Alex, a "mnemopath" navigating a society teetering on collapse, Jacqueline crafts a narrative that is both thought-provoking and eerily resonant with contemporary global challenges. Jacqueline Owens is a Wellington-based writer whose latest novel is a richly imagined dystopian fiction - Vividwater Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Books Aloud Ep 33 - The Only Dinosaur in School by Leonie Agnew
Published: 01/5/2025 2:00 p.m.
Catherine reviewed this delightful children's book by Leonie Agnew. The Only Dinosaur in School is a delightful and imaginative story that combines humour, heart, and a touch of chaos - perfectly suited for young readers and anyone who remembers the awkwardness of standing out. Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Books Aloud Ep 32 - The Biggest Kiwi in the world by Colleen Brown. The kiwi was carved into a hillside by WWI returning soldiers in 1919
Published: 19/4/2025 8:00 a.m.
This is a true New Zealand story. Colleen intended writing this story 15 years ago, but was side-tracked by the material she uncovered while researching the story. She turned that information into ‘The Bulford Kiwi. The Kiwi we left behind.’ Now, it’s time to tell the children’s version of that story – ‘The Biggest Kiwi in the World’. Illustrated by Emma Lay the book cleverly takes the reader back in time through the use of sepia images, while former British soldier Danny Fisher narrates the story to his granddaughter Pru. Danny Fisher, his grand-daughter Pru, and his dog Kiwi takes the reader back in time … to 1919 when our national emblem – the KIWI – was carved into the chalky slopes of Beacon Hill, above Sling Camp in Southern England by NZ soldiers at the end of WW1. This Kiwi was saved from extinction by Danny and his Arctic Warrior team in 1980. Now our Kiwi is a protected Heritage England monument, still standing proudly on Beacon Hill. Colleen believes that these stories are important in shaping our country and we need to tell them proudly. You can find Colleens books here at https://www.colleenbrownbooks.com/books
