KidLit Classics

KidLit Classics is a podcast dedicated to celebrating classic children's literature. It is an ode to childhood reading and the kidlit community. Each episode I chat with one guest from the kidlit industry - be it author, bookseller, educator, publishing professional - about the children's book that sparked their love of reading, got them involved in the kidlit community, or is just the one they love the most. We take a deep dive into each guest's chosen book, discussing what it's about, why it's so special, how it influenced children's literature and literary culture, and finish with a dramatic reading and a brief chat about the guest's own work. If you are loving the podcast, why not Buy Me A Coffee ... Each donation helps with the time and effort involved in preparing, recording, editing, producing, distributing and marketing the episodes - ensuring we're sustainable and can continue supporting the kidlit community.

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KidLit Classics

Cassy Polimeni talks Hating Alison Ashley, KidLit Classics Podcast S2 Episode 11

April 28, 2023 • Sam-Ellen • Season 2 • Episode 11

About this episode’s KidLit Classic:
Hating Alison Ashley, written and published by Robin Klein in the 1980s, is an endearing classic of Aussie #LoveOZMG and #LoveOzYA kidlit.

In this episode children's author and editor Cassy Polimeni discusses reading this book as a child and reading it as an adult, its popularity and legacy, and the themes of class and adolescent insecurity that underpin the Erica vs Ashley drama. Cassy tells us about her new picture book, The Garden at the End of the World, and why so many Aussie authors write across categories and genres.

About this week’s guest, Cassy Polimeni:
Cassy is a freelance editor and children's/YA author. She was the editor of Destinations Australia magazine and has also worked as a TV book reviewer. The Garden at the End of the World, released in 2023, is her first picture book.

Connect with Cassy Polimeni on Instagram: @cassy_polimeni / Website: confessionsofawordwrangler.

Connect with host Sam-Ellen Bound: Instagram @samellenb / Website www.samanthaellenbound.com

Find out more about Robin Klein website

Buy Hating Alison Ashleyhere

Mentioned in podcast:
Queenie in Seven Moves by Zanni Louise
My Strange Shrinking Parentsby Zeno Sworder
Accidentally Kelly Streetby Briony Stewart
The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni

Enjoying KidLit Classics? Like, share, subscribe, leave a review! You can also show your appreciation via Buy Me a Coffee to ensure the future and sustainability of the show.

Credits:
Opening and Outro music:

‘Funny Whimsical Music’ by MoodMode, accessed via Storyblocks. Purchased and used under Storyblocks’Royalty-Free Individual License Agreement.

Sound files:

All Used under the Pixabay Music License Agreement.

‘little blender' by DimitrisM

'door open close' by TRP

'Doorbell2' by klangkonserve

'local neighbourhood' by stephb123

Thanks for listening!
Stay up to date - Instagram @Samellenb
https://www.samanthaellenbound.com/kidlitclassicspodcast

People on this episode

Sam-Ellen Bound

Host