All Episodes

April 27, 2023 42 mins

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

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Therapy Gecko

Therapy Gecko

An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.