In this episode of Between the Bookshelves, host Jade Arnold is joined by award-winning author and illustrator Remy Lai, whose much-loved graphic novels and illustrated stories appear across the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge booklists.

From the laugh-out-loud sibling chaos of Chickenpox to the heartfelt immigrant story Pie in the Sky, and the spine-tingling scares of Read at Your Own Risk, Remy shares the inspirations behind her books, her love of graphic novels, and how she balances humour, horror, and heart in her storytelling. Remy also shares her Between the bookshelves pitch for all of her titles, as well as her recommendations for what readers should try next.

We also explore her Surviving the Wild series for younger readers, the role of family and friendship in her work, and why graphic novels deserve a place on every child’s bookshelf.

Whether you’re a dog lover, a fan of spooky reads, or just curious about the creative process, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and fantastic book recommendations for young readers.

This is our final podcast for 2025, but stay tuned for new and exciting episodes in 2026!