Episode 236: 10 minutes with Niraj Lal

February 25, 2026

In episode 236 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast:

10 minutes with Niraj Lal

Allison chats to scientist and author Niraj Lal about his new book ‘Behind The Screens: How The Internet Works + How To Make It Work For You’ (illustrated by Aśka), drilling down to essential information, and Play School.

Books we mention

Click on the titles to find out more or buy. See contact page for affiliate disclosure.

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Bookmail and TBR pile

‘Bored’ by Felicita Sala

‘The Kid’s Guide to Speaking Your Mind Without Losing Your Cool’ by Dr Matt Agnew

‘Sunny and Storm’ by Tanya Hennessy, illustrated by Rachael McLean

‘The Umbrella’ by Niki Foreman, illustrated by Binny Talib

Other

‘The Last Word’ (Two Hearts #3) by A. L. Tait

10 minutes with Niraj Lal

About Niraj Lal

Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal is a researcher, writer and presenter in Melbourne communicating at the interface of science, the environment, and society. He is an ANU Visiting Fellow and host of the ABC’s kids’ podcast Imagine This.

Niraj graduated from the University of Cambridge with a PhD in physics as a Gates Scholar in 2012, has appeared on Play School and Catalyst and his awards include the 2021 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science and the 2022 Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Piasecki Prize for Outstanding Writing on Social Change.

Find out more.

About Aśka

Aśka is creative dynamite. She’s a short-listed graphic novelist, an ex-quantum physicist, and a big fan of the little doovalacky above the ‘s’ in her name (which you pronounce ‘Ash-ka’).

A hugely engaging and popular presenter, Aśka is passionate about visual literacy. She has published more than ten books and graphic novels. Her recent titles include the CBCA Notable and ALIA Graphic Shortlisted YA graphic novel Stars in Their Eyes, (with Jessica Walton), which has been re-released for the US market by Scholastic in 2023. She is also a recipient of several government Arts grants, prizes, and the May Gibbs Fellowship.

When she’s not creating children’s books, Aśka is travelling across Australia teaching drawing-as-a-language to anyone who’ll listen. Sometimes, she sleeps.

Find out more.

About ‘Behind The Screens: How The Internet Works + How To Make It Work For You’

Getting your first phone is a big moment – this illustrated guide empowers young people aged 9–13 to navigate the online world with awareness, responsibility and confidence.

The internet is one of the most life-changing inventions in history. But there are things happening behind the screens that are changing how we behave: influencing what we buy, what we’re interested in and how long we stay online. As we start using the internet and AI to do everything, it’s helpful to explore how the tech is using us a little too.

Written by award-winning scientist Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal, host of the ABC’s kids’ podcast Imagine This, and illustrated by comic artist Aśka, Behind the Screens is the must-have guide to help young people be online in the best way possible.

This book explores:

data collection and digital surveillance
the power of algorithms
a future with artificial intelligence
the pros and cons of gaming and social media
how to be happy and safe online.

It answers questions like:

If YouTube, Instagram and TikTok are all free, how come their owners are some of the richest people on the planet?
Why is it so hard to stop scrolling?
How do I know who to trust on the internet?
How can I avoid being tracked by tech companies?

Find out more.

Published by University Of Queensland Press