Mostly Book Talk
Katy Donnelly and Alison Palmer 86 episodes Nov 3, 2026
Mostly Book Talk is a podcast for teachers, librarians, and parents who want to encourage children and teenagers to read for pleasure. It offers book recommendations, author interviews, and practical advice for building reading-rich classrooms, libraries, and homes. Episodes cover picture books through young adult novels, including new releases, hidden gems, and favourites. The show also explores strategies for creating a lasting love of reading in young readers.
Episodes
If the Invader Comes by Tom Palmer - the first in a new WW2 trilogy set in Cornwall
We talk with Tom Palmer about his latest book, If the Invader Comes, the first in a trilogy of books set in Cornwall. Published by Barrington Stoke in a dyslexia friendly format, the Allies trilogy explores the experiences of children during World War II in Cornwall and focus on the dynamics of friendship and allyship among the characters.As with his earlier books about the two World Wars, Tom has
National Year of Reading - Letterbox Library
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Dr Fen Coles from the Letterbox Library. Letterbox Library off
Fred the Very Demanding Deer - with author and illustrator Pépé Smit
In this episode we talk with Pépé Smit about her picture book Fred the Very Demanding Deer which is published by Scallywag Press and translated from Dutch. We were lucky enough to go to the launch at GOSH comics and met Pépé, loved the book and of course wanted to chat to her about the book and Fred. Pépé trained as a visual artist at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy and the Sandberg Institute. Her ill
National Year of Reading - Literacy Hive
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Sian Hardy, founder of the Literacy Hive. Literacy Hive is a c
National Year of Reading - The Children's Literacy Charity
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Julie Taylor Education Lead at the Children's Literacy Ch
National Year of Reading - English and Media Centre
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Andrew McCallum, Director of theEnglish and Media Centre. The
National Year of Reading - Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we discuss the Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award and are joined by Barb
National Year of Reading - BookTrust
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Rachel Boden who is the lead children's book promotion an
Time Tub Travellers - with author Claire Linney
We talk with Claire Linney about her Time Tub Travellers series, the third book of which is out at the start of October 2026. Inspired by reading Black Tudors: The Untold Story by Miranda Kaufmann, Claire started researching Black British history and the stories that are too often untold and hidden. She decided she wanted to bring these stories to life in a fun, adventurous way for children and th
Wild Magic with Abiola Bello
In this episode we talk with Abiola Bello - author, publisher and co-founder of the Diverse Book Awards. The third book in her Wild Magic series for younger readers is out and we talk about the success of the series - the first book just won the Sparks School Book Award prize and how kids love facts mixed in with their fiction.Abiola is as ever very busy and we talk about her third book in the Mar
Author and Poet Dean Atta talks about his picture book, Auntie's Bangles
Welcome back to the new school year - we hope you had a great summer. September always feels the time for fresh starts and we are back after a bit of summer break. We have an interview with Dean Atta about his picture book, Auntie's Bangles (illustrated by Alea Marley)- a joyous take on loss and remembering. We also talk about his YA books and the middle grade project he is working on. All v
Fidan Meikle talks about her award winning middle grade book, My Name is Samim
Fidan Meikle is a multi-award-winning Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator.We talk with her about her debut middle-grade novel, My Name Is Samim, which is a powerful novel that follows Samim, a thirteen-year-old boy, as he flees war-torn Afghanistan for a new life in the UK. It highlights the experiences of young refugees and asylum-seekers, and has been a word of mouth success, wi
A feast of middle grade books! Interviews with Kristina Rahim and Cath Howe
In this episode we have a feast of middle grade books! We talk first to Kristina Rahim author of the very popular The Doughnut Club, about her second book Max and Ella Stuck Together. Max has had a tough year starting secondary school. He has been bullied about having two mums and has lost his confidence. He is even finding it hard to enjoy the music that he used to love. He knows he risks letting
The Othernauts with Clare Pollard
We talk with author Clare Pollard about her new middle grade book The Othernauts. Based on the story of Jason and the Argonauts, we follow Phoebe who is bored of life on the island where she lives and is desperate to escape. When a ship with Jason and the Argonauts comes into the harbour she acts quickly and joins their quest to find the Golden Fleece. Full of humour and with illustrations by Mach
The Klaus Flugge Prize 2026 - the year's most exciting newcomers to children's book illustration
We talk to the chair of judges and the 2025 winner of The Klaus Flugge Prize for Illustration, Emma Farrarons. Emma won the prize in 2025 which is for the year’s most exciting newcomers to children’s picture book illustration. This year she is back as the chair of judges alongside illustrator Rob Biddulph, illustrator and course director for the MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge Scho
National Year of Reading - Canterbury Children's Literature Festival
We talk to Bex Hughes about the upcoming Canterbury Children's Literature Festival which is on the 9th - 12th of July and also about Book Shop Crawl UK which hosts book shop crawls in cities around the UK.You can find out more about all the exciting events on at the Canterbury Children's Literature Festival here.And check out up coming book shop crawls here.Send us a message
National Year of Reading - What on Earth! - Scientists Making a Difference
In September 2026 all UK Secondary Schools will receive two copies of the book Scientists Making a Difference by Dr Shini Somara together with a pack of resources. This is a collaboration between publishers What on Earth!, the Gatsby Foundation and Imperial. We talk to teacher Jennifer Marchant who created the school resources to discuss the book, what schools will find in their pack and how they
Fairy Tales at the British Library - a Family Adventure through Enchanted Stories
Join us as we talk to lead curators Alison Bailey and Laura Walker, of the British Library's Fairy Tales Exhibition. This interactive and child friendly exhibit is on until 23 August 2026 and covers many familiar tales as well as lesser known stories. They have brought together interactive displays, theatrical design, story sharing spaces, costumes and activities, as well as some great exampl
Kid Rex to the Rescue with Mayo Agard-Olubo
Join us talking to Mayo Agard-Olubo about his debut picture book, Kid Rex to the Rescue, illustrated by Diane Ewen. Max's imagination transforms him into the superhero Kid Rex, and he's ready to use his dinosaur powers to battle robots, dragons and even the evil king dust bunny. A fun bedtime story and definitely one for dinosaur fans.Mayo's website can be found here.His BBC Sounds
The Carnegie Medal for Illustration Shortlist
Following on from episode 48 when we went through the Carnegie Medal for Writing shortlist together with expert Carnegie followers Alison Jewitt and Amy McKay, in this episode we go through the Carnegie Medal for Illustration shortlist and make some more ill fated predictions for the winners.Alison Jewitt is an English teacher at the London Nautical City of London Academy has led a Carnegie shadow
Dead Straight Line with Malcolm Duffy
Join us as we talk with author Malcolm Duffy about his YA book Dead Straight Line. This is his fifth book and is inspired by a teenage game of traveling in a straight line through, over or under obstacles. Rory pressures Yell into the game, with life changing consequences. The book explores risk taking, blame, guilt and shame as well as empathy and forgiveness. Written in a sparse and pacey style,
The Carnegie Medal for Writing Shortlist
Together with expert Carnegie followers Alison Jewitt and Amy McKay we go through the Carnegie Medal for Writing shortlist and make our ill fated predictions for the winners.Alison Jewitt is an English teacher at the London Nautical City of London Academy has led a Carnegie shadowing group in her school for many years and this is her third year helping us review the list.Amy McKay is the librarian
Home is a Hug with Cindy Hume
Join us as we chat with Cindy Wume, Taiwanese author and illustrator, about her new picture book, Home is a Hug. The book imagines all the different ways in which we can think about home. It has interactive elements with cutouts and flaps and lots of great details to seek out when reading it. Find out about her journey from Taiwan to Cambridge, her creative process and discover how her travels and
National Year of Reading - Royal National Institute of Blind People
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we talk to Lara Marshall, Libraries and Engagement Manager and Tom Norton, Info
Musical - and other - Truth(s) with Jeffrey Boakye
We talked to Jeffrey Boakye and tried very hard to stay on the topic of children's books (and mostly succeeded). We talked about his middle grade series which starts with Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer, his books on music - Musical Truth and Musical World and what he is currently working on.We detoured into what everyone got up to in the 80s and 90s when there were only four TV channels and n
The Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award with poet Nicola Davies
In this episode we talk with poet Nicola Davies about the Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award (CLiPPA). The CLiPPA is the UK’s leading prize for poetry for children and each year highlights outstanding new collections for the young and very young.She takes us the through the 2026 Shortlist and we also talk about her her role as the Children's Laureate for Wales and quite a bit about b
National Year of Reading - Learning with Parents
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Tom Harbour the CEO of Learning with Parents.Learning with Par
National Year of Reading - Inclusive Books for Children
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Sarah Satha the Chair of Inclusive Books for Children.Inclusiv
Recharging our batteries with Molly Harris' new book Whirby
We talk to author Molly Harris about her new picture book Whirby, illustrated by Jacob Souva. Whirby is a robot and his favourite activity at school is bot battles, but in his excitement about getting ready he forgets to get any rest and recharge his batteries and when it comes to his turn in the competition he has no energy left. Can he recover and do what he really enjoys?A great book for bedtim
National Year of Reading - The Federation of Children's Book Groups
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Louisa Farrow from The Federation of Children's Book Grou
Ultimate Superstar: Rashmi Sirdeshpande on her new books Hari Kumar and Super Uma
In this episode we are joined by author Rashmi Sirdeshpande about her new books - Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar (illustrated by Mamta Singh) which is a diary style middle grade and Super Uma (illustrated by Nakul P.) which is picture book with lots of sparkle and the all important unicorn.Rashmi is as ever super busy with a number of new books coming up (details of the books mentioned below). She
National Year of Reading - EmpathyLab
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Imogen Bond from EmpathyLabEmpathyLab develops, activates, and
National Year of Reading - Chapter One
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Emma Bell, CEO of Chapter One.Through their volunteer reading
National Year of Reading - Coram Beanstalk
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how you can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk.Coram Beanstalk work with prim
Part 6 - The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it
For Part 6 we asked all our interviewees for one thing they would do to address the reading crisis. Properly funded libraries and librarians were unsurprisingly a strong theme, but also a rethink about how we position children's reading - how do we find the space for children to read and support children to experience the power and enjoyment of reading so they find their own routes into readi
National Year of Reading - Books for Keeps
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Andrea Reece who is the Managing Editor of the children's
Rock the Vote! with Nadia Shireen
In this episode we talk with Nadia Shireen about the mad and upredictable world of Grimwood and book five in the series, Rock the Vote! which has recently come out in paperback. Listen in to find out where Nadia gets her ideas from, how she writes, why illustrations are so important and what Titus's best cake would be.Nadia can be found on Instagram hereHer Grimwood books can be found here:Gr
I Want Everything! with author and illustrator Sophy Henn
In this episode we talk to author Sophy Henn about her new picture book I Want Everything! - which is about how sometimes it might feel like you want everything, but when you really think about it you probably don't... We also discuss the latest installment in her action packed and madcap Happy Hills graphic novel series, Cheesy Bob Strikes!Sophy can be found on Instagram hereAnd the books we
Part 5 - The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it.
In part 5 we continue looking at what works to support reading for pleasure, focusing more this time on opportunities for authors to engage with readers and the importance of wider family and community involvement and spaces to discover and talk about books.For this series we interviewed the following people (not all feature in every episode):Dapo Adeola - Author and the illustrator of many books
Author Sarah Crossan talks about her new thriller, Gone for Good
We are joined by author Sarah Crossan to talk about her new verse novel, Gone for Good. It is a read in one go thriller about the troubled teen industry. Sixteen-year-old Connie is kidnapped in the middle of the night and taken to a 'behaviour modification programme' at Silver Lake and quickly gets drawn into the mystery of where missing resident Belle has gone to.We also talk about Sara
Part 4 - The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it
In part 4 we hear more about what we should be doing to address the decline in children’s reading for pleasure. In this episode we focus on approaches in schools and how to involve staff and pupils in creating a reading for pleasure culture.For this series we interviewed the following people (not all feature in every episode):Dapo Adeola - Author and the illustrator of many books including Look Up
National Year of Reading - Youth Libraries Group
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.In this episode we are joined by Tanja Jennings, who is the joint Northern Ireland Representati
Badgers are Go! with Susannah Lloyd - Revenge of the Claw
In this episode we talk to Susannah Lloyd about the latest instalment in her Badgers are Go! series, Revenge of the Claw. Illustrated by Nici Gregory.We cover lots of ingenious disguises, pudding references and doing all the voices! Also the importance of having children who can help you name your characters.You can find out more about Susannah Lloyd's books here.The books we discussed can be
Part 3: The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it
In part 3 of our mini series about 'The Reading Crisis', we hear more about access, but also about who decides which books get published, how they're marketed, and how they get into children's hands, as well as the lack of coverage in the media of children's literature. For this series we interviewed the following people (not all feature in every episode):Dapo Adeola - Au
National Year of Reading - Stepping into Stories Kids' Lit Fest
For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.For our first conversation, we are joined by Mo O'Hara from Stepping Into Stories Kids&a
The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it - Part 2
In part two of our mini series about The Reading Crisis, we look at how testing, technology and access to books are affecting reading for pleasure.For this series we interviewed the following people (not all feature in every episode):Dapo Adeola - Author and the illustrator of many books including Look Up!, Clean Up!and My Dad is a Grizzly Bear.Sita Brahmachari - Author of many books including Art
The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it - Part 1
The first in our mini series about The Reading Crisis - why children aren't reading and what we can do about it. In this episode we look at what the data tells us about children's reading and start to discuss what some of the barriers are to children reading for pleasure.For this series we interviewed the following people (not all feature in every episode):Dapo Adeola - Author and the il
Wild Journey: an interview with AM Dassu about her latest book
In in this episode we talk to AM Dassu about her latest book, Wild Journey. This is a collection of five interlinked stories about children around the world all connected by the sight of a murmuration of starlings. Fully illustrated by Joe Lillington.AM Dassu's website can be found here and links to the books we discussed are below:Wild JourneyBoy, EverywhereFight BackCan You Find my Eid Pres
The Reading Crisis - Why Children aren't reading and what we can do about it
A quick trailer for our new mini series which will be out soon on the 'reading crisis' where we explore why children aren't reading and what we can do about it. Look out for the first episode.Send us a message
Libraries are a very good thing!
We are back and have an episode all about libraries. First up is an interview with Rebecca Gediking who is the Head of Libraries at GLL and also the Chair of the GLL Literary Foundation - which does lots of great work supporting children's authors in the areas in which GLL have libraries. Events there for schools to look out for and ideas for how other libraries might work with authors.After
Nathanael Lessore, author of Steady for This and King of Nothing
We talk to Nathanael Lessore about his very successful debut and follow up books, about what's important when writing for teens and the role of humour.You can find Nate's books here:Teen/KS3 BooksSteady for ThisKing of NothingWhat Happens OnlineMiddle Grade BooksSolving Crimes is NOT my SuperpowerTime Travel is NOT my SuperpowerSAIL Fest (South Asian Children's Illustration and Lite
Poetry by Heart, an interview with Dr Julie Blake
Just in time for National Poetry Day, we have an interview with Dr Julie Blake the founder and co-director of Poetry by Heart. Working with schools across the whole of England, over 128,000 pupils take part every year, learning poems by heart and performing them. There are lots of fantastic clips on their website of young people performing and all the information you need to sign up this year. And
Author Ashley Thorpe on his new middle grade book, Spirit Warriors, and his debut success, The Boy to Beat the Gods
Author Ashley Thorpe joins us to talk about his middle grade books The Boy to Beat the Gods and Spirit Warriors. Find out about how he was inspired by West African and Jamaican mythology and how long it really does take to have a breakout success as your debut book.There is also a new Loki book out by Louie Stowell - A Bad God's Guide to Causing Chaos and there is a giveaway for a signed copy
Maisie Chan talking about her latest book, Nate Yu's Blast from the Past
We are joined by Maisie Chan to talk about her latest book, Nate Yu's Blast from the Past. It's a draws on the untold history of the Chinese Labour Corps in WW1 in a story that combines a ghost story with a warm and humorous exploration of belonging, friendship and family. Look out for the event that Maisie mentions at the British Library in September which can be found here Maisie'
Pirate adventures with Justin Somper and his latest book, Pirate Academy - Sword Echoes
In this episode we talk with Justin Somper about the latest book in his Pirate Academy series, Sword Echoes. It came out in the UK in May and the series sets sail in Australia next week. Full of adventure and intrigue - perfect for a summer read. Justin can be found on Instagram hereAnd links to his books are below:New Kid On Deck: Pirate Academy #1Missing at Sea: Pirate Academy #2Sword Echoes: Pi
Tom McLaughlin and his graphic novel, Alan, King of the Universe
We talk with Tom McLaughlin about his graphic novel Alan, King of the Universe. Alan is an orange cat convinced he is born to rule. Blessed with opposable thumbs and a side kick called Fido, he spends his days dreaming up ways to take up the universe.Tom's website can be found here and here are some links to his books:Alan King of the UniverseThe Day that Aliens (nearly) Ate our BrainsThe Day
Jasbinder Bilan talking about her new book, Naeli and the Secret Song
Join us to hear all about Jasbinder Bilan's new book, Naeli and the Secret Song. Find out where the idea came from and the research she did. Here are links to all of Jasbinder's BooksNaeli and the Secret SongAarti and the Blue GodsTamarind and the Star of IshtaAsha and the Spirit BirdIndia, Incredible India, illustrated by Nina ChakrabartiXanthe and the Ruby CrownCalling the Whales, illu
Carnegie Medal Chat and Predictions
We are joined by Alison Jewitt a teacher from South London who leads a Carnegie Shadowing Group at her school and Sophia Bower a school librarian from Durham who is a Carnegie judge this year. We talk about shadowing groups and then all of the books on the Carnegie Medal for Writing shortlist. Sophia then hides while the rest of us make our predictions about who wins - we were completely wrong las
Cath Howe on Early Readers and the Call of the Puffins
Join us talking with Cath Howe about the latest book in her Call the Puffins series, Tiny and the Cave Ghost (illustrated by Ella Okstad). We talk about the importance of early reading books and wonder whether there is a big meeting of authors where they decide which animals they are going to write about (you never know...)! We also go down memory lane with the Tufty Club and it all gets a bit sil
Teresa Cremin - what the research says about children's reading for pleasure
In this episode we talk with Professor Teresa Cremin, the co-director of the Open University's Literacy and Social Justice Centre, discuss what the research says about children's reading for pleasure and the work the OU is doing to support teachers develop reading for pleasure cultures in their schools.You can find out more about the OU Reading for Pleasure activities here.Some recent bo
Lisa Thompson talking about her new book The Boy in the Tree
Listen to Lisa Thompson talk about her new book, The Boy in the Tree (illustrated by Katie Kear), and also her many other books including the forthcoming follow up to The Goldfish Boy - The Skeleton Puzzle (out in September.)Information about all Lisa's books and also extra resources can be found at www.lisathompsonauthor.comLinks to the books we talked aboutThe Goldfish BoyOwen and the Sold
An interview with Tom Percival, author of The Wrong Shoes
In this episode we talk with Tom Percival about his book The Wrong Shoes and also about some of his picture books. Tom has a website here, but probably the best way to stay up to date with what he is up to is on Instagram @tompercivalbooks or on X @TomPercivalSaysHis books can be found here:The Wrong Shoes (currently in hardback, paperback available 8 May 2025)Quiet (illustrated by Richard Jones)T
Interview with Brogen Murphy about their debut book Wildlands
An interview with debut author Brogen Murphy about their book, Wildlands. It’s 2050 and most of northern England and southern Scotland has been turned into a vast rewilding project. An interrupted train journey and series of mishaps leaves two sisters trying to survive in this untouched wilderness... Brogen's website is here and they can be found on Instagram @brogen_murphyWe also mention the
Interview with Darrell Wakelam about his book Art Shaped
Join us talking with Darrell Wakelam about his book Art Shaped - Sustainable 3D Art Projects to Kickstart Children's Creativity. There are lots of curriculum links and all the projects are made from easily obtained recycled materials - ideal for teachers, librarians and parents.Darrell's website can be found hereAnd he can be found on social media hereBlueSky @darrellwakelam.bsky.socialI
Beyond the Secret Garden - interview with Darren Chetty and Karen Sands O'Connor
In this episode we have an interview with Darren Chetty and Karen Sands O'Connor about their book Beyond the Secret Garden - Racialised Minorities in British Children's Books.It's published by the English and Media Centre (a great resource too) and is available here.It is based on Darren and Karen's regular column in Books for Keeps which is also well worth a read.Send us a mes
Interviews with Rachel Fuller about her picture book Bee and with Tanya Goodin about The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing
In children's mental health week we talk to Rachel Fuller about her picture book Bee which explores how it feels to be misunderstood and celebrates difference. We also talk to Tanya Goodin about The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing which offers lots of useful advice and activities to help achieve a balance between being in the digital world and the real world (something not just teenagers c
Author Susan Brownrigg and Publisher, Hazel Holmes from UCLan
We have an interview with Susan Brownrigg about her new book, Wrong Tracks, and with Publisher, Hazel Holmes from UCLan about the importance of regional voices and regional publishing.Here are Susan's books:Wrong TracksGracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious GuestGracie Fairshaw and the Trouble at the TowerGracie Fairshaw and The Missing ReelKintana and the Captain's CurseWebsite: https://www
Interview with Lucy Ann Unwin, New Year’s reading resolutions and book reviews
Join us for Episode 19 where we have an interview with Lucy Ann Unwin and talk about her new book How to be a Revolutionary. We also discuss our New Year’s reading resolutions and do some book reviews of our holiday reading.Here are Lucy's books:How to Be a Revolutionary by Lucy Ann UnwinThe Octopus, Dadu and Me by Lucy Ann Unwin, illustrated by Lucy Mulligan Lucy can be found here:Instagram
A feast of middle grade books - interviews with Dev Kothari and Louie Stowell
A bumper middle grade episode. We talk to Dev Kothari about her debut Bringing Back Kay-Kay and to Louie Stowell about Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Making Enemies the fourth book in the bestselling Loki series. Bringing Back Kay-Kay is a mystery and quest as Lena tries to find her brother Kay-Kay who has disappeared on his way back from summer camp. We talk to Dev about what it’s like writing a
An interview with Rashmi Sirdeshpande about her new book Amazing Asia: An Encyclopedia of an Epic Continent
We talk to Rashmi Sirdeshpande about her latest book which is a beautifully illustrated by Jason Lyon. Amazing Asia is fully illustrated, large format encyclopaedia of Asia which looks at the history and diversity of the continent.Other books by Rashmi Sirdeshpande include:Never Show A T-Rex A Book!Yes You Can, Cow!Dadaji's PaintbrushCash: How to Earn It, Save It, Spend It, Grow It, Give ItH
An interview with David Litchfield about his new book The Dinosaur Next Door
An interview with David Litchfield about his new book The Dinosaur Next Door and about the upcoming 10th Anniversary Edition of The Bear and the Piano.David's other books include:The Bear, The Piano, The Dog and the FiddleThe Bear, the Piano and Little Bear's ConcertGrandad's Secret GiantLights on Cotton RockKid Christmas: of the Claus Brothers Toy ShopHis website is https://www.dav
Diverse Book Awards Picture Book Winners
Interviews with Naomi Jones and Rebecca Ashdown who won the Diverse Book Award Readers' Choice Award for Thunder Boots and with Erika Meza who won the Picture Book Category with To The Other Side.Other books by Naomi JonesThe Perfect FitHow to Make a StoryThe Odd FishOther books by Rebecca AshdownMy Granny is a QueenThe WhopperHow the Library (Not the Prince) Saved RapunzelOther books by Erik
Diverse Book Awards YA Winners Interviews
Interviews with the winners of the Diverse Book Awards YA categories - Simon James Green, winner of the YA Readers' Choice Award for Boy Like Me; Sophie Cameron, runner up for the YA Category for Away with Words; and Jenny Ireland, winner of the YA Category with The First Move.A full list of the books shortlisted for the YA Diverse Book Awards can be found here.Simon James GreenBoy Like MeThe
Interviews with J P Rose and Anthony McGowan
In this episode we talk with J P Rose about her new book, Birdie. And Ali interviews Anthony McGowan with Jason Rosam (originally broadcast on Riverside Radio) about his book Dogs of the Deadlands.Birdie by J P Rose is a set in 1950s Yorkshire and is a story of hope and courage following Birdie Bagshaw and the racism she experiences moving to a mining village but also the bond she forms with a pit
'Help Create a Reader' Coram Beanstalk and the role of volunteers in supporting reading for pleasure
An interview with Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk and Sara Browne, one of their volunteers. Plus chat about 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café by Julian Sedgwick and Chie KutsuwadaCoram Beanstalk Link to the Media Trust Film Website: https://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/Find out about volunteering: https://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/Pages/Category/about-volunteeringMedia Trust Charity FilmsLi
Picture book edition, including an interview with Jacob Sager Weinstein
In this episode we talk to Jacob Sager Weinstein about his picture book, What Rosa Brought (illustrated by Eliza Wheeler). We also chat about some picture books (old and new) that have caught our attention recently.Jacob Sager WeinsteinWhat Rosa Brought, illustrated by Eliza WheelerThe City of Secret RiversThe City of Guardian StonesOther books mentionedThe Diary of a Young Girl, Anne FrankWhen H
Interviews with YA authors Diana Anyakwo and Denise Brown
Interviews with YA authors Diana Anyakwo and Denise BrownIn this episode we talk to Diana Anyakwo about her book My Life as a Chameleon which has just been longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards. We also talk to Denise Brown about her second book, It All Started with a Lie.Diana AnyakwoMy Life as a ChameleonContact for school visits: https://contactanauthor.co.uk/author/3518/diana-anyakwoInstagra
An interview with author, Tom Palmer and a chat with Deborah Maclaren, Managing Director of Love Reading
In this episode we talk to Tom Palmer about his latest book Angel of Grasmere and his other Lake District books. Plus we talk to Deborah Maclaren, the Managing Director of Love Reading about how they are building a social purpose into their book selling.Tom Palmer’s Lake District booksArmistice Runner After the War Angel of Grasmere Other books mentionedArctic Star D-Day DogResistInformation on a
Film Clubs and books with Into Film Ambassador, Charlotte Harrison and an interview with author Ross Montgomery
Film Clubs and books with Into Film Ambassador Charlotte Harrison plus an interview with author Ross Montgomery about his new book, I am RebelCharlotte Harrison can be found on social media: @sometimesmoviesFind out more about Into Film here.Books mentioned:Princess Bride, by William GoldmanRoss Montgomery can be found on social media: @mossmontmomeryHis website is hereBooks mentioned:I am RebelTh
Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024 Shortlist
A look at the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024 shortlist including the benefits of shadowing with Alison Jewitt from The London Nautical SchoolCarnegie Medal for Writing 2024 Shortlist booksAway with Words by Sophie CameronChoose Love by Nicola Davies, Illustrated by Peter HoracekSaffiyah’s War by Hiba Noor KahnSteady for This by Nathanael LessoreThe Boy Lost in the Maze by Joseph Coelho, illustrat
