Mostly Book Talk

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 appearance on Margins to the Mainstream can be found here.The books we reviewed were:Auntie's Bangles, by Dean Atta, illustrated by Alea MarleyFred the Very Demanding Deer by Pepé SmitSend us a message

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 shadowing group in her school for many years and this is her third year helping us review the list.Amy McKay is the librarian at Ullswater Community College, Penrith. She leads Carnegie shadowing at her school and has a long history with the Carnegies, having been the awards co-ordinator for the Carnegies which included overseeing the National shadowing scheme.The full Carnegie Medal for Illustration Shortlist is:The Playdate illustrated by Clara Dackenberg, written by Uje Brandelius, translated by Nichola Smalley (Lantana)The Endless Sea illustrated by Linh Dao, written by Chi Thai (Walker)Lord of the Flies: The Graphic Novel illustrated & adapted by Aimée de Jongh, written by William Golding (Faber & Faber)The Sleeper Train illustrated by Baljinder Kaur, written by Mick Jackson (Walker)Wildful illustrated and written by Kengo Kurimoto (Pushkin Children’s Books)Freedom Braids illustrated by Oboh Moses, written by Monique Duncan (Lantana)The Paper Bridge illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh, written by Joelle Veyrenc, translated by Katy Lockwood-Holmes (Floris Books)Wiggling Words illustrated and written by Kate Rolfe (Two Hoots)All the information about the Carnegies and the Shadowing Resources can be found on their website here.Send us a message

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, it is an accessible read and will have wide appeal, including for Y8 and up boys that everyone struggles to find recommendations for.  As well as discussing the book, we talk about Malcolm's path to becoming a writer, how he researches the issues he portrays and what he is working on now.More information about Malcolm and also school visit information can be found on his website here.Malcolm's books can be found here:Dead Straight LineSeven Million SunflowersRead Between the LinesSofa SurferMe Mam. Me Dad. Me.Ali also recommended The Boy I Hardly Know by Lisa Heathfield.Send us a message

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 at Ullswater Community College, Penrith. She leads Carnegie shadowing at her school and has a long history with the Carnegies, having been the awards co-ordinator for the Carnegies which included overseeing the National shadowing scheme.The full Carnegie Medal for Writing Shortlist is:Ghostlines by Katya Balen (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)Not Going to Plan by Tia Fisher (Hot Key Books)Popcorn by Rob Harrell (Piccadilly Press)The Boy I Love by William Hussey (Andersen Press)Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Tim Miller (Walker)Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien (HarperCollins Children’s Books)Twenty-Four Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds (Faber & Faber)Birdie by J. P. Rose (Andersen Press)Lots more information about the awards and all the resources that are mentioned can be found here.We have a second episode coming up looking at the illustration shortlist.Send us a message

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 personal stories shape her vibrant illustrations and stories.We talk about:Cindy's background and path to becoming an illustratorInspiration behind "Home is a Hug" and its themes of belonging and emotional connectionThe creative process, including use of materials, digital tools, and interactive design elements like flaps and cutoutsHow travel and cultural experiences influence her artworkFavourite picture books growing up, including Where the Wild Things Are and the Japanese series 14 Forest MiceFuture projects, including her new book about noodles and explorations of feelings and abstract conceptsMeet her pet cat Bao  Links to books by or mentioned by Cindy:Home is a Hug by Cindy WumeThe Bookshop Cat by Cindy WumeThe Gardening Dog by Cindy WumeThe Bed Book, by Sylvia Plath, illustrated by Cindy HumeWhere the Wild Things Are by Maurice SendakMiki's First Errand by Yoriko TsutsuiA Lion in Paris by Beatrice AlemagnaThree Happy Lions by Louise Fatio, illustrated by Roger Duvoisin 14 Forest Mice by Kazuo IwamuraBooks reviewed:Puggle Snuggles by Mo O'Hara, illustrated by Loretta SchauerSeahorse is Furious by Morag HoodOther Links:Cambridge School of ArtNatural History Museum London - Giant Squid ExhibitConnect with Cindy Wume:InstagramOfficial WebsiteSend us a message

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, Information and Resources Officer at the RNIB.RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, is the UK's leading sight loss charity. They offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers. They raise awareness of the experiences of blind and partially sighted people and campaign for change to make our society more accessible for all. They offer a wider range of services to support children and young people's reading. Mentioned in the discussion are the following resources (click through for links).RNIB LibraryRNIB BookshareCurriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI)Children's Reading ResourcesVolunteering for The Big Help Out and Hi Vis FortnightIn addition you can contact their helpline on 0303 123 9999open Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm. Email the helpline at [email protected] or say: "Alexa, call RNIB Helpline".Send us a message

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 no mobile phones and then came back to children's books and why the diversity of both authors and main characters is on the decline again.You can find more information about Jeffrey here and the books we discussed are as follows:Kofi and the Rap Battle SummerKofi and the Secret Radio StationKofi and the Brand New VibeMusical Truth, illustrated by Ngadi SmartMusical World, illustrated by Ngadi SmartI Heard What You SaidFaith's First Case (out Feb 2027)And the book Jeffery recommended to us wasWild East by Ashley Hickson-LovenceSend us a message

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 birds too.The CLiPPA Shortlist is as follows:Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes, by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock, Walker BooksA First Book of Bugs, by Simon Mole, illustrated by Adam Ming, Walker BooksThe Poetry World of John Agard, by John Agard, illustrated by Shirley Hottier, Otter-Barry BooksPress Start to Play, by Sam Gayton, illustrated by Jack Noel, Andersen PressThis Is Not A Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets, selected by Traci N. Todd, illustrated by Jade Orlando, Nosy CrowNicola also mentioned this book about birds:The Seabird's Cry The Lives and Loves of Puffins, Gannets and Other Ocean Voyagers, by Adam Nicolson, illustrated by Kate BoxerSend us a message

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 Parents is a charity whose vision is that every child is supported at home to fulfil their potential.  Working with schools, they support  families to have positive learning interactions together. Using a digital platform they motivate and empower families to enjoy learning together at home using child-led videos and hands-on family activities which replace traditional homework. For reading, they offer a digital reading log that replaces traditional paper version and allows families to upload audio clips as well as easily record their child's reading.They are also focused on learning what works in supporting parental engagement and are working with researchers at UCL to test what works in supporting reading for pleasure at home. They also  lead the Fair Education Alliance’s work on parental engagement and their forum which brings together organisations to network and share best practice around parental engagement.Send us a message

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.Inclusive Books for Children is a charity whose vision is  for every child in the UK to grow up reading inclusive books. They want to nurture the next generation of open-minded and inspired young readers and have created a free website to make it easy for parents, caregivers, librarians and teachers to find and buy diverse titles, confident they have made excellent choices. Updated each month, all the books on their website are rigorously appraised by experts in children’s literature with backgrounds in education, libraries, academia and publishing.Each year, they donate 1000s of high-quality, engaging inclusive books to nurseries, schools and libraries with the greatest need via our IBC Book Box gifting scheme.They also run the IBC Book Awards which celebrate outstanding new inclusive children’s books and their talented creators. Their Children’s Choice Awards shadowing scheme runs in tandem with the main IBC Awards. The scheme gives children the opportunity to engage in the awards process as mini-judges, reading the shortlist and voting on their favourites. Send us a message

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 bedtimes with lots to look at in the pictures.You can find out more about Molly Harris here and read Jacob's substack here.Molly's other books are:The Big Squeeze, illustrated by Alison HawkinsI Need Space, illustrated by Jon Corby (out Dec 2026)And the book Molly recommended wasBenita and the Night Creatures, by Mariana Llanos, illustrated by CocorettoAt the end we talk about two new picture booksI’m Going to Make a Friend by Darren Chetty, illustrated by Sandhya PrabhatNaughty by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Paddy DonnellySend us a message

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 Groups.The Federation is a national voluntary self-funded organisation whose aim is to promote enjoyment and interest in children’s books and reading and to encourage the availability of books for children of all ages, from first picture books to young adult. They have groups around the country, whose members include parents and carers, teachers, and librarians, along with individual and professional members, who all want to nurture a love of reading through the sharing of books with children. They have strong national links with children’s publishers, authors, illustrators, and all organisations who support their aim of encouraging children to enjoy, read and share books and stories. The FCBG's National Share a Story Month is running throughout May and is an annual event designed to celebrate the fabulous world of children’s fiction and to inspire a love of reading by sharing stories. This year it has been chosen as a featured event for the National Year of ReadingIn 2026, the theme of National Share a Story Month is Once Upon a Storytime  and will shine a spotlight on the joy of reading aloud and the power of stories to bring people together. This nationwide celebration invites children, families, schools, and communities to connect through books, storytelling, and the spoken word. More information and resources can be found here and there recommended read aloud books can be found here.Send us a message

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 is also out and about doing festivals and events. The event she mentioned at the London Schools Literature Festival can be found here. She is also at the Brighton Festival on 17 May. There is a free online Super Uma event on 8th May with Puffin Schools and she is doing a free online event for the British Library about guidebooks, and discovering fascinating and delightful ways to explore place.Books mentionedHari Kumar Ultimate Superstar (illustrated by Mamta Singh)Hari Kumar Ultimate Superstar: Going for Gold (illustrated by Mamta Singh) out 13 AugustSuper Uma (illustrated by Nakul P.)Amazing Asia (illustrated by Jason Lyon)This is who I am (illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane) out in paperback 7 MayNever Show a T-Rex a Book (illustrated by Diane Ewen)Send us a message

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 celebrates the power of stories to increase real-life empathy. Through reading, they help children and young people understand others, grow emotionally, and thrive. Through free events and resources to school programmes and learning webinars, EmpathyLab offers the tools to turn empathy into action. Look out for their Empathy Day Festival running 4-11 June 2026. Send us a message

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 partners, Chapter One provide one-to-one reading support to nearly 3,500 children in Birmingham, Bradford, Doncaster, East Sussex, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Leeds, Peterborough, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Warrington and West Cumbria.Send us a message

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 primary, secondary and virtual schools to enable children to grow a love for reading. They provide one-to-one in person reading support, giving children the help and encouragement they need to find books that inspire and delight, setting children on a path to become readers for life.Send us a message

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 reading, and choose to do it. 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 Artichoke Hearts, When Shadows Fall and Phoenix BrothersDr Darren Chetty - Lecturer at UCL Institute of Education and author, with Professor Karen Sands O'Connor, of Beyond the Secret Garden Professor Teresa Cremin - Professor of Education and Co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre at The Open UniversityCharlotte Hacking - Teacher Engagement Lead at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy and Research and Curriculum Lead at Herne Hill School Jenny Hawke - Children's Librarian and Chair of the Youth Library GroupTom Palmer - Author of many books including Angel of Grasmere, Resist and War Dog Glynn Palmer–Bell - Assistant Director of English at Castle View Enterprise Academy, SunderlandLouie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the LibrarySabrina Sulliman - English teacher at Southfields Academy, South West LondonAt the end of the series we will invite comments and ideas from listeners so look out for how you can contribute to the discussion.Many thanks to everyone we interviewed and to our Co Producer Belinda Naylor.Send us a message

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 book magazine Books for Keeps.Started in the 1980s, Books for Keeps is a treasure trove of information about children's books and authors. It includes reviews and recommendations, a news and events section and regular essays about topics in children's literature, as well as an extensive digital archive going back over 40 years. It is a must read for anyone interested in children's literature and reading.Send us a message

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:GrimwoodGrimwood: Let the fur fly!Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster!Grimwood: Party AnimalsGrimwood: Rock the Vote!Send us a message

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 mentioned can be found through these linksI Want Everything!Cheesy Bob Strikes!PizazzBad Nana - Older not WiserLifesize DinosaursThe Best Worst Day EverPom Pom Gets the GrumpsSend us a message

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 including Look Up!, Clean Up!and My Dad is a Grizzly Bear.Sita Brahmachari - Author of many books including Artichoke Hearts, When Shadows Falland Phoenix BrothersDr Darren Chetty - Lecturer at UCL Institute of Education and author, with Professor Karen Sands O'Connor, of Beyond the Secret Garden Professor Teresa Cremin - Professor of Education and Co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre at The Open UniversityCharlotte Hacking - Teacher Engagement Lead at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy and Research and Curriculum Lead at Herne Hill School Jenny Hawke - Children's Librarian and Chair of the Youth Library GroupTom Palmer - Author of many books including Angel of Grasmere, Resist and War Dog Glynn Palmer–Bell - Assistant Director of English at Castle View Enterprise Academy, SunderlandLouie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the LibrarySabrina Sulliman - English teacher at Southfields Academy, South West LondonAt the end of the series we will invite comments and ideas from listeners so look out for how you can contribute to the discussion.Many thanks to everyone we interviewed and to our Co Producer Belinda Naylor.Send us a message

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 Sarah's thoughtful posts on social media about putting away our screens and reading for pleasure.Sarah can be found on Instagram here.And here are some of the books we discuss:Gone for GoodToffeeThe Weight of WaterOneWhere the Heart Should BeSend us a message

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!, Clean Up!and My Dad is a Grizzly Bear.Sita Brahmachari - Author of many books including Artichoke Hearts, When Shadows Falland Phoenix BrothersDr Darren Chetty - Lecturer at UCL Institute of Education and author, with Professor Karen Sands O'Connor, of Beyond the Secret Garden Professor Teresa Cremin - Professor of Education and Co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre at The Open UniversityCharlotte Hacking - Teacher Engagement Lead at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy and Research and Curriculum Lead at Herne Hill School Jenny Hawke - Children's Librarian and Chair of the Youth Library GroupTom Palmer - Author of many books including Angel of Grasmere, Resist and War Dog Glynn Palmer–Bell - Assistant Director of English at Castle View Enterprise Academy, SunderlandLouie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the LibrarySabrina Sulliman - English teacher at Southfields Academy, South West LondonAt the end of the series we will invite comments and ideas from listeners so look out for how you can contribute to the discussion.Many thanks to everyone we interviewed and to our Co Producer Belinda Naylor.Send us a message

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 Representative on the Youth Libraries Group.Information about the Carnegies can be found here.Information about the Members' Fest can be found here.The Youth Libraries Group recommendations on Bookshop.org can be found here. And if you are interested in The Youth Library Review or newsletters, you can get more information from [email protected] Jennings write a blog, Good Night to Read, about books and reading which can be found here.Send us a message

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 found here:Badgers are Go!Badgers are Go! Revenge of the ClawWho Ate Steve?Send us a message

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 - 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 Artichoke Hearts, When Shadows Falland Phoenix BrothersDr Darren Chetty - Lecturer at UCL Institute of Education and author, with Professor Karen Sands O'Connor, of Beyond the Secret Garden Professor Teresa Cremin - Professor of Education and Co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre at The Open UniversityCharlotte Hacking - Teacher Engagement Lead at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy and Research and Curriculum Lead at Herne Hill School Jenny Hawke - Children's Librarian and Chair of the Youth Library GroupTom Palmer - Author of many books including Angel of Grasmere, Resist and War Dog Glynn Palmer–Bell - Assistant Director of English at Castle View Enterprise Academy, SunderlandLouie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the LibrarySabrina Sulliman - English teacher at Southfields Academy, South West LondonAt the end of the series we will invite comments and ideas from listeners so look out for how you can contribute to the discussion.Many thanks to everyone we interviewed and to our Co Producer Belinda Naylor.Send us a message

 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' Lit Fest. Further information about the festival can be found here.If you run an organisation or an event that supports children and young people's reading and would like to have a converstation about what you do any special activities you are running for the National Year of Reading and how people can join in, do get in touch via our website www.mostlybooktalk.comSend us a message

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 Artichoke Hearts, When Shadows Falland Phoenix BrothersDr Darren Chetty - Lecturer at UCL Institute of Education and author, with Professor Karen Sands O'Connor, of Beyond the Secret Garden Professor Teresa Cremin - Professor of Education and Co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre at The Open UniversityCharlotte Hacking - Teacher Engagement Lead at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy and Research and Curriculum Lead at Herne Hill School Jenny Hawke - Children's Librarian and Chair of the Youth Library GroupTom Palmer - Author of many books including Angel of Grasmere, Resist and War Dog Glynn Palmer–Bell - Assistant Director of English at Castle View Enterprise Academy, SunderlandLouie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the LibrarySabrina Sulliman - English teacher at Southfields Academy, South West London At the end of the series we will invite comments and ideas from listeners so look out for how you can contribute to the discussion.Many thanks to everyone we interviewed and to our Co Producer Belinda Naylor.Send us a message

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 illustrator of many books including Look Up!, Clean Up! and My Dad is a Grizzly Bear.Sita Brahmachari - Author of many books including Artichoke Hearts, When Shadows Fall and Phoenix BrothersDr Darren Chetty - Lecturer at UCL Institute of Education and author with Professor Karen Sands O'Connor of Beyond the Secret Garden Professor Teresa Cremin - Professor of Education and Co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre at The Open UniversityCharlotte Hacking - Teacher Engagement Lead at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy and Research and Curriculum Lead at Herne Hill School Jenny Hawke - Children's Librarian and Chair of the Youth Library GroupTom Palmer - Author of many books including Angel of Grasmere, Resist and War Dog Glynn Palmer–Bell - Assistant Director of English at Castle View Enterprise Academy, SunderlandLouie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the LibrarySabrina Sulliman - English teacher at Southfields Academy, South West London At the end of the series we will invite comments and ideas from listeners so look out for how you can contribute to the discussion.Many thanks to everyone we interviewed and to our Co Producer Belinda Naylor.Send us a message

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 Presents?Show Racism the Red Card (out Sept 2026)Send us a message

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

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 that we talk to Barbara Band about her new book Championing Your School Library - a practical guide to advocacy, marketing and promotion which is of interest to both school librarians - in making sure everyone knows what the library offers and values it - and teachers who may not yet be using their school library to its full potential.Send us a message

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 Literature)To find out more about SAIL Fest have a look on their website.And to check out all the authors that were there have a look here.Send us a message

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 it is completely free to do so.We also talk about Ross Montgomery's latest books - lots to recommend here. For children there is Small Wonder and for adults The Murder at World's End . Enjoy!Send us a message

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 (UK only) - details will be on our socials. Also find out about her Lokifesto.If you are looking for any of the books we talk about on the podcast, they can be found in our Bookshop.org shop here (and if you buy them we earn a small commission and a donation also goes to support independent bookshops). Win, Win.Send us a message

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's website can be found here with lots more information about her books and other resources.Her other books include:Danny Chung Does Not Do MathsKeep Dancing, Lizzie ChuTiger Warrior: Attack of the Dragon King: Book 1We also talked about books set at the seaside. These included:The Last Pebble, by Alex HorneChanging Tides, by Julia MoscardoOur Pebbles, by JarvisVanishing Edge, by Zillah BethellTurtle Moon, by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi PinfoldIf you have any book recommendations or topics you would like us to cover, get in touch.  Send us a message

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: Pirate Academy #3Demons of the OceanTide of TerrorThe Week Junior's Book Awards can be found hereAnd the apps we talked about are (no sponsorship involved!)The StoryGraphNovellicSend us a message

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 I Became the Most Wanted Boy in the WorldThe Accidental Prime MinisterYou've Been WerewolfedSend us a message

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, illustrated by Skylar WhiteNush and the Stolen EmeraldPaloma and the Bear, illustrated by Skylar WhiteAnya's Quest, illustrated by Jane RayAnd links to the book prizes we mentioned;Jhalak PrizeThe Women's PrizeThe Week Junior Book AwardsBranford Boase AwardKeep up to date with Mostly Book Talk's newsletter on SubstackSend us a message

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 last year, can we do better this year?Carnegie Medal Short Listed BooksAll That it Ever Meant, Blessing MusaririGlasgow Boys, Margaret McDonaldKing of Nothing, Nathanael LessoreLittle Bang, Kelly McCaughrainPlay, Luke PalmerThe Final Year, Matt GoodfellowThe Things we Leave Behind, Clare FurnissTreacle Town, Brian ConaghanSend us a message

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 silly...Cath's other books include:In the Call the Puffins series (all illustrated by Ella Okstad):Call the PuffinsTiny's Brave RescueMuffin and the ShipwreckHer middle grade books:Ella on the OutsideNot My FaultHow to be MeMy Life on FireThe InsidersCath's website is here with resources to go with her books and information about school workshops.Send us a message

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 books by Teresa Cremin include: Reading Teachers: Nurturing Reading for Pleasure, ed. Teresa Cremin, Helen Hendry, Lucy Rodriguez Leon and Natalia KucirkovaReading for Pleasure: International Perspectives, ed. Teresa Cremin and Sarah McGeownTeaching English Creatively, by Teresa CreminChildren Reading for Pleasure in the Digital Age: Mapping Reader Engagement by Natalia Kucirkova and Teresa CreminSend us a message

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 SoldierThe Treasure HuntersSidney and Carrie Have a PartyWorry BootsThe Boy in the TreeThe Magpie RiddleThe Skeleton PuzzleSend us a message

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)The InvisiblePerfectly NormanThe BridgesSquirrel and Duck - Mission ImprobableSome of the other books mentioned:The Harder they Fall, Bali RaiIt's a No-Money Day, Kate MilnerThe Great (Food) Bank Heist, Onjali Q RaufIf you are doing something interesting in a school or other setting to support young people's reading for pleasure and would like to come and talk on the podcast, get in touch at [email protected] us a message

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 Carnegie shortlist which can be found here.Send us a message

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.socialInstagram @darrellwakelamSend us a message

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 message

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 could benefit from!).Books in this episode:Bee by Rachel Fuller, illustrated by Emilia WharfeMore information about Bee the ballet can be found hereThe Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing by Tanya GoodinMore information about Tanya's work can be found hereThe other book mentioned in this episode is People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence.Send us a message

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.susanbrownrigg.com/BlueSky: @susanbrownrigg.bsky.socialInstagram: @susanbrownriggAnd UCLan can be found here:Website: https://uclanpublishing.com/BlueSky: @uclanpublishing.bsky.socialInstagram: @uclan_publishingOther books mentioned:The History of Information by Chris HaughtonCane Warriors, by Alex WheatleBeyond the Secret Garden, Darren Chetty and Karen Sands-O'ConnorWhen the Sky Falls, by Phil EarleResist, by Tom PalmerThe Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor KhanBirdie by J P RoseYours from the Tower, by Sally NichollsSend us a message

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 @lucyannunwinBlueSky @lucyannunwin.bsky.socialhttps://www.lucyannunwin.comHere are the books we talked about:Children's and YA Darkly by Marisha Pessl Reek by Alastair Chisholm, illustrated by George Caltsoudas Little House by Katya Balen, illustrated by Richard Johnson Pernickety Boo by Sally Gardner, illustrated by Chris Mould AdultsThe Switch by Lily Samson The Burial Place by Stig AbellI Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron, with an introduction by Dolly Alderton This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann PatchettSend us a message