My Words, My Book

In this podcast episode, MC Grammar discusses, his passion for reading and, of course, for all things grammar related. He generously shares stories of his background as a teacher and how teaching is at the heart and centre of MC Grammar. He talks about the link between rap and poetry and how The Adventures of Rap Kid books support children's enjoyment of reading for leisure. MC Grammar is the creation of award-winning teacher and rapper Jacob Mitchell, who went viral in 2019 after a video of him rapping popular children's book The Gruffalo received more than five million views. Having struggled in school himself, the father of four credits his discovery of books as his turning point with education. Jacob believes no child should be left behind, and that there needs to be excitement, challenge, inclusion and, most importantly, fun in the classroom! The Adventures of Rap Kid is his debut children's series. KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Mama G shares her love of libraries and the influence her childhood library had on her decision to become a writer. She talks about how libraries are a hub within the community and the positive impact they can have on children. Mama G also discusses the history of pantomimes and how these well-loved shows are a British institution. Her pantomime-related book, Oh Yes I Am!, is a message for every child to feel positive about themselves. Mama G is a storytelling pantomime dame, who shares stories about being who you want and loving who you are. She has taken her stories all over the UK and North America, was a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent, and had her first picture book published in 2024! EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Stacey reflects on her Caribbean heritage and how it influences her art and writing. She shares her creative journey and how her Grenadian culture should be embraced positively around the world. In Will and Krill, Stacey highlights the importance of children being able to share their feelings, and that it is okay for children to feel unique. Stacey Byer is a Caribbean author-illustrator whose childhood was filled with folk tales and adventure. After graduating from college with an illustration degree, Stacey used her skills to promote art education and literacy on her island of Granada. Her experiences working with children have inspired her to create diverse stories everyone can enjoy.   EYFS, KS1, KS2   Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share:   https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/    Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info 

Eric shares his career journey and provides a behind-the-scenes view of publishing thanks to the variety of job roles he has had. He encourages authors to ask questions about the publishing process. Eric discusses the use of AI in publishing and how it should be used ethically and legally. In Guardians of the New Moon, Eric reflects on how his own experience has influenced characters in the book. Eric Huang wanted to be a palaeontologist. Fieldwork didn't live up to his Jurassic Park dreams, though, so he accepted a secretarial job at Disney Publishing – kickstarting a career spanning three continents. Today Eric is an author, podcaster, and a lecturer at City University of London's Masters in Publishing programme. KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/  Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info 

Ramzee's writing career has been varied and includes creating comics and plays; he is keen to show refugee and asylum children in a positive light in his work. He explains how his ADHD impacts him as an author, and shares the process of being a writer and illustrator in The Cheat Book. Ramzee is a London-based author-illustrator, who debuted with the middle-grade novel The Cheat Book (Hachette Children's, June 2024), winning the 2025 Leeds Book Award and James Reckitt Hull Children's Book Award. He has written comics for 2000AD and Marvel and runs comics workshops. Ramzee participated in the 2019 Vaults Festival New Writers Programme and BBC's London Voices Writer's Room. KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/  Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info 

In this episode, Cressida shares her love of reading and why she is so passionate about libraries, especially libraries in schools. She also talks about how the globally loved How to Train your Dragon became a successful film franchise. Laura and Cressida discuss how their neurodiversity impacts them and how this translates in their writing. Cressida also shares an overview of the characters in her new book, Which Way to the Future. Cressida Cowell MBE is the author-illustrator of the How to Train Your Dragon, The Wizards of Once and Which Way to Anywhere book series, as well as several picture books. How to Train Your Dragon is also an Academy Award-nominated film and TV franchise. Cressida was the Waterstones Children's Laureate 2019-2022; her flagship project was Life-Changing Libraries. KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. V isit us at: https://tapestry.info 

Rob shares his belief that everyone is able to draw: some may just need a little help to get started on their drawing journey. Rob talks about his career as an author and illustrator and explains the role of an agent and why they are important to creatives. Rob discusses his book Draw with Rob: Fantastic Food, and why food is a talking point for all.  And, most importantly, we find out why Rob always wears his peaked cap!   Rob Biddulph is a bestselling and multi award-winning children's author and illustrator. In March 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, he started #DrawWithRob, which resulted in him breaking the Guiness World Record for the largest online art class! Rob has won many awards, including the recent Illustrator of the Year at the British Book Awards (the Nibbies). He lives in London with his wife and three daughters, and Ringo the dog. KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Onyinye talks about her debut book as an author/illustrator, The Best Jollof Rice Ever! and shares how although she has illustrated many books, this is her first published as an author. Onyinye also talks candidly about the racism she faced as a Nigerian child growing up in Italy and being ashamed of her culture and race. She explains why books like The Best Jollof Rice Ever! will help every child to develop a positive sense of self. And of course, there is the question of which rice is best: Nigerian or Ghanaian? Onyinye Iwu is a Black British author, illustrator, and secondary school teacher based in London. She's worked with top publishers and illustrated books by acclaimed authors including Benjamin Zephaniah, Atinuke, and me, Laura! Her author-illustrator debut, The Best Jollof Rice Ever! celebrates friendship, fun and the joy of cooking. EYFS, KS1, KS2  Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

In this episode, Chitra generously shares her journey from her homeland in India and Tamil culture, to writing children's books in the UK. Chitra also talks about her career as an author and the importance of positive representation in children's books. It is wonderful to hear how her Nikhil and Jay series became a children's TV show on CBeebies and the process of taking a story from book to television. Chitra Soundar is an internationally published, award-winning author of children's books, and writer for children's TV, audio and theatre. Her books have been nominated and shortlisted for multiple awards in the UK and US. She is the creator of the new CBeebies series Nikhil & Jay, illustrated by Soofiya. EYFS, KS1 and KS2 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Cathy shares how her work as a journalist led her into writing children's books and reflects on how many authors do not come from a traditional creative writing background. She also talks about her friendship group, many of whom are neurodivergent, and how Disabled and Proud (or at least kinda sorta okay with it…) covers themes including starting secondary school and puberty. Cathy highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of disabled children and how indeed this is crucial for their sense of belonging.  Cathy Reay is a disabled writer and journalist, and mum of two (plus a very cheeky cat!). She also works in educational publishing. How To Be Disabled and Proud (or at least kinda sorta okay with it...) is her first children's book. KS1, KS2 and KS2   Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

In this episode, A.M. Dassu shares how she started her journey into writing through observing children and talks about how reading and writing complement each other. Did you know that Spot the Dog was her favourite book as a child? She also talks passionately about how her book Kicked Out shows children how empathy and being there for each other plays out in friendship, and highlights the experience of refugee children.   A. M. Dassu is a former World Book Day author and internationally acclaimed writer of 13 children's books, including Boy, Everywhere, Fight Back and Kicked Out, which have collectively been listed for more than 55 awards, including the Carnegie Medal, Waterstones Children's Book Prize and The Week Junior Book Award. KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Stephanie Taylor  Stephanie shares her passion for working with children and talks about her journey to becoming a published author, which she acknowledges may be slightly different to others as she was fortunate to have a few agents to choose from. She also talks about how one of the characters in her book, Ms Copeland in I'm Going to Be a Princess, is based on a Black professional ballet teacher who was an inspiration to her as a child.  Stephanie is a mum of two adult children and lives with her husband Michael and fur baby Neko. She loves reading, writing, music and dance. She has worked in primary education for more than 25 years and is passionate about diverse books for all children. Her book, I'm Going to Be a Princess, illustrated by Jade Orlando, reflects Stephanie's passion for inclusion. You will usually find her in the children's picture book section of a bookshop. EYFS and KS1 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Simon James Green Simon reflects on his journey from qualified lawyer to working in theatre, to becoming an author. He talks about self-doubt and how to keep going when starting out and trying to get published. He also shares his belief that non-fiction books are just as important as fiction books. In A Year of Pride and Joy, Simon curates 52 contributions from the LGBTQ+ community, sharing their joy and showcasing their wealth of skill and talent. Simon is a multi-award-winning author of books for children and young adults. As one of the UK's leading writers of LGBTQ+ young adult fiction he regularly visits schools around the country with his unique brand of laugh-out-loud events that have inclusion and diversity at their heart. Along with positive LGBTQ+ messaging, Simon is passionate about reading for pleasure and helping young people of all ages realise the joy of books. His latest book A Year of Pride and Joy: LGBTQ+ Voices Share Their Life Passions, illustrated by Ruth Burrows, continues to mirror his positive messages on the LGBTQ+ community. KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

In this episode, Jamel reflects on his background as an Early Years teacher and how this has been important to him as an author. He discusses the lack of representation of men in Early Years, especially Black men who work with children, and how Olu's Teacher mirrors an Early Years Black male teacher. Jamel reflects on the books that inspired him as a child, in particular those by Trish Cooke. Jamel is an Early Years educator, consultant, radio/ television host, keynote speaker, renowned storyteller and bestselling author. He has worked in education for more than 20 years.  Jamel created the first Early Years and Key Stage 1 Lit in Colour list for Penguin Random House and The Runnymede Trust. He has written articles for the local and national press, including Early Years sector journals. Jamel's first picture book, Olu's Teacher: A Story About Starting Nursery, illustrated by Lydia Mba, supports children as they transition into nursery. EYFS, KS1, Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share:   https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Rachel has ADHD, a fact she proudly shares on her travels, especially when engaging with children and young people. She also talks about how in Felix and the Future Agency it was important for Felix to be dyslexic and how the inspiration for her central character was based on a true story. Readers will love the magical places inspired by the London Underground in this book. Rachel's advice for emerging authors is 'sometimes getting a no is okay'.   Rachel Morrisroe is a bestselling author. She loves creating wondrous stories for children and her new title Felix and the Future Agency is full to the brim with big magic. Rachel once worked at Battersea Dog's and Cat's Home and now lives in the north of England with her family and a silly dachshund.   KS1, KS2 and KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/

Nikki shares her deep love of reading, which has been with her since childhood. Becoming an author was a natural progression for Nikki: her son is autistic and Nikki was keen to write a book where he and other autistic children could see themselves. Ready Eddie GO! the book series was adapted for television and is now on Sky Kids. The book Ready Eddie Go! Painting celebrates how using paint can be fun and there is no right or wrong way to be creative. Nikki is an author, creator and executive producer of the Bafta nominated Ready Eddie GO! on Sky Kids. Her love for storytelling traces back to childhood and became an invaluable tool in supporting her eldest son, Tyler, as he started to explore his autism diagnosis and celebrate his differences. Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ EYFS, KS1, KS2 and KS3

Lydia talks passionately about the magic of sharing stories that every child can fall in love with, irrespective of their background. She explains that her mum (Mummy Debbie) was a foster carer when she was a child and how Lydia's family home was full of children and love. Mummy and Me is a story that celebrates the close bond between an elephant and their child, closely mirroring that of Lydia and her daughter. Lydia is keen for children to have conversations and celebrate their family story.   Lydia, star of The Only Way Is Essex, has broadened her career to include podcasting, fashion, and children's writing with the 2024 release of Mummy and Me. A devoted mother and NSPCC ambassador, she's also recognised for her social media collaborations, promoting fashion, beauty, and family life. EYFS, KS1 and KS2 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/

Lanisha shares her story of how signing up to an incentive led her to becoming a children's author. She also talks about how entering competitions, such as the BBC's 500 Words, can open the door to children becoming authors themselves. Lanisha describes how her book Flower Block has always been in her heart and is a modern-day Jack and the Beanstalk. Flower Block looks positively at social housing and the wonderful working-class community that fill its many homes. Lanisha also shares how magical things can happen when we plant seeds of love.   Lanisha is a children's picture book author, who published her first book last year. Flower Block is set in a tower block and is illustrated by Hoang Giang. The story harnesses the power of love and nature in bringing communities together. Born and raised in social housing, Lanisha is passionate about telling stories about everyday characters and reminding children from lesser-heard backgrounds that they deserve magic and fairy tales too. EYFS, KS1 and KS2 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/

In this episode, Louie talks about the career she had before she became an author, which included being an editor for a publishing company – she was Laura's editor for My Skin, Your Skin! Louie reveals what inspires her to write, her favourite books as an adult and how these have influenced the Loki series. She also reflects on A Bad God's Guide to Making Enemies and may even share a few spoiler alerts for Loki book five! Louie Stowell writes books about magic, gods and monsters (mostly). She has written books about space, politics and science but eventually lapsed into just making stuff up. The award-winning Loki: A Bad God's Guide series is her first as both author and illustrator, inspired by her research into Norse myths. KS2 and KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/

In this podcast episode, Richard reminisces about his Romani heritage and how this is central to his storytelling; he fondly shares how he was one of the last in his family to live in a caravan and travel around the UK. Richard also talks about how his storytelling includes the past, present and future and indeed how storytelling is an art. We hear from Richard about how he was inspired to write The Can Caravan, which highlights the importance of community and teamwork.  Richard O'Neill MBE is an acclaimed storyteller, author, playwright and educator from northern England. Raised in a nomadic Romani family, he champions inclusion through storytelling. A professor, literacy advocate and award-winning writer, O'Neill co-founded Diverse Book Week and Trails of Tales. He leads on creativity for the National Centre for Children's Books.  EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Patrice passionately shares the importance of diversity in families and communities and how this has influenced her work. She talks about the power of reading a wide range of books and how children learn and appreciate reading books that show characters that are outside their own experience, especially on the issue of creating empathy. Specifically, Patrice talks about how in People Like Stars the grandmother's character is not a stereotypical representation.  Patrice has written books for children of all ages, from picture books to titles for young adults. She has won multiple awards including the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Fiction and the Bookseller YA Book Prize. Patrice has been awarded the MBE for services to literature and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.  KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Dan Freedman and Daniel Geey   Dan and Daniel discuss how important it is for children to know and understand there are other careers outside of playing football. Dan also shares the background to the popular Jamie Johnson series. They discuss how their passion for football led them into their current careers - Daniel talks about how he became a football lawyer. We also discuss the importance of libraries as well as the rise in women's football and how there is an equal balance of stories in 50 Ways into Football. Dan is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose global book sales have surpassed one million copies. He's best known for his hugely popular series of Jamie Johnson football novels. The series has helped get a generation of reluctant readers into books and has been adapted for TV by the BBC. As well as his role as a lawyer, Daniel has written and co-authored several bestselling books, speaks at global conferences, posts regular blogs and co-hosts 'The Dan and Omar Show' podcast where he (mainly) talks about football with Omar Chaudhuri. He also hosts his own podcast 'Build the Invisible'. KS2, KS3  Please click on here to watch Jamie Johnson series. Jamie Johnson - BBC iPlayer Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/ Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

Kelechi Okafor is a Nigerian-born Londoner – a writer, presenter, social commentator and tour de force in challenging how we think about race, oppression and femininity. Although Kelechi wears many hats, the head those hats are stylishly perched upon is one filled with incisive observations about society, culture and specifically Black womanhood. In this podcast, Kelechi discusses her Nigerian roots and the importance of children owning their identity. She also talks about how our identity is at the core of who we are and why we should empower children to be proud of their identity.  She explains why Wellington boots are great and why they develop a sense of belonging. In Strong Like Me, Kelechi stresses the importance of girls being able to play sport without being told that sport isn't for them.    EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3 Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/   My Words, My Book is delighted to be partnering with Tapestry. Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

In this episode, Camilla shares the importance of early reading and how board books are a great example for older children as an inspiration for them to create their own books. Camilla also talks about how she engages with illustrators in the process of creating her books and discusses how her book Is Dot in the House? provokes awe and wonder in children. Camilla has written more than 200 books, including the Pip and Posy stories and the Peekaboo series. As a passionate campaigner for shared reading, she believes that the daily habit of cuddling up together with a book – even if it's for just five minutes – is the key to a positive school experience and to better life chances.   EYFS, KS1, KS2  Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/   My Words, My Book is delighted to be partnering with Tapestry. Tapestry is the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info  

Joseph Coelho OBE is a multi-award-winning children's author, poet and playwright. He is two-time winner of the Indie Book Awards. His poetry collection Werewolf Club Rules! won the 2015 Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award. He won the 2024 Carnegie Medal for Writing with The Boy Lost in The Maze, illustrated by Kate Milner, and was Waterstones Children's Laureate 2022 - 2024. In this podcast, Joseph shares his inspiration for poems and how poetry is central to storytelling. He talks about his experience of being the Children's Laureate for two years and how libraries were his focus during this time. Joseph reveals his tops tips that he shares with children and reflects on his childhood and how an author visiting his school inspired him to be a poet and to write children's books. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love invites children to share their words. Tapestry, our partners have kindly devised a FREE educational resource to support this Podcast. Please click on the link to download and share: https://tapestry.info/laura-henry-allain-podcast-activities/   My Words, My Book is delighted to be partnering with Tapestry. Tapestry the original and leading childhood education platform, providing an online learning journal, progress monitoring and management system for Early Years settings and primary schools. It helps educators to celebrate children and engage families in mainstream and SEND provision. Tapestry keeps families in touch with how their child is doing, enables educators to build a picture of each child's development and interests, and provides the tools for the daily running of a setting. Created by educators for educators, Tapestry was launched in 2012. We are now an award-winning platform used in more than 40 countries, supporting 14,000 schools and settings. Visit us at: https://tapestry.info

My Words, My Book, is an original children's podcast aimed at supporting children's love of books and reading. This comes at a time of national decline in children's reading enjoyment, according to the National Literacy Trust. My Words, My Book features authors' interviews offering children unique insights into the creative process behind some of their most beloved stories and explaining what is it like to be an author. The shows will feature fiction and non-fiction and combines interviews with emerging authors as well as those who are well known. It will reach children across different platforms, podcast channels, YouTube and will be linked to social media channels. My Words, My Book will offer a platform to authors who do not have the reach or resources to promote their books and will serve the many schools nationally and internationally that do not have the budget for author visits. Four charities will benefit from books donated by authors, Fences and Frontiers, the Grenada Community Library, Kinship and the South Norwood Community Kitchen. My Words, My Book will be available for all children including those who are home educated, those attending school online and those who are in hospital.  The beauty of My Words, My Book is that children can watch or listen at a time that is suitable for them and as many times as they like. My Words, My Book is an evergreen resource. My Words, My Book will be available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple. Follow My Words, My Book on social media. My Words, My Book is the link.  Please email Laura for all press inquiries, [email protected]. We can't wait for you to enjoy My Words, My Book.