This week on the Penguin Podcast we jump into the exciting world of children's books and chat to Greg James and Chris Smith about their new book The Kid Who Fell Through Time. Plus we explore why there is a reading for pleasure crisis and the ways we can encourage kids to read, and we provide plenty of recommendations for children, whatever their age.

Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 1: Children's Books

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk

Follow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: @PenguinUKBooks

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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The Penguin Podcast is back for another series of Ask Penguin. In each episode, we will take you inside Penguin Books to meet some of the incredible authors we publish, as well as the people who work here, to get answers to all of your book-related questions.

The new series launches on Thursday 10th April with a children’s books special and across the series we’ll be covering themes such as Romance, Book Club Books and must-reads for your summer holidays, with episodes featuring your favourite authors.

If you’re looking for a book recommendation, follow us on Instagram @penguinukbooks or send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode!

Find out more: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/podcast

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This week we unpick the publishing process, answering all of your questions from how to find an agent to what it's like working with your editor and publicity team. Joining Rhianna in the studio is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things, Jennie Godfrey, alongside Commissioning Editor Kaiya Shang and Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Charlotte Bush. Plus, we share details of the programmes offered by Penguin Books to help aspiring writers.

Books and authors mentioned in this episode

The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey

Sonny Boy by Al Pacino

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner

For more information on how to get published visit: Getting Published

For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 9 - How to get published

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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Author Alex Wheatle MBE, aka the 'Brixton Bard', has just been the subject of one of Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe' films on BBC1. In this episode, he chats to Nihal about his latest YA book ‘Cane Warriors’, based on the true story of Tacky, a slave who led an uprising on the plantations of Jamaica in the 18th Century.

Alex also talks to Nihal about his experiences growing up in a children’s home, how a prison cell-mate encouraged him to write and how reggae music, amongst other things, inspires him. #PenguinPodcast

'Cane Warriors' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3miQ8iT

WIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020

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In this special edition, Nihal Arthanayake chooses some of his favourite bits from previous episodes which include the likes of Sir Paul McCartney on doubting his own talent, a surprising music choice from Elif Shafak and how Howard Jacobson was insulted by Kylie Minogue. #PenguinPodcast

WIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020

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Iconic 80’s pop band Bananarama join Nihal Arthanayake to chat about their memoir ‘Really Saying Something’.

They chat about the pressures of the band, how they ended up living in the Sex Pistols' old rehearsal room and discuss some of the objects that have inspired them creatively, including a Moomins book. #PenguinPodcast

‘Really Saying Something’ is available to buy as an audiobook now: https://apple.co/2KcwGHs

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Dolly Alderton, author, journalist and co-host of The High Low podcast chats to Sue Perkins about her first novel, ‘Ghosts’.

Both Sue and Dolly open up about relationships and Dolly reveals the objects that have inspired her work, including a lukewarm glass of white wine and a song by George Michael. #PenguinPodcast 

‘Ghosts’ is now available to buy as an audiobook: https://apple.co/325yw2J

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Richard Dawkins - British evolutionary biologist and populist science writer - chats to Nihal about his latest book ‘Outgrowing God’

He also talks about objects which have inspired him creatively which include a framed photo of Prince Phillip and the Flounder fish.

 ‘Outgrowing God’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3obexsT

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TV presenter and co-creator of the TV quiz show ‘Pointless’, Richard Osman chats to Nihal about his debut novel ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ - a story about four friends living in a retirement village who become amateur detectives. 

He chats to Nihal about some objects that have inspired him which include the dating app Tinder and candles. Richard also reveals why he didn’t tell anyone he was writing a novel. #Penguinpodcast 

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3llVb2f 

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Author and historian Ben Macintyre talks to Nihal about his new book ‘Agent Sonya’ - the story of the greatest female spy of the 20th Century. 

Ben chats to Nihal about how ‘Sonya’s’ gender helped her stay under deep cover for so many years. Ben’s inspirational objects include a jar of chutney given to him from M15 and the jaw-dropping story of his great uncle’s pocketbook (which literally saved his life). #PenguinPodcast

‘Agent Sonya’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/32NX94J 

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‘Gavin and Stacey’ co-creator and actor Ruth Jones chats to Nihal about her second novel ‘Us Three’ - a story about enduring female friendships. 

She talks about objects that have inspired her including a pair of pink trainers and Wales (the country). Plus why she never ever wants to return to Glastonbury #PenguinPodcast 

‘Us Three’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3i9x6u9  

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Anthony Horowitz, author of the bestselling teen Spy series, Alex Rider, talks to Nihal about his creative process, how he’d like to write a Dickens novel and bonds with Nihal over the rapper Dave.

Anthony, who has sold well in excess of 20 million books and has written two James Bond and two Sherlock Holmes novels, chats about his latest novel ‘Moonflower Murders’ and chooses objects that inspire his work including magic tricks and an unusual sculpture. #Penguinpodcast

'Moonflower Murders' is available to buy as an audiobook now -

https://apple.co/3j7zLoj

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As the Christmas season approaches, we’ve assembled an expert panel to help you navigate your gifting dilemmas and find the ideal presents for everyone on your list. Plus, how do you politely decline a festive party? And is bending the spine of a book the approved way to read it? We find out with etiquette expert, and Help I've S*xted my Boss podcaster, William Hanson as we discuss his new book Just Good Manners. 

For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 8: Christmas gifting

Enjoy 20% off your order at Penguin Shop using the discount code PENGUINPODCAST. T&Cs apply

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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‘Crazy Rich Asians’ author Kevin Kwan chats to Nihal about his new book ‘Sex and Vanity’ - the story of a young woman who finds herself torn between two men.

Kevin discusses some objects which have inspired him and chats to Nihal about why the island of Capri is so important to him, and how he used to make best dressed lists #PenguinPodcast

‘Sex and Vanity’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/33UuhbY

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Nick Hornby joins Nihal to talk about how he gets inspired, bringing along a collection of objects that help him including a jigsaw puzzle and an LP.

The ‘About a Boy’ and ‘High Fidelity’ author chats to Nihal about his new novel ‘Just Like You’, why he is still full of doubt, and how the characters he creates have a personal effect on his life. #PenguinPodcast

'Just Like You' is available to buy as an audiobook on 17/09/2020

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Lily Cole joins Nihal to talk about her latest book ‘Who Cares Wins’ - where she interviews the likes of Elon Musk, Stella McCartney and the Extinction Rebellion co-founders about issues relating to the climate crisis.

Lily, who is an actress, model and businesswoman chose a selection of objects which have inspired her work and why optimism is so important when it comes to activism. #PenguinPodcast

‘Who Cares Wins’ is available to buy as an audiobook on 30/07 - https://apple.co/2EqWL2C 

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Journalist and podcast host Pandora Sykes chats to Nihal about her debut book ‘How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? - a collection of essays which question the perceived wisdom of modern life. 

Pandora chooses objects which inspire her and talks to Nihal about her life-long love of books, why it is so important to shop less and she reads out some of her favourite quotes from when she was a teenager. #PenguinPodcast 

‘How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right?’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2E1LmGg 

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Broadcaster and journalist Dame Jenni Murray talks to Nihal about her new book ‘Fat Cow, Fat Chance’ - what it’s like to be labelled fat when society dictates skinny as the norm. 

Jenni chooses objects that have inspired her, telling Nihal how liberated she felt by her favourite leather skirt, when she first realised she was a feminist, and why we need to look at the science behind obesity. #PenguinPodcast 

‘Fat Cow, Fat Chance’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3h446D9

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In this special bonus episode of the Penguin Podcast we bring you Penguin Perspectives.

Penguin Perspectives is a collection of essays by twenty Penguin authors, written as a direct response to the Covid-19 crisis. These authors have recorded their essays from their homes during lockdown, and these recordings are collected together here. #PenguinPodcast

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Activist and author Caroline Criado Perez joins Nihal to talk about her book ‘Invisible Women’ - which exposes the gender data gap found in society.  

She chats to Nihal about the problems with PPE (one size does not fit all), how to deal with trolls, and why women need more pockets. #PenguinPodcast 

‘Invisible Women’ is available to buy as an audiobook now -  https://apple.co/3iinhdI /  https://adbl.co/3f0D66A  

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Author Amor Towles joins Nihal from Manhattan to discuss his 2016 best-selling book ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ - the story of a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life in a luxury hotel.

Amor chats to Nihal about and why he starts everyday with the New York Times crossword puzzle and finishes the day with a cocktail.

#Penguinpodcast

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Malcolm Gladwell (author of bestsellers such as ‘Blink’ and ‘Outliers’; staff writer for the New Yorker and podcaster) joins Sue Perkins to discuss his latest book ‘Talking to Strangers’ - which is bookended by the story of Sandra Bland, who tragically died in police custody and is one of many names in the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Malcolm explains that Sandra’s story is part of wider problem in how we all misjudge the wants and needs of people we don’t know. Malcolm’s inspirational objects include the Janelle Monáe song ‘Hell You Talmbout’ and the ‘Friends’ theme-tune. #PenguinPodcast

'Talking to Strangers' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3e5iqdC / https://adbl.co/2UkIVUk

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Join us as we time-travel through our bookshelves as we recommend must-read historical fiction in answer to your reading requests. Plus, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name. 

Sign up to our Booksmarks panel

Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

By Any Other Name by Jodie Picoult

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Catherine Arden

The Glass Woman by Caroline Lee

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Firebrand by Elizabeth Freemantle

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

Maurice by E.M. Forster

My Policeman by Bethan Roberts

For the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 7: Historical Fiction

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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Stuart Russell - Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control.’ They chat about how Hollywood has clouded our perception of AI, why we don’t need robots in human form and how the best jobs in the future will be ones that involve empathy. #Penguinpodcast 

‘Human Compatible’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2UpZPkK / https://adbl.co/2W2muEY 

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Scottish author John Niven joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘The F*ck-it List’ - the story of a man who after receiving a terminal diagnosis compiles a list of the people he wants to kill.

John chats to Nihal about why he hates reading his first draft back, how Donald Trump blocked him on twitter and how a motivational quote keeps him going. #PenguinPodcast

‘The F*ck-it List’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2yVWUbW / https://adbl.co/2Wns5Vj

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Considered the Founder of Modern Linguistics and voted the World’s Top Public Intellectual, Noam joins Nihal to discuss his prescient 2017 book ‘Optimism Over Despair’, which has just been made into an audiobook. It takes the form of a series of interviews, addressing many issues still relevant today. Noam imparts his wisdom to Nihal (down the line from Arizona) about topics ranging from US politics to the climate crisis and also reveals one of the things he realises that he got wrong in his past #PenguinPodcast 

‘Optimism Over Despair’ is available to buy here - https://apple.co/2zamyKd 

And will be available as an audiobook from June 4th - https://adbl.co/3fidtyW 

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American author Curtis Sittenfeld joins Nihal to discuss her latest book ‘Rodham’ which explores what would have happened if Hillary hadn’t married Bill Clinton.  

Curtis chats to Nihal (down the line from Minnesota) about how she went viral (it involves wearing a wedding dress in lockdown) and objects that inspire her including a special birthday card and a Margaret Atwood wooden badge. #PenguinPodcast 

‘Rodham’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2ZgucgE / https://adbl.co/3c3BLe3 

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World renowned physicist Brian Greene joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘Until The End of Time’ – which provides us with a clearer sense of how we came to be, a picture of where we are now, and a firmer understanding of where we are headed. Brian speaks to Nihal from his cabin in the Catskills (upstate New York) on why a piano piece by his father, and a First Edition of the ‘Myth of Sisyphus’ by Albert Camus inspire his work. #Penguin Podcast 

‘Until The End of Time – Mind, Matter and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2WTdL70/ https://adbl.co/2xwhxdV 

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Actor David Harewood joins Nihal to discuss narrating the Penguin classic ‘The War Of The Worlds’ by H.G. Wells.   

David has played major roles such as the CIA’s David Estes in Homeland and Captain Poison in Blood Diamond.   

David tells Nihal about the challenges (and fun) he had narrating ‘The War Of The Worlds’ and discusses the objects which have inspired his work, including YouTube (for accents) and a ties (for auditions). #Penguin Podcast 

‘The War of the Worlds’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2V7yOSw / https://adbl.co/3deksal 

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Actor, comedian, and author Mark Gatiss joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss narrating the brand new audiobook of Bram Stokers’ ‘Dracula’ and the BBC Radio dramatisation of M.R. James’ ‘Ghost Stories’. 

Mark has written and acted in the likes of Dr. Who, Sherlock and Dracula and is part of the team who created The League of Gentlemen. His chosen inspirational objects include fossils and an easel #PenguinPodcast

‘

The M. R. James BBC Radio Collection’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/34hyJ2O

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Are you missing the outdoors? Rewild your inner life with George Monbiot as he discusses Feral – the now-classic book that launched the rewilding movement. A respected environmental campaigner, investigative journalist and self-confessed professional troublemaker, George has won the UN Global 500 award for outstanding environmental achievement, collaborated with Extinction Rebellion and Greta Thunberg, and been celebrated for his “dazzling command of science and relentless faith in people” (Naomi Klein). He chats to Nihal about why he actually dislikes objects - and how he’s stirred into action by items he finds problematic such as flamethrowers and fences. #PenguinPodcast

‘Feral’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2yKKp2B

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Denise Mina’s latest novel ‘Conviction’ was selected by Reese Witherspoon’s book club and won the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019. She chats to Katy about her sources of inspiration, why she adores podcasts and what it’s like to be part of a group labelled ‘Tartan Noir’. Her inspirational objects include her writing desk and a very special pencil #PenguinPodcast

‘Conviction’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2JClWhK

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Bernardine won the Booker prize last year with her novel ‘Girl, Woman, Other’, one of Barack Obama’s top books of 2019 and hailed 'book of the decade' by The Sunday Times and The Guardian. Bernardine brings objects into the studio that have inspired her creatively, including a song from Hamilton the musical and a photo of her paternal grandmother (who she dedicates every single book to) #PenguinPodcast

To buy the audiobook:

https://apple.co/2UBqkmv

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What do you usually prefer: the book or the film? Or do you enjoy both? In this episode, we delve into books that have successfully transitioned from page to screen. We'll also be chatting with best-selling author Robert Harris about his gripping thriller, Conclave, which has been adapted for the silver screen this November, starring Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci. So grab your books and your popcorn, and get ready for another book-filled episode.

Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

Conclave by Robert Harris

Precipice by Robert Harris

Miss Austen by Gill Hornby

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Atonement by Ian McEwan

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

For the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 6: Books to Screen

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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Booker prize winner, Anne Enright chats to Nihal about her new novel ‘Actress’ - the story of a legendary theatre star seen through the eyes of her daughter. Anne, who was the first Laureate for Irish fiction, tells Nihal how she sometimes spends hours and hours choosing the right word for her novels (and other times it just flows). Anne's objects of inspiration include a photo of Carrie Fisher and a magazine piece where Joan Crawford describes her best dinner party (everything has vodka added). #PenguinPodcast

For the audiobook of ‘Actress’ by Anne Enright: http://bit.ly/PPAnne

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Andrew Hunter Murray, writer for the BBC’s QI programme and co-host of the hugely successful ‘No Such Thing as a Fish’ podcast, chats to Katy Brand about his new thriller set in 2059.

Used to researching unusual facts and writing comedy, Andrew explains what it was like writing fiction set in the near future. He brings objects to the studio that have inspired him including an iceberg (not the real thing) and a stuffed dog (which currently resides at Slough station). #PenguinPodcast

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Sir Paul McCartney talks about his new children’s book ‘Hey Grandude’. In a special Christmas edition, the rock superstar tells Nihal about persuading John Lennon to believe in himself, the one famous person that even he feels nervous around and how being a grandad inspires him. 

#PenguinPodcast

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Jacqueline Wilson has a new Tracey Beaker book: ‘We Are the Beaker Girls’. The former children’s laureate, who has sold over 40 million books, talks to Katy Brand about how she gets inspired, bringing objects into the studio that help her create including a pair of swimming goggles and a trains timetable. #PenguinPodcast

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Join us as we dive into the world of crime, thrillers, and mysteries! We answer your listener questions with award-winning author Kate Atkinson and publicist Alison Barrow. Plus, Kate discusses her brand-new Jackson Brodie novel, Death at the Sign of the Rook. Get ready for some killer reads!

Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Cloisters by Katie Hayes

Gone, Baby, Gone by Dennis Lehane

The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman

The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

Charles Paris series by Simon Brett

Yellow Face by Rebecca F.Kuang

Helen Fields

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett

For the full list of books and transcript visit: Episode 5: Crime and Mysteries

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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