Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Mostly Book Talk
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 5 - The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it. | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:26:16 | |
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 Brothers Dr 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 University Charlotte 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 Group Tom 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, Sunderland Louie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the Library Sabrina 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. | |||
| Episode 40 - Author Sarah Crossan talks about her new thriller, Gone for Good | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:45:48 | |
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: | |||
| The Reading Crisis - Why Children aren't reading and what we can do about it | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:00:47 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 37 - Libraries are a very good thing! | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:57:30 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 36 - Nathanael Lessore, author of Steady for This and King of Nothing | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:40:01 | |
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 Books Middle Grade Books Solving Crimes is NOT my Superpower Time Travel is NOT my Superpower SAIL 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. | |||
| Episode 35 - Poetry by Heart, an interview with Dr Julie Blake | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:47:31 | |
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! | |||
| Episode 34 - Author Ashley Thorpe on his new middle grade book, Spirit Warriors, and his debut success, The Boy to Beat the Gods | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:36:28 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 33 - Maisie Chan talking about her latest book, Nate Yu's Blast from the Past | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:44:58 | |
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: Tiger Warrior: Attack of the Dragon King: Book 1 We also talked about books set at the seaside. These included: The Last Pebble, by Alex Horne Changing Tides, by Julia Moscardo Our Pebbles, by Jarvis Vanishing Edge, by Zillah Bethell Turtle Moon, by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold If you have any book recommendations or topics you would like us to cover, get in touch. | |||
| Episode 32 - Pirate adventures with Justin Somper and his latest book, Pirate Academy - Sword Echoes | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:53:51 | |
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 here And links to his books are below: New Kid On Deck: Pirate Academy #1 Missing at Sea: Pirate Academy #2 Sword Echoes: Pirate Academy #3 The Week Junior's Book Awards can be found here And the apps we talked about are (no sponsorship involved!) | |||
| Episode 31 - Tom McLaughlin and his graphic novel, Alan, King of the Universe | 29 Jun 2025 | 00:31:09 | |
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: The Day that Aliens (nearly) Ate our Brains | |||
| Episode 30 - Jasbinder Bilan talking about her new book, Naeli and the Secret Song | 14 Jun 2025 | 00:44:00 | |
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 Books Tamarind and the Star of Ishta India, Incredible India, illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti Calling the Whales, illustrated by Skylar White Paloma and the Bear, illustrated by Skylar White Anya's Quest, illustrated by Jane Ray And links to the book prizes we mentioned; Keep up to date with Mostly Book Talk's newsletter on Substack | |||
| Episode 29 - Carnegie Medal Chat and Predictions | 07 Jun 2025 | 00:57:21 | |
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 Books All That it Ever Meant, Blessing Musariri Glasgow Boys, Margaret McDonald King of Nothing, Nathanael Lessore Little Bang, Kelly McCaughrain Play, Luke Palmer The Final Year, Matt Goodfellow The Things we Leave Behind, Clare Furniss Treacle Town, Brian Conaghan | |||
| Part 4 - The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:20:09 | |
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 Brothers Dr 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 University Charlotte 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 Group Tom 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, Sunderland Louie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the Library Sabrina 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. | |||
| Episode 28 - Cath Howe on Early Readers and the Call of the Puffins | 30 May 2025 | 00:38:45 | |
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): Her middle grade books: Cath's website is here with resources to go with her books and information about school workshops. | |||
| Episode 27 - Teresa Cremin - what the research says about children's reading for pleasure | 25 May 2025 | 00:50:34 | |
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 Kucirkova Reading for Pleasure: International Perspectives, ed. Teresa Cremin and Sarah McGeown Teaching English Creatively, by Teresa Cremin Children Reading for Pleasure in the Digital Age: Mapping Reader Engagement by Natalia Kucirkova and Teresa Cremin | |||
| Episode 26 - Lisa Thompson talking about her new book The Boy in the Tree | 16 May 2025 | 00:42:35 | |
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.com Links to the books we talked about | |||
| Episode 25 - An interview with Tom Percival, author of The Wrong Shoes | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:45:20 | |
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 @TomPercivalSays His books can be found here: The Wrong Shoes (currently in hardback, paperback available 8 May 2025) Quiet (illustrated by Richard Jones) Squirrel and Duck - Mission Improbable Some of the other books mentioned: The Harder they Fall, Bali Rai It's a No-Money Day, Kate Milner The Great (Food) Bank Heist, Onjali Q Rauf If 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 info@mostlybooktalk.com | |||
| Episode 24 - Interview with Brogen Murphy about their debut book Wildlands | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:45:47 | |
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_murphy We also mention the Carnegie shortlist which can be found here. | |||
| Episode 23 - Interview with Darrell Wakelam about his book Art Shaped | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:30:28 | |
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 here And he can be found on social media here BlueSky @darrellwakelam.bsky.social Instagram @darrellwakelam | |||
| Episode 22 - Beyond the Secret Garden - interview with Darren Chetty and Karen Sands O'Connor | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:36:55 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 21 - Interviews with Rachel Fuller about her picture book Bee and with Tanya Goodin about The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing | 08 Feb 2025 | 00:41:26 | |
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 Wharfe More information about Bee the ballet can be found here The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing by Tanya Goodin More information about Tanya's work can be found here The other book mentioned in this episode is People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence. | |||
| Episode 20 - Author Susan Brownrigg and Publisher, Hazel Holmes from UCLan | 26 Jan 2025 | 00:46:24 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 19 - Interview with Lucy Ann Unwin, New Year’s reading resolutions and book reviews | 19 Jan 2025 | 00:49:08 | |
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. The Octopus, Dadu and Me by Lucy Ann Unwin, illustrated by Lucy Mulligan Lucy can be found here:
Children's and YA Reek by Alastair Chisholm, illustrated by George Caltsoudas Pernickety Boo by Sally Gardner, illustrated by Chris Mould
The Switch by Lily Samson The Burial Place by Stig Abell I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron, with an introduction by Dolly Alderton This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett | |||
| National Year of Reading - Youth Libraries Group | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:15:22 | |
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 ylg.newsletter@gmail.com. Tanja Jennings write a blog, Good Night to Read, about books and reading which can be found here. | |||
| Episode 18 - A feast of middle grade books - interviews with Dev Kothari and Louie Stowell | 22 Dec 2024 | 01:05:00 | |
A bumper middle grade episode. We talk to Dev Kothari about her debut Bringing Back Kay-Kay and to Louie Stowell about Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Making Enemies the fourth book in the bestselling Loki series. Bringing Back Kay-Kay is a mystery and quest as Lena tries to find her brother Kay-Kay who has disappeared on his way back from summer camp. We talk to Dev about what it’s like writing a debut and how the children’s book market is different in India. In Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Making Enemies one of Loki’s many enemies, Vinir the elf, turns up and challenges Loki to a magical duel. Loki hasn't got a clue why, but knows he has to get out of it somehow… Great fun and we talk to Louie about her long standing interest in Norse mythology and about the questions she gets asked about publishing. Her book can be found here: Louie Stowell can be found online here: | |||
| Episode 17 - An interview with Rashmi Sirdeshpande about her new book Amazing Asia: An Encyclopedia of an Epic Continent | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:36:49 | |
We talk to Rashmi Sirdeshpande about her latest book which is a beautifully illustrated by Jason Lyon. Amazing Asia is fully illustrated, large format encyclopaedia of Asia which looks at the history and diversity of the continent. | |||
| Episode 16 - An interview with David Litchfield about his new book The Dinosaur Next Door | 07 Dec 2024 | 00:44:02 | |
An interview with David Litchfield about his new book The Dinosaur Next Door and about the upcoming 10th Anniversary Edition of The Bear and the Piano. | |||
| Episode 15 - Diverse Book Awards Picture Book Winners | 23 Nov 2024 | 00:49:47 | |
Interviews with Naomi Jones and Rebecca Ashdown who won the Diverse Book Award Readers' Choice Award for Thunder Boots and with Erika Meza who won the Picture Book Category with To The Other Side. | |||
| Episode 14 - Diverse Book Awards YA Winners Interviews | 18 Nov 2024 | 01:12:48 | |
Interviews with the winners of the Diverse Book Awards YA categories - Simon James Green, winner of the YA Readers' Choice Award for Boy Like Me; Sophie Cameron, runner up for the YA Category for Away with Words; and Jenny Ireland, winner of the YA Category with The First Move. | |||
| Episode 13 - Interviews with J P Rose and Anthony McGowan | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:50:46 | |
In this episode we talk with J P Rose about her new book, Birdie. And Ali interviews Anthony McGowan with Jason Rosam (originally broadcast on Riverside Radio) about his book Dogs of the Deadlands. | |||
| Episode 12 - 'Help Create a Reader' Coram Beanstalk and the role of volunteers in supporting reading for pleasure | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:48:32 | |
An interview with Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk and Sara Browne, one of their volunteers. Plus chat about 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café by Julian Sedgwick and Chie Kutsuwada Coram Beanstalk Link to the Media Trust Film Website: https://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/ Find out about volunteering: https://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/Pages/Category/about-volunteering
Link to information about films Book Clubs in School’s Film
You Choose, by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak Press Here, by Hervé Tullet The Book with No Pictures, by B.J. Novak Book Discussion 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café by Julian Sedgwick and Chie Kutsuwada Tsunami Girl, by Julian Sedgwick and Chie Kutsuwada
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| Episode 11 - Picture book edition, including an interview with Jacob Sager Weinstein | 31 Aug 2024 | 01:02:30 | |
In this episode we talk to Jacob Sager Weinstein about his picture book, What Rosa Brought (illustrated by Eliza Wheeler). We also chat about some picture books (old and new) that have caught our attention recently. Jacob Sager Weinstein What Rosa Brought, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank When Hittler Stole Pink Rabbit, Judith Kerr Tadpole’s Promise, Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross Contacts: Jacob Sager Weinstein Website: https://www.jacobsagerweinstein.com/ and Bluesky: @jacobsw.bsky.social Eliza Wheeler Website: https://wheelerstudio.com/2024/07/08/behind-the-rosa-art-vienna-research/ (worth checking out for interesting background on how she developed the drawings for What Rosa Brought.) Instagram: @wheelerstudio Picture Books mentioned in book chat Harry the Dirty Dog, Gene Zion, illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham The Song of the Nightingale, Tanya Landman, illustrated by Laura Carlin The Bowerbird, Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Catherine Rayner Gigantic, Rob Biddulph The Girl and the Mermaid, Hollie Hughes, illustrated by Sarah Massini The Big Dreaming, Michael Rosen, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus Sam Francisco, King of the Disco, Sarah Tagholm, illustrated by Binny Talib The Fastest Tortoise in Town, Howard Calvert, illustrated by Karen Obuhanych Hippos go Berserk, Sandra Boynton Mrs McTats and her Houseful of Cats, Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Joan Rankin A Million Chameleons, James Young | |||
| Episode 10 - Interviews with YA authors Diana Anyakwo and Denise Brown | 01 Aug 2024 | 01:03:20 | |
Interviews with YA authors Diana Anyakwo and Denise Brown In this episode we talk to Diana Anyakwo about her book My Life as a Chameleon which has just been longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards. We also talk to Denise Brown about her second book, It All Started with a Lie. Diana Anyakwo Contact for school visits: https://contactanauthor.co.uk/author/3518/diana-anyakwo Instagram @dianaanyakwo Books Mentioned Broken Threads: My Family From Empire to Independence, Mishal Husain The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis Malory Towers, Enid Blyton Denise Brown Website: https://www.denisebrownauthor.co.uk/ Instagram @denisebrownuk Books Mentioned What Katy Did, Susan Coolidge Books mentioned in book chat The Summer Dare, Joanna Dodd Murder on a School Night, Kate Weston How to Die Famous, Benjamin Dean Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow,Gabrielle Zevin 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Cafe, Julian Sedgwick and Chie Kutsuwada Songlight, Moira Buffini The Girl who Couldn’t Lie, Radhika Sanghani King of Nothing, Nathanael Lessore Boy Overboard, Morris Gleitzman The Secret of Golden Island, Natasha Farrant | |||
| Episode 9 - An interview with author, Tom Palmer and a chat with Deborah Maclaren, Managing Director of Love Reading | 12 Jul 2024 | 00:45:42 | |
In this episode we talk to Tom Palmer about his latest book Angel of Grasmere and his other Lake District books. Plus we talk to Deborah Maclaren, the Managing Director of Love Reading about how they are building a social purpose into their book selling. Tom Palmer’s Lake District books Angel of Grasmere Information on all Tom Palmer’s books can be found on his website Tom can be found on Twitter @tompalmerauthor LoveReading4Kids - information about how their donations work can be found here and on how to set up wish lists here Books mentioned by Deborah: Stig of the Dump by Clive King The Bee Sting by Paul Murray This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher Brambly Hedge books by Jill Barklem Give Away Check out our social media for a chance to win a stack of books from Love Reading (UK postage only). To enter the competition: On Twitter/X, entrants will need to follow @lovereadingkids and @Mostly_BookTalk and retweet and/or comment on the competition tweet. On Instagram, entrants will need to follow @lovereadingkids and @mostlybooktalk and comment and/or like the post announcing the competition. Full T&Cs here | |||
| Episode 39 - Badgers are Go! with Susannah Lloyd - Revenge of the Claw | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:28:42 | |
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! Revenge of the Claw | |||
| Episode 8 - Film Clubs and books with Into Film Ambassador, Charlotte Harrison and an interview with author Ross Montgomery | 30 Jun 2024 | 00:48:39 | |
Film Clubs and books with Into Film Ambassador Charlotte Harrison plus an interview with author Ross Montgomery about his new book, I am Rebel Charlotte Harrison can be found on social media: @sometimesmovies Find out more about Into Film here. Books mentioned: Princess Bride, by William Goldman Ross Montgomery can be found on social media: @mossmontmomery His website is here Books mentioned: And Ross’s other books can be found here Find us on social media: X/Twitter: @Mostly_BookTalk Instagram: @mostlybooktalk Get in touch: | |||
| Episode 7: Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024 Shortlist | 10 Jun 2024 | 00:35:51 | |
A look at the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024 shortlist including the benefits of shadowing with Alison Jewitt from The London Nautical School Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024 Shortlist books Away with Words by Sophie Cameron Choose Love by Nicola Davies, Illustrated by Peter Horacek Saffiyah’s War by Hiba Noor Kahn Steady for This by Nathanael Lessore The Boy Lost in the Maze by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Kate Milner Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander The Song Walker by Zillah Bethell Give Away We are doing a give away of a full set of the shortlisted books (UK postage only). To enter, find us on X/Twitter or Instagram. On X/Twitter, entrants will need to follow Mostly Book Talk and retweet and/or comment on the competition tweet. On Instagram, entrants will need to like the post announcing the competition, comment on the post and follow Mostly Book Talk. We would love to have your comments about which book you think will win this year. X/Twitter: @Mostly_BookTalk Instagram: @mostlybooktalk Full Terms and Conditions can be found here. | |||
| Episode 6 - An interview with the author Tia Fisher about her Carnegie shortlisted book Crossing the Line. | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:31:03 | |
An interview with the author Tia Fisher about her Carnegie shortlisted book Crossing the Line.
Books mentioned in the interview The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan Where the Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Ben Cort Tia can be found on social media at X/Twitter: @tiafisher_ Instagram: @tia_fisher_writes and on her website | |||
| Episode 5: Elle McNicoll talking about her new book Keedie | 17 May 2024 | 00:48:08 | |
An interview with Elle McNicoll about her new book Keedie, her CBBC adaptation of A Kind of Spark, her forthcoming YA book and diversity in children's books (as well as how she manages to do so much...) Books mentioned in the interview with Elle McNicol Matilda by Roald Dahl Charm School by Anne Fine Lots by Jacqueline Willson Elle can be found on social media at X/Twitter: @booksandchokers Instagram: @ellemcnicollofficial TikTok: @ellemcnicoll and her on her website Link to the Scholastic Graphic Novel Prize here Books we discussed: Black Hole Cinema Club by Christopher Edge Away with Words by Sophie Cameron Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan Steady for This by Nathanael Lessor The Boy Lost in the Maze by Joseph Coelho If You’ll Have Me by Eunnie Vern Custodian of the Universe by Tyrell Waiters The City of Secret Rivers by Jacob Sager Weinstein The Chestnut Roaster by Eve McDonnell The Great Fox Illusion by Justyn Edwards The Secrets of the Snakestone by Piu DasGupta Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad Piranesi by Susanna Clarke Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovich | |||
| Episode 4 - Dungeons and Dragons and Graphic Novels | 29 Apr 2024 | 00:48:31 | |
We talked to Lucas Maxwell, the librarian at Glenthorne High School about Dungeons and Dragons and how it really draws pupils into the library and also about graphic novels. We then have an interview with Sarwat Chadda about his new middle grade fantasy series, The Spirit Stone Saga. Let's Roll: A Guide to Setting up Tabletop Role-Playing Games in your School or Public Library by Lucas Maxwell (also available here) Links to Lucas’s social media and articles can be found here
Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn - graphic novel adapted by Scott Peterson, Meredith Laxton and Russ Badget When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Williamson and Omar Mohamed Bunny versus Monkey by Jamie Smart Unicorn Boy by Dave Roman Amulet Books by Kazu Kibuishi New Kid by Jerry Craft Awkward by Svetlana,Chmakova - doesn’t seem to be in print? Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu Go With The Flow by Karen Schneeman and Lily Williams Anna West Philly by Ivy N Weir and Myisha Hayne Places to find out about Graphic Novels Page 45 - https://www.page45.com/index.html YALSA US website - https://www.ala.org/yalsa/ Dan Santat - https://www.instagram.com/dsantat/?hl=en Interview with Sarwat Chadda talking about his new series The Spirit Stone Saga - Tariq and the Drowning City - Book 1 Books we discussed: The Angel of Grasmere by Tom Palmer Friendship Never Ends by Alexandra Sheppard Alyssa and the Spell Garden by Alexandra Sheppard Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan Dark Matter - A Ghost Story by Michelle Paver | |||
| Episode 3 - Abiola Bello, The Diverse Book Awards and FCBG Children's Book Award | 15 Apr 2024 | 00:40:05 | |
An interview with Abiola Bello, author and also founder of Hashtag Press and The Diverse Book Awards and a chat with Sarah Stuffins from The Federation of Children’s Book Groups about their Children's Book Award.
Emily Knight I am… Abiola’s YA Books Love in a Winter Wonderland
Books for Younger Children Books for Younger Readers Books for Older Readers
Death Under a Little Sky and Death in a Lonely Place, Stig Abell | |||
| Episode 2 - Science Book Club | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:32:48 | |
We talked to Rose Edmondson at Falinge Park High School about her brilliant science book club. She can be found on Twitter/X @snotlady5 Here are some of the books she mentioned: Global - a graphic novel adventure about hope in the face of climate change The Moth Keeper - can be hard to find in UK - available second hand Graphic Science- Seven Journeys of Discovery We also talked about what we had been reading. The Dog that Saved the World (Cup) The Humiliations of Welton Blake Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow
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| Episode 1 - Dr Alexia Casale, author and Senior Lecturer and Course Leader on MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. | 14 Mar 2024 | 00:42:55 | |
A fascinating interview with Dr Alexia Casale, author and Senior Lecturer and Course Leader on MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. Her website can be found at http://www.alexiacasale.com/ Her books can be bought through these links: The Best Way to Bury Your Husband And the books Alexi mentioned include: Howl’s Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones Daughter of Darkness, Katherine and Elizabeth Corr We also talked about bookish things we had done and what we had been reading. Ali visited: Battersea Power Station World Book Day Lift 109 event (on until 28th March) And was reading: London Belongs to Me by Norman Collins Katy attended: Inclusive Books for Children Awards And the winners and shortlisted books were: Baby and Toddler Books for ages 1–3 Too Green! by Sumana Seeboruth, illustrated by Maribel Castells (winner) Zeki Goes to the Park by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson Zeki Hikes with Daddy by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson Picture Books for ages 3–7 You’re So Amazing! by James and Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George (winner) Dadaji's Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane The Missing Piece by Jordan Stephens and illustrated by Beth Suzanna To the Other Side by Erika Meza Faruq and the Wiri Wiri by Sophia Payne, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat Children's Fiction for ages 5–9 Meet the Maliks, Twin Detectives: The Cookie Culprit by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Kyan Cheng (winner) Budgie by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by David Barrow Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Lost Chicken by Megan Rix, illustrated by Tim Budgen Sona Sharma, Wish Me Luck by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun Too Small Tola Makes It Count by Atinuke, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu | |||
| Part 3: The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:37:57 | |
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 Brothers Dr 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 University Charlotte 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 Group Tom 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, Sunderland Louie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the Library Sabrina 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. | |||
| National Year of Reading - Stepping into Stories Kids' Lit Fest | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:17:01 | |
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. 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.com | |||
| The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it - Part 2 | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:32:02 | |
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 Brothers Dr 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 University Charlotte 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 Group Tom 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, Sunderland Louie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the Library Sabrina 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. | |||
| The Reading Crisis - Why children aren't reading and what we can do about it - Part 1 | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:20:58 | |
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 Brothers Dr 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 University Charlotte 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 Group Tom 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, Sunderland Louie Stowell - Author of many books including the Loki series, Otherland and the Dragon in the Library Sabrina 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. | |||
| Episode 38 - Wild Journey: an interview with AM Dassu about her latest book | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:37:53 | |
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: Show Racism the Red Card (out Sept 2026) | |||
| Episode 46 - Musical - and other - Truth(s) with Jeffrey Boakye | 22 May 2026 | 00:44:08 | |
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 Summer Kofi and the Secret Radio Station Musical Truth, illustrated by Ngadi Smart Musical World, illustrated by Ngadi Smart Faith's First Case (out Feb 2027) And the book Jeffery recommended to us was Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence | |||
| Episode 45 - The Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award with poet Nicola Davies | 19 May 2026 | 00:47:58 | |
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:
Nicola 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 Boxer | |||