Shows
Mostly Book TalkEpisode 36 - Nathanael Lessore, author of Steady for This and King of NothingWe talk to Nathanael Lessore about his very successful debut and follow up books, about what's important when writing for teens and the role of humour.You can find Nate's books here:Teen/KS3 BooksSteady for ThisKing of NothingWhat Happens OnlineMiddle Grade BooksSolving Crimes is NOT my SuperpowerTime Travel is NOT my SuperpowerSAIL Fest (South Asian Children's Illustration and Literature)To find out...
2025-10-1340 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 35 - Poetry by Heart, an interview with Dr Julie BlakeJust 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 a...
2025-10-0247 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 34 - Author Ashley Thorpe on his new middle grade book, Spirit Warriors, and his debut success, The Boy to Beat the GodsAuthor 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...
2025-09-1736 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 33 - Maisie Chan talking about her latest book, Nate Yu's Blast from the PastWe are joined by Maisie Chan to talk about her latest book, Nate Yu's Blast from the Past. It's a draws on the untold history of the Chinese Labour Corps in WW1 in a story that combines a ghost story with a warm and humorous exploration of belonging, friendship and family. Look out for the event that Maisie mentions at the British Library in September which can be found here Maisie's website can be found here with lots more information about her books and other resources.Her other books include:Danny Ch...
2025-08-1344 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 32 - Pirate adventures with Justin Somper and his latest book, Pirate Academy - Sword EchoesIn this episode we talk with Justin Somper about the latest book in his Pirate Academy series, Sword Echoes. It came out in the UK in May and the series sets sail in Australia next week. Full of adventure and intrigue - perfect for a summer read. Justin can be found on Instagram hereAnd links to his books are below:New Kid On Deck: Pirate Academy #1Missing at Sea: Pirate Academy #2Sword Echoes: Pirate Academy #3Demons of the OceanTide of TerrorT...
2025-07-2453 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 31 - Tom McLaughlin and his graphic novel, Alan, King of the UniverseWe talk with Tom McLaughlin about his graphic novel Alan, King of the Universe. Alan is an orange cat convinced he is born to rule. Blessed with opposable thumbs and a side kick called Fido, he spends his days dreaming up ways to take up the universe.Tom's website can be found here and here are some links to his books:Alan King of the UniverseThe Day that Aliens (nearly) Ate our BrainsThe Day I Became the Most Wanted Boy in the WorldThe Accidental Prime Minister
2025-06-2931 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 30 - Jasbinder Bilan talking about her new book, Naeli and the Secret SongJoin us to hear all about Jasbinder Bilan's new book, Naeli and the Secret Song. Find out where the idea came from and the research she did. Here are links to all of Jasbinder's BooksNaeli and the Secret SongAarti and the Blue GodsTamarind and the Star of IshtaAsha and the Spirit BirdIndia, Incredible India, illustrated by Nina ChakrabartiXanthe and the Ruby CrownCalling the Whales, illustrated by Skylar WhiteNush and the Stolen Emerald
2025-06-1444 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 29 - Carnegie Medal Chat and PredictionsWe are joined by Alison Jewitt a teacher from South London who leads a Carnegie Shadowing Group at her school and Sophia Bower a school librarian from Durham who is a Carnegie judge this year. We talk about shadowing groups and then all of the books on the Carnegie Medal for Writing shortlist. Sophia then hides while the rest of us make our predictions about who wins - we were completely wrong last year, can we do better this year?Carnegie Medal Short Listed BooksAll That it Ever Meant, Blessing Musariri
2025-06-0757 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 28 - Cath Howe on Early Readers and the Call of the PuffinsJoin us talking with Cath Howe about the latest book in her Call the Puffins series, Tiny and the Cave Ghost (illustrated by Ella Okstad). We talk about the importance of early reading books and wonder whether there is a big meeting of authors where they decide which animals they are going to write about (you never know...)! We also go down memory lane with the Tufty Club and it all gets a bit silly...Cath's other books include:In the Call the Puffins series (all illustrated by Ella Okstad):Call the Puffins
2025-05-3038 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 27 - Teresa Cremin - what the research says about children's reading for pleasureIn this episode we talk with Professor Teresa Cremin, the co-director of the Open University's Literacy and Social Justice Centre, discuss what the research says about children's reading for pleasure and the work the OU is doing to support teachers develop reading for pleasure cultures in their schools.You can find out more about the OU Reading for Pleasure activities here.Some recent books by Teresa Cremin include: Reading Teachers: Nurturing Reading for Pleasure, ed. Teresa Cremin, Helen Hendry, Lucy Rodriguez Leon and Natalia KucirkovaReading for Pleasure: International Perspectives, ed. T...
2025-05-2550 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 26 - Lisa Thompson talking about her new book The Boy in the TreeListen to Lisa Thompson talk about her new book, The Boy in the Tree (illustrated by Katie Kear), and also her many other books including the forthcoming follow up to The Goldfish Boy - The Skeleton Puzzle (out in September.)Information about all Lisa's books and also extra resources can be found at www.lisathompsonauthor.comLinks to the books we talked aboutThe Goldfish BoyOwen and the SoldierThe Treasure HuntersSidney and Carrie Have a PartyWorry BootsThe Boy i...
2025-05-1642 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 25 - An interview with Tom Percival, author of The Wrong ShoesIn this episode we talk with Tom Percival about his book The Wrong Shoes and also about some of his picture books. Tom has a website here, but probably the best way to stay up to date with what he is up to is on Instagram @tompercivalbooks or on X @TomPercivalSaysHis books can be found here:The Wrong Shoes (currently in hardback, paperback available 8 May 2025)Quiet (illustrated by Richard Jones)The InvisiblePerfectly NormanThe BridgesSquirrel and Duck - Mission Improbable
2025-04-0845 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 24 - Interview with Brogen Murphy about their debut book WildlandsAn interview with debut author Brogen Murphy about their book, Wildlands. It’s 2050 and most of northern England and southern Scotland has been turned into a vast rewilding project. An interrupted train journey and series of mishaps leaves two sisters trying to survive in this untouched wilderness... Brogen's website is here and they can be found on Instagram @brogen_murphyWe also mention the Carnegie shortlist which can be found here.Send us a message
2025-03-2545 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 23 - Interview with Darrell Wakelam about his book Art ShapedJoin us talking with Darrell Wakelam about his book Art Shaped - Sustainable 3D Art Projects to Kickstart Children's Creativity. There are lots of curriculum links and all the projects are made from easily obtained recycled materials - ideal for teachers, librarians and parents.Darrell's website can be found hereAnd he can be found on social media hereBlueSky @darrellwakelam.bsky.socialInstagram @darrellwakelamSend us a message
2025-03-1730 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 22 - Beyond the Secret Garden - interview with Darren Chetty and Karen Sands O'ConnorIn this episode we have an interview with Darren Chetty and Karen Sands O'Connor about their book Beyond the Secret Garden - Racialised Minorities in British Children's Books.It's published by the English and Media Centre (a great resource too) and is available here.It is based on Darren and Karen's regular column in Books for Keeps which is also well worth a read.Send us a message
2025-03-1236 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 21 - Interviews with Rachel Fuller about her picture book Bee and with Tanya Goodin about The Teenage Guide to Digital WellbeingIn children's mental health week we talk to Rachel Fuller about her picture book Bee which explores how it feels to be misunderstood and celebrates difference. We also talk to Tanya Goodin about The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing which offers lots of useful advice and activities to help achieve a balance between being in the digital world and the real world (something not just teenagers could benefit from!).Books in this episode:Bee by Rachel Fuller, illustrated by Emilia WharfeMore information about Bee the ballet can be found here
2025-02-0841 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 20 - Author Susan Brownrigg and Publisher, Hazel Holmes from UCLanWe have an interview with Susan Brownrigg about her new book, Wrong Tracks, and with Publisher, Hazel Holmes from UCLan about the importance of regional voices and regional publishing.Here are Susan's books:Wrong TracksGracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious GuestGracie Fairshaw and the Trouble at the TowerGracie Fairshaw and The Missing ReelKintana and the Captain's CurseWebsite: https://www.susanbrownrigg.com/BlueSky: @susanbrownrigg.bsky.socialInstagram: @susanbrownriggAnd UCLan can be found here:W...
2025-01-2646 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 19 - Interview with Lucy Ann Unwin, New Year’s reading resolutions and book reviewsJoin us for Episode 19 where we have an interview with Lucy Ann Unwin and talk about her new book How to be a Revolutionary. We also discuss our New Year’s reading resolutions and do some book reviews of our holiday reading.Here are Lucy's books:How to Be a Revolutionary by Lucy Ann UnwinThe Octopus, Dadu and Me by Lucy Ann Unwin, illustrated by Lucy Mulligan Lucy can be found here:Instagram @lucyannunwinBlueSky @lucyannunwin.bsky.socialhttps://www.lucyannunwin.comHere are...
2025-01-1949 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 18 - A feast of middle grade books - interviews with Dev Kothari and Louie StowellA 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 o...
2024-12-221h 05Mostly Book TalkEpisode 17 - An interview with Rashmi Sirdeshpande about her new book Amazing Asia: An Encyclopedia of an Epic ContinentWe talk to Rashmi Sirdeshpande about her latest book which is a beautifully illustrated by Jason Lyon. Amazing Asia is fully illustrated, large format encyclopaedia of Asia which looks at the history and diversity of the continent.Other books by Rashmi Sirdeshpande include:Never Show A T-Rex A Book!Yes You Can, Cow!Dadaji's PaintbrushCash: How to Earn It, Save It, Spend It, Grow It, Give ItHow to Change the WorldRashmi's website is https://www.rashmisirdeshpande.com/and she can be found on social media h...
2024-12-1336 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 16 - An interview with David Litchfield about his new book The Dinosaur Next DoorAn interview with David Litchfield about his new book The Dinosaur Next Door and about the upcoming 10th Anniversary Edition of The Bear and the Piano.David's other books include:The Bear, The Piano, The Dog and the FiddleThe Bear, the Piano and Little Bear's ConcertGrandad's Secret GiantLights on Cotton RockKid Christmas: of the Claus Brothers Toy ShopHis website is https://www.davidlitchfieldillustration.com/And he can be found on Intstagram @david_c_litchfield...
2024-12-0744 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 15 - Diverse Book Awards Picture Book WinnersInterviews with Naomi Jones and Rebecca Ashdown who won the Diverse Book Award Readers' Choice Award for Thunder Boots and with Erika Meza who won the Picture Book Category with To The Other Side.Other books by Naomi JonesThe Perfect FitHow to Make a StoryThe Odd FishOther books by Rebecca AshdownMy Granny is a QueenThe WhopperHow the Library (Not the Prince) Saved Rap...
2024-11-2349 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 14 - Diverse Book Awards YA Winners InterviewsInterviews with the winners of the Diverse Book Awards YA categories - Simon James Green, winner of the YA Readers' Choice Award for Boy Like Me; Sophie Cameron, runner up for the YA Category for Away with Words; and Jenny Ireland, winner of the YA Category with The First Move.A full list of the books shortlisted for the YA Diverse Book Awards can be found here.Simon James GreenBoy Like MeThe Big Ask...
2024-11-181h 12Mostly Book TalkEpisode 13 - Interviews with J P Rose and Anthony McGowanIn this episode we talk with J P Rose about her new book, Birdie. And Ali interviews Anthony McGowan with Jason Rosam (originally broadcast on Riverside Radio) about his book Dogs of the Deadlands.Birdie by J P Rose is a set in 1950s Yorkshire and is a story of hope and courage following Birdie Bagshaw and the racism she experiences moving to a mining village but also the bond she forms with a pit pony Mr Duke. J P Rose's YA book is The Haunting of Tyrese Walker. She has also written lots of a...
2024-10-3050 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 12 - 'Help Create a Reader' Coram Beanstalk and the role of volunteers in supporting reading for pleasureAn interview with Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk and Sara Browne, one of their volunteers. Plus chat about 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café by Julian Sedgwick and Chie KutsuwadaCoram Beanstalk Link to the Media Trust Film Website: https://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/Find out about volunteering: https://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/Pages/Category/about-volunteeringMedia Trust Charity FilmsLink to information about filmsBook Clubs in School’s FilmBooks mentioned:You...
2024-10-0348 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 11 - Picture book edition, including an interview with Jacob Sager WeinsteinIn this episode we talk to Jacob Sager Weinstein about his picture book, What Rosa Brought (illustrated by Eliza Wheeler). We also chat about some picture books (old and new) that have caught our attention recently.Jacob Sager WeinsteinWhat Rosa Brought, illustrated by Eliza WheelerThe City of Secret RiversThe City of Guardian StonesOther books mentionedThe Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank
2024-08-311h 02Mostly Book TalkEpisode 10 - Interviews with YA authors Diana Anyakwo and Denise BrownInterviews with YA authors Diana Anyakwo and Denise BrownIn this episode we talk to Diana Anyakwo about her book My Life as a Chameleon which has just been longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards. We also talk to Denise Brown about her second book, It All Started with a Lie.Diana AnyakwoMy Life as a ChameleonContact for school visits: https://contactanauthor.co.uk/author/3518/diana-anyakwoInstagram @dianaanyakwo ...
2024-08-011h 03Mostly Book TalkEpisode 9 - An interview with author, Tom Palmer and a chat with Deborah Maclaren, Managing Director of Love ReadingIn this episode we talk to Tom Palmer about his latest book Angel of Grasmere and his other Lake District books. Plus we talk to Deborah Maclaren, the Managing Director of Love Reading about how they are building a social purpose into their book selling.Tom Palmer’s Lake District booksArmistice Runner After the War Angel of Grasmere Other books mentionedArctic Star D-Day DogRe...
2024-07-1245 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 8 - Film Clubs and books with Into Film Ambassador, Charlotte Harrison and an interview with author Ross MontgomeryFilm Clubs and books with Into Film Ambassador Charlotte Harrison plus an interview with author Ross Montgomery about his new book, I am RebelCharlotte Harrison can be found on social media: @sometimesmoviesFind out more about Into Film here.Books mentioned:Princess Bride, by William GoldmanRoss Montgomery can be found on social media: @mossmontmomeryHis website is ...
2024-06-3048 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 7: Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024 ShortlistA look at the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024 shortlist including the benefits of shadowing with Alison Jewitt from The London Nautical SchoolCarnegie Medal for Writing 2024 Shortlist booksAway with Words by Sophie CameronChoose Love by Nicola Davies, Illustrated by Peter HoracekSaffiyah’s War by Hiba Noor KahnSteady for This by Nathanael LessoreThe Boy Lost in the Maze by Joseph Co...
2024-06-1035 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 6 - An interview with the author Tia Fisher about her Carnegie shortlisted book Crossing the Line.Mostly Book Talk - Episode 6An interview with the author Tia Fisher about her Carnegie shortlisted book Crossing the Line.Crossing the Line by Tia FisherBooks mentioned in the interview The Weight of Water by Sarah CrossanWhere the Heart Should Be by Sarah CrossanBrown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline WoodsonMake Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff ...
2024-06-0731 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 5: Elle McNicoll talking about her new book KeedieAn 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 McNicolA Kind of SparkKeedieShow Us Who You AreLike a CharmLike a CurseSome Like it Cold
2024-05-1748 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 4 - Dungeons and Dragons and Graphic NovelsMostly Book Talk - Episode 4We 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. It's a long one, but these two interviews with Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts just belong together!Books mentioned in the interview with Lucas MaxwellLet's Roll: A Guide to Setting up Tabletop Rol...
2024-04-2948 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 3 - Abiola Bello, The Diverse Book Awards and FCBG Children's Book AwardAn 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.Abiola’s Middle Grade BooksEmily Knight I am…Emily Knight I am... AwakenedEmily Knight I am... BecomingThe Very Merry Murder Club
2024-04-1640 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 2 - Science Book ClubWe talked to Rose Edmondson at Falinge Park High School about her brilliant science book club. She can be found on Twitter/X @snotlady5Here are some of the books she mentioned:Global - a graphic novel adventure about hope in the face of climate changeThe Moth Keeper - can be hard to find in UK - available second handThe Curie SocietyGraphic Science- Seven Journeys of DiscoveryAm I...
2024-03-2932 minMostly Book TalkEpisode 1 - Dr Alexia Casale, author and Senior Lecturer and Course Leader on MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University.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: Sing if you Can’t DanceThe Bone DragonThe Best Way to Bury Your HusbandAnd the books Alexi mentioned include:Howl’s Movin...
2024-03-1442 min