Shows
The Island of Brilliant!Ranger HamzaRanger Hamza is in the house! Or would be if we had one. Frank and Nadia are all aflutter as Hamza comes in to land on the Island in the clutches of Assassin, the might Golden Eagle who lives round the corner from him in his Scottish home. Never takes the bins out but nobody dares mention it. With tales of pine marten poo, the superpower that is his dyslexia, and of course serious snack chat hamza offers something for everyone, and such is the enormity of his charm, intelligence and wit that two landlubbers who go by the n...2025-06-011h 05The Island of Brilliant!Charlie HigsonIt's the one, it's the only... Charlie Higson!! Nadia's got a bit of a face on when she realises who's come to join her and Frank on the island, given that they've just created a book together, as this means breaking one of the island's golden rules - but soon she's ripping up said rule book (it's very thin) and eating it with glee as Charlie charms one and all with tales from his glorious career as a children's writer. If that's not enough, there are reflections on music and (semi?) quavers, and a race to the best James...2025-05-111h 11
What Did You Do Yesterday? with Max Rushden & David O'DohertyS2 EP16: Nadia ShireenJoining us on this episode of 'What did you do yesterday?' is the brilliant author and illustrator - Nadia Shireen. We asked Nadia what she did yesterday? She told us. That's it... enjoy! Please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. xxGet in touch with the show: WHATDIDYOUDOYESTERDAYPOD@GMAIL.COMAnd tell us what you did yesterday. What you thought of this or any other episode. Or anything else y...2025-04-201h 34
Let’s Read With Lyla and DadGood Little Wolf, by Nadia ShireenOnce upon a time there was a wolf called Rolf - a good little wolf who liked baking cakes and was always kind to his friends. Can a good little wolf still be a real wolf? And will Rolf discover there's something big and bad lurking inside him after all?
2025-04-1509 min
Let’s Read With Lyla and DadBarbara Throws a Wobbler, by Nadia ShireenBarbara is in a very bad mood. She won't admit it, but she is. She has a problem with a sock, and at lunchtime there's a strange pea... And even though she's at the park with her friends, it all just gets a bit much. Suddenly Barbara's WOBBLER is out of control!
You can listen to us reading lots more great stories & request one you’d like to hear, via our Patreon; patreon.com/letsreadwithlylaanddad
“What do we say, what do we say… we say, let’s read!”!
Instagram; @letsreadwithlylaanddad
2025-04-1512 min
Let’s Read With Lyla and DadThe Bumble Bear, by Nadia Shireen.Norman is a bear. A bear who LOVES honey.
You can listen to us reading lots more great stories & request one you’d like to hear, via our Patreon; patreon.com/letsreadwithlylaanddad
“What do we say, what do we say… we say, let’s read!”!
Instagram; @letsreadwithlylaanddad
2025-04-1512 minThe Island of Brilliant!Jennifer KillickWell we're all delighted that the plague that beset the island last month has now vanished thanks to the diligent isolating from Nadia and Frank - though perhaps they were just not talking, it's hard to tell sometimes. The island is once again open to visitors and what a treat to see Her Highness of Horror Jennifer Killick emerging from the earth's crust to marvel at Frank's Deadwood puns and chat about why she's so drawn to filling her readers with fear. In geo-political news Frank and Nadia rebuff President Trump's recent declaration of interest in the island and...2025-04-0149 min
The Radio 2 Book ClubA World Book Day Special: with Stephen ManganTo celebrate World Book Day, Sara is joined by actor, screenwriter and children's author Stephen Mangan. His new book, 'The Fart That Broke World Book Day', was written specifically for...well you guessed it...World Book Day, alongside books by Julia Donaldson, Bluey, Paddington and many more. We sent his book to a school in Sheffield, for our Junior Book Club reviewers - Noah, Lily, Ayla and Arthur - to read and review. Listen to find out what they thought - and how Stephen reacts to their honesty! Also in this bumper episode...2025-03-0536 minThe Island of Brilliant!Patrice LawrenceShe’s won the prizes as well as the love of her adoring readers for her brilliant books - including 'Orangeboy', 'Eight Pieces of Silva' and 'Rat' - but the wonder that is Patrice Lawrence has never, until now, been able to show off her true skill… the ability to freeze large bodies of water. And aren’t we the lucky ones, as it means she’s been able to pay a visit and tell Nadia and Frank all about her writing, her rage and her tip top taste in doughnuts. Now that Patrice’s new book, ‘People Like Stars’ is se...2025-02-0155 minThe Island of Brilliant!By the firesideOur two reluctant beachcombers have retired from the chilly sands to the cosy warmth of their makeshift hut for a wintery fireside chat about the hither, whither and thither of the Island of Brilliant's past, present and future. Expect insight, illumination, Count Duckula impressions and literary pyjama anecdotes as Nadia and Frank set their tiny island corner of the world to rights. And relax....
2025-01-0142 minThe Island of Brilliant!Axel SchefflerThe King of illustration Axel Scheffler arrives on the island with a sackful of Lebkukchen, for December is upon us and even Frank has allowed a degree of festive cheer onto the Brilliant shores. Nadia's so excited about the prospect of Axel's arrival she's even prepared some absolute zinger questions - unfortunately she did so in collaboration with Terry the famously duplicitous crab, who just might have sold her a pup or two. Oh well, ende gut alles gut, as they say in Germany; when you have the man responsible for the look of that monster with the terrible...2024-12-011h 02
You're BookedCariad Lloyd - You're BookedThis week we are welcoming podcast, comedy and writerly royalty to the show. It's the amazing Cariad Lloyd! Cariad is the host of the podcasts Weirdos Book Club, alongside former guest Sara Pascoe, and the award-winning Griefcast, plus a book based on the podcast You Are Not Alone. She is an actor, comedian and improviser and has just released her first children's book The Christmas Wish-tastrophe (plus another one soon - revealed exclusively during the show!) We talked to her about helpful reading habits, the importance of a great booklight, good books about grief and a surprising literary obsession...2024-11-111h 02The Island of Brilliant!Lauren ChildWe will never, not ever, have a more splendid visitor to the island than the genius and former children's laureate Lauren Child - though the word 'visitor' might not necessarily be the most accurate in her case. Lauren is of course the creator of Charlie and Lola, Clarice Bean, Ruby Redford - a cast of characters the like of which any writer would give their left nib to have come up with. Nadia and Frank are so engrossed in what she has to say about her relationship with the people in her books that they almost forget (almost) that t...2024-11-011h 01The Island of Brilliant!Louie StowellFrank has been desperate to start up a whole new mythology for the island with stories featuring various characters he's modelled out of seaweed and goggly eyes, so Nadia's relief was positively palpable when Louie Stowell turned up, courtesy of a feathery Loki, with enough Norse tales to sate Frank's ravenous appetite, at least for a little while. They chat about the wild success of Louie's Loki books, the brilliant ways myths can be retold (cue Frank's Elmer Fudd impression) and roll the Sisyphean rock of Katherine Rundell's snackaggedon back up the hill.
2024-10-0147 minThe Island of Brilliant!Chris Haughton & Spellow LibraryA very special, dare we say unmissable, episode in lots of ways. Not only does Chris Haughton, the genius behind such books as 'Shh!', 'A Bit Lost' and 'Don't Worry, Little Crab' join us on the island and prove himself to be the most charming and brilliant of guests, Frank also shares a letter he was sent after the devastating arson attack on Liverpool's Spellow Library during the riots. It's a letter that is both the story of a life and a testament to the enormous power of public spaces and their capacity to offer a beacon of l...2024-09-011h 01
School Reading ListEpisode 22 - What to read in the summer holidaysSchool Reading List podcast hosted by Tom TolkienSeason 1: Episode 22For transcripts, resources, show notes and contact details, see https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/podcasts/series-1-episode-22/Part 1Book postThe Virtue Season by L.M. NathanMove, Mr Mountain! by Francesca SannaLifesize Ocean Animals by Sophy HennDoggy Dance Off by Steve SmallmanBecoming Brave by Jennie Cashman WilsonWatts & Whiskerton by Meg McLarenGrimwood Party Animals by Nadia ShireenSherlock Bones and the Mischief in Manhattan by Tim Collins100 Things to Know About Sport by Jerome Martin, Alice James, Tom...2024-08-0135 minThe Island of Brilliant!Festival of Brilliant, with Steven LentonHow do you turn an island into a festival?
This month's episode is recorded partly on the island and partly at the magical location that is Biddulph Old Hall in the Staffordshire Moorlands, which played host and provided a magnificent backdrop to the inaugural Festival of Brilliant, staged by the mighty Outside Arts organisation. Moorlands lad Steven Lenton came along with vital local patisserie expertise and charmed the audience with his Swanee whistle playing and tip-top question answering. The Ukelele Uff Trio were even persuaded to come ashore for the first time in years to play along l...2024-08-0139 min
The Big Beatles and 60s Sort OutBBSO Exclusive! Behind The Scenes @ Egg Pod Live 2024Hello! We have the privilege and honour this week to share with you exclusive audio from behind the scenes at the recent live episode recording of Chris Shaw's final 'I Am The EggPod' podcast, featuring interviews by Rob Manuel with EggPod fans and alumni, including:
Mark Lewisohn, Samira Ahmed, Joel Morris, Nadia Shireen, Jason Hazeley, Julia Raeside, Matt Everitt, Kevin Eldon, Jill Connolly, Mark Newlove, Eleanor Gray, Adam S Leslie, Chris Chibnall, James Marshall... and more!
If you don't know, 'EggPod' was a massive influence on us starting our show. Chris brings such warmth and...2024-07-221h 15The Island of Brilliant!Jonny Vegas' Favourite CharacterNadia and Frank continue in their efforts to work out who their own favourite character from children's books is by asking other people who theirs is in the hope it'll give them inspiration. Fat chance, it takes them three hours to decide which side of their hammocks to get out of in the morning - but still, you never know. Today it's the turn of Jonny Vegas to recall his happy childhood days at Thatto Heath public library, pestering the librarians for new books featuring... well you'll just have to use your noggin and have a listen to find...2024-07-2004 minThe Island of Brilliant!Sophy Henn (& A Coronation)A HUGE day on the island as our Frank becomes the new children's laureate! It's been quite the journey from Coronation Street to coronation, but nobody deserves it more. Everyone's delighted though he does seem to want to rub our noses in it just a touch so let's see how long that lasts. It could be a long two years.
Nadia and Frank are joined by the glorious wonder that is Sophy Henn who talks brilliantly about the joy of facts, her circuitous route to the world of children's books - and why some books just wouldn't b...2024-07-0243 min
Get New Full Audiobooks in Kids, HumorGrimwood: Party Animals: The Times Children's Book of the Week by Nadia ShireenPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/707313to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Grimwood: Party Animals: The Times Children's Book of the Week
Series: #4 of Grimwood
Author: Nadia Shireen
Narrator: Adam Buxton
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 3 hours 8 minutes
Release date: June 27, 2024
Genres: Humor
Publisher's Summary:
Return to the forest where anything can happen. An unmissable new book in Nadia Shireen’s bestselling and wildly funny illustrated comedy adventure series, Grimwood! 'Wind in the Willows (with added wind) for a new, wilder generation' – The Times Perfect for readers age 7+, and fans of Dog Man, Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Goo...2024-06-273h 08
Fun Kids Book WormsCATHY FITZGERALD, SHARNA JACKSON & NADIA SHIREEN: Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse, The Nine Night Mystery & Grimwood - Party AnimalsWelcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! To kick things off Bex chatted to Cathy Fitzgerald about Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse which is about a 12-year old living in the deep of London's magical quarter but when her mum is struck by a curse she has to find a cure in a race against the clock. She was then by joined by Sharna Jackson chatting about The Nine Night Mystery a page-turning, fast-paced, twisty murder mystery where a surprise birthday party goes horribly wrongThe third and final guest on...2024-06-1229 min
Experience the Story, Anywhere, Anytime With Free AudiobookGrimwood: The Collected Tales Audiobook by Nadia ShireenListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 785126
Title: Grimwood: The Collected Tales
Author: Nadia Shireen
Narrator: Adam Buxton
Format: Unabridged
Length: 08:36:16
Language: English
Release date: 06-11-24
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genres: Kids, Animals & Nature, Humor
Summary:
This laugh-out-loud chapter book series follows adorably rambunctious fox siblings Ted and Nancy as they get into (and out of) trouble, making many colorful friends along the way. Perfect for young readers who love animals and are looking for big laughs, this humorous adventure story will draw giggles from both children and adults.
Our story begins when Ted...2024-06-118h 36
Experience the Story, Anywhere, Anytime With Free AudiobookGrimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster! Audiobook by Nadia ShireenListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 775569
Title: Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster!
Author: Nadia Shireen
Narrator: Adam Buxton
Format: Unabridged
Length: 02:59:45
Language: English
Release date: 06-11-24
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genres: Kids, Animals & Nature, Humor
Summary:
Venture back to Grimwood in the third installment of Nadia Shireen's bestselling and brilliantly funny series!
A Bigfoot is on the loose! Ted, Nancy, Willow, and the rest of the Grimwood gang must embark on their greatest adventure yet to save their home from a nasty, thieving stink monster.
Full of heart, laughs, and surprises, Grimwood i...2024-06-112h 59The Island of Brilliant!Julia DonaldsonNadia's been at the papaya juice again, only this time she SWALLOWED THE WORM! 🪱Thus ensues a fever dream in which she imagines her and Frank interviewing JULIA flippin' DONALDSON at @brightfest (never gonna happen obvs).. Frank's efforts to bring Nadia down from her brain-worm trip fail as he gets cross about not being Adam Kay - the only remedy is a blast of the St Trinians Battle Cry. Thank goodness Emily Drabble of Booktrust is on hand to bring everyone back to earth. Or sand.
2024-06-0148 minThe Island of Brilliant!Julie's Favourite CharacterWho's your favourite character from children's books? Just the question Frank and Nadia have been asking themselves, and to help prompt them they're going to be asking some friendly folk to name theirs. First up is one of the funniest, warmest and most talented women you could hope to meet, that legend of stage and screen, the Accrington Thunderbolt herself, Julie Hesmondhalgh!!!!
2024-05-2405 min
Cuentos InfinitosEL ABEJOSOEn esta ocasión el protagonista es un oso llamado Norman, al que le encanta la miel. Tanto, tanto, tanto que se pone muy triste cuando se acaba. Así que un día decide hacerse pasar por abeja, presentándose así disfrazado de abejoso en el cole de las abejas.
¿Qué Pasará?
Autora: Nadia Shireen
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Conoce más del mundo de Experilocos®: https://linkr.bio/experilocos2024-05-1814 minThe Island of Brilliant!Rob BiddulphWell we've had some talented coves wash up in our coves but never a world record holder, not until now that is. Rob 'Draw With Rob' Biddulph is a triple-threat cubed: a Youtube sensation, a writer, illustrator and not least a snack-mongering champion-of-champions. He tells Nadia and Frank all about his life before children's books, working for the NME and The Observer among others, and how happy he is to have found his true calling as a storyteller for children - and that, as Frank says, really is something to be.. EMily Drabble from Booktrust is back with more p...2024-05-011h 00The Island of Brilliant!Elle McNicollGET OUT OF THE WATER!! Sharks spell trouble, unless of course they're in the employ of the one and only Elle McNicoll, who's heading to the island on the back of one with snacks aplenty and aplenty to say about her writing life. Since making a huge splash with 'A Kind of Spark' Elle has established herself as one of the most exciting writers back in Blighty, and a brilliant advocate for better representation of neurodiversity in children's books. Frank and Nadia are mustard-keen to hear about her latest, 'Keedie' that once again takes us to the Scottish streets o...2024-04-0150 min
Fun Kids MeetsATTACK OF THE STINK MONSTER: Grimwood's Nadia Shireen chats Instalment #3Bex got chatting to Nadia Shireen all about her brand new release 'Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster' the third release in her Grimwood series.Remember to tune in to Bex on the Book Worms Podcast every other Wednesday via the Fun Kids AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-03-1209 min
Parenting RoundaboutWeekly Roundup: What Happens in Vegas, “Reservation Dogs” S2, “Slug in Love,” and Housekeeping HurdlesOn our latest weekly roundup, what happened in Vegas didn't stay there, as Catherine reported on her recent trip. Mentioned: Omega Mart.What we're watching: We continued with season 2 of Reservation Dogs with episodes 5 and 6: "Wide Net" and "Decolonativization." We learned a little more about the aunties as they headed to an out-of-town conference, and an earnest pair of workshop presenters tried to help the teens learn more about themselves (without much success).Catherine's library find this week, Slug in Love by Rachel Bright with illustrations by Nadia Shireen, prompted mention of...2024-03-0547 min
Studiomate SteveEpisode 26: Nadia ShireenNadia chats about her early career as a magazine sub-editor, her switch to children's books, Grimwood 3 and lemon curd!2024-03-041h 20The Island of Brilliant!M.G. LeonardI hear that whistle blowing - the beautiful sound of a train emerging from beneath the waves with the fabulous M.G. Leonard aboard, ready to scatter joy with her fabulous snack choices and fascinating insights into her seemingly endless list of endlessly brilliant books - including Beetle Boy, the Adventures on Trains series and The Twitchers books. She's been translated into over forty languages but sadly, as yet, not the native language of the Island of Brilliant. Perhaps that's about to change.
2024-03-0155 minFun Kids Book WormsHOW THE NEWS WORKS and the ATTACK of the STINK MONSTER!🗞️👾Welcome to the latest episode of Book Worms! To kick things off Bex chatted to Jane Marlow & Lisa Campbell all about their new release Inside Story: How The News Works where we learn about the work behind the scenes of how our news bulletins really work and how they're put together. Bex then caught up with Jenny McLachlan all about STINK: FAIRY VS. WIZARD where we have a super funny diary-style adventure, full of cartoons by the bestselling author of the Land of Roar!Next up on this bumper episode of Book Worms...2024-02-2133 minThe Island of Brilliant!Christopher EdgeNadia has made the most of her extended Christmas break, but Frank’s been sleeping it off. For a month. He needs to get his act together sharpish, though, because there is a rip in the space time continuum just above one of the palm trees, and Christopher Edge, author of bestseller ‘The Escape Room’ and the forthcoming ‘Black Hole Cinema Club’, is hurtling towards the island at the speed of light, all the way from Eccles. Before he arrives Frank and Nadia discuss Truckers by Terry Pratchett and new wonder-book ‘The Final Year’ by Matt Goodfellow.
Emily Drabble f...2024-02-0149 min
Off Air with Jane & FiTrimmings are for life, not just for ChristmasFi is gazing into the middle distance, while Jane reminisces over her long lost German homestay. Award-winning children's writers Nadia Shireen and Frank Cottrell-Boyce join Jane and Fi to talk about their new podcast 'The Island of Brilliant'.If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radioFollow us on Instagram! @janeandfiAssistant Producer: Kate LeeTimes Radio Producer: Rosie Cutler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...2024-01-1137 minThe Island of Brilliant!Christmas Special with Alex T. SmithIt's not easy turning a tropical island into a festive grotto but yule surely agree we've done our level best, with recommendations for books of the year from some of the most exciting names in children's books, including previous visitors to these shores Katherine Rundell and Maisie Chan. We also have a silver-lamé-bedecked Alex T Smith talking Nutcrackers and all things festive. We kick things off, though, with a tribute to that giant of a man Benjamin Zephaniah, whose body of work included some of the greatest poems for children of recent times - including the immortal hymn t...2023-12-1457 min
Front RowShane Meadows on the British film industry, Children’s books round-up, the Turner PrizeShane Meadows talks about his unconventional journey into the British film industry and his vision for more diversity in film, as he prepares to give the David Lean lecture at BAFTA.The founders of independent publishers Oneworld, Juliet Mabey and Novin Doostdar, discuss their Booker Prize hat trick as Paul Lynch becomes the third of their authors to win the prestigious literary prize.Which books will be a hit with the children in your life this Christmas? Children’s broadcaster Bex Lindsay has a run down of the outstanding titles she’d recommend.
And Front Row...2023-12-0542 minThe Island of Brilliant!J.T. WilliamsJ.T. Williams is the author of the incredible Lizzie and Belle Mysteries, featuring two girls who spend their time solving mysteries in 19th Century London - who better to come along to the island to try and solve the great mystery of the ages: why can't Frank get the name of the Ukelele Uff trio right? Though she's going to need more time to crack that particular conundrum, J.T. is more than up to the job of keeping Nadia and Frank enraptured with her tales of the real people Lizzie and Belle are based upon. Another strike-out o...2023-12-0154 minThe Island of Brilliant!Liz PichonShe may have sold over 11 million copies in 44 languages of her Tom Gates series but that doesn't mean Liz 'The Toaster' Pichon doesn't have time to swing by the island to chat with two of her biggest fans - Frank and Nadia. Being a publishing phenomenon, it seems, doesn't stop you being a wonderful human being and a brilliant guest...
BookTrust's Emily Drabble recommends
World of Dogs by Carlie Sorosiak and Luisa Uribe (Nosy Crow)
The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Melissa Castrillion (Usborne)
What you Need to be Warm...2023-11-0159 min
Experience the Story, Anywhere, Anytime With Free AudiobookGrimwood: Let the Fur Fly! Audiobook by Nadia ShireenListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 719059
Title: Grimwood: Let the Fur Fly!
Author: Nadia Shireen
Narrator: Adam Buxton
Format: Unabridged
Length: 03:01:01
Language: English
Release date: 10-31-23
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genres: Kids, Animals & Nature, Humor
Summary:
A mysterious new fox! A daring mission! Glitter cannons galore! Your favorite fox cub siblings are back with an all-new wildly funny story that will have kids (and their grown-ups) laughing out loud.
Fox siblings Ted and Nancy love their new life in Grimwood––the forest where anything can happen. But the mayor of neighboring town Twinklenuts is on a...2023-10-313h 01Experience the Story, Anywhere, Anytime With Free AudiobookGrimwood Audiobook by Nadia ShireenListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 719058
Title: Grimwood
Author: Nadia Shireen
Narrator: Adam Buxton
Format: Unabridged
Length: 02:36:45
Language: English
Release date: 10-31-23
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genres: Kids, Animals & Nature, Humor
Summary:
Foxes on the run! A crabby cat out for revenge! Fox cub siblings Ted and Nancy are being chased by Princess Buttons––the scariest street cat in the Big City. Running for their lives, the pair flees for Grimwood—a peaceful town in the countryside. The only problem? Grimwood is NOT as they expected.
When Ted and Nancy arrive in Grimwood, instea...2023-10-312h 36
Book Delight with Chrissie WrightEp 16 - My Kid Needs a Book - Short Chapter BooksIn this episode, Chrissie responds to listener requests for short chapter book recommendations.FEATURED BOOKSChapter Books to Read Aloud to a First Grade Class:OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG by Lauren CastilloCORNBREAD AND POPPY by Matthew CordellFABLED STABLES by Jonathan AuxierTHE STORY OF GUMLUCK THE WIZARDHENRY LIKE ALWAYS by Jenn BaileySEARCH FOR A GIANT SQUID by Amy Seto ForresterGEEGER THE ROBOT GOES TO SCHOOL by Jarrett LernerFunny Short Chapter BooksPETS RULE! series by Susan TanRABBIT AND BEAR series by Julian GoughDORY FANTASMAGORY series by Abby HanlonLULU AND THE BRONTOSAURUS by Judith ViorstTHE...2023-10-2323 min