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PODCAST

Mostly Book Talk

Katy Donnelly and Alison Palmer

A podcast for teachers, librarians, and parents who are passionate about supporting children"s and teenagers" reading for pleasure. We dive into the vibrant world of children’s and YA literature, offering expert book recommendations, engaging author interviews, and practical advice on how to nurture a lifelong love of reading.Whether you’re looking to expand your classroom or library collection, discover fresh titles for your students or children, or explore proven strategies for creating

education books

All Episodes

40:01

Episode 36 - Nathanael Lessore, author of Steady for...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/10/12

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 Steady for This King of Nothing What Happens Online 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 autho...

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47:31

Episode 35 - Poetry by Heart, an interview with Dr...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/10/02

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 t...

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36:28

Episode 34 - Author Ashley Thorpe on his new middle...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/09/17

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 fo...

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44:58

Episode 33 - Maisie Chan talking about her latest...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/08/13

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 othe...

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53:51

Episode 32 - Pirate adventures with Justin Somper and...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/07/24

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 Demons of the Ocean Tide of Terror The Week Junior's Book Awards can be...

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31:09

Episode 31 - Tom McLaughlin and his graphic novel,...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/06/29

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: Alan King of the Universe The Day that Aliens (nearly) Ate our Brains The Day I Became the Most Wanted Boy in the World The Accidental Prime Minister You've Bee...

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44:00

Episode 30 - Jasbinder Bilan talking about her new...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/06/14

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 Naeli and the Secret Song Aarti and the Blue Gods Tamarind and the Star of Ishta Asha and the Spirit Bird India, Incredible India, illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti Xanthe and the Ruby Crown Calling the Whales, illustrated by Skylar White Nush and the Stolen Emerald Paloma and the Bear, illustrated by Skylar...

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57:21

Episode 29 - Carnegie Medal Chat and Predictions

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/06/07

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 Mean...

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38:45

Episode 28 - Cath Howe on Early Readers and the Call...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/05/30

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)...

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50:34

Episode 27 - Teresa Cremin - what the research says...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/05/25

In this episode we talk with Professor Teresa Cremin, the co-director of the Open University's Literacy and Social Justice Center, 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, ...

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42:35

Episode 26 - Lisa Thompson talking about her new book...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/05/16

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 The Goldfish Boy Owen and the Soldier The Treasure Hunters Sidney and Carrie Have a Party Worry Boots The Boy in the Tree The M...

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45:20

Episode 25 - An interview with Tom Percival, author...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/04/08

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) The Invisible Perfectly Norman The Bridges Squirrel and Duck - Mission Improbable Some...

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45:47

Episode 24 - Interview with Brogen Murphy about their...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/03/25

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. Send us a message

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30:28

Episode 23 - Interview with Darrell Wakelam about his...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/03/17

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 Send us a message

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36:55

Episode 22 - Beyond the Secret Garden - interview...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/03/12

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. Send us a message

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41:26

Episode 21 - Interviews with Rachel Fuller about her...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/02/08

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 in...

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46:24

Episode 20 - Author Susan Brownrigg and Publisher,...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/01/26

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.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 fou...

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49:08

Episode 19 - Interview with Lucy Ann Unwin, New...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2025/01/19

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.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 the book...

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65:00

Episode 18 - A feast of middle grade books -...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2024/12/22

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 Mak...

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36:49

Episode 17 - An interview with Rashmi Sirdeshpande...

Mostly Book Talk ·

2024/12/13

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.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...

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