Library Girl and Book Boy

Today I get to interview the author and the illustrator of brilliant new chapter book, ‘Do Not Disturb the Dragons!’ - which is out NOW! Find out how Michelle plans her stories, why she dressed up as a sausage and how Sharon gets started on illustrating a story.

Find out how Neal has adapted to delivering poetry workshops during lockdown, why he shares his poems on YouTube & Twitter, and listen to him perform his brilliant poems. There are also pupil book reviews from Kempshott Junior School.

I talk with author Amanda Addison about her beautiful picture book about the dual migration of a young girl and a bird. Find out where Amanda’s inspirations came from and how she found the process of creating a picture book. I also have reviews from the lovely pupils of Kempshott Junior School.

This episode forms part of the blog tour for #TheVigilanteToothFairy, so make sure you look for other posts and interviews too. Find out how being seriously ill in hospital led to the the first seeds of ‘The Vigilante Tooth Fairy,’ why it’s important to believe in magic, and the power of school visits.

Keep up-to-date with the latest in children’s fiction with interviews from its authors and illustrators. Perfect for busy teachers, parents or creators of children’s books.

I talk to children’s author Laura James about creating her vibrant first picture book series, ‘Fabio The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective,’ and the ever so lovable ‘Captain Pug.’

I chat with Claire about her latest PickleWitch and Jack adventure - plotting, creating characters and writing rude ditties! I also have reviews of both PickleWitch and Jack titles from the pupils of Glenbrook Primary School and Steyning C of E Primary.

I chat with children’s author, Sylvia Bishop about her new title with Scholastic, ‘Trouble in New York.’ Find out how Sylvia chose her setting and how she likes to plot. You can also enjoy some reviews from our brand new pupil reviewers at Glenbrook Primary School.

The #Lollies2020 is one of the only awards solely for funny children’s books. It’s run by Scholastic with Michael Rosen as head judge. Today, I’m interviewing one of the nominated authors, Elaine Wickson, about her book ‘Planet Stan’ and it’s illustrator, Chris Judge, who’s piecharts and graphs are integral to the story.

Listen to author Lucy Christopher talk about the creation of her debut picture book, ‘Shadow’ from Lantana Publishing. Readable with multiple layers of meaning and with stunning illustrations, ‘Shadow’ would be an excellent vehicle to discuss loneliness with children. Make sure you visit Lantana’s website now to buy a copy because for every title purchased via their site, they’ll donate another to a U.K. children’s hospital.

This is a must-listen for fans of Eva Ibbotson because Sibéal has written a sequel to her classic magical adventure ‘The Secret Of Platform 13.’ I was fascinated to hear about the level of research Sibéal did to ensure her sequel was faithful to the style and tone of the original text!

Aisha talks to me about writing her first middle grade title, ‘A Pocketful Of Stars,’ (nominated for a CILIP Carnegie Medal 2020) and how it was adapted during editing to make it suitable for that age group. Also find out how inspiration for a major plot device struck after a night playing The Legend Of Zelda!

I chat with Jennie Poh about her route into illustrating children’s books and what inspires her work. Find out about the process behind creating the artwork for ‘The Pirate Tree’ by Brigita Orel (Lantana Publishing) - a gorgeous book about making friends and the power of the imagination. We also hear reviews from our brand new pupil reviewers at Ryefield Primary School.

I talk with inclusion expert Beth Cox and confidence coach Natalie Costa about their new series of books (Level Headers) aimed to help develop self-confidence and help children aged 6+ manage their emotions. A brilliant mental health tool for parents and teachers alike.

My first interview with a translator of children’s books (from Polish to English). I chat with Antonia Lloyd-Jones about translating ‘Oscar Seeks a Friend’ by Pawel Pawlak and the role she plays in promoting literature from other countries to U.K. publishers. Fascinating!

I chat with the author of Waterstones’ August Children’s Book Of the Month, Jenny McLachlan, about her new middle grade title ‘The Land of Roar’. Find out how her own childhood games inspired the magical kingdom of Roar and just what exactly playing the game ‘Witches and Glue Pots’ entailed! I also have have reviews of two new titles by the pupils of Steyning C of E Primary School.

I talk to writing and real life partnership about the newest instalment in their Sam Wu series (perfect for chapter book readers aged 6+). Find out how their own fears and families inspire their writing and their thoughts on BAME representation. The pupils of Steyning C of E primary also review titles from Eoin Colfer, Claire Barker and Morag Hood.

Listen to illustrator and author, Mickael, talk about the illustration process for his book with Ali Winter, ‘Peace and Me’ (Lantana Publishing), his involvement with Empathy Day and exciting future projects.

I chat with debut novelist Kirsty Applebaum about the inspiration and process behind creating her fantastic book - ‘The Middler.’ I also recommend some other titles by fellow Bath Spa MA alumni.

I chat with author Julie Pike about her debut novel, world building, the darker side of magic and medieval manuscripts! There are also plenty of recommendations for other magical titles to enjoy.

An interview with author Lorraine Gregory about her latest book, ‘The Maker Of Monsters.’ We chat about Frankenstein, creating monsters and rooting for the underdog. I also recommend some more creepy, gothic-tinged titles for middle grade readers.

I chat with David Solomons about the final instalment in his brilliant superhero series, ‘My Cousin is a Time Traveller,’ and find out about how to get the most from author visits. Make sure you follow #MyCousinIsATimeTraveller to join the blog tour fun and read exclusive interviews.

On the 3rd July, the 2019 CLiPPA winner will be announced. This is a long-standing award for poetry books run by the CLPE aimed at children from nursery to secondary school. I talk to chair of judges, the author and poet AF Harrold, about the short-listed titles, the selection process and the importance of poetry in schools.

Hear me chat with award-winning children’s author Christopher Edge about his latest middle grade title, discuss how to explain complex scientific theories so children can understand them and find out about his upcoming event at The Royal Institute in London.

I chat to the lovely Jennifer Killick about her latest funny, sci-fi laced book ‘Mo, Lottie and the Junkers,’ and recommend some other great reads with a time travel/ science theme.

In this episode I interview author and illustrator Duncan Beedie about his latest title ‘Molly’s Moon Mission’ about a Little moth with lofty ambitions and a bucketload of determination. I also have two more reviews from the lovely pupil librarians at Steyning C of E Primary School.

Book Boy and I were invited to play roving reporters at the 5th Barnes Children’s Literature Festival. We have exclusive interviews from Steven Butler & Steven Lenton, S.F. Said and The Parrot Street Book Club for you to enjoy.

In this episode I interview author Vashti Hardy about smash-hit debut ‘Brightstorm,’ her hotly anticipated second novel ‘WildSpark,’ and try to get some juicy tidbits about Brightstorm 2. I also recommend some other STEM-themed girl power-infused titles for fans who may have already enjoyed Vashti’s current titles.

I get to chat dinosaurs, pirates and Harry Potter with the fantastic author/illustrator Jonny Duddle And also hear some hot (approved) gossip about a collaboration with the beetle girl herself, M.G. Leonard.

In this episode I chat mutant zombies with author Matt Brown and recommend some other spooky, funny fiction for fans of frights and giggles (Tony de Saulles, Barry Hutchison, Pamela Butchart, Adam & Lisa Murphy).

Listen to find out more about this brilliantly funny but poignant story featuring involuntary animorphism and a good dollop of toilet humour (published by Penguin Books). You can also hear more reviews by the fantastic pupil librarians of Steyning C of E primary school. #FunnyBooksMatter

I chat with Jo Loring-Fisher about the process of illustrating the beautiful diverse picture book ‘Maisie’s Scrapbook,’ written by Samuel Narh (Lantana Publishing.) How are picture books now starting to reflect the realities of many families across the country?

This podcast is my stop on the blog tour for ‘The Boy Who Flew,’ by Fleur Hitchcock and published by Nosy Crow. We chat about subjects as diverse as ballgowns and baddies, as well as hearing about what Fleur has planned next. In case the interview has whet your appetite for some more brilliant titles by Fleur, I’ve rounded up her other Nosy Crow publications for you too. Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss out on next week’s episode featuring Jo Loring-Fisher chatting about diversity in children’s books.

I get to quiz James about the final instalment in the Apprentice Witch series, ‘A Witch Come True’ and reflect on the story now that I’m lucky enough to have read it! All as part of the book’s magical blog tour.

Gabrielle Djanogly joins me to talk about her innovative and insightful form-filling book ‘Sign Here’ (Prestel Publishing) and we have reviews from the pupils of Steyning C of E and Somerleyton Primary School.

In this episode I interview illustrator and author Steven Lenton about his involvement with World Book Day 2019, and his MANY upcoming new releases including an out-of-this-world ‘Shifty McGifty And Slippery Sam’ chapter book with Tracey Corderoy and the third instalment of the hilarious ‘Nothing to See Here Hotel’ written by Steven Butler and titled ‘Sea-ing is Believing.’ There are also more fabulous picture books in the pipeline - he’s a busy man! I also give you a rundown of this year’s exclusive £1 World Book Day titles and how you can get them in Braille or as audiobooks for visually impaired children.

In this episode I interview space enthusiast Stuart Atkinson about his beautiful non-fiction title ‘A Cat’s Guide to the Night Sky,’ as well as recommending some of my other favourite space-based titles from the Professor Astro Cat series, Mini Grey, poet and performer James Carter, Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre, and S.F. Said.

In this episode, I chat to Amber Lee Dodd about her magical new title with Scholastic: ‘Lightning Chase Me Home,’ as well as finding out more about her experiences of dyslexia whilst at school. You can also enjoy listening to pupils of Steyning C of E Primary school review titles from Nosy Crow (The Snow Sisters) and Studio Press (The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes: the Cherry in the Cake.)

I chat with Amy about her newest title, ‘Snowglobe,’ and fill you in on her previous two titles: the CILIP Carnegie nominated ‘A Girl Called Owl’ (2017), and ‘A Far Away Magic’ (2018). We also hear the pupils of Steyning Church Of England Primary School review Octopants (Little Tiger Press) and The Elephant Who Ate the Night (Everything With Words).

This podcast is actually a part of the blog tour for Karen McCombie’s newest middle grade title which has just been published by Nosy Crow: ‘Little Bird Flies,’ a historical novel set on the remote Scottish island of Tornish, where free-spirited Bridie longs for something more then the narrow, predictable life she currently leads. As well as this interview, you can find a written review on my blog www.librarygirlandbookboy.wordpress.com I also recommend another more light-hearted series of Karen’s, the St. Grizzle’s School for Girls titles, published by Stripes Books and illustrated by Becka Moor.

In the first episode of the New Year, I interview Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry about their new title, ‘You’re Snug With Me’ from Lantana Publishing and chat about the importance of diversity in children’s books. I also share recommendations by Benjamin Read & Laura Trinder, Cerrie Burnell and Kiran Millwood Hargrave. You can also discover more about who will be my next magical interviewee.

This is the final episode of the year, where I chat to the Book Trust writer in residence, Nicola Davies, about her Christmas title ‘The Dog That Saved Christmas’ featuring a little boy with ASD for whom Christmas is a tricky time of year (Barrington Stoke) I also recommend some fantastic first chapter books for readers aged 6+ (Winnie and Wilbur-The Santa Surprise, Lavinia and the Magic Ring, Shifty McGifty & Slippery Sam - Jingle Spells). Merry Christmas!!!

In this third festive podcast, I interview one of my favourite illustrators and authors, Elys Dolan, about her Christmas book, ‘Santa’s Wonderful Workshop,’ (and chat workers’ rights in Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory) and recommend some more brilliant books to give as Christmas presents this year (Sammy Claws, Last Stop On the Reindeer Express, Christmas Gremlins, and How to Hide a Lion at Christmas.) At the end, I reveal my next interviewee (it’s a great one!)

The second of my special festive podcasts featuring an interview with the hilarious picture book-creating duo of Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet. We chat about their latest title, ‘Snowball,’ as well as one of my favourites - ‘Supertato.’ I also share some more bookish Christmas gift suggestions and recommend some football-based titles for one of my listeners (including: Football School, Ultimate Football Heroes and Girls FC.)

In this Christmas episode, I interview author Tracey Corderoy about her new winter titles: ‘The Boy and the Bear,’ ‘The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel,’ and ‘It’s Christmas!’ I recommend some of my top Christmas book gifts for primary school-aged children (think Alex .T. Smith and Abi Elphinstone for the big ones, Madeleine Cook and Nicholas Allen for the littlies), and help out a listener looking for dinosaur book recommendations for a three-year-old - you can’t go wrong with Sarah McIntyre, Penny Dale and Emma Yarlett! #Christmas #gifts #dinosaurs

This is the very first episode of the Library Girl and Book Boy podcast, with a very special ‘Laugh Out Loud Book Awards’ theme (#Lollies2018.) Find out more about why poetry legend Michael Rosen was so keen to get involved with Scholastic to head up the judging panel, listen to this year’s judges being grilled by school-aged interviewers and learn a little more about all the fantastic nominees in each of the three categories (Picture Books, 6-8 readers, and 9-13 year old readers.) We also hear from Library Manager, Zak Collingwood about the impact being involved with the Lollies has had on his school. Finally, I give out some recommendations for a reader looking for alternatives to Wimpy Kid and some new graphic novel suggestions. Hear about the special guest (Tracey Corderoy) whom I’ll be interviewing on my upcoming Christmas podcast..... #Kidlit #LibraryGirlAndBookBoy #FunnyBookChat #Books