Mostly Book Talk
by Katy Donnelly and Alison Palmer
Latest episode
If the Invader Comes by Tom Palmer - the first in a new WW2 trilogy…
If the Invader Comes by Tom Palmer - the first in a new WW2 trilogy…
About this podcast
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 reading-rich environments, you will find it here. From picture books to young adult novels, we highlight new releases, hidden gems, and must-read favourites that are sure to grow your 'To Be Read' pile.
Tune in for thoughtful conversations and inspiring ideas that make reading irresistible for every young reader.
- Perfect for educators, school librarians, and book-loving families
- New episodes regularly featuring authors, reading experts, and literacy advocates
- Build reading cultures, spark book buzz, and celebrate the joy of stories
Subscribe now and join a community committed to making reading a pleasure.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 86 episodes
- If the Invader Comes by Tom Palmer - the first in a new WW2 trilogy set in Cornwall · 38 min · Episode 60We talk with Tom Palmer about his latest book, If the Invader Comes, the first in a trilogy of books set in Cornwall. Published by Barrington Stoke in a dyslexia friendly format…
- National Year of Reading - Letterbox Library · 37 minFor 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…
- Fred the Very Demanding Deer - with author and illustrator Pépé Smit · 30 min · Episode 59In this episode we talk with Pépé Smit about her picture book Fred the Very Demanding Deer which is published by Scallywag Press and translated from Dutch. We were lucky enough…
- National Year of Reading - Literacy Hive · 15 minFor 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…
- National Year of Reading - The Children's Literacy Charity · 17 minFor 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…
- National Year of Reading - English and Media Centre · 30 minFor 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…
- National Year of Reading - Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award · 18 minFor 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…
- National Year of Reading - BookTrust · 24 minFor 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…
- Time Tub Travellers - with author Claire Linney · 48 min · Episode 58We talk with Claire Linney about her Time Tub Travellers series, the third book of which is out at the start of October 2026. Inspired by reading Black Tudors: The Untold Story…
- Wild Magic with Abiola Bello · 44 min · Episode 57In this episode we talk with Abiola Bello - author, publisher and co-founder of the Diverse Book Awards. The third book in her Wild Magic series for younger readers is out and we…
- Author and Poet Dean Atta talks about his picture book, Auntie's Bangles · 35 min · Episode 56Welcome back to the new school year - we hope you had a great summer. September always feels the time for fresh starts and we are back after a bit of summer break. We have an…
- Fidan Meikle talks about her award winning middle grade book, My Name is Samim · 45 min · Episode 55Fidan Meikle is a multi-award-winning Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator. We talk with her about her debut middle-grade novel, My Name Is Samim, which is a…
- A feast of middle grade books! Interviews with Kristina Rahim and Cath Howe · 41 min · Episode 54In this episode we have a feast of middle grade books! We talk first to Kristina Rahim author of the very popular The Doughnut Club, about her second book Max and Ella Stuck…
- The Othernauts with Clare Pollard · 39 min · Episode 53We talk with author Clare Pollard about her new middle grade book The Othernauts. Based on the story of Jason and the Argonauts, we follow Phoebe who is bored of life on the…
- The Klaus Flugge Prize 2026 - the year's most exciting newcomers to children's book illustration · 27 min · Episode 52We talk to the chair of judges and the 2025 winner of The Klaus Flugge Prize for Illustration, Emma Farrarons. Emma won the prize in 2025 which is for the year’s most exciting…
- National Year of Reading - Canterbury Children's Literature Festival · 15 minWe talk to Bex Hughes about the upcoming Canterbury Children's Literature Festival which is on the 9th - 12th of July and also about Book Shop Crawl UK which hosts book shop…
- National Year of Reading - What on Earth! - Scientists Making a Difference · 18 minIn September 2026 all UK Secondary Schools will receive two copies of the book Scientists Making a Difference by Dr Shini Somara together with a pack of resources. This is a…
- Fairy Tales at the British Library - a Family Adventure through Enchanted Stories · 20 minJoin us as we talk to lead curators Alison Bailey and Laura Walker, of the British Library's Fairy Tales Exhibition. This interactive and child friendly exhibit is on until 23…
- Kid Rex to the Rescue with Mayo Agard-Olubo · 40 min · Episode 51Join us talking to Mayo Agard-Olubo about his debut picture book, Kid Rex to the Rescue, illustrated by Diane Ewen. Max's imagination transforms him into the superhero Kid Rex…
- The Carnegie Medal for Illustration Shortlist · 1 h 2 min · Episode 50Following on from episode 48 when we went through the Carnegie Medal for Writing shortlist together with expert Carnegie followers Alison Jewitt and Amy McKay, in this episode we…
