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.