The Big Kids Book Club Podcast

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Lauren James, author of the YA sci-fi fiction - including the Quiet at the End of the World and Loneliest Girl in the Universe. Lauren and I chatted about how writing through lockdown, how she wanted to be a scientist and how that impacts her writing and of course her two novella's written with Barrington Stoke: The Starlight Watchmaker and The Deep Sea Duke. Lauren was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a a copy of both the Starlight Watchmaker and The Deep Sea Duke. , then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #DukeComp and tell us when in time you'd like to like to visit (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 12th March.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our Mid-Week review 📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot, Pacing, Characters, Style, Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy Publisher: Scholastic Age Range: 7+ Genre(s): Steampunk/Adventure Page Count: 348 Star Rating:  4.4⭐(out of 5)

Hey, hey, hey! It’s a new month so I’m joined by Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) as we look at romance as February is the month of St Valentine's. We ponder first loves, romance and friendships and talk about our book recommendations and TBR boosters. ----------------------------------------------------- Books talked about in this episode: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz (YA) Proud of Me by Sarah Hagger-Holt (MG) Paper Towns by John Green (YA) Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon (YA) Kingdom of Thorns by Katherine Macdonald (YA) Counting Down to You by Tashie Bhuiyan (YA) ----------------------------------------------------- We also want to give a big shout out to: Onwe Press - https://www.onwe.co/ Black Lives Matter - https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Campaign Against Climate Change - https://www.campaigncc.org/ ----------------------------------------------------- So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast Follow us on Twitter: @Bigkidsbookclub

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our Mid-Week review 📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot, Pacing, Characters, Style, Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- The Last Last Day of Summer by Lamar Giles Publisher: Versify Publishing Age Range: 9+ Genre(s): Action/Mystery Page Count: 304 Star Rating:  4.4⭐(out of 5)

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Alex Bell, author of the YA horror fiction and the middle grade Polar Bear Explorer's club joins me on the show. Alex and I chatted about how she wrote her first novel while studying to become a lawyer in university, trying several genres and the freedom to write for yourself, as well as her new series set in the Polar Bear world. Alex was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of the Ocean Squid Explorer's Club, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #SquidComp and tell us where you'd like to go exploring. (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 26th February.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our Mid-Week review 📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot Pacing Characters Style Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- When You Trap A Tiger by Tae Keller Publisher: Penguin Random House Age Range: 10+ Genre(s): Fantasy/Contemporary Page Count: 304 Star Rating:  4.2⭐(out of 5)

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Jennifer Bell, author of the Uncommoners Series, Agents of the Wild and Wonderscape, joins me on the show. Jennifer and I chatted about how working in a book shop inspired her to write, her list of historical heroes and the wonders of the animal world. Jennifer was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! (Apologies for any audio difficulties) ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of the Wonderscape, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #WonderComp and tell us a historical figure you'd like to spend the afternoon with. (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 19th February.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our Mid-Week review 📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot Pacing Characters Style Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- WInter of the Wolves by Tony Bradman Publisher: Bloomsbury Age Range: 10+ Genre(s): Historical Fiction Page Count: 152 Star Rating:  4⭐(out of 5)

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Jasbinder Bilan, author of the Asha and Spirit Bird, and Tamarind and the Star of Ishta, joins me on the show. Jasbinder and I chatted about finding magic in books, wishing to get transported to other worlds through wardrobes, and of course the inspiration she had writing her books, inspired greatly from her childhood. Jasbinder was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of the Tamarind and the Star of Ishta, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #TamarindComp and tell us where you'd like to be transported to through a secret magical garden. (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 12th February.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our Mid-Week review 📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot Pacing Characters Style Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James Publisher: Walker Books Age Range: YA Genre(s): Sci-FI Page Count: 352 Star Rating:  4.2⭐(out of 5)

Hey, hey, hey! It’s a new month so I’m joined by Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) as we start the year afresh, with new hopes and ideas. We talk about the debuts that excited us and looked at the challenges new debuts face in an ever enlarged market. ----------------------------------------------------- Books talked about in this episode: Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (MG) Cogheart by Peter Bunzl (MG) This is my America by Kim Johnson (YA) Dream Country by Ashaye Brown (YA) The Weather Weaver by Tamsin Mori (MG) ----------------------------------------------------- We also want to give a big shout out to: Onwe Press - https://www.onwe.co/ Black Lives Matter - https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Campaign Against Climate Change - https://www.campaigncc.org/ ----------------------------------------------------- So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast Follow us on Twitter: @Bigkidsbookclub

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our new podcast segment. We're calling it our MID-WEEK REVIEW!!! .... you know, because it's a book review... in the middle of the week? 😂📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot Pacing Characters Style Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- Dragon Mountain by Katie and Kevin Tsang Publisher: Simon and Schuster Age Range: 9-12 Genre(s): Fantasy  Page Count: 336 Star Rating:  4⭐(out of 5)

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Serena Patel, author of the Anisha: Accidental Detective series, joins me on the show. Serena and I chatted about her inspirations and journey writing Anisha, the success it's had, and what makes a good middle grade mystery. Serena was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of the Anisha: Accidental Detective, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #AnishaComp and tag somebody you'd make a good detective partner! (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 29thJanuary.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our new podcast segment. We're calling it our MID-WEEK REVIEW!!! .... you know, because it's a book review... in the middle of the week? 😂📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot Pacing Characters Style Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- The Humiliations of Welton Blake by Alex Wheatle Publisher: Barrington Stoke Age Range: 11+ Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction Page Count: 138 Star Rating:  3.8⭐(out of 5)

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Taran Matharu, author of the Summoner and Contender Series, joins me on the show. Taran and I chatted about his journey to publication, finding inspiration in historical settings, and blending his time as an author and a book publisher. Taran was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of the Chosen, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #ChosenComp and tag somebody you'd want to fight by your side in a fantasy death-match! (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 22nd January.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our new podcast segment. We're calling it our MID-WEEK REVIEW!!! .... you know, because it's a book review... in the middle of the week? 😂📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot Pacing Characters Style Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- Now or Never - A Dunkirk Story by Bali Rai Publisher: Scholastic Age Range: 9 - 12 Genre(s): Historical Fiction Page Count: 204 Star Rating:  4.4⭐(out of 5) For fans of: Mohinder's War(Bali Rai/Bloomsbury) & Voices Series(Various/Scholastic)

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Emma Carroll, queen of middle-grade historical fiction, joins us on the show. Emma and I chatted about finding inspiration in historical events, how working as an English teacher balanced with her life as an author, and the makings of a good ghost story. Emma was great to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Ghost Garden, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #GhostComp and tell us who you'd like to go ghost hunting with. (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 15th January.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our new podcast segment. We're calling it our MID-WEEK REVIEW!!! .... you know, because it's a book review... in the middle of the week? 😂📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot Pacing Characters Style Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- A Place Called Perfect by Helena Duggan Publisher: Usbourne Age Range: 9 - 12 Genre(s): Mystery Page Count: 352 Star Rating:  3.4⭐(out of 5) For fans of: Cogheart (Peter Bunzl/Usbourne) & Malamander (Thomas Taylor/Walker Books)

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Kieran Larwood, author of the 5 Realms series, stops by the clubhouse to talk about his stories. Kieran and I chatted about the fantasy stories that inspired him, how his drawings fuelled his imagination, and the joy at winning the Blue Peter Award Kieran was so fantastic to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Pokin One-Ear, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #PodkinComp and help us name our new magic weapon for Podkin to use to take on the Gorm! (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 8th January.

Ho, ho, ho! It’s Christmas, so I’m joined by Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year.  Thank  you for your support this year.  See you in 2021!! ----------------------------------------------------- So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast Follow us on Twitter: @Bigkidsbookclub

Ho, ho, ho! It’s a new month so I’m joined by Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) as we get into the winter cheer with a series of wondrously winter books. We also put some Christmas films on the naughty and nice lists. Find out if your favourite Christmas film made it onto the list.  ----------------------------------------------------- Books talked about in this episode: The Mouse and His Child by Russell Hoban (MG) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis (MG) The Polar Bear Explorers' Club by Alex Bell (MG)  Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson (YA) Victor and Nora: a Gotham Love Story  by Lauren Myracle (YA) Frostheart by Jamie Littler (MG) ----------------------------------------------------- So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast Follow us on Twitter: @Bigkidsbookclub

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Peter Bunzl, author of the Cogheart series, stops by the clubhouse to talk about his stories. Peter and I chatted about how working in animation made him adapt to writing middle grade, finding the mystery in stories and new upcoming novels. Peter was so fantastic to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Cogheart, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #CogheartComp and tell us what you'd name your own steampunk airship. (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 18th December.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our new podcast segment. We're calling it our MID-WEEK REVIEW!!! .... you know, because it's a book review... in the middle of the week? 😂📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot  Pacing  Characters  Style  Setting All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- Malamander by Thomas Taylor Publisher: Walker Books Age Range: 9 - 12 Middle Grade Genre(s): Adventure Mystery Page Count: 304 Star Rating:  4.4⭐(out of 5) For fans of: Storm Keeper's Island (Catherine Doyle/Bloomsbury) and Wildspark (Vashti Hardy/Scholastic)

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Alwyn Hamilton, author of The Rebel of the Sands trilogy drops in to chat to me and Emma about her books. We talk about seeking stories with skillful protagonists, Alwyn writing her "almost" book and how it inevitably led to her trilogy. For Emma and myself, it was an extra special interview. Alwyn was an amazing guest and we're so happy to have her on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Rebel of the Sands, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #RebelsComp and tell us what magical 1 power you'd want to have. (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 11th December.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our new podcast segment. We're calling it our MID-WEEK REVIEW!!! .... you know, because it's a book review... in the middle of the week? 😂📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot Pacing Characters Style Setting All the catergories are ranked from five, added together and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey Publisher: Scholastic Age Range: 7 - 11 Chapter Books Genre(s): Superhero Comedy  Page Count: 125 Star Rating:  4.2⭐(out of 5) For fans of: Marvel Rocket and Groot (Tom Angleberger/Egmont/Disney) & Dog Man (Dav Pilkey/Scholastic)

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview. In this episode, Alastair Chisholm, author of The Prince, the Witch, the Thief and the Bears series, Inch and Grub, and sci-fi smash hit, Orion Lost, stops by the clubhouse to talk about his stories. Alastair and I chatted about how writing puzzles helped Alastair with plots, telling stories inspired by his own daughters, and finding sci-fi books that came from a love of Dr Who and Star Trek. We also talk about the Giving Tree - A charitable initiative run through Blackwell's in Edinburgh looking to gift children in need a book this christmas. Find link to it here: https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghGivingTree  Alastair was so fantastic to have on the show and we are super grateful he was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Orion Lost, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #OrionComp and tag the somebody who'd you want to be your 2nd in command on your spaceship. (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 4th December.

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to our new podcast segment.  We're calling it our MID-WEEK REVIEW!!! .... you know, because it's a book review... in the middle of the week? 😂📚🎙🎧 Each week, we're going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it's any good! Our rating system is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at: Plot Pacing Characters Style Setting All the catergories are ranked from five, added together and divided by 5 to give a final rating! This week's episode features: ----------------------------------------- The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier (Illustrated by Douglas Holgate) Publisher: Egmont (UK) / Penguin (US) Age Range: 7 - 11 middle grade Genre(s): Action/Adventure + Sci-Fi Page Count: 225 Star Rating:  4.6⭐(out of 5) For fans of: 13 Story Treehouse (Andy Griffiths& Terry Denton) / Knights and Bikes (Gabrielle Kent & Rex Crowle)

Hey, hey, hey! It’s a new month so I’m joined by Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) as we storm the barricades of Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction in this our REVOLUTION themed episode. We talk about rebellion in books, how bookish rebellions can open our eyes to real revolutions in our world today, and finding freedom fighters that are as diverse as we all our. ----------------------------------------------------- Books talked about in this episode: Divergent by Veronica Roth (YA) The Last Human by Lee Bacon (MG) Dangerous Remedy by Kat Dunn (YA) Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (YA) Maze Runner by James Dashner (YA) Fawkes by Nadine Brandes (YA) ----------------------------------------------------- We also want to give a big shout out to: Onwe Press - https://www.onwe.co/ Black Lives Matter - https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Campaign Against Climate Change - https://www.campaigncc.org/ ----------------------------------------------------- So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast Follow us on Twitter: @Bigkidsbookclub

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s episode of the Big Kids Book Club. In this episode, Guy Bass, author of over 30 books, including the Spyosaur, Stitchhead, Skeleton Keys, and Dinkin Dings series stops by the clubhouse to talk about his books. Guy and I talk about how drama school influenced his writing, the fun you have writing heroes and monsters (with a little bit of alien thrown in) and how narrating his books allows him to connect through lockdown.  Guy was an amazing guest and we are super grateful he was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Skeleton Keys: The Unimaginary Friend, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #SkeletonComp and tell us what imaginary friend you would like to have (or maybe did?) (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 27th November.

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s episode of the Big Kids Book Club. In this episode, J.M.Lee, author of The Dark Crystal Prequel YA novel series and upcoming The Nightland Express (Erewhon, March 2021) joins us to talk about his writing career to date. Joe and I talk about entering writing competitions on a whim, writing in Hollywood for huge multi-format projects, and finally taking road trips as part of historic research for his new book. Joe was an amazing guest and we are super grateful he was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of J.M.Lee’s Shadows of the Dark Crystal, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #ShadowsComp and tell us what fantastical world you’d like to visit. It could be Thra or some other world? (US residents only) The competition closes midnight on 20th November.

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week's episode of the Big Kids Book Club. In this episode, Tom Palmer, author of over 30+ books including Roy of the Rovers, Football Academy, and many historical fiction novels,  joins us in the clubhouse to talk about his journey as a children's author. Tom and I talk about finding ways to read growing up, learning to write stories with confidence, and running school visits online in the current covid climate. Tom was an amazing guest and we are super grateful he was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Tom's latest novel, After the War, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #AftertheWarComp and tell us your peaceful place. It could be a specific or general place. (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 13th November.

It’s a new month so I’m joined by Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) for a spooktacular Halloween episode that looks at all things horror and spooky-kooky in middle grade and young adult. Includes guest appearances by Dracula, Frankenstein, and a spooky ghost. ----------------------------------------------------- Books talked about in this episode: Something Wicked this Way Comes by Ray Bradbury Coraline by Neil Gaiman Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy Carrie by Stephen King The Monsters of Rookhaven by Padraig Kenny Potkins and Stubbs by Sophie Green ----------------------------------------------------- So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast Follow us on Twitter: @Bigkidsbookclub

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week’s episode of the Big Kids Book Club. In this episode, M.G.Leonard & Sam Sedgman, author of the Adventures on Trains Series join us in the clubhouse to talk about their journey working together as children authors. We chat about visiting the national railway museum https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/ , creating real journeys through characters and research, the twist of mysteries, and their shortlist for the ‘Books are my Bag Awards’ – you can vote for the Highland Falcon Thief here: https://www.nationalbooktokens.com/vote Maya and Sam were fantastic guests and we are super grateful they were able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Highland Falcon Thief, head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #AOTComp and tell us a Fantasy or Sci-Fi train journey you’d like to go on? (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 30th October and the winner will be contacted on the 31st.

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week's episode of the Big Kids Book Club. This episode, Vashti Hardy, author of Brightstorm Series and the Blue Peter award-winning Wildspark, joins us in the clubhouse to talk about her journey as a children's author. Vashti and I catch up on writing stories that create a spark of adventure, winning the award of a lifetime, and sneaking in creative writing journals into every lesson! Vashti was an amazing guest and we are super grateful she was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Vashti's award-winning novel, Wildspark, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #WildsparkComp as tell us your favourite animal/personifate (Made up animals are accepted!) (UK residents only) The competition closes midnight on 23rd October and the winner will be contacted on the 24th.

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week's episode of the Big Kids Book Club. This episode, Jemma Hatt, author of Adventurers series joins us in the clubhouse to talk about her journey as a children's author. Jemma talks about how family holidays growing up gave her the inspiration for her books, as well as working with a German publisher while not speaking a word of German! Jemma was a fantastic guest and we are super grateful she was able to join us on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Jemma's 1st novel, The Adventurers and the Cursed Castle, then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #AdventurersComp as well as tag THREE friends who you'd like to on an adventure with. (UK residents only - sorry) The competition closes midnight on 16th October and the winner will be contacted on the 17th.

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week's episode of the Big Kids Book Club. This episode, Dan Walker, author of Sky Thieves and Light Hunters joins us in the clubhouse to talk about his journey as a children's author. Dan talks about his experiences, including his near-misses and struggles early on in his writing career to his new work and narrating his 1st audiobook Dan was so much fun and we were very grateful to have him on the show. Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Dan's book Light Hunters, head over to Twitter and find us @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a message with the hashtag #SquadJunoComp, and include into it your favourite monster! It could be fictional or real, but the scarier the better. (UK residents only - sorry) The competition closes midnight on 9th October and the winner will be contacted on the 10th.

So as we seemed to have talked a bunch this month, we return to the 2nd half of our monthly podcast session! We continue with myself,  Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) as we recount our “Back to School” reads and books we're looking forward to reading (or have already read in Rab's case!) ----------------------------------------------------- Books talked about in this episode: I’d tell you I love you, but then I’d have to kill you by Allie Carter (Real Name - Sarah Leigh Fogleman) Skellig by David Almond Kid Normal by Greg James and Chris Smith A Dangerous Game by Malorie Blackman The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Dear Martin by Nic Stone The Vanishing Stairs by Maureen Johnson ----------------------------------------------------- So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast Follow us on Twitter: @Bigkidsbookclub

It’s a new month so I’m rejoined alongside Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) looking at our favourite “Back to School” reads and taking some time to ponder about why School-based stories are so numerous and captivate us. ----------------------------------------------------- Books talked about in this episode: The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy Animorphs by K. A. Applegate The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff ----------------------------------------------------- So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast Follow us on Twitter: @Bigkidsbookclub

Hey hey hey! Welcome back to this week's episode of the Big Kids Book Club.  This episode, Thomas Taylor, author of Malamander and Gargantis joins us in the clubhouse to talk about his journey from children's book illustrator to middle-grade maestro.  Thomas talks about his experiences, including almost giving up writing to find his inspiration wash up ashore while walking his dog on the beach.  Thomas was a fantastic guest and had some great insights to share and explore.  Enjoy! ***COMPETITION*** If you want to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Thomas' book Malamander, then head off to Twitter and find us @BigKidsBookClub. There you can find our competition post which you'll need to Like and Retweet with the hashtag #MalamanderComp as well as tag THREE friends who you'd like to spend the day at the seaside with.  (UK residents only - sorry) The competition closes midnight on 17th September and Winner will be announced on the 18th. 

This month we trial a new format as I'm joined alongside Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) as we talk about what makes a Summer Read as well as talk about some of the books we've been reading recently and looking forward to reading.  Books discussed in this episode: Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion Dry by Jarrod and Neal Schusterman Malamander by Thomas Taylor The Pearl in the Ice by Cathryn Constable Breathless by Jennifer Niven All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton (Part of the Rebel of the Sands Trilogy) So put your feet up, throw on some shades and pour yourself a cocktail as we dive into the Summer reading vibes. --- Our next Big Club Book Club will return in September.

Welcome to this special edition of The YA Guy Podcast! Today's head-to-head battle, features Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief vs Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in this Debut edition of FANTASY FIGHT CLUB. What's FANTASY FIGHT CLUB? Well... you'll have to listen and find out! :D If you enjoyed this, please consider giving it a LIKE. The more you like and share, the more I can grow this podcast and my channel. Stay safe, take care and keep on reading.