Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Cat Doyle, joins us back on the show to talk about her newest book – Pirates of Darksea
I chatted with Cat about creating her own fantastical world, emotions in books, and not underestimating young readers.
Cat was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us again.
Hey, hey, hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Rhian Tracey, joins us on the show to talk about her newest book – Hide and Seek.
I chatted with Rhian about historical settings and finding stories never told before.
Rhian was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us again.
Hey hey hey,
Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club, and come join us in the New Book Nook.
A cosy corner of the internet where we look a couple upcoming releases, coming out in the next month.
As there are tons of books released every month, these are just a few of the Middle Grade releases that we here at BKBC are excited for:
Book: Momo Arashima Breaks the Mirror of the Sun
Author: Misa Sugiura
Publisher: Penguin Randomhouse
Release Date: 07/03/2024
Momo Arashima just wants an ordinary life. But she’s about to become legendary . . .
After vanquishing a demon king, saving her mum, and reconnecting with her friend Danny, Momo ought to be living the life she’s always wanted. But lately Danny has been ditching her to hang out with mean-girl Ryleigh – and groups of children have begun vanishing without a trace. So when a whole group from Ryleigh’s exclusive birthday party becomes the latest to disappear, Momo and her friends (including Niko the fox) are left to fight a dangerous new enemy from Shinto legend.
This time they are up against Tamamo-no-mae – beautiful, bloodthirsty and manipulative, she’s the ultimate mean girl of the Kami-verse. To defeat her, Momo must travel to the Sky Kingdom and steal the legendary Mirror of the Sun. But if she’s going to survive monster ambushes, escape giant snakes, and pull off the heist of the millennium, Momo will have to find a way to work with her team (even Ryleigh), and grapple with the growing power that connects her with her storm god grandfather and her greatest foe – Izanami the Destroyer . . .
Book: Pirates of Darksea
Author: Catherine Doyle
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: 14/03/2024
Ruled by the Pirate King, Captain O’Malley, Darksea’s tranquil waters have, of late, been haunted by an invisible and deadly monster – a monster that is eating the once-beautiful islands in gigantic bites.
On the other side of the horizon, at his home in Galway, Max Reid and his family are battling a different monster. His big brother Christopher is in hospital and getting sicker – and his parents have begun to talk of miracles.
Then one night a loud, bright red parrot taps on Max’s bedroom window, carrying an invitation from the pirate king. Captain O’Malley needs a new crew member for a dangerous quest; and the reward is everything Max has been hoping for.
But in Darksea, not everyone is as they seem. When Captain O’Malley’s secret threatens to upend their mission and destroy Max’s chance to help his family, Max realises he’s going to have to navigate much more than he bargained for…
Book: Black Hole Cinema Club
Author: Christopher Edge
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Release Date: 14/03/2024
When Lucas meets his friends at the local cinema – nicknamed ‘The Black Hole’ – they’re excited about the movie marathon ahead. Non-stop action, blockbuster special effects and all the snacks they can eat. But as the lights go down, Lucas, Ash, Maya, Caitlin and Finn watch in disbelief as a jet-black tidal wave comes crashing out of the cinema screen and the five friends find themselves swept into an epic adventure.
Secret hideouts. Prehistoric monsters. Lost cities. Impossible missions. Being the hero of your own film should feel like fun. But as the cliffhanger scenes they’re pitched into become ever more perilous, Lucas and his friends start to wonder if these movies are really make believe. Can they save the day before the end credits roll? The fate of the world might just depend on it…
Book: Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels
Author: Ruth Lauren
Publisher: Little Tiger Press
Release Date: 14/03/2024
Ever since she fell into the Source of all magic, Tourmaline seems to have developed strange new powers that are causing chaos. She can’t work out how to control them and it’s exhausting hiding them from everyone (except her best friends George and Mai). Then Tourmaline receives a mysterious postcard, promising her solutions and sending her on quests to amazing places. But who has sent Tourmaline the card? And will the adventure be worth the price for answers?
The second book in a fun, feminist fantasy adventure series, with a protagonist that flies off the page and into readers’ imaginations. Perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Vashti Hardy and Abi Elphinstone.
Book: Jayben and the Star Glass
Author: Thomas Leeds
Publisher: Hachette Publishing
Release Date: 28/03/2024
The second book in an incredible immersive fantasy series about a boy with no memories and a world that only he can save. Perfect for fans of Francesca Gibbons and The Land of Roar.
Jayben has realised his destiny as the Ninth Dreamer; he is the only one with the power to defeat Null, the villain who has been making everyone in the Elf World forget, but the Golden Torch has been stolen. Without it, Jayben must find another way to harness his power.
When Jayben finds a golden gemstone, he struggles to recall its significance. But a wise captain on board a great ship tells him that it’s an enchanted Star Glass gemstone, which could make Jayben powerful enough to defeat Null’s wickedness once and for all.
But Null is on the way to the sweltering desert of Fellooz, where there is an ancient tomb full of Star Glass gems, which will make Null three times more powerful with a single touch if held under the magical light of the impending solar eclipse.
Can Jayben beat Null to the tomb before the eclipse … and will he harness his powers before Null wipes everyone’s memories for ever?
That’s our picks for the upcoming Middle Grade releases for February 2024.
We can’t wait to dive into these books, and we hope that maybe you’re inspired to pick up one or two of them yourself.
If you do fancy picking them up and helping not only us out, but also independent bookshops, then consider grabbing them through our Bookshop.Org affiliate page: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bigkidsbookclub
Until next time, take care, stay safe, but most importantly – keep on reading.
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Liz Flanagan, returns to the show to talk about her newest book – The Pirate’s Dragon and the relaunch of her Legends of the Sky series with UCLan Publishing.
I chatted with Liz about swapping publishers during a series, the writing of dragons in different ways, and how a good villain makes all the difference.
Liz was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us again.
Check out Liz’s first episode with us about her book Wildsmith, on Episode 185
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Sam Sedgman, turns up to talk about his newest Middle Grade book – The Clockwork Conspiracy
I chatted with Sam about being using facts as foundations for narrative, plotting books with five act structures, and weaving in nerdiness into books.
Sam was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us again.
Additionally, we are also giving away a copy of the book – thanks to the lovely people at Bloomsbury – and to be in with a chance to win it, you can head over to our Twitter/X page and enter the competition!!
Fancy an extra entry? Well, if you enter the competition via Twitter/X and like this page (see below ) you’ll get yourself an extra entry into the prize draw!
Competition is open to UK residents only. Competition closes on 22/02/2024.
Winners will be announced on Twitter/X.
Good luck!
Hey, hey, hey…
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Sufiya Ahmed, returns to talk about her newest Middle Grade book – Time Travellers: Adventure Calling
I chatted with Sufiya about being crafting a time travel book, the secrets of Parliament, and the difference between Suffragettes and Suffragists.
Sufiya was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us again.
If you are interested in listening to our first episode with Sufiya, then check out Episode 158.
Additionally, we are also giving away 2 copies of the book – thanks to the lovely people at Little Tiger – and to be in with a chance to win one of the copies, you can head over to our Twitter/X page and enter the competition!!
Fancy an extra entry? Well, if you enter the competition via Twitter/X and like this page (see below ⬇️⬇️⬇️) you’ll get yourself an extra entry into the prize draw!
Competition is open to UK residents only. Competition closes on 15/02/2024.
Winners will be announced on Twitter/X.
Good luck!
Hey, hey, hey,
Welcome or welcome back to another episode here at the Big Kids Book Club. Today, we got looking back into the crypts of bookish history, looking for hidden gems of yesteryear!
Fear not, the TOMB RAIDER is here!
Title: VI Spy
Author: Maz Evans
Publisher: Chicken House
Pages: 336
Premise:
Divorce is tough for any kid. But when – like Vi’s parents – your mum is ex-secret service and your dad is a retired bad guy, ’till death do us part’ takes on a whole new meaning. And with her parents’ focus on each other, the real super-villains are having a field day.
To save her family – and the world – from evil domination, Vi must turn spy
Review:
I found this delightfully witty and with all the charm that Maz Evans brings to Middle Grade. The characters were unique but had a theme and balance, with enough of their focus being on the narrative growth of the plot, while the rest of their efforts being to entertain in hilarious ways.
I especially love the grandma, Independence Day, and the whole old people community of spies. There was enough twists and turns that kept me flipping through the pages at a bouncy pace, and wanting to come back to the book every time I put it down. I can see why this proved quite popular as a series as it really feels like a Disney film sort of novel – and no I don’t mean Wish grade Disney – I mean good Disney. It’s got that family film charm where the kids are laughing at the pure silliness of some of the situations, while there’s just the occasional wink to the parents who might be reading this to their kids.
The idea of super spies and how those normal every day troubles are just so much bigger (and weirder) for a family like that. And the fact that they are all named after holidays…. Chef’s kiss.
I’m so glad I dusted this off from the depths of 2021 (so far back… I know!), but it was one I missed when it first came out, so I’m glad I could get to it a few years later.
Hey, hey, hey!
We’re back for 2024! Hope you’ve missed us.
After a difficult and very busy 2023, Emma and I are back with a bang.
In this episode I’ll be sharing our plans for the future and the year, along with 2 Middle Grade book reviews.
This week, we’re looking at – Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, and A Darkness of Dragons.
Hope you enjoy!
Hey hey hey,
Welcome or welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club and our brand new segment – Monday Musings.
It’s Monday, the week has just begun, and we have thoughts and feelings about things… let’s discuss them.
So, the plot of today’s musings is… Sprayed Edges.
Sprayed Edges on books. They look cool. They feel cool. But are they really cool? Or are they just there to get us to shell out for the slightly more expensive limited edition copy of our books.
Now, Sprayed edges aren’t exactly a common occurrence. They are something held in high regard in the bookish community, and something that only the best (or best marketed) books get a hold of.
And in the recent years, with the rise of books not only as objects for entertainment but also art, we’re finding more and more books getting these colourful editions given to them.
But why are we as a bookish community so obsessed with a little colour on the edges of our pages?
Well, let’s take a look at this trend as it’s crept into the zeitgeist of publishing from the 2010s to now.
With the explosion of YA as a niche part of the children’s literary space to it’s own fully fledged phenomenon — inclusive of its own sub-genres, tropes, and memes — there was the need to make books more eye-catching and standout from the mass media of the internet and other mediums which were flashier than the printed word had become.
Enter the age of the cover wars.
More and more foil lettering. Brighter tones and hues. Less drab depictions of the same reused stock art characters, and more time spent making those mini billboards we call book covers hook us in.
It was a time where even today you can almost age a book depending on the trends found on the cover. Was this book published in the pastel colour period? Or perhaps it was in that pop-art period, where all covers held the same sketched protagonist on the front? Was it in the bubble font months, or maybe in the time simply known as “The Blank of something and something else”.
And just as other trends can now carbon date our bookish tastes, so too can we see the increase in find other ways to have our books standout from the rest.
When the cover wars go stale, then where else is there to innovate.
Enter the time of the coloured edge.
Of course, it started out rather simple. We had a matching or blended colour sprayed onto the page edges, as though they themselves were an extension of the cover. These stole our attention away from the dreary and pale tones of off-white that had been the norm for so long.
Only it wasn’t to last.
Not when technology moves so fast that industrial spray machines are now clever enough to add patterns or stencils to those pages. To make the exterior now a singular marketing tool. A pleasing promise of the pages within, and the bounty we hope the story will produce.
And there’s no greater place we see this extension of sprayed edge editions as a marketing ploy, than through Covid — here comes the dawn of the box subscriptions!
Now, book box subscriptions had been a thing for while before Covid. Both Owlcrate and Illumicrate started life in 2015, and Fairyloot not far behind in 2016. These are still, to the time of writing this, some of the most popular YA — if not general literary — box subscriptions. But when the world stopped us physically being able to go out to our local library or bookstore, then the promise of a new book and tons of book adjacent goodies added gasoline to this practice, and with it the power these book box services had within the YA publishing landscape.
For what truly makes Owlcrate stand out from Illumicrate, or Fairyloot, etc…
Well… not much if you are just glancing at the basic product. But they each get something that the other doesn’t have.
It’s very own special edition copy of their book of the month.
Now, If you’ve been living under a rock for a while, he’s the scoop on how these boxes work.
You — the customer — pay a subscription for a box of goodies to arrive at your home every month. In this you’ll get a Hardback book – usually something released that month or very close, and a collective ton of knick knacks and treats (signed bookmarks, candles, fan art, tote bags, and more) which normally fit into a theme that the book is portraying.
Only, at least for the three examples above – Owlcrate, Illumicrate, and Fairyloot, this isn’t possible as the big three as I shall be calling them from now on are so vaunted, that they have extensive waiting lists to get your hands on them, and their editions are often sold out. Therefore, you’re not getting your hands on them, or their sweet, sprayed edge special editions.
This overdemand on the boxes comes back to our discussion on sprayed edges. In the recent years, publishers have used the power of the boxes to create one-shot editions of the normal book with changes exclusive to that brand. And one of the easiest ways to make an edition change from the bog-standard Hardback edition you’d find in any Barnes & Noble or Waterstones is the inclusion of limited edition sprayed edges. This trend is so ubiquitous with these boxes that to see a book without sprayed edges would be an earth-shattering revelation!
Now, I ain’t ragging on the use of these boxes as a way to bloat the market with sprayed edges on books. I like sprayed edges on books. I think they look amazing, and especially nowadays with the technology to apply patterns and symbology to the edges, truly makes books in pieces of art, even before you crease open that dust jacket.
But hear me out. That trend of having to have sprayed edges makes me wonder if we all love sprayed edges really, or if the publishers have simply made us think we love them but keeping them behind inaccessible barriers such these subscription boxes. Don’t’ get me wrong, it’s a 10/10 marketing ploy, and we as consumers have fallen for it hook, line, and sinker. Though I do wonder how much longer we can keep innovating on this gimmick. After all, there’s a new mass marketing tool in town — one that dwarves the subscription box — puts them to shame.
And its name is TikTok.
And it ain’t playing.
To be Continued…
Hey hey hey,
Welcome or welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
So, as the podcast begins to awaken from it’s hiatus, we’re excited to reveal some of the upcoming episodes for February, and also explain how the podcast will work for 2024.
We’re moving from a new podcast every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, to just Fridays. 1 Episode a week. This is to make things just a little more manageable for us and to avoid some of the burnout that hurt us last year.
We will still be releasing plenty of content, but some will be a shorter format on the website, rather than full length podcast episodes that take much longer to record and edit.
But what sort of things do we have in store?
Well we have the podcast obviously – and in February we’re speaking to some amazing Authors: Liz Flanagan, Sam Sedgman, and more.
Additionally, we’ll be adding up Written Reviews, Monthly Book Club chats,
Pre-Order and anticipated books, and a new segment called Tome Raider will have us looking back on some classic books from yesteryear.
This means more competitions, more books, more stories and hopefully more working with our wonderful publishers.
It’s looking like a good year, and one we hope you’ll join us for the journey!
Until next time, take care, stay safe, and most importantly… Keep on Reading.
Hey hey hey,
Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club, and come join us in the New Book Nook.
A cosy corner of the internet where we look a couple upcoming releases, coming out in the next month.
As there are tons of books released every month, these are just a few of the Young Adult releases that we here at BKBC are excited for:
Book: The Season for Scandal
Author: Laura Wood
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: 01/02/2024
Sequel to the Agency for Scandal –
An all-female detective agency righting wrongs at the end of the nineteenth century; infiltrating a scandalous upper class world straight out of Bridgerton and using their wit and bravery to unmask a villain.
When Marigold Bloom finds her family business in trouble a chance encounter with the devastatingly handsome and extremely bad-tempered Oliver Lockhart leads her to the Aviary – a secret agency of women who specialise in blackmailing troublesome men.
Soon, Mari is the agency’s newest recruit, sent to investigate the mysterious return of Oliver’s long lost sister. Forced to masquerade as a newly engaged couple, it is up to Mari and Oliver to determine if there is an imposter in their midst. But what happens when the line between truth and fiction starts to blur?
And what do you do when a pretend romance starts to feel all too real?
Book: A Cure Ever After
Author: Angharad Walker
Publisher: Chicken House
Release Date: 01/02/2024
Based in the same world as Once Upon a Fever –
The city of Lundain is battling strange illnesses brought on by excessive emotion.
The Guild of Medicine wants cures; the Guild of Finance sees only opportunity.
In this malignant world, two boys struggle to succeed. Kitt, who is suffering from Midas-fingers and turns whatever he touches to gold with dangerous consequences, and Os, a young doctor who has an unusual ability – to read the feelings of others.
Unless the boys can work together, a toxic disaster will end it all . . .
We spoke to Angharad about Once Upon a Fever back in Podcast Episode: 160 – listen to this here
Book: The Eternal Ones
Author: Namina Forna
Publisher: Usbourne Publishing
Release Date: 15/02/2024
Concluding the Gilded series in breathtaking style, The Eternal Ones finds Deka on the cusp of becoming a goddess – and anxious that her transformation will make her as evil as her enemies
Deka is a goddess-in-waiting with the potential to save her people from the brutal ancient goddesses who terrorize her kingdom of Otera. But first she must find her celestial essence – and if the Gilded Ones find it before she does, they will drain her power and tear Otera apart.
Alongside her army of friends, Deka faces the hardest battle of her life – not just with the goddesses but with her own doubts. What if becoming a goddess makes her as evil as the Gilded Ones? And is she ready to leave her earthly life and loves behind?
The Eternal Ones is the final thrilling installment of the epic fantasy series in which a young heroine fights against a world that would dare tame her.
Book: While You Were Dreaming
Author: Alisha Rai
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: 29/02/2024
In this debut contemporary YA romance by bestselling author Alisha Rai, adult romance writer.
It’s a classic story: girl meets boy, girl falls for boy, boy finally notices girl when he sees her in a homemade costume. At least, that’s what Sonia Patil is hoping for when she plans to meet her crush at the local comic-con in cosplay.
But instead of winning her crush over, Sonia rescues him after he faints into a canal and, suddenly, everything changes. Since she was in disguise, no one knows who the masked do-gooder was . . .but everyone is trying to find out. Sonia can’t let that happen—her sister is undocumented, and the girls have been flying under the radar since their mother was deported back to Mumbai.
Sonia finds herself hiding from social media detectives and trying to connect with her crush and his family. But juggling crushes and a secret identity might just take superpowers. Can Sonia hide in plain sight forever?
Book: Snowglobe
Author: Soyoung Park
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Release Date: 29/02/2024
WHEN YOU’RE INSIDE, THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING . . .
Raised in a climate-ravaged, frozen world, every day is a struggle for survival for Cho-bahm. Her only solace comes in the form of twenty-four-hour reality television shows, streamed directly from Snowglobe – the climate-controlled domed city at the heart of her world, and the only warm place left on the planet.
The citizens of Snowglobe have everything: fame, fortune and, above all, safety from the frigid wasteland outside their walls. In exchange, their lives are broadcast to the less fortunate of their world, who watch eagerly, hoping for the chance to one day become an actor themselves and join their ranks.
Cho-bahm is one of the dreamers. But her life changes in an instant when she is visited by two strangers from Snowglobe, who deliver earth-shattering news: Goh Haeri, Snowglobe’s biggest star has died – and because of Cho-bahm’s striking resemblance to her, she’s been chosen to take her place.
Given the chance of a lifetime, Cho-bahm agrees to enter Snowglobe and take on Haeri’s identity. Within the domed city’s walls, she will finally have the existence she’s always dreamed of – but if life in Snowglobe is so great, why did Haeri seem so desperate to escape it? And when everyone around you is a performer, how can you ever know what is reality, and what is created for the audience . . . ?
Published in English for the first time from its original Korean, the critically acclaimed Snowglobe is a page-turning thriller with twists around every corner.
That’s our picks for the upcoming Young Adult releases for February 2024.
We can’t wait to dive into these books, and we hope that maybe you’re inspired to pick up one or two of them yourself.
If you do fancy picking them up and helping not only us out, but also independent bookshops, then consider grabbing them through our Bookshop.Org affiliate page: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bigkidsbookclub
Until next time, take care, stay safe, but most importantly – keep on reading.
Hey hey hey,
Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club, and come join us in the New Book Nook.
A cosy corner of the internet where we look a couple upcoming releases, coming out in the next month.
As there are tons of books released every month, these are just a few of the Middle Grade releases that we here at BKBC are excited for:
Book: Dreamstalkers: The Night Train
Author: Sarah Driver
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: 01/02/2024
Everything changed the day the dreams disappeared… and the nightmares came.
Twelve-year-old Bea lives with her mother Ula and her owl Pip in a cottage on the wild moors. Since the day the dreams disappeared, and an affliction of nightmares began sweeping across the lands, everyone is leaving and their settlement is being abandoned. But when Ula grows sick with the affliction, she won’t leave – and she’s keeping a secret from Bea.
Just as Bea begins to despair, the mysterious Night Train steams across the moors, bringing a stranger who offers her the chance to save her mother. Bea is flung into a faraway adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers, skilled warriors and performers who must go to work each night inside the dreams of the powerful. But the nightmares are following close behind.
It’s time to board the Night Train and dive into an epic, magical adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers. (But beware the nightmares…)
‘A glorious world, a wild adventure and a fierce heroine. I can’t stop thinking about this book!’ – Robin Stevens on The Huntress: Sea
‘A new book by Sarah Driver is always something special – this does not disappoint. Vivid storytelling full of magic and sparkle from one of my favourite authors.’ Jasbinder Bilan, Costa award-winning author of Asha and the Spirit Bird on Once We Were Witches
Book: The Clockwork Conspiracy
Author: Sam Sedgman
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: 01/02/2024
The co-writer of the Adventures on Trains series spins a thrilling, brilliantly clever mystery through the streets of London.
Aspiring inventor Isaac Turner lives with his dad, the Chief Horologist in charge of Big Ben. But when his father vanishes from the belfry on the night the clocks go back, leaving behind only a smashed pocket watch and a cryptic message, Isaac determines to find him.
Hunting a trail of clues through London’s landmarks, Isaac uncovers a sinister plot in the gears of government and embarks on a race against time to save his father – and time itself.
We spoke to Sam, about his co-written Adventure on Trains series, back in Podcast Episode: 8 – Listen to it here
Book: The Pirate’s Dragon
Author: Liz Flanagan
Publisher: UCLan Publishing
Release Date: 15/02/2024
In the relaunch of the Legends of the Sky series, we now get the epic conclusion.
Serina and Raff live on separate islands, each believing the other’s people to be their sworn enemy. Forced together in dramatic circumstances, they become unlikely friends while caring for their young dragons. But when Serina’s home, family, and all the dragons of Arcosi are threatened, can Raff and Serina persuade their families to work together? It will take faith, forgiveness and courage to save the dragons!
We spoke to Liz about her other series, Wildsmith, in Podcast Episode: 185 – listen to it here
Book: Hercules: the Diary of a (Sort of) Hero
Author: Tom Vaughan
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: 29/02/2024
If Hercules Braver is going to survive his new secondary school, he has to live up to his name, fast. He needs to become strong and tanned and popular, like a Greek hero. Not weak and pale and unpopular, like a Greek yoghurt.
But his bid for popularity ends up saddling him with a set of impossible tasks… like cleaning out the monster-riddled school pond, facing up to the school bully and finding the headmaster’s missing cat.
Then Herc’s charming, impressive birth dad turns up after years living in Greece, and Hercules thinks his problems are solved. With God-like strength and awe-inspiring powers, could his dad even be … the real Zeus?! And will Hercules learn what it truly means to be a hero?
A hilarious, accessible package brilliantly illustrated by David O’Connell. Ideal for fans of Louie Stowell’s Loki, Maz Evans, Marvel’s Thor films and Disney’s Hercules. Hercules Braver’s ‘trials’ are loosely based on the first three Labours of Hercules, ideal for all young fans of Greek mythology!
We spoke to Tom about his previous book, A Gangster Stole My Trunks, in Podcast Episode: 149 – listen to it here
Book: The Secret of the Moonshard
Author: Struan Murray
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Release Date: 29/02/2024
Domino is an eleven-year-old girl with a strange affliction: if she goes anywhere near magic, it will kill her. All her life she’s been trapped in a floating laboratory, safe from magic but not from the cruel children and the crueler Science Barons who live there.
Domino believes the Barons are trying to invent a cure for her magic allergy, but when a mysterious wizard arrives and unleashes total chaos, she discovers that everything she’s been told is a lie.
Domino escapes to the wondrous city of Abzalaymon, its streets filled with marvels she’s never seen, from automobiles to televisions to hulking thunder lizards. But the Science Barons are on her trail, and Domino must brave a hidden realm of magic if she is to defeat their sinister plot and uncover a secret that might just save the world: the Secret of the Moonshard.
That’s our picks for the upcoming Middle Grade releases for February 2024.
We can’t wait to dive into these books, and we hope that maybe you’re inspired to pick up one or two of them yourself.
If you do fancy picking them up and helping not only us out, but also independent bookshops, then consider grabbing them through our Bookshop.Org affiliate page: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bigkidsbookclub
Until next time, take care, stay safe, but most importantly – keep on reading.
Yes, you heard it here 1st.
We’re coming back from the Dead.
The podcast and website are coming back for 2024.
We’re still tweaking some of what it will look like but we’ve touched base with all our friends in the publishing industry and we’ll be bringing you a bucket load of content over the course of the year.
This might include podcasts, but also content TikTok, X, and also here on this channel.
So, welcome back, or hello for the first time if you’re new here, we hope you enjoy what we do.
All the best,
The Big Kids Book Club Team
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Triona Campbell, joins us to talk about her debut Young Adult novel, A Game of Life or Death.
I chatted with Triona about being a debut writer, the gamification of the narrative, and incorporating previous knowledge into writing.
Triona was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of A Game of Life or Death head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #ShackleComp and tell us what game you’d win if your life was on the line!
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 1st March
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Ian Eagleton, joins us to talk about her debut Middle-grade novel, Glitter Boy.
I chatted with Ian about writing picture books, the challenges of writing as a new parent, and promoting LGBTQ+ history and community in his books.
Ian was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Glitter Boy head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Glittercomp and tell us your favourite music artist.
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 24th February
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
It’s Thursday, so what should we talk about today? How about new books!
Today we look at a book that’s either just been released or soon to be
hitting shelves, but either way, they should be on your wish lists!
Today’s book: Jayben and the Golden Torch by Thomas Leeds
Publisher: Hachette Books
Pages: 288
Release Date: 02/02/2023
Can one boy with no memories save the world?
In the Earth world, a boy dreams of faraway lands to escape life with his horrible aunt. In the Elf world, he wakes up with a mysterious golden torch but without any clue who he is …except for the compass he pulls from his pocket, engraved with one name: Jayben.
Jayben discovers that many moons ago, a giant put a dark spell on the golden torch, and the elves forgot everything that had come before. Now they hang precious memories in jars on trees, just to try to remember. But a new darkness grows among them.
An evil villain called Null is burning down the forests, hellbent on finding the torch and becoming the most powerful being ever to live. If Jayben can find his own magic and ignite the torch with its fierce violet flame, his power will be unstoppable … Can Jayben save the world before the lights go out forever?
A story of courage, hope and friendship. Whatever pages are missing in your story, you can be the hero on the next page.
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Colm Field, joins us to talk about her debut Middle-grade novel, Kyan Green and the Infinity Racers
I chatted with Colm about writing neurodivergent characters in books, the wonder of Edinburgh, and having books turned into TV and the reality behind it.
Colm was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Kyan Green head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #RacerComp and tell us your cool race driver knickname.
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 22nd February
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
It’s Tuesday, so what should we talk about today? How about new books!
Today we look at a book that’s either just been released or soon to be
hitting shelves, but either way, they should be on your wish lists!
Today’s book: Glitter Boy by Ian Eagleton
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 304
Release Date: 02/02/2023
A Polari-Prize-winning author presents an unforgettable story about a boy facing up to bullying – and his own truths.
James loves dancing, poetry, and Mariah Carey (not in that order, though, because Mariah would obviously be first!). His teacher, Mr Hamilton, is getting married to his boyfriend and it seems that James will be part of a surprise choir performance at the wedding.
But James’s father seems uncomfortable about the plan, and a lot of other things – like any mention of Mr Hamilton, and James’s dancing, and how James talks about his new friend Joel. Meanwhile, a different boy has been harassing James at school and calling him gay, and it’s getting worse every day. James can find relief with his beloved Nan, she’s been having worrying falls, and James can’t tell anyone, or she might be sent to a faraway care home.
The secrets are building up, and James is starting to lose his characteristic spark. Can he find the strength to let the truth out? A joyful, raw and timely novel about family, friends, enemies, and being true to who you really are.
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Elle McNicoll, joins us to talk about her newest Middle-grade novel, Like a Curse.
I chatted with Elle about writing neurodivergent characters in books, the wonder of Edinburgh, and having books turned into TV and the reality behind it.
Elle was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Like a Curse head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #CurseComp and tell us your favorite mythic animal.
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 17th February
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Naomi Gibson joins us to talk about her newest YA novel, Game Over Girl.
I chatted with Naomi about writing STEM in YA characters, creating book ideas from writing workshops, and also getting to travel thanks to her book’s success.
Naomi was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Game Over Girl head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #GameOverComp and tell us your favorite Video game
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 15th February
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Amy Sparkes joins us to talk about her newest Middle-Grade novel, The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond.
I chatted with Amy about starting out as picture books, then moving onto chapter and middlegrade books, about meeting characters while re-writing her ideas, and exploring writing a series one book at a time.
Amy was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Beyondcomp and tell us what everyday object you wish could be magic!
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 10th February
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
It’s Thursday, so what should we talk about today? How about new books!
Today we look at a book that’s either just been released or soon to be
hitting shelves, but either way, they should be on your wish lists!
Today’s book: The Storm Swimmer by Clare Weze
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 336
Release Date: 19/01/2023
The author of The Lightning Catcher is back with an exciting, imaginative and heartfelt middle grade novel perfect for fans of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant and The Shark Caller.
Summer was supposed to be Ginika’s time for fun, friends and fairs. But instead, she’s been sent to live at the dead-end seaside boarding house her grandparents run. Even though her parents say it’s just for a little while, she can’t help feeling abandoned and heartbroken to be missing out on everything she loves back home.
And then she meets Peri. He leaps and dives through the water like a dolphin and he talks like a burst of bubbles. He’s not exactly a mermaid, but he’s definitely something Ginika’s never seen before. His family is far away too, but unlike Ginika, he loves his independence.
As Ginika shows Peri her world, she starts to feel free as well. They don’t need anyone else when they’ve got each other.
But then the lights and noise of the human world start to change Peri. And when things spin out of control, Ginika must be the bravest she’s ever been to face her fears and make the hardest decision of her life.
Join Ginika and Peri as they dive beneath the waves and walk the lands that will take them into each other’s worlds on an adventure they will never forget and a life-changing friendship.
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
It’s Tuesday, so what should we talk about today? How about new books!
Today we look at a book that’s either just been released or soon to be
hitting shelves, but either way, they should be on your wish lists!
Today’s book: There’s a Beast in the Basement! by Pamela Butchart
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Pages: 224
Release Date: 12/01/2023
Chaos and mayhem reign as Izzy and her friends take on another hilarious (mis)adventure. There’s no such thing as an ordinary day at school when they’re around…
Izzy and her friends overhear their head teacher talking about “missing treasure” and “running out of time”. They know this means there’s treasure buried in the school somewhere and that Mr Graves wants it all for himself. So Jodi says they’ve got to find it first, and they should start by searching the staffroom.
After seeing things they will never forget, they head to the basement. Gary Petrie’s dad is working down there and he’s seen something shiny! So they send Zach’s cat down with a camera strapped to her head and study the footage carefully. What they see is shocking and changes everything. It’s not treasure in the basement, it’s a beast with shining eyes and it’s coming to get them! Run!
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Liz Flanagan joins us to talk about her newest Middle-Grade series: Wildsmith.
I chatted with Liz about her writing for different age ranges, blending animal conservation into fantasy, and how baby dragons are like kittens.
Liz was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Wildsmith head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Wildsmithcomp and tell us what endangered animal you’d like to save!
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 3rd February
Woah. Yes, you read that right!
Now, you can listen to our podcast on Youtube – but we intend to do some other cool things on the channel – from live events, travel blogs, and bookish bonuses – we’re not entirely sure.
But we’re excited to try it and see where it goes!
Interested?
Find out more below:
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
It’s Tuesday, so what should we talk about today? How about new books!
Today we look at a book that’s either just been released or soon to be
hitting shelves, but either way, they should be on your wish lists!
Today’s book: The Infinite Questions of Dottie Bing by Molly B. Burnham
Publisher: Penguin Putnam
Pages: 208
Release Date: 17/01/2023
An enchanting middle grade about navigating the odd spaces between grieving and everyday living, and learning to carry sadness in one hand, and joy in the other.
Ten-year-old Dottie Bing is a problem-solver and question-asker who is never more gleeful than when she’s encountering a new dilemma— whether it’s her own, or someone else’s. But when her Grandpa Walter comes to stay (and stay, and stay!) he brings the biggest question that Dottie has ever encountered: How do you heal a broken heart?
You see, Grandpa Walter is grieving the loss of his beloved wife, Dottie’s Grandma Ima. Even though she knows every solution starts with a question, for the first time in her life, Dottie isn’t sure what to ask.
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Cynthia Murphy joins us to talk about her latest YA Thriller, The Midnight Game.
I chatted to Cynthia about her career as an author, keeping track of plot twists and breadcrumbs, and adding supernatural elements to her books.
Cynthia was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Midnight Game head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #MidnightComp and tell us your greatest fear!
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 27th January
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
It’s Tuesday, so what should we talk about today? How about new books!
Today we look at a book that’s either just been released or soon to be
hitting shelves, but either way, they should be on your wish lists!
Today’s book: Saving Neverland by Abi Elphinstone
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Pages: 320
Release Date: 05/01/2023
Number 14 Darlington Road, looks like a perfectly ordinary townhouse – at first glance, anyway, but magic is good at hiding . . . when it’s waiting for the right person to discover it.
Martha Pennydrop is ten, and desperate to grow up. But growing up is a tricky business. It means turning your back on imagination, fun and magic, because those were the things that led to the Terrible Day when something awful nearly happened to Martha’s younger brother, Scruff, which would have been All Her Fault. But when Martha and Scruff discover a drawer full of mysterious gold dust in the bedroom of their new house – along with a window that’s seemingly impossible to close – it’s the start of an incredible adventure to a magical world:
Neverland!
The Pennydrop’s new house used to belong to another family – the Darlings – who once visited this world themselves. Now Peter Pan is back, and in need of their help. Neverland is in the icy grip of a terrible curse – cast long ago by Captain Hook. And only Martha and Scruff can save it . . .
A reluctant Martha and excited Scruff are swept off to Neverland and into the company of the Lost Kids. But when Scruff is kidnapped, Martha must rediscover all the imagination, magic and belief she has buried deep inside herself for so long, to save him – and Neverland itself.
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Jennifer Claessen, joins us to talk about her Debut Middle-Grade novel, The October Witches.
Emma chatted with Jennifer about gender-bending the Merlin legend, coming up with witchy worlds, and the joys of bringing a debut novel to life.
Jennifer was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
It’s Tuesday, so what should we talk about today? How about new books!
Today we look at a book that’s either just been released or soon to be
hitting shelves, but either way, they should be on your wish lists!
Today’s book: Valentine Crow & Mr Death by Jenni Spangler
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 320
Release Date: 19/01/2023
Twelve-year-old Valentine Crow has lived his entire life at the Foundling Hospital. Now, he and his best friend Philomena are leaving to begin their new lives as apprentices – but Valentine has been assigned to Death himself.
Valentine finds himself in an impossible situation when his best friend’s name appears on the list of souls to take. Can he fight Death to save her soul, or does fate have other ideas?
Distinctive, warm and funny, the highly-acclaimed Jenni Spangler returns with a richly imagined world perfect for readers of The Beast and the Bethany and Lemony Snickett.
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Carlie Sorosiak, joins us to talk about her latest Middle-Grade novel, Always Clementine.
I chatted with Carlie about animal influences in her writing, getting in the mind of our beloved animal companions, and writing a novel in letter form.
Carlie was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
It’s Thursday, so what should we
talk about today? How about new books!
Today we look at a book that’s
either just been released or soon to be
hitting shelves, but either way, they should be on your wish lists!
Today’s book: The Night Animals by Sarah Ann Juckes
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Pages: 288
Release Date: 05/01/2023
Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month for January 2023
Uncover the ghost animals within in this moving and uplifting story about finding help where you need it, from the highly acclaimed author and illustrator of The Hunt for the Nightingale.
Nora’s mum has good days and bad days, but the bad days are getting worse. It’s been just the two of them for always, and they don’t need anyone else. When the rainbow-shimmering ghost animals Nora used to see when she was small start to reappear, she’s convinced that they hold all the answers. Along with new friend Kwame, Nora follows a glittering ghostly fox, hare, raven and otter on the adventure of a lifetime, helping her to find the strength she needs to help her family.
In a heartbreaking and hopeful narrative, Sarah Ann Juckes’ stunning novel, illustrated by the award-winning Sharon King-Chai sees a brave young girl face down her ghosts. For fans of The Last Bear and Julia and the Shark.
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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode,M A Bennett, joins us to talk about her latest Middle-Grade novel, The Mummy’s Curse.
I chatted with Marina about starting her writing career with the STAGS YA series, the differences between writing middle-grade & YA, and history research in mystery novels.
Marina was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.
It’s Tuesday, so what should we talk about today? How about new books!
Today we look at a book that’s either just been released or soon to be
hitting shelves, but either way they should be on your wish lists!
Today’s book: The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond by Amy Sparkes
Publisher: Walker Books
Pages: 256
Release Date: 05/01/2023
Adventurous, magical and brilliantly funny next book in the House at the Edge of Magic series.
Nine and her friends have cured the house’s hiccups and are off to the strange and utterly unpredictable Back of Beyond in search of Professor Dish – Spoon’s best friend and partner in all things alchemy.
When they find Dish trapped by the greedy witch Ophidia in the basement of a particularly marvellous shop, it soon becomes clear they’re going to need something more than Flabberghast’s dicey magic and Nine’s quick thinking to triumph this time. What they really need is a rather clever witch – one particularly good at curses…
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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, David Ross – one half of the author team behind The Three Hares series, with Scott Lauder, joins us to talk about book 3 of the series – The Terracotta Horse.
I chatted with David about blending research with fiction to make a good story, as well as what it’s like to co-write a story.
David was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.
Be sure to check out more Children’s Fiction from Neem Tree Press on their website – https://neemtreepress.com/book-category/childrens-young-adult
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Sam Thompson joins us to talk about his sequel to Wolfstongue – The Fox’s Tower.
I chatted with Sam about his follow-up to Wolfstongue, the reception the first book received, and the details of moving the story along.
Sam was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.
Be sure to check out more from Sam on his website – https://samthompsonwriter.com/
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Jodie Garnish, joins us to talk about her debut Middle-Grade novel, The Spectaculars.
I chatted with Jodie about her writing journey, from stage to stories and travels aborad.
Jodie was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Jessica Vitalis, joins us to talk about her latest Middle-Grade novel, The Rabbit’s Gift
I chatted with Jessica about her writing journey, the art of writing craft, and blending new takes on myth.
Jessica was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Katy Birchall, joins us to talk about her latest Middle Grade novel, The Vampire Slayer’s Survival Guide.
I chatted to Katy about her writing journey, and more.
Katy was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Deb Mercier & Ryan Jacobson, joins us to talk about their Choose Your Own Path series!
I chatted with both Deb & Ryan in this double header episode about their writing process, writing books that engage readers and more
Deb & Ryan was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
Check out more from them at https://lake7creative.com/
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Aislinn O’Loughlinn, joins us to talk about her debut Young Adult novel, Big Bad Me.
I chatted to Aislinn about her writing journey, from Ireland to Canada and back again.
Aislinn was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Big Bad Me head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Badcomp and tell us what super you’d like to gain on a full moon?
(UK residents only)
The competition closes midnight on 17th October
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Amy Huberman, joins us to talk about her debut middle grade novel, The Day I Got Trapped In My Brain.
I chatted to Amy about her career from actress to author, writing tough scenes, and how to get writing down in a busy home.
Amy was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Day I Got Trapped In My Brain head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #BrainComp and tell us what would be the main attraction for your own imagination world.
(UK residents only)
The competition closes midnight on 14th October
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Sabina Khan, joins us to talk about her latest novel, Meet me in Mumbai
Emma chatted to Sabina about her writing experiences, the link between family and fate, and more…
Sabina was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
Find out more about Sabina’s books here: https://sabina-khan.com/
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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Finbar Hawkins, joins us to talk about his second YA novel, Stone.
I chatted to Finbar about writing scripts then books, struggling to write pain on the page, and more.
Finbar was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OCvpMgmRc37vXoCxrmHJh?si=771d7114726b49fd
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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Victoria Williamson, joins us to talk about her latest novel, War of the Wind
I chatted to Victoria about her always writing, how being a teacher helped her as a writer, and more.
Victoria was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of War of the Wind head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #WindComp and tell us of a unique way the wind could help our day to day lives?
(UK residents only)
The competition closes midnight on 7th October
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Anne-Marie Conway, joins us to talk about her latest novel, How to be More Hedgehog
I chatted to Anne-Marie about her inspirations as a drama teacher, how characters come from very real sources, and more.
Anne-Marie was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of How to Be More Hedgehog head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #HedgehogComp and what creature you’d like to be more of?
(UK residents only)
The competition closes midnight on 5th October
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Reece Carter, joins us to talk about his debut middle grade novel, The Girl, The Ghost, and the Lost Name.
I chatted to Reece about coming up with spooky stories, his love of writing from school, and not being held back when writing.
Reece was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Girl, The Ghost, and the Lost Name head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Ghostcomp and tell us what place you’d like to haunt.
(UK residents only)
The competition closes midnight on 3rd October
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, we go back into the depths of our archives to reveal our talk with Kieran Larwood, author of the 5 Realms series.
Kieran and I chatted about the fantasy stories that inspired him, how his drawings fuelled his imagination, and the joy of 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!
The Competition is closed on this archive episode.
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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Amy McCaw, joins us to talk about her latest YA novel, Mina and the Slayers
I chatted to Amy about her love of gothic novels, New Orleans as inspiration and more.
Amy was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Mina and the Slayers head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #MinaComp and what creature of the night would you prefer to be turned into?
(UK residents only)
The competition closes midnight on 23rd September
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, C. G. Moore, turns up to talk about his newest Young Adult book – Trigger
I chatted with Chris about being writing in verse, the need to talk to young people about difficult subjects, as well as conversations about inspiration and the writing journey.
Chris was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us again.
bigkidsbookclub.com 