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Episode 186: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Amy Sparkes

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.

Episode 186: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Amy Sparkes – The Big Kids Book Club Podcast

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

***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

Featured

TBR Thursday

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.

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TBR Tuesday

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!

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Episode 185: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Liz Flanagan

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

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We have a Youtube!

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:

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Tuesday TBR Teasers

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.

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Episode 184: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Cynthia Murphy

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

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Thursday TBR Teaser

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.

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Episode 183: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Jennifer Claessen

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.

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Tuesday TBR Teaser

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.

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Episode 182: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Carlie Sorosiak

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.

Featured

Thursday TBR Teaser

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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Episode 181: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – M A Bennett

Hey hey hey!

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.

Featured

Tuesday TBR Teasers

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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Thursday TBR Teaser

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: All Four Quarters of the Moon by Shirley Marr Publisher: Usborne Books Pages: 336 Release Date: 05/01/2023 Everything so far, if Peijing had to sum it up, was a string of small awkward experiences that she hoped would end soon. The night of the Mid-Autumn festival, making mooncakes with Ah-Ma, was the last time Peijing remembers her life being the same. Now facing a new home, a new school and a new language, everything is different. Peijing thinks everything is going to turn out okay as long as they all have each other. But cracks are starting to appear in the family. Biju, lovable but annoying, needs Peijing to be the dependable big sister. Ah-Ma keeps forgetting who she is; and Ma Ma and Ba Ba are no longer themselves. Peijing has no idea how she’s supposed to cope with the uncertainties of her own world while shouldering the burden of everyone else. If her family are the four quarters of the mooncake, where does she even fit in? A big-hearted, magical story about sisterhood and a family finding their way in a new place.

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Episode 180: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – David Ross

Hey hey hey!

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

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Episode 179: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Sam Thompson 2

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/

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Episode 178: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Jodie Garnish

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.

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Episode 177: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Jessica Vitalis

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.

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Episode 176: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Katy Birchall

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.

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Episode 175: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Deb Mercier & Ryan Jacobson

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/

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Episode 174: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Aislinn O’Loughlinn

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

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Episode 173: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Amy Huberman

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

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Episode 172: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Sabina Khan

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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Episode 171: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Finbar Hawkins

Hey hey hey!

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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Episode 170: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Victoria Williamson

Hey hey hey!

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

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Episode 169: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Anne-Marie Conway

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

Featured

TBR Tuesday

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 Girl, the Ghost and the Lost Name by Reece Carter

Publisher: Usborne Publishing

Pages: 352

Release Date: 29/09/2022

Maybe some ghosts enjoy walking through walls and being invisible – not me. I never asked to be a kid ghost.

With no memory of the kid she was before she was taken by the Witches, Corpse is bound to haunt the rock-that-doesn’t-exist for ever.

Until she learns of a treasure, one that can reunite Corpse with her family and her name.

She must set off for answers, on a journey across the stormy sea, battling magic, zombie-skeletons and monsters.

But the Witches want the treasure too. And they’ll do anything to get to it first.

Welcome to Elston-Fright, a forgotten town where witches lurk, sea monsters roam and a girl is on the hunt for answers…

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Episode 168: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Reece Carter

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

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Archive Delving – Episode 22: Big Kids Book Club – Author Interview: Kieran Larwood

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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TBR Tuesday

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: As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Pages: 448

Release Date: 15/09/2022

Burning with the fires of hope and possibility, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow will sweep you up and never let you go.

Salama Kassab was a pharmacy student when the cries for freedom broke out in Syria. She still had her parents and her big brother; she still had her home. She was even supposed to be meeting a boy to talk about marriage.

Now Salama volunteers at a hospital in Homs, helping the wounded who flood through the doors. She knows that she should be thinking about leaving, but who will help the people of her beloved country if she doesn’t? With her heart so conflicted, her mind has conjured a vision to spur her to action. His name is Khawf, and he haunts her nights with hallucinations of everything she has lost. But even with Khawf pressing her to leave, when she crosses paths with Kenan, the boy she was supposed to meet on that fateful day, she starts to doubt her resolve in leaving home at all.

Soon, Salama must learn to see the events around her for what they truly are-not a war, but a revolution-and decide how she, too, will cry for Syria’s freedom.

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Episode 167: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Amy McCaw

Hey hey hey!

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

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Episode 166: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Sarah Todd-Taylor

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Sarah Todd-Taylor, joins us to talk about her latest MG novel, Alice Eclair Spy Extraordinaire

I chatted to Sarah about her love of trains, all things spying, and more!

Sarah 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 Alice Eclair Spy Extraordinaire head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub. Send us a tweet using the hashtag #EclairComp and tell us your favourite sweet treat

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 21st September

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TBR Tuesday

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: Stone by Finbar Hawkins

Publisher: Head of Zeus / Zephyr Publishing

Pages: 288

Release Date: 01/09/2022

When Sam, grieving the death of his father, finds a silver-flecked stone, ice-cold to the touch, strange and eerie things begin to happen.

Myth, legend, magic and witchcraft mingle on the ancient hillside where the chalk white horse has galloped for centuries. Ravens wheel. Wolves prowl.

As Halloween draws close, witches dance. Odin gathers brave, fallen warriors to his side.

Only the mysterious new girl, Oona, can heal Sam’s heart, revealing tarot secrets with her bewitching ways.

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Episode 165: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – James Nicol

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, James Nicol, joins us to talk about his latest middle grade novel, The Spell Tailors

I chatted to James about memory tins, how the story becomes the readers when authors are done, and more.

James 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 Spell Tailors head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Tailorscomp and tell us what magical piece of clothing you’d love to own?

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 19th September

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Episode 164: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Natalie C Parker

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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Natalie C Parker, joins us to talk about her debut MG novel, The Devouring Wolf.

I chatted to Natalie about werewolf facts, setting her werewolves in Kansas, and writing MG over YA.

Natalie was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.

You can find more about Natalie and her books on her website: https://www.nataliecparker.com/

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Episode 163: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Will Taylor

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Will Taylor, joins us to talk about his newest middle novel, The Language of Seabirds.

I chatted to Will about his writing journey, writing feelings for the first time, and how much of a history nerd he is at heart.

Will was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.

Check out more about Chris and his books at https://www.willtaylorbooks.com/

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Episode 162: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Chris Whitaker

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Chris Whitaker, joins us to talk about his Debut young adult novel, The Forevers.

I chatted to Chris about success in writing, writing adult vs YA novels, and a whole lot more.

Chris was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.

Check out more about Chris and his books at https://www.chriswhitaker.com/

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Episode 161: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Catherine Doyle

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Catherine Doyle, joins us to talk about her latest MG novel, The Lost Girl King.

I chatted to Catherine about Celtic mythology, Tír na nÓg, and writing multiple books at once.

Catherine 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 Lost Girl King head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Kingcomp and tell us who you’d cross the world to save?

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 9th September

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Episode 160: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Angharad Walker

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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Angharad Walker, joins us to talk about her latest novel, Once Upon a Fever.

I chatted to Angharad about writing children’s fiction by accident, crafting the story through lockdown, and finally getting to see it out in the world.

Angharad 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 Once Upon a Fever head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Fevercomp and tell us if you’re the more level headed sibling, or the rebellious/adventurous one?

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 7th September

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Tuesday TBR Teasers

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: Space Blasters: Suzie Saves the Universe by Katie Tsang & Kevin Tsang

Publisher: Farshore

Pages: 224

Release Date: 04/08/2022

From the authors of the Dragon Realm and Sam Wu series comes a rip-roaring intergalactic adventure featuring a gadget-obsessed girl who gets sucked into her favourite sci-fi TV show.

Save the universe in the awesome and hilarious new space-themed adventure series from bestselling authors Katie and Kevin Tsang!

Suzie Wen LOVES gadgets and inventing things – but her inventions don’t always turn out how she expects… and when Suzie invents the Super 3DTV Gizmo she ends up getting transported into her favourite TV show – Space Blasters!

On board the space ship with Captain Jane, Spaceman Jack and alien with attitude Five-Eyed Frank, Suzie is soon exploring new planets – like the smelly Planet Cheddar – and meeting plenty of aliens. But when moons start disappearing, it’s up to Suzie to save the universe. Can she put her inventing skills to use? And will she ever get home?

STEM themes woven throughout, including real mindbending space facts and pages from Suzie’s inventors’ notebook.

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Episode 158: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Sufiya Ahmed

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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Sufiya Ahmed, joins us to talk about her latest novel, Rosie Raja – Churchill’s Spy.

I chatted to Sufiya about writing books, history of heroes in WW2 and more.

Sufiya 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 Rosie Raja – Churchill’s Spy head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Rosiecomp and crack this code – ..-. .-. . . -.. — —

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 26th August

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Episode 157: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Kita Mitchell

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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Kita Mitchell, joins us to talk about her latest novel, Don’t Tell Mum I made a Mammoth.

I chatted to Kita about writing books, working for Fireman Sam, and how her daughters give her book ideas.

Kitawas 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 Don’t Tell Mum I made a Mammoth head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Mammothcomp and tell us what animal you’d like to bring back from extinction.

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 24th August

Featured

Tuesday TBR Teasers

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: Ember Shadows and the Fates of Mount Never by Rebecca King

Publisher: Hachette

Pages: 256

Release Date: 18/08/2022

In a land trapped by fate, only courage can re-write the future.

In the magical village of Everspring, everyone receives a fate card before their twelfth birthday, sent down from the mysterious Mount Never. It tells them their purpose, their profession and how old they’ll be when they die.

Nearly 12-year-old Ember Shadows has always believed she is destined for great things. But when her fate card arrives, it’s blank. What does that mean? Then, worse still, her sister’s card decrees she will die before her next birthday. No way is Ember’s going to let that happen.

Determined to challenge what – or who – is responsible for these cards, Ember sets off up the mountain, a place no one is allowed to go. She encounters forbidden realms full of magic, trickery and curious creatures. In a thrilling race through a magical landscape, Ember Shadows must uncover the secret behind the fate cards in order to save her sister …

But will Ember like what she finds at the top of the mountain?

With hints of Alice in Wonderland, shades of The Phantom Tollbooth and echoes of Pixar’s Inside Out, this a thrilling, warm-hearted race through magical realms, a classic magical adventure, beautifully illustrated throughout.

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Episode 156: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Louise Finch

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Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Louise Finch, joins us to talk about her Debut Novel, The Eternal Return of Clara Hart.

Emma chatted to Louise about tackling

Louisewas 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 Eternal Return of Clara Hart head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Claracomp and tell us what day you’d like to live on repeat.

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 19th August

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Episode 155: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Janelle McCurdy

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Janelle McCurdy, joins us to talk about her Debut Novel, Mia and the Lightcasters.

I chatted to Janelle about taking ten years to get published, Digimon, and video games influence on her writing.

Janelle 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 Mia and the Lightcasters head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Miacomp and tell us what 2 animals you’d combine to make your own unique Umbra.

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 17th August

Featured

Tuesday TBR Teasers

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: Alex Neptune: The Dragon Thief by David Owen

Publisher: Usborne Publishing

Pages: 256

Release Date: 04/08/2022

Meet Alex Neptune, the boy with the power of the ocean in his hands – a brand-new hero for fans of Percy Jackson and Dragon Realm!

For as long as Alex Neptune can remember, the ocean has been trying to kill him. So he’s not too happy when a bunch of sea creatures drag him to the abandoned aquarium on the hill, where an imprisoned water dragon needs his help. But how can he say no to a magical myth?

Recruiting his tech-genius best friend Zoey, legend-lover Anil, a sharp-shooting octopus, four acrobatic otters and a thieving seagull, Alex plots a heist to break the dragon out. And suddenly discovers the power of the ocean at his fingertips…

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Episode 154: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – David Owen

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, David Owen, joins us to talk about his Debut Middle Grade – Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief

I chatted to David about environmental issues, seaside mythology and whether or not seagulls count as sea animals??? You decide!

David 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 Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Neptunecomp and tell us what’s your favourite sea creature?

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 12th August

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Episode 153: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Kate Foster

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Kate Foster, joins us to talk about her debut novel here in the UK, PAWS.

I chatted to Kate about writing autistic characters, the friendship between dogs and people, and the balance of being an author.

Kate 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 PAWS from Walker Books – Out 4th August

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Episode 152: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview – Fleur Hitchcock

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Fleur Hitchcock, joins us to talk about her latest novel, Mouseheart.

I chatted to Fleur about writing in cities she knows, blending fact and fiction, and writing mysteries from back to front.

Fleur 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 Mouseheart head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Mousecomp and tell us your favourite play or musical

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 8th August