Featured

Thursday TBR Teasers

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!

This week: The Rollercoaster Boy by Lisa Thompson

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 352

Release Date:  06/01/2022

Todd and Laurie’s dad is either on top of the world, taking them on fun adventures, or down in the depths and sleeping all the time. In the middle of the night, he bundles them into the car and drives them to the Paradise Hotel. He paints a picture of a luxurious mansion surrounded by acres of land – a fairground, a swanky swimming pool, a grand ballroom, firework displays.

The reality is a rundown dump – and the disappointment means Dad takes to his bed. Todd and Laurie have the run of the place, and meet Scout, the daughter of the owner, who tells them about the night many years ago when a famous novelist vanished from her room on the top floor, which was locked from the inside… with clues to crack, a mystery to solve, and Dad to worry about, this holiday is full of twists and turns.

A sensitive, empathetic portrayal of having a parent with bipolar.

Featured

Mid-week Review: Otherland

Welcome back for another Mid-Week review, a book review in the middle of the week (it’s kind of obvious by the title haha). Let’s take a look at this week’s book!

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This week’s review is:

Otherland by Louie Stowell

Publisher: Nosey Crow

Age Range: 9+

Genre(s): Middle Grade, Fantasy, Adventure

Page Count: 218

Star Rating:  4⭐ (out of 5)

Plot: 4 / Pacing: 4 / Characters: 4.5 / Style: 3.5 / Setting: 4

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!

This week: Into the Sideways World by Ross Welford

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Pages: 416

Release Date:   20/01/2022

The moving, funny, thrilling and adventured-filled new novel for readers of 10 and up from bestselling author Ross Welford.

When twelve-year-olds Willa and Manny hear of a mysterious animal prowling their town, they are determined to prove it is real. Following the creature into a cave one full moon, they are swept into an alternate, ideal, world – one where pollution and conflict have been conquered decades ago and even their own families seem happier.

But when they return, no one believes them. So, with a global war looming in their own world, their quest for proof of the Sideways World becomes ever-more urgent, in a nail-biting race against time.

And Willa and Manny will have to make an impossible decision: because once you find a perfect world, can you ever leave it behind?

Featured

Big Kids Book Club Podcast Episode 92: Author Interview – Gabriela Houston

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Gabriela Houston, author of the The Second Bell and The Wind Child, joins us on the show!

Gabriela and I talked about Slavic folklores, writing stories that deal with harsh truths, and the adventures of fairy tales reimagined. 

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Wind Child then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #WindChildComp and tell us your favourite thing about winter.

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 28th January.

Author Spotlight - Gabriela Houston (THE SECOND BELL) | The Fantasy Hive
Featured

Thursday TBR Teasers

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!

This week: Clementine Florentine by Tasha Harrison

Publisher: Uclan Publishing

Pages: 172

Release Date:   06/01/2022

Meet Clementine Florentine – a talented poet with a strong passion for Custard Creams! In an ingenious reverse ‘Parent Trap’, Clementine and her school nemesis Callum, have to work together to break Clem’s dad and Callum’s mum up, before they fall ‘in lurrrvee’ and the two poetry rivals end up step brother and sister!

However, an unlikely friendship with ageing punk icon Lyn Ferno and her chatty pet parrot Viv helps Clem to start seeing things differently. But by then, is it too late to undo the damage she’s caused?

Imagine a female Tom Gates with a touch of a young Adrian Mole and the warmth of Jacqueline Wilson, and you’ve got Clementine Florentine rolled up in one.

Featured

Mid-Week Review: The Wizard In My Shed: The Misadventures of Merdyn the Wild

Welcome back for another Mid-Week review, a book review in the middle of the week (it’s kind of obvious by the title haha). Let’s take a look at this week’s book!

—————–

This week’s review is:

The Wizard In My Shed: The Misadventures of Merdyn the Wild by Simon Farnaby

Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group

Age Range: 9+

Genre(s): Middle Grade, Humor, Adventure

Page Count: 384

Star Rating:  4⭐ (out of 5)

Plot: 4 / Pacing: 3 / Characters: 5 / Style: 4 / Setting: 4

The Wizard in My Shed: The Misadventures of Merdyn the Wild (Audio Download): Simon Farnaby, Claire Powell, Simon Farnaby, Hodder Children's Books: Amazon.co.uk: Audible Books & Originals
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!

This week: The Case of the Smuggler’s Curse by Mark Dawson

Publisher: Welbeck Publishing

Pages: 256

Release Date:   20/01/2022

Lucy, Max, Charlie and Joe aren’t looking for new friends – they have too many of their own problems to worry about. But when the four of them, and Charlie’s faithful dog, Sherlock, spot a phantom figure on Southwold beach one winter’s night, they are thrown together to unravel a mystery that none of them expected.

The deeper they dig, the bigger the adventure becomes – motorboats and tracking devices, bedroom breakouts and daring sea rescues are all in a day’s work for the After-School Detective Club.

But when their investigations lead them into trouble with the police, there is only one thing left to do – they must go undercover for a final showdown with a ruthless gang of smugglers who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Featured

Big Kids Book Club Podcast Archives – Alastair Chisholm

#BigKidsBookClub is back! Sorry for the extended break – life, the universe, and all of that getting in the way, but 2022 is set to bring the podcast roaring to new life.

As we wait for content to get back up and running, we take a look into the archives of the podcast to listen again to our chat with Alastair Chisholm.

*COMPETITION IS CLOSED*

Alastair Chisholm Author Interview Audio – Click Here

#kidsbooks#blog#bookblogs#books#librarians#teachers#middlegrade

Alastair Chisholm - Scottish Book Trust
Featured

Thursday TBR Teasers

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!

This week: Dragon Storm: Tomas and Ironskin by Alastair Chisholm

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Pages: 160

Release Date:   13/01/2022

The first book in a thrilling, magical, and action-packed new fantasy series, illustrated throughout and perfect for 7 – 9 year olds!

In the land of Draconis, there are no dragons. Once, there were. Once, humans and dragons were friends, and created the great city of Rivven together. But then came the Dragon Storm, and the dragons retreated from the world of humans. To the men and women of Draconis, they became legends and myth.

Tomas has always been told that now, dragons are extinct, and so he can’t believe it when a mysterious stranger invites him to join a secret society, the Dragonseer Guild – and tells him that not only do dragons still exist, but also that Tomas has a very special power… he can summon his very own dragon! But Tomas faces a difficult choice, and he and his dragon, Ironskin, must learn to trust each other – and together, they have to save their home from a deadly threat.

An exciting new fantasy series from the highly acclaimed author of Orion Lost, brilliantly illustrated throughout, and perfect for fans of Beast Quest and How to Train Your Dragon.

Featured

Big Kids Book Club Podcast Archives – Alwyn Hamilton

#BigKidsBookClub is back! Sorry for the extended break – life, the universe, and all of that getting in the way, but 2022 is set to bring the podcast roaring to new life.

As we wait for content to get back up and running, we take a look into the archives of the podcast to listen again to our chat with YA author Alwyn Hamilton

*COMPETITION IS CLOSED*

Alwyn Hamilton Author Interview Audio – Click Here

#kidsbooks#blog#bookblogs#books#librarians#teachers#Youngadult

Alwyn Hamilton (Author of Rebel of the Sands)
Featured

Episode 90: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Rab Ferguson

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Rab Ferguson, debut author of the Landfill Mountains, joins us on the show!

Rab and I chatted about switching from short stories to his first full-length novels, writing about climate change, and writing stories within stories.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Landfill Mountains then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag # LandfillComp and tell us what your biggest dream is!

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 1st October.

Featured

Mid-Week Review: The Landfill Mountains

This week’s episode features:

—————————————–

Landfill Mountains by Rab Ferguson

Publisher: Onwe Press

Age Range: 12+

Genre(s): Young Adult, Post-Apocalypse

Page Count: 384

Star Rating:  5⭐ (out of 5)

A beautiful book written with care and passion for the underlying subject.

At the surface what you think you have is a simple Post-Apocalyptic YA, but hidden beneath that surface – like the mountains of scrap the characters live between – is a story of yearning, growth, and self discovery.

Joe’s world is small, stinking, and dying – he wishes for the freedom to explore the world outside of his village lost among the mountains of landfill. His life is quiet but discontented, as scavenging among the deadly shifting mounds of trash leaves him longing to find out how they came to be here.

His father and grandfather tell stories of the past – his grandfather is a font of tales that regale and beautifully build the world, not only for Joe, but also for the reader – yet Joe holds a resentment towards his father for his inaction at the end of the old-world.

The City is close, and yet so far away and Joe wants nothing but investigate the roots of his past and possibly find a future within the ruins for himself and Sonya, his partner.

A powerful story about climate change, inactivity, and the deadly foreshadowing of a world doomed to destruction, although not without hope.

A 5 star debut from a promising new author.

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!

Each week 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!

This week: Landfill Mountains by Rab Ferguson

Publisher: Onwe Press

Pages: 384

Release Date:   14/09/2021

In a world ravaged by the effects of climate change, sixteen-year-old Joe has been left with nothing but mountains full of junk and a community of fellow scavengers.

Conditions become so harsh on the landfill mountains that he must travel to the faraway city in search of a cure for Lily, a six-year-old left deathly ill from an avalanche of waste.

On the way, he discovers a hidden world brimming with storytelling magic.

Featured

Episode 89: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Ruth Estevez

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Ruth Estevez, debut author of The Monster Belt joins us on the show!

Ruth and I chatted about how growing up in Yorkshire shaped her, working on tv script to writing full length novels

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Monster Belt, head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #MonsterComp and tell us what mystery you’d love to know the answers to?

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 17th September

Featured

Mid-week Review: Rebel Animals At-Risk: Stories of Survival

Hey, hey, hey!

Welcome to our Mid-Week review!!

Each week, we’re going to be reviewing a Middle Grade or Young Adult novel and giving you the scoop on whether it’s any good!

Our rating system for non-fiction is out of 5 stars with the following categories being looked at:

Purpose, Style, Authority, Usefulness

All the categories are ranked from five, added together, and divided by 4 to give a final rating!

This week’s episode features:

—————————————–

Rebel Animals At-Risk: Stories of Survival by Kimberlie Hamilton

Publisher: Scholastic

Age Range: 7+

Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Animal Conservation

Page Count: 156

Star Rating:  4.25⭐ (out of 5)

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!

Each week 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!

This week: The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bon Livre by Clare Povey

Publisher: Usborne Publishing

Pages: 352

Release Date:   02/09/2021

The open door felt like an invitation, or a trap. Bastien wasn’t sure which, but with no other choice, he stepped inside…and hoped he’d make it out again alive.

Bastien Bonlivre is a boy with a big imagination, determined to finish the story his parents started, left to him in a red notebook. On the other side of Paris, bestselling author Olivier Odieux is struggling to complete his latest novel.

Along with his villainous brothers, he is masterminding his greatest plot yet…one that will spread fear throughout the city and beyond.

What connects these two stories is a dangerous secret, a hidden mystery and an unexpected race across Paris for the truth. Can Bastien and his friends Alice, Theo and Sami be brave enough to stop Olivier stealing the ending they deserve?

A classic adventure story about friendship, hope, bravery and the power of imagination.

Featured

Episode 87: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Martin Brown

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Martin Brown, illustrator of Horrible histories and author of Nell and the Cave Bear, joins us on the show!

Martin and I chatted about switching from teaching to illustration, giving forgotten animals the limelight, and turning geography into narrative.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Nell & the Cave Bear then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #NellComp and tell us what animal companion you wish you had

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 10th September.

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!

Each week 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!

This week: The Wild Before by Piers Torday

Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group 

Pages: 240

Release Date:   19/08/2021

One frosty winter’s night, a pure white calf is born on an ordinary muddy farm by the light of a silver moon. This is the legendary Mooncalf, whose arrival has been foretold since the dawn of time.

According to a dream passed down from animal to animal, if the calf dies, a great terribleness will come – rising seas, a plague, skies raining down fire, the end of all things… and Little Hare vows to persuade all the animals to protect Mooncalf, whatever the cost.

But it’s easier said than done, and soon Little Hare realises that he is the only one who can save the world…

A stunning prequel to the award-winning, bestselling The Last Wild trilogy, touching on timely themes of climate change, friendship, and above all, hope.

Featured

Episode 86: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Alex Cotter

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Alex Cotter, debut author of The House on the Edge joins us on the show!

Alex and I chatted about the changing from YA to middle grade, finding the balance of emotions in her writing, and the excitement of writing.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Lightning Catcher, head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #LookoutComp and tell us where you wish you had a secret doorway to in your house?

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 3rd September

Featured

Episode 85: Big Kids Book Club Monthly Book Chat – 1st Birthday Special!!!

Hey, hey, hey!

It’s a new month so I’m joined by Rab (@rabtales), Emma (@emmakeane10), and special guest Laura (@librarylaurapod) as we celebrate our 1st birthday!

It’s super exciting and can’t believe the fun we’ve had since the podcast started.

Happy Birthday to you the listeners who make this all possible 😀

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Landfill Mountains – Released 14th September 2021: https://www.onwe.co/product-page/the-landfill-mountains
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-landfill-mountains/rab-ferguson/9781913872045

A story from our very own Rab!

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Books talked about in this episode:

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Saenz (YA)

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean (YA)

Maggie Blue and the Dark World by Anna Goodall (MG)

The Weather Weaver by Tamsin Mori (MG)

House of Serendipity: Sequins and Secrets by Lucy Ivison (MG)

A Soft Place to Land by Janae Marks (MG)

The Last Kids on earth and the Doomsday Race by Max Brailler (MG)

And more to follow!

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We also want to give a big shout out to:

Black Lives Matter – https://blacklivesmatter.com/

Campaign Against Climate Change – https://www.campaigncc.org/

—————————————————–

So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast

Follow us on Twitter: @bigkidsbookclubpodcast

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!

Each week 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!

This week: Monster Hunting For Beginners by Ian Mark

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd 

Pages: 288

Release Date:   19/08/2021

Get set for the new hilarious out-of-this-world adventure series for readers aged 8+ – this is the perfect new series for fans of Tom Gates, David Solomons and Star Wars! Highly illustrated throughout by the brilliantly funny Katie Abey.

Mum and Dad have left – gone to Mars, and they’re never coming back . . .

FREEDOM AT LAST!

But this isn’t one of Dad’s weird jokes; it’s REAL. It’s up to ten-year-old Eliza and her genius little brother, Johnnie, to find out what’s going on, and launch a rescue . . .

Can they handle vampire squids, a suspicious villain, a secret island full of traps and a trip into space? And – more importantly – will they ever get their parents back?

The funniest, zaniest, most out-of-this-world adventure you’ll read all year!

Featured

Episode 84: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Clare Weze

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Clare Weze, debut author of The Lightning Catcher joins us on the show!

Clare and I chatted about the scientific process of writing, the highs and lows of debut, and what’s coming next?

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Lightning Catcher, head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #LightningComp and tell us what mythical creature you’d have as a friend

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 27th August.

Featured

Episode 83: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Sophie Kirtley

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Sophie Kirtley, author of Wild Way Home and Way to Impossible Island joins us on the show!

Sophie and I chatted about the psychology of kids emotions, finding the right POV for the novel, and coming up with Stone Age Names.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of both In this episode, Sophie Kirtley, author of Wild Way Home and Way to Impossible Island then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #WildComp and tell us your Stone Age name

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 25th 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!

Each week 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!

This week: The Midnight Thief by Sylvia Bishop

Publisher: Scholastic 

Pages: 304

Release Date:   05/08/2021

A captivating boarding school mystery from Sylvia Bishop, author of Erica’s Elephant, The Bookshop Girl and The Secret of the Night Train.

Transplanted from her exciting life as an explorer’s daughter, Freya finds herself miserable at a posh boarding school. Freya hates all the boring rules, the other girls are mean to her, and the headmistress is frosty good manners personified.

When a bat removal expert is called in to deal with an infestation, Freya meets his irrepressible children – and finds herself making friends at last.

Together they explore the city, with particular interest in the grand exhibition showing priceless artefacts for the first time.

When the objects are stolen in a dramatic heist, Freya is sure her new friends are responsible – but the true culprit might be closer to home…

Warm, witty and packed full of gorgeous characters, this is a boarding school mystery with a twist.

Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylike series Sylvia Bishop is the author of The Bookshop Girl, The Secret of the Night Train, and Erica’s Elephant.

Featured

Episode 82: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Darren Simpson

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Darren Simpson, author of Scavengers and the Memory Thieves, joins us on the show!

Darren and I chatted about switching from adult to children’s fiction, how memories and honest come through, and growing in writing.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The memory Thieves then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #MemoryComp and tell us a cherished memory

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 20th August.

Featured

Episode 81: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Kimberlie Hamilton

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Kimberlie Hamilton, author of Rebel Animals series joins us on the show!

Kimberlie and I chatted about animal stories, writing under extreme deadlines, and story inspirations.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Rebel Animals at Risk then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #RebelComp and tell us an endangered animal species you wish you could save.

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 18th 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!

Each week 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!

This week: How to Be Human by Karen McCombie

Publisher: Little Tiger Press Group 

Pages: 224

Release Date:   05/08/2021

Who said friends have to match to matter?

When the Star Boy’s space-pod crashes in the grounds of Fairfield Academy he knows he must seek shelter. Taking refuge in the school’s boiler room to await rescue he discovers that the room’s small window is the perfect place to watch humans go by.

The Star Boy knows about humans from his Earth lessons but no one from his planet has ever studied them up close. Now he has the perfect opportunity. There are two humans in particular that catch his attention – a boy called Wes and a girl named Kiki. But as his curiosity grows so does his courage and, making a momentous decision, the Star Boy follows Wes and Kiki into class … and into their lives.

A warm and otherworldly story about finding friendship in the most unlikely of places, for fans of Tamsin Winter, Cath Howe and Ross Welford.

Featured

Episode 80: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Hannah Peck

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Hannah Peck, illustrator and now author of Kate on the Case, joins us on the show!

Hannah and I chatted about pitching books, the transition from picture books to middle grade, and the fun in ryhmes.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Kate on the Case then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #KateComp and tell us your favourite Breakfast treat!

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 14th 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!

Each week 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!

This week: Monster Hunting For Beginners by Ian Mark

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 304

Release Date:   05/08/2021

Monstrously funny new middle grade adventure series, perfect for 8+ readers and fans of How to Train Your Dragon, Charlie Changes into a Chicken, Mr Gum and Shrek!

Every hero has to start somewhere . . .

Monster Hunting isn’t as easy as it looks. And Jack should know. Because an ogre has just appeared in his garden and tried to EAT HIS AUNT. (She was the winner of the World’s Worst Aunt competition, but that’s Not The Point).

After (sort of accidentally) defeating the ogre, Jack finds himself apprenticed to a grumpy, 200-year-old monster hunter called Stoop and heading off to Cornwall, where more ogres are causing havoc.

All he has are his wits, his catapult and a magical – sometimes unreliable – book called Monster Hunting for Beginners.
Jack’s a bit worried he might not be the hero everyone’s waiting for. But then again, how many terrifying, bloodthirsty monsters can there really be?

(Answer: ABSOLUTELY LOADS. And a bear called Humbert).

A hilarious and accessible story, packed full of illustrations – that gives a twist to all your favourite fairytales and will change everything you thought you knew about monsters! Perfect for apprentice monster hunters aged 8 to 800.

Pre-order the book from https://uk.bookshop.org/ or check out your local bookshop.

Featured

Episode 78: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Onjali Q. Raúf

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Onjali Q. Raúf, author of the Boy at the Back of the Class, joins us on the show!

Onjali and I chatted about finding inspiration in refugee camps, writing books that challenge our minds, and writing her first book in university and never allowing it to be seen again!

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Great Food Bank Heist then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #BreakfastComp and tell us your favourite breakfast treat

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 6th August.

Featured

Episode 77: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Steve Cole

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Steve Cole, author of over 100 novels for kids joins us on the show.

Steve and I chatted about finding stories naturally 

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

Enjoy!

***

As part of this podcast, we are promoting UNICEF, a children’s charity that’s keen on helping children in poverty all over the world. 

Head over to our twitter, Follow @BigKidsBookClub with the hashtag #Schoolforall . 

Like and share for a chance to win a copy of Steve’s WELCOME TO TRASHLAND.

Competition closes midnight 4th August.

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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!

Each week 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!

This week: The Memory Thieves by Darren Simpson

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd 

Pages: 320

Release Date:  05/08/2021

What you don’t remember can’t hurt you… Cyan has lived at the Elsewhere Sanctuary for as long as he can remember, freed by Dr Haven from dark memories of his past life.

But when Cyan finds a mysterious warning carved into the bones of a whale skeleton, he starts to wonder what he had to forget to be so happy. New resident, Jonquil, begins to resist the sanctuary’s treatment, preferring to hold on to her memories – even the bad ones.

So when Dr Haven resorts to harsher measures, Cyan embarks on a secret mission to discover the truth about the sanctuary…and himself.

“Marvellously visual and gripping” – A. M. Howell

Pre-order the book from https://uk.bookshop.org/ or check out your local bookshop.

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Episode 76: Big Kids Book Club Month Book Chat – July 2021

Hey, hey, hey!

It’s a new month so I’m joined by Rab (@rabtales) for a boys only monthly book chat as we get all chilled and break into Summer Reads in this month’s topic.

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Onwe Press – https://www.onwe.co/ and the pre-order campaign for Landfill Mountains is on special offer right now and those who buy it will receive a bonus short story from the author – our very own Rab!

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We also want to give a big shout out to:

Black Lives Matter – https://blacklivesmatter.com/

Campaign Against Climate Change – https://www.campaigncc.org/

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So sit back, relax, and get lost in a good book-ish podcast

Follow us on Twitter: @Bigkidsbookclub

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Episode 75: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Pooja Puri

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Pooja Puri, author of A Dinosaur ate my Sister, joins us on the show.

Pooja and I chatted about the differences writing for middle grade compared to young adult as well as her thoughts on being nominated for Carnegie awards and being the first pick for Marcus Rashford’s book club.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of A Dinosaur ate my Sister then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #DinosaurComp and tell us your favourite dinosaur.

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 30th July.

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Episode 74: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Kimberly Pauley

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Kimberly Pauley, author and DnD fan, joins me on the show.

Kimberly and I chatted about the differences writing for middle grade compared to young adult as well as lots of Dungeons and Dragons inspired goodness.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Accidental Wizard then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #TwigComp and what magic spell you’d love to have in real life?

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 28th July.

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!

Each week 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!

This week: The Raven Heir by Stephanie Burgis

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Pages: 272

Release Date:  05/08/2021

Cordelia and her triplets Rosalind and Giles have lived safely in the castle at the centre of the forest all their lives, protected by the spells their mother has woven. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is when she turns into a dragonfly or a blackbird and can fly beyond the great stone walls. But then one day the outside world comes to them.

Two rival dukes and their soldiers have come for the triplets – because whoever is the eldest is the heir to the throne. But their mother knows that since the Raven Crown was broken, no one has been able to rule the kingdom of Corvenne and live, and she will not give up any of her children to that death sentence.

When she refuses to reveal which child is the eldest, she is taken prisoner, and Cordelia and her brother and sister find themselves on the run in a dangerous new world.

And as they set out across Corvenne to rescue their mother, Cordelia begins to see that there is a deep magic at work, driving her towards a destiny that could tear her family apart, take away her freedom forever or, just maybe, heal a kingdom devastated by a war that has raged for generations.

Pre-order the book from https://uk.bookshop.org/ or check out your local bookshop.

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Episode 73: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Jasmine Richards

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Jasmine Richards, author and bookish innovator joins me on the show.

Jasmine and I chatted about 15 years of experience in the publishing industry, as well as finding success in the US before the UK, and finally Jasmine’s new project with Storymix.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Aziza and the Secret Fairy Door then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #AzizaComp and tell us where you’d like to escape through a fairy door to. (Either in this world or fantasy!)

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 23rd July.

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Episode 72: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Roy Peachey

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Roy Peachey, author of The Race joins me on the show.

Roy and I chatted about his experiences as a runner, research into history, and the power of sport.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Race then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #RaceComp and come up with a hilarious Olympic event that you’d win at.

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 21st July.

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!

Each week 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!

This week: ADAM-2 by Alastair Chisholm

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Pages: 304

Release Date:  05/08/2021

With incredible twists and turns and an action-packed story, this is a thrilling, unputdownable adventure.

The robot Adam-2 has been locked in the basement of a lost building for over two hundred years – until one day he is discovered by two children, and emerges into a world ruined by a civil war between humans and advanced intelligence. Hunted by both sides, Adam discovers that he holds the key to the war, and the power to end it – to destroy one side and save the other. But which side is right? Surrounded by enemies who want to use him, and allies who mistrust him, Adam must decide who – and what – he really is.

From the author of the highly-acclaimed Orion Lost, Adam-2 is an exciting and hugely gripping science fiction thriller – perfect for fans of Eoin Colfer, Anthony Horowitz, and Philip Reeve.

You can pick it up the book from https://uk.bookshop.org/ or check out your local bookshop.

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Episode 71: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Stephanie Burgis

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Stephanie Burgis, author of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart and new the Raven Heir saga joins me on the show.

Stephanie and I chatted about intense writing courses, how her local castle inspired a series as well as the magic of chocolate!

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Raven Heir then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #RavenheirComp and tell us what animal you’d like to shapeshift into.

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 16th July.

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Hot off the Presses!

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the Big Kids Book Club.

Each week, hundreds of books come hot off the press for readers to enjoy. Here we’re highlighting one of those book which we think you should be checking out!

Book: Shadow Chaser: Choose your own story

Publisher: Usbourne Publishing

Pages: 288

Release Date:  08/07/2021

This magically illustrated gamebook plunges you into a story with a difference – one where the hero is YOU.

Woken one night by a bang at the door, you creep to the window and see five hooded strangers below. The leader looks up and beckons you down. What do you do?

Open the door, play for time, or escape through the window out back? The choice is yours…

From this point onwards you are in control of an epic adventure, and your survival depends upon the decisions you make. Who to fight? Who to trust?

In a book where nothing is as it seems, even the pictures hold secrets that must be unlocked. But as you race across land, sea and sky, one thing becomes clear: it’s not just your fate that hangs in the balance – it’s the fate of the entire kingdom.

Bringing together a sweeping story, beautifully illustrated picture puzzles and an exciting combat system, this is an adventure that will have you gripped from beginning to end.

You can pick it up the book from https://uk.bookshop.org/ or check out your local bookshop.

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Episode 70: Big Kids Book Club Author Interview: Jim Beckett

Hey hey hey!

Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.

In this episode, Jim Beckett, author of Caravan at the Edge of Doom joins me on the show.

Jim and I chatted about his journey from Edinburgh Fringe Festivals to exploding loos, and what makes up the hero’s journey.

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

Enjoy!

***COMPETITION***

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Caravan at the Edge of Doom then head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #DoomComp and come up with a hilarious Herculean task or riddle that would challenge a true hero. The funnier that better.

(UK residents only)

The competition closes midnight on 14th July.