
Mostly Book Talk
A podcast for teachers, librarians, and parents who are passionate about supporting children's and teenagers' reading for pleasure. We dive into the vibrant world of children’s and YA literature, offering expert book recommendations, engaging author interviews, and practical advice on how to nurture a lifelong love of reading.
Whether you’re looking to expand your classroom or library collection, discover fresh titles for your students or children, or explore proven strategies for creating reading-rich environments, you will find it here. From picture books to young adult novels, we highlight new releases, hidden gems, and must-read favourites that are sure to grow your 'To Be Read' pile.
Tune in for thoughtful conversations and inspiring ideas that make reading irresistible for every young reader.
- Perfect for educators, school librarians, and book-loving families
- New episodes regularly featuring authors, reading experts, and literacy advocates
- Build reading cultures, spark book buzz, and celebrate the joy of stories
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Mostly Book Talk
Episode 1 - Dr Alexia Casale, author and Senior Lecturer and Course Leader on MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University.
A fascinating interview with Dr Alexia Casale, author and Senior Lecturer and Course Leader on MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. Her website can be found at http://www.alexiacasale.com/
Her books can be bought through these links:
The Best Way to Bury Your Husband
And the books Alexi mentioned include:
Howl’s Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones
Daughter of Darkness, Katherine and Elizabeth Corr
We also talked about bookish things we had done and what we had been reading.
Ali visited:
Battersea Power Station World Book Day Lift 109 event (on until 28th March)
And was reading:
London Belongs to Me by Norman Collins
Katy attended:
Inclusive Books for Children Awards
And the winners and shortlisted books were:
Baby and Toddler Books for ages 1–3
Too Green! by Sumana Seeboruth, illustrated by Maribel Castells (winner)
Zeki Goes to the Park by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson
Zeki Hikes with Daddy by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson
Picture Books for ages 3–7
You’re So Amazing! by James and Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George (winner)
Dadaji's Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane
The Missing Piece by Jordan Stephens and illustrated by Beth Suzanna
To the Other Side by Erika Meza
Faruq and the Wiri Wiri by Sophia Payne, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
Children's Fiction for ages 5–9
Meet the Maliks, Twin Detectives: The Cookie Culprit by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Kyan Cheng (winner)
Budgie by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by David Barrow
Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Lost Chicken by Megan Rix, illustrated by Tim Budgen
Sona Sharma, Wish Me Luck by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun
Too Small Tola Makes It Count by Atinuke, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu