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Mostly Book Talk

Mostly Book Talk

By: Katy Donnelly and Alison Palmer
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About this listen

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

Subscribe now and join a community committed to making reading a pleasure.

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Episodes
  • National Year of Reading - EmpathyLab

    National Year of Reading - EmpathyLab
    Apr 26 2026

    For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.

    In this episode we are joined by Imogen Bond from EmpathyLab

    EmpathyLab develops, activates, and celebrates the power of stories to increase real-life empathy. Through reading, they help children and young people understand others, grow emotionally, and thrive. Through free events and resources to school programmes and learning webinars, EmpathyLab offers the tools to turn empathy into action. Look out for their Empathy Day Festival running 4-11 June 2026.

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    18 mins
  • National Year of Reading - Chapter One

    National Year of Reading - Chapter One
    Apr 25 2026

    For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how people can get involved.

    In this episode we are joined by Emma Bell, CEO of Chapter One.

    Through their volunteer reading partners, Chapter One provide one-to-one reading support to nearly 3,500 children in Birmingham, Bradford, Doncaster, East Sussex, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Leeds, Peterborough, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Warrington and West Cumbria.

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    14 mins
  • National Year of Reading - Coram Beanstalk

    National Year of Reading - Coram Beanstalk
    Apr 24 2026

    For the National Year of Reading, we are sharing a series of short conversations with people who are involved in promoting reading with young people. This could be a programme, resources or a literary event, and we're giving them the opportunity to share what they do and how you can get involved.

    In this episode we are joined by Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk.

    Coram Beanstalk work with primary, secondary and virtual schools to enable children to grow a love for reading. They provide one-to-one in person reading support, giving children the help and encouragement they need to find books that inspire and delight, setting children on a path to become readers for life.

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    15 mins
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