Gothic Slayer Schools & The Week Junior Book Awards 2026🦇🏆

In this episode of BookQuest, we’re creeping into shadowy gothic corridors and going behind the scenes of the biggest book celebration of the year! Whether you’re investigating a top-secret vampire slayer academy or getting the inside scoop from a judge on the UK’s most exciting children's book awards, we’re honouring the stories that keep us on the edge of our seats. On the Shelf This Week: Emma Carroll joins the show to talk about Dracula & Daughters: School for Slayers. Step into a darkly thrilling adventure following Dracula’s granddaughters—Mina, Buffy, and Bella—as they investigate strange goings-on at Poisonwood School, only to uncover a secret operation training pupils to slay vampires! Iqbal Hussain stops by to talk all things books and reading! As one of the official judges for The Week Junior Book Awards, he gives us a peak behind the curtain at what makes a story truly award-winning as we count down to the grand ceremony this coming Monday! Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BookQuest, we’re stepping into spooky manors and enchanting folklore where old tales get wildly unexpected twists! Whether you’re accidental laboratory experiments causing total chaos or timeless traditional stories spun into magical new forms, we’re celebrating how a little bit of mischief can make for an unmissable adventure. On the Shelf This Week: Jack Meggitt-Phillips joins the show to talk about Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom. Follow spoiled Henrik Jekyll after he inherits a crumbling, creepy manor and stumbles upon a mysterious potion—accidentally unleashing his chaotic, unpredictable alter ego, Eddie Hyde! Sophie Anderson brings us A Year of Fairy Tales, a magical collection inspired by stories passed down through generations. Discover fresh, surprising twists on timeless classics like Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel, alongside brand-new original tales rooted in rich folklore. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playful Poems & Cursed Treasure: Voyages Across Land and Sea! 🥬🏴‍☠️ | BookQuest In this episode of BookQuest, we’re embarking on imaginative voyages full of clever rhymes, high-seas chaos, and big adventures! Whether you’re uncovering secret messages hidden inside playful poetry or dodging booby traps and cannon fire to pass your pirate exams, we’re exploring how creativity and courage help you conquer any quest. On the Shelf This Week: Joseph Coelho joins the show with Rapunzel is a Lettuce: Poems to Grow With. This playful and imaginative collection explores everything from school, family, and secret messages to leafy plants, unexpected journeys, and magical other worlds. Jenny Pearson takes us on a swashbuckling adventure in How Not To Be A Pirate: The Trouble with Curses. Follow Wilbur as he attempts his Level One Pirate Grading, racing rival crews across booby-trapped islands to find legendary treasure while dodging cursed jewels and flying cannonballs! Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BookQuest, we’re exploring deeply moving stories of survival, quiet courage, and what it truly takes to heal and find your place in the world. Whether it’s rebuilding your confidence alongside a troubled horse or making a perilous journey across continents to build a new life from scratch, we’re honoring the power of hope when facing immense odds. On the Shelf This Week: Lauren St John joins the show to discuss Wild Horse Summer. Recovering from a traumatic accident, teenager Morgan finds healing and comfort working with horses, taking on the life-changing challenge of bonding with and rehabilitating a troubled horse named Night Dancer. Hamed Amiri brings us The Other Boy, his deeply moving, real-life memoir about fleeing Afghanistan with his family. Follow his incredible journey across Europe as he overcomes unimaginable fear to eventually find home, belonging, friendship, and purpose in the UK. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BookQuest, we’re stepping into magical realms filled with ancient danger, spectral mysteries, and complete and utter chaos! Whether you’re braving a poisoned archipelago to save mythical beasts or teaming up with a talking slice of bread to battle evil pastries, we’re exploring how the most unlikely heroes face down the wildest supernatural threats. On the Shelf This Week: Katherine Rundell joins the show to talk about The Poisoned King, the high-stakes second installment in the Impossible Creatures series. Christopher returns to the Archipelago as dragons begin dying from a mysterious poison, while Princess Anya races to uncover who murdered her grandfather and save her father from false accusations. Phil Corbett brings us Ghost and Toast, a hilarious graphic novel following a ghost with amnesia who teams up with a talking slice of bread! Together, they navigate haunted mansions, ghostly trains, and evil pastries in a whirlwind of spooky, laugh-out-loud chaos. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secret Agents & Eras Tour Dreams: Finding Your Hidden Superpower! 🕵️‍♂️🎤 | BookQuest In this episode of BookQuest, we’re stepping into the spotlight and taking on high-stakes missions! Whether you’re getting recruited into a top-secret agency with newly discovered superpowers or frantically preparing for the ultimate pop concert while writing your own hit songs, we’re celebrating what happens when ordinary kids step into extraordinary roles. On the Shelf This Week: Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie joins the show to talk about Jamaal Target: PHANTOM Agent. When twelve-year-old Jamaal's best friend is kidnapped, he is pulled straight into a covert spy organization—only to discover that he possesses incredible superpowers of his own! Pamela Butchart also features with Diary of a Number One Superfan. Jump into the world of Gemma, a massive Taylor Swift fan preparing for her very first concert. Packed with facts and stats, this hilarious story follows Gemma as she balances school drama, family madness, and her own big songwriting dreams. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mythical Monsters & Laureate Legends: Changing the Story! 🐍🎭 | BookQuest In this episode of BookQuest, we’re rewriting the rulebook on legendary tales and meeting the big voices shaping the future of stories! Whether you’re getting the hilarious, untold side of a snake-haired villain or hanging out with the nation's top champion for young readers, we're celebrating what happens when you look at storytelling from a whole new perspective. On the Shelf This Week: Bethany Walker joins the show to put a fresh, funny spin on Greek mythology. She’s giving the iconic story of Medusa a complete makeover—packed with plenty of humor, high-stakes adventure, and a brand-new perspective on the ancient legend. Bex travels to the Barbican Centre for a special sit-down interview with the newly appointed Children's Laureate, Patrice Lawrence. Discover her exciting vision for young readers across the country, why stories belong to everyone, and what inspires her incredible books. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surviving the Wild & Uncovering Ancient Egypt: How Do You Brave the Unknown? 🐾🇪🇬 | BookQuest In this episode of BookQuest, we’re stepping into unknown territory and traveling across time! Whether you’re learning how a group of everyday pets adapts to survive in a world without humans, or journeying thousands of years into the past to see what growing up in the shadow of the Pyramids was really like, we’re exploring how courage and curiosity help us conquer the unfamiliar. On the Shelf This Week: Steve Cole joins the show to introduce his epic new survival story, The Wild Ones. When all the humans suddenly vanish, a group of pampered pets is forced to brave a dangerous, untamed new world. Can they learn to rely on their wild instincts before it's too late? Bettany Hughes also features, bringing history vividly to life as she reveals what life was really like for children in Ancient Egypt. Uncover surprising stories, incredible archaeology, and mind-boggling facts from one of the greatest civilisations to ever exist. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BookQuest, we’re diving into the power of wild imagination and razor-sharp curiosity! Whether you’re stepping back into a legendary, gloriously chaotic world of nonsense or piecing together clever clues with a detective who sees the world differently, we're celebrating the art of thinking outside the box. On the Shelf This Week: Andy Stanton joins the show to celebrate an unbelievable milestone—20 years of Mr Gum! Revisit the wonderfully bonkers world of bizarre adventures, outrageous characters, and the gloriously chaotic humor that has been making readers laugh out loud for two whole decades. Cecelia Ahern also features with her inventive new mystery, introducing an unconventional young detective who relies on sheer creativity, curiosity, and clever thinking to crack cases that leave everyone else totally stumped. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BookQuest, we’re celebrating what makes every single mind work differently! Whether you’re learning to embrace the unique way your brain processes the world or watching your teachers go head-to-head with extraterrestrial invaders, we’re exploring how our differences can become our greatest super powers. On the Shelf This Week: Scott Evans joins the show to discuss All Brains Are Wonderful. This uplifting and accessible guide is a celebration of neurodiversity, exploring how every brain works differently and why those unique strengths should be understood, valued, and celebrated across our classrooms and communities. Steve Williams also features with his laugh-out-loud sci-fi adventure, Teachers vs Aliens. Get ready for absolute chaos as normal school life is turned upside down when an alien invasion forces teachers and pupils to team up in a wildly unexpected battle to save the planet! 🏆 Award Nominees: Both of today's books have been shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards! With reader voting currently live across 14 categories, head online to cast your vote for your favourites before the grand ceremony on September 28.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.