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!

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In this episode of BookQuest, we’re stepping through secret gateways into worlds filled with phantom spirits, legendary pirates, and high-stakes accusations! Whether you’re flying off to a reimagined Neverland only to be framed for mysterious thefts, or faking a supernatural talent to survive at an exclusive boarding school for ghost-talkers, we’re exploring how clever kids uncover the truth when nothing is as it seems.

On the Shelf This Week:

• Katie and Kevin Tsang join the show to introduce The Neverland Thieves. Follow Tom, Felix, and Daisy as they travel from Great Ormond Street Hospital straight into Neverland! But their magical journey takes a chaotic turn when they encounter pirates, mermaids, and the Lost Boys and Girls—and suddenly find themselves blamed for a string of mysterious thefts.

• Freddie Kölsch brings us the eerie mystery Spindlewood. Meet Lilac, a girl who pretends she can communicate with the dead after receiving an invitation to a secret boarding school specifically for children who can see spirits. Can she keep her secret hidden, or will the school's haunting mysteries catch up with her?

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In this episode of BookQuest, we’re lacing up our boots and taking the pitch. We’re exploring the beautiful game from two completely different angles: the ultimate thrill of winning the cup, and the heavy choices that come when you discover the truth behind the gear we wear.

On the Shelf This Week:

• Mitch Johnson joins the show to discuss his gripping novel, Strike. A football-obsessed boy is finally on the verge of achieving his ultimate dream of turning professional. But when he uncovers a hidden message stitched into his boots by the workers who made them, he's forced to confront the real human cost of the game and decide what truly matters.

• Gordon D'Arcy and Paul Howard also feature with their brilliant interactive picture book, Let's Play Football!. This high-energy story puts young readers directly into the boots of a footballer competing for the championship cup, teaching real skills and encouraging movement as the match unfolds.

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In this episode of BookQuest, we are exploring the ultimate map of discovery. Whether we are traveling deep inside our own skin to unlock the mysteries of the human body, or stepping into a magical land of lost family secrets, the real quest is finding out what lies beneath the surface.

On the Shelf This Week:

• Dr. Ranj joins the show to discuss Dr Ranj's Human Body Encyclopedia. Get ready to explore the wonders of the human body with your trusty NHS guide! From why you get goosebumps to how your brain works, we're answering your biggest questions about the amazing science happening inside you right now.

• Emma Smith-Barton also features with her enchanting magical fantasy, Atlas & Skye. Follow two siblings as they uncover long-hidden family secrets, discover extraordinary hidden powers, and embark on an unforgettable journey that has the potential to change their entire world forever.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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