In this episode, Krish dives into Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda, a powerful adventure about courage, destiny and discovering strength you never knew you had. Following quiet, reluctant hero Rowan as he joins a dangerous mountain quest, the story explores bravery in its truest form: feeling scared, but choosing to take the next step anyway.

Krish also sits down with Sian Allan from The Smith Family, an education charity in Australia dedicated to helping children build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of reading. In this conversation, Sian shares why early literacy matters, how families can make reading playful and meaningful and why stories shape the way children understand themselves and the world.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• ​Rowan of Rin, a magical adventure about courage, prophecy and unexpected heroes
• ​How early reading experiences shape confidence, language and learning
• ​Practical ways families can make story time exciting and enjoyable
• ​The power of stories to help children explore new worlds and ideas
• ​How The Smith Family supports young readers through long-term educational programmes

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In this episode, Krish journeys into The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, the gripping first book in the Books of Ember series. Set in an underground city built to shelter humanity after a global disaster, the story follows Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow as they uncover a long-lost message and risk everything to save their dying world. It is a story of courage, curiosity and hope and a reminder that asking questions can change everything.

Krish also chats with Sophie Hiscock from First Story UK, a brilliant organisation helping young people discover the power of their own voices through creative writing. Sophie shares how storytelling can build confidence, why finding your unique voice matters and how writing and reading together can open up endless possibilities.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• The City of Ember, a thrilling story of mystery, courage, and discovery
• How First Story UK empowers young people through creative writing
• Why every child’s voice deserves to be heard
• Tips for starting your own writing journey
• The importance of creativity and imagination in an age of AI

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Website: https://www.firststory.org.uk

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“If you’re enjoying a book, that’s all that matters and if you don’t, it’s okay to put it down and try something new.” – A. F. Steadman

In this heartfelt episode, Krish gallops back into the breathtaking world of Skandar but this time, it’s to talk about the epic conclusion of A. F. Steadman’s spellbinding series with Skandar and the Spirit War. From wild unicorns and elemental magic to friendship, bravery and betrayal, Krish unpacks why this series is one of his all-time favourites and why Skandar and The Spirit War is his favourite of all five books.

Krish is joined by A.F. Steadman herself for an exciting conversation about how she reimagined unicorns as fierce, dangerous creatures, why she wanted to show the real bond between Skandar and his sister Kenna, and how the series grows darker as the characters mature. They also talk about her brand-new book The First Unicorn Rider, a prequel set a thousand years before Skandar’s story, following the very first unicorn rider, George Penhaligon.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Skandar and the Spirit War, the epic finale of an unforgettable fantasy series
• How A. F. Steadman reinvented unicorns as fierce, untamed creatures

• Sibling love, loyalty and courage in the face of darkness
• Behind-the-scenes insights into writing twists, magic and emotion
• Introducing The First Unicorn Rider, a brand-new prequel adventure

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new reader discovering the series for the first time, this episode celebrates the power of imagination, friendship and growing up with stories that shape who we are.

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“Being read to as a small child and reading yourself when you're older can help you be healthier as an adult and even live longer.” – Franziska Liebig, Arts Council England

In this exciting episode, Krish dives into Alex Rider: Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced spy adventure filled with gadgets, danger and daring missions. When fourteen-year-old Alex discovers his uncle’s death was not an accident, he is thrown into a world of secret agents, powerful billionaires and high stakes missions that test his courage at every turn.

Krish also talks with Franziska Liebig from Arts Council England, the organisation dedicated to ensuring everyone can experience the magic of books and creativity. Fran shares how reading can change lives by improving wellbeing, sparking imagination and helping every child find their own story. Together, they explore the power of books to inspire empathy, confidence and lifelong curiosity.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Alex Rider: Stormbreaker, thrilling read for young spies and adventurers
• How reading builds creativity, imagination and wellbeing
• Why every kind of reading counts, from comics to novels
• The importance of seeing yourself represented in stories
• Exciting reading initiatives ahead of the National Year of Reading 2026

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Website: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk

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Website: https://www.anthonyhorowitz.com
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In this episode, Krish explores Dragon Born by Struan Murray, the first book in a captivating new fantasy series filled with dragons, danger and discovery. The story follows twelve-year old Alex Evans, a girl who has always played it safe until one extraordinary day she learns that she is not entirely human but a dragon in disguise. Taken to the hidden island of Skralla, Alex must learn to accept her true nature while confronting a dark force that threatens to begin a war between humans and dragons.

Krish also speaks with Struan Murray, the award-winning author of Orphans of the Tide and a master of mythic storytelling. Author Struan shares how a chance meeting with a so called “dragon scholar” inspired Dragon Born, what makes dragons such lasting symbols of wonder and why fantasy stories help young readers explore bravery, identity and belonging. Together they talk about the joy of imagination and how stories in every form can awaken a lifelong love of reading.

Key themes discussed in this episode:

• The first spark behind Dragon Born and the unusual Oxford encounter that started it all
• Why dragons continue to fascinate readers across every generation
• How fantasy helps children explore real emotions and courage
• The importance of reading freely from books to comics to games
• The comfort of rereading favourites and the excitement of discovering something new
• The one book Struan would give to his younger self and why

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Website: https://www.struanmurray.com

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In this episode Krish dives into Northern Lights (The Golden Compass in the US), the first book in Philip Pullman’s legendary His Dark Materials trilogy. Packed with daemons, armoured bears, witches and a mysterious substance called Dust, this thrilling adventure follows Lyra Belacqua as she uncovers dangerous secrets and sets out on a daring journey to rescue her kidnapped friend.

Krish also sits down with Emily Drabble, Head of Children’s Books at BookTrust UK, the UK’s largest reading charity. Emily shares how BookTrust inspires children and families to discover the joy of reading, why it’s vital to start reading from birth, and how diverse and inclusive stories help every child see themselves in books.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Northern Lights, a story full of magic, mystery and unforgettable characters.

• How BookTrust supports children and families with free books and reading programmes.

• Why representation and new voices in children’s literature matter.

• Tips for families to make reading fun and exciting at home.• The upcoming National Year of Reading 2026 in the UK.

Vote for Krish in the Signal Awards!
The podcast has been nominated, and you can support by voting for the Listeners’ Choice Award here:

https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/shows/genre/kids

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In this episode Krish dives into Dracula & Daughters by Emma Carroll, the first in a brand new historical fantasy series that is equal parts thrilling spooky and inspiring. The story follows Mina Cullers, a determined girl who dreams of becoming the first female doctor in her town. But when her best friend is bitten by a vampire Mina teams up with her bold sister Buffy and mysterious cousin Bella to save him before the vampire contagion spreads under the full moon.

Krish also sits down with Emma Carroll, bestselling author often called “the Queen of Historical Fiction.” Emma shares the inspiration behind Dracula & Daughters, how folklore from around the world shaped her unique vampire lore and why it is so important for children to see brave clever heroines at the heart of stories. Together they explore how books teach empathy, the challenges facing children’s reading today and the magic of finding that one story that makes you say “more please.”

Key topics covered in this episode:

• How Emma Carroll reinvented vampire myths for a new generation of readers
• Why strong brave characters in stories matter for children
• The reading for pleasure crisis and why it needs urgent attention
• How books nurture empathy courage and understanding of the wider world
• The importance of sharing stories with friends and family
• Why every child can be a reader if they find the right book
• The book Emma would time travel to give her younger self and why

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Website: ⁠ https://emmacarrollauthor.wordpress.com/

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In this episode, Krish dives into Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery, a thrilling story about bravery, loyalty, and adventure, following young Tick and his little brother Leaf as they face dangers on the edge of the kingdom of Ellia.

Krish also sits down with Dr. Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programmes and Research at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), one of the most important literacy charities in the United States. Dr. Bailey shares the challenges kids face in developing a love for reading, how representation in books can inspire children and ways families can make reading a fun, everyday habit.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Why children read more when they see themselves in stories
• The power of book ownership and choice through RIF’s book celebration events
• How technology and e-books are changing kids’ reading habits
• Tips for creating family reading routines that stick
• Inspiring children to share stories and become reading role models

Follow Ross Montgomery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mossmontmomery

Website: http://rossmontgomery.co.uk/

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Website: https://www.rif.org/

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