In the Reading Corner

David Atherton is a food writer and presenter. In 2019, he won The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4 and has since been featured on Steph’s Packed Lunch, ITV’s Good Morning Britain, and the BBC’s Blue Peter. In 2022, David partnered with the North York Moors National Park for four short travelogues exploring the region as the “capital of cakes”.

In 2020, David released the first in a series of three cookbooks aimed at children – My First Cook Book (2020); this was followed by My First Green Cook Book (2021)

In this episode, he talks to Nikki Gamble about his most recent children's book, My First Baking Book.

Read our review of My First Baking Book on the Just Imagine website.

Purchase  My First Baking Book from our bookselling partner Best Books for Schools

Publisher's Blurb
A beautifully illustrated collection of baking recipes for first cooks written by the 2019 winner of The Great British Bake Off.

Learn how to bake breads, cakes, pastries and biscuits to perfection in this imaginative collection of deliciously healthy recipes. Featuring easy-to-follow, beautifully illustrated step-by-step instructions, and a wealth of classic and creative bakes, this first baking book is jam-packed with inspiring content and has everything budding bakers need to take their first steps to baking glory!

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Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk

Peter Kalu is a poet, fiction writer and playwright. He was a member of
 Manchester, UK’s Moss Side Write black writers workshop and has had nine novels, two film scripts and three theatre plays produced to date.  

With writers Melvin Burgess and Tariq Mahmood, Peter has written one story in what will be a triptych of novels set in a dystopian near future England ruled by white supremacists.

Peter talked to Nikki Gamble about the triptych and his novel, One Drop.

Purchase  One Drop from our bookselling partner Best Books for Schools.

Publisher's Blurb
In war-torn Britain, inseparable Black Radicals Axel and Dune are arrested. With SIMs implanted in their heads, they are placed in a prison camp for those who defy the Bloods' white supremacist government. The SIMs brainwash them with the Bloods' evil philosophy, and drones constantly monitor their movements and thoughts.

In this living nightmare, the couple battle to keep their love alive and to break free. The odds of survival are long. Dune and Axel have very different takes on how to escape.

But when things come to a head, will their love hold them together and set them free, or will it tear them apart?

Support the show

Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk

Kandace Chimbiri (writing as K.N. Chimbiri) started as a self-published author.

She didn’t grow up wanting to be a writer. However, she was greatly disturbed by the lack of diversity in children’s books, particularly in Black history.  In 2009, Kandace set up her own one-woman publishing house to address this inequity. Over the next decade, she researched, wrote, published and distributed four Black history books for children from her spare bedroom.

She has also worked with museums on children’s trails, workshops, outreach projects and tours.  In 2013 she was part of the community committee for the Origins of the Afro Comb, 6,000 Years Of Art and Culture exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

In 2020 Kandace signed a three-book deal with Scholastic, which included a reprint of The Story of Windrush.

Kandace joined Nikki Gamble to talk about her experience as a publisher and writer - and to explain the background to her most recent book, The Story of Britain's Black Airmen.

Purchase The Story of Britain's Black Airmen from our bookselling partner Best Books for Schools.

Publisher's Blurb
Explore the fascinating, rarely-heard stories of Black airmen during the First and Second World Wars. The Story of Britain's Black Airmen celebrates the inspiring contributions of people of African descent to British aviation. From pilots to ground crew, and with tales from across the globe, the story of Britain's Black airmen is an important part of the history of flying.

By aiming for the skies, many helped bring about changes that are still making our world a better place. Includes inspirational key figures such as Cy Grant, Errol Barrow, Sam King and John Henry Smythe With full-colour illustration by Grenadian illustrator Elizabeth Lander

Support the show

Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk

Newcastle-born author, Malcolm Duffy, has a background in advertising.  And has won numerous awards for copy, press, TV and radio. He worked for Comic Relief as Creative Director, creating campaigns for Red Nose Day and Sport Relief.

He has written three novels for young people.  His debut novel Me Mam. Me Dad. ME.  dealt with domestic abuse and won several awards, including Sheffield Children's Book Award, Redbridge Children's Book Award and was a World Book Night title for 2019.

This was followed by the equally successful Sofa Surfer, a story which brought homelessness to the foreground.

In this episode, Malcolm talks to Nikki Gamble about his third novel, Read Between the Lies.

Read our review of Read Between the Lies on justimagine.co.uk

Purchase Read Between the Lies from our partner bookseller bestbooksforschools.com

Publisher's synopsis
Two very different boys, one new family, a shared struggle and a big secret. Tommy is talented, cool, a young offender, and dyslexic. Ryan is smart, uncool, well-behaved, and dyslexic.

The two develop an unlikely friendship. As Ryan helps Tommy to read, a secret is revealed that will change their lives forever. Prize-winning Malcolm Duffy's third novel explores the joys and challenges of dyslexia in a story full of his hallmark heart and humour.
 

Support the show

Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk

Greg Jenner is a public historian specialising in public engagement. He's an author and award-winning podcaster.

His smash hit podcast 'You're Dead to Me' pairs up top comedians with top historians to deliver funny, fascinating summaries of the most interesting subjects from global history.

He has worked on the Horrible Histories and Corpse Talk the animated show based on the graphic novels by Adam and Lisa Murphy.

Greg's latest children's book, You Are History, is published by Walker Books.

In this episode, Greg talks to Nikki Gamble about history, humour, everyday objects and the importance of reading.

Read our review of You Are History on the Just Imagine website.

Purchase You Are History from our bookselling partner Best Books for Schools

Publisher's Blurb
From the alarm clock to the toilet, discover the incredible history all around you in this hilarious and fascinating book from popular historian and podcaster Greg Jenner. Thought history was only in museums? Think again! Join Greg Jenner as he takes you on a trip through the amazing history hidden in the things you use every day. Did you know that the first TV was made of biscuit tins and knitting needles? Or that the humble paperclip helped lead an anti-war movement? Or that a few hundred years ago it was fashionable to style your hair with cat poo?! Find out the delightful, daft and downright deadly history of your everyday life that your teachers won't tell you about.

Bursting with humorous illustrations and entertaining true stories, this is history - but not as you know it!

Support the show

Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk

Naturalist, eco-journalist and activist Sarah Roberts is the author of three children's picture books about environmental concerns.

Somebody Swallowed Stanley addressed the problem of plastic waste in the oceans and Somebody Crunched Colin looked at the issues of the careless disposal of crips packets.

Sarah's latest book, Somebody Woke Wilson, looks at a more complex topic - the need to keep carbon underground. She joined Nikki Gamble #InTheReadingCorner to tell us more.

You can find out more about children's books about eco subjects on the Just Imagine blog

About Somebody Woke Wilson
All Wilson wants is a rest! Wilson has slept warm and toasty deep underground for millions of years, along with billions of other carbon atoms. But when Wilson is suddenly woken, he is swept away on a startling adventure from the ocean to the sky and on. Bumping and jostling in the sky is TOO MUCH.

Wilson just wants to rest! A beautifully illustrated picture book with a powerful message about the carbon cycle from environmental expert Sarah Roberts.

Support the show

Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk

Nyanda Foday was Birmingham's Young Poet Laureate 2016-2018, and is inspired by the impact that words can have to create, unite, explain and enjoy. She strives to connect with others where she can by sharing and listening to others’ work.

Joelle Avelino is a Congolese and Angolan illustrator and animator. She graduated from the University Of Hertfordshire in 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Illustration with Marketing. She has worked with many clients, including; BBC, Malala Fund, Elle Magazine, The Guardian and Google's Women Tech Makers

Nyanda and Joelle joined Nikki #InTheReadingCorner to talk about the power of books, the importance of finding yourself in a  book and their book, Bookworms.

Purchase Bookworms from our bookselling partner Best Books for Schools.

Publisher's Blurb
What does a book mean to those who search for acceptance and understanding? A place to find friends feel part of a family, or be your true self. A good book takes you to new worlds; the right one shows you can exist in this one.

Support the show

Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk

Scottish author Juliette Forrest is the award-winning author of Twister,  The True Colours of Coral Glen, and The Night My Dream Came Alive.

Twister was a Sunday Times Book of the Week and chosen by The Guardian as the one must-read kid’s book of the summer. It was longlisted for the Branford Boase Award and won Calderdale Book of the Year.

The True Colours of Coral Glen was picked by the Evening Times as a best book of 2020 by a Glasgow author.

Juliette says, 'I write children’s fiction featuring quirky female lead characters with strong voices. Packed with adventure, my stories combine gritty reality with magic. I love imagining new worlds as well as unforgettable baddies.'

In this episode. she talks to Nikki Gamble about The Mountain Rescue Dog,  a story inspired by the true history of the pioneer of mountain rescue.

Read our review of The Mountain Rescue Dog on the Just Imagine website.

Purchase The Mountain Rescue Dog from our bookselling partner Best Books for Schools

Publisher's Blurb
A young girl heals from grief and loss in the snowy Highlands of Scotland, with the help of her loyal, trusting rescue dog. Clova's life changes forever when her mother, who was a search and rescue volunteer, dies tragically in an avalanche. Her grieving father withdraws and life at home feels lonely, until the day she meets Border Collie Tatty, a shy and frightened dog who Clova helps make bright-eyed and boisterous again.

She begins to train Tatty as a search-and-rescue dog and when two local boys go missing on the moor, Tatty and Clova spring into action to track them down and save the day. But Dad is furious when he finds out Clova has been on the mountain, and sends Tatty away. Clova is heartbroken.

On the first day of spring, the sudden rise in temperature after a cold snap and heavy snow causes an avalanche on the mountain - and Clova's dad is up there! The Search and Rescue team - plus Clova and Tatty - scramble onto a helicopter for a dangerous rescue mission in the growing dark - can they find Dad and save the day? 

Support the show

Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk

Named after nature writer Alfred Wainwright, the  Wainwright prizes are awarded to the work which best reflects Wainwright’s core values and include a celebration of nature and our natural environment or a warning of the dangers to it across the globe. In 2022 for the first time, a children's prize is awarded.

Naturalist Dara McAnulty and founder of the Outdoor Guide Gina Bradbury Fox joined Nikki Gamble to talk about the importance of the children's prize and support for getting children into the great outdoors.

Support the show

Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk

Philip Ardagh is one of the funniest children's writers, and Ben Mantle is a well-loved illustrator. The combination of talents produced the explosively hilarious Bunnies on the Bus, which provided a much-needed laugh for children and families during lockdown. Now they have produced another riotous story, Bunnies in a Boat, so it was a huge pleasure to invite them both to The Reading Corner.

About Bunnies in a Boat.
!The bunnies are back! And this time, they've commandeered a BOAT! Watch out, Sunnytown beach, the Bunnies are dashing and a-splashing on a speedboat frenzy.

They whoosh past the sailboats, and zoooom across the sand, then it's up onto the jetty where silly billy Bunnies get all covered in spaghetti! But watch out, oh no, where are the bunnies off to now? To the airport, across the tarmac ... it's bunnies on the PLANE. Here we go again...

Support the show

Thank you for listening. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please support us by subscribing to our channel. and by purchasing books from our online bookshop, Bestbooksforschools.com

In the Reading Corner is presented by Nikki Gamble, Director of Just Imagine. 

Follow us on Youtube for more author events YouTube.com/@nikkigamble1

For general news and updates: follow us on X @imaginecentre  Bluesky  https://bsky.app/profile/justimaginecentre.bsky.social  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justimagine_books/

Full details about the range of services we provide can be found on our website www.justimagine.co.uk