In the Reading Corner

JonArno Lawson is a Canadian writer who has published many books for children and adults, was born in Hamilton, Ontario and raised in nearby Dundas. He now lives in Toronto,

Lawson has won The Lion and the Unicorn  Award for Excellence in North American Poetry four times, in 2007, 2009, 2013, and 2014. The books were Enjoy It While It Hurts, A Voweller's Bestiary, Black Stars In A White Night Sky, and Down In The Bottom Of The Bottom Of The Box.] His book The Man In The Moon-Fixer's Mask was a finalist for this award in 2005.

Lawson’s wordless picture book "Sidewalk Flowers"(Footpath Flowers in the UK)  illustrated by Sydney Smith,  won the Governor General's Award for Illustrated Children's Books in 2015. This was followed by a further wordless book, Above the Shop, illustrated by Qin Leng and more recently, A Day for Sandcastles.

Jon joined Nikki Gamble In the Reading Corner to talk about the latest book.

About A Day for Sandcastles.
A dazzling wordless picture book celebrates creative problem-solving, teamwork, and the sun-splashed wonder of a day at the beach. The creators of the acclaimed Over the Shop evoke a perfect summer beach day - and themes of creativity, cooperation, flexibility, and persistence - all without a word in this sun-warmed, salt-stained delight of a story. A busload of beachgoers spills out onto the sand for a day of fun and frolic.

Three siblings begin work on a castle, patting and shaping the sand as the sun arcs over the sky. Time and again, their progress is halted: a windswept hat topples their creation; a toddler ambles through it; the tide creeps close, and then too close. Meeting each demolition with fresh determination, the builders outdo themselves time and again, until the moment arrives to pile back into the bus for home.

An authentic portrait of sibling cooperation - and glorious inspiration for creative people of all ages - A Day for Sandcastles channels the thrill of surrendering expectations on the path to infinite possibility.

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

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

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Phil Earle was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal with When the Sky Falls.  his hard-hitting emotional story,  which highlights the plight of zoo animals during The Blitz.

Phil's latest book While the Storm Rages is also set in the Blitz but this time tells about the fate of many pets and one boy and his friends' quest to save their animal companions. Phil dropped by to tell us more about the story.

About While The Storm Rages
While the Storm Rages is the eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls: The Times Children's Book of the Year, winner of the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Children's Fiction, winner of the British Book Award for Children's Fiction Book of the Year and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. September 1939. The world is on the brink of war.

As his dad marches off to fight, Noah makes him a promise, to keep their beloved family dog safe. When the government advises people to have their pets put down in readiness for the chaos of war, hundreds of thousands of people do as they are told. But not Noah.

He's not that sort of boy. With his two friends in tow, he goes on the run, to save his dog and as many animals as he can. No matter what.

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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

Polly Dunbar is an English author-illustrator. She is best known for her self-illustrated books Penguin, the Tilly and Friends series,  which was made into a television series.

She has illustrated Margaret Mahy's riotous rhymes  Down the Back of the Chair and Bubble Trouble as well as a collection of Michael Rosen's poems for very young children,  A Great Big Cuddle.

Now Polly has illustrated a second collection by Michael Rosen, Ready for Spaghetti. She joined Nikki Gamble In The Reading Corner to talk about the joy of illustrating these playful, performative rhymes.

About Ready for Spaghetti
From two of the biggest names in children's publishing, this is an inspiring guide to wordplay for young readers, their parents and teachers.

I'm ready for spaghetti will you getti the spaghetti? Don't say, "Not yetti spaghetti!"'cos I'm all setti for spaghetti.

Fizzing with rhythm, energy, and laughter, the 30 poems in Ready for Spaghetti delight in the details of children's daily routines.

"Up, up, uppity-up!", the first poem announces, while the artwork shows a child leaping out of bed, ready to begin their morning; "Hush and a hush, soft and low", chants the final poem, as children snuggle under their blankets after their day's adventures. Full of affectionate observations of young children, which are beautifully continued in Polly Dunbar's warm-hearted pictures, Michael Rosen's poems are ideal for reading aloud with toddlers ... and many grown-ups will soon know them by heart!

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

Jarvis studied graphic design and previously worked as a record sleeve designer, website designer, and animation director before becoming a children’s book illustrator.

His books include Mrs Mole, I’m Home! and Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth( which won the 2017 V&A Best Illustrated Book) Pick a Pumpkin and Pick a Pine Tree.

With Jeanne Willis he has co-created I'm in Charge and Spike the Hedgehog Who Lost His Prickles,

About his picture book inspiration, Jarvis says, “The way I work is always visual. I will have an image or character in mind and I pull a story out of it. I doodle and doodle and doodle until I get it right.”  (From Walker Books website),

Jarvis joined Nikki Gamble In The Reading Corner to talk about his picture book, The Boy With Flowers in His Hair.

About The Boy With Flowers In His Hair
A warm and powerful story that brings to life a pure and poignant friendship that children will never forget. David is the boy with flowers in his hair. He's sweet and gentle, just like his petals.

But when David's flowers begin to fall - a single petal at first, then every last blossom - his best friend never leaves his side. And through kindness and creativity, he even finds a way to give David his colour back... Beautifully illustrated, this story is about being there for someone when they're at their most vulnerable.

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

Legendarium is the final book in Jennifer Bell's gaming fantasy adventure duology, which began with Wonderscape.

This time our heroes are propelled into the future and tasked with preventing a villain from uncovering the secrets of time travelling and the ultimate power that this could bring.

Jennifer travelled virtually into The Reading Corner to talk more about gaming, time travel and her fantasy adventure.

About Legendarium
Arthur, Ren and Cecily are stuck in Legendarium in the year 2493, where the secretive villain Deadlock has discovered dangerous time-travel technology. To save the universe, the friends must enter the deadly Irontide Tournament, where legends are real and one wrong move could cost them their lives..

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

Sophie Anderson is well-loved for her fantasy novels that draw on Slavic and Russian folklore.

Sophie dropped into the reading corner to talk about her latest novel The Thief Who Sang Storms and the traditional stories which inspired it.

About The Thief Who Sang Storms.
The Island of Morovia is shaped like a broken heart. The humans live on one side of the island, and the alkonosts - the bird-people - live on the other.

But it wasn't always this way... Linnet wishes she could sing magic. But magic is forbidden and she has been banished with her father to the Mournful Swamp.

She misses her old life and dreams of reuniting with her friends. When her father is captured for taking a precious jewel, Linnet must set out on a treacherous journey. Travelling through alligator pools and sinking sands with new friends, she learns how to be brave, and discovers something even more powerful than singing magic.

Something that could save her father, and heal the broken heart of her island once more... With themes of grief, trust, love, and that we have more in common than that which divides us, this is a heartfelt book filled with adventure and stunning storytelling from bestselling Sophie Anderson.

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

With a long career in factual radio programming and podcasting,  and now working in the role of Commissioning Editor - Factual, BBC Radio 4, Rich Knight is well-placed to write about politics for young readers.

If I Ran the Country starts from the premise that the reader is in a position to run the country and then takes them on a decision-making journey covering the key considerations that any political leader has to face.

Rich joined Nikki Gamble #InTheReadingCorner to delve into some of the themes that underpin the book.

About If I Ran the Country
Congratulations! You've just become the leader of your own country! There are a lot of decisions to be made, and not long to make them.

The good news is you've got your hands on this funny, fact-packed book, covering everything you need to know to rule effectively - no matter where in the world you are. But it's not just about political systems, elections, climate change, justice and all those other things we hear politicians talking about. You also need to learn how to lead.

With essential life and leadership skills and tips - from teamwork, confidence and compassion to discovering who you are and what you believe in - If I Ran The Country answers all the questions most often posed by first-time top dogs like you. You'll be ruling like a pro in no time!

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

Justin Anderson is a wildlife and adventure filmmaker. He produced and directed the ‘Mountains’ segment of Planet Earth II which featured the first-ever fight between four snow leopards seen on screen.

 After working on this series, her wrote his first children’s book Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Grey Mountain.  A second book, Narwhal: Arctic Unicorn is recently published by Walker Books.

Justin joined Nikki Gamble In The Reading Corner to talk about the similarities and differences between documentary filmmaking and writing for children, and to give us an insight into the new book.

About Narwhal: Arctic Unicorn
Discover the beautiful and fascinating unicorn of the sea, the narwhal, with words by a Planet Earth II producer and pictures by an award-winning artist. "Now the narwhal must begin their epic journey north. It's a journey with many dangers along the way..."Join us on an icy journey into Arctic waters, as we dive down deep with one of the most enchanting creatures in the world - the narwhal.

Learn about how narwhals have adapted to their freezing habitat, how they look after their young and all about their distinctive, mysterious tusks. Complete with an index and a conservation note, this is a wonderful addition to the Nature Storybook series, which showcases the stories of animals all over the world.

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

Anthony Horowitz is well-known for his top-selling Alex Rider and for his television writing.  He is also the author of the brilliant Diamond Brothers mysteries, each one based on one of his favourite films. During lockdown, he started to write a new Diamond Brothers online. The story, Where Seagulls Dare,  is now published with the royalties being donated to Home-Start  a Suffolk charity, in a bid to raise money and laughs at the same time.

Anthony joined Nikki  In The Reading Corner to talk about films. humour and the mystery busting twins.

About Where Seagulls Dare
A hilarious new story about the world's worst detectives, by the bestselling author of the Alex Rider series, Anthony Horowitz. Private investigators Tim and Nick Diamond haven't had a case for three months and are down to their last cornflake. So when a glamorous woman comes into their office offering them a pile of cash to find her missing father, they think Christmas has come - only it turns out they are the turkeys! Before they know it, they are caught up in a case involving bike-riding hitmen, super hackers and a sinister far-right organisation, the White Crusaders.

The Diamond Brothers are in the soup and in it over their heads. With thrills and spills, and jokes on every page, this new Diamond Brothers novel will have young readers howling with laughter.

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

Jim Smith is the British children’s author and illustrator of the Barry Loser and Future Ratboy series. Before creating the hugely popular Barry Loser novels for younger children, Smith worked as a designer, creating the quirky cartoon imagery for coffee chain Puccinos before branching out into stationery and gift design under the brand-name Waldo Pancake. The first Barry Loser book, I Am Not a Loser, was published in 2012. 10 years on Jim has created a full-colour graphic novel featuring the well-loved characters including Barry himself, who is most definitely NOT a loser.

Jim chatted to Nikki Gamble about this new direction for the eponymous Barry Loser.

About Barry Loser - Total Winner
The bestselling, award-winning Barry Loser series is ten years old and Barry, Bunky, Nancy and the gang are off on a series of new adventures - in full-colour graphic novel format and with 'how to draw' sections to help you make your own comic books! In the first book, Barry has had enough of being a loser and wants to prove he's a Total Winner, but when his parents ban him from gaming he has to think outside of the box . . .

Barry also has a new cat called French Fries - the keelest cat ever amen.

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