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Fun Kids Book Quest

Fun Kids

Join Bex from the children's radio station Fun Kids as she meets top authors who tell her about their books and also read us chapters from them.

Plus, Bex and friends recommend their favourite kids books of the month.

You can listen to Bex on Fun Kids (weekdays from 4pm) on DAB Digital Radio across the UK, on the free Fun Kids app, and online at funkidslive.com

Plus, when you become a Fun Kids Podcasts Plus subscriber, you get this show – and 30 others! – ad-free and support the work Fun Kids does in bringing you high-quality, entertaining, and safe content for your family. Find out more at FunKidsLive.com/plus

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#279
Wednesday · 18 min
Sly Wolves & Dragon Guardians: Facing Danger & Saving Kingdoms! 🐺🐉
On the Shelf This Week: James Mayhew joins the show with his vibrant retelling of Prokofiev’s timeless classic, Peter and the Wolf. When young Peter ventures out into the meadow, he makes friends with a duck, a bird, and a cat—only to face his ultimate test when a hungry wolf steps out from the trees! Liz Flanagan takes us high into dragon territory with The Moonlight Dragon. When Luna rescues Spark, the last remaining young dragon in the world, she teams up with Tobi and Elodie to uncover why the king fears these magical beasts—and whether they can save their kingdom as crops fail and water runs out. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#278
October 7 · 17 min
Inside the World of Skandar: A.F. Steadman Answers Your Questions 🦄✨
Welcome to BookQuest! 🦄✨ In this super-special episode, we are stepping onto the mysterious, elemental Island for an exclusive interview with A.F. Steadman, the #1 bestselling author behind the hit Skandar fantasy series! 🏆 The Ultimate Reading Hero Interview: As part of the Be A Reading Hero with Skandar campaign, one lucky young reading hero won the dream opportunity of a lifetime—to sit down with A.F. Steadman and ask their burning questions! Listen in as our winner dives deep into the inspiration behind Skandar Smith, elemental magic, and what it takes to build a blockbuster fantasy world. 🦄 Not Your Average Unicorns: Think unicorns are all soft glitter and rainbow sparkles? Think again! A.F. Steadman breaks down the ferocious, bloodthirsty, elemental-winged beasts that rule the Island—and reveals what it’s really like to bond with a warrior unicorn for life. 🎙️ Young Readers Take the Mic: We open up the inbox to share even more questions sent in by Skandar superfans across the country! From secret plot twists and fierce sky battles to writing tips for young authors, A.F. Steadman answers them all. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#277
September 30 · 16 min
Neverland Heists & Haunted Boarding Schools: Secret Worlds & Hidden Mysteries! 🏴‍☠️👻
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? Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#276
September 23 · 23 min
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#275
September 16 · 20 min
Chaotic Potions & Reimagined Myths: Unleashing Magical Mischief! 🧪
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#274
September 9 · 19 min
Cursed Treasure: Voyages Across Land and Sea! 🥬🏴‍☠️
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#273
September 2 · 19 min
Resilience, Refuge & Wild Horses: Overcoming Life's Biggest Hurdles! 🐴🌍
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#272
August 26 · 23 min
Poisoned Dragons & Talking Toast: Chaos in Magical Worlds! 🐉🍞
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#271
August 19 · 21 min
Secret Agents & Taylor Swift Superfans: Unlocking Your Superpower! 🕵️‍♂️🎤
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#270
August 12 · 11 min
Bex sits down with new Children's Laureate, Patrice Lawrence!✒️👑
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#269
August 5 · 20 min
Pet Survival Quests & Ancient Egypt Secrets: Surviving the Unknown! 🐾
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#268
July 29 · 21 min
Andy Stanton & Cecelia Ahern: Laugh-Out-Loud Fiction & Clever Clues 📚✨
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#267
July 22 · 22 min
The Week Junior Book Awards: Alien Invasions & Extraordinary Brains👽🧠
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/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#266
July 15 · 20 min
Incredible Science & Magical Secrets: Discovering What’s Inside You 🧠🔮
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. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#265
July 8 · 16 min
World Cup Dreams & Dangerous Secrets: What's the Real Cost of Winning? ⚽🏆
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. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#264
July 1 · 18 min
How to Train Your Dragon: Can You Survive the Ghost Ship? 🐉⛵
In this episode of BookQuest, we’re exploring what it means to find your crew—whether that’s a mismatched pack of dragons on the high seas or a massive, unexpected family right here on Earth. On the Shelf This Week: Cressida Cowell joins the show to discuss How to Train Your Dragon School: Fight of the Flamestrike. When a routine Viking training lesson goes completely off course, Hiccup, Toothless, and the gang find themselves trapped on a mysterious, abandoned vessel at sea. Get ready for a hilarious, action-packed adventure full of dragon chaos and hidden dangers! Kristina Rahim also features with her heartfelt and moving contemporary story, The Doughnut Club. Twelve-year-old Quinn has always felt like the odd one out in her adventurous family. But when she makes the life-changing discovery that she has sixteen donor siblings, she sets off on a journey of identity, belonging, and true self-discovery. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#263
June 24 · 18 min
Time-Travel Disasters & High School Drama ⏳ 🏫
In this episode of BookQuest, we’re dealing with the ultimate test of survival: stepping into the unknown! Whether you’re accidentally blinking across different centuries or just trying to survive the terrifying halls of secondary school, growing up is a wild ride. On the Shelf This Week: Amelia Tait joins the show to chat about her hilarious diary-style adventure, Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller. Imagine ringing in the New Year only to wake up in a completely different point in history! We follow Lily as she tries to balance mind-bending time-travel mishaps with regular friendship drama, family life, and growing up. Tola Okogwu also features with her funny, relatable new story, Bim Blake's Hot Takes. Step inside the chaotic first year of secondary school with Bim as she takes on new friendships, family madness, crushes, and the ultimate quest to find her own self-confidence when everything feels completely new. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#262
June 17 · 20 min
The Carnegie Awards Special: Friendship, Identity and Finding Your Place in the World 🎧📚
The Carnegie Awards take place on 23 June, and to celebrate, this special episode of BookQuest features two authors shortlisted for the 2026 Carnegie Medal for Writing. Rob Harrell joins the show to discuss his funny and heartfelt novel about a boy trying to survive a disastrous school picture day while juggling anxiety, family worries, and a series of increasingly chaotic mishaps. JP Rose also features with a thoughtful and moving story exploring friendship, identity, and what it means to find your place in the world when everything around you seems to be changing. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#261
June 10 · 22 min
Ghouls, Dragons, and Haunted Forests 🪄🐉
In this episode of BookQuest, we’re stepping off the edge of the map and into lands where the shadows are alive. Whether you’re dealing with ancient spirits in an enchanted woods or trying to stop a war between humans and dragons, you’re going to need some serious inner strength! On the Shelf This Week: Bec Manser joins the show to introduce her magical debut fantasy, Wildheart. Follow Nettle as she breaks the rules and enters the forbidden, ghoul-infested Dryda Forest to save her sister. Along the way, she must face her deepest fears and decide who the real monsters are. Struan Murray also features with the epic sequel, Dragonborn: The Twilight Child. Having discovered her true identity as a dragon, Alex Evans is thrown into a dangerous quest to stop a war against humanity. Together with her friends, she must journey north to battle ancient demons and master her fearsome powers. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#260
June 3 · 22 min
Blitz Bombs & Mythical Monsters🪖⛵
In this episode of BookQuest, we’re looking at what happens when ordinary kids are thrown into the absolute deep end of history and myth. Whether you’re dodging air raids or outsmarting skeleton armies, survival takes some serious teamwork! On the Shelf This Week: Tony Bradman joins the show to introduce Tales of Cobb Street Commandos. Walk into the chaos of World War Two alongside Jimmy and his friends, who refuse to just hide from the air raids—instead, they form their very own commando unit to protect their neighborhood. Clare Pollard also features with Othernauts, a hilariously fresh retelling of the classic Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts. Follow eleven-year-old Phoebe as she stows away on a legendary quest full of harpies, sea monsters, and skeleton armies—aided by a crew of kids whose "powers" include unreliable shapeshifting and headache-inducing siren singing. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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