Storyshaped

Get ready to pull on your nonsense shoes and go dancing on the kooky side of the street as we chat to the brilliant Nathanael (Nate) Lessore, author of the hilarious Steady for This and King of Nothing for teen readers, and Solving Crimes is NOT My Superpower, for slightly younger readers. This conversation will answer all the questions you have about life, including the most important one: how DO you give CPR to a mosquito? I mean, you can't deny it's something we've all wondered about...Find Nate online HEREBooks mentioned in this week's episode include Nate's own:Steady for ThisKing of NothingSolving Crimes is NOT My Superpower, illustrated by Simran Diamond SinghAnd the stories which have shaped him include:Avocado Baby, by John BurninghamBurglar Bill, by Janet and Allan AhlbergDouble Act, by Jacqueline WilsonThe Lottie Project, by Jacqueline WilsonTracey Beaker (TV series), original novels by Jacqueline WilsonVicky Angel, by Jacqueline WilsonScribble Boy, by Philip RidleyHarry Potter, by JK RowlingNoughts and Crosses, by Malorie BlackmanKnife Edge, by Malorie BlackmanThe work of Flannery O'ConnorThe Chronicles of Narnia, by CS LewisGlasgow Boys, by Margaret McDonaldTV Shows:ScrubsFriendsBoondocksFresh Prince of Bel-AirFamily GuySpiderman (comic books)The work of Spike MilliganConn of the Dead, by Dave RuddenThe Door of No Return, by Kwame AlexanderHappy Head, by Josh SilverOur podcast bookshop in Ireland is Halfway Up the Stairs: www.halfwayupthestairs.ie. You might also like to check out www.kennys.ie for free shipping within the Republic of Ireland!In the UK, check out our storefront on: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/Storyshaped. Disclaimer: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.

This Storyshaped chat is a feast for the soul. We were delighted to get a chance to sit down with Kel Menton, debut author, and talk to them all about their brilliant first novel, A Fix of Light, and the stories that have shaped not only the book, but Kel themself. We went on a fantastic trip from local ghost-lore to titans of the fantasy genre all the way to the Prose Edda and Poetic Edda - because, of course you'd end up there! Come on and join us for a fantastic meander through a marvellously Storyshaped life.Find Kel on their newsletter, MarginaliaBooks mentioned in this week's episode include Kel's own:A Fix of LightAnd the stories which have shaped them include:The Sleeping Giant, by Marie-Louise FitzpatrickCailín an Bhúrna/Colleen of the Barley, a local ghost storyThe Raven Boys, by Maggie StiefvaterShiver, by Maggie StiefvaterThe Demon's Lexicon, by Sarah Rees BrennanThe Inkheart trilogy, by Cornelia FunkeReckless, by Cornelia FunkeWintersmith, by Terry PratchettShadow and Bone, by Leigh BardugoSix of Crows, by Leigh BardugoThe work of John GreenThe Ruby Redfort books, by Lauren ChildBeowulf, the Old English epic (HWAET!)Judith and Holofernes, the Old English poemThe Poetic EddaThe Prose Edda, compiled by Snorri SturlusonSummer Sons, by Lee MandeloAll For the Game, by Nora SakavicDon't Let the Forest In, by CG DrewsThe Three Body Problem, by Cixin LiuThe work of NK JemisinThe work of Ursula le GuinThe work of RF KuangSentimental Garbage podcast - The Phantom of the Opera with Rebecca KuangOur podcast bookshop in Ireland is Halfway Up the Stairs: www.halfwayupthestairs.ie. You might also like to check out www.kennys.ie for free shipping within the Republic of Ireland!In the UK, check out our storefront on: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/Storyshaped. Disclaimer: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.

We were privileged today to speak to the authors of the brilliant essay anthology, Beyond the Secret Garden, which is a vital critique of the current state of children's literature and its inclusivity problem. Dr Chetty and Prof Sands-O'Connor have written for many years over at Books for Keeps around these vital issues, and today they bring us through the importance of decolonising the children's literature canon - while also giving us an insight into their own Storyshaped lives, and what stories led them to the work they do today.You can purchase your copy of Beyond the Secret Garden hereStories mentioned in this week's episode include:The Good Immigrant, ed. Nikesh ShuklaSesame StreetRoy of the Rovers football comicThe work of JD Salinger and Jack KerouacDr Dolittle, by Hugh LoftingThe Wizard of Oz (movie version)Mythologies, by Roland BarthesElmer, by David McKeeTusk Tusk, by David McKeeThe Grapes of Wrath, by John SteinbeckJane Eyre, by Charlotte BronteWuthering Heights, by Emily BronteThe work of Charles DickensLittle Women, by Louisa May AlcottSight and Sound magazineThe Buddha of Suburbia, by Hanif KureishiThe Chronicles of Narnia, by CS LewisOliver Twist, by Charles DickensRobinson Crusoe, by Daniel DefoeSing, Unburied, Sing, by Jesmyn WardFreud in Oz, by Kenneth KiddJames, by Percival EverettOur podcast bookshop in Ireland is Halfway Up the Stairs: www.halfwayupthestairs.ie. You might also like to check out www.kennys.ie for free shipping within the Republic of Ireland!In the UK, check out our storefront on: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/Storyshaped. Disclaimer: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.

We don't have *much* in common with the Terminator around here, it must be said, but one of the things we do share is this: we come back. So, here we are! This is a special LIVE episode, recorded in May 2025 at the brilliant International Literature Festival Dublin in front of an audience of Kieran Larwood fans (and, perhaps, one or two who were there to see us), and we had the most fun. We chatted fantasy, Tolkien, the powers of maps as ways into story, 90s music, and loads more.Our very special thanks to the team at International Literature Festival Dublin for facilitating this dream come true for us - it has long been our ambition to record a live episode, and we were delighted to get the chance to do just that as part of this fantastic festival, which happens in Dublin in May every year. We hope the recording gives you a flavour of how much we enjoyed talking to Kieran and getting an insight into his very special Storyshaped life.PLEASE NOTE: The audio didn't pick up the audience, so during question time, the questions we are responding to are as follows:What children's book that you read as an adult do you wish you'd read as a child?Will we find out more about the Ancients?Books mentioned in this week's episode include:The work of Enid BlytonThe work of JRR TolkienA Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula le GuinThe Moomins, by Tove JanssonThe Hounds of the Morrigan, by Pat O'SheaThe World Between the Rain, by Susan CahillFighting Fantasy book series, created by Steve Jackson and Ian LivingstoneStone of Farewell, by Tad WilliamsThe work of Robin HobbMort, by Terry PratchettThe work of Terry Pratchett, especially the Tiffany Aching seriesGood Omens, by Terry Pratchett and Neil GaimanLords and Ladies, by Terry PratchettWatership Down, by Richard AdamsNeuromancer, by William GibsonEscape Room: Game Zero, by Christopher EdgeI Am Wolf, by Alastair ChisholmThe Bone Ships, by RJ BarkerOctober, October, by Katya BalenThe Storm and the Sea Hawk, by Kiran Millwood HargraveI Am Raven, by Alastair ChisholmA Fix of Light, by Kel MentonOn Midnight Beach, by Marie Louise FitzpatrickThe work of Jamie Littler, esp. FrostheartThe music of Pearl Jam and Nirvana and Soundgarden

In this special mini-sode of Storyshaped, I (Sinéad) sat down with Ruth Ennis (writer, book-expert, book reviewer, general Queen of Irish children's and YA literature and legend in her own lifetime) to discuss something close to both our hearts: the situation in Palestine.Nobody will be unaware of the reality; the situation in Palestine, and in particular in Gaza, has been described as 'genocide' by bodies such as Médecins sans Frontieres, the United Nations, and Amnesty International. Innocent civilians have been mercilessly killed, day and night, for almost the past two years, and the onslaught has had a particularly horrific impact on Palestinian children.As authors for children and young people, Ruth and I couldn't stand by and do nothing. So, we set up the Irish KidLit for Palestine Fundraiser, which runs between August 4th and 17th, 2025. Our chosen charity is Medical Aid for Palestinians, who can be found HEREAnd the link to the Irish KidLit for Palestine Fundraiser, where you can help us to raise money AND get yourself some snazzy kidlit-related goodies, is HERE Our sincere thanks to the 30+ authors, illustrators, artists and creatives who made this Fundraiser possible by donating their work and their time. Míle buíochas! Stay tuned for more Storyshaped in the autumn.

So, if we sound a bit giddy on this week's episode, that's because we were! Head-whirlingly, we got to speak to Patrice Actual Lawrence, who is one of the most accomplished authors around. Patrice has written for all age groups, from picturebooks right up to YA (with equal aplomb), and her journey to creating this masterful body of work is an interesting one. Come with us as she takes us through her Storyshaped life.Books mentioned in this week's episode include Patrice's own:OrangeboyIndigo DonutEight Pieces of SilvaNeedleRose, InterruptedIs That Your Mama? illustrated by Diane EwenElemental DetectivesPeople Like StarsAnd the stories which shaped her include:Pig-Heart Boy, by Malorie BlackmanMalory Towers, by Enid Blyton (and Patrice's own New Class At Malory Towers)Rainbow Magic, by 'Daisy Meadows'The work of John AgardThe work of Grace NicolsThe work of Julia DonaldsonThe work of Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Stephen KingThe work of Jenny Downham, especially Before I DieThe story of Jonathan Strong, an enslaved man in 18thC LondonThe Rivers of London (series), by Ben AaronovitchLove in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel Garcia MarquezDr Dolittle, by Hugh LoftingThe Railway Children, by E NesbitLittle Women, by Louisa May AlcottThe Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson BurnettThe Diddakoi, by Rumer GoddenOur Beautiful Darkness, by Onjaki, ill. Antonio Jorge Goncalves, trans. Lyn Miller-LachmanA Guest in the House, by Emily Carroll100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Cafe, by Julian Sedgwick and Chie KutsuwadaBefore the Coffee Gets Cold, by Toshikazu Kawaguchi - the book Sinéad was trying to recall!Tsunami Girl, by Julian Sedgwick and Chie KutsuwadaThe Pigman, by Paul ZindelRumblefish, by SE HintonThe Body, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, Misery, Pet Sematary, all by Stephen KingOur podcast bookshop in Ireland is Halfway Up the Stairs: www.halfwayupthestairs.ie. You might also like to check out www.kennys.ie for free shipping within the Republic of Ireland!In the UK, check out our storefront on: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/Storyshaped. Disclaimer: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.

This week, we were honoured to speak to an undisputable Queen of Children's Literature - Julie Sykes! Julie is the author of well over a hundred books, many of them co-written with the equally excellent Linda Chapman. Her bestselling series include the Netflix-adapted The Unicorn Academy, but throughout Julie's almost thirty year career she has written for the youngest children right up to teens. Come with us for a brilliant insight into Julie's life, career, work - and just how she keeps her creative flame lit, even after all these years.Find Julie online at her website: www.juliesykes.co.ukFind out more about International Literature Festival Dublin at www.ilfdublin.comTickets for the LIVE Storyshaped event are available here: LIVE STORYSHAPED PODCAST EVENTTickets for Susan's solo event are available here: DISCOVER THE MAGICAL WORLD BETWEEN THE RAINTickets for Sinéad's solo event are available here: THE SUN, THE MOON, AND TWO STARSBooks mentioned in this week's episode include some of Julie's own:The Unicorn Academy series (co-written with Linda Chapman; illustrated by Lucy Truman)The Mermaid Academy series (co-written with Linda Chapman; illustrated by Lucy Truman)The Woodland Magic series (illustrated by Katy Riddell)The Perfect Puppies seriesThe Princess Ponies seriesAnd the stories that shaped her include:The work of Enid BlytonSwallows and Amazons, by Arthur RansomeThe Punchbowl series, by Monica EdwardsThe Romney Marsh series, by Monica EdwardsCarbonel: The King of the Cats, by Barbara SleighDiary of an Accidental Witch, by Honor and Perdita CargillThe Weirdstone of Brisingamen, by Alan GarnerThe Hobbit, by JRR TolkienGoodnight Mister Tom, by Michelle MagorianThe Great Elephant Chase, by Gillian CrossThe work of Dominique ValenteGreenwild: The World Behind the Door, by Pari ThompsonThe Hedgewitch series, by Skye McKennaThe Wycherleys, by Annaliese AveryThe work of Harriet Muncasteresp. Diary of Whisker Wildflower, by Harriet MuncasterThe work of Hilary McKayesp. Rosa by Starlight, Saffy's Angel, and Indigo Star (all by Hilary McKay)Our podcast bookshop in Ireland is Halfway Up the Stairs: www.halfwayupthestairs.ie. You might also like to check out www.kennys.ie for free shipping within the Republic of Ireland!In the UK, check out our storefront on: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/Storyshaped. Disclaimer: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.

We had a totally magical walk through picturebook author Mariesa Dulak's Storyshaped life on the podcast today, which took us all the way from Barbados to Harrogate, and plenty of other places besides! From nursery rhymes to Stephen King, and William Blake to Barbara Throws a Wobbler, join us as we follow Mariesa through the fantastic collection of tales (both written and spoken) that have shaped her work and made her the person she is today. Let's go!Find Mariesa online at her website: www.mariesadulak.comBooks mentioned in this week's episode include Mariesa's own:There's a Tiger on the Train (ill. Rebecca Cobb)The Silver Shadow (ill. Alea Marley)And the stories which shaped her include:Nursery rhymes and songs told and sung to her by her parentsThe fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers GrimmOne Thousand and One Nights/Arabian Nights, folktales from the Islamic Golden AgeThe Flower Fairies, by Cicely Mary BarkerThe work of Alison UttleyWinnie the Pooh: Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace, by AA Milne and EH ShepardThe work of Dr SeussThe Chronicles of Narnia, by CS LewisThe Worst Witch, by Jill MurphyThe work of Enid BlytonFungus the Bogeyman, by Raymond BriggsThe Tinderbox (fairytale)The work of Roald DahlThe work of Stephen KingBlubber, by Judy BlumeForever, by Judy BlumeThe work of John AgardThe work of Benjamin ZephaniahThe work of Malorie BlackmanLittle Soldier, by Bernard AshleyFlower Block, by Lanisha Butterfield (illustrated by Hoang Giang)Out of the Blue, by Robert Tregoning (illustrated by Stef Murphy)Songs of Innocence and Experience, by William BlakeTyger, by SF SaidSkellig, by David AlmondNot Now, Bernard, by David McKeeWhere the Wild Things Are, by Maurice SendakBarbara Throws a Wobbler, by Nadia ShireenThe work of Julia DonaldsonThe work of Janet and Allan AhlbergThe Cafe at the End of the Woods, by Mikey PleaseThe Full Stop that Got Away, by Laura Baker (illustrated by Nathan Reed)Butter, by Asako YuzukiThe Island of Brilliant podcast, hosted by Nadia Shireen and Frank Cottrell-BoyceOur podcast bookshop in Ireland is Halfway Up the Stairs: www.halfwayupthestairs.ie. You might also like to check out www.kennys.ie for free shipping within the Republic of Ireland!In the UK, check out our storefront on: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/Storyshaped. Disclaimer: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.

Well - whew! Get ready for this week's episode, Storyshapers, because it's a whirlwind of mythology, folklore, history, archaeology and magic, all thanks to the enthralling Ellen Ryan. Ellen is a journalist and author, who likes to spend time visiting archaeological sites, researching the richness of Ireland's folklore, mythology, and history, and creating fantastic, inclusive, immersive, and lovingly constructed tales and retellings of some stories we might *think* we know... Come on a wander through the landscape of old Ireland with Ellen, and find out how she's Storyshaped.Find Ellen online at her agent's website: https://belllomaxmoreton.co.uk/childrens-fiction/ellen-ryanBooks mentioned in this week's episode include Ellen's own:Girls Who Slay Monsters (ill. Shona Shirley MacDonald)Gods Don't Cry (ill. Conor Merriman)And the stories that have shaped her include:Under the Hawthorn Tree, by Marita Conlon-McKennaThe work of Siobhan ParkinsonFlight of the Doves, by Walter MackenThe Milly McCarthy series, by Leona FordeThe Hounds of the Morrigan, by Pat O'SheaThe work of Patricia LynchThe Táin, ed. and modernised by Thomas Kinsella, illustrations by Louis le BrocquyThe Corpus of Electronic Texts (The UCC CELT Project)The Book of the Elders, eds. Ann Dooley and Harry RoweThe work of John Carey, medievalist and language scholaresp. Magic, Metallurgy, and Imagination in Medieval Ireland, by John CareyThe work of Daniel Curley, archaeologist and guide at Rathcroghan Royal Site and Visitor Centre)Ireland's Immortals, by Mark WilliamsThe work of Miranda GreenThe Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend, ed. Miranda GreenOur podcast bookshop in Ireland is Halfway Up the Stairs: www.halfwayupthestairs.ie. You might also like to check out www.kennys.ie for free shipping within the Republic of Ireland!In the UK, check out our storefront on: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/Storyshaped. Disclaimer: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.