Storyshaped

Today's episode is a special World Book Day celebratory release, where we had the JOY of chatting to school librarian, CILIP Judge and Chair-Elect, and general wonder-worker Alison King. Alison is a librarian in a school in Wales, and her passion for her job - and her abiding love of books and stories - comes through so strongly in everything she does (this interview being no exception). Come with us as we learn about the books and stories which helped shape Alison into the wonderful story-advocate she is today - and learn, along with us, all about the National Year of Reading, and how you can get involved!#GoAllIn!Happy World Book Day, Storyshapers!Books mentioned in this week's episode include:The 'Story a Day' books - a story for every day of the yearStoryteller magazine and cassettes: the mp3s of the stories can be found hereJosie Smith at the Seaside, by Magdalen Nabb and illustrated by Pirkko VainioThe Animals of Farthing Wood, by Colin DannAnimal Ark, by Lucy DanielsThe Enchanted Wood, by Enid BlytonThe Magic Faraway Tree, by Enid BlytonThe Baby-Sitters' Club, by Ann M. MartinThe Last Zookeeper, by Aaron BeckerDrama, by Raina TelgemaierHeartstopper, by Alice OsemanGlasgow Boys, by Margaret McDonaldRun Rebel, by Manjeet MannLook Both Ways, by Jason ReynoldsThe work of Laura BatesThe work of Holly BourneThe Blue Book of Nebo, by Manon Steffan RosLark, by Anthony McGowanTales from the Inner City, by Shaun TanSmall in the City, by Sydney SmithHoward's End is on the Landing, by Susan HillThe Remains of the Day, by Kazuo IshiguroLittle Women, by Louisa M. AlcottBlue Sisters, by Coco MellorsHello Beautiful, by Ann NapolitanoThe Places I've Cried in Public, by Holly BourneGone for Good, by Sarah CrossanShorelines, by Ruth EnnisMagical Boy, by KaoPumpkinheads, by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin HicksWhy Did My Brain Make Me Say It? by Sarah ZimanLetters from the Upside, by Katya BalenSirens, by Emilia HartIntroducing Mrs Collins, by Rachel ParrisA Million Tiny Missiles, by Lucas Maxwell

This week, we got to speak to the Queen of Crime herself, Fleur Hitchcock! Fleur shared some of her brilliant tips and tricks to writing her novels, as well as letting us in on a secret or two (hint: you might be surprised by the authors she's never read!) We discuss setting, Scandi noir vs. 'cosy' crime, the vital importance of pony books, and a wonderful connection to the great Nina Bawden. Get your crime-solving hats on, and join in the fun!Find Fleur online at her agent's website: The Shaw AgencyStories mentioned this week include some of Fleur's own:Shrunk!Dear ScarlettMurder at WintertideMurder at Snowfall... and many moreAnd the stories which shaped her include:The work of Malcolm Saville The Silver Sword, by Ian SeraillierRichard Scarry's Storybook DictionaryAnt and Bee, by Angela Banner, illustrated by Bryan WardAndy Pandy - originally a BBC television show; later a comic strip in Robin magazineThe Batman comics/character, created by Bill Finger and Bob KaneThe Superman comics/character, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe ShusterThe Green Lantern comics/character, created by Bill Finger and Martin NodellThe Justice League comics/characters, originally conceived by Sheldon Mayer and Gardner FoxTintin: Explorers on the Moon, by HergéAsterix, created by René Goscinny and Albert UderzoTammy, and June - comics originally published by Fleetway between 1971 and 1984Bunty - comic originally published by DC Thompson and Co between 1958 and 2001James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Michel Simeon (1967)The Otterbury Incident, by Cecil Day-Lewis, illustrated by Edward ArdizzoneNightbirds on Nantucket, by Joan AikenBlack Hearts in Battersea, by Joan AikenThe work of Josephine, Christine, and Diane Pullein-ThompsonNational Velvet, by Enid Bagnold, illustrated by Lauriane JonesThe Manual of Horsemanship, and Keeping a Pony at Grass, published by the British Pony SocietyThe Ponies of Bunts, by Marjorie Mary OliverThe work of Dick FrancisFlambards, by KM PeytonBlack Beauty, by Anna SewellThe work of Henry TreeceEagle of the Ninth, by Rosemary SutcliffeBoys' Own books belonging to Fleur's unclesThe work of Nina BawdenThe work of Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, James Elroy, Louis L'Amour , James Herbert, Stephen King, Rachel Ward, Belinda BauerA Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula le GuinThe Dark is Rising, by Susan CooperThe Kelpie's Pearls, by Mollie Hunter, illustrated by Charles KeepingStig of the Dump, by Clive King, illustrated by Edward ArdizzoneOur 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 finally managed to sit down with Sarah Webb, the Queen of Irish Kidlit, on today's episode. Join us for a fun stroll through the ups and downs of her Storyshaped life, from her early days of working in bookselling to the achievements she would go on to claim - a multiply-published, award-winning, best-selling author of fiction and non-fiction for children and adults, as well as an event programmer, an Events Manager, and - full circle! - back to bookselling in the wonderful surrounds of Halfway Up the Stairs specialist children's bookshop in Wicklow.Find Sarah online at her website: www.sarahwebb.infoBooks mentioned in today's episode include Sarah's own:The Weather GirlsThe Little Bee Charmer of Henrietta StreetThe Amy Green SeriesAnd the stories which have shaped her include:When We Were Very Young, by AA MilneNow We Are Six, by AA MilneRichard Scarry's Busy Busy WorldGreen Eggs and Ham, by Dr SeussThe Elephant and the Bad Baby, by Raymond Briggs and Elfrida VipontLooking and Doing, by Leo Hallisey and Donal ByrneTiger Flower, by Robert VavraROSC Art Exhibition CataloguesBunty, Mandy, and Twinkle - annuals, and weekly comicsDisney Play-Along Records, including Peter Pan, the Jungle Book, Cinderella, and PinocchioNational Geographic and Readers' Digest magazineHeidi, by Johanna SpyriBallet Shoes, by Noel StreatfeildThe Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson BurnettThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by CS LewisThe work of Eilís DillonGulliver's Travels, by Jonathan SwiftFavourite Greek Myths, by LS HydeThe work of Sinéad de ValeraThe Second-Best Children in the World, by Mary Lavin, ill. Edward ArdizzoneThe Flight of the Earls, by Walter MackenThe Bookshop on the Quay, by Patricia LynchAre You There, God... by Judy BlumeThe Great Gatsby, by F Scott FitzgeraldNew Patches for Old, by Christabel MattingsleyThe Lottie Brooks series, by Kate KirbyThe work of Margaret Atwood, Kate Chopin, Marge Piercy, Patricia Scanlan, Marian KeyesBabies Need Books, by Dorothy Butler, ill. Shirley HughesOwl Babies, by Martin Waddell and Patrick BensonAlfie, by Shirley Hughes (series)A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula leGuinThe work of Susan CooperThe Harry Potter books The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, by John BoyneTyger, by SF SaidThe work of Frances HardingeCatfish Rolling, by Clara KumagaiSummer Sisters, by Judy BlumeThe Dutch House, by Ann PatchettWriters and Lovers, by Lily KingHeartburn, by Nora EphronHarriet the Spy, by Louise FitzhughCalvin and Hobbes, by Bill WattersonThe Far Side, by Gary LarsonMaus, by Art SpiegelmanLove and Rockets, by the Hernandez BrothersSmile, Guts, and Ghosts, all by Raina TelgemaierThe Drama Club, and the Cartoonists' Club, by Telgemaier and Scott McCloudLord of the Flies, by William Golding, graphic novel adaptation by Amy de JonghMexi-Kid, by Pedro MartinOur 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.

Gráinne O'Brien is no stranger to anyone on the Irish book scene! A bookseller, a creative writing coach, and a published author, she released her debut YA novel in April 2025 to instant acclaim. We were delighted that she made time in a very busy day - with thanks to The Campus Bookshop in UCD, Sinéad's old workplace, for giving her somewhere to set up her computer so she could talk to us! - and we had a brilliant natter about stories, books, and the importance of listening to the voices in your head. (If you know, you know!)Find Gráinne online HEREFind Rontu, Gráinne's creative writing coaching service, HEREFind Kenny's Bookshop, where Gráinne is Children's Buyer, HEREBooks mentioned in this week's episode include Gráinne's own:A Limerick FairytaleSoloAnd the stories which shaped her include:Big Magic, by Elizabeth GilbertThese Are the Words, by Nikita GillThe work of Sarah CrossanThe life and work of Mary O'Shea, elementary school librarian in Palo Alto, CARamona Quimby, by Beverly ClearyThe Baby-sitters' Club, by Ann M. MartinWayside School Gets a Little Stranger, by Louis SacharHoles, by Louis SacharThe Magician of Tiger Castle, by Louis SacharThe Goosebumps books, by RL StineThe work of Maeve BinchyFlowers in the Attic, by Virginia AndrewsThe work of Marian KeyesJAWS, by Peter BenchleyI Capture the Castle, by Dodie SmithThe work of Jessica TownsendThe Murder Most Unladylike series, by Robin StevensThe Song of the Lioness, by Tamora PierceNina Peanut Is Amazing and Nina Peanut, Mega Mystery Solver, by Sarah BowiePablo and Splash, by Sheena DempseyNotes from a Coma, by Mike McCormackThe work of Sarah Moore FitzgeraldThe work of Donal RyanThe work of Joseph O'ConnorThe Book of Secrets, by Alex DunneUnder the Hawthorn Tree (trilogy), by Marita Conlon-McKennaCreative Writing for Dummies, by Maggie HamandAtmosphere, by Taylor Jenkins ReidOur 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.

Eve Wersocki Morris has been called 'the best-kept secret in children's publishing' by no less than Lemony Snicket himself, so who are we to argue! We were delighted to get a window into her delightfully noirish Storyshaped life. Come with us as we discover the stories - movies, books, the lot! - which have shaped her and her work, right from her first novel (written when she was thirteen!) to the present day.Find Eve online at her websiteBooks mentioned in this week's episode include Eve's own:The Bird SingersThe Wildstorm CurseClem Fatale Has Been BetrayedAnd the stories which have shaped her include:Movies:The Maltese FalconThe 39 StepsStrangers on a TrainThe Big SleepStage FrightDial M For MurderDouble IndemnitySome Like It HotSunset BoulevardThe LadykillersThe Wrong Arm of the LawDead Men Don't Wear PlaidNight Train to MunichCastle in the Air and the Chrestomanci books, by Diana Wynne JonesThe Just William Stories, by Richmal Crompton, read by Martin JarvisThe Chronicles of Narnia, by CS LewisThe Roman Mysteries, by Caroline LawrenceLizzie Zipmouth, by Jacqueline WilsonFantastic Mr Fox, by Roald DahlThe Worst Witch, by Jill MurphyNoughts and Crosses, by Malorie BlackmanAnna Karenina, by TolstoyMadame Bovary, by Gustave FlaubertNorthanger Abbey, by Jane AustenOn Beauty, by Zadie SmithHeartburn, by Nora EphronThe Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret AtwoodRebecca, by Daphne du MaurierAmerican Wife, by Curtis SittenfeldThe Poetry Pharmacy Comfort Poems CollectionOur 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 thrilled to get the chance to sit down with Peter Donnelly, one of Ireland's foremost illustrators and picturebook makers, to discuss life, work, inspiration, and everything in between! Listen in for a chance to hear about how Peter was inspired by a mountain, and how NOT getting into art college was the best thing that ever happened to him. If you've ever wondered: how did Peter Donnelly come up with the brilliant idea to write a picturebook about the President of Ireland, then you've found your happy place. Come and join us as we winkle out Peter Donnelly's Storyshaped secrets!Books mentioned in this week's episode include Peter's own:The President's GlassesThe President's CatThe President's DogThe President's SurpriseThe Dead ZooThe Great DiscoveryUp on the MountainLittle WolfAnd the stories that shaped him include:The Cat in the Hat, by Dr SeussThe Selfish Giant, by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Lisbeth ZwergerThe Selfish Giant, by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by PJ LynchThe work of PJ LynchMonty Python, British TV comedyThe Prince of Egypt, animated movie on which Peter workedAnastasia, animated movie on which Peter workedTilly and Friends, by Polly DunbarThis is Ireland, by Miroslav SacekThe work of Mac BarnettThe work of Jon KlassenThe Fairy Isle, by Síne Quinn, illustrated by Dermot FlynnBeanie the Bansheenie, by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Steve McCarthyOur 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.

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.