Episode 81: Meet our new team!
27 January, 2021
For a special handover episode, Katherine chats to the new team who'll be taking over Down the Rabbit Hole - Caroline Carpenter, Charlie Morris, Hannah Love and Sam Sedgman - including finding out all about their favourite children's books
Episode 80: Christmas Special with Frank Cottrell Boyce
26 December, 2020
We discuss festive favourites and the best new books of 2020 with special guest author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce, who joins us to celebrate the many ways that children's books help us to celebrate small pleasures and find the magic in ordinary things
Episode 79: Funny Books for Older Readers with Alexandra Sheppard and Simon James Green
24 November, 2020
Special guests Alexandra Sheppard and Simon James Green join Katherine and Louise to talk about funny books for older readers, including some joyful and hilarious reading recommendations to cheer up even the gloomiest day
Episode 78: Funny Books with Pamela Butchart and Michelle Robinson
27 October, 2020
Authors Pamela Butchart and Michelle Robinson join Katherine and Louise to talk about the children's books that make them laugh - and why funny books matter.
Episode 77: Taran Matharu
23 September, 2020
Katherine and Louise chat to young adult author Taran Matharu about his 'Summoner' and 'Contender' series - and his journey from NaNoWriMo and Wattpad to New York Times bestseller.
Episode 76: Detective Stories with Robin Stevens and Sharna Jackson
25 August, 2020
Katherine is joined by two fellow middle grade mystery authors - Robin Stevens and Sharna Jackson - to discuss writing detective series. This month's episode celebrates the publication of the final Murder Most Unladylike book, Death Sets Sail, as well as High Rise Mystery winning the young fiction category of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
Episode 75: Shaun Tan
28 July, 2020
To celebrate his CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal win for Tales from the Inner City, Jack interviews acclaimed artist, writer and film-maker Shaun Tan
Episode 74: Independent Bookshops Special
25 June, 2020
We celebrated Independent Bookshop Week 2020 by chatting to three independent booksellers - Katie Clapham of Storytellers Inc, Steven Pryse of Pickled Pepper Books, and Fleur Sinclair of Sevenoaks Bookshop - to hear about their experiences of bookselling during lockdown, plus their top children's and teen book recommendations
Episode 73: Children's Laureate Special with Cressida Cowell
26 May, 2020
Waterstones Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell joins us to talk about creativity and the magic of reading - plus find out about our exciting competition for young writers
Episode 72: Murder Mysteries with Holly Jackson
28 April, 2020
New York Times bestselling author Holly Jackson joins the gang to talk about all things murder mystery - including an insight into her writing process and new book Good Girl, Bad Blood
Episode 71: Spring Special with Levi Pinfold and Kes Gray & Jim Field
24 March, 2020
In this special bumper episode, Imogen interviews award-winning artist Levi Pinfold about his extraordinary books and exquisite work on Harry Potter; and Jack talks to picture book creators Kes Gray and Jim Field about their wildly brilliant Oi! partnership.
Episode 70: Jasbinder Bilan and Kesia Lupo
25 February, 2020
To discuss this month's crop of new children's books, Katherine and Jack are joined in the studio by two special guests - Costa Children's Book Award winner Jasbinder Bilan and her editor Kesia Lupo, who is also a young adult author.
Episode 69: New Year Special
28 January, 2020
For January's show, Louise and Jack are joined by two children's publishing insiders - Pari Thomson and Charlie Morris - to look back at some of the best books of 2019, as well as some of those you can look forward to in 2020. Plus an insight into what it's like working in the world of children's books.
Episode 68: Sara Barnard
26 November, 2019
Louise and Jack are joined in the studio by YA Book Prize 2019 winner Sara Barnard to review three new books for children and young people.
Episode 67: AF Harrold and Emma Yarlett
22 October, 2019
For Halloween, Louise, Jack and Imogen are joined by special guests AF Harrold and Emma Yarlett to discuss a trio of books about dead things, ghosts and shadows...
Episode 66: Sibeal Pounder
24 September, 2019
In this month's episode, Melissa is back in the host's chair, to discuss three new children's books with Louise and special guest author Sibeal Pounder.
Episode 65: Rebecca Cobb
23 July, 2019
Louise and Jack discuss three new children's books with this month's special guest, award-winning author-illustrator (and designer of the Down the Rabbit Hole logo!) Rebecca Cobb.
Episode 64: Judith Kerr Special
25 June, 2019
Louise, Imogen and Jack are joined by picture book creator Rob Biddulph and editor Sue Buswell to celebrate the life and work of beloved author and illustrator Judith Kerr. Plus a discussion of the 2019 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner The Lost Words illustrated by Jackie Morris.
Episode 63: Maz Evans
28 May, 2019
Author Maz Evans is this month's studio guest, joining Louise, Jack and Imogen to discuss a selection of great new books for children and young people.
Episode 62: Sophie McKenzie
23 April, 2019
Louise, Imogen and Jack are joined in the studio by young adult author Sophie McKenzie to talk about three new books for children and teenagers.
Episode 61: Springtime reads with Emer Stamp
26 March, 2019
For Melissa's last ever show, she is joined in the studio by Imogen, new DTRH team member Jack Noel, and special guest Emer Stamp to discuss an array of new springtime books for children and young people.
Episode 60: International Women's Day Special
08 March, 2019
For this special episode to mark International Women's Day, Imogen is joined in the studio by three authors - Laura Wood, Lauren Ace and Julia Gray - to talk about their favourite female characters in children's literature
Episode 59: Sita Brahmachari and David O'Connell
26 February, 2019
Melissa and Imogen are joined in the studio by author Sita Brahmachari and writer/illustrator David O'Connell to talk about three brand new children's books.
Episode 58: John Burningham Special
22 January, 2019
This month, Louise and Imogen are joined in the studio by author-illustrator Neal Layton and editorial director for picture books Andrea Macdonald to celebrate the extraordinary work of John Burningham.
Episode 57: Christmas Special
25 December, 2018
For a bumper end-of-year special, Melissa, Louise and Imogen are joined in the studio by author, illustrator and designer Jack Noel and fiction editorial director Lauren Fortune to discuss favourite Christmas reads and books of the year 2018.
Episode 56: New books for November
27 November, 2018
Melissa, Imogen and Louise discuss three new children's books - plus an interview with top Canadian author Susin Nielsen, a chat about Doctor Who publishing with Puffin editor Emil Fortune, and Imogen reports back from judging the Children's category of the Costa Book Awards 2018.
Episode 55: Illustrated Non-Fiction Special
23 October, 2018
Children's book critic Imogen Russell Williams and award-winning author David Long are this month's guests for a special episode exploring the latest in illustrated non-fiction for children and young people.
Episode 54: DTRH Live at Sevenoaks Literary Festival - Emma Carroll and Hilary McKay
12 October, 2018
For this special live event recorded at the Sevenoaks Literary Festival, top authors Emma Carroll and Hilary McKay join Katherine to discuss their latest books, and their approach to writing historical fiction for kids.
Episode 53: Steven Butler and Kate Pankhurst
25 September, 2018
Katherine and Melissa are joined in the studio by two top children's books creators, Steven Butler and Kate Pankhurst, to discuss three of September's new books.
Episode 52: Summer Special with Chelsea Clinton and Katherine Webber
28 August, 2018
For a special summer episode from the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Katherine is joined by Chelsea Clinton and Katherine Webber, to talk about Chelsea's new picture book 'She Persisted Around the World' plus children's books ranging from US children's classics, to favourite fairy-tales.
Episode 51: Catherine Doyle and Candy Gourlay
24 July, 2018
Katherine and Melissa are joined in the studio by authors Catherine Doyle and Candy Gourlay, to discuss three new children's books. Plus an interview with the 2017 and 2018 winners of the Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award about what makes school libraries so special.
Episode 50: Greenaway Special with Sophy Henn and David Melling
26 June, 2018
Louise and Katherine are joined in the studio by picture book creators Sophy Henn and David Melling, to discuss the shortlisted titles for the 2018 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal. Plus we hear from children at Victoria College Belfast about taking part in the Greenaway Shadowing Scheme.
Episode 49: Fourth Birthday Special with Laura Dockrill and Alex T Smith
22 May, 2018
To celebrate DTRH's fourth birthday, Melissa and Katherine are joined in the studio by two of the guests from the first ever show - Laura Dockrill and Alex T Smith - to reflect on the last four years in children's books, and what might be around the corner next.
Episode 48: Karen Gregory
24 April, 2018
The gang are joined in the studio by young adult author Karen Gregory to chat about three new children's books. Plus an interview with Kwame Alexander, who reads from his latest book Rebound.
Episode 47: Garry Parsons and Jenny McLachlan
27 March, 2018
Katherine and Melissa are joined in the studio by author Jenny McLachlan and illustrator Garry Parsons to discuss three new children's books. Plus Louise interviews Francesca Cavallo about the Rebel Girls phenomenon, and new book Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls 2.
Episode 46: Holly Bourne and Bex Lindsay
27 February, 2018
We celebrate World Book Day by discussing three brand new children's books! This month, Louise is in the host's chair - and author Holly Bourne and radio presenter Bex Lindsay from Fun Kids Radio are our studio guests.
Episode 45: Patrice Lawrence and Kieran Larwood
23 January, 2018
Award-winning authors Patrice Lawrence and Kieran Larwood join Katherine and Louise in the studio to discuss three new children's books. Plus Cheryl Moscowitz interviews the five young poets featured in the anthology Rising Stars: New Young Voices in Poetry.
Episode 44: Christmas Special 2017
25 December, 2017
Join the gang for a bumper Festive Special, with guests Piers Torday and Ruth Knowles. Featuring DTRH's Books of the Year 2017, a celebration of the work of Brambly Hedge creator Jill Barklem, and some of our favourite books to enjoy over the festive season. Plus find out more about a new production of The Box of Delights at Wilton's Music Hall, and hear which books some young readers picked as their favourites of the year.
Episode 43: Philip Pullman Special
28 November, 2017
To celebrate the publication of the first instalment of The Book of Dust, Imogen Russell Williams joins the gang in the studio to discuss Philip Pullman's work, including the brand new La Belle Sauvage. Also featuring an interview with Philip Pullman's agent Caradoc King.
Episode 42: Halloween Special with Alex Bell and Christopher Edge
24 October, 2017
In a spooky Halloween special, the gang are joined in the studio by authors Alex Bell and Christopher Edge to discuss three new children's books, ranging from the magical to the macabre.
Episode 41: Will Hill and Lizzy Stewart
26 September, 2017
Guests Will Hill and Lizzy Stewart join Melissa and Louise in the studio to discuss three brilliant new children's books out this month. Plus a round-up of other new titles to look out for in September.
Episode 40: Summer Special
31 August, 2017
Katherine introduces a special episode featuring interviews with young adult authors Karen McManus and Irfan Master. Plus we go behind the scenes at launch for new anthology A Change is Gonna Come and Louise meets radio presenters Greg James and Chris Smith, who read from their first book Kid Normal.
Episode 39: Peter Bunzl and Polly Ho-Yen
25 July, 2017
This month's guests are authors Peter Bunzl and Polly Ho-Yen, who join the gang in the studio to discuss three new books, each with a connection to poetry and spoken word. Plus Louise goes behind the scenes at this year's CLiPPA (Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award) where children from Benedict Primary School interview winning poet Kate Wakeling.
Episode 38: Books to help in troubling times - with Catherine Barter, SF Said and Sarah Shaffi
27 June, 2017
Author SF Said, journalist Sarah Shaffi and YA debut Catherine Barter join Melissa and Louise in the studio to talk about how books teach children to think, question and empathise with others - and recommend books that can help children to understand turbulent times.
Episode 37: DTRH Live at Hay Festival - The Illustrators Who Made Us
03 June, 2017
For this special live event at Hay Festival, top illustrators Rob Biddulph, Leigh Hobbs, Emma Lewis and Britta Teckentrup join Katherine to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal with a discussion of some favourite books from the prize's history and illustrators who have inspired them - as well as the power of pictures in children's books.
Episode 36: Yasmeen Ismail and David Solomons
30 May, 2017
This month's guests are picture book creator Yasmeen Ismail and award-winning author David Solomons, who join Katherine and Louise to discuss three new children's books. Plus an interview with YA superstar Nicola Yoon.
Episode 35: Kiran Millwood Hargrave with young readers Sterrett and Nicky
25 April, 2017
Melissa and Louise are joined by this year's Waterstones Children's Book Prize winner Kiran Millwood Hargrave and avid young readers Sterrett & Nicky to review this month's releases. Plus an interview with NYT #1 bestselling sensation Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give.
Episode 34: Alex Wheatle
28 March, 2017
A special episode with Guardian Children's Fiction Prize winner Alex Wheatle, discussing his award-winning Crongton Knights - plus a reading from new book Straight Outta Crongton. Also featuring a round-up of this month's best new children's books.
Episode 33: Down the Rabbit Hole Live: The Power of The Imagination
04 March, 2017
Our first live show! The very first live DTRH event took place on 2 March 2017, as part of the nationwide World Book Day celebrations.
Episode 32: Gemma Cairney and Rosalind Jana
28 February, 2017
This month's guests are BBC Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney and writer Rosalind Jana, who help us celebrate World Book Day and discuss their non-fiction books for teenagers. Plus a discussion of new young adult novel Ink and details of DTRH's first ever live show!
Episode 31: Lissa Evans and Martin Stewart
31 January, 2017
Authors Lissa Evans and Martin Stewart join the DTRH team in the studio to discuss three newly-published books. Plus we talk about how books can help children and young people understand more about complex world events.
Episode 30: Christmas Special with Steven Lenton, Melinda Salisbury and Kate Wilson
25 December, 2016
Join the DTRH gang for a festive special: a review of the year in children's books with YA author Melinda Salisbury, illustrator Steve Lenton and Nosy Crow publisher Kate Wilson. Including our favourite books of 2016, an interview with Guardian Children's Prize nominee Zana Fraillon, a feature on YA charity anthology I'll Be Home For Christmas, and readings from a new collection of stories, Winter Magic.
Episode 29: NaNoWriMo Special with Barry Cunningham, Natasha Farrant and Catherine Johnson
29 November, 2016
Our NaNoWriMo special features writing tips and advice from our three studio guests - top children's publisher Barry Cunningham, author Natasha Farrant, and author/screenwriter Catherine Johnson. Plus Louise meets bestselling YA author Jennifer Niven to hear about her approach to writing.
Episode 28: Clara Vulliamy and Polly Faber
25 October, 2016
The duo behind the Mango and Bambang series, Clara Vulliamy and Polly Faber, join the DTRH team to discuss three new children's books. Also featuring Katherine Rundell and Julie Mayhew, who talk about the Russian settings of their most recent novels over a Russian tea.
Episode 27: Clare Balding
27 September, 2016
Author, journalist and TV presenter Clare Balding joins the team in the studio to talk about her first children's book The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop - plus a discussion of favourite animal stories, and some exciting Down the Rabbit Hole news.
Episode 26: Poetry Special with Joseph Coelho and Sarah Crossan
30 August, 2016
Katherine and Louise are joined by CILIP Carnegie Medal and YA Prize winner Sarah Crossan, and CLiPPA winner Joseph Coelho for a special episode all about children's poetry. Plus Louise goes behind the scenes at the CLiPPA (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education Poetry Award) to chat to some young readers about their favourite poems.
Episode 25: Steven Lenton and Katie Chapman
26 July, 2016
The gang are joined in the studio by illustrator Steven Lenton, and 16-year-old student Katie Chapman to talk about some new books for children. Also featuring a catch-up with soon-to-be-published young adult author Katherine Webber about her journey to publication.
Episode 24: Picture Book Special with Sarah McIntyre and William Grill
28 June, 2016
Two award-winning author/illustrators, Sarah McIntyre and William Grill (plus Will's dog Barney) join the gang in the studio for a special episode about this year’s CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, and the role of illustration in children’s books. Plus Louise and Katherine go behind the scenes at the awards to interview 2016 Greenaway winner, Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell.
Episode 23: Love and Romance Special with Harriet Reuter Hapgood and Jim Dean
31 May, 2016
Young adult author Harriet Reuter Hapgood and book blogger Jim Dean join the DTRH team in the studio for a special episode discussing all things love and romance in books for children and teenagers.
Episode 22: David Litchfield and Lisa Williamson
26 April, 2016
The gang are joined in the studio by Lisa Williamson and David Litchfield - the teen and picture book winners of the 2016 Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Plus Katherine interviews Ann M Martin, creator of The Baby-Sitters' Club.
Episode 21: Frances Hardinge
29 March, 2016
In this special episode, Katherine and Melissa are joined in the studio by the winner of the Costa Book Award, Frances Hardinge, as well as her editor at Macmillan Children's Books Rachel Petty to talk about The Lie Tree and the 'beautiful jungle' of children's literature.
Episode 20: Eve Ainsworth and Mike Revell
23 February, 2016
Authors Eve Ainsworth and Mike Revell join the gang to discuss this month’s new children’s book releases - plus Katherine talks about historical fiction with Ruta Sepetys and Gavriel Savit. Also featuring more book chat from the children of Netley Primary School.
Episode 19: Charlotte Eyre and Ross Montgomery
26 January, 2016
Louise and Katherine are joined in the studio by author Ross Montgomery and journalist Charlotte Eyre to discuss this month’s new releases in children’s books. Plus a feature with Finnish author Maria Turtschaninoff about her feminist fantasy YA novel Maresi.
Episode 18: Christmas Special with Tom Bonnick, Non Pratt and Nadia Shireen
15 December, 2015
In an hour-long festive bonanza, the gang are joined in the studio by Down the Rabbit Hole alumni Tom Bonnick, Non Pratt and Nadia Shireen. Featuring favourite books to read at Christmas, an interview with author Brian Selznick about The Marvels, a reading of a very special new picture book, Refuge by Anne Booth and Sam Usher, and DTRH’s best books of 2015.
Episode 17: Abi Elphinstone and Jonathan Stroud
24 November, 2015
Authors Abi Elphinstone and Jonathan Stroud join the gang to discuss three new children’s books. Plus an interview with Edward Carey, author of the Iremonger trilogy, and more from the children of Netley Primary School.
Episode 16: Superfan Special with Robin Stevens
27 October, 2015
The DTRH team are joined in the studio by children’s author Robin Stevens for a discussion of some of the biggest phenomena in children’s publishing, including Harry Potter and Twilight. Also featuring an interview with Adam Freudenheim of Pushkin Children’s Books about children’s fiction in translation, and the very first appearance of the children of Netley Primary School.
Episode 15: David Roberts and Katherine Webber
29 September, 2015
Illustrator David Roberts and soon-to-be published author (and Down the Rabbit Hole superfan) Katherine Webber join the gang in the studio to talk about three new children’s books. Also featuring an interview with YA authors Lydia Syson and Catherine Johnson about writing historical fiction, and a behind-the-scenes report from the CLPE Poetry Award.
Episode 14: Phil Earle and Anna James
28 July, 2015
The DTRH team are joined in the studio by special guests journalist Anna James and author Phil Earle to talk about three new children’s books - plus an interview with US YA author Jenny Han.
Episode 13: Picture Book Special with Steve Antony and Helen Hancocks
30 June, 2015
For their annual picture book special to celebrate the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, the DTRH gang are joined by picture book creators Steve Antony and Helen Hancocks. Plus an interview with 2015 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal William Grill, and comments from some of the children who took part in this year’s Carnegie Greenaway shadowing scheme.
Episode 12: Lucy Mangan
26 May, 2015
Guardian journalist, author and children’s book enthusiast Lucy Mangan joins the team in the studio to discuss three new children’s books. Plus blogger Daphne of Winged Reviews interviews US YA author Sarah J Maas about her new book A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Episode 11: Tom Bonnick and Imogen Russell Williams
28 April, 2015
The team are joined by two children’s book experts - Nosy Crow’s Tom Bonnick and journalist Imogen Russell Williams - to discuss three new books for young readers. Plus blogger Jim of YAYeahYeah interviews author Siobhan Curham about her new teen non-fiction book, True Face.
Episode 10: Bologna Book Fair Special
31 March, 2015
With the gang away for the Bologna Book Fair, this pre-recorded episode features an interview with founders of new illustrated non-fiction imprint Wide Eyed Editions, a look at favourite children’s book author Dick King Smith, and an interview with debut young adult author Anna McKerrow about her novel Crow Moon.
Episode 9: Birthday Special with David Maybury and Louie Stowell
24 February, 2015
To celebrate one year since Down the Rabbit Hole’s first show, Katherine and Louise are joined by two children’s books insiders - David Maybury, Commissioning Editor at Scholastic, and author Louie Stowell - to discuss a selection of brand new books. Also featuring a special trip down to the farm with author Helen Peters
Episode 8: Rob Biddulph and Non Pratt
27 January, 2015
The team are joined in the studio by picture book creator Rob Biddulph and author Non Pratt to discuss three new children's books. Plus a feature about forthcoming YA fantasy The Sin Eater's Daughter by debut author Melinda Salisbury.
Episode 7: Christmas Special with Chris Riddell
25 November, 2014
Author and illustrator Chris Riddell joins the gang in the studio for a DTRH festive special - including favourite Christmas children’s books, answering listeners’ Christmas book shopping dilemmas, and a chat with Chris about his latest books - Goth Girl and the Fete Worse than Death and The Sleeper and the Spindle (with Neil Gaiman).
Episode 6: Benji Davies and Katherine Rundell
28 October, 2014
Katherine, Melissa and Louise are joined in the studio by award-winning author Katherine Rundell and picture book creator Benji Davies to discuss three new children’s books. Also including a special feature with Young Bond author Steve Cole and his son Tobey, who interviewed each other for the programme, plus some spooky book recommendations for Halloween.
Episode 5: Middle Grade Special with Emma Carroll and SF Said
30 September, 2014
Katherine, Louise and Melissa are joined by two ‘middle grade’ authors writing for children aged 9-12 - Emma Carroll and SF Said - to explore books for this age group. Also featuring an interview with illustrator Johnny Duddle about reimagining Harry Potter for a new generation of readers.
Episode 4: YA Special with James Dawson and Sarra Manning
29 July, 2014
Katherine, Melissa and Louise are joined in the studio by two leading young adult authors - Sarra Manning and current ‘Queen of Teen’ James Dawson (plus Sarra’s dog, Miss Betsy) - for a discussion of all things YA. Featuring an interview with Rainbow Rowell, and a report from the UK’s first young adult literature convention, YALC
Episode 3: Picture Book Special with Nadia Shireen and Ed Vere
30 June, 2014
To celebrate the 2014 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, the team are joined by picture book creators Nadia Shireen and Ed Vere for an episode exploring picture book illustration. Featuring an interview with 2014 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Jon Klassen, as well as a special visit to the queen of children’s book illustration, Shirley Hughes.
Episode 2: Susie Day and Tom Percival
26 May, 2014
To kick off their regular monthly series, Katherine, Melissa and Louise are joined in the studio by two special guests - author Susie Day and author/illustrator Tom Percival - to discuss three brand new children’s books.