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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20 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Wednesday · 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 27 · 26 min
Ancient Magic & Deserted Islands🪄💀
In this episode of BookQuest, we’re leaving the ordinary world behind to explore dangerous islands and ancient destinies. On the Shelf This Week: Ollie George Clark joins the show to talk about his epic fantasy adventure, Youngest Faircrest. We follow a young hero trying to survive a world of danger and discovery while balancing massive family expectations and unlocking hidden powers. Natasha Farrant also features with her sweeping adventure, The Children of Wolf Rock. Set on a wild, remote island, this gripping tale follows two children whose courage is put to the ultimate test by nature, ancient secrets, and the fight for survival. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 20 · 23 min
Secret Missions & Space Cats: Solving History’s Greatest Mysteries 🕵️‍♂️🚀
In this episode of BookQuest, we’re stepping into the shadows and blasting off into space! We’re tracking down clues, unlocking dangerous secrets, and asking what it takes to solve a mystery when the truth could change everything. On the Shelf This Week: David Solomon joins the show to discuss his fast-paced mystery adventure, Spyglass. We follow our heroes as they dive into a world filled with secrets, hidden danger, and unexpected twists where every single clue counts. Laura Anderson also features with her fun sci-fi adventure, Star Kitties: Detective Kitty. Join a clever detective cat as they solve mysteries, crack cases, and cause absolute chaos among the stars. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 13 · 18 min
Front Lines & Family Fails: Surviving War and Vacation Disasters 🎖️🎒
In this episode of BookQuest, we’re balancing on the edge of high-stakes history and total social disaster. Whether you’re dodging bullets or embarrassing parents, the quest for survival is real! On the Shelf This Week: Sufiya Ahmed joins the show to discuss her gripping novel, Under Fire. We follow a young girl navigating friendship and identity during WWI, standing tall against prejudice as her community becomes a personal battlefield where every choice matters. Katie Kirby also features with her hilariously chaotic new book, The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks. Join Lottie as she tries to survive a family trip packed with awkward crushes, diary-worthy disasters, and the struggle to keep her cool when everything goes spectacularly wrong. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 6 · 24 min
Black Death to World War I: Survival Secrets from History 💀🪖
This week on BookQuest, we’re exploring two incredible historical stories about girls facing impossible odds and making tough choices. On the Shelf This Week: Iszi Lawrence joins the show to talk about Doomsday, a heart-pounding race through 1348. As the Black Death spreads, one girl must navigate a world of fear, suspicion, and superstition to survive the plague. Karen McCombie also features with My Family the Enemy, a moving story of loyalty and conscience. This emotional tale follows a girl navigating friendship and identity when her family’s views put her at odds with everyone around her. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 29 · 19 min
Codebreaking Clues, Hidden Identities and a Mystery You Can’t Look Away From 🔍🕵️‍♀️
In this episode of BookQuest, secrets, suspense, and undercover adventures take centre stage. Jennifer Liss joins the show to talk about a gripping story where nothing is quite what it seems and every detail matters, keeping readers guessing at every turn. Holly Webb also features with a thrilling tale of spies, secrets, and bravery, as one girl is drawn into a world of hidden missions and unexpected danger. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 22 · 19 min
Pixies, Dark Secrets and a Shocking Murder at a Grand Hotel🏨✨
In this episode of BookQuest, we dive into two gripping interviews packed with mystery and suspense. First, Tara and Darren Kloss join the show to talk about their dark and thrilling story, filled with shadows, danger, and hidden truths waiting to be uncovered. Then, Emily Hourican chats about her stylish and twist-filled mystery, where secrets lurk beneath the surface and nothing is quite what it seems. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 15 · 20 min
A Boy, a Dragon and a World Full of Unexpected Magic 🐉✨
This week on BookQuest, we’re diving into a world of words and imagination with Poetry Pizza by Simon Mole, serving up poems that turn everyday moments into something funny, surprising and a little bit magical. We’ve also got George and the Dragons by George Webster, a warm, adventurous story packed with dragons, courage and the excitement of stepping into a world where anything can happen. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 8 · 17 min
When Dad Turns Into a Robot and a Dungeon Adventure Begins 🤖🐉
This week on BookQuest, things get a seriously high-tech twist with DadBot 2 by Jack Noel, where family life turns chaotic when dad becomes more machine than man. We’ve also got Beastie Bros: Dungeons & Dragonfiles by David O'Connell, a fast-moving adventure filled with monsters, mysteries and plenty of unexpected trouble. That's all on this week's episode of Fun Kids Book Quest! Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 1 · 29 min
Frozen Secrets and the Women Who Painted History 🖌️✨
This week on BookQuest, we’re diving into ridiculous comedy with Far Out Five and Olaf Falafel, a twist-filled adventure packed with unexpected moments and big laughs. We’re also heading into a dark, icy mystery with The Frozen Curse by Jacob North, where secrets run deep and something isn’t quite right beneath the surface. And Katy Hessel joins us to explore The Story of Art Without Men, uncovering the brilliant women artists who helped shape art history but don’t always get the spotlight. That's all on this week's episode of Fun Kids Book Quest! Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 25 · 30 min
The 9-Year-Old Intergalactic Postman and Ben Miller’s Dreadful Dragon📮🐉
This week on BookQuest, we’re blasting off into space with Tola Okogwu and Champions of the Galaxy, a fast-paced adventure where ordinary kids are thrown into an intergalactic battle. We’ve also got Ben Davis and Postman Planet, a funny sci-fi story where a simple postal mission turns into total chaos. And Ben Miller joins us with Dreadful Dragon, a magical adventure full of surprises, danger and one very unforgettable dragon. That's all on this week's episode of Fun Kids Book Quest! Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 18 · 24 min
Frozen Time and Runaway Thoughts⏳🧠
In this episode, we dive into two brilliant stories packed with imagination, chaos, and big “what if” questions. First, The Night I Borrowed Time by Iqbal Hussain follows a boy who discovers he can freeze time. It sounds like the perfect way to fix mistakes—but he soon learns that playing with time has consequences he never expected. Then, we meet The Overthinkers Club by Nat Luurtsema, where a group of kids with wildly active imaginations turn everyday school life into a whirlwind of hilarious overthinking, awkward moments, and unexpected adventures. That's all on this week's episode of Fun Kids Book Quest! Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.