Storyshaped

We've only gone and snagged the fantastic, prolific, and very wonderful Helen Peters for the podcast - and it's her turn in the hotseat today! We were charmed to take a stroll through the Storyshaped life of an author described as 'one of our finest modern children's storytellers' by Waterstones (who, to be fair, know their stuff), and we learned all about how Helen's childhood was shaped as much by the farm she grew up on as it was by the stories she surrounded herself with. These stories not only shaped her, but they shaped her brilliant creative output, too. Come on - pull yer wellies on and let's get going.Books mentioned on this week's episode include Helen's own:Friends and TraitorsAnna at WarEvie's GhostThe Jasmine Green seriesThe Secret Henhouse Theatre trilogyFind Helen at: helenpetersbooks.comAnd the stories that shaped her include:Winnie the Pooh, by A.A. Milne, illustrations by E.H. ShepardThe Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth GrahameTarka the Otter, by Henry WilliamsonThe picturebooks of Molly BrettBrambly Hedge, by Jill BarklemLittle Women, by Louisa May AlcottWhat Katy Did, by Susan CoolidgeHeidi, by Johanna SpyriBallet Shoes, by Noel StreatfeildCurtains Up, by Noel StreatfeildThe Growing Summer, by Noel StreafeildThe Famous Five series, by Enid BlytonThe Secret Seven series, by Enid BlytonThe St Clare's series, by Enid BlytonSix Cousins at Mistletoe Farm, by Enid BlytonThe Railway Children, by E. NesbitThe Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson BurnettThe Casson Family series, by Hilary McKayThe Exiles, by Hilary McKayMillions, by Frank Cottrell-BoyceFramed, by Frank Cottrell-BoyceHoles, by Louis SacharLiar & Spy, by Rebecca SteadThe Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne FrankCue for Treason, by Geoffrey TreaseKing of Shadows, by Susan CooperOur 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 welcome Alastair Chisholm - yes, only the brilliant, prolific, award-winning, award-nominated picturebook and middle grade author - to the podcast, and we hope you'll join us for the journey! Alastair has written about starships lost in space, about characters who can see back through time, about huge mecha-animals powered by human will, and - best of all - about ninja frogs, and that's just to name some of the books in his incredible back catalogue. Come with us as he takes us through the stories that have shaped him, and which continue to shape his world and his work.Books mentioned in this week's episode include some of Alastair's own:The Dragon Storm series, illustrated by Eric DeschampsThe Consequence GirlOrion LostAdam-2I Am WolfI Am RavenAnd the stories which have shaped him include:The Silmarillion, by JRR TolkienThe Grey King, by Susan CooperThe Weirdstone of Brisingamen, by Alan GarnerCharmed Life, by Diana Wynne JonesHomeward Bounders, by Diana Wynne JonesHowl's Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne JonesArcher's Goon, by Diana Wynne JonesAsterix, by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo (et al)The Eagle comic, founded by Marcus Morris2000 AD, created by Kelvin Gosnell, Pat Mills, John WagnerThe Chronicles of Narnia, by CS LewisThe work of Nicholas FiskThe work of Jan MarkThe work of Isaac AsimovThe work of Robert HeinleinThe Stainless Steel Rat, by Harry HarrisonThe Best of Harry Harrison - short story anthologyThe Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever, by Stephen DonaldsonZenith, by Grant Morrison and Steve YeowellThe Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway (Alastair's edition has illustrations by CF Tunnicliffe and Raymond Sheppard)The Chrysalids, by John WyndhamThe Day of the Triffids, by John WyndhamThe work of Sir Terry PratchettLegend, by David GemmellMaster and Commander (series), by Patrick O'BrianSword of the Sun, by Sinéad O'HartThe World Between the Rain, by Susan CahillWren, by Lucy HopeA Kind of Spark, by Elle McNicollSticky Pines: The Bigwoof Conspiracy, by Dashe RobertsBird Boy, by Catherine BrutonDungeon Runners, by Kieran Larwood and Joe Todd Stanton The work of Christopher EdgeOur 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 beside ourselves with glee this week as we sat for a chat with the brilliant Celine Kiernan, an artist who has been influencing - and Storyshaping - our lives since way before she began writing her brilliant children's books. Celine's career began in the animation industry, where she was part of the team who brought the world such incredible tales as The Land Before Time, All Dogs Go To Heaven, An American Tail, and more - and we got the pleasure of chatting to her about that time in her life, as well as her own work, and the stories which have shaped her incredible literary and artistic output. This one was super-special. Come and join us, won't you? Somewhere out there...Books mentioned in this week's episode include Celine's own:The Moorehawke Trilogy (The Poison Throne, The Crowded Shadows, The Rebel Prince)Into the GreyThe Wild Magic Trilogy (Begone the Raggedy Witches, The Little Grey Girl, The Promise Witch)ResonanceAnd the stories that shaped her include:Twinkle, a periodical comic and annualLittle Grey Men, by BBDown the Bright Stream, by BBThe Yearling, by Marjorie Kinnan RawlingsThe Borrowers, by Mary NortonJudy magazineThe Weirdstone of Brisingamen, by Alan GarnerThe Moon of Gomrath, by Alan GarnerThe Mouse and his Child, by Russell HobanRiddley Walker, by Russell HobanWater Babies, by Charles KingsleySomething Wicked this Way Comes, by Ray BradburyThe Doll House (later, Tottie) by Rumer GoddenNed Kelly and the City of the Bees, by Thomas KenneallyThe work of Raymond ChandlerThe work of John SteinbeckThe work of Charles DickensThe work of Ernest HemingwayThe short stories of Moira McHughBrides of Rollrock Island, by Margo LanaganTender Morsels, by Margo LanaganSavage Her Reply, by Deirdre SullivanTangleweed and Brine, by Deirdre SullivanPiranesi, by Susannah ClarkeJonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, by Susannah ClarkeThe Small Hand: A Ghost Story, by Susan HillOur 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 episode is one we've been hoping for since the beginning of the podcast! Today, we have the chance to sit down with the inexpressibly brilliant AF (Ashley) Harrold, prolific poet and author, Big Red Button pusher (if you haven't seen his excellent videos about his walks along the Thames, meeting herons and suchlike, you're in for a treat), hilarious performer and public speaker, and overall general Good Egg. We had so much fun chatting stories, books, and creativity with one of the best in the business. Won't you join us? Come along, then!Books mentioned in this week's episode include AF's own:The ImaginaryImagining the ImaginaryThe AfterwardsThe Song From Somewhere ElseThe Worlds We Leave Behind... and countless books of poetry!And the stories which shaped him include:Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice SendakFox Eyes, by Margaret Wise Brown and Garth WilliamsGoodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd (link to the Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen essay)The Hobbit, JRR TolkienDunmousie Monsters, by Robin and Jocelyn WildTin Tin, by HergeThe World of Myth and Legend, by Brenda Ralph Lewis, illustrated by Rob McCaigThe Adventures of Humbert, Simp and Harquin, by John BurninghamPhenomena: A Book of Wonders, by John Mitchell and Robert J RickardGentleman Jim, by Raymond BriggsFungus the Bogeyman, by Raymond BriggsFather Christmas, by Raymond BriggsWhen the Wind Blows, by Raymond BriggsCan't You Sleep, Little Bear? by Barbara Firth and Martin WaddellThe work of Bernard O'Donoghue, including his translations of The Wanderer and The SeafarerRiddley Walker, by Russell HobanThe Mouse and His Child, by Russell Hoban and David SmallA Bargain for Frances, by Russell Hoban and Lillian HobanMonsters, by Russell Hoban and Quentin BlakeM.O.L.E. by Russell Hoban and Jan PienkowskiThe Twenty-Elephant Restaurant, by Russell Hoban and Quentin BlakeTom Tit Moves House, by Molly BrettThe Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, by Laurence SterneAwful End, by Philip Ardagh and David RobertsI Like This Poem, by Kaye Webb and Antony MaitlandThis Craft of Verse, by Jorge Luis BorgesAbout the House, by WH AudenThe Tale of Beren and Luthien - translated by AF Harrold! The Silmarillion, by JRR TolkienThe Collected Poems of Stevie SmithOur 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.

Imagine you found a book that had the answers to LITERALLY EVERYTHING? A book that could help you 'cheat' your way out of all situations, no matter how puke-sastrous they are... Well, this is the reality facing Kamal, the main character in The Cheat Book, written by today's guest - the explosively energetic, fascinatingly interesting, and laugh-a-minute RAMZEE. RAMZEE joins us this week for a chat through his Storyshaped life, and it's a good one. Get rrrrrrrrready!Special thanks to Battersea Library for making RAMZEE's appearance on the podcast possible.Please note: this podcast episode makes very brief reference to suicidal ideation. Please listen with caution. Help is available in the UK: Phone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org In Ireland: Phone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.ieBooks mentioned on this week's episode include RAMZEE's own:The Cheat Book (and sequels!)And the stories which shaped him include:Hound of the Baskervilles, by Arthur Conan DoyleThe Adjustment Bureau, by Philip K. DickRed Shift, by Alan GarnerEverything Everywhere All at Once (dir. Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, released 2022)Hark! A Vagrant, by Kate BeatonDucks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, by Kate BeatonHigh Plains Drifter (dir. Clint Eastwood, released 1973)The work of Dapo AdeolaPlanet Omar, by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya MafaridikHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, by Shepherd MeadThe Boy at the Back of the Class, by Onjali RaufThe work of Melinda Gebbie (comic artist)The work of Rod SerlingThe S-Man, by Mark CaineThe Prince, by Niccolo MacchiavelliThe work of Babette ColeTin Tin, by HergéAsterix, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, et alUnder My Thumb: Songs that Hate Women and the Women Who Love Them, ed. Rhian E Jones and Eli DaviesSandman Mystery Theatre, by Matt Wagner and Stephen T. Seagle, art by Guy Davis, John Watkiss, RG Taylor, Vince Locke, Warren Pleece, Matthew Dow SmithThe Sandman, by Neil Gaiman, art by various artists incl. Sam Kieth and Mike DringenbergThe Turbulent Term of Tyke Tyler, by Gene KempTales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, by Judy BlumeSuperfudge, by Judy BlumeOtherwise Known as Sheila the Great, by Judy BlumeThe stories of Ramona Quimby, by Beverly ClearyThe Chronicles of Narnia, by CS LewisMatilda, by Roald DahlThe Dark is Rising, by Susan CooperThe Weirdstone of Brisingamen, by Alan GarnerElidor, by Alan GarnerThe work of the movie director Roger CorbinJAWS (dir. Steven Spielberg, released 1975)The work of Diana Wynne JonesBlack Hearts in Battersea, by Joan AikenThe Wolves of Willoughby Chase, by Joan AikenBlade Runner (dir. Ridley Scott, released 1982)The Godfather I and II (dir. Francis Ford Coppola, released 1972, 1974)Jurassic Park (dir. Steven Spielberg, released 1993)The work of George Lucas, James Cameron, Steven SpielbergThe Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley JacksonOur 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 lucky to get this chance to have a chat on the fly with the super-busy Jennifer Claessen - she was between school visits on the day we spoke to her! Huge thanks to her for making the time to sit down with us. In this week's episode, we take a high-energy whizz through a brilliantly Storyshaped life, so strap in and get ready. This one was fun!Books mentioned in this week's episode include Jenny's own:The October WitchesThe November WitchesThe December WitchesThe January Witches (novella)Netta Becker and the Timeline CrimeAnd the stories which have shaped her include:Scribble Boy, by Philip RadleyThe work of Tamora Pierce The Redwall books, by Brian JacquesRed Thread, by Jorge Luis BorgesThe legend of King Arthur, particularly The Sword in the StoneMyth and legend in general!This episode of Storyshaped, with Louie StowellThe work of SophoclesThe Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and the stage show versionThe Tiger Who Came to Tea, by Judith KerrThe work of Eva IbbotsonBrambly Hedge, by Jill BarklemAngelina Ballerina, by Katharine Holabird and Helen CraigNorthern Lights, by Philip PullmanPodkin One-Ear by Kieran LarwoodArtemis Fowl, by Eoin ColferThe Morse books by Colin DexterGood Omens, by Terry Pratchett Skullduggery Pleasant, by Derek LandyPeter Pan, by JM BarrieDaughter of the Sea, by Berlie DohertyThe Sea Maiden's Odyssey, by Berlie Doherty and Tamsin RosewellFire and Hemlock, by Diana Wynne JonesThe work of Benjamin Zephaniah, particularly his version of Tam LinOur 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, it's our treat to talk to the prolific Peter Bunzl, whose books are packed with imagination, heart, and a whirling sense of adventure. We chatted Death, the Brontes, and snogging Lord Bertilak, among loads of other bookishly brilliant stuff. Come and join us on our Storyshaped ramble through Peter's writing life.Books mentioned in this week's episode include Peter's own:CogheartMoonlocketSkycircusShadowseaThe Clockwork QueenFeatherlightDragon RacersMagicbornGlassbornAnd the stories which have shaped him include:His Dark Materials, by Philip PullmanBrightstorm, by Vashti HardyThe Mortal Engines series, by Philip ReeveThe Wolves of Willoughby Chase, by Joan AikenThe work of Charles DickensBangers and Mash (an early school reader)The work of Roald DahlWatership Down, by Richard AdamsPlague Dogs, by Richard AdamsThe Iron Man, by Ted HughesSir Gawain and the Green Knight, in all its formats (and Miss Hann, the school teacher who cast Peter as the Green Knight)The BeanoCarl Bark's Donald DuckAsterix, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, et alThe Lord of the Rings, by JRR Tolkien - particularly the audiobook editionThe Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas AdamsThe work of Terry PratchettGormenghast, by Mervyn PeakeThe Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K Le GuinA Midsummer Night's Dream, by William ShakespeareMacbeth, by William ShakespeareRomeo and Juliet, by William ShakespeareThe Tempest, by William ShakespeareJonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, by Susanna ClarkeFire and Hemlock, by Diana Wynne JonesPeter the Wild Boy - a historical figurePeter Pan, by JM BarrieGlass Town by Isabel GreenbergThe Magicians Trilogy, by Lev GrossmanThe Magic Toyshop, by Angela CarterIcarus, by Kay AncrumRiddley Walker, by Russell HobanTurtle Diary, by Russell Hoban

This week, we're sitting down (on a gorgeously tropical beach, no less) with debut YA author Sharada Keats. Sharada's book These Stolen Lives is a gripping, powerfully resonant story of colonisation, resistance, and whacking power across the head with truth - as well as humour, drama, family and found family, and a swoonsome romance. We had a hugely fun and illuminating chat with Sharada about her life, her career, her creative work (and where her writing is going next), and - if you're ready - you can settle back and listen to it all, right now. Sweet!Books mentioned this week include Sharada's own:The Poetical Institute's Particular Powers of Vegetables and FruitThese Stolen LivesThis Shattered Promise (forthcoming)And the books that shaped her include:Arabella and Mortimer, by Joan AikenThe work of Enid BlytonThe work of Roald DahlThe work of Dick King-SmithThe work of Diana Wynne Jones, in particular Archer's GoonMrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, by Robert C. O'BrienThe Chronicles of Narnia, by CS LewisThe Dark is Rising, by Susan CooperBlitzcat, by Robert WestallA Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine l'EngleThe Hobbit, by JRR TolkienThe Halfmen of O, by Maurice GeeI Like This Poem, published by PuffinThe Rattlebag, by Seamus HeaneyThe Crone, by James Herbert BrennanDune, by Frank HerbertThe work of Iain M. BanksThe work of Andre NortonThe work of Orson Scott CardThe work of Jane YolenThe Chrysalids, by John WyndhamHamlet, by William ShakespeareRomeo and Juliet, by William ShakespeareThe Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee WilliamsThe work of John SteinbeckJane Eyre, by Charlotte BronteThe work of Jane AustenAnne of Green Gables, by LM MontgomeryShitty First Draft, by Anne LamottTalks by Malorie Blackman and Patrice LawrenceTowards Asmara, by Thomas KenneallyThe work of Langston HughesThe work of Wole SoyinkaThe work of Rabinadrath TagoreThe work of Maya AngelouThe work of John AgardThe work of Imtiaz DharkerThe work of Tracy ChapmanThe work of Ted HughesThe work of Seamus HeaneyThe work of Michael RosenThe work of Spike MilliganThe work of Roger McGoughThe work of Wislawa SzymborskaThe work of Andrei VoznesenskyThe work of Miroslav HolubThe work of CP CavafySword of the Sun, by Sinéad O'HartThe World Between the Rain, by Susan CahillPeople Like Stars, by Patrice LawrenceTidemagic, by Claire HarlowMission: Microraptor, by Philip KavvadiasThe Murderbot Diaries, by Martha WellsOur 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 the immense privilege of speaking with prolific author Ian Eagleton this week on Storyshaped, and it was a heartfelt, moving, and very fun conversation about finding your own voice, fighting against prejudice, and (not) fitting in. Described as 'an inspiration' by Mariah Carey, no less, Ian is not only an author, but also Creative Director of The Reading Realm, which aims to be a resource centre for anyone who loves children's books; a former teacher; a learning resources provider, as well as a husband and a dad. Join us for a gorgeous trip down the winding road of Ian's Storyshaped life.Books mentioned on this week's episode include Ian's own:Nen and the Lonely Fisherman (ill. James Mayhew)The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince (ill. Davide Ortu)Violet's Tempest (ill. Clara Anganuzzi)Rory's Room of Rectangles (ill. Jessica Knight)Millie's Big Decision (ill. Max Rambaldi)Glitter BoyThe Boy Who Cried GhostAnd the stories which shaped him include:The Goosebumps series, by RL Stine The Alfie and Annie Rose books, by Shirley HughesRoger's Red Hat, Jennifer's Yellow Hat, Billy's Blue Hat (Reading scheme school readers)The Little Mermaid, in all its forms, from the original fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen to the recent Disney live-action remake of its own animated classicSuper Gran, by Forrest WilsonThe work of Simon James GreenHideous Beauty, by William HusseyThe Amber Spyglass, by Philip PullmanA Fairly Honourable Defeat, by Irish MurdochPirate Mums, by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia CorrieMy Daddies!, by Gareth Peter and Garry ParsonsGrandad's Camper, by Harry WoodgateThe work of John GrishamThis Place Has No Atmosphere, by Paula DanzigerThe work of Paula DanzigerThe work of Judy BlumeDodos Are Not Extinct!, by Paddy DonnellyAnd... the Life, Work, and Art of the one and only Mariah Carey.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.