Podcast · Kids & Family

Fun Kids Book Quest

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 acr

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 21 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 18 min

Inside the World of Skandar: A.F. Steadman Answers Your Questions 🦄✨

Welcome to BookQuest ! 🦄✨ In this super-special episode, we are stepping onto the mysterious, elemental Island for an exclusive interview with A.F. Steadman , the #1 bestselling author behind the hit Skandar fantasy series! 🏆 The Ultimate Reading Hero Interview: As part of the Be A Reading Hero with Skandar campaign, one lucky young reading hero won the dream opportunity of a lifetime—to sit down with A.F. Steadman and ask their burning questions! Listen in as our winner dives deep into the inspiration behind Skandar Smith, elemental magic, and what it takes to build a blockbuster…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E277 · 30 Sep 2026 · 16 min
Neverland Heists & Haunted Boarding Schools: Secret Worlds & Hidden Mysteries! 🏴‍☠️👻
In this episode of BookQuest , we’re stepping through secret gateways into worlds filled with phantom spirits, legendary pirates, and high-stakes accusations! Whether you’re flying off to a reimagined Neverland only to be framed for mysterious thefts, or faking a supernatural talent to survive at an exclusive boarding school for ghost-talkers, we’re exploring how clever kids uncover the truth when nothing is as it seems. On the Shelf This Week: Katie and Kevin Tsang join the show to introduce The Neverland Thieves . Follow Tom, Felix, and Daisy as they travel from Great…
E276 · 23 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Gothic Slayer Schools & The Week Junior Book Awards 2026🦇🏆
In this episode of BookQuest , we’re creeping into shadowy gothic corridors and going behind the scenes of the biggest book celebration of the year! Whether you’re investigating a top-secret vampire slayer academy or getting the inside scoop from a judge on the UK’s most exciting children's book awards, we’re honouring the stories that keep us on the edge of our seats. On the Shelf This Week: Emma Carroll joins the show to talk about Dracula & Daughters: School for Slayers . Step into a darkly thrilling adventure following Dracula’s granddaughters—Mina,…
E275 · 16 Sep 2026 · 21 min
Chaotic Potions & Reimagined Myths: Unleashing Magical Mischief! 🧪
In this episode of BookQuest , we’re stepping into spooky manors and enchanting folklore where old tales get wildly unexpected twists! Whether you’re accidental laboratory experiments causing total chaos or timeless traditional stories spun into magical new forms, we’re celebrating how a little bit of mischief can make for an unmissable adventure. On the Shelf This Week: Jack Meggitt-Phillips joins the show to talk about Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom . Follow spoiled Henrik Jekyll after he inherits a crumbling, creepy manor and stumbles upon a mysterious…
E274 · 9 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Cursed Treasure: Voyages Across Land and Sea! 🥬🏴‍☠️
Playful Poems & Cursed Treasure: Voyages Across Land and Sea! 🥬🏴&zwj;☠️ | BookQuest In this episode of BookQuest , we’re embarking on imaginative voyages full of clever rhymes, high-seas chaos, and big adventures! Whether you’re uncovering secret messages hidden inside playful poetry or dodging booby traps and cannon fire to pass your pirate exams, we’re exploring how creativity and courage help you conquer any quest. On the Shelf This Week: Joseph Coelho joins the show with Rapunzel is a Lettuce: Poems to Grow With . This playful and imaginative collection explores…
E273 · 2 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Resilience, Refuge & Wild Horses: Overcoming Life's Biggest Hurdles! 🐴🌍
In this episode of BookQuest , we’re exploring deeply moving stories of survival, quiet courage, and what it truly takes to heal and find your place in the world. Whether it’s rebuilding your confidence alongside a troubled horse or making a perilous journey across continents to build a new life from scratch, we’re honoring the power of hope when facing immense odds. On the Shelf This Week: Lauren St John joins the show to discuss Wild Horse Summer . Recovering from a traumatic accident, teenager Morgan finds healing and comfort working with horses, taking on the…
E272 · 26 Aug 2026 · 23 min
Poisoned Dragons & Talking Toast: Chaos in Magical Worlds! 🐉🍞
In this episode of BookQuest , we’re stepping into magical realms filled with ancient danger, spectral mysteries, and complete and utter chaos! Whether you’re braving a poisoned archipelago to save mythical beasts or teaming up with a talking slice of bread to battle evil pastries, we’re exploring how the most unlikely heroes face down the wildest supernatural threats. On the Shelf This Week: Katherine Rundell joins the show to talk about The Poisoned King , the high-stakes second installment in the Impossible Creatures series. Christopher returns to the Archipelago as…
E271 · 19 Aug 2026 · 21 min
Secret Agents & Taylor Swift Superfans: Unlocking Your Superpower! 🕵️‍♂️🎤
Secret Agents & Eras Tour Dreams: Finding Your Hidden Superpower! 🕵️&zwj;♂️🎤 | BookQuest In this episode of BookQuest , we’re stepping into the spotlight and taking on high-stakes missions! Whether you’re getting recruited into a top-secret agency with newly discovered superpowers or frantically preparing for the ultimate pop concert while writing your own hit songs, we’re celebrating what happens when ordinary kids step into extraordinary roles. On the Shelf This Week: Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie joins the show to talk about Jamaal Target: PHANTOM Agent . When twelve-year-old…
E270 · 12 Aug 2026 · 12 min
Bex sits down with new Children's Laureate, Patrice Lawrence!✒️👑
Mythical Monsters & Laureate Legends: Changing the Story! 🐍🎭 | BookQuest In this episode of BookQuest , we’re rewriting the rulebook on legendary tales and meeting the big voices shaping the future of stories! Whether you’re getting the hilarious, untold side of a snake-haired villain or hanging out with the nation's top champion for young readers, we're celebrating what happens when you look at storytelling from a whole new perspective. On the Shelf This Week: Bethany Walker joins the show to put a fresh, funny spin on Greek mythology. She’s giving the iconic story of…
E269 · 5 Aug 2026 · 21 min
Pet Survival Quests & Ancient Egypt Secrets: Surviving the Unknown! 🐾
Surviving the Wild & Uncovering Ancient Egypt: How Do You Brave the Unknown? 🐾🇪🇬 | BookQuest In this episode of BookQuest , we’re stepping into unknown territory and traveling across time! Whether you’re learning how a group of everyday pets adapts to survive in a world without humans, or journeying thousands of years into the past to see what growing up in the shadow of the Pyramids was really like, we’re exploring how courage and curiosity help us conquer the unfamiliar. On the Shelf This Week: Steve Cole joins the show to introduce his epic new survival story, The Wild…
E268 · 29 Jul 2026 · 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…
E267 · 22 Jul 2026 · 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…
E266 · 15 Jul 2026 · 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…
E265 · 8 Jul 2026 · 17 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…
E264 · 1 Jul 2026 · 19 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!…
E263 · 24 Jun 2026 · 19 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…
E262 · 17 Jun 2026 · 21 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+:…
E261 · 10 Jun 2026 · 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.…
E260 · 3 Jun 2026 · 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…
E259 · 27 May 2026 · 27 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…
E258 · 20 May 2026 · 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…
E257 · 13 May 2026 · 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…
E256 · 6 May 2026 · 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…
E255 · 29 Apr 2026 · 20 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.
E254 · 22 Apr 2026 · 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.
E253 · 15 Apr 2026 · 21 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.
E252 · 8 Apr 2026 · 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.
E251 · 1 Apr 2026 · 30 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…
E250 · 25 Mar 2026 · 31 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…
E249 · 18 Mar 2026 · 25 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…

About Fun Kids Book Quest

Fun Kids Book Quest is a English kids & family podcast from Fun Kids. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Fun Kids
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 21 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id513265306
Rights: 2026 Children's Radio UK Ltd

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