Down The Rabbit Hole

Bears with Hannah Gold and Sophy Henn

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pack your marmalade sandwiches, because this week we're going on a bear hunt - and we're NOT scared. Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear, an...

Feminism in YA with Laura Bates and Holly Bourne

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by two brilliant writers to discuss the role feminism has played in Young Adult novels. Laura Bates, creator of Everyday Se...

Fantasy Trilogies with Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Katherine Rundell

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Down the Rabbit Hole is back for a new season! And we begin with wild and untamed adventures, courtesy of two incredible authors and friends of the po...

Killer Reads with Maureen Johnson and Ravena Guron

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie Morris and Caroline Carpenter are getting to the bottom of what makes a Killer Read in YA mysteries and thrillers. Joining us on the case are ...

Reimagining London with Patrice Lawrence and SF Said

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your A to Z, mind the gap, and watch out for dragons guarding the city gates. On today's episode of Down the Rabbit Hole we're taking a trip to t...

Christmas Countdown with Special Guests

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Caroline, Charlie, Hannah and Sam gather round the tree for our annual Christmas spectacular! An extra-special bumper episode packed with holiday trea...

Mid-season update!

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hi listeners! There's no new episode this week as we're taking a bit of a mid-season break. But stay tuned - in two weeks we'll be back with plenty mo...

Supervillains with Maz Evans and Louie Stowell

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your capes and start practising your evil cackles, because this week we're celebrating all things wicked with an episode about supervillains! Car...

Dragons with Caryl Lewis and David Owen

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're getting our claws into a trend that's oh so hot right now - dragons! Join Caroline and Sam, along with special author guests Caryl Le...

Autumn with Katya Balen and M. G. Leonard

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your chunky knitwear and wellington boots, everyone! This week we're getting cozy and jumping into a big pile of leaves to celebrate the best of ...

Halloween with Frances Hardinge and Martin Brown

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kicking off the new season, Hannah and Sam are joined by Frances Hardinge and Martin Brown to talk all things spooky. Get ready for a deep dive into c...

Independent Bookshop Week Special with Namina Forna and Round Table Books

19 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate Independent Bookshop Week in the UK we're bringing you a special extra episode recorded live at Round Table Books in Brixton,  featu...

Stories from Other Times with Emma Carroll and Michelle Paver

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hark, listenerfolk! Gather round the campfire, or the wireless, and listen carefully to Ye Olde Podcaste, which this week brings you exciting tales of...

Our 100th Birthday Party! With Imogen Russell-Williams and Katherine Webber

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Put on your best frocks and party hats because you’re invited to Down the Rabbit Hole’s 100th birthday! To mark this special occasion, hosts Carol...

Magical Creatures and Animal Companions with Lee Newbery

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The world of children’s literature is brimming with creatures great and small...and magic. This week Charlie and Sam are joined by March's Waterston...

Kid Lit: Assemble! with Daisy May Johnson and Piers Torday

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you had to take on the world, what characters from children’s literature would you want by your side? A magician? A talking animal? A detective? ...

Pirates and Smugglers with Annabelle Sami and Alex Wheatle

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Avast, me hearties! Climb aboard ship as we set sail for adventure on this week's show with an episode all about timeless stories of pirates and smugg...

How to Survive a YA Dystopia with Melinda Salisbury and Sanne Vliegenthart

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your ration kits and your longbows, listeners - there's danger out there! Today we are delving into the perilous world of Young Adult dystopias, ...

Food, Glorious Food, with Katherine Rundell and Kate Young

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scour the cupboards, stock the fridge, and get your marmalade sandwiches ready as we talk all about the mouthwatering delights of FOOD in children's l...

Book Crushes with Caroline O'Donoghue and Kate Saunders

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! We kick off our brand new season of weekly episodes with a dreamy chat about our favourite book crushes. Who did we fa...

Down the Rabbit Hole is back!

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Prick up your bunny ears, listeners - your favourite podcast about children's books is back! From Tuesday 15th of February we're launching a new seaso...

21 December 2021 | Episode 93: Christmas Special

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Your Down the Rabbit Hole presenters have huddled around Hannah's Christmas tree to share a sleigh full of o...

23 November 2021 | Episode 92: Separated Parents and Blended Families

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This month Caroline and Charlie are joined by authors Jason Reynolds and Tom Vaughan to talk about children's books featuring separated parents, singl...

26 October 2021 | Episode 91: Vampires

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Invite us into your ears this Halloween to hear us sink our teeth into one of the spookiest characters in children's books - vampires! The fangs come ...

28 September 2021 | Episode 90: Celebrating Black Joy

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In honour of the start of Black History Month in the UK, Charlie passes the mic to guest host Aimée Felone, Managing Director of independent children...

24 August 2021 | Episode 89: The Magic of Debuts

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome first-timers and seasoned listeners alike! Today we are talking all about the wonder of debuts in children's literature, and finding out what'...

11 August 2021 | Episode 88: Summer Holiday Special

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pack your bags and climb aboard this very special bonus edition of Down the Rabbit Hole all about travelling the world by book. Sam Sedgman is joined ...

27 July 2021 | Episode 87: Grief

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, presenters Hannah Love and Caroline Carpenter are joined by author Elle McNicoll and Harry Woodgate to discuss the presentation of...

22 June 2021 | Episode 86: Audiobooks

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Listen up! Today's show is all about the magic of audiobooks. Sam Sedgman and Caroline Carpenter are joined by two special guests: Laura Marlow, an Ed...

25 May 2021 | Episode 85: Pride Special

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie Morris and Hannah Love celebrate the start of Pride month by exploring the rainbow of recent children's books that put LGBTQ+ families and you...

27 April 2021 | Episode 84: Earth Day

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Caroline Carpenter and Charlie Morris celebrate Earth Day by reaching for their binoculars and exploring the thriving world of children's books about ...

23 March 2021 | Episode 83: Cats Vs Dogs

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hannah Love and Sam Sedgman are joined by authors Steven Lenton and Michelle Harrison to tackle the greatest question of our lifetime: which are bette...

23 February 2021 | Episode 82: Updating the Classics

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

New presenters Sam, Caroline, Charlie and Hannah offer some alternatives to recommend instead of the same old dependable children’s classics, with s...

27 January 2021 | Episode 81: Meet our new team!

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For a special handover episode, Katherine chats to the new team who'll be taking over Down the Rabbit Hole - Caroline Carpenter, Charlie Morris, Hanna...

26 December 2020 | Episode 80: Christmas Special with Frank Cottrell Boyce

26 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss festive favourites and the best new books of 2020 with special guest author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce, who joins us to celebrat...

24 November 2020 | Episode 79: Funny Books for Older Readers with Alexandra Sheppard and Simon James Green

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Special guests Alexandra Sheppard and Simon James Green join Katherine and Louise to talk about funny books for older readers, including some joyful a...

27 October 2020 | Episode 78: Funny Books with Pamela Butchart and Michelle Robinson

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

23 September 2020 | Episode 77: Taran Matharu

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katherine and Louise chat to young adult author Taran Matharu about his 'Summoner' and 'Contender' series - and his journey from NaNoWriMo and Wattpad...

25 August 2020 | Episode 76: Detective Stories with Robin Stevens and Sharna Jackson

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katherine is joined by two fellow middle grade mystery authors - Robin Stevens and Sharna Jackson - to discuss writing detective series. This month's ...

28 July 2020 | Episode 75: Shaun Tan

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate his CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal win for Tales from the Inner City, Jack interviews acclaimed artist, writer and film-maker Shaun Tan

25 June 2020 | Episode 74: Independent Bookshops Special

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We celebrated Independent Bookshop Week 2020 by chatting to three independent booksellers - Katie Clapham of Storytellers Inc, Steven Pryse of Pickled...

26 May 2020 | Episode 73: Children's Laureate Special with Cressida Cowell

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Waterstones Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell joins us to talk about creativity and the magic of reading - plus find out about our exciting competit...

28 April 2020 | Episode 72: Murder Mysteries with Holly Jackson

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

New York Times bestselling author Holly Jackson joins the gang to talk about all things murder mystery - including an insight into her writing process...

24 March 2020 | Episode 71: Spring Special with Levi Pinfold and Kes Gray & Jim Field

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this special bumper episode, Imogen interviews award-winning artist Levi Pinfold about his extraordinary books and exquisite work on Harry Potter; ...

25 February 2020 | Episode 70: Jasbinder Bilan and Kesia Lupo

25 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

28 January 2020 | Episode 69: New Year Special

28 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

26 November 2019 | Episode 68: Sara Barnard

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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.

22 October 2019 | Episode 67: AF Harrold and Emma Yarlett

22 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

24 September 2019 | Episode 66: Sibeal Pounder

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 Pounde...

23 July 2019 | Episode 65: Rebecca Cobb

23 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 Rab...

25 June 2019 | Episode 64: Judith Kerr Special

25 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

28 May 2019 | Episode 63: Maz Evans

28 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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...

23 April 2019 | Episode 62: Sophie McKenzie

23 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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.

26 March 2019 | Episode 61: Springtime reads with Emer Stamp

26 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

08 March 2019 | Episode 60: International Women's Day Special

08 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 - ...

26 February 2019 | Episode 59: Sita Brahmachari and David O'Connell

26 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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...

22 January 2019 | Episode 58: John Burningham Special

22 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This month, Louise and Imogen are joined in the studio by author-illustrator Neal Layton and editorial director for picture books Andrea Macdonald to ...

25 December 2018 | Episode 57: Christmas Special

25 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 editor...

27 November 2018 | Episode 56: New books for November

27 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Melissa, Imogen and Louise discuss three new children's books - plus an interview with top Canadian author Susin Nielsen, a chat about Doctor Who publ...

23 October 2018 | Episode 55: Illustrated Non-Fiction Special

23 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

12 October 2018 | Episode 54: DTRH Live at Sevenoaks Literary Festival - Emma Carroll and Hilary McKay

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

For this special live event recorded at the Sevenoaks Literary Festival, top authors Emma Carroll and Hilary McKay join Katherine to discuss their lat...

25 September 2018 | Episode 53: Steven Butler and Kate Pankhurst

25 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

28 August 2018 | Episode 52: Summer Special with Chelsea Clinton and Katherine Webber

28 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

For a special summer episode from the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Katherine is joined by Chelsea Clinton and Katherine Webber, to talk abou...

24 July 2018 | Episode 51: Catherine Doyle and Candy Gourlay

24 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

26 June 2018 | Episode 50: Greenaway Special with Sophy Henn and David Melling

26 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 C...

22 May 2018 | Episode 49: Fourth Birthday Special with Laura Dockrill and Alex T Smith

22 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

24 April 2018 | Episode 48: Karen Gregory

24 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

27 March 2018 | Episode 47: Garry Parsons and Jenny McLachlan

27 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Katherine and Melissa are joined in the studio by author Jenny McLachlan and illustrator Garry Parsons to discuss three new children's books. Plus Lou...

27 February 2018 | Episode 46: Holly Bourne and Bex Lindsay

27 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ra...

23 January 2018 | Episode 45: Patrice Lawrence and Kieran Larwood

23 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Award-winning authors Patrice Lawrence and Kieran Larwood join Katherine and Louise in the studio to discuss three new children's books. Plus Cheryl M...

25 December 2017 | Episode 44: Christmas Special 2017

25 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

28 November 2017 | Episode 43: Philip Pullman Special

28 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 Pullm...

24 October 2017 | Episode 42: Halloween Special with Alex Bell and Christopher Edge

24 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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, rang...

26 September 2017 | Episode 41: Will Hill and Lizzy Stewart

26 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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-...

31 August 2017 | Episode 40: Summer Special

31 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Katherine introduces a special episode featuring interviews with young adult authors Karen McManus and Irfan Master. Plus we go behind the scenes at l...

25 July 2017 | Episode 39: Peter Bunzl and Polly Ho-Yen

25 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 po...

27 June 2017 | Episode 38: Books to help in troubling times - with Catherine Barter, SF Said and Sarah Shaffi

27 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

03 June 2017 | Episode 37: DTRH Live at Hay Festival - The Illustrators Who Made Us

03 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

For this special live event at Hay Festival, top illustrators Rob Biddulph, Leigh Hobbs, Emma Lewis and Britta Teckentrup join Katherine to celebrate ...

30 May 2017 | Episode 36: Yasmeen Ismail and David Solomons

30 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This month's guests are picture book creator Yasmeen Ismail and award-winning author David Solomons, who join Katherine and Louise to discuss three ne...

25 April 2017 | Episode 35: Kiran Millwood Hargrave with young readers Sterrett and Nicky

25 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Melissa and Louise are joined by this year's Waterstones Children's Book Prize winner Kiran Millwood Hargrave and avid young readers Sterrett & Nicky ...

28 March 2017 | Episode 34: Alex Wheatle

28 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A special episode with Guardian Children's Fiction Prize winner Alex Wheatle, discussing his award-winning Crongton Knights - plus a reading from new ...

04 March 2017 | Episode 33: Down the Rabbit Hole Live: The Power of The Imagination

04 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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.

28 February 2017 | Episode 32: Gemma Cairney and Rosalind Jana

28 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 book...

31 January 2017 | Episode 31: Lissa Evans and Martin Stewart

31 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

25 December 2016 | Episode 30: Christmas Special with Steven Lenton, Melinda Salisbury and Kate Wilson

25 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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...

29 November 2016 | Episode 29: NaNoWriMo Special with Barry Cunningham, Natasha Farrant and Catherine Johnson

29 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Our NaNoWriMo special features writing tips and advice from our three studio guests - top children's publisher Barry Cunningham, author Natasha Farran...

25 October 2016 | Episode 28: Clara Vulliamy and Polly Faber

25 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

27 September 2016 | Episode 27: Clare Balding

27 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ga...

30 August 2016 | Episode 26: Poetry Special with Joseph Coelho and Sarah Crossan

30 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

26 July 2016 | Episode 25: Steven Lenton and Katie Chapman

26 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

28 June 2016 | Episode 24: Picture Book Special with Sarah McIntyre and William Grill

28 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 abo...

31 May 2016 | Episode 23: Love and Romance Special with Harriet Reuter Hapgood and Jim Dean

31 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

26 April 2016 | Episode 22: David Litchfield and Lisa Williamson

26 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

29 March 2016 | Episode 21: Frances Hardinge

29 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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...

23 February 2016 | Episode 20: Eve Ainsworth and Mike Revell

23 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Authors Eve Ainsworth and Mike Revell join the gang to discuss this month’s new children’s book releases - plus Katherine talks about historical f...

26 January 2016 | Episode 19: Charlotte Eyre and Ross Montgomery

26 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Louise and Katherine are joined in the studio by author Ross Montgomery and journalist Charlotte Eyre to discuss this month’s new releases in childr...

15 December 2015 | Episode 18: Christmas Special with Tom Bonnick, Non Pratt and Nadia Shireen

15 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

24 November 2015 | Episode 17: Abi Elphinstone and Jonathan Stroud

24 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

27 October 2015 | Episode 16: Superfan Special with Robin Stevens

27 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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 publishi...

29 September 2015 | Episode 15: David Roberts and Katherine Webber

29 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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 abo...