Mostly Book Talk

is a children’s book podcast aimed at teachers, librarians and parents. It is hosted by Katy Donnelly and Ali Palmer.

We read a lot, interview authors about their books and talk to practitioners who are supporting reading for pleasure.

Our aim is to share book recommendations and author interviews to support adult gatekeepers make recommendations to younger readers and support their choice.

We also share what teachers and librarians are doing to support reading for pleasure and share practice wherever we can.

Meet Your Hosts

Katy Donnelly

Katy intermittently worries Ali with an email prefaced, “I’ve had an idea…”

She is the planner and organiser of the podcast and (out of necessity) the learner of multiple podcasting applications.

In her day job she works with Ali as the co-director of the charity Book Clubs in Schools.

She reads pretty much everything but less good on horror and anything that will keep her awake at night.

She is a cat person and has two (appropriately named cats) called Slinky and Malinki.

Ali Palmer

Ali invariably has six good ideas before breakfast.

This is helpful as she co-hosts the breakfast show on Riverside Radio twice a week.

She brings her interviewing experience and ‘what could possibly go wrong’ approach to the podcast. She would also rather ask for forgiveness than permission.

On top of this she has day jobs as the co-director of the charity Book Clubs in Schools and the Funding and Partnerships Manager at the charity Give a Book.

She read a lot and loves the classics but likes finding a new author to shout about.

Owner of Duke the dog who likes to muscle in on recordings.

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