Every Child Deserves the Magic of Stories, No Matter their Background: Emily Drabble, BookTrust UK
In this episode Krish dives into Northern Lights (The Golden Compass in the US), the first book in Philip Pullman’s legendary His Dark Materials trilogy. Packed with daemons, armoured bears, witches and a mysterious substance called Dust, this thrilling adventure follows Lyra Belacqua as she uncovers dangerous secrets and sets out on a daring journey to rescue her kidnapped friend.Krish also sits down with Emily Drabble, Head of Children’s Books at BookTrust UK, the UK’s largest reading charity. Emily shares how BookTrust inspires children and families to discover the joy of reading, why it’s vital to start reading from birth, and how diverse and inclusive stories help every child see themselves in books. Key topics covered in this episode:• Northern Lights, a story full of magic, mystery and unforgettable characters. • How BookTrust supports children and families with free books and reading programmes. • Why representation and new voices in children’s literature matter. • Tips for families to make reading fun and exciting at home.• The upcoming National Year of Reading 2026 in the UK.Vote for Krish in the Signal Awards!The podcast has been nominated, and you can support by voting for the Listeners’ Choice Award here:https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/shows/genre/kids Follow BookTrust UKInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/booktrustWebsite: https://www.booktrust.org.ukFollow Emily DrabbleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilydrabsFollow KrishInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krishthepodcasterFollow The Fourth BookmarkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefourthbookmark
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20:45
Every Child Can Be a Reader: Emma Carroll, Author of Dracula & Daughters
In this episode Krish dives into Dracula & Daughters by Emma Carroll, the first in a brand new historical fantasy series that is equal parts thrilling spooky and inspiring. The story follows Mina Cullers, a determined girl who dreams of becoming the first female doctor in her town. But when her best friend is bitten by a vampire Mina teams up with her bold sister Buffy and mysterious cousin Bella to save him before the vampire contagion spreads under the full moon.Krish also sits down with Emma Carroll, bestselling author often called “the Queen of Historical Fiction.” Emma shares the inspiration behind Dracula & Daughters, how folklore from around the world shaped her unique vampire lore and why it is so important for children to see brave clever heroines at the heart of stories. Together they explore how books teach empathy, the challenges facing children’s reading today and the magic of finding that one story that makes you say “more please.”Key topics covered in this episode:How Emma Carroll reinvented vampire myths for a new generation of readersWhy strong brave characters in stories matter for childrenThe reading for pleasure crisis and why it needs urgent attentionHow books nurture empathy courage and understanding of the wider worldThe importance of sharing stories with friends and familyWhy every child can be a reader if they find the right bookThe book Emma would time travel to give her younger self and why Follow Emma Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emcarrollauthor/Website: https://emmacarrollauthor.wordpress.com/Follow KrishInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krishthepodcaster Follow The Fourth Bookmark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefourthbookmark
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Kids Read What They Relate To: Dr. Erin Bailey, Reading is Fundamental, United States
In this episode, Krish dives into Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery, a thrilling story about bravery, loyalty, and adventure, following young Tick and his little brother Leaf as they face dangers on the edge of the kingdom of Ellia.Krish also sits down with Dr. Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programmes and Research at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), one of the most important literacy charities in the United States. Dr. Bailey shares the challenges kids face in developing a love for reading, how representation in books can inspire children and ways families can make reading a fun, everyday habit.Key topics covered in this episode:Why children read more when they see themselves in storiesThe power of book ownership and choice through RIF’s book celebration eventsHow technology and e-books are changing kids’ reading habitsTips for creating family reading routines that stickInspiring children to share stories and become reading role modelsFollow Ross Montgomery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mossmontmomeryWebsite: http://rossmontgomery.co.uk/Follow Reading is Fundamental (RIF)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingisfundamentalWebsite: https://www.rif.org/Follow KrishInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krishthepodcaster Follow The Fourth Bookmark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefourthbookmark
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Season 5 Episode 30 - Doom of the Darkwing by Cressida Cowell
It’s the Season 5 finale and the 100th episode of the Kids Book Review Podcast! Krish returns to the Viking world with Doom of the Darkwing, the first book in Cressida Cowell’s brand-new How to Train Your Dragon School series. Expect epic battles, wild dragons and a heroic rescue mission! Plus, Krish’s little brother Vivaan makes his debut as the official Riddle Master and some of Krish’s favourite authors stop by with surprise messages and fun questions. It’s a celebration of books, bravery and 100 episodes of storytelling! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe. Enjoy the episode!
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Season 5 Episode 29 - Asha and The Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan
In this episode, Krish dives into the magical and heart-pounding adventure of Asha and the Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan. Set in the stunning Himalayan mountains, this story follows Asha and her best friend Jeevan as they journey through danger, mystery, and a touch of magic to find her missing father. Krish takes listeners on a spoiler-free look at what makes this award-winning book so special, from the powerful bond between Asha and Jeevan to the mystical spirit bird that guides their way. Author Jasbinder Bilan joins the show to talk about her inspiration for the story, the hardest scenes to write, and trusting one’s instincts. Don't forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Kids Book Review Podcast.
Krish is a 10-year-old book enthusiast and literacy advocate, championing reading for children worldwide. At a time when reading for pleasure is declining among children worldwide, Krish created The Fourth Bookmark (formerly the Kids Book Review Podcast) when he was 8, to share his love of books and inspire young readers to discover the joy of reading. Each episode features Krish’s honest thoughts on the books he loves and is joined by a diverse mix of guests from across the reading world to encourage and inspire young readers everywhere.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefourthbookmark
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