In this episode, Krish reviews Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, the first book in the bestselling fantasy trilogy that celebrates the magic of stories and the power of imagination. When 12 year old Meggie discovers that her father can bring characters out of books simply by reading aloud, she is drawn into a dangerous adventure where the line between fiction and reality begins to disappear.

The story follows Meggie and her father Mo as they try to stop the ruthless Capricorn, a villain who escaped from the pages of Inkheart years earlier. Along the way they encounter the unforgettable Dustfinger, a mysterious fire eater who is desperate to return to the world he came from, and uncover secrets that could change everything Meggie thought she knew about stories, family and herself.

Krish shares why Inkheart felt like a book written especially for people who love reading, what made Dustfinger his favourite character and the surprising moment in the story that became his favourite scene. He also explains why he cannot wait to continue with the rest of the trilogy.

Krish is also joined by Steve Bicknell, Managing Director of Maverick Children's Books, for a fascinating behind the scenes look at children's publishing. Together they discuss how publishers choose stories, what happens after an author submits a manuscript, the importance of reading for pleasure and why books still matter in a world full of screens and distractions. They also explore the challenges facing young readers today and the role publishers can play in helping children discover a lifelong love of books.

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