In this episode of We Do Kids' Books, Jo Simmons talks to author Steven Butler. Steven is a much loved writer of funny fiction for children, and his first book, The Wrong Pong, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. He has written a series of Dennis The Menace stories and collaborated with American bestselling author James Patterson to create the Dog Diaries series. Lately, he's been writing The Nothing To See Here Hotel books, and the latest of these, Fiend Of The Seven Sewers, has just been published, in September 2020. Steven talks about how acting - his other job - and being a children's author overlap, writing during lockdown, rewriting Jane Austen and why funny fiction for kids matters.  Follow Steven on Twitter and Instagram. Find We Do Kids' Books info here.

We Do Kids' Books

Episode 4: Steven Butler

We Do Kids' Books is back after a long Covid break and this episode was recorded remotely, on quite a glitchy connection, in September 2020. Host Jo Simmons chats with award winning author and illustrator, Sophy Henn. Sophy's first picture book, Where Bear, was published in 2014 and since then she has written lots more picture books and board books, and also longer stories for slightly older readers, including the Bad Nana books and a new series about a reluctant young super hero, Pizazz. Sophy talks about where and how she writes and illustrates, her love of an anything-goes live book event, and the crossover between her previous job in advertising and creating picture books. Follow Sophy on Twitter and Instagram. Find We Do Kids' Books info at @joanna_simmons.

Episode 3: Sophy Henn

On episode two of We Do Kids' Books, recorded in February 2020, host Jo Simmons talks with children's book illustrator and author, Steven Lenton. Steven has illustrated books by many celebrated authors, including David Baddiel and Frank Cottrell-Boyce, and he explains his route into illustrating picture books and children's fiction, how he juggles multiple projects, the value of a good agent and the perils of RSI. He also offers some solid advice for new illustrators looking to get their work published. Steven has lots of exciting projects coming up in 2020. Follow his news on Twitter and Instagram and on stevenlenton.com. Find We Do Kids' Books tweets at @joanna_simmons.

Episode 2: Steven Lenton

On this, the first ever episode of the We Do Kids' Books podcast, host Jo Simmons talks with children's author Jenny McLachlan. They chat about the agony of writing, confidence dips and common myths, and how getting a first draft done is like tidying your room as a kid. You can follow Jenny on Twitter and visit her website jennymclachlan.com. Find We Do Kids' Books tweets at @joanna_simmons.

Episode 1: Jenny McLachlan

The We Do Kids' Books podcast explores the world of children's publishing. Each episode, children's author Jo Simmons sits down with someone working in children's books, from authors and illustrators, to agents, editors and booksellers. Expect some free-range chat on writing, illustrating, creativity and connecting with kids. Along the way, there may be nuggets of wisdom or advice, there may be the odd juicy anecdote, but mostly the podcast simply takes an honest look at what lies behind bringing children's books into being.