The Power of a Book
Claim This Podcastby The Children's Book Project
Podcast Overview
<p>Welcome to The Power of a Book podcast. The only podcast with the power to eradicate book poverty in children. It's a podcast with purpose!</p><br><p>Join our host, BAFTA-nominated comedian and author Rachel Parris (The Late Night Mash), as she talks with some much-loved public figures about the children's books that have been powerful enough to shape their lives.</p><br><p>A kind of desert-island-children's-book show - so who better to kick us off than the lovely Lauren Laverne?</p><br><p>Over the series, Rachel Parris brings listeners into intimate conversations where guests explore their literary inheritance and celebrate the universal power of stories to connect and inspire us all.</p><br><p>Brought to you by The Children's Book Project - the national charity that takes your preloved, unwanted children’s books and gives them to families with few, if any, of their own.</p><br><p>Just by listening, you help us achieve our goal - to eliminate book poverty in children.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Three books, Three stories</p><br><p>Each guest selects three titles that uncover personal revelations:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Childhood favourite - the book that shaped who they are today, a little window into their childhood</li><li>Shared book - an important book, read with someone significant today</li><li>Gift to the future - a title to donate to The Children's Book Project, inspiring a future generation</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Guests include: Lauren Laverne, siblings Anita and Stephen Mangan, Andi Oliver, Ivor and David Baddiel, Clare Balding and Suli Breaks.</p><br><p><br></p><p><u>Help us eliminate book poverty in children:</u></p><br><p>Find your<a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/families-and-individuals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> local book donation site here </a>- there are hundreds across the country</p><br><p>Subscribe, follow and review The Power of a Book <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-power-of-a-book/id1839895520?i=1000726883549" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p>Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepowerofabookpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><br><p><a href="www.youtube.com/@TheChildrensBookProject-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a></p><br><p>TikTok</p><br><p>Explore the upcoming series and get involved with <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project here.</a></p><br><p><br></p><p>Written, produced and edited by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reallyrachelshelley/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachel Shelley</a></p><br><p>Assistant Producer: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucyantonatos/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lucy Antonatos.</a></p><br><p>Production Assistant: Tanner Foweraker</p><br><p>In collaboration with <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project </a>charity.</p><br><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/15/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 12, 2026
Suzi Ruffell
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/suziruffellcomedy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Suzi Ruffell </a>is a comedian, writer and a wildly qualified dancer.</p><br><p>Together with our host <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelsvparris/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachel Parris</a> (BAFTA-nominated comedian, actor, author), Suzi reveals (at least) three children's books that have helped shape her into who she is today.</p><br><p>Delivering not quite the soundtrack of her life, but the literary yarns that knit it together. A kind of "desert-island-children's-book" show.</p><br><p>Three books:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Childhood favourite - the book that shaped who they are today, a little window into their childhood</li><li>Shared book - an important book, read with someone significant today</li><li>Gift to the future - a title to donate to The Children's Book Project, inspiring a future generation</li></ul><p><br></p><br><p>Brought to you by <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project</a> - the Queen's Award-winning national charity that takes your pre-loved, unwanted children’s books and gives them to families with few, if any, of their own.</p><br><p>Just by listening, you help us achieve our goal - to eliminate book poverty in children.</p><br><p>Guests this series:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Dónal Finn</li><li>Suzi Ruffell</li><li>Dwayne Fields</li><li>Caitlin Moran</li><li>Jim Chapman</li><li>Katherine Rundell</li></ul><p><br></p><br><p>Guests last series:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Lauren Laverne</li><li>Stephen and Anita Mangan</li><li>Clare Balding</li><li>David and Ivor Baddiel</li><li>Andi Oliver</li><li>Suli Breaks</li><li>Bonus panel ep hosted by Tracy Chevalier</li></ul><p><br></p><p>To discover the recommended books of all our guests, and support your local bookshop, visit the independent bookseller's website <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/CBP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Written, produced and edited by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reallyrachelshelley/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachel Shelley</a></p><br><p>Assistant:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucyantonatos/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Lucy Antonatos.</a></p><br><p>In collaboration with <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project </a>charity.</p><br><p>Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepowerofabookpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><br><p>YouTube</p><br><p>TikTok</p><br><p><u>Help us eliminate book poverty in children:</u></p><br><p>Find your<a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/families-and-individuals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> local book donation site </a></p><br><p>Follow The Children's Book Project on<a href="https://x.com/lonbookproject?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> X</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/childrensbookproject/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><br><p>Every time you do, we get one step closer to dramatically transforming a child's life.</p><br><p>That's The Power of a Book.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
June 5, 2026
Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Dónal Finn
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hero_ft/?hl=en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hero Fiennes Tiffin</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/donal.finn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Dónal Finn</a> are two actors, rising stars in film, television and theatre. Most recently, setting the screen alight in Amazon TV's <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8599532/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Young Sherlock. </a></p><br><p>Together with our host <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelsvparris/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachel Parris</a> (BAFTA-nominated comedian, actor, author), Hero and Dónal reveal (at least) three children's books that have helped shape them into who they are today.</p><br><p>Delivering not quite the soundtrack of their lives, but the literary yarns that knit a life together. A kind of "desert-island-children's-book" show.</p><br><p>Three books:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Childhood favourite - the book that shaped who they are today, a little window into their childhood</li><li>Shared book - an important book, read with someone significant today</li><li>Gift to the future - a title to donate to The Children's Book Project, inspiring a future generation</li></ul><p><br></p><br><p>Brought to you by <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project</a> - the Queen's Award-winning national charity that takes your pre-loved, unwanted children’s books and gives them to families with few, if any, of their own.</p><br><p>Just by listening, you help us achieve our goal - to eliminate book poverty in children.</p><br><p>Guests this series:</p><ul><li>Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Dónal Finn</li><li>Suzi Ruffell</li><li>Dwayne Fields</li><li>Caitlin Moran</li><li>Jim Chapman</li><li>Katherine Rundell</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Guests last series:</p><ul><li>Lauren Laverne</li><li>Anita and Stephen Mangan</li><li>Clare Balding</li><li>Ivor and David Baddiel</li><li>Andi Oliver</li><li>Suli Breaks</li><li>Bonus panel ep hosted by Tracy Chevalier, featuring Patrice Lawrence, Jessie Burton and Francesca Simon.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>To discover the recommended books of all our guests, and support your local bookshop, visit the independent bookseller's website <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/CBP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Written, produced and edited by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reallyrachelshelley/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachel Shelley</a></p><br><p>Assistant Producer:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucyantonatos/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Lucy Antonatos.</a></p><br><p>Production Assistant: Tanner Foweraker</p><br><p>In collaboration with <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project </a>charity.</p><br><p>Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepowerofabookpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><br><p>YouTube</p><br><p>TikTok</p><br><p><u>Help us eliminate book poverty in children:</u></p><br><p>Find your<a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/families-and-individuals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> local book donation site </a></p><br><p>Follow The Children's Book Project on<a href="https://x.com/lonbookproject?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> X</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/childrensbookproject/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><br><p>Every time you do, we get one step closer to dramatically transforming a child's life.</p><br><p>That's The Power of a Book.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
May 22, 2026
The Power of a Book Season 2 Trailer
<p>Together with our host <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelsvparris/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachel Parris</a> (BAFTA-nominated comedian, actor, author), our guests reveal (at least) three children's books that have helped make them who they are today.</p><br><p>Delivering not quite the soundtrack of their lives, but the literary yarns that knit it together. A kind of "desert-island-children's-book" show.</p><br><p>Three books:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Childhood favourite - the book that shaped who they are today, a little window into their childhood</li><li>Shared book - an important book, read with someone significant today</li><li>Gift to the future - a title to donate to The Children's Book Project, inspiring a future generation</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Brought to you by <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project</a> - the Queen's Award-winning national charity that takes your pre-loved, unwanted children’s books and gives them to families with few, if any, of their own.</p><br><p>Just by listening, you help us achieve our goal - to eliminate book poverty in children.</p><br><p>Guests this series:</p><ul><li>Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Dónal Finn</li><li>Suzy Ruffell</li><li>Dwayne Fields</li><li>Caitlin Moran</li><li>Jim Chapman</li><li>Katherine Rundell</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Guests last series:</p><ul><li>Lauren Laverne</li><li>Stephen and Anita Mangan</li><li>Clare Balding</li><li>David and Ivor Baddiel</li><li>Andi Oliver</li><li>Suli Breaks</li><li>Bonus panel ep hosted by Tracy Chevalier</li></ul><p><br></p><p>To discover the recommended books of all our guests, and support your local bookshop, visit the independent bookseller's website <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/CBP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><br><p>Written, produced and edited by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reallyrachelshelley/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachel Shelley</a></p><br><p>In collaboration with <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project </a>charity.</p><br><p>Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepowerofabookpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><br><p>YouTube</p><br><p>TikTok</p><br><p><u>Help us eliminate book poverty in children:</u></p><br><p>Find your<a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/families-and-individuals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> local book donation site </a></p><br><p>Follow The Children's Book Project on<a href="https://x.com/lonbookproject?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> X</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/childrensbookproject/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><br><p>Every time you do, we get one step closer to dramatically transforming a child's life.</p><br><p>That's The Power of a Book.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
11 total episodes available
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- What is The Power of a Book?
<p>Welcome to The Power of a Book podcast. The only podcast with the power to eradicate book poverty in children. It's a podcast with purpose!</p><br><p>Join our host, BAFTA-nominated comedian and author Rachel Parris (The Late Night Mash), as she talks with some much-loved public figures about the children's books that have been powerful enough to shape their lives.</p><br><p>A kind of desert-island-children's-book show - so who better to kick us off than the lovely Lauren Laverne?</p><br><p>Over the series, Rachel Parris brings listeners into intimate conversations where guests explore their literary inheritance and celebrate the universal power of stories to connect and inspire us all.</p><br><p>Brought to you by The Children's Book Project - the national charity that takes your preloved, unwanted children’s books and gives them to families with few, if any, of their own.</p><br><p>Just by listening, you help us achieve our goal - to eliminate book poverty in children.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Three books, Three stories</p><br><p>Each guest selects three titles that uncover personal revelations:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Childhood favourite - the book that shaped who they are today, a little window into their childhood</li><li>Shared book - an important book, read with someone significant today</li><li>Gift to the future - a title to donate to The Children's Book Project, inspiring a future generation</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Guests include: Lauren Laverne, siblings Anita and Stephen Mangan, Andi Oliver, Ivor and David Baddiel, Clare Balding and Suli Breaks.</p><br><p><br></p><p><u>Help us eliminate book poverty in children:</u></p><br><p>Find your<a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/families-and-individuals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> local book donation site here </a>- there are hundreds across the country</p><br><p>Subscribe, follow and review The Power of a Book <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-power-of-a-book/id1839895520?i=1000726883549" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p>Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepowerofabookpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><br><p><a href="www.youtube.com/@TheChildrensBookProject-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a></p><br><p>TikTok</p><br><p>Explore the upcoming series and get involved with <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project here.</a></p><br><p><br></p><p>Written, produced and edited by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reallyrachelshelley/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachel Shelley</a></p><br><p>Assistant Producer: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucyantonatos/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lucy Antonatos.</a></p><br><p>Production Assistant: Tanner Foweraker</p><br><p>In collaboration with <a href="https://childrensbookproject.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Children's Book Project </a>charity.</p><br><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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