Tracy Chevalier is an author (The Girl With the Pearl Earring), our compere for the evening and a former publisher.

Patrice Lawrence is an author (Orangeboy), journalist and feminist.

Francesca Simon is an author (Horrid Henry series), ambassador for children's literacy and a former trustee of The World Book Day charity.

Jessie Burton is an author (The Miniaturist), former actor and keen mudlarker.

Introduced by our host Rachel Parris (BAFTA-nominated comedian, actor, author), our esteemed panel of authors reveal (at least) three children's books that have helped make them who they are today.

Delivering not quite the soundtrack of their life, but the literary yarns that knit it together. A kind of "desert-island-children's-book" show.

Three books:

• Childhood favourite - the book that shaped who they are today, a little window into their childhood
• A childhood book that ignited their writing
• Gift to the future - a title to donate to The Children's Book Project, inspiring a future generation

PLUS we hear from our illustrious supporters, Phoenix Court Works, with a walking tour of London's literary hot spot Somers Town alongside COO Catherine Lenson.

Brought to you by The Children's Book Project - 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.

Just by listening, you help us achieve our goal - to eliminate book poverty in children.

Guests this series:

• Lauren Laverne
• Stephen and Anita Mangan
• Clare Balding
• David and Ivor Baddiel
• Andi Oliver
• Suli Breaks
• Bonus panel ep hosted by Tracy Chevalier

To discover the recommended books of all our guests, and support your local bookshop, visit the independent bookseller's website here.

Written, produced and edited by Rachel Shelley

Help us eliminate book poverty in children:

Find your local book donation site

Subscribe, follow and review The Power of a Book

Follow The Children's Book Project on X and Instagram

Explore bonus material here

Every time you do, we get one step closer to dramatically transforming a child's life.

That's the power of a book.

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