The Fourth Bookmark

This is Krish's final episode before his summer break. In this episode, Krish reviews Eragon by Christopher Paolini, the first book in the bestselling Inheritance Cycle series. The story follows a farm boy named Eragon whose life changes forever when he discovers a mysterious blue stone while hunting in the mountains. What begins as a seemingly lucky find soon draws him into a world of dragons, ma...

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 f...

In this episode, Krish reviews Holes by Louis Sachar, a Newbery Medal and National Book Award winning mystery adventure. The story follows Stanley Yelnats, a boy who is wrongly accused of stealing a pair of trainers and sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention camp in the scorching Texas desert. At the camp, the boys are forced to dig holes every day, supposedly to build character. But Stanle...

In this episode, Krish reviews The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera, a Newbery Medal-winning and New York Times bestselling sci-fi adventure. The story follows Petra, a 12-year-old girl who boards a spaceship bound for a distant planet called Sagan, one of the last survivors of a dying Earth. But when she wakes mid journey to discover that a group called The Collective has taken control and i...

In this episode, Krish talks about Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, a powerful and emotional story set during the Second World War. This book follows Annemarie Johansen, a young girl living in Nazi-occupied Denmark, who finds herself caught in a world of fear, bravery and difficult choices as her family helps their Jewish friends escape to safety. Krish shares the moments that stayed with him most,...

In this episode, Krish dives into Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond, an unforgettable fantasy adventure that blends Greek mythology with nature based magic and a hidden world beneath our own. The story follows Peregrine Quinn, an ordinary girl who discovers a secret realm accessed through living plant portals. As she is drawn deeper into the Cosmic Realm, strange and dangerous event...

In this special Podcasthon episode, Krish dives into The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly, a gripping time travelling adventure set against the backdrop of Y2K panic in 1999. Krish dedicates this episode to Read for Good, a UK charity that has been helping children fall in love with reading since 1984. He also shares his own journey of running a book donation drive and why he chose Read...

In this epic episode, Krish dives into the brilliantly imagined world of Bartimaeus : The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud. Set in an alternative London, this thrilling fantasy follows Nathaniel, a gifted apprentice who is publicly humiliated and hungry for revenge. When he summons the ancient and extremely sarcastic djinn Bartimaeus to steal the mysterious Amulet of Samarkand, a dangerous p...

In this episode, Krish explores the final book in an epic trilogy, The Animal in Amy and Jamie by Joe Richardson. Amy and her best friend Jamie face their biggest challenge yet as they try to destroy The Reflection, a magical world full of strange beasts and mysterious energy. With an old villain returning and danger at every turn, this thrilling conclusion is packed with adventure, friendship and...

In this action packed episode, Krish dives into the thrilling dystopian world of The Maze Runner by James Dashner. Waking up with no memories in a mysterious place, surrounded by towering walls and a deadly, changing maze, this story is full of danger, suspense and shocking twists. Krish shares why this book is such a page turner, explores the characters and explains why reading the book before wa...

“Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of future success.” - Rob Biddulph, Author & Illustrator. In this exciting episode, Krish explores the magical world of Magyk, the first book in Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series. Set on a snowy night and filled with secrets, magic and danger, Magyk pulls you into a world where nothing is quite what it seems. With powerful wizards, dark vil...

Welcome to 2026 and the National Year of Reading in the UK. Krish kicks off the year with a brilliant spotlight on Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, the story of a 12-year-old criminal mastermind who discovers that fairies are real and they are armed with high tech weaponry. With underground police forces, fairy gold and unforgettable characters, this book is perfect for anyone who thinks books aren't...

“The classics matter but there’s a whole world of brilliant,diverse stories being written today and every child deserves to discover them” - Justin Somper, Author of The Pirate Academy Series. In this exciting holiday episode, Krish dives into the thrilling world of The Pirate Academy, Justin Somper’s action-packed series set in a school where courage, loyalty and quick thinking are tested every d...

In this episode, Krish dives into Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda, a powerful adventure about courage, destiny and discovering strength you never knew you had. Following quiet, reluctant hero Rowan as he joins a dangerous mountain quest, the story explores bravery in its truest form: feeling scared, but choosing to take the next step anyway. Krish also sits down with Sian Allan from The Smith Family,...

In this episode, Krish journeys into The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, the gripping first book in the Books of Ember series. Set in an underground city built to shelter humanity after a global disaster, the story follows Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow as they uncover a long-lost message and risk everything to save their dying world. It is a story of courage, curiosity and hope and a reminder that...

“If you’re enjoying a book, that’s all that matters and if you don’t, it’s okay to put it down and try something new.” – A. F. Steadman In this heartfelt episode, Krish gallops back into the breathtaking world of Skandar but this time, it’s to talk about the epic conclusion of A. F. Steadman’s spellbinding series with Skandar and the Spirit War. From wild unicorns and elemental magic to friendship...

“Being read to as a small child and reading yourself when you're older can help you be healthier as an adult and even live longer.” – Franziska Liebig, Arts Council England In this exciting episode, Krish dives into Alex Rider: Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced spy adventure filled with gadgets, danger and daring missions. When fourteen-year-old Alex discovers his uncle’s death was no...

In this episode, Krish explores Dragon Born by Struan Murray, the first book in a captivating new fantasy series filled with dragons, danger and discovery. The story follows twelve-year old Alex Evans, a girl who has always played it safe until one extraordinary day she learns that she is not entirely human but a dragon in disguise. Taken to the hidden island of Skralla, Alex must learn to accept...

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...

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 Be...

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 c...

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 favourit...

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,...

In this stellar episode, Krish dives into The Kid Who Came From Space by Ross Welford - a gripping sci-fi adventure full of mystery, emotion and out-of-this-world surprises! The story follows 12-year-old Ethan, whose world is turned upside down when his twin sister mysteriously vanishes. Discovering she's been taken to a distant alien planet, he joins forces with a brave alien named Hellyann o...

In this episode, Krish dives into the thrilling conclusion of the Emba Oak series: Emba Oak and the Epic Ending by Jenny Moore. Krish takes listeners on a spoiler-free journey through the entire Emba Oak series, recapping the action, humor, and heart that make it a must-read for young adventurers. Author Jenny Moore returns to the podcast to talk all about writing the epic finale, Emba’s biggest c...