219: Kids' books, co-parenting and cats with Nadia Shireen

What's it like being a cat person when you have big dog energy? Which term should we use - co-parenting, single parenting, or double parenting? And what does Philip Larkin have in common with the lead singer of T'Pau? Answering all these questions is the marvellous Nadia Shireen! She tells us how she went from Smash Hits sub editor to successful children's author. We discuss the issue of diversity in kids' books, and whether things are getting any better. Then we round off with some chat about sleep deprivation and the role Mark Owen might play in the impending apocalypse. It's jollier than it sounds. Buy Nadia's books! The excellent Barbara Throws a Wobbler and Grimwood are out now, and they are brilliant - our kids love them and so do we. Follow Nadia on Twitter @nadiashireen, and on Instagram @nadiashireendraws. And do check out the awesome bookshop we mention at littleboxofbooks.co.uk.**WE HAVE A SHOP!** Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY!Tickets for our 2022 shows are now on sale - we are coming to Newcastle, Leeds, Chesterfield, Milton Keynes, Barnsely, Tamworth, Norwich, Taunton, Swindon, Newbury, Horsham, Wellingborough, Portsmouth, Cambridge, Devizes, Southampton, Leamington Spa, Trowbridge, Nottingham - and new dates are being added all the time! Keep an eye on scummymummies.com for announcements and tickets. We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thanks for listening. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! XXX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.