The Audio Agency and b small publishing team-up for podcast adaptation of Martineau’s book

The Audio Agency and b small publishing are collaborating on a podcast adaptation of children writer Susan Martineau’s Real-life Disasters.

The series was greenlit after a pilot episode about the RMS Titanic. Narrated by Joseph Degnan, the series will explore the disasters detailed in Martineau’s book including the Krakatau eruption, the dinosaur extinction and the Black Death.

Rather than an audiobook, b small publishing felt “a podcast series allows us more than one chance to find those listeners and gives us a single platform that we can build on in the future”, said publisher Sam Hutchinson.

He added: “The original book is fully illustrated in colour by Vicky Barker so it’s great to see Susan’s text and research brought to life in a new way with top-quality narration and exciting sound effects – the pilot stands on its own two feet and will make an excellent podcast while also complementing the existing book.”

Martineau commented: “I’m excited about the Titanic podcast and can’t wait to hear more disaster episodes. I hope they will inspire all young investigators out there!”Audio Agency writer and producer Katie Sparks said: “Kids want to know about the world, and that includes its dangers. This podcast is all about providing information and reassurance, but it’s also a celebration of research and problem-solving skills through the unique mechanism of a ‘disaster dossier’, which are so important for children to value.”

The podcast series will be available to listen to in spring 2024 on all major platforms.