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Stories, Sketches and Sparking Readers with Rob Biddulph
Primary Times chats to award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph about why reading for pleasure matters more than ever…
A thrilling new chapter begins! Rob Biddulph’s latest release, The Last Wolf, is an exciting adventure for readers aged 8–12, packed with imagination, humour and heart. A champion of reading for pleasure, Rob talks about inspiring young readers, building confidence through books and the magic of storytelling.
Why does the National Literacy Trust’s National Year of Reading 2026 feel so important?
Reading is under real pressure at the moment. Children are growing up in a world full of distractions. The National Year of Reading feels like a moment to refocus and remind us that reading isn’t just a skill to be learned – it’s a source of joy, comfort, escape and connection. I’m excited!
Many parents worry that screens are taking over. Do you think books still stand a chance today?
Absolutely! Books allow you to use your imagination and to get inside a story rather than watching one pass you by. It’s also all about the right books for the right child – when kids are given books that really excite them, I think they’ll fall in love with reading just as people a hundred years ago did. That primal instinct to enjoy a story is timeless. There also shouldn’t be any snobbery about what children want to read. Go all in on your interests!
What sparked the idea for The Last Wolf?
I think it came out of the pandemic. I remember central London being absolutely deserted during the early weeks of lockdown. It was really weird and eerie, but also quite exciting – I felt like I had the whole city to myself! I knew I wanted my next series to be set in a slightly darker, supernatural world. In this world, what if werewolves were real and as a result there was a curfew every full moon – so once a month the outside world was deserted. But what if some kids snuck out every full moon so they could have the whole world to themselves? That's a fun premise. At its heart, this book is about fear, family and finding strength in the things that make you different.
How do the 100+ illustrations support the story?
My illustrations help to engage readers, and with the story’s pacing and mood. For some children, hopefully the pictures will be the difference between stopping reading and turning the next page. It’s unusually heavily illustrated for a middle grade story, but I wanted this to be a book that really welcomes readers in.
Who will readers meet in The Last Wolf?
The protagonists are called the Moonlighters. There’s twins Jax and Jovi, a boy called Fourth, and then Esau who’s the brains of the group. Hopefully everyone will relate to at least one of the characters. It’s important that readers can see a bit of themselves in the story.
What do you hope families will enjoy most?
I love it when families read together every night. I hope they get that ‘one more chapter!’ feeling. I also hope The Last Wolf opens up conversations about friendship, belonging or learning to accept differences.
If The Last Wolf helps with discovering a love of reading, what would that mean to you?
Everything! That’s the aim. I genuinely believe reading can change a child’s future.
What’s next on the horizon?
I’ve written the second Moonhaven Chronicles story so I’ll be starting the illustrations very soon. I also have a picture book coming out in September. I do lots of Draw with Rob activity books too! I’m also working on some brand-new projects slightly outside of the book world, but I’m not allowed to talk about this yet!
The Last Wolf by Rob Biddulph is published by Macmillan Children's Books and out now.