Jon Klassen

Last time, in a terrifying cliff-hanger, our Nadine flew off on Katherine Rundell's bi-plane - there's only one thing that could prompt such foolhardy behaviour in one os fearful - and that's the chance to fetch Jon Klassen (THE Jon Klassen) back to island. And not a minute too soon, the poor man was drifting out in the ocean with minutes left before the game was up. Fortified by Frank's crisps, he proceeds to give one of the best interviews you'll hear this year from any writer. Jon, truly one of the great talents at work today in any literary field, talks about his move from animation into children's books, the creative process, his heroes and all manner of other things too. It's a proper belter.  Listen in also for a masterclass in conch-blowing from Frank (Nadia not so much) and also their chat about what they've been reading in they hammocks (spoiler: Nadia's been reading Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror by Chris Priestley and Frank's been filling his boots with 'Charmed Life' by Diana Wynne Jones).  Emily Drabble from Booktrust returns with some hot-off-the-press reviews of some of the best new children's books: Foxlight by Katya Balen, published by Bloomsbury My Family Your Family By Laura Henry Allain illustrated by Giovanni Medeiros published by Penguin The Case of the Haunted Wardrobe by Kereen Getten published by Pushkin Make Tracks, Emergency Vehicles, by Johnny Dyrander published by Nosy Crow The Magic of Forests by Vicky  Woodgate published by DK 

Om Podcasten

Nadia Shireen and Frank Cottrell Boyce have been shipwrecked on the Island of Brilliant with nothing but a pair of hammocks, a pile of children’s books and the world’s greatest ukulele band (The Ukulele Uff Trio) to keep them going. Everyone wants the best for their children. Everyone should know that reading for pleasure not only increases educational attainment but also helps build happiness and resilience. If you’re going to read for pleasure you need choice. Nadia and Frank will be chatting about what’s new and brilliant in children’s writing with the help of visitors to the island and reviews delivered via sea-shell from the doyen of children’s literature critics, Emily Drabble. Music: The Ukulele Uff Trio Producer: Geoff Bird