The Island of Brilliant: Episode 4 with Danny Wallace

There's bad blood on the island this month, as Frank's nemesis Danny Wallace turns up (uninvited, according to FCB) to stoke the flames of the pair's long-standing rivalry. Nadia, fortunately, is able to find higher ground and steers a sometimes begrudging but always illuminating, often hilarious conversation to the matter at hand, children's books. Danny discusses his own books, including 'The Day the Screens Went Blank' and 'The Boss of Everyone' - and also Brian Patten's brilliant poetry collection 'Gargling with Jelly'. Before he arrives, Frank and Nadia discuss the books they've been reading in their hammocks: The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger by J.T. Williams; Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tola Okogwu; Wellington's Big Day Out by Steve Small and Monster in the Woods by Dave Shelton.  While The Ukelele Uff keep things harmonious with their beautiful music,  Emily Drabble of Booktrust comes out of her convenient shell once again with more reviews of new titles: 1. Deep, A story of love through the Generations Stephen Hogtun Published by Bloomsbury 2. Calling the Whales By Jasbinder Bilan Illustrated by Skylar White Published by Barrington Stoke 3. Stolen History Sathnam Sanghera Illustrated by Jen Khatum Published by Puffin 4. The Midnight Babies Isabel Greenberg Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers 5. Imagine IF... Veggies by Aya Watanabe Published by Templar    

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