Katherine Rundell

Imagine having a new book coming out, one more hotly anticipated than a change of government - and still taking the time and trouble to visit the Island of Brilliant for a natter with Nadia and Frank. That's the kind of class that is exhibited as standard by the inestimably talented Katherine Rundell, who even manages to keep her composure when her kindly snack gift is met with (very) thinly veiled disappointment. Katherine offers invaluable insights into forthcoming novel 'impossible Creatures' as well as making a frankly magnificent case for the absolutely vital role of children's books in our lives and society. Before she arrives, Frank and Nadia discuss the books they've been reading on their hammocks - Wind in the Willows, The Skull by Jon Klassen, The Council of Good Friends by Nikesh Shukla (illustrated by Rochelle Falconer) and Beegu by Alexis Deacon.   Courtesy of the island's convenient shell, Emily Drabble from Booktrust reviews five new titles: Finding Wonder by Lauren St John  and illustrated by Levi Pinfold, Marie-Alice Harel, Published by Faber   Brilliant Black British HIstory by Atinuke and illustrated by Kingsley Nebechi published by Bloomsbury   The Perfect Present by Petr Horacek published by Otter Barry Books   Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam, Train Trouble by Tracy Corderoy and Steven Lenton published by Nosy Crow   Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green and Francis Martin published by Little Tiger