She’s won the prizes as well as the love of her adoring readers for her brilliant books - including 'Orangeboy', 'Eight Pieces of Silva' and 'Rat' - but the wonder that is Patrice Lawrence has never, until now, been able to show off her true skill… the ability to freeze large bodies of water. And aren’t we the lucky ones, as it means she’s been able to pay a visit and tell Nadia and Frank all about her writing, her rage and her tip top taste in doughnuts. Now that Patrice’s new book, ‘People Like Stars’ is set to hit the shelves, she’s glad of the chance of just a little bit of peace beside the fire before the tidal wave of adulation surely coming her way hits the shore.

Our two reluctant beachcombers have retired from the chilly sands to the cosy warmth of their makeshift hut for a wintery fireside chat about the hither, whither and thither of the Island of Brilliant's past, present and future. Expect insight, illumination, Count Duckula impressions and literary pyjama anecdotes as Nadia and Frank set their tiny island corner of the world to rights. And relax....

The King of illustration Axel Scheffler arrives on the island with a sackful of Lebkukchen, for December is upon us and even Frank has allowed a degree of festive cheer onto the Brilliant shores. Nadia's so excited about the prospect of Axel's arrival she's even prepared some absolute zinger questions - unfortunately she did so in collaboration with Terry the famously duplicitous crab, who just might have sold her a pup or two. Oh well, ende gut alles gut, as they say in Germany; when you have the man responsible for the look of that monster with the terrible teeth and terrible claws - as well as countless other characters in too many books to count - you know you're in for a fabulous episode.