In an attempt to compete with daring adventurer, Dixon Bainbridge, Howard and Vince set off in search of the Egg of Mantumbi. Into the whiteness, the nothingness of the arctic tundra, the boys come face to face with hideous ice demon, Black Frost. Luckily, Vince has befriended a polar bear.

Howard is hellbent on a career as a serious writer. He thinks it will also improve his chances with Mrs Gideon. When a famous publisher, Hamilton Cork, arrives at the Zoo-Niverse, it's Vince's literary efforts, in the shape of Charlie, a pink bubble gum character, which takes Cork's fancy. Meanwhile Bob Fossil has embarked on a new breeding programme for the pandas.