My Story

I was born in London, England, and grew up in Berkshire, London and Kent.

I remember how excited I was when I learnt to read and how it opened up so many new worlds. I used to love to get lost in a book and I still do. I also loved drawing and reading about history, which I think is as good as time travelling. My father worked in publishing and used to bring home blank books called dummy books. I used to think of all the stories I could fill them with, although usually I just drew pictures in them. After school I studied illustration because I knew I wanted to be part of making books. I think books are magical objects that can take you to so many amazing places, and I love being part of them.

I have two grown-up daughters and live in Cornwall, which has a mysterious atmosphere that I think creeps into everything I write.