Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions I get asked when I visit a school for Book Week

Q. Which is your favourite of your books?

A. It's hard to answer that, because I like them all for different reasons. I suppose if I had to choose, then at the moment, the actual story I like to tell is Masha and the Firebird. Funnily enough I found that the easiest to write. I think it was just waiting to be written!

But I can't choose between the pictures for the books because I find them all so amazing.One of the most exciting parts of writing a book is seeing how the illustrator has imagined you story!

Q. Are the stories true?

A. I get asked this question more than any other!I like to answer no but then again yes!

No-because each story is not a retelling of a historical event. It is an original story( that means I made it up). I have used a well known genre- the folk tale- to tell my story.

But then I say yes - because the things the stories make you think about and feel are real and we do experience similar thoughts and feelings in our own lives - I find that witches, dragons, fire birds, stars and magic mirrors can be helpful metaphors for expressing these things

Q. Were you good at writing stories at school?

A. No, I wasn't. Although I have always loved stories I much preferred acting them out. My sisters and I used to act out stories that we'd made up. We would include songs as well.

My dad used to tell me stories every night. Either he would read one or make one up.

I also remember reading hundreds of fairytales as a child- all the Andrew Lang Colour book fairy tales, Grimms, Hans Christian Anderson.

My favourite fairytale is Beauty and the Beast

Q. Have you written any thing else?

A. I have a new book coming out for Christmas 2006

I have also written stories for exhibitions at the Horniman Museum, and for storytelling events at Apsley House and the Foundling Museum.

I am also working on a children's novel about dragons( a favourite theme of mine!)

Q.Have you visited any of the countries in your books?

A. No, but I would like to.