A Conversation With the Author
Where did you grow up? In Hampstead, North London, in a tall Victorian house which my family shared with my granny, aunt and uncle.
What is your earliest memory of writing/drawing?
My granny used to slice open big brown envelopes with a paper knife, and my sister and I would write and draw on the back of them-mostly princesses, but I remember writing a story about a wizard who lost his tail.
What inspired you to write/illustrate your first book?
My first book, A Squash and a Squeeze, was actually a song which I'd written about 15 years before it was published as a book. So the inspiration belonged to the publisher who had heard the song on a tape when her children were little and then couldn't get it out of her mind.
Do you use your childhood as inspiration?
More in terms of feelings than actual events. I probably am more inspired by my children's childhood.
What books from your childhood have most influenced your work? What about adult titles?
E. Nesbit books like Five Children and It (about very real children and the occasional dose of magic), plus poetry by writers like A. A. Milne and Lewis Carroll-and Shakespeare's plays! The adult books by Ruth Rendell-which are realistic, psychological thrillers-have probably influenced my writing for older children and teenagers.
What are your hobbies and interests besides reading and books?
Acting, singing, playing the piano, going for long walks, flowers and fungi.
Who are a couple of your favorite author/illustrators? What is it about their work that inspires and interests you?
I adore Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad books, because of their wealth of humor, truth and comedy. And I love the wit of Axel Scheffler's illustrations.
What one or two words of advice would you give for young authors/illustrators?
Try to get to the end!
