​Ask Me Anything

Children ask me all kinds of smart questions.
Here are the answers to the ones I'm asked most often. Hop, hop, hop to it! 

"When did you write your first book?"

​I have made books since I was very young, when I would fill whole notepads with squiggly lines that looked a bit like writing. I still have some of them!

My first real book, What To Do If An Elephant Stands on Your Foot, was published in 2012. Since then, I've written many more. Some of them have even won awards, like the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards and Sainsbury's Children's Book Prize.

"How did you become an author?"

I always tried my best at school. My grades got me to university, and working part-time jobs helped me afford to stay there. After graduating, I got a job as a copywriter, coming up with the ideas and words for advertising campaigns. I worked with some wonderful people, but hated writing about things I didn't care about.

I began writing stories in my spare time. I took some writing courses, attracted the attention of an agent and eventually became a full-time author. 

I used to think only rich people could write books, but that's not true. I'm from a working-class family. If you have a dream, keep on working towards it and don't give up.

"How many books
​have you written?"

I think the current total is 64, and I have lots more books on the way.

​Keep an eye out for Baby Says Mama, Goodnight Grandchild, Tractors On The Go, Dodo Does a Doo-Doo and Goodnight Garbage Truck — all coming in 2026.

"What's your
​favourite book?"

My favourite book is usually whichever book just came out, because it's so new and exciting. Even more exciting is wondering about what stories are still to come. 

Some of my favourite books by other authors:-
  • Charlotte's Web, E.B. White
  • Fox in Socks, Dr. Seuss
  • You're a Bad Man Mr. Gum, Andy Stanton

"What's it like to be an author?"

Being an author feels BRILLIANT. I love writing and sharing my stories with children. I am incredibly fortunate to have a job that makes me so happy.

Every time I receive a copy of my latest book in the mail, I feel amazed. Having actual books with my name on the front reminds me I can do it, so long as I keep trying my best and don't give up. If you ever find reading and writing tricky, just remember: so do authors. 

"Where do you get
​your ideas?"

Ideas are everywhere! I read books, watch TV, play games, talk to friends and family, take walks, visit interesting places and I constantly wonder. I ask a lot of questions and like to imagine, "What if...?" 

My big imagination makes me a useful person, because I can come up with lots of ways to solve all kinds of problems.

"What inspires you?"

I find inspiration all around, but I particularly like going for walks. Fresh air and exercise are really good for getting my brain moving if ever I'm feeling stuck.

I also love keeping an eye on all the brilliant new books that other people are making, particularly new authors and illustrators. Reading really good books makes me want to try and make even better ones!

"What qualities does an author need?"

These qualities helped me become an author ...
  • I've always loved words and language,
  • I'm very creative and having ideas is my super power,
  • I always make my work the best it can be,
  • I'm playful and can make boring tasks feel like fun,
  • I listen to other people's feedback and ideas,
  • I'm not afraid to start again, even when I think I've already finished,
  • I notice things around me, I'm curious about the world around me and I care about other people.
​What helps most is practice. I never stop writing stories!

"Do you have any writing tips?"

  • Practice makes perfect. Every time you're brave enough to put pen to paper, you're getting a little better. Doodling is never a waste of time.
  • Daydream. Big imaginations make us strong, useful people. Just try your best to focus when you're asked to!​​​​
  • Don't worry if you go wrong. Mistakes are part of the process and they make us stronger. Try not to let them upset you. 
  • Re-write familiar stories in your own words. It's like having training wheels on a bike; the more you write, the better you'll become. Eventually, your stories will grow more original.​
  • ​Enjoy yourself! Read and write about the things you love.
  • ​Read! Join a library and borrow books for free. Librarians can help you find books you'll enjoy. Without even realising, you'll pick up good writing habits.
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