Otters are my favourite animal, that’s why I’ve included one called Twitchy Nibbles in my books. (Apparently I’m not allowed a real pet otter, but I’ll keep dreaming!)

I believe books are MAGIC and that all children should see themselves represented in stories.

My scariest moment EVER was once flying in a hot air balloon that crash-landed into a tree! Everyone was okay (apart from all the twigs in our hair and teeth).

I love travelling and once drove around Europe in a campervan so old and battered you had to thwack it with a hammer to get it started. Leonora would have approved.

Actually, scrap that. My SUPER scariest moment was realising I’d accidentally been swimming with crocodiles in Australia. Fresh water ones (not too dangerous) and a salty one too (horribly dangerous). Would NOT recommend.

I’m rubbish at baking but collect old cookery books with weird ingredients. One of my characters, Mildred Dribble, creates some truly terrifying dinners, like jellyfish fritters and toothpaste soup. Mmm - enjoy!

My lucky number is five.

The islands off the west coast of Scotland inspired lots of my writing. Go and visit them immediately, they’re stunning.