Category Archives: Blog

I would like to thank everyone who has contacted me in support of this piece but, in truth, I did not enjoy writing it. I like writing children’s fiction. That’s my job. However, many children’s authors now find themselves in a peculiar situation of … Continue reading →

I have just completed a mini #JokeBookShopTour to publicise The Daily Joker (co-written with Rachel Delahaye & illustrated by Nigel Parkinson). The tour, which I set up myself, took in three excellent Children’s Bookshops. There really is something glorious about Children’s Bookshops. There are so … Continue reading →

I have a school visit coming up in a couple of weeks and I have been informed that some of the parents have concerns over the content of The Thornthwaite series and The Considine Curse. (Weirdly, Death or Ice Cream? has … Continue reading →

Last weekend I stood on a stage with my friend (and illustrator of my picture books, Garry Parsons.) Garry drew amazing pictures while I messed about with my new loop pedal & played my trumpet. It was part of On Blackheath, which … Continue reading →

This is a selection of some of my favourite aliens created as part of my alien making workshop in the library of KidZania. It was a really fun afternoon so thank you to everyone who came along and thanks to … Continue reading →

This summer’s appearances have included Latitude Festival, Hertfordshire LitFest, RHS Malvern Festival, Wychwood Festival, Blythe Hill Festival,  Camp Bestival and Greenman Festival. These have been a mix of solo performances and ensemble shows, exploiting the multitudinous talents of Steve May (illustrator),  Gemma Hastilow (illustrator), James McGowen (bass), Matthew Downing, (guitar & melodica), Daniel & Oliver Downing (acting & … Continue reading →

This is clip from this year’s performance at Greenman Festival in the Little Folk area, in the Sea Dragon tent. The challenge was to write the story: The Steampunk Pirates & The Lost City of Atlantis. Two kids had walked in with … Continue reading →

A little while ago, my son Herbie helped come up with and develop the idea for a book. Well, we’re delighted to say that a copy of the finished product has just dropped through the letterbox. It is part of … Continue reading →

To mark the publication of a brand new book of original jokes (co-written by me and Rachel Delahaye), I’ve written a new event that promises to put its funny where its mouth is. The Daily Joker (published September, Piccadilly Press, £4.99) has a rib-tickling … Continue reading →

Award winning children’s author/performer Gareth P Jones (Ninja Meerkats, Steampunk Pirates & Death or Ice Cream?) is teaming up with fabulous illustrators (including Garry Parsons, Steve May and Gemma Hastilow) in this brand new, original and unpredictable festival show. Gareth and his … Continue reading →