Category Archives: Blog

My closest park is called Blythe Hill Fields and it is a remarkable place in that it has great views of London and hardly any people in it most of the time. Once a year, this is not the case as it … Continue reading →

Dear pupils of Abbot’s Hill, Thank you for your lovely letters following my visit to your school. Special thanks to Emily and June (yes, I hope I get to visit again too), Tara (good luck with your time travel story), … Continue reading →

Over the past couple of years, I have been working on various live improvised story shows, in which the audience creates and brings to life a brand-new story. These always involve songs, props and that tingly feeling you feel when a big bunch … Continue reading →

Thanks to everyone who dressed up as characters from my books for World Book Day. Here are Biskit from Pet Defenders, Captain Clockheart from Steampunk Pirates and Lorelli from The Thornthwaite Inheritance. MASSIVE THANKS to everyone who took the time … Continue reading →

I have always enjoyed mystery stories. My first published book in 2007 was about a detective (The Dragon Detective Agency: The Case of the Missing Cats). I went on to write three more books in the series. Over the past … Continue reading →

I am excited and delighted to announce that Blue Peter have asked me to host this year’s online mystery, kicking off on Thursday 28th February and culminating on Thursday 7th March, World Book Day. Last year this was hosted by … Continue reading →

My son is in Year 4 and currently has one of those teachers you remember for the rest of your life. Ms. Knight is clever, kind and inspiring. My wife and I have been especially impressed with how she has … Continue reading →

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 →