A bit about me... 

I have been writing and illustrating picture books for over 25 years. I am interested in colour, design, pattern and texture and my illustrations reflect this through bold design and their use of collage and playful characters.

My picture books include 'Recipe for a Story', 'Betty and the Yeti' and 'Darkness Slipped In', which was nominatd for the Kate Greenaway Medal and won highy commended at the British Book Design and production Awards in 2008.

Myself and my family live with two small dogs in the wilds of Dorset. I find the outdoors inspiring and many of my ideas come when out walking. There's a rhythm to walking which helps me with my writing and nature is a constant inspiration for my love of pattern, colour and shape. We live in a small house with several acres behind, which we affectionately refer to as 'the bog', a wild and wonderful place in which to occasionally get lost...or stuck!

I also teach, and working with young children provides me with further inspiration for my stories!

When I was a child I loved the work of Edward Lear, particularly his Book of Nonsense, which my dad delighted in sharing with me at bedtimes and I find great joy in sharing my stories with young audiences.

As an adult some of my favourite illustrators are Eric Carle, David McKee and Shirley Hughes.