I have written stories ever since I can remember.

When I was in Key Stage 2 (then called the Juniors) I was often asked to go down to the Infant (KS1) room to tell them a story. I loved doing it, though I have no idea now what the stories were about!

When I grew up I became a primary school teacher, which I enjoyed, but it didn't leave me much time to write. However, I learned a lot about the sort of things children like doing, and the books they liked reading.

Then I got married and had four children of my own, two boys and two girls. This didn't leave me much time to write either, though I learned even more about the sort of things children enjoy doing (and the sort they don't!) Now I have three grandchildren, so I count myself very lucky indeed.

It was only when my children all grew up that I began to turn my stories into books. Now I am no longer a teacher, but I am writing all the time.

Here are a few other facts about me:

1. I live with my husband in Bath, which is a beautiful city in Somerset.

2. My favourite foods are runner beans, raspberries, and dark chocolate with nuts in.

3. I once spent five years working for a Dancing School. I fitted children with ballet shoes and leotards, and played the piano for Ballet and Tap lessons. I especially enjoyed playing for Tap because the tapping kept time with the music. It was rather like having a drum accompaniment.

4. I also play the guitar. When I was a teacher I used it to accompany the children singing, which was great fun. Sometimes when I go into schools to talk about my books I take my guitar along too.

5. My favourite colour is red - I have at least five red jumpers in my wardrobe!

6. My favourite flowers are daffodils - maybe because I was born in the spring! Or maybe it's because they always look so cheerful.

7. When I was a child my favourite books were all about mysteries and magic - and now those are the stories I like to write.

8. I think being a children's writer is the best job in the world!