Why do you think you became a writer?
When I was a child I made up stories in my head all the time – it was a very pleasurable kind of daydreaming. When I overheard a tantalising snippet of conversation it would set me off on a ‘story daydream’ I’m pretty sure I was doing this when I was very young, long before I learned to read, and I still do it now. So, I suppose you could say that I write stories because I can’t resist it – it’s good fun.

Which children’s books do you like best?
Well now, this could be a very long list! I like books that have a gripping story. When I was a child I loved Charlotte’s Web by E B White and I still re-read it sometimes if only to revisit the rope swing in Zuckerman’s barn. I liked the Narnia books and Enid Blyton adventures and Professor Branestawm by Norman Hunter and the Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster all of which were read to me at my lovely primary school.

The following books are ones that I read as a child and have never forgotten:
The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig, Marianne Dreams by Catherine Storr, The Witch Child by Nina Bawden and Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer. Images from those stories still haunt me even though I have not yet re-read them as an adult.

In recent years I have read tons of children’s stories and books to my nieces and then my own children and also the classes of school children I've taught. These include Roald Dahl, especially Fantastic Mr. Fox and Matilda, J.K. Rowling, Phillip Pullman, Kaye Umansky, Julia Green, Sonya Hartnett and Livi Michael.

Oh, and picture books! I love Small Pig by Arnold Loebel and Winter Bear by Ruth Craft not least because of the beautiful illustrations by Erik Blegvad.

Where/What is your favourite… place?
Scotland – It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

…food?
Porridge with honey.

…animal?
My Springer Spaniel, David.

…song?
'Ye cannae shove yer Granny off the bus'.

…colour?
Green.

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