How does it feel to have the most nominations at The Week Junior Book Awards this year? (You are shortlisted twice)

Well, it’s great to be nominated at all!

I never expected to be, and it’s lovely to be considered.

 What was the inspiration behind the Grimwood series, and what has been your favourite part since the series launched?

I grew up in a place which was a bit like the countryside but was also near a busy town. So I wanted to write a book set in that kind of in-between space, because so many children’s books are set in a kind of idyllic countryside.

The best bit is meeting readers who are really into Grimwood. They get so passionate about it!

I love that most readers have their favourite characters.

Which of the characters in Party Animals do you relate to the most?

In Party Animals, Sharon the Party Crow loses her mojo and just lies on the ground staring into space. I feel like that a lot of the time!

What book would you recommend every child read?

There is no book that every kid is going to like, I’m afraid. But the good news is, there are loads to choose from!

Maybe everyone should read the longest book in the world, which is apparently called Clarissa, by someone called Samuel Richardson. I can’t tell you what it’s about because I haven’t read it.

But then, if someone tells you off for not reading you can then say “Excuse me, but I have actually read the longest book ever written thank you very much.” Then they will leave you alone.

What book would you recommend everyone read over the summer holidays?

Whatever book you choose to read, make sure you put it into a clear plastic bag so that if it’s really good, you can take it into the swimming pool with you.

Or the bath, if you’re not near a swimming pool!