Fantastic Bookshops!

I love the personalised nature of the shops I’ve visited here in Devon, they’re really working with their local communities and schools to make sure everyone has the books that are right for them. And it’s such a rush, seeing my own handwriting right on the shop front of The Bookery in Crediton, where I helped them with their new branding and lettering. I’m thrilled to be their new Patron and hope I can give them a boost! I’ll also be working with Astor’s Bookshop in Chagford as the new Patron of Reading for Chagford Primary School, and I’ve dropped in to East Gate Bookshop in Totnes and Browser in Dartmouth, they’re both ace.

Amazing Illustrators

Devon has some of my favourite artists working nearby: Alan Lee creates amazing drawings of trees and wild landscapes for Tolkien books and films. Jane Foster simplifies things to their essences with her clean, bold lines. I love Briony May Smith’s wild, windswept unicorns, and Natalie Smilie’s whimsical book covers.

Borrowing Landscape

I’m living on Dartmoor and it already looks like a place mythical creatures would live! You’ll spot Watern Tor in my first Roly-Poly Flying Pony book with Philip Reeve, The Legend of Kevin. (That’s where our flying pony has his nest, in a handy nearby oak tree.) There’s another bit of tor, near Dewerstone Woods, that I’ve named ‘The Huggable Rock’ because it’s just the right size to wrap my arms around. I always give it a hug when I pass, so it won’t feel lonely.

Invincible Wellies

The first thing I did when I came to Devon was buy a proper pair of wellies from Mole Valley (near the House of Marbles – also fabulous!). I love stomping through puddles and bogs with them and feeling like I can go anywhere. (Well, until I get stuck and nearly lose them, which has happened a few times. )

My Excellent Co-Author!

Over lockdown, I was doing a lot of work on our books via FaceTime and emails with Philip Reeve. But it’s so, so much better now, when I can simply turn around from my desk and ask him a question about our story. We often start a book with Philip asking me, ‘What would you like to draw?” My husband and I are staying with the Reeve family on Dartmoor while we look for our own place, and Philip’s kindly let me set up a desk in his studio, with its great view of the hills. We’re planning to make lots more books together, and I’ve no doubt that Devon will continue to be a huge inspiration.