The Christmas Activity Book

Packed with puzzles, games and festive makes, it's just right for the run-up to Christmas Sunday Express

I'm equally happy writing about Greek myths, scientific theory, cape buffalo, zombies, the Babylonians, or how to plait a pony's mane. I've just started writing fiction, too (due to be published in 2010), and I've also written a few books for adults. I worked as an editor for many years, specialising in children's non-fiction (including the Horrible Histories series) before I started writing my own books. I live in Bath with my partner and our three-year-old son. I was born and brought up in Primrose Hill in London. I studied Fine Art at Hornsey School of Art but turned to illustration on leaving. In the early years I subsidised my career with gardening and working in a cinema. Now, I am lucky enough to spend my days drawing in a studio overlooking the garden of my home in Hackney. I have illustrated books by authors such as Dick King-Smith, Linda Chapman and Herbie Brennan and worked for publishers including Puffin, Ladybird and Buster Books.