I am a children’s book writer and illustrator working from home in North London, England not far from where I was brought up.

I studied graphics and illustration at art college and not long afterward was lucky enough to get a job at the BBC as an illustrator for childrens’ TV programmes.

I eventually left to go freelance and got my first commission to illustrate a book about a cat called Wilkins.

My work falls into two categories. One consists of craft and activity books which I write and illustrate in pen and inks. These titles cover everything from seasons to festivals and pyramids to fairies!

The other work I do is illustrating books for the very young in fabric collage. I hand sew the pictures using felt, vintage fabrics, buttons, braid, old jewellery and sequins. I’m always on the look out for interesting things to use and recently made trees from nylon rope found on beaches. In my work I like to give materials a new lease of life.

I enjoy visiting schools, libraries, galleries and festivals where I show and talk about my work and give fabric collage workshops.

I feel very fortunate that I have been able to combine being a mother of three with a career that I could pursue at home.

Elusive Moose which came out in 2006 has been nominated for the Kate Greenaway medal 2008.

My latest ' Baby's First Book ' published Spring 2008, is a little different from others in that it is stitched on white sheeting and linen giving the pictures a light fresh feel. However for my next book I return to felt in hot zinging colours with 'Hidden Hippo'.