I hope you're all having a lovely half-term holiday. It was quiet yesterday at the story-time session at Bill's on Chequers Street, St. Albans but the good news is that if you were away and wanted to come they have invited my back for another session.

Catch me at Bill's on Tuesday 26th February 4-5pm.

The event is totally FREE and even though my books are aimed at 8-12s the session is open to all ages. 

The idea is for families to come in for hot chocolate and cake and listen to some stories whilst they are there. I have a whole collection of different books to read from and stories to tell, something to suit all tastes, so do come along and say hello, it would be great to see you!

Today was a first experience for me and completely wonderful. 

I was asked to come along and do the honour of snipping the ribbon surrounding the brand new library at High Beeches Primary School.

It was such a privilege to be able to talk about the importance of libraries and our shared love of books, then take hold of the enormous scissors (aka garden shears) and declare the library officially open.

I was even lucky enough to be asked back at school closing to meet the children and parents and sign some copies of my books.

Here's wishing all the best for all the users of High Beeches Primary School Library. What a wonderful thing to be a part of, especially in this day and age when we hear about the death of books and libraries.

It is so important to get behind our local libraries and support them in every way we can. It's a right to be able to read for free and libraries are the only way we can do this. Books make a difference on so many levels. It's not just about literacy, books are freedom to travel, to be someone different, to gain knowledge, to gain power and insight. They help us to communicate and to empathise with others. Books are brilliant.

Go borrow a book now and thank your librarian as you do!

All the best High Beeches Primary School Library - oh and a special mention to Annemarie who remembered me from Y4 when I visited the school during World Book Day week. It made my day that you loved Jarred Dreams so much you bought my other two books!

Thank you to everyone who was able to come to the Meet Your Local Authors event at Cambridge Central Library yesterday.

The afternoon was a fantastic success and lots of fun for all of us authors and/or illustrators and the many families who came along. We had children of all ages, from babies right up to early teens. There were FREE actives for all, such as: story reading, crafts, drawings techniques, quizzes and the chance for readers and creators of children's books to chat.