If I had to squeeze all the people into my heart that I needed to thank for helping me bring this book into the world, it would explode into a million pieces and the room would be covered in heart bits and muck, so it’s probably much safer I just try to list them all here.
Everyone at Hardie Grant Egmont is my absolute favourite person: Annabel, Marisa, Penny, Amanda, Sarah, Charlotte, Ilka, Haylee, Mandy – and anyone else I may have overlooked in my excitable typing. It’s a joy to work with such talented, enthusiastic, gorgeous ladies. I couldn’t imagine being in better hands. But of course I must give special mention to Hilary Rogers, publisher, midwife, hand-holder and book whisperer who has been there for Polly and Buster from the beginning.
Pippa Masson is my constant champion, as is Davina Bell, who I want to bundle up and bottle for all the sparkling gorgeousness that she is. I could never thank her enough for hot chai on a cold beach, old lady yoga sessions and the winery writers’ retreats where this book began to take shape. She also gives the best manuscript feedback around.
I am beyond excited that the completely brilliant Stephanie Spartels agreed to design this book. I am such a massive fan of her work and as far as I am concerned she has made true magic happen across these pages.
My very first readers big and small deserve monster-sized thanks: Fiona Harris and Scott Edgar, as well as Nellie Edgar who chatted with me about witches and monsters over ice-cream and whose daddy helped me get my drawing mojo back. Tilly, Tessa and Ollie listened to me read parts of this aloud and laughed uproariously in all the right places and Dom carries my heart into the world.
My mother, who has somehow become my accountant, life organiser and career advisor all in one, but who, even more importantly, said to me those very words that Buster’s mother does to Polly: ‘It’s all very well to love those who are loveable, but it’s the unloveable ones who need it the most.’ She is a beacon of generosity and kindness.
Lastly, Buster is Polly’s dearest, loveliest friend who is there for her through everything: sad when she is sad, joyful in her joy. If you ever find a friend like this, hold onto them tight because there is no greater treasure in the world. I have many beautiful friends who sparkle like stars and guide me when I need it most. But I have only one Buster, and I intend to hold onto him as close and as long as time will allow.