This book has had more lives than a recycled cat and I am indebted to all the hands that it, and I, have passed through. I hope you washed them well afterward. Seriously.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude (and probably cash) to everyone who helped my first edition of WLTGO. Without your brilliance I’m sure this one would never have happened. To Lucy V. Hay for her expert editing; Becky Jeffries for her dedicated design; Debbie Collins for her super subbing; and Mark Beech for his illuminating illustrations—my sincerest thanks to you all. Check’s in the post. Honest.

To Veronique and Nicky, my not-so-secret super agents, I owe you everything. Or technically, fifteen percent of it. Thank you, thank you, thank you for keeping the faith.

To the Chickens—working with you has been a thunderbolt of pure joy. My enormous love and thanks to Lady Elinor, Rachel Hachel, Jazz (hands), Luscious Laura (keep jujjing), Corking Kes, New York Nick, Super Steve, Resplendent Rob, Dilligent Daphne, and, of course, the wizard that is Big Bad Baz. You have made my dreams come true. Sorry about that.

Speaking of the stuff of nightmares, I owe particularly mahoosive thanks to my Super Ed, Rachel Leyshon. You are the waxing strip to my hairy legs: painful, but I’m so much better for you. Thank you for your brilliant mind, wonderful heart, and naughty laugh—I have loved every moment working with you and my book and its author have been hugely enriched for having you in our world. Ta, luv.

To Mum, Dad, Len, and Ricks—I love you. Almost all the time.

To my husband—my best mate, first mate, paper mate, and soul mate. You always said this would happen. Congratulations. That’s twice you’ve been right now. Thank you for being my sanity, my happiness, my rock, and far too disorganized to find a divorce lawyer. You are my Elysium.

To my babies—thank you for making every day an adventure. Sometimes a comedy, often a farce, but always with a happy ending. There isn’t enough time or space in an infinite universe to show you how much I love you, but I’ll give it a go. Just keep it down before seven a.m., would you?

And to you, my fabulous reader. Thank you so much for choosing my book, and I hope you had a nice time in it. I’m going to write some more, so I hope you’ll come and see us again. You rock.

Love, and other things that smell like pink marshmallow,

Maz

Xxx