Thank you first to all the kids who read my first book, Run, Pip, Run – without you, Pip and Houdini wouldn’t exist. That includes China, who kept asking, ‘Is it finished yet?’
Many thanks (and a hug!) to Anna McFarlane and Radhiah Chowdhury of Allen & Unwin for their enthusiasm and wise advice. I’m also deeply grateful to the unsung heroes in marketing, as well as to the booksellers, teachers, librarians and everyone else who helps bring children and books together.