They say no robot is an island. This revolution would not have been possible if not for the titanic toil and sterling support of a number of excellent humans. If you enjoyed this book, it’s largely thanks to them. If you didn’t, it’s all their fault.
The road is long, with many a robot revolution, and my brilliant agent, Stephanie Thwaites, has been there for the last thirteen years, fighting my corner in the Strongbox, making sure my core is charged and keeping my brain-frame sparking.
Thanks to Alessia Trunfio, who brought so much depth to the book through her incredible illustrations, breathing life into humans and robots alike, and adding visual magic to the world of Somewhere 513.
Thanks to everyone at Little Tiger, for continuing to give me the chance to write the sort of books I wanted to read as a child. I couldn’t ask for a nicer publishing family.
A massive tip of the hat to designer extraordinaire Pip Johnson, with her keen eye for big pictures and finer details. Thanks for making this book as shiny and well-buffed as it could possibly be.
Gratitude galore to Jane Harris, whose skill as an editor kept the cogs of this book turning, even when I was ready to send it back to the Piles. Jane left no motivation unexamined, no question unasked, no loose end untidied and no cog unturned as she diligently directed me towards an infinitely better story than it would have been without her.
And thanks to my mate, Lauren Ace, ’cause she’s a legend.
To my family. Thanks to Mum and Dad, who have supported me in unnumbered ways and with countless kindnesses. Whether the chips have been down or the one-and-a-half suns rising, I’ve always relied on them and they’ve always been there for me.
My big brother Ian squandered his childhood with me, creating hundreds of characters and scenarios and stories. Turns out, it was the best preparation for this job I could have asked for. Whether forty seconds or several light years away, Ian is ever ready to listen to my daft ideas and read even the most unreadable drafts of my books, and I couldn’t be more grateful. And thanks again for the hummingbirds and giants.
Finally, to my wife, Ruth, to whom this book is dedicated (pretty sure this puts her into double figures) and who I’m still as desperate to impress as I was on the first day we met. Her wisdom, kindness, patience and poise continue to floor me, and her love of adventures real and imagined is as infectious as ever. I couldn’t have done it without you, Ruby. And anyway, what would have been the point? But no more emporiums, I promise.
And, if you’re still reading this, here s to you, the mighty reader – for sticking around to the very end, for picking up this book in the first place, and for choosing to join me on this distant Somewhere.