I studied English and Drama at London University, and very much wanted to be an actor. However, after a couple of years of the London fringe, I started drawing. Initially I designed the sets and posters, and then I was given a lucky break on the New Statesman. This led to caricatures for NME, and regular slots over the next ten years with The Times, The Guardian and The Observer.

When my daughter, Eloise, was born, I switched from editorial work to children’s books. Over the past twenty years, I have worked with wonderful writers including Kathryn Cave, Mara Bergman, Hilary McKay Jeanne Willis, Angela McAllister, Nicola Davies, and now Sally Gardner.

In 2003, I won the V&A Illustration Award for You’ve Got Dragons written by Kathryn Cave. In 2005, I won the Silver Award from The American Society of Illustrators in New York for Snip Snap, written by Mara Bergman, and then Mara and I also won the Early Years Book Trust Award for Oliver Who Travelled Far and Wide.

I live in Camden with my family and two dogs.