I was born in Essex England, and grew up on the Isle of Wight from the age of three. At the age of 22 I moved permanently to Ireland, where I lived in West Cork. I now live in Tarmonbarry near the border between Co. Roscommon and Co. Longford. For most of that time I was teaching children with Special Needs.
I love to write books for children. My mother introduced me to the ‘Little Grey Rabbit’ series written by Alison Uttley, and illustrated by Margaret Tempest. The illustrations in particular had a big influence on me, and I’m sure has influenced the writing of my book ‘Rory Gumboots.’
This story of the The Reckolahesperus’ came from an idea I had about my own childhood. If I or my siblings came in messy from play, my father used to say, “You look like the Wreck of the Hesperus.” As a child I thought this was some kind of strange creature–thus ‘The Reckolahesperus.’
Many of her stories involved fairy folk such as gnomes, elves, brownies, pixies and many others. I loved this fantasy world. I then moved onto her adventures with ‘The Secret Seven’ and ‘The Famous Five.’ My brother won a hardback version of ‘The Island of Adventure.’ I couldn’t put it down. I remember reading all night with a torch under the bed covers.
My latest book ‘Hattie and Jacques Love London’ was inspired by the traditional story of ‘Town Mouse and Country Mouse’ from Aesop’s Fables. The names came from the famous actress Hattie Jacques.
This time my book was illustrated by Stephen Ribeiro aka Jason Silva, who lives in Longford. I was introduced to him by local photographer Michael Croghan, who had admired Jason’s/ Stephen’s work in a Longford coffee shop. I am very pleased with the beautiful drawings that have brought my book to life.
I do seem to have been influenced a lot by books from my parents’ generation. It is clear that the written word and imaginative illustration help to make fond and vivid memories in a child’s mind. I hope I can create memories for future generations.
