I've always loved drawing and writing - so to do both for a living is a dream come true!

And why children's picture books? Because I think at their best they're utterly beautiful - a piece of art in themselves. The combination of a great story using well crafted words complemented by gorgeous art is as artistically pleasing as it gets.

More than that, storytelling and books play such an imortant role in children's lives - and to play any kind of part in that is such a privilege. To know that a story I've created or a character I've illustrated is being enjoyed by a little person - well it puts a big fat smile on my face!

Plus - my job involves doodling monkeys and other furry creatures and making up stories about them - who wouldn't want to do that?!?