How and why I am an author

I wrote my first book The Story of Life on evolution after searching in vain for the story (rather than a text book) of evolution for my two girls, then at primary school. So I unexpectedly became an author… with co-author and science teacher Steve Williams. Our ongoing series of six books so far now includes The Story of Climate Change and The Story of Conservation will be published this year. I am now a full time author researching, writing and imagining and exploring true stories about nature and the world around us. I have written 35 books to-date.

I studied ecology before working with Greenpeace for many years on wildlife issues, focusing on sea turtles and other endangered species. Fascinated by nature and particularly the power of words, I studied journalism and became editor at the Natural History Museum in London where I wrote summer exhibitions. I have also worked with many organisations on strategic communications for social and environmental change. 

Now living close to the Welsh hills and visiting schools around the country, I write hoping to encourage children to get involved in protecting our natural world. I am a proud Patron of Reading for my local school. I absolutely love what I do and embrace the endlessly fascinating, collaborative journey of working with scientists, subject experts and the incredible illustrators and publishers who bring my ideas to life.

I am represented by Jodie Hodges at United Agents: jhodges@unitedagents.co.uk.