HAPPY NEW GUESS-WHAT?

Did I say “guess what?” Can you guess what a “guess what” is? If you can or even if you can’t then keep reading. And what’s more I’ll tell you what I’m doing with Michael Rosen the new British Children’s Laureate …

No-way, a “guess what” isn’t a year although it could be. And it’s not a day, a life, a wooden leg, a woolly knitted jumper or granny although it could be all of those things. No, a “guess what” is actually whatever you want it to be. That’s the point – this time of year is a time for decisions, for new beginnings, for RESOLUTIONS with capital letters.

Here’s a few of mine:

1. I’m going to read my e-mails when I’ve done the rest of my work for the day (meanwhile keep yours coming and I’ll keep trying to answer them). Oh yes, and I’m going to work well away from the phone.

2. And when I’m working I’m going to write some even more fantastic books than last year.

3. I’m going to have FUN in and out of work

So what was I doing with the Children’s Laureate? Well, Michael Rosen launched the fantastic even better than expected totally exhausting unbelievable Appledore Book Festival and the lady is our Co-ordinator, Carol. By the way a Book Festival is where top authors come to speak about their books and meet their readers and I am lucky enough to be the Director of the Festival I founded in Appledore, England.

And now just because I can’t resist showing you here are some more piccies from the Book Festival that put a smile on everyone’s face …

Here’s me and Mortal Engines author Philip Reeve.

And who’s this? Well, knock me down with a stunned hamster if it isn’t our very own Horrible Science illustrator Tony De Saulles doing a sell-out drawing show!

Well, that’s enough about the festival because right now I’m nibbling my nails with all the work I’ve got to do this year. You can find out what it is by reading the Events section at the end of this diary. And what’s more the Appledore Book Festival is running again from 27 September to 5 October – so I better get on with things! No rest for the Horrible is there?