Because sometimes characters have a mind of their own...

The battle between words and pictures...

So here's the thing - I've been splashing around with some paint this week. I thought I just had to illustrate a story that I'd already written and polished. But that's before the pictures got involved...

The trouble started as I got going with the illustrations and the character I was painting just didn't want to go to bed as the scrip was directing - time to turn the story on it's head and accommodate this headstrong character - who knows what'll happen next...? 

But I'm Not Sleepy... how to get some sleep

I’ll let you into a secret,” said Granny. “When I can’t sleep I count sheep. It always works for me.”

“Have you got sheep Granny?” asked Lucy, her eyes wide with excitement. “Where are they? Are they in your knitting bag?”

from But I'm Not Sleepy my bestseller is 5 years old today!!

First there was Lucy jumping up and down on her bed, then there was Granny reading calming bedtime stories... and then came the sheep. So all that was left was for Downboy the sheepdog to make an appearance and it looked as if nobody would be getting any sleep - but finally even Lucy felt sleepy...

Because it seems that everyone has a Lucy - some even admit that they used to be one too...

The secret to a bestseller is to write a great book and then don't keep it a secret

The secret to a bestseller is to write a great book and then make sure you don't keep it a secret...

So today I'm shouting about my #1 bestseller But I'm Not Sleepy

It's my bestseller at almost every book signing - why?
It seems that everyone has a Lucy...

They say don't judge a book by its cover - well news flash - the cover is the first bit people see, so that's what makes them pick it up or walk on by...

The title strikes a cord - who hasn't heard those words...? And who hasn't jumped up and down on the bed instead of going to sleep in...? Most parents moan that their kids do it - a few admit that they used to too...

 Then they open the book and see the bright colour pictures,  not knowing that they started out from my kitchen table...

 First came the book, then came the sheep...
These little characters made their debut at Christmas fairs and were an instant hit, appealing to all ages.

 Soon there was a little flock of them - don't ask me to count them zzzzzzzz

So why should you buy my book?
Because it's one of those bedtime stories that you can share again and again and build those special memories with your child that last a lifetime...