Last Summer I was asked by Hometown World Publishers if I would write a children's history book of Leeds. My first reaction was 'Yes! I'd love to!' Then I got the author guidelines and realised what a big job I'd taken on. However, being the determined sort I got down to work and was soon lost in research. I found out some wonderful and amazing things about Leeds and how it grew so successfully into the great city it is today. As with all my writing projects I kept imagining how the finished book would look. The publishers were brilliant during this writing (and rewriting) process and kept me up to date with the book's process. I'm pleased to say that the book will be released on 16th July! It is already listed for pre order on Amazon. Here is part of the product description:

'Have you ever wondered what it would have been like living in Leeds when the Romans arrived? What about working at the mill instead of going to school? This book will uncover the important and exciting things that happened in your town.'

The cover shows an angry looking soldier and Kirkgate Market. This market is a wonderful Victorian building where Michael Marks first set up his famous Penny Bazaar. He later partnered with Mr Spencer to form Marks and Spencers.

Seeing your book in print is an amazing experience and well worth all the time and effort needed. When the book is published I will list on my site so you can buy signed copies direct from me.

I've got another book coming out in September - more about that later.

I must say a big chocolate covered thank you to Phoebe and Rosie at tremendously two for their lovely review of 'You Can't Eat A Princess!'

Here is part of the review :

'Whilst Princess stories are typically a girls-only zone, this one crosses the barrier nicely into boy-friendly too. For this one is a gutsy girl who has to save the day when her dad, King Cupcake, is kidnapped by hungry aliens. This feisty young lady blasts off into space to show those mischeivious aliens who's boss.

This gastronomically obsessed scrumptious book had Rosie and I hooked, laughing and feeling rather hungry.'

You can read the full reveiw (and look at their amazing website) at :

http://tremendouslytwo.blogspot.com/2011/03/our-new-bestest-book-you-cant-eat.html

Here is another wonderful wall display of 'You Can't Eat A Princess!'  This one is from Queenswood School, Leeds.

You can see how hard the children and staff have worked on this. I think children like drawing aliens because they can paint them however they like. They don't have to worry about giving them the 'correct' number of arms, eyes etc.

If you have any photos you'd like to share of aliens, princessess or spaceships, do get in touch.

During my recent visits to schools I have been asked some interesting questions by the children :

Do you like chocolate?

Of course. Who doesn't?

Do you like spaghetti?

Not much, it's too messy to eat in front of other people.

Why did you call your princess 'Princess Spaghetti'?

When I pictured her in my mind I saw a princess who looked like she had had a bowlful of spaghetti tipped over her head.

Why did you use aliens in your story?

Going into outer space seems like a great adventure and meeting aliens would be fun - unless they tried to eat you!

Where do you get your ideas from?

From reading a lot of books. It fills your imagination up with new worlds.

Will Princess Spaghetti go on more adventures?

She's going on a new adventure soon and she meets pirates!

Do you like Rhianna? She's a singer.

Yes.