What was your favourite childhood book and why?
My favourite book as a child was Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I loved the wordplay and the crazy, scary world Alice falls into, where anything can happen. A pig can become a baby and a cat can disappear leaving nothing but its smile. It's a work of genius and there is nothing else like it.
Which of your own books is your favourite and why?
My favourite among my own books is THE CLOCKWORK CROW. I put everything I like into it – magic, stars, snow, Christmas, a big spooky oldhouse, a clever girl and the silvery Fair Family. Also I had fun with the Crow, so tetchy and vain, and under a terrible spell.
Why do you choose to read?
Reading is the best thing you can do, especially as a writer. Books take you to magic worlds, other planets, past and future, into people's lives and animals' imaginations. Once you enter a book you are never on your own – and every adventure is yours.
