that's not a mouse, it's a miniature mexican canine!

I received something very exciting in the post on my return from Berlin.  Take a look:

A mysterious unopened parcel.

Wait, I recognise that bear...

Think I know what this might be...

Has anyone seen my...

Has Anyone Seen My Chihuhua?!  An advance copy of my new book!!!

The back cover.

Look how beautiful it is!

And a lovely note from my editor Lucy Ingrams.

There you go, folks.  The first peek at my new book.  Beautifully illustrated by the wonderful and talented Ollie Lett.  It will be published on November 3rd by Walker Books, but I'll try to get some publicity pictures for a sneak peek inside before then.

I can't help being amused by the fact that following a debut story collection described as 'dark, unsettling, occasionally macabre' (New Stateman), my next book is bright pink with a chihuahua on the cover!   I promise it has a happy ending.

And you know what my not-quite-two-year-old daughter said when I held up the book to show her?

'Mouse!!!'

Hmm, I can see we're going to have to get to work at teaching this young girl how to tell a mouse from a miniature mexican canine.