I was named after my two grandmothers - Julia Elizabeth.

If somebody can act out one of the books as a play, if they can see a play, film, or television show that's related, that can be so stimulating for them. Anything that makes children engage and think - and love what the story is about - can only bring the most enormous rewards.

My husband knows me better than anyone.

Garry Marshall is a joy. I feel so utterly safe in his hands.

I feel an enormous responsibility to bridge the gap between England and America, and be a sort of very quiet ambassador for my country to try to sort of do a "hands across the water" thing where they understand England and English people understand Americans. I adore America.

The anateur works until they get something right. The professional works until they can't go wrong.

All I care about really is writing something worthwhile for children, something that will engage them in some way and stimulates in them a sense of wonder.