Theatre can transform a child's life, just as an early cultural experience whether with opera, ballet, music or art is a wonderful thing because it opens the door to a life-long experience, a life-long enjoyment.

I don't consciously try to take my readers on a journey as I don't really think about my readers when I'm writing. I just try to write what I feel passionately about, to tell a story down onto the page.

There's room for all sorts of magic and miracles in this world - that's what I think.

Being his real brother I could feel I live in his shadows, but I never have and I do not now. I live in his glow.

Anything that gets children reading is fine.

Blind terror drove me on, with my flying stirrups whipping me into a frenzy. With no rider to carry I reached the kneeling riflemen first and they scattered as I came upon them.

It is the child's understanding that teaches the adults the way of the future. They're still doing it today with modern technology.