Because this was one of my first books and it pretty much consisted of my sketchbook drawings, I always felt that I could do a better job. My art editor went on maternity leave during the process and I felt a bit lost and overwhelmed at the time. I was so new and so nervous. It always niggled me that I knew there were things I wanted to change – even the medium I was working in. But everybody loved the book, and it was a huge success. But over 25 years, my art style and how I work has changed a great deal.

So it was such a wonderful thing that Kate Wilson at Nosy Crow had her eye on Little Robin and offered me an amazing opportunity, to re illustrate my story and give it a new lease of life! I will always be tremendously grateful, and now Little Robin is spreading his wings all over the world, spreading his message of love and kindness. He’s been such a huge success, I can hardly believe it.  And of course, it’s the TRUE story of how Robin got his red vest…

Sometimes, I have to pinch myself – have I been working and writing and illustrating for so long?

To still be here, despite all the ups and downs of the last 25years, still creating, still holding my head up high, means everything to me.

 And if any publishers are reading this who are interested in one of my bestselling, classic texts, re-illustrated for today’s market – do get in touch!

I loved to watch her hands, the fingers swollen with arthritis, carefully manipulating the needles and yarn. There was so much love in the things she made.

I love this sketch, I love the simplicity of it and the intimacy between Little Robin and Mama Claus. In the finished book, Mama Claus is a little younger, and Santa Claus is also in the image. But I love the red coat in the background in this artwork.

This was one of my development sketches for Santa and Mama Claus. I took inspiration from the beautiful Sámi people for the clothes. Sadly, I was told that Father Christmas couldn't have a tattoo! Shame, I think he would have one.