Has written over 80 books and, as of 2005, has sold over 30,000,000
worldwide.
[2005] Appointed children's laureate.
Has one daughter, Emma
She was awarded Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2008 Queen's New Year's Honors List for her services to children's literature.
She was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2002 Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to literacy in schools.