So, let me tell you a bit about my new book, Milly’s Marvellous Mistakes, which will be on sale from 20 February 2020 and will be available for pre-order soon. Like lots of my books – but particularly The Niggle – it’s about a fear that all small children (and, indeed, not so small adults) have to face, in this case: the fear of getting things wrong.

At the risk of going all cod psychologist on you, I think this fear of failure can be a particular challenge for the current, X-factor generation of children brought up to expect overnight success and instant gratification. Especially if, as they get older, their every move is scrutinised and commented on on social media.

In my book, our hero Milly May, more than anything, wants to paint beautiful pictures. But she always ends up with blots and smudges. She really WISHES she was a better artist, and then – hey presto! – her fairy godmother appears (looking a little bit like the artist Frida Khalo!) and grants her wish…

Much painting and drawing ensues, but it turns out that achieving success without working for it, can feel like a hollow victory; especially if it loses you friends on the way. So my story is something of a modern morality tale; about the importance of making mistakes and the perils of seeking success at all costs – but hopefully delivered with not too straight a face!