Britain in the Past: Anglo-Saxons

I have been writing for many years in a number of different genres, from books for babies up to books for 11 year-olds plus. I like to try new things and tackle new subjects, so I don't limit myself to one type of book. One month I might be writing about history, and the next month I might be creating an imaginary story. Examples of my work have been selected for national Key Stage study in the UK, and in the USA I was commended by the Library of Congress for my work in non-fiction, which they felt encouraged reluctant readers. I work with visuals always in mind, and love the challenge of getting across information or an exciting story with good graphics to back it up. Lately I have been blogging about the craft of writing, and I've also appeared at National Book Festivals, which I think of as the most challenging thing of all to do! I get a lot of emails from children around the world, inspired by one of my books they have read, and that gives me great pleasure.

• Section 1: Strangers arriveSection 1: Meet a warbandSection 1: Join in a feastSection 1: Bury a kingSection 1: Visit a monasterySection 1: Paint with goldSection 1: Visit a villageSection 1: Beat back the VikingsSection 1: Go to townSection 1: Get dressedSection 1: CelebrateSection 1: Visit an abbeySection 1: The final battleSection 1: Glossary and further information