Writing this book was a very different experience from my previous ones, because it took place during lockdown. Some things were the same. I got the best support and encouragement from my agent, Kirsty McLachlan, who has stuck with me through years of ups and downs. I’m so looking forward to meeting in the outside world again so that I can thank you in person. My publishing team at Firefly Press has been a dream to work with. I’m really grateful to everyone at Firefly, but especially to Penny Thomas, Simone Greenwood, and Megan Farr, who work so hard for me and my books. And I absolutely love my cover, by the ridiculously talented Anne Glenn, and the beautiful map drawn by Guy Manning. I feel so lucky to have such wonderful people working with me.

There were people who cheered me on from afar, giving me the confidence to write, and to keep writing. I’m so grateful to authors Lorraine Gregory, Eloise Williams, Vanessa Harbour, Jo Clarke, and BB Taylor. I’m incredibly touched that while continuing to do their jobs brilliantly under the 311most difficult circumstances, so many teachers still found the time to read and share my books. Special thanks to teachers and friends Les Hall, Laura Reid, Bruce McInnes, Jane Clapp, Laura Baxter, Tami Wylie, Matthew Girvan, Sophie Topliss, Linda Canning, Jenny Caddick, Ian Hunt and Dean Boddington. I’m also grateful to the teachers who really embraced Crater Lake and have done loads to support it, especially Rich Simpson and Nick Turley. The support of bloggers Kate Poels, Liam (@notsotweets), Jo (@BookSuperhero2), and Amy (@GoldenBooksGirl) has been such a boost. I am thankful for all the brilliant librarians and booksellers who work with such passion and knowledge to get books into the hands of children; and I am especially grateful to Bronnie and Bob at Bookwagon for all they do. I also have to say an enormous thank you to Book Trust, who have supported me from the start, and who gave Crater Lake an amazing opportunity by choosing it to be part of Bookbuzz.

I owe a special thank you to three children who were kind enough to read and review Evolution before it came out: Michael Chen, Louise Chen, and Emily Edge, you are all superstars.

312Thanks to my good friends Emma Savin, Nicola Wareing, Laura Endersby, and Sarah Hill. I can’t wait to see you, and hug you, and buy you all a drink. And to Mum, Dad, Julie and Alfie, and David – thank you for your support. I miss you all so much.