The English Department and library are obviously amazing (Elaine, Katie, Rachel, Liz, Darshan and Angie), but I’d particularly like to thank all the students who have inspired me to finish what started off life as just an unusual lesson resource. So many of you have helped me with your (often brutal!) criticism and I have genuinely learnt so much from writing alongside you; I hope some of it has made me a better teacher as well as having improved my writing! I’m sorry that, despite your enthusiasm for her death, Dr Jones survived. In earlier drafts, following the Year 9 vote, she did die. Dr Jones, thanks so much for your scientific advice and apologies for ignoring most of it. I hope the fact that I didn’t kill you off (and also the fact that the character’s nothing like you!) will mean you’ll forgive me!

A particular thanks to the fabulous Rachel Leyshon for being a brilliant editor. I’ve learnt so much from you and you’ve been so much fun to work with (I am confident there are no possible jellyfish jokes which you haven’t made!). I’m also grateful for the suggestions made by Kesia Lupo and Barry Cunningham, as well as the copy-editing of Helen Jennings. My agent, Claire Wilson, has been unfailingly kind, supportive, and has also given really useful input to the book. One of the things I’ve realized from the experience of working on Jelly is how many people are involved in the publication of a book. Thanks so much to Laura Myers, Rachel Hickman and everybody in Chicken House that I haven’t mentioned!

Owen has, as always, been my writing inspiration. Thanks for your willingness to discuss fictional children and worlds, and your always useful thoughts on plot and structure. Your ability to know exactly when I would like a glass of wine or a cup of tea has also helped enormously with this book.

And finally, thanks to my parents for taking me to the library every week as a child, and for only occasionally banning books from the dinner table. I value your continued support, which, amongst other things, has included buying me the entire Booker Prize shortlist every year on my birthday for the past twenty years! I am so grateful.