Ali Sparkes was a journalist and BBC broadcaster until she chucked in the safe job to go dangerously freelance and try her hand at writing comedy scripts. Her first venture was as a comedy columnist on Woman's Hour and later on Home Truths. Not long after, she discovered her real love was writing for children.

Ali grew up adoring adventure stories about kids who mess about in the woods, and still likes to mess about in the woods herself whenever possible. She lives with her husband and two sons in Southampton.

Check out www.alisparkes.com for the latest news on Ali's forthcoming books.