Saturn Class at Ratby Primary School won the opportunity to ask Unipiggle author, Hannah Shaw, 10 questions and these are her replies!

Unipiggle: Unicorn Muddle is a brilliantly fun and funny book for new readers with bright and bold, full colour illustrations. We hope you enjoy reading Hannah's answers and a huge thank you to Saturn Class for all their brilliant questions.

1. How long have you been writing books for?

My first book was published 11 years ago but I’ve been writing my own stories since I was 6 or 7.

2. How many books have you illustrated?

Over 30 books in all!

3. What was your favourite book as a child?

I loved anything by Janet and Allan Ahlberg- From Peepo to Funny Bones, Burglar Bill and Cops and Robbers. As I got older, I moved on to Roald Dahl and Dick King-Smith books.

4. What inspired you to create the character Unipiggle?

I had lots of ideas for Unicorn type characters but the Unicorn pig really appealed because he’s the opposite of what a unicorn should be (all sparkly and beautiful). Oh, and I love pigs!

5. How many books have you written and are they all for children?

I’ve written four picture books and six chapter books (I’m working on my seventh chapter book), they are all for children. Books for adults aren’t usually illustrated and that is a big bit part of what I do.

6. When did you realise you wanted to be an illustrator?

I’d tried other jobs like being a designer and working in a chocolate shop (yummy!) but I just found life dull without being able to draw. I did an art foundation course which meant I got to try out all sorts of arty things like fashion design, textiles, photography and painting but Illustration excited me the most.

7. What is your favourite book that you've written and why?

The favourite book for most authors and illustrators is the one they are currently working on! I’m enjoying working on book three of the Unipiggle series (Mermaid Mayhem) At the moment I’m having lots of fun thinking up disgusting ice cream flavours.

8. How long does it take you to write a book?

To write it takes a fair few months as there is lots of editing involved. To illustrate it can take up to three months, depending on whether it’s chapter book or a picture book.

9. Do you use a computer to type up your story originally or do you write using a pen?

I type using a computer but I do lots of notes and sketches on paper to help me along.

10. What is your favourite thing to do, writing or drawing?

It depends where I am and what day it is! Sometimes I prefer to sit and write in peace. I can sit and draw pretty much anywhere and people can talk to me or I can listen to the radio without it interfering with what I’m doing.