When did you start writing and why?

I wrote my first published book when I was 22, but I began writing and drawing long before that. I still have picture books that I wrote and illustrated at primary school!

What is your favourite book that you’ve written?

It has to be Moth: An Evolution Story. It was the first book to explain natural selection for young children, and it has been amazing to see it become a part of the curriculum for so many schools around the world, and to see all the amazing directions teachers and pupils take their science and arts work based on Moth!

I also love working on the Impossible Questions series! There are two titles so far, with three more on the way. Each one answers real questions asked by children, so I never know what I’m going to be researching – and your questions have taken me on some amazing journeys!

What were you like as a child?

I grew up in quite difficult circumstances. On top of that, I attended four different primary schools, so I never felt very settled or integrated. However, schoolwork was always a brilliant escape, and trying as hard as I could in education gave me the opportunity to live a different kind of life as an adult.

What superpower would you like to have?

To ensure all children have equal access to opportunity and joy.

Do you have any pets or what imaginary pet would you have?

I have two tortoises, Rocky and Dribbles. In the colder months, they share my writing space!

Where do you write and what do you use?

I have a little office in my home, but I also like to work in libraries. I’m lucky to live in Cambridge where there are a huge number of library spaces to choose from, depending on your mood that day!

What happens in your virtual author sessions?

I talk about how most of my books begin with questions asked by children, then share tips for overcoming that ‘blank page/blank brain’ feeling by coming up with ‘impossible questions’ of your own! Before the event, I ask classes to share their own questions about ANYTHING then answer my favourites using science!  

What’s the best thing about being an author?

The opportunity to explore nature and share all the weird and wonderful stuff I discover!

What’s your favourite book to read?

Anything in the Very Short Introductions series by Oxford University Press. There are almost 800 titles, and they are such brilliant, readable introductions to new subject areas. My collection so far includes everything from Relativity to Dreaming!

And finally, what’s your top writing tip?

When you are researching a subject, pay attention to the ‘moments that glow’ – those nuggets of information or flashes of inspiration that seem to light up your brain. These are the things that are also most likely to appeal to your readers, so structure your writing around them, and you can’t go wrong. The best writing is very personal, whether fiction or non-fiction.

Book a virtual visit with Isabel via her website at isabelthomas.co.uk