The ‘My Mum’ books have been very popular and I was keen to write something of a similar, humorous but realistic nature for younger people. (roughly 7-10 year olds).

I have been intrigued by stories about saints, ever since reading the Ladybird book ‘My First Book of Saints’. Some of the stories seem quite incredible and there are some stories which may be completely imaginary, but all tell of extraordinary commitment and courage of different sorts. They’re inspiring and interesting stories but often appear rather worthy and dull as they appear in books for children – more the sort of thing you’d swot up on for a school project than read for your own interest.

I decided I’d try to invest some new life into these old stories by putting a different spin on them – hence, the birth of Jenni who says that ‘when she grows up, she wants to be a saint’. Not only, I hoped, would I be able to introduce some of the old stories of the saints, but I’d be able to write funny stories about a feisty little girl who is exploring some of the difficulties of faith in God and trying to put it into practice. She certainly has a tough time – but so did the old saints – and so, in my own small way (I’m not as brave as Jenni!) do I!