I don't know if you'll read this. But I want to thank you. I'm swedish. As a child, some of my warmest memories are of my mother reading me Wolf Brothers. I still remember how striking and brutal the first chapters of the first book were. I never felt condescended to, listening to the story. It made me excited to also read on my own, despite my difficulties with ADHD. Part of it was the mature, yet accessible writing, but also the prevalence of excellent art throughout the book. From the gorgeous cover to the black and white sketches, it made reaching a new chapter addictive.

I could praise many aspects of your writing, but I'm sure others have done so before. So I'll leave off with this: if I ever have a child, I'll be sure to try and give them the same comfort listening to your books gave me as a kid.

Dear Sebastian, I have indeed read your wonderful message.  It evokes a beautiful picture of your mother reading the story to you; and I love that she didn’t mind that the beginning is, as you say, rather brutal; clearly she knew what would appeal to her son!  I’m also really pleased to learn that it encouraged you to read on your own, despite the difficulties of ADHD. (One of my friends has ADHD, which has given me at least some idea of the challenges to be faced.)  I totally agree with you about the art work.  It was my wonderful editor and publisher Fiona Kennedy who had the idea of maps and pictures for each chapter, and she chose the artist Geoff Taylor, as she thought he would be in sympathy with the story.  How right she was.  After I’d finished each book it was one of my favourite tasks to send Geoff a list of suggestions for each chapter, and see what he came up with.  Without exception, his pictures far exceeded my expectations.  And as you say, they added enormously to the books.  Thank you so much for getting in touch.  May the guardian run with you!  With very best wishes, Michelle