Sophie Kinsella on Spiders, Snape and Scary Rides….

You probably already know the name Sophie Kinsella. Best known for her wildly successful Shopaholic series (the first two book were turned into a film starring Isla Fisher), Sophie has now turned her talented writing hand to a series of books for younger readers and – good news alert – she’s coming to Barnes to talk about them. Hurrah! Sophie’s workshop on her Mummy Fairy and Me books will be great for kids of 7 and over and will feature making your own spells and magic as well as hearing Sophie read from the book and find out about Mummy Fairy’s special kind of magic.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

 A ballerina.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Slow down. Enjoy the moment. I have a tendency to live my life in a total whirl, and I’m always thinking ahead. Sometimes it’s good just to think about what you’re doing right now.

And the worst?

Try everything once. There are many things I wish I’d never tried – including most of the rides at Thorpe Park…

My favourite word is …

Hurrah.

My greatest fear is…

Facing up to a spider on my own.

My hidden talent is…

Wiggling my ears.

Favourite book as a child?

I loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I got it for Christmas one year and read the whole thing in one sitting. It taught me how powerful and engrossing a book can be.

Who is your favourite literary villain?

Well everyone loves to hate Professor Snape, of course. But I’d probably go with the White Witch from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which I’m reading again to my children now and just adore.

Tell us a joke  

A knock-knock joke in French:

“Frappe frappe”

“Qui est la?”

“Alorsma”

“Alorsma qui?”

“Alorsmaqui”

Get it?