ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Writing Von Gobstopper’s Arcade, the last book in the series, has been a different experience not only because it has required a superhuman juggling of time between study and writing, but also because I am bidding farewell to Milli and Ernest, who have been my faithful companions over the last few years.

I would like to extend my thanks to all the young readers who have taken the time to write to me expressing their enthusiasm for the series. Your letters have provided the inspiration to keep writing even in difficult times.

Thanks to bffls—Miffy, Liva and Nat for supporting me all the way. Your friendship is invaluable. Particular thanks to Jenny Church for being there to remind me that I am an author and therefore must act like one.

As always, thanks must go to the committed team at Harper Collins for their encouragement and understanding and a special thanks to Lisa Berryman for her wisdom, level-headedness and for always giving the impression that she has all the time in the world to chat.

Thanks to all my teachers for being so accommodating and for those extensions of deadlines. Much appreciated!

Lastly, a huge thank you must go to my mother whose patience and love never seems to run out.