Mr Gum:Ask Andy - Egmont UK

Are you just as crazy when talking with your friends as you are when you answer these questions? - Some guy in a place called Pluto

Of course not. I’m far crazier in real life.

How old is Old Granny? - Marc

Marc, didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s impolite to ask an Old Granny her age?

How long does it take to make a Mr Gum book? - Isabella Luck

About 6 months with a bit of luck, Isabella Luck.

WHERE ARE YOU? I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM YOU SINCE PRE-SCHOOL! - Any Stanton, your forgotten twin

You weirdo.

Hi! I was just wondering which character are you most like? - Evan Hawkins-Davies

Hopefully Polly, but probably Friday.

Hello Andy, I know the next book is called ‘What's for Dinner, Mr.Gum?’ but what is the front cover like?????????????????????????? Bye. I'm from Lower Wortley Primary School. See ya! - Jonathan Bethany

Well, Jonathan and Bethany… If you click RIGHT HERE you can see for yourselves. BONUS! EXCLUSIVE! WOO-HOO!

Hi Andy, If you were Mr.Gum's Mum what would you do? - Daniel Burmiston

Run.

Andy, Your books are great but who will win The Ashes ? - Graeme Mitcheson

I think Norway have a good chance this year.

What is your favourite simile? e.g like a donkey eating a marshmallow - Murray

I like 'friendly as toast' and also when Mr Gum and Billy creep into Smuggler's Cove 'like bad dreams into a postman's head.'

What’s your record for burping? - Alfie

Whatever yours is plus one.

If the Spirit of the Rainbow was Prime Minister, what's the first thing he would do? - Rebecca

Music on every street and sweets on every tree.

Hi. I love your books. *Question* *Are Friday'O Leary and Mrs Lovely ever going to have any children?* *Question2**What's Mrs Lovely's first name?* *Question3**What's your favorite line from the Mr Gum books. Hope you have time to answer! - Peter's mum Robert

*Answer* Don’t talk of what might be in the future. ‘Tis unwise! ‘Tis unwise! *Answer2* Mrs Lovely’s first name is a secret. *Answer3* ‘Mr Gum had a cup of tea.’

You've said you think that there'll be 8 Mr Gum books - have you got a planned ending, like the Harry Potter books did, where it ends 19 years in the future with Mr Gum choking to death on a bowl of Crunchy Little Leopards during "Bag of Sticks" and Polly marrying Alan Taylor or will you leave it so, if you wanted to, you could write more, like "Mr Gum and the Enormous Spoons of Pluto" or "Mr Gum and the Cheesecake of Gloom"? - Mrs Lovely's (loads) younger sister

Yes.

In all of your books, who's side are we supposed to be on? Mr Gum's or Polly's? - Rosie

Rosie, that’s up to you. If you like enormous bearded evil then I’d suggest you root for Mr Gum. If, on the other hand, you like being on the other hand, then Polly’s your girl. But whichever you choose, remember this – One day you might see an ape.

Hi Andy, Do you write other books? - Dana

Hi Dana. I have a new book out called ‘The Story of Matthew Buzzington’ published by Barrington Stoke. I’m also planning a picture book (OOOOOOH!) and some other non-‘Mr Gum’ books (AAAAAAAAH!) and a book about 18th century Russian politics (NOT REEEEALLLY!).

Greetings from Austin, Texas, USA!!!!! We just discovered your first book and just wanted you to know that you are a terrific writer. Why isn’t Crafty Tom in the book? Take care. - Garret Kovatch

Howdy, Austin, Texas! I’m glad to know I’m making you happy on the other side of the pond – or as we call it here, the ‘Atlantic pond’. Why isn’t Crafty Tom in the book? Well, Garret, to borrow a phrase from one of your countrymen – ‘the answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind. The answer is blowin’ in the wind.’ So quick! Run outside right this instant and start interviewing the weather!

August 2009