Egmont - We bring stories to life

Every day Andy Stanton is asked questions. Someone might say "Hey Andy, what's it like being the writer of the best books ever written?"

If you have an equally brilliant question you'd like to ask Andy please type it in the box below and click "Submit your question!". By the power of technology your question will be directed to Andy, and by the power of his brain he will answer!

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May 2008

Click on the question below to discover the answers!

Did you get a rejection when you first tried to publish a book? - Rosie and Molly

Yes. About eight different publishers turned down 'You're A Bad Man, Mr Gum!' But now they're all kicking themselves and sobbing, I hope.

Do you think that Big Steve (the goblin) would like to marry my sister? If he doesn't want to marry her, he could eat her if he likes. - Lazaros Simon, Age 6

I’ve met your sister, Lazaros. And from what I know of her, she'd probably eat HIM. She's pretty fearsome.

If you were a type of CHEESE which one would you be? (and don't say Gorgonzola; or else !!!) - Phoebe Angel Goulding

What a peculiar person you are, Phoebe. But anyway. I think I'd like to be halloumi cheese. I like the way it squeaks against your teeth.

Where in the name of Mrs Bong's whiskers and trousers is Crafty Tom ?? (the Tyrannosaurus Rex with a heart of gold) - Pat Splat

Have patience and all will be revealed.*
*Actually, all may not be revealed.

You came to my school and talked, you were brilliant! Why isn't there more Jonathan Ripples in your books? I think he's by far the fattest and best character there is! - Arthur

Thanks, Arthur. If you're a fan of big J.R. then look out for Book 5, that's all I'm saying for now.

If you were to run down Downing Street shouting "WIBBLE WOBBLE THE JELLY ON THE PLATE" what do you think would happen? - Nilo

I think Gordon Brown would run down Downing Street after you, shouting 'THE MONKEY ATE THE WEASELBRICKS, THE WEASELBRICKS, THE WEASELBRICKS! THE MONKEY ATE THE WEASELBRICKS, ALL DAY LONG!'

What is your favourite football team and does Mr Gum like football? - Cai, age 8

I don't really follow football, I prefer the snooker. I like Ronnie O'Sullivan. The only thing Mr Gum likes about football is when the players get hurt and have to be carried off on a stretcher.

Why do the book titles have Mr Gum in them when Mr Gum is the bad man and Polly is the heroine? Why aren't they called 'Polly and the...?' - Jacob, age 8

Because I like it that way.

What is Mr Gum's first name? - Mia

Not telling for now. Perhaps I'll let you all know in another book.

I am a very big fan of Mr Gum... People that don't buy Mr Gum books should... Will there be any more Mr Gum books coming out soon? Will be any new characters? All the characters in the Mr gum books are FABULOUS! My favourite is Polly. She is so helpful and kind. Thank you for reading my message, Andy. - Georgia Buckland, age 9

Thank you. I agree wholeheartedly... Yes. Yes, and one of them will be a bear called Padlock. Thank you. Mine too. I know, she’s really cool... You’re welcome, Georgia!

What's the title of your next book (5th) going to be? - Sarah and Robert Nesfield

'Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear'. It's gonna be a good 'un!