Last week I was lucky enough to interview Tom Michell, author of The Penguin Lessons. This is an account of when Tom was in his early twenties and went to South America in search of adventure and to teach in a boys' boarding school. He ended up rescuing a penguin from an oil slick, from where this bird adopted him and refused to go back into the sea or to join his colony. It's a wonderful, true story of life in South America at the time (40 years ago), of the incredibly strong bond he forged with this penguin, whom he named Juan Salvador, and much more besides. I've been telling everyone about this book which has so much for all kinds of people on all levels. Buy it and read it, give it to your friends, your parents, your grandparents and your children!

The following day I finally met my publisher - as they are in Wales we have so far done everything by phone, post and email, so it was lovely to finally meet Jane. I suddenly realised it's nearly six years since I signed my first contract. Where has that time gone???

And now I will take an early departure. I got a stinking cold last week and the lurgy is still lurking. Some days I think it's gone and then it creeps back when I'm not looking. Bed is the only thing that seems welcoming right now!I'm doing a review with my mate Viv at Gwithian next week so do want to be well for that!