 She was appointed the Australian Children's Laureate for 2020–2021.She is the author of illustrated books and novels, and also three works of non-fiction about the English language, grammar and etymology for children, featuring a character known as "The Word Spy".These "Word Spy" books, illustrated by Tohby Riddle, have won the New South Wales Premier's Literary Award, the Children's Book Council of Australia Junior Judges' Award and Book of the Year Award.