Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.

Philip has been writing stories since he was five, but Mortal Engines was the first to be published. Mortal Engines defies easy categorisation. It is a gripping adventure story set in an inspired fantasy world, where moving cities trawl the globe. A magical and unique read, it immediately caught the attention of reviewers and book buyers. It was shortlisted for several awards and was the Gold Award winner at the Nestle Smarties Book Prize 2002 and the winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year at the 2003 Awards.

Travel to a Darkling Plain with your own screensaver here and discover the final thrilling instalment of the Mortal Engines quartet.

The follow-up to Mortal Engines, Predator's Gold, was published in September 2003 and has been widely acclaimed. It was also selected for the YA Best Books by the American Library Association, 2005.

The highly anticipated sequel Infernal Devices followed in March 2004 where Tom and Hester return for another perilous adventure. This time their daughter's life is at stake, can she be saved from the Lost Boys? The final book in the series A Darkling Plain, which completes this fantastic adventure will be released in March 2006 on World Book Day.

Philip has also written a series for younger readers, Buster Bayliss. Buster always seems to attract trouble and is soon caught up in far-fetched but hilarious adventures. There are currently three titles, The Night of the Living Veg, The Big Freeze and The Day of the Hamster. He has also written and illustrated the definitive guide to Nelson for the Dead Famous series. Philip has also illustrated the brilliant Urgum the Axeman, which is being published in May 2006.

Philip lives on Dartmoor with his wife and son, and his interests are walking, drawing, writing and reading.