In this case, however, the theory falters: Jez has never had children. There is, of course, a presumption that children’s authors start by writing for their offspring.

Jez has been writing kids’ books for 30 years. In fact, I have a picture of us all by Pen Ponds. I used to walk in the Park with my family when I was younger. “When we lived in Chelsea, we always came to Richmond at the weekends to get our nature fix, so it made sense to move here. “We’ve been in this house for 15 years,” he says. On the contrary – as evidenced by the hug – he welcomes me warmly into his Surrey home that he shares with his Danish wife. Yet despite his low public profile, he is anything but guarded in private. You won’t find him at charity balls or switching on the Christmas lights. Kingston born and bred, Jez is one of Surrey’s more discreet persons of note.

If not Hug, then Duck in the Truck, or possibly my own favourite, Some Dogs Do: a charming story of a self-doubting canine with covert flying skills. I’d be willing to bet that every family with young children owns one of his picture books. Jez is something of a superstar in the pre-school book world. It went on to sell over a million copies and has been named as a personal favourite by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Richard Curtis. For back in 2000, Jez won the Children’s Book of the Year award – with a book called Hug. It takes me by surprise but, on reflection, the gesture is entirely appropriate. Jez Alborough opens the door and gives me a hug. Local kids’ author Jez Alborough talks to Catherine Whyte about his career and why feelings matter

Hug jez