ulia Donaldson has written some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 25 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over one hundred languages. Her other books include Room on the Broom, Stick Man and Zog, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Hospital Dog, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures, illustrated by Lydia Monks. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle series, illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs – and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was the UK Children’s Laureate 2011–13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.
Nick Sharratt is the prize-winning illustrator of many books for children of all ages, and has more than 100 books to his name. Known for his vibrant, witty illustrations, his picture books with Julia Donaldson include Hippo has a Hat, One Mole Digging a Hole, and Chocolate Mousse for a Greedy Goose. He has also illustrated the bestselling Lift-The-Flap Fairy Tales for Macmillan. Nick lives in Brighton near the seaside and the famous pier.
