Julia Donaldson (Children's Laureate 2011-2013) is a household name. Her wonderful stories are part of every contemporary family's life, through her bestselling books and brilliant live shows. She writes award-winning fiction, poetry, plays and songs as well as the picture books for which she is best known, including ROOM ON THE BROOM, WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD, THE PAPER DOLLS -- and THE GRUFFALO. Julia lives with her husband in Glasgow. Lydia Monks is one of the most original picture book artists working today. Her distinctive use of colour and collage has won her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Smarties Prize. Her many collaborations with Julia Donaldson include SUGARLUMP AND THE UNICORN, WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD, THE PRINCESS AND THE WIZARD and THE RHYMING RABBIT. They've also written and illustrated a fiction series together called PRINCESS MIRRORBELLE. Lydia was born in Surrey and studied Illustration at Kingston University. A keen Irish dancer, she now lives in Sheffield with her partner and two daughters.