Julia Donaldson is the author of 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 27.5 million copies worldwide, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle books illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs - and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was Children's Laureate 2011-13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia divides her time between West Sussex and Edinburgh. Axel Scheffler is a star illustrator whose instantly recognizable, warm and witty illustrations have achieved worldwide acclaim and numerous awards. Axel is the illustrator of some of the world's best-loved picture books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child . In addition to his picture books, Axel illustrates wonderful novelty and gift books for Macmillan, such as the bestselling The Bedtime Bear , The Tickle Book and Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes .

He is also the illustrator of the popular Pip and Posy series, and other books with Julia Donaldson including The Ugly Five . Axel was the winner of the Illustrator of the Year award in 2018. Born in Hamburg, Axel now lives with his family in London.