Alan Gibbons is a full-time writer and a visiting speaker and lecturer at schools, colleges and literary events nationwide, including the major book festivals. He travels globally and is known the length and breadth of the country for his high profile Campaign for the Book and school visits. Alan is writing with his twin daughters Megan and Rachel. Megan works for a major international bank. Rachel graduated with a First in Education Studies and Early Years and has completed her teaching qualification. They both love dance. The Weirdibeasts stories are their first books together. Visit Alan's website at www.

alangibbons.com, read his blog at alangibbons.net,follow him on Twitter at @mygibbo, Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.gibbons.35 and Flickr at www.flickr.

com/people/71279646@N08. Jane Porter is a children's illustrator whose work ranges from picture and novelty books to children's maps, murals and hand-made books suitable for outreach work. She also runs a weekly art class for under 5s.