Joan Stimson was brought up in the Midlands and has spent the whole of her adult life in Gloucestershire. After several years in industry, she began writing in the eighties and specialises in texts for the very young. She has written over fifty books, including a bestselling "Storytime" series for ages 1-6, and a number of award winning picture books, illustrated by the late Meg Rutherford. She now also writes stories for children to read themselves, published by Franklin Watts. Joan is married, has two grown up daughters, with two grandchildren - and counting! She enjoys living in her restored Victorian school house and exploring the rural by-ways of England in her vintage car.