Julia Donaldson is the outrageously talented, prize-winning author of the world's best-loved children's books, and was the 2011-2013 Children's Laureate. Her picture books include the modern classic The Gruffalo, which has sold over 13.5 million copies worldwide, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard and What the Ladybird Heard Next. 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. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their 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. In addition to his picture books, Axel is the illustrator of wonderful novelty and gift books for Macmillan, such as the bestselling The Bedtime Bear, The Tickle Book and Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes. He also illustrates the popular Pip and Posy series. Born in Hamburg, Axel now lives with his family in London.
