Biographical note

John Townsend's first job was teaching at a secondary school in Oxford. John started writing fiction and non-fiction for children in the 1980s and also writes poetry and plays for children and adults. He has published over 120 books worldwide, and visits schools, libraries and prisons to encourage interest in books and to get the world reading - as well as writing. Simon Lewis studied illustration at Middlesex University, graduating in 2004. He draws from observation regularly and likes to combine these drawings with different textures, experimenting with his technique and often incorporating printmaking. Simon's previous projects include a range of cards, design for websites, logos and flyers, and editorial illustrations.