Biographical note

Michael Bond grew up in Berkshire alongside three guinea-pigs: Pip, Squeak, and Wilfred. Michael's first short story appeared in 1947 while he was serving in the army, but it was not until his debut children's book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published to huge success that Michael left his job at the BBC and turned to writing full time. He was honoured with an OBE in 1997 for his services to children's literature. Michael is married and lives in London. Catherine Rayner spent her childhood in Yorkshire. While studying illustration at Edinburgh College of Art Catherine fell in love with the city and made it her home. She lives there with her husband and a small menagerie of animals including Marvin the guinea-pig. Catherine has written and illustrated seven beautiful picture books and was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2009 for Harris Finds His Feet.