Ruth Symes has written many novels and picture books, including the LITTLE REX and BELLA DONNA series for Piccadilly Press. She also writes dog books under the pseudonym Megan Rix, for Puffin, including the bestseller, THE PUPPY THAT CAME FOR CHRISTMAS. She was a resident writing coach on The Richard and Judy Show and was a judge on their 'Write a Children's Short Story' competition. Follow Ruth at www.ruthsymes.com or on Twitter: @ruth_symes.

Illustrator Marion Lindsay has always loved stories and pictures, so it made perfect sense when she decided to become a children's book illustrator, and she won the Egmont Best New Talent Award. She lives and works in Cambridge, and in her spare time paints glass and makes jewellery. Find Marion at www.marionlindsay.co.uk.