Julia Donaldson is the author of some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 18 million copies worldwide, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle books illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays, and songs. She was Children's Laureate 2011–13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia divides her 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. He is also the creator of numerous picture, gift, and novelty books, including The Jeweller's Apprentice, Katie the Kitten, Pip the Puppy, Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes, On the Farm, In the Jungle, the Who's Hiding felt flap series, and many more. In 2018, Axel was honoured with the Illustrator of the Year at the British Book Awards. Born in Hamburg, Axel now lives with his family in London, England.