Chris Powling was editor of the children's book magazine Books for Keeps from 1989-1996 when it won the Eleanor Farjeon Award for services to children's literature, has served on numerous prize panels and is consultant to a national children's book club.

He has written more than sixty books for children including The Mustang Machine, The Phantom Carwash, The Conker As Hard As A Diamond and The Multi-Million Pound Mascot.

Born in Belfast, Martin Waddell was an aspiring football player for many years, before turning his hand to writing. He is now widely regarded as one of the greatest living children's writers, and has over 220 published titles to his name.

He is perhaps best known for Owl Babies, illustrated by Patrick Benson and Farmer Duck, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury; as well as the 1989 Kurt Maschler Award-winning The Park in the Dark and the Little Bear series, both illustrated by Barbara Firth.

In 2004, Martin received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his lasting contribution to children's literature, the highest career recognition available to a writer or illustrator of children's books. He lives in Newcastle, County Durham.

Geraldine McCaughrean is a multi-award-winning author of picture books, fiction and retellings for children. She has won the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award and the Blue Peter Special Book to Keep Forever Award.

She is also a three-time winner of the Whitbread Children's Book Award and a four-time winner of the Smarties Bronze Award. Her titles include the bestselling The Orchard Book of Greek Myths and The Orchard Book of Roman Myths. She lives in Berkshire.

Jonathan Allen has created many fabulous picture books for children. His observant and subtle wit appeals to children and adults alike. His Baby Owl series has brought Jonathan international success.