Emily Rodda's first book, Something Special, was published with Angus & Robertson in 1984. It marked the beginning of a career that has seen her become one of the most successful, prolific and versatile writers in Australia.Since then, Emily has written or co-authored over ninety books for children.

Her children's books range from picture books to YA novels, and include the award-winning Rowan of Rin series as well as the outstandingly successful Deltora Quest fantasy series.

A full-time writer since 1994, Emily has won the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year award a record five times and seems to instinctively know what children want to read.

Marc McBride is the illustrator of Emily Rodda's New York Times bestselling Deltora Quest series, which has sold over 18 million copies worldwide and has become an anime TV show. He has illustrated more than 200 book covers and 10 picture books, including writing and illustrating World of Monsters. Marc has exhibited with the New York Society of Illustrators, been shortlisted for the CBCA Awards and Aurealis Awards, and has won the Aurealis Awards twice.