Mariesa Dulak was born in Yorkshire of dual heritage (Barbadian/White British). Her Dad taught her how to hold a cricket bat, prune roses and master long division while her Mum fed her a nutritious diet of Fairy tales, Pam Ayres and Yorkshire puddings.

A love of bookish things led to a degree in English literature, an MA in Children's Literature and a career in publishing. The GEA helped Mariesa turn her scribbles into stories - she now writes picture books about identity and family life. Mariesa is a freelance Marketing Consultant and lives with her family in West London.

Alea Marley is a children's illustrator living and working in England. She is the illustrator of Loretta's Gift.