Gillian Shields was born in Yorkshire and read English at Cambridge. After university she studied acting in London. She then taught drama for several years. Having children gave Gillian her first motivation to write stories for them. She lives in East Sussex. Gemma Raynor only graduated from North Wales School of Art and Design in 2006, winning the 'Young Designers' illustration award in her final year. This is her first book for Gullane Children's Books. Gemma lives in Sheffield.