Sam Usher

Sam Usher is an author and illustrator who has written a series of picture books following the adventures of a boy and his grandad. His illustrations combine technical drawings with soft watercolours. He spent most of his childhood reading, drawing and forgetting to do his homework. As well as creating his own books, Sam also illustrates for many other authors including Michael Morpurgo. When he isn’t drawing or writing, you’ll find him playing the piano and eating chocolate.

Hannah Gold

Hannah Gold is the author of four novels. Her first book The Last Bear won the Waterstones Children’s Book prize. Hannah is passionate about writing stories which share her love of the planet and is a proud ambassador for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation charity. After many years working in London, she now lives in Lincolnshire with her pet tortoise, cat and husband.

Alastair Chisholm

Alastair is an author and puzzle creator. He writes sci-fi and fantasy adventures, including Orion Lost, I Am Wolf and the Dragon Storm series. As well as writing fiction, he has written many Sudoku, Kakuro and other puzzle books. He lives in Edinburgh with his family and very noisy cat.

Sophie Anderson

Sophie’s writing is most often inspired by folk and fairy stories, especially the Slavic tales her Prussian grandmother told her when she was very young. She has won many awards for her writing and her first novel The House with Chicken Legs has been adapted for the stage. Sophie lives in the Lake District with her family, where they can be found fell walking, canoeing and daydreaming.

Helen Rutter

Helen is an author now, but before this she was a jobbing actress, appearing in episodes of Coronation Street, Holby City and much more. Helen also wrote and performed her work on the stage. She has even done some stand up comedy, some of which formed the inspiration for her first novel The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh. Helen lives in the countryside with her family and two lovely dogs. When she is not writing, she loves walking the dogs, playing board games and reading.

Lu Fraser and Sarah Warburton

Lu and Sarah have worked together on several picture books. Lu writes the story and Sarah provides the illustrations.

Lu spent many years working in Children’s brand licensing but then moved to Hampshire with her family to start writing in her wonky hut at the end of the garden.

Sarah studied illustration at university and hasn’t looked back since. She has created many pictures books working with lots of different authors. Sarah lives in Bristol with her family and a grumpy guinea pig.

A.M. Dassu

A.M. Dassu grew up in the heart of England. She loved to write from a very young but much to her regret she did not pursue this as a career until later in life. But in 2006, she decided to pursue her of love of writing and literature. Her first published book was a picture book in 2015 and in 2020 the award winning Boy Everywhere was published. A.M. Dassu firmly believes in philanthropy and in in expressing individuality. She is a lover of good food, art, architecture and happiness.