Born in Belfast, Martin Waddell is 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 Down, in Northern Ireland.
Penny Dale is one of the UK’s leading children’s book illustrators. She was born in 1954 and She lives in Gwent, South Wales. Penny studied fine art and design at Exeter College of Art, and since leaving there, has worked on community art projects, street theatre props and as a graphic designer. In 1982 she moved to Wales to concentrate on painting and printmaking and is a member of the Watercolour Society of Wales. Her book, “Rosie’s Babies” written by Martin Waddell, was short listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1990. Her other titles include “Wake Up, Mr B!” (also short listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal) and “Ten in the Bed”. She lives in Wales.
