Margaret Wild was born in South Africa and came to Australia in 1972. She has been a journalist on newspapers and magazines, and she worked as a book editor in children's publishing for sixteen years, responsible for managing and commissioning a large range of titles.
She has written more than seventy books and has been published around the world. Her numerous awards and distinctions include the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award for Jenny Angel, illustrated by Anne Spudvilas; The Very Best of Friends, illustrated by Julie Vivas; and Fox, illustrated by Ron Brooks. In 2008 she received the Nan Chauncy Award for an outstanding contribution to children’s literature in Australia. Margaret Wild was the winner of the 2011 Lady Cutler Award. She lives in Sydney and writes full time.
Jonathan Bentley grew up in West Yorkshire, England where his love of drawing and the great outdoors was encouraged by a creative and adventurous family.
He went on to study illustration at Brighton Polytechnic and has since spent his life living and working between Australia and Europe with his wife Maripaz and two children Ruby and Harvey.
Jonathan has illustrated over fifty books for authors including Shaun Micallef, Margaret Wild, Patrick Guest, Andrew Daddo, Lian Tanner, Glenda Millard, P. Crumble, and Jo Kasch. He has also written and illustrated eleven books of his own. His books have been translated into many foreign languages and are enjoyed by children around the world.
Jonathan has been shortlisted for several awards including CBCA awards, the Prime Minister’s Literary Award, and the ABIA awards. The picture book Ella and the Ocean, written by Lian Tanner won The NSW Premier’s Literary Award in 2020 and the Tasmanian Premier’s Literary Award in 2022.
‘I am incredibly fortunate to work in the world of picture books. Whilst I am not always sure I know what I am doing, the infinite mysterious possiblities have me completely hooked.’
