Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) was born in Edinburgh, but grew up with relatives in Berkshire where he developed his love for the countryside surrounding the upper parts of the River Thames. He was educated at St Edward's in Oxford, but instead of going on to Oxford University he joined the Bank of England, where he rose to become Secretary. He wrote several books including The Golden Age and Dream Days which includes the short story 'The Reluctant Dragon' (later made into a Disney movie). Kenneth Grahame developed the character of Toad in The Wind in the Willows to amuse his young son, Alistair. It was published in 1908 and still remains a best-loved children's classic. Date: 2002-09-03 Brian Jacques (pronounced 'jakes') was born in Liverpool in 1939, and grew up in Kirkdale, close to the docks. He left school at the age of fifteen and worked as a railway fireman, bus driver, postmaster and stand-up entertainer, before beginning his writing career with a residency at the renowned Everyman Theatre. His first book for children, Redwall, was published in 1986. Twenty-one further books in the series were published to global acclaim, with millions of copies sold worldwide. In 2021 Netflix announced plans to release an animated film of Redwall that will introduce the series to a new generation of fans. Brian died in Liverpool on 5 February 2011. Brian Jacques (pronounced 'jakes') was born in Liverpool in 1939, and grew up in Kirkdale, close to the docks. He left school at the age of fifteen and worked as a railway fireman, bus driver, postmaster and stand-up entertainer, before beginning his writing career with a residency at the renowned Everyman Theatre. His first book for children, Redwall, was published in 1986. Twenty-one further books in the series were published to global acclaim, with millions of copies sold worldwide. In 2021 Netflix announced plans to release an animated film of Redwall that will introduce the series to a new generation of fans. Brian died in Liverpool on 5 February 2011.