Julia Donaldson was born in 1948. She grew up in London and studied at Bristol University. She worked for a few years in publishing and as a teacher, while also writing and performing songs and street theatre with her husband Malcolm, and writing and directing two musicals for children. She has written over a hundred books and plays for children and teenagers, including the award-winning stories The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Superworm, which are among the UK's best-selling picture books. Julia has won many awards, including the Smarties and Blue Peter Awards and was the children's laureate 2011-2013. Julia Donaldson lives in Sussex with her husband, Malcolm, who often joins her on stage for their sell-out singalong shows. Charlotte Voake was born in Wales and studied at the University of London. Her first illustrations were published while she was studying there in 1978. She won the Sheffield Children's Book Award and the Smarties Book Award twice. She has been shortlisted for both the Kurt Maschler Emil Award and the Kate Greenaway Medal. Charlotte Voake was born in Wales and studied at the University of London. Her first illustrations were published while she was studying there in 1978. She won the Sheffield Children's Book Award and the Smarties Book Award twice. She has been shortlisted for both the Kurt Maschler Emil Award and the Kate Greenaway Medal.