Tove Jansson (1914 - 2001) was a legendary Finnish children’s book author, artist, and creator of the Moomins, who came to life in children's books, comic strips, theater, opera, film, radio, theme parks, and TV.

Described as 'a national treasure' by the Independent and as 'one of life's fact-finders' by the Scotsman, Philip Ardagh has written books on subjects ranging from archaeology to space flight, and has still found time to write the bestselling Eddie Dickens children's novels, now translated into over thirty languages, to review children's books for the Guardian ('on a regularly irregular basis') and to appear at events and festivals around the world. He won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2009. He is married with one son.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce, UK Children's Laureate 2024–2026, is a multi award-winning children’s book author and screenwriter. Millions, his debut children's novel, won the prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal.

His other books include Cosmic, Framed, The Astounding Broccoli Boy, Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth, Runaway Robot, Noah’s Gold and The Wonder Brothers. He has enjoyed a long-standing collaboration with award-winning illustrator Steven Lenton. His books have been shortlisted for a multitude of prizes, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children’s Fiction Award, The Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award.

Frank is also a highly successful screenwriter. He has written for the hit TV series Dr Who and his script for Michael Morpurgo’s Kensuke’s Kingdom won a British Animation Award. Along with Danny Boyle, he devised the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics. Frank has been the judge for the 500 Words competition and the BBC's One Show As You Write It competition.

Frank is a lifelong champion of children’s books. In 2023 he launched a successful podcast with Nadia Shireen, The Island of Brilliant!, celebrating writing and illustration for children of all ages.

He lives in Merseyside with his family.